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Traffic Relief In Agege, As Sanwo-Olu Commissions Pen Cinema Flyover [PHOTOS]

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The long-sought relief from choking vehicular gridlocks has finally come the way of residents in the Agege-Abule Egba axis of Lagos State. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday, commissioned the Pen Cinema Bridge and five arterial road networks in the area, formally opening the infrastructure for public use.

The commissioning marked the fulfillment of another campaign promise made by Sanwo-Olu to residents, who daily endured pain in commuting within the axis in the last four years.

All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, had the honour to inaugurate the projects, which he described as “needed catalyst” for the resuscitation of economic activities on the axis.

The construction of the 1.4-kilometer-long flyover was part of the recommendation at the Lagos Economic Summit (Ehingbeti) under ex-Governor Babatunde Fashola’s administration, as a strategic intervention to achieving significant traffic improvement in the densely populated area. The last administration created the right-of-way and set up the structural beams; Governor Sanwo-Olu substantially completed civil works on the bridge.

The imposing overpass ascends from Oba Ogunji Road and drops at the Oke Koto area of Agege. The bridge also opens to the old Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway through Abule Egba.

A tumultuous crowd of joyous residents joined Gov. Sanwo-Olu and members of the State’s cabinet in handing over the bridge for public use.

The Governor described the delivery of the project as a “landmark progress” in the State Government’s drive towards eliminating bottlenecks causing suffocating gridlocks and relieving residents of stress associated with commuting on roads.

Sanwo-Olu said the two-pronged approach, which his administration deployed to deliver critical infrastructure, gave priority to continuation and completion of strategic projects, regular maintenance, and construction of new ones in line with the State’s Strategic Transport Master Plan (STMP).

He said his government decided to continue the project because it was in tune with the first pillar of his administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda, which targets the provision of roads for expedited economic growth and seamless mobility.

He said: “I am delighted to stand before Lagosians today to celebrate the delivery of this landmark project, which again, reflects our administration’s belief in the principle of continuity in governance and demonstrates our commitment to the urgency of infrastructure development and the welfare of our people. The completion of this flyover and five networks of roads sends a strong message about our determination to accelerate our futuristic vision for a world-class transportation system complemented by a good network of roads for social and economic transformation.

“In order to address the challenge of huge traffic burden, the immediate past administration initiated and commenced the construction of a precast and pre-stressed reinforced concrete of 1.4km dual-carriage flyover and ramp, with road works across the Agege-Pen Cinema Intersection. As of May 2019 when this administration was inaugurated, this project was at about 20 percent progress. With the delivery of this bridge, which is complemented with traffic signalization and drainage channels, we have resolved the perennial traffic arising from huge human and vehicular movement from Agege-Pen Cinema Intersection towards Abule Egba, Fagba, Oke Koto, and Iyana Ipaja.”

To achieve a quick turnaround in commuting on the bridge, Sanwo-Olu disclosed that his Government identified and reconstructed five strategic arterial roads with good connectivity to adjoining roads that could serve as alternative bypasses to other routes in periods of heavy traffic.

The Governor said since road transportation remained crucial to economic growth and physical development, he believed the project would inject more life into the socio-economic activities of people living and doing business in the area.

He said: “A key outcome from the strategic execution of this magnificent Pen Cinema Flyover project is that our administration has again demonstrated the priority it accords to the wellbeing of our people. It is a true test of our commitment to the Greater Lagos vision and a reflection of the achievability of our audacious socio-economic goals. In the course of implementing this project, we created jobs for about 380 people including engineers, supervisors, artisans, and others- a clear indicator of the nexus between infrastructure development and employment generation.”

Sanwo-Olu pledged that his administration would not relent in the provision of infrastructure for coordinated and sustainable development that would help to improve the State’s performance on the Ease of Doing Business index.

Tinubu expressed confidence in Sanwo-Olu’s leadership, noting that the Governor had stabilized and brought Lagos back on a focused journey, despite economic turbulence occasioned by Coronavirus (COVID-19) and coordinated destruction of the State’s assets.

The APC National Leader, who described Sanwo-Olu as “a brilliant captain”, praised the collaboration between the executive and the legislative arms in the State.

He said: “This is a commendable achievement by Sanwo-Olu, who has further brought Lagos on the path of progress, given the economic resuscitation this infrastructure will bring on this axis and entire Lagos. May you continue to think and perform to demonstrate excellent results as you have done today.”

Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Aramide Adeyoye said the axis on which the flyover is sited is one of the busiest in vehicular activities in Lagos, saying the bridge would bring back convenience to millions of residents commuting in the area.

