Babatunde Raji Fashola, the Minister for Works and Housing, announced this during a teleconference between the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun and the minister’s team.

This followed an intervention by Governor Abiodun over the deplorable state of federal roads in that corridor.

In an earlier statement, the Governor Abiodun’s Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, had said areas of immediate attention are the failed portions around Sango-Ota on the Lagos – Abeokuta express road and the Otta – Idiroko road.

The governor’s media aide noted that those portions of the federal roads have become a nightmare to motorists and commuters.

A team of engineers from the Federal Ministry of Works is now expected on Thursday for preparatory assessment ahead of the rehabilitation works.

Present at the meeting called at the instance of Governor Abiodun was the Minister; Managing Director, Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Nurudeen Rafindadi; Director of Federal Highway (Construction and Rehabilitation), Engr Folorunso Esan; among others.

Governor Abiodun assured residents of the state that his administration will leave no stone unturned in his commitment to building and upgrading public infrastructure across the state.

The post FG to rehabilitate Lagos/Sango-Ota expressway first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

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In Nigeria, Lagos state holds the distinction of being a megacity of commerce, culture and commotion. Touted as “Center of Excellence”, this state of aquatic splendour, to me, represents a jungle where anything can happen! It accommodates all sorts: robbers, ritualists, rapists, the good, the bad and the ugly. As the popular saying goes “Eko gba ole, o gba ole” roughly translated to mean Lagos accommodates thieves as well as indolent. But this doesn’t mean the entire state is full of bad people.

There are millions of decent people in Lagos eking out legitimate livelihood.

This writer spent close to 15 years in Lagos, moving through its length and breadth while practising journalism before relocating to the present place of abode. I must confess that, with the benefit of hindsight, I fear Lagos with its stress and distress! To say the least, it is a state with problems of profound proportions. For example, commuting from one place to another in those days was hellish. You could spend the whole day in traffic gridlock. To underscore my fear of Lagos, uptill now, I hardly drive to Lagos. Honestly, I respect Lagos residents. They are industrious. They hardly sleep. They are special breeds as the city is complex.

However, governing a state like Lagos, in my opinion, is similar to sailing in a turbulent sea. Clearly, only the bold and the brilliant can dare to throw their hats in the ring. Turning Lagos that I used to know to be chaotic into a magnificent modern society, replete with all the glittering and dazzling paraphernalia of a megacity is indeed a herculean task. It is against this backdrop that one is compelled to evaluate the leadership style of the incumbent governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu whose steady strides are really impacting lives and building legacies.

Interestingly, Lagos seems to be getting it rightly with its leadership recruitment process since 1999 when Asiwaju Bola Tinubu became governor when the country returned to democracy. Asiwaju Tinubu did not only perform well in office from 1999 to 2007, he also succeeded in raising a worthy successor who was hitherto unknown, but eventually dazzled the pundits with his excellent leadership style. That was Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola whose nomination generated a lot of political furore at that time . The credit goes to Asiwaju Tinubu whose proclivity for identifying and raising quality leaders has been generally acknowledged. Fashola was succeeded by Akinwunmi Ambode who later handed over the baton to the incumbent. All of these men have contributed immensely to the development of Lagos.

The governors in succession appear to be patterned after the pioneer (Tinubu), with similitude in conduct and carriage. They are passionate about the development of Lagos. And, Lagos is getting better by the day. Surprisingly, this writer, like many observers, had his skepticism about the capacity of Mr. Sanwo-Olu to handle Lagos when he was thrown up. Perhaps because there was scanty information about him at that time. Perhaps because of his simple and humble carriage and disposition. Like many Lagosians, one erroneously thought he might not be able to deliver! Contrary to this wrong notion, however, the way he has handled concatenation of various circumstances in the last two years has shown that it is not always good to judge a book by its cover.

In the last two years of his reign in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu whose physical frame disguises the giant he is made of, has literally smashed to smithereens all the public cynicism and skepticism about his capacity to move Lagos to higher heights. Using a decisive, yet consensual leadership style along with his cabinet members, he has been able to tackle many Lagos Gordian Knots with precision. His is not a laissez faire leadership style. Rather, as a leader, he portrays himself as a rare embodiment of courage, charisma and credibility.

Analyzing him on account of his words and actions, Sanwo-Olu sounds modernist and progressive. He is a man of deep convictions, and a sophisticated politician, driven by concrete principles rather than situational ethics. His equanimity of spirit makes a profound positive impression. He is dialogical, conversational and discussive. These are hallmarks of a good leader. This governor is vivacious, warm and full of innate dignity without a bulk of ego. More importantly, he has not been delinquent in his duty. I wish to state with unmistakable exactitude that he is charting a future rich in promise and possibilities. As his Information and Strategy Commissioner, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso describes him, “Gov. Sanwo-Olu is a humble man of modesty who believes so much in the betterment of the people and the society”.

