₦airaland Forum

aribisala0: You do not know me.
It is possible to debate without being personal or obnoxious.Trust me you do not want to go there. You contribute anything better you have to contribute to Nigeria it will be welcome.That is how countries grow not by "wishing for better things"

No vex my Broda! Na our passion to see Nigeria be where it ought to be na im dey pump adrenalin this morning but honestly, in my own opinion, we have gone beyond this level to be making such much hype over a basic board game. As we speak now, i am printing out on A3 kraft paper the same monopoly game customised to suit me. All i did was to give the SIWES(IT Attachment) guy in my office, a downloaded pix of the original monopoly game; use Corel draw to do similar and repalce with what ever name of areas that come to his mind & thats it Pronto!

aribisala0: I do not share your sadness.A visionary always looks for the upside not the gloom.One thing this MIGHT do like other things is that it raises the profile of LAGOS internationally.It is small but potentially big. 20 years ago many people had not heard of Lagos.Today many have for the wrong (419) reasons. Its only a game but it will make A lot of money.Not necesarily today or next year but eventually as Nigeria becomes more prosperous and the middle class grows.
Anyhow if you think it is not creative enough fine.The world is your oyster what is stopping you?

Obviously, you have never played the game.

A piece of board that has names and pictures on them. A game that has no intellectual or educating or entertaining part to it. What edge does it have over Ludo as they are both dice throwing games. I know every single part of the Monopoly game. Its not going to add any value beyond what the original one does.....ok..it has indigenous names!! I beg, stop trying to keep up with the Joneses and wish something better for Nigeria in the 21st century

Egba girl: The first African city edition of the famous board game Monopoly has been launched in Lagos.

The Nigerian metropolis is one of the fast-growing cities in the world.

The board's layout was unveiled at an event in Lagos City Hall, with the manmade Banana Island named as the upmarket equivalent of Mayfair in the London edition.

Makoko, the slum on stilts over the city's lagoon, is the cheapest property for sale on the Lagos board.
Bribes

Nimi Akinkugbe, the head of Bestman Games which is producing the Lagos edition, told Nigeria's Guardian newspaper ahead of the launch that suggestions for the Mayfair spot were "a hot topic".


The BBC's Tomi Oladipo in Lagos says Banana Island, which got the coveted position, is an artificially created island where the very wealthy reside.

Some properties on the island sell for about $8m (£4.9m) - and it would cost about $150,000 a year to rent a flat there, he says.

The Nigerian Stock Exchange, Murtala Muhammed International Airport and several hotels are other properties on the board.

Many of the squares are sponsored by banks and shopping centres and even the Lagos state government appears, while some major landmarks like Tinubu Square, the New Afrika Shrine nightclub, Third Mainland Bridge and the National Theatre have been left out, our correspondent says.

Other aspects of the game have been tailored for Lagos, like the "Go To Jail" cards, which read: "Go to jail. Go directly to Kirikiri jail," referring to the city's maximum security prison.

Our reporter says one of the Chance cards issuing a fine quotes a phrase regularly used by police officers: "Park! Park! For reckless driving pay a fine... and register for retraining."

Another reads: "For attempting to bribe a law enforcement agent, pay a fine."

Some of the new traffic laws introduced by the Lagos state government, and the punishments for various offences, have also been included in the game, our reporter says.

"You've been caught driving against traffic. Report for psychiatric evaluation," one card reads.

The Monopoly game was developed in the US, originally based on streets in Atlantic City. A London version of the game was produced in 1935.

"Lagos is the first African city to have its Monopoly. Two countries in Africa have theirs, Morocco and South Africa. But there's no city that has its own customised edition," Ms Akinkugbe told the Guardian.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20681168

Am sorry, but this is Sad. You do copy and paste & because you have access to former minister; governor and corporate entities, you make unnecessary noise and hype over nothing.
It is sad because i expect the intellect of Nimi to produce something more innovative. I expect Ajumogobia ex Minister of Petroleum resources to back better things. I expect gov fashola to spare his precious time on more serious affairs and i expect the corporate entities that are backing this to use their CSR better.