She said: “The entire project consists of a dual carriageway, with a bridge component of two lanes with 3.65 cm width in either direction. The road component consists of service lanes on either side of the bridge with median, kerbs, and walkways that are complete with signalized traffic system. There are junction improvements with LED streetlight features.”

Speaker, Lagos House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, who represents Agege in the Assembly, described Governor Sanwo-Olu as “a proactive, wonderful performer”, who always accomplishes any projects he promises.

The adjoining roads commissioned with the flyover are Iju Road, Oba Ogunji Road, Agunbiade Road, Oke Koto Intersection, and Iyana Ipaja link road.

 

 

 

BIG STORY

Rejoinder To Daily Trust Article: President Tinubu Positioned For Victory In 2027 — By Prince Adeyemi Shonibare

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President Tinubu is well-positioned to secure victory in the 2027 elections. His achievements, leadership experience, and the significant strides made across key sectors of governance solidify his place as the frontrunner.

  • Key Achievements and Factors for Victory

1. Direct Funding to Local Governments:

For the first time in Nigeria’s history, the 774 local government chairmen will receive funds directly from the federal government starting this month. This bold move decentralizes resources, empowers grassroots development, and strengthens loyalty to the man who initiated this transformative policy—President Tinubu.

2. Empowering Citizens:

President Tinubu’s administration has rolled out impactful programs, including student loans, consumer credit initiatives, and direct cash transfers. These initiatives have touched millions of lives and earned him unwavering support from beneficiaries who recognise the positive impact of these policies.

3. Political Dominance:

APC remains the most dominant political party in Nigeria, controlling more states than any opposition party. APC governors will rally behind Tinubu in 2027, leveraging the party’s expansive structure to consolidate support.

4. Regional Strength:

South West:

President Tinubu will sweep all six South West states. APC currently controls four states, and Tinubu’s win in Oyo during the 2023 elections further demonstrates his stronghold. By 2027, even Osun, which narrowly escaped APC control, will fall back in line.

South-South:

Tinubu will likely secure Cross River, Rivers, Edo, and Delta while achieving the required 25% in other states. APC’s current control of Edo and Cross River further reinforces this projection.

South East:

The establishment of the South East Development Commission has endeared Tinubu to the region. He is expected to win Enugu, Imo, and Ebonyi while securing 25% in Anambra and Abia. APC governs Imo and Ebonyi, and with strategic campaigning, Anambra might surprise everyone in 2027.

North West & North East:

These regions remain APC’s strongholds, and Tinubu’s track record ensures that they will deliver the necessary states.

North Central:

States like Abuja, Kogi, Nasarawa, and Plateau are expected to align with Tinubu, given his strong rapport and ongoing development efforts in the region.

5. Resilience and Leadership Experience:

Tinubu’s journey from private sector success to public service is unparalleled. He served as a lawmaker, a transformative governor, and now a results-driven president. His international experience in oil, gas, and finance, coupled with his fearless leadership style, makes him a standout leader. Tinubu is the only president in Nigeria’s history to take bold steps like subsidy removal and exchange rate unification, laying the foundation for long-term prosperity

6. Economic Reforms and Policies:

Tinubu’s tax reforms exempt minimum wage earners and small businesses (earning less than ₦25 million annually) from federal taxes. By 2027, Nigeria will become a major exporter of refined petroleum products, with all four refineries operational.

The federal government’s agriculture policies, in collaboration with states, will yield significant results.

Security will improve, potentially with the full implementation of state policing.

Electricity management, now involving states, will lead to a more reliable power supply.

Mass transportation systems, including local, state, and federal rail services, will transform mobility.

With growing FDI, increased earnings from oil and gas, and direct investments, Nigeria will witness unprecedented progress under Tinubu’s leadership.

7. Broad-Based Support:

Tinubu’s influence transcends party lines, garnering support from private enterprises, public institutions, and even opposition leaders. Some PDP governors from the East may align with Tinubu’s vision in 2027, recognizing his ability to unify and deliver results.

8. Legacy of Leadership:

Tinubu’s record of governance in Lagos—one of Africa’s largest economies—is unmatched. When he assumed office in 1999, Lagos generated ₦400 million monthly against expenses of over ₦600 million. By the end of his tenure, Lagos’ monthly IGR had risen to ₦8 billion. This same transformational leadership is now evident at the federal level, with Nigeria’s reserves growing and states receiving triple their previous allocations.

Under Tinubu, local governments will receive significant funds. If each of the 774 local governments spends ₦2 billion monthly, the ripple effect will transform communities and improve lives nationwide. Without constitutional reforms, Tinubu is restructuring Nigeria by empowering states and local governments while maintaining harmony with governors, legislators, and the judiciary.