Moving round Lagos recently without the usual attendant traffic snarl, one is compelled to salute the dexterity of Gov. Sanwo-Olu’s doggedness. There are appreciable testaments of rapid and unprecedented physical growth. One of the major concerns of the visitors to Lagos is transportation system. It is therefore delightful to know that Gov. Sanwo-Olu has done a lot in this regard. For instance, he has completed road projects including Oniru network of roads, Ojokoro network of roads- 31 in number- the Pen Cinema fly-over, Agege, Oshodi/Abule-Egba BRT corridor, Phases 1 & 2 of Badagry expressway, Lagos-Ogun boundary roads, six major junction improvements at Lekki 1 & 2 , Ajah, Maryland, Ikotun and Allen Avenue. Also, he has touched Jide Oki / Ade Adedina/ Olugbani streets in Iru/ Victoria Island, Ijegun-Egbe road and Ishuti road in Igando. St. Finbarrs road/Diya street in Yaba Iwaya road among others. This is commendable. It makes life in Lagos more bearable.

However, the major challenge remains the issue of security. There is no doubting the fact that the preponderance of poverty in the midst of plenty has fertilised criminalities across the country. Insecurity is not peculiar to Lagos, but the rate and audacity with which it is perpetrated calls for concern. The robbers in Lagos are so daring and brazen. They terrorize people with mayhem and murder, pillaging and plundering people’s poverty at will. It will be desirable if the governor can intensify efforts in this regard. Whatever, a leader encourages grows, and what he discourages dies. Gov. Sanwo-Olu has the capacity to reduce the level of criminality in Lagos. He can do it. Glad to know that he has promised to tackle the problem headlong .

Hear him: “We are currently working with the various state security operatives to determine additional operational and infrastructure needs that the state can support with. In this regard, I shall, in the coming week, be handing over operational vehicles, communication gadgets, ballistic vests and helmets, anti-riot water cannon vehicles and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to our various security operatives to further enhance and improve their operations which will ultimately have a positive impact on the security status in the state. We will also be recruiting additional men in the coming weeks, into our Neighbourhood Security Watch to complement the efforts of our existing security personnel.”

Leadership is a burden. Leaders, particularly those who display capacity like Gov. Sanwo-Olu should be encouraged and supported with applause wherever they have done well. This governor with uncommon largeness of heart has done well in the last two years. His performance during the COVID-19 pandemic was sterling. He indeed displayed a quality leadership style. He earned my respect. The scabs he recorded during the ENDSARS protest which have turned to scars for his lessons and remembrance are certainly parts of the badges of leadership. History will be kind to him for his sacrifices. By and large, he should be commended and supported in the overall interest of Lagos.

Gov. Sanwo-Olu’s leadership style is developmental . The governor seems to have mastered how to blend radicalism with conservatism. Like him or loathe him, his modesty, graceful airs, and rich mind must have earned him the confidence of the majority of Lagosians. In the last two years, his strength has been tested and his performance has been proven. Indeed, he is a man of amazing self-restraint, always acting in a fashion of a gentleman. It appears whatever is for the benefit of the people becomes his priority. I simply admire his carriage and conduct.

Above all, no matter how good Lagos gets, the state can always get better. But the betterment of Lagos cannot be left for an individual or government alone. All stakeholders must work together and support the government.

Sunday Saanu, is with the University of Ibadan.

E-mail: sundaysaanu@gmail.com, 08034073427

The post Evaluating Sanwo-Olu’s leadership style first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

The post Evaluating Sanwo-Olu’s leadership style appeared first on MegaIcon Magazine.

According to IDU, “It is quite unfortunate that Alhaji Segun Fasasi and his members cannot separate the role of a lawmaker from that of executives whose function is to provide infrastructures in the country”.

The group also noted that those behind the unfounded information are cowards  who have no meaningful contributions to the development of Iseyin and Oke Ogun at large.

The group’s National Publicity Secretary,  Comrade Layo Kehinde, in a statement made available to Mega Icon Magazine informed that  Senator Buhari as a person has taken steps which included  personal visitation and letter to the  Minister of Works and Transportation,  Mr. Babatunde Fashola  who has promised to fix the road.

Comrade Layo added that  part of Buhari’s  efforts to make Oke Ogun  roads accessible is the ongoing construction of Okeho-Iseyin road, Igbeti/Ilorin road and others  housed by the Senatorial district.

He appealed to  the lawmaker disregard the insults from the group but intensify on his efforts to ensure that the road is fixed in not too distance future.

Layo further emphasized that Iseyin Community appreciated the efforts being put in place by Senator Buhari,  noting  that Iseyin and entire Oke Ogun has never and will never regret given the lawmaker their mandates for the second term.