When are we going to begin to encourage and support the geniuses amongst us who overcome Nepa and all other odd to produce innovative things in nigeria The people behind this monopoly game are already all well/over fed, that copying and pasting a forgotten but existing game should be a shame to their level of intellect

jodeci: http://premiumtimesng.com/news/110720-under-pressure-from-boko-haram-kidnappers-fg-endorses-militias-in-states.html


Similarly, the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Muktar Shagari, said that the council had approved the setting up of a committee to tackle the problem of multiple taxation on the establishment of Broadband and ICT Infrastructure.
He said that the National Broadband would enhance economic and social life in Nigeria, while boosting productivity in the ICT sector and enhancing security
Mr. Shagari said that the committee, which would be chaired by Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State, had the governors of Kwara, Kebbi, Abia, Edo and Oyo states as members.
The Minister of Communications, the Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, representatives of Federal Inland Revenue Service and four members from each of the country’s telecommunications operators will also serve in the committee.
The committee is expected to submit its report during the second NEC meeting in 2013.

Can anyone make sense of this statement above please. Our politicians love to confuse us with ambiguous statements.

To me, it seems V.P Sambo is just to happy he is presiding over something or some people sha!

Born 2be Rich: Fashola banning the okada guys is a good development to me becos in my area which is highly developed and majority of the roads are good, okadas were just packed everywhere on the road....I almost hit one one day when i was driving...

The only sad thing is that Fashola should have put an alternative for transport or made more BRT buses available to major routes..

However the okada man carry a placard stating that if fashola doesnt revoke his pronouncement, they will not vote for ACN is just ridiculous...People are still voting for party and not whether the person being voted is capable or not...They should try PDP na...

The more ridiculous one is the placard that says Boko Haram will come to lagos. Does he not know he can be arrested and prosecuted for such?

omarky: I feel for them though. But sincerly, if Lagos is to achieve the mega city statues, these okada men have to be ban for real. No amount of protest should change the already made law. I only blame Lagos state government for not engaging these men with lucrative jobs before the ban. Eko o ni baje o

A large % of people do not understand nor use the word Megacity appropraitely! Its is not a sought after status! It is not a proud status! It is not a status to boast about! @omarky, It is not a status that any leader seeks to attain or gain!!!

It takes a Strong Hand to run a Megacity

A city attains that status automatically when its population becomes in excess of 10 million people. Such city is xterised by the following:
1. Slums
2. Homelessness
3. Traffic congestion
4. Urban sprawl (Spilling out of your own city and spilling into neighbors like Ogun state)
5.Gentrification (Simply meaning, low income areas are bn bought over by the wealthy and regenerating such places and the poor who hitherto lived there have to move away. This happens in Lagos regularly, so much so that people have moved to lagos Ibadan expressway to live)
6. Air pollution
7. Land pollution (Waste dumps)
8. Crime

vislabraye: What is megacity status ?
If he actually wants to reach that perceived status, destroy Aj city, drive out everyone living in the slums. We can start from there.

The truth of the situation is that there's poverty. The traffic situation in Lagos is so bad that without Okada movement would be difficult.

A large % of people do not understand nor use the word Megacity appropraitely! Its is not a sought after status! It is not a proud status! It is not a status to boast about! It is not a status that any leader seeks to attain or gain!!!

It takes a Strong Hand to run a Megacity

A city attains that status automatically when its population becomes in excess of 10 million people. Such city is xterised by the following:
1. Slums
2. Homelessness
3. Traffic congestion
4. Urban sprawl (Spilling out of your own city and spilling into neighbors like Ogun state)
5.Gentrification (Simply meaning, low income areas are bn bought over by the wealthy and regenerating such places and the poor who hitherto lived there have to move away. This happens in Lagos regularly, so much so that people have moved to lagos Ibadan expressway to live)
6. Air pollution
7. Land pollution (Waste dumps)
8. Crime

Maxymilliano: Nice effort by Comrade Biodun Aremu led JAF, the restrictions on Okada movement is too stringent and unpopular IMO.

If you have every been a manager of men and material, you would know that you have to take unpopular but yet, right decisions.

It is only a mad man that will allow a mad man to carry him on Okada on 3rd Maiinland bridge; Ikorodu Road; Apapa Oshodi Expressway and any other dual carraigeway anywhere in the world.

Instead of us protesting for the right things like Light Rail and other means of intra neighbourhood transportation, we are asking for aberration (something that should not have bn there in the 1st place)

nameo: The Federal Government on Friday unveiled its One-Stop Shop Agro-Input Centre to ensure the availability of agriculture inputs for farmers.

