The Lagos State Government has announced a 15-month traffic diversion at Mile 2 for the construction of the new Transport Interchange Terminal.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

Osiyemi noted that the diversion would integrate rail, bus, water and non-motorised transportation.

He said the 15-month traffic diversion for the construction would begin on November 11, 2024 and end on February 16, 2026.

Osiyemi, however, enjoined motorists to use alternative routes.

“Motorists heading to Oshodi from Apapa will have thorough traffic and vice versa.

“Motorists heading to Badagry from Apapa will continue their journey on Apapa – Oshodi Expressway and take a turn into Akinwande Road to link Coker and access Lagos – Badagry Expressway to continue their journeys.

“Motorists heading to Lagos from Badagry will also have thorough traffic and vice versa.

“Motorists heading to Apapa will be diverted into Durban Road to link Amuwo Odofin Estate and connect Apapa-Oshodi Expressway to continue their journeys,” he said.

He assured that the diversion routes had been well marked with signs to assist motorists navigate their destinations.

Osiyemi added that officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority would be on ground along the affected routes to oversee traffic flow.

He advised motorists to cooperate with the interventions put in place to minimise inconveniences.

“Motorists are implored to be patient as the closure is part of the traffic management plans for the construction of the Transport Interchange Terminal project by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority,” he said.

Author and accomplished newspaper editor/ journalism prizeman, Dayo Oketola, is set to embark on an international book tour taking off on November 15 with a book reading and signing event in Abuja.

Oketola has authored a book titled, ‘The Catalyst: Nigerian Tech Evolution Through a Journalist’s Lens’, presented to the public on September 17, 2024, at the Muson Centre in Lagos during an Exaugural Lecture marking the end of his tenure as Editor, The PUNCH.  The book was unveiled by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and other dignitaries.

The author expressed heartfelt gratitude on the incredible support and accolades that have followed the release of the book and announced an international book tour, beginning in Abuja and continuing to Lagos, Akwa-Ibom, Delta, as well as the UK, US, and Canada, among other locations.

He said, “The book reading and signing event, hosted by RovingHeights Bookstore in Abuja, will mark the start of the international “Catalyst Book Tour.” This tour will include readings, book signings, fireside chats, and interviews, serving as a platform to share insights from my 20 years in journalism while celebrating my contributions to the telecom industry’s knowledge base. It will also provide a chance to connect with friends, colleagues, critics, and fellow book lovers, both locally and internationally.”

Speaking on the book, the author explained that the 352-page compendium structured into 14 chapters celebrates remarkable industry achievements while critically addressing the persistent gaps that hinder its full potential.

He said,  “Blending personal narratives with meticulous industry analyses, ‘The Catalyst: Nigerian Tech Evolution Through a Journalist’s Lens’ offers a profound exploration of Nigeria’s telecommunications evolution,  which began with the introduction of GSM in 2001, to the vibrant and competitive industry we witness today.  It also highlights the bold initiatives that opened the sector to private investment, leading to over $70 billion in capital inflow and the creation of over 500,000 jobs in over 20 years.

“From emphasising how advancements in telecommunications, fintech, and infrastructure have catalysed Nigeria’s national development, the book delves into strategic planning and governance, showcasing successful projects that highlight the importance of foresight in harnessing technology for societal growth. Through real-life stories and case studies, readers will witness the transformative power of innovation in various sectors, from agriculture to education, among others.”

In the chapters dedicated to inclusivity in technology, the author confronts the marginalisation of vulnerable groups, particularly persons with disabilities (PWDs) and women. By exploring initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity, the book advocates for equitable access to technological advancements, emphasising the need for diverse voices in shaping the digital future.

According to Oketola, the book further examines the roles of regulatory agencies in shaping the telecoms and fintech sectors. It identified both the successes and failures of existing regulatory frameworks, shedding light on how these have influenced industry innovation and equipping readers with a deeper understanding of the complexities at play in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.

The author equally investigates the operational challenges faced by NigComSat-1R, Nigeria’s multi-million dollar communication satellite, while looking into the future by examining the government’s initiatives aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s digital economic potential through broadband expansion, infrastructure development, and the rise of 5G technology.

According to him, the book is a collector’s item for ICT sector stakeholders, policymakers, researchers, lecturers, STEM students, university libraries and those interested in understanding the dynamic intersection of technology, policy, and social impact in Nigeria.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully thwarted attempts by drug trafficking syndicates to smuggle cocaine, cannabis, and tramadol to Australia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.

On October 28, 2024, NDLEA officers intercepted drug shipments concealed within body cream containers and pieces of artwork at various courier companies in Lagos State.

Additionally, on October 29, 2024, the agency seized 754,000 pills of tapentadol and acetaminophen at the Apapa seaport during a joint operation with Nigerian Customs Service and other security agencies.

In another operation in the Federal Capital Territory, 24-year-old Mujahid Hamisu was arrested with 147,000 tramadol pills concealed in plumbing materials along the Kwali-Gwagwalada-Abuja Expressway.

Hamisu was on his way from Onitsha, Anambra State on November 2, 2024.

Another suspect, Seun Abimbola, 47, was nabbed by NDLEA operatives the same day with 512 grams of methamphetamine during a raid operation at Giri Junction area of the FCT.

In Kogi State, NDLEA officers on patrol along Kabba-Obajana Highway arrested Mercy Ameh, 28, in a commercial bus travelling from Lagos to Abuja while a search of her luggage led to the recovery of fake Naira notes worth N4,353,200.

Another suspect, Shaibu Dahiru, 27, was nabbed in a vehicle going from Lagos to Katsina along Lokoja-Okene-Abuja Road on October 30 with 68 blocks of cannabis weighing 27.400kg.

A notorious drug dealer, Usman Abba (alias Timaya), who has been on the watchlist of the Katsina State Command of the NDLEA was on October 30 arrested at Liberty Hotel, Kofar Kaura with consignments of Arizona, a strain of cannabis.

The same day, NDLEA operatives in Adamawa State arrested a suspect, Augustine Dike, 31, with 50.3 grams of methamphetamine at Quarisa Hotel, Jimeta.

In Taraba State, operatives on November 1 arrested Danlami Fakwa, 46, at Sabon Gari, Jalingo Local Government Area with 49.795kg cannabis, while a total of 561kg of the same substance was recovered from a Sienna bus at Ogbese village in Ondo State on October 28.

A suspect Kabiru Yusuf, 25, was on October 2 arrested in possession of 51,813 pills of tramadol and exol 5 at NDA Bus Stop, Kaduna, just as raids in Edo State led to the seizure of 603.6kg cannabis at Farm Road, Ekiadolor and 308.4kg of same substance at Uroe community.

Meanwhile, across the country, NDLEA Commands continued their War Against Drug Abuse sensitisation lectures and advocacy visits to worship centres, schools, workplaces, palaces of traditional rulers and communities all through the past week.

Instances include WADA sensitisation lecture to students and staff of Government Day Secondary School, Sanganare, Adamawa State; students of College of Arts and Islamic Studies, Tungan Magajiya, Niger State; students and staff of Regina Catholic International College, Obehie, Abia State; students and teachers of Akinmorin Grammar School, Oyo, Oyo State; as well as students and teachers of Redeemer’s International School, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.