Also, the  Iseyin Youth Forum has warned Ebedi Frontliners,  never to use their names in bringing the Godfearing and outstanding lawmaker down.

The group who expressed its displeasure in a release issued on Saturday by its Chairman, Alhaji Ali Nureni also paid a glowing tribute to the efforts of Senator Buhari on Iseyin/Oyo Road.

“We were aware that it is not within the purview of the lawmakers to award contract but that of executive, we are only appealing to our Senator not to relent in his efforts to get the road fixed”, Ali submitted.

Ali in the statement maintained that the lawmaker has never lied to Iseyin, Oke Ogun and Oyo North constituents in general and that was why he was entrusted with the office for the second time.

” He was with us during the electioneering campaign and he promised to do his best in calling the attention of the government to the road which he has started. He didn’t tell us that he is going to do the road when he is not even the executive”, the group counseled.

It warned Ebedi Frontliners never to portray Iseyin youths as hooligans to leaders in Nigeria, adding that they were all aware of the letters written first by Senator Buhari and that of Hon.  Shina Peller before their meetings with  Babatunde Raji Fashola.

Iseyin youths Forum averred that they were enjoying the representation of Senator Buhari because he has helped many of them against poverty by empowering them.

The group commended the efforts of the lawmaker on the ongoing Iseyin/Okeho road  project, provision of ICT centers in public schools and efforts that resulted to the retain of Oyo North Collation Center in Iseyin.

“This man deserves commendation not condemnation,” Iseyin youths maintained.

They group, however advised Ebedi Frontliners to stop pursuing personal interests thinking that youths in Iseyin will support them but join other forces to genuinely work for the progress of the town without prejudice.

“We appeal to Senator Buhari to please see the embarrassment from Ebedi Frontliners as a political game by  selfish figures,” stressing that the group and its members are never the spokespersons for Iseyin.

The post ‘You are ignorant, mischievious’ – Iseyin group replies Ebedi frontliners  over attack on Senator Buhari first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

The post ‘You are ignorant, mischievious’ – Iseyin group replies Ebedi frontliners  over attack on Senator Buhari appeared first on MegaIcon Magazine.

Prior to 2007, billboards was a source of revenue to the local governments. However, on assumption of office, the former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola established the Lagos Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA).

The pioneer LASAA Director-General, Barrister Makanjuola was reporting directly to the governor. He performed excellently by flushing the charlatans and quacks out of business and paved way for the key players and competent practitioners. LASAA got rid of illegal structures in areas like: Ikeja, Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Ojota, Costain and other parts of Lagos Mainland. Within a year the agency was able to generate over N3b.

The Lagos model prompted other states, especially in the south-west to establish their own advertisement agencies. Unfortunately most of them have not been able to meet up with the ‘Eko’ standard.

In the pacesetter state, the Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency, unarguably, has not been able to live to its mandate of ensuring that the signage beautify our environment. Many billboards constitute nuisance and threats to the lives of the people.

Ideally, a minimum of 100m is required in between billboards on the same road. But here in Oyo State, especially in Ibadan, the state capital, billboards are clustered in areas like: Adamasingba, Dugbe, Agodi-Gate, UI-Ojoo road, Iwo road and others. Apart from clustering, many of these structures are erected directly high-tension wires. Inasmuch the state needs to boost its revenue, people’s lives, healthy and safety environment are also significant.

The question is who are those people behind this growing insanity and illegality? In a chat with the Head, Ibadan Office of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), Mr. Olajide Olishile, he said: ‘allocation of sites for billboards is the sole responsibility of OYSAA’. When confronted with the query on the billboard erected at Mokola Roundabout under the high-tension wire, an Enforcement Officer at OYSAA simply denied that no structure is under the wire.

Meanwhile, further investigations revealed that many of these billboards belong to OYSAA members of staff who don’t even have the skills and statutory requirements to practice.

Now that the rainy season is here, many of these billboards may not be able to withstand the heavy winds that characterise the period. In order to avoid any eventuality, it’s high time the OYSAA, Director-General, Hon. Temi Addibi, stop relying only on the reports from the field, swung into action by leading a powerful task force to uproot these illegal billboards.

The post Outdoor Advertising in Oyo State And The Growing Insanity | By Waheed Ganiyu first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

The post Outdoor Advertising in Oyo State And The Growing Insanity | By Waheed Ganiyu appeared first on MegaIcon Magazine.

Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, disclosed this on Wednesday shortly after the meeting in Abuja , the nation’s capital.

The Minister said, “The second memorandum we presented was for the award of three roads in Igboho-Oloko-Agbonle in Oyo State and Gulu to Yaba town between the Federal Capital Territory and Niger State as well as Sharada to Madobi and Danbaure in Kano State.