The Minister of State for Agriculture, Bukar Tijani, who inaugurated the centre located in Wushishi, Niger State, said the move would help to guarantee the accessibility and affordability of agricultural inputs for farmers in the country.

He said that about 62 of such centres were also ready for inauguration, adding that the Federal Government was committed to removing every impediments to the availability of agriculture inputs.

He said, “The centre was constructed by the Federal Government for the purpose of ensuring the availability, accessibility and affordability of agriculture inputs, such as fertiliser, agro chemicals, quality seed and livestock.

“The task of making food available, affordable and accessible to all Nigerians through promotion of food security programmes has been the major focus of the Federal Government.

“The ministry is very much mindful of the serious impediment of inaccessibility of good quality agriculture inputs, such as fertiliser, agro-chemicals, seeds and seedlings, livestock feeds, primary processing and extension services by farmers in a bid to maximise aggregate agricultural production output for the nation.”

The minister said the impediment as well as the preparedness of the government to withdraw from direct procurement and distribution of all agricultural inputs informed the decision to propose the establishment of the agro-input centre in each local government area.

“The centres would strengthen the food security programme of the government and they are aimed at providing market information services and promote private sector investment in viable commercial agriculture,” he added.

Also speaking at the event, Niger State Governor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, commended the FG for its immediate intervention by distributing relief materials to flood victims in the state.

Aliyu, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Daniel Shasheri, said plans were ongoing to partner the Bank of Industry to finance about 5, 000 farming projects.

http://www.punchng.com/business/business-economy/fg-unveils-agro-input-centre-to-boost-food-production/

First things first, we need to separate professionals who are Ministers from Politicians who are ministers. 3 of the professionals that readily come to mind are the Minister of Agric; Minister of ICT and Minister of Finance (there might be a few more.
The Politician Minister are the Oduahs; the Makus; the Education Minister and such like.

The politician ministers play to the gallery and are just full of hot air! Never believe what they say, its all laced with sychophancy!

The professionals who are ministers, if i may borrow from GEJ, "dont give a damn!!!!" If GEJ fires Min of Agric or Min of ICT or Min of Finance today, you will find them in better employment tommorrow.

2ndly, GEJ does not see them as threats, so he shines through their works and actions and those ones just go ahead and perform. We all know GEJ's decision making abilities are very suspect and elementary, we shall bear with him till 2015 and pray that a real leader emerges for Nigeria in 2015. The present crop, including those in the National Assembly are just a bunch of looters...pure and simple

nameo: The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, Mr Adeseyi Sijuwade, yesterday said that theLagos toKano mass transit train service would commence operations on December 20.

Sijuwade made the announcement at the first management retreat of the corporation, held in Lekki,Lagos.

According to him, the rehabilitation of the tracks fromLagostoKano, including bridges and culverts has been completed for the commencement of the train service.

He assured commuters from eitherLagostoKanoorKanotoLagos safe and cheap rail transport services during the yuletide.

“This formal launch would be announced soon to ensure the resumption of full inter-state mass transit services along the rail tracks on weekdays,” he said.

The managing director said further that adequate security would be put in place with the collaboration of the police and Man-O-War before the commencement of the service.

He also said that the rehabilitation of eastern railway lines terminating atMaiduguriwas in progress, adding that trains would begin to move on the corridor in 2013.

He had earlier said that the retreat was aimed at bringing out the potential of the NRC.

Sijuwade stressed the need for strategic management of assets and facilities of the corporation in line with the organisation’s vision and mission.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/12/lagos-to-kano-mass-transit-train-service-begins-operation-sijuwade/

There is obviously no proper Risk Assessment on this project. Why would you want to offer a bait that cost so much in the name of the government is achieving. The Risks clearly outweighs the benefits

Ikengawo: Am I asking anyone to defend government policies?
I'm simply asking why infrustructural development from Akwa Ibom
https://sunnewsonline.com/new/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/akwa-ibom.jpg
https://farm6.static.flickr.com/5265/5613024898_3436592875.jpg


which has the best infrustructure in Nigeria argueably next to Abuja, goes unmentioned.
I want people to realize that it's all politics as well. I'm not saying PDP is good or thing government is the best but the opposition is a part of the government as well.

