Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso today reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Administration of Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu to commission the highly-awaited Red Line Rail project before the end of the year.
Mr. Omotoso made this known in an interview granted to Lagos Traffic Radio during a visit to key agencies under the Ministry of Information and Strategy such as Lagos Traffic Radio, Lagos Printing Corporation and the Lagos State Record and Archives Bureau, on Monday, October 30th, 2023.
He said the Red Rail Line project spanning Oyingbo to Agbado, is poised to bring about a transformative change in public transportation in Lagos. It promises to provide commuters with an efficient and less chaotic travel experience. This development represents a significant stride toward fulfilling Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to enhance the quality of life for Lagos State residents.
According to him, as part of the preparations for the grand commissioning of the Red Rail Line, Governor Sanwo-Olu will inaugurate the Yaba flyover on Thursday, November 3rd, 2023. He noted that the flyover at Ikeja has also been completed and awaiting handover by the contractor.
Omotoso also revealed that all ongoing projects carried over into the second term in office will be completed and many more unveiled.
He stressed that the second term of Mr. Governor will witness unprecedented delivery of dividends of democracy in areas of the State, urging residents to shun vandalism by taking ownership of projects delivered by the State Government.
On the activities of Transport Union members collecting check-off dues from commercial drivers, the Commissioner said union dues are to be collected only within the confines of their motor parks and not at every bus stop. He promised that the government would continue to engage with union leaders to ensure that their members do the right thing.
Mr. Omotoso decried the continued crossing of major roads and highways by residents instead of making use of the pedestrian bridges provided by the State Government to ensure public safety. He noted that it was dangerous to cross the expressways as many lives have been lost to such unwise adventures.
The security agencies, he noted, are clearing the State of street urchins and hoodlums and the government will encourage them to step it up to further bring peace to the state. He said, a situation where motorists were harassed and robbed by Area boys because their vehicle broke down or they were trapped in traffic was not acceptable and must be stamped out.
Earlier, at the Lagos State Record and Archives Bureau, Omotoso charged the management to explore innovative ways to enhance their services, particularly for tourists visiting the State. He urged them to reach out to royal families, relations of astute politicians and people of historical relevance to seek artefacts and documents that might be of value to the bureau.
The Company Secretary of Lagos Printing Corporation, Ms Anike Fasola expressed gratitude to the Commissioner and the Ministry of Information management for their consistent support in fulfilling the corporation’s mandate. She also requested additional support from other government agencies, highlighting that Lagos State Printing Corporation serves both public and private companies.
General Manager, Lagos Traffic Radio, Mr. Tayo Akanle commended Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for elevating Traffic Radio to a more competitive radio station in Nigeria. He also revealed that Traffic Radio had expanded its scope of operation to include providing traffic information on water transportation and the railway while catering to the needs of local air travellers.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Olumide Sogunle assured the citizens of Lagos that more updates on transformative infrastructure developments in Lagos State would be communicated as at when due to enhance the overall quality of life and mobility within the state.
