Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for keeping the peace in the state.

Governor Makinde stated this on Monday, when he received the 46th General Officer Commanding of the 2 Mechanised Division, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan, Major-General Obinna Onubogu, at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

The Governor, who seized the occasion to throw light on the invasion of the Government Secretariat last Saturday by suspected Yoruba Nation agitators, explained how the effective security system in the state was able to bring the aggressors to their knees in no time.

Makinde commended security agencies in the state for the roles they played in stopping the invaders and apprehending them, stating that the emergency security response system was activated and that it worked perfectly to arrest the situation on time.

He thanked the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their swift response in arresting the agitators, noting that though there were security gaps, what the miscreants met was beyond their imagination.

“On what happened on Saturday, the Emergency Security Response was activated and it actually worked. The response was quick, timely and I believe the hoodlums and miscreants met something that was beyond their imagination. Within one hour, everything was under control.

“Let me use this opportunity to thank you and other security agencies in the state. Everybody responded timely and we are grateful for the timely response.

“Concerning the unfortunate incident, what I can say is that we must win the war but we must also win peace. It is a challenging period.

“Anybody in the position of authority in this country, whether military, political or governmental positions, even people leading in our communities are challenged at this time because, as a leader, if people you are leading are hungry and angry, we have to put heads together and see how we can minimise some of those causative agents of this type of situation.”

The Governor called on the new GOC to sustain the cordial relationship between the 2 Mechanised Division and the government on the one hand and between the Division and the people of the state on the other.

He added that his administration would spare no expense in securing the state and that it would continue to do everything to secure Oyo State by working effectively with the Army and other security agencies in the state.

According to the Governor, his vision of developing the state through the four pillars of education, health, security and economic expansion through agribusiness, tourism and solid mineral development cannot be achieved in an atmosphere of insecurity.

“The relationship between the government, the people of Oyo State and the Division, has translated to a relatively secure Oyo State. Please, I don’t want you to relent.”

He added, “We must not think only in the aspect of responding kinetically to the situation we have found ourselves but we must also think of things we have to do to win peace.”

“So, I welcome you to your state and I will meet with you on a working level so that we can see all the lapses and look into the few of the recommendations we have and implement.”

Speaking earlier, Major-General Onubogu stated that the warm reception accorded him showed the cordial relationship that had always existed between the Oyo State government and the Nigerian Army.

Onubogu, who appreciated Governor Makinde for his tremendous support to the Division over the years, assured the government and residents of the state that the Army would continue to collaborate with sister security agencies to secure Oyo State and its people.

He said, “We are indeed in a period of security challenges and I want to commiserate with you and the good people of Oyo State over the invasion of the Secretariat by some self-acclaimed, irredentists on the 13th of April, 2024.

“This incident is unfortunate as it shows that despite the peace that exists in Oyo State, there are still sons and daughters of South-West Nigeria who are bent on challenging Oyo State, the entire South-West as well as Nigeria as a whole.

“I have taken note of some of the gaps that preceded this incident and I want to assure you that under my watch, we will play our part to ensure that such a situation does not arise again.

“As our adversaries have made their intentions known, it will be foolhardy for us not to refocus and ensure the people of Oyo remain safe.”

In attendance at the reception were the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo; Chief of Staff to the governor, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi; Special Adviser on Security to the governor, CP Fatai Owoseni (retd); DG of Operation Burst, Col. James Ajibola (retd) and the DG, Amotekun Corps, Col. Olayinka Olayanju (retd).

The GOC was accompanied by the top echelon of the 2 Mechanised Divisions.

The Chairman of the Isale Eko Descendants Union, IDU, Mr Adeniji Kazeem SAN has commiserated with the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the good people of Lagos Island and all affected by the calamity on the damage, massive loss of personal property and buildings of ordinary citizens following the devastating fire incident that struck the popular Dosunmu Market on Lagos Island last week.

Kazeem, who made the remark on Sunday, 14th April 2024, when he and members of the Union visited the site of the Fire incident to have first-hand observation of the extent of damage, commended the efforts of Governor Sanwo-Olu in addressing the aftermath of the fire by ordering the clearing of shanties and unauthorised structures in the area.