A lot of people rate Governors on Aesthetics. My question is have they provided an enabling environment that makes businesses grow organically. Roads are fantastic and needed but moreso self sustaining industries. Let me use to examples that readily come to mind in Lagos state as i do not know much about other states beyond what i read on their websites. (By the way, you dont have to rely on the media to promote your works. You have your own official website to let the world know what you are doing)

Another key point is, if whatever you have put in place has not attracted businesses to your domain, then it clearly means that state is not investment attractive.

Lagos state is building a railway line and that has even before completion, created prosperity along that route. Value of properties have risen; plots of land are been scrambled for; businesses are expectant; buildres and artisans are extremely busy working on peoples construction round the clock; dead warehouses arecoming to life again. Tradefair complex is booming again.

Same goes for Lagos Epe expressway, where the opening of that area has brought about 18 hours constant activity especially for construction workers.

In contrast, i see some states building fantastic new roads and bridges that is leading nowhere but to the governors' village. No factories; warehouses are spring up as a result of those fine roads been built....there is a disconnect somewhere there.

Also be aware that majority of these infrastructure projects are conduit pipes for corruption.

Having said all of the above, please rate your prefered governor with the yardstick below:

Consensus Oriented (An opinion or position reached by a group as a whole)

Participatory (the broad participation of constituents in the direction and operation of political systems)

Following the Rule of Law (citizens can expect to be treated fairly by a justified government. )

Effective and Efficient (Effective: Adequate to accomplish a purpose; producing the intended or expected result. Efficient: Performing or functioning in the best possible manner with the least waste of time and effort.

Accountable (the obligation of an individual or organization to account for its activities, accept responsibility for them, and to disclose the results)

Transparent (the concept of removing all barriers to —and the facilitating of— free and easy public access to corporate information and the laws, rules, social connivance and processes that facilitate and protect those individuals and corporations that freely join, develop, and improve the process

Responsive(Readily reacting to suggestions, influences, appeals, or efforts)

Equitable and Inclusive(Must recognise diversity and difference. Must accommodate differing meanings of citizenship that cut across gender, political, cultural, and social lines)

Ikengawo: mind you i was told Fashola has a jet, it was never printed.
Be wise people.

Fashola!!! Private Jet? for where? Let me tell you what i used my own eyes to see about this man at the International Airport in Lagos. (1) Only 2 of his personal aides followed him to departure point. His aide camp with gun was not even there. (2) This man wheeled his hand luggage himself and picked it up and placed it on the table for searching before walking into the plane. (3) This man walked into the plane on his own, no aide or advance party surrounded him. He was on his way out to meet his family on a short holiday.

Asides that, his convoy is less than 5 cars with no siren blaring to clear road for him

talktimi: Let's set our sights straight here. Is this new law for all bikes I.e commercial & private bikes or just for commercial ? There has to be some clarity here before innocent people will be arrested unjustly and those men in uniform just might be innocent.

Bikes over 200cc are allowed to ply the roads

Demdem: Military police are also soldiers i guess

Military Policemen are a set of people you dont want to mess with. Even Generals fear them. They have the power to arrest Generals.

They are known by their blood red caps

My Submission is based on the following:
(1)Governance relates to consistent management, cohesive policies, guidance, processes and decision-rights for a given area of responsibility.
(2)Governance occurs in three broad ways:

(a)Through networks involving public-private partnerships (PPP) or with the collaboration of community organisations;
(b)Through the use of market mechanisms whereby market principles of competition serve to allocate resources while operating under government regulation;
(c)Through top-down methods that primarily involve governments and the state bureaucracy.
(3)According to the UN, good governance has eight characteristics.Good governance is:

Consensus Oriented (An opinion or position reached by a group as a whole)
Participatory (the broad participation of constituents in the direction and operation of political systems)
following the Rule of Law (citizens can expect to be treated fairly by a justified government. )
Effective and Efficient (Effective: Adequate to accomplish a purpose; producing the intended or expected result. Efficient: Performing or functioning in the best possible manner with the least waste of time and effort.
Accountable (the obligation of an individual or organization to account for its activities, accept responsibility for them, and to disclose the results)
Transparent (the concept of removing all barriers to —and the facilitating of— free and easy public access to corporate information and the laws, rules, social connivance and processes that facilitate and protect those individuals and corporations that freely join, develop, and improve the process
Responsive(Readily reacting to suggestions, influences, appeals, or efforts)
Equitable and Inclusive(Must recognise diversity and difference. Must accommodate differing meanings of citizenship that cut across gender, political, cultural, and social lines)

From the foregoing and relying on information provided by each government on their websites as i am not on ground in all the states, the winner on average of scores is the government of Lagos State.

