The Medical (Lagos Island) Cooperative Society, LASCOMED, has commissioned two newly built ferries in lagos state.
Speaking at the official commissioning of the LASCODED Ferries, President, LASCODED, Mrs Olabisi Oshodi-Bakare disclosed that the ferries were locally built and were certified safe and registered with LASWA, ready to ply the waterways to convey people from Ikorodu terminals to Falomo.
Oshodi-Bakare said that the initial plan was to get six boats, saying that more would be added in the nearest future.
According to her, the society had done a lot to make life better for Lagos residents as accommodation spaces had been created on 40 hectares of land in Ikorodu for the members.
She appreciated Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State for the inspiration and encouragement enjoyed so far.
In her words, “Cooperative as a movement provides such platform for bringing ideas together as a team of people with common goals. Our cooperative society The Medicals is unique in this regards because we are trail-blazer and primus inter pares.
“ A new history is made as we gather to commission our two newly-built, safe and beautiful boats, which is the first of its kind in the annals of history of the cooperative movement in Lagos State.
“These boats have been certified safe and registered with LASWA and are ready to ply our waterways conveying people from Ikorodu terminal to Falomi terminals. This investment in water transportation was undertaken because of the Challenges of heavy traffic that most workers face on our roads to and from work. This project was completed without bank loan.
“It is our fervent hope that most Lagosians along this corridor will take advantage of this opportunity which is aimed at relieving thier daily stress, thereby improving their lifespans,” she said.
Also speaking at the event, Special Assistant to Lagos State Governor on Commerce, Industry and Cooperative, Engr Abiola Olowu, commended the initiative aimed at making lives better for residents.
“It is a pleasure that the cooperative society is working in line with Gov. Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES agenda.
“This is a laudable project, we are encouraged and hope that other cooperative societies will follow suit because this investment will yeild good returns and contribute to the economic growth of the state.
“This will bring succour to the teeming masses in the state, so we inaugurate this to the glory of God and benefit of man,” he said.
Furthermore, President, Cooperative Federation of Nigeria, Engr. Abiola Olowu, commended the initiative, describing it as a value added service which will greatly benefit the members and Lagos residents.
Ayeola noted that the core responsibility of cooperative societies was to improve the welfare of members.
Also, Lagos State Cooperative Federation Ltd., Shobule Oladipupo President, said that the initiative would complement the multi modal transport system developed by the Lagos State Government.
Oladipupo said that water transport remains faster, cheaper and safer, urging residents to embrace it.
“I am happy this is happening during my tenure, we want other societies to key into this avenue to raise more funds which would go back to members as dividends, with this, the society will be better for it,” he said.