He expressed optimism that these measures would pave the way for a return to normalcy and prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.

While being grateful that there was no loss of life in the incident, stressing the importance of preventing such disasters from occurring in the future, the chairman said the aftermath of the fire has laid bare the urgent need for a comprehensive reset in the Lagos Island central business district.

Emphasising the urgent need for a comprehensive reset of the Lagos Island Central Business District, he said the Union is advocating for improved fire safety measures, better infrastructure, and stricter enforcement of regulations to prevent future disasters.

According to him, the fire at the Dosunmu Market is a wake-up call for authorities to address the underlying issues that have contributed to the frequent outbreaks of fires in the metropolis.

“As we reflect on the devastating impact of the fire at Dosunmu Market, let us remember the resilience and strength of the community. Let us stand in solidarity with those affected and support efforts to rebuild and reset the CBD. Together, we can create a safer, more vibrant, and prosperous future for all,” Kazeem said.

Speaking further, the chairman of IDU highlighted the readiness of the Isale Eko Descendants Union to collaborate with the government and other stakeholders in the restoration and revitalisation of the community.

“As Chairman of the Isale Eko Descendants Union, I affirm our unwavering commitment to collaborate with the government and other stakeholders in the restoration and revitalisation of our community.

“Our collective goal is to transform Lagos Island into a livable, thriving hub that we can all take pride in. By working together, we can rebuild, rejuvenate, and ensure a brighter future for future generations.

“In the face of adversity, let us stand united, determined to turn challenges into opportunities and pave the way for a brighter tomorrow for Dosunmu Market and all its residents,” Kazeem submitted.

By Sodiq Adelakun

In a bid to revolutionise the commuting experience for passengers using the Lagos rail transit system, the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat) is exploring a potential collaboration with the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) to enhance internet connectivity.

The Managing Director of Nigcomsat, Mrs. Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, spearheaded the initiative, leading the organization’s Lagos regional business office on a strategic visit to LAMATA.

According to a statement released by LAMATA on its official communication platform, the proposed collaboration would see Nigcomsat offering a suite of services designed to enrich the commuting journey.

These services include robust internet connectivity, onboard e-commerce functionalities, and wireless entertainment options, all made possible by leveraging Nigcomsat’s advanced satellite technology.

Meanwhile, Nigcomsat and LAMATA are working in a new era of convenience and connectivity for passengers navigating Lagos.

“Today, Managing Director of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (Nigcomsat), Mrs. Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, led the organization’s Lagos regional business office on a visit to the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).

“The purpose of the visit is to explore potential partnership opportunities that could leverage Nigcomsat’s satellite technology to improve internet connectivity on the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) train system.

“(Nigcomsat) is seeking opportunity in the provision of in-flight services ranging from internet connectivity, on board e-commerce and wireless entertainment utilizing Satellite,” the statement read in  part .

The Lagos rail network, known as the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) system, currently comprises the Red and Blue Lines. Both lines have completed their first phases, with work ongoing on in their respective final phases.

The Blue Line is a 27km rail line, with 13km of the first phase completed with commercial operations having started in September 2023. The second phase of the Blue Line is currently under construction.

The Red Line is a 37km rail line, with the first phase spanning 27km from Agbado in Ogun State to Oyingbo in Lagos, completed. President Bola Tinubu commissioned the first phase of the Red Line on February 29. However, commercial operations have not yet begun. During the commissioning of the first phase, LAMATA and CCECC, the project contractor, signed an agreement for the commencement of the second phase.

Lagos State has also unveiled ambitious plans to expand its rail network with the construction of the Green and Purple Lines, marking significant milestones in the development of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) system.

In addition to the Green and Purple Lines, the Lagos State government has outlined future inclusion of the Orange and Yellow Lines, further bolstering the comprehensive rail infrastructure. With these additions, the total number of rail lines under the LRMT system will increase to six, underscoring the commitment to modernise transportation and ease congestion in Lagos.