Areas in which Lagos state government are strong include Effective and Efficient (A lot of wastage reduced and some parastatals are profit making. Govt is lean as lagos has the least number of commisioners and special advisers and assitants in the whole of Nigeria....less than 50. Ondo has 243; Imo has an incredible amount)

Othere areas of strength: Accountable and Transparent (If you are accountable, you are already on a high % of transparency) Lagos publishes the amount that each agency makes on a quarterly basis and also publishes its budget so you know where money earned is going to)

Other areas of strength:Participatory Equitable and Inclusive: Every 100days since 2007, lagos state govt has rendered report to the citizens at town hall meetings; taken questions; explained policies etc.

One major thing also noticed about Lagos state is instead of hearing promises; promised; promises, we hear delivered; completed etc and Lagos relies heavily on statistical data that can be verified.

Thank you

here: Operationally you dont arrest an officer on uniform(that's why there is "identification parade" )except in rare cases.
When an officer is found wanting,his senior in rank defaults him and his case treated accordingly.When an officer is discovered to be wanting by another agency the 1st writes the second with a full report of the incident and infact you can ask he be released to interview the IO in this case,you dnt detain another officer except on extreme cases.

Thats why he was handed over to the commisioner of police for disciplinary action

Yomieluv: i thought the law banned commercial okada,never knew it also affected private ownership. nawa for lagos state oooo

It doesnt affect private ownership if the motorcycle is above, i think, 200cc. The policeman was riding a 100cc Bajaj motorcycle, hence his arrest

basadenet: The people of lagos state should be thankful to FG for preventing the state from going to bankruptcy. Lagos State is richly blessed with money with nobody accounting for how the money is been spent. I support FG 100%.

If you go up by just 5 or 6 posts, you will be better informed

PLEASE DO NOT BE LAZY NOT TO READ THIS. ITS THE MINIMUM WE SHOULD EXPECT FROM OUR LEADERS. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO POST ANY OF SORT BY ANY OTHER GOVT OFFICIAL FROM THE PRESIDENT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO LOCAL GOVT CHAIRMAN

This is the 20th in the series of my 100-day account rendering Town-Hall meetings to you, the good people of Lagos. This occasion is significant because it coincides with 2,000 days of your partnership and support for our government; formed by the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN); and freely elected by you. It remains a humbling privilege to be the lead public servant and we remain truly grateful and unassuming of your trust and confidence.

At the report presented on the 1,800-day, I had briefed you about the challenges we were facing in securing funding for the Mile 12-Ikorodu Road expansion and the court action that was delaying the construction of 660 housing units in Agbowa. We have since concluded the financing and commenced construction with about 584 people now employed in construction; and have awarded the construction contract for Mile 12-Ikorodu Road expansion.

At the 1,900-day event, I did not personally address you. It was decided that the heads of those involved departments should brief you about the work being done in your various constituencies.
I am aware of the entire proceedings in the East, West and Central Senatorial Districts and have held extensive meetings to put in place plans to address your concerns within the limits of our resources. Thank you for your active participation and support. We are all certainly better for it.

This is why we have commenced a statewide tour to assess the progress of on-going projects and have mobilised our budget to ensure the completion of those projects.
Today, we return to our usual format of reporting every 100 days with updates from my last report.

BUDGET
We have presented our 3rd Quarter Budget performance report of 65% for the 3rdQuarter. Combining the 1st through to the 3rd Quarter, we have delivered an aggregate performance of 72% so far.
We have also presented the budget estimates for 2013 to the state House of Assembly, and we are dedicated to finishing the 4th Quarter stronger than we did in the 3rd Quarter.

Some of the projects and programmes being delivered in your various local government and senatorial districts include: the award of 185 inner city road contracts; the award of 1,404 housing units, the award of the Adiyan Phase II 70 million gallons-per-day Water Project and the construction of a 60km pipeline network to be dedicated to such areas as Iju, Agege