9. Strategic Reallocation of Subsidy Funds:

Funds from subsidy removal on petrol and exchange rates are now being redistributed across federal, state, and local governments. The judicious use of these funds will catalyse development, creating visible progress that further cements Tinubu’s leadership legacy.

10. A Leader for the Future

By 2027, Tinubu’s achievements will speak louder than promises. Nigeria will see improved security, stable electricity, a revitalized economy, and a robust transportation system. His reforms will deliver real, measurable results, leaving opponents to merely speculate on what they could do better.

If God grants him life and strength, and he chooses to contest in 2027, President Tinubu’s re-election will not just be a possibility—it will be a certainty. His vision, achievements, and widespread support make his victory inevitable.

 

By Prince Adeyemi Shonibare .

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BIG STORY

JUST IN: Fuji Icon K1 Loses 105-Yr-Old Mother Days After Wife’s Death

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Nigerian Fuji legend, Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as “K1 de Ultimate,” is in mourning following the death of his mother, “Halimotu Anifowoshe,” just days after the passing of his former wife, “Hafsat,” at the age of 65.

It was gathered that the mother of the music icon was declared dead by medical professionals in her hometown, “Ijebu Ode,” Ogun State, where she resided.

A family source revealed that the centenarian passed away in the early hours of Saturday, causing the entire community of “Ijebu Ode” to mourn her loss.

It was further gathered that the deceased would be buried in accordance with Islamic rites later that day in her hometown.

According to a source, the Fuji musician has been deeply affected by his mother’s death, as they shared a close bond. He often praised her during his stage performances.

The centenarian’s death followed the artist’s earlier revelation that he inherited his musical talent from his mother, who, despite her own potential, was not permitted to pursue a career in music.

He explained that his mother was the daughter of a king, and her parents did not allow her to sing because they wanted her to marry.

K1 added that his mother was highly talented, but her parents feared that her career in music would delay her marriage.

“I was blessed with the gift of music from a young age, I was born into music. My mother was a singer before she got married. She had the gift of music and she was a princess.”

“She was not allowed to sing back then because she was a princess, and her parents were worried that allowing her to be a musician would delay her from getting married sooner. Her parents said my mother won’t be allowed to sing because she is the daughter of a king.”

It should be noted that the singer’s former wife, “Hafsat,” passed away after battling an undisclosed illness and was buried following Islamic traditions at “Abari Cemetery,” Lagos State.

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Nigerians Recruited As UK Prison Officers Sleep In Cars, Camp Near Jails

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The United Kingdom’s prison service has started recruiting prison officers from Nigeria and other countries to address staffing shortages.

However, many of these new recruits, including Nigerians, are facing accommodation difficulties, with some resorting to sleeping in their cars or camping near prisons to save on housing costs, according to a report by The Telegraph on Thursday.

This is the first time the UK prison service is sponsoring skilled worker visas for international recruits, following a rule change in 2023 that added prison officers to the list of eligible professions.

Many of the new recruits are Nigerians, including some who transitioned from other visa routes to the prison service.

The Prison Officers Association (POA) has reported cases of Nigerian recruits arriving at UK prisons under the assumption that accommodation would be provided.

Mark Fairhurst, the president of the POA, shared an example of a recruit who commuted 70 miles daily from Huddersfield to Nottingham, eventually deciding it was cheaper to sleep in his car outside the prison.

At another location, some officers set up a camp in a wooded area near the prison after learning they would need to arrange their own housing.

“We have got problems with people who turn up at the gates with cases in tow and with their families saying to the staff: ‘Where is the accommodation?’,” Fairhurst stated.

Sources from the Ministry of Justice in the UK indicate that approximately 250 foreign nationals have been recruited into the UK prison service after Zoom interviews and vetting.

In 2023, a significant portion of the 3,500 monthly applicants were from Africa.

Tom Wheatley, the president of the Prison Governors Association, attributed the influx to word-of-mouth promotion by Nigerians already working in the UK.

“It’s turned into an approach that has been promoted online by the expat Nigerian community,” Wheatley noted.

However, he acknowledged challenges, including language barriers and the difficulty of integrating foreign recruits into rural communities.

Despite these challenges, the UK prison service insists its recruitment and training processes are thorough.

A spokesperson for the Prison Service told The Telegraph, “all staff – regardless of nationality – undergo robust assessments and training before they work in prisons. Our strengthened vetting process roots out those who fall below our high standards.”

The reliance on virtual interviews has also raised concerns, with some questioning the suitability of officers recruited this way.

Fairhurst has called on the prison service to return to face-to-face interviews, stating that six weeks of training is insufficient for recruits to manage prisoners effectively.

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