“Council approved these roads for N7.249 billion for the first one in Oyo, N7.593 for the second one in Niger/FCT and N4.510 for the third one in Kano.”

Speaking further, Fashola informed that the council has also been intimated on the 524 roads currently ongoing across all the states of the federation, adding that 43 internal roads are being constructed in Federal Universities, out of which 10 have been completed.

He also disclosed that the Council approved N523 million for the completion of Efalaye-Erimo-Iwaraja road linking Ekiti and Osun states which had been awarded since 2009 and has reached 85 per cent completion.

“The first memorandum was to approve the change of rates with respect to the Efalaye-Erimo-Iwaraja road linking Ekiti and Osun states.

“That road was awarded since 2009 and the contractor has achieved about 85 per cent of the work so we are trying to complete that road, it had been slowed down by previous years of insufficient budget.

”During that period the price at which it was awarded and today’s material prices have altered significantly.”

The post FG Approves N19.3bn For Roads Projects In Oyo, Kano, FCT first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

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Fashola’s speech infelicity found a corollary in an earlier gaffe from the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sani Nanono. Nanono had said that there was no hunger in Nigeria, contrary to the claims of the people and that food was very cheap to buy in Nigeria.

“I think we are producing enough to feed ourselves. I think there is no hunger in Nigeria; there could be inconveniences. When people talk about hunger in this government, I just laugh. In this country, it is fairly cheap to buy food” he said.

That Fashola had joined this club of indiscretion is the most disheartening of the story. Lauded for his infrastructural strides as Lagos State governor for eight years, it was a big let-down that the minister could sound so removed, so insulated from the plight of the people. If he didn’t know, at a conservative estimate, 90 per cent of Nigerian roads are in very sorry states. That the roads are in very troubling states, becoming grooves where Nigerian blood are sacrificed almost every other hour, is not as worrisome as the fact that they have become veritable avenues for governors and ministers to siphon public money into indecipherable bottomless pits,some kind of Donald Trump’s quid pro quo, if you like. Roads are constructed today and in a few months, they become craters. Nobody carries the can, nobody is queried and society lives happily ever thereafter.

Methinks these statements from those who are supposed to serve us are manifestations of the low estimation of these men for us and the disconnect they suddenly feel from us the moment they become Honourable this and Honourable that. These men don’t go to the market to buy foods but feast on government largesse, seldom travel on Nigerian roads but fly in choppers and jets to their destinations; their children don’t go to public schools but join their contemporaries in Ivy League universities in Europe and America; how then can they feel our plights?

The truth is that Nigerians are hungry, more than they have ever been and Nigerian roads are horrible, killing citizens daily. The earlier Fashola reversed from this barren road trodden by David Mark during the Ibrahim Babangida regime, the better for him. It is a road filled with craters, potholes and leads to acrimony from the people.

Source:  Nigerian Tribune

The post Fashola and the quid prod quo of our roads | By Festus Adedayo first appeared on MegaIcon Magazine.

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Mr. Muslim Folami, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, gave the warning on Friday at the ongoing ministerial briefing in commemoration of Governor Ambode’s second year in office.

The commissioner said, “intelligence reveals that some of these Baales, particularly from Ikorodu and Ishawo collaborate with the miscreants to kidnap innocent souls.

“Yesterday, I told them to their faces this might lead to dethroning and we will do just that if investigations reveal that you are part of the criminality”.

Folami disclosed that the State Government had acquired five hectares of land for the permanent settlement of the security operatives in Igbodu community in Epe to check the ceaseless attack by kidnappers, urging the residents to partner with the government in fighting kidnapping, just as he advised them to be more vigilant.

“The land has been cleared and ready for development”.

He also noted that the establishment of a virile and vibrant system of community associations had over the years enabled the government to partner with communities, sensitise them on its priorities and receive feedback on public policies.

He stated that the total number of Community Development Associations (CDAs) across the state as at March was 3,400, up from 3,292 recorded last year.

The commissioner further averred that many of the CDAs held monthly meetings to address matters of security, conflict resolution and also tasked themselves to ensure the protection of lives and property.

“Community development is one of the primary goals of this administration, it is an established fact that development cannot take place without peace and harmony,” he noted.

Unearthing the targets of the ministry before the end of the year, the commissioner assured that the initiatives would be expanded and improved to further create positive synergy between the State Government and the communities.

Such initiatives, he said include the market branding and community media campaign.

According to the commissioner, there would be an improvement of the 402 markets across the state through the provision of necessary facilities to include clinics, toilets, fencing and electrification and creche for babies.

He revealed that the first phase of the community radio would take-off in five locations of the state.

“The stations are expected to be data driven internet radio, with a view to taking advantage of the high penetration of mobile application users in the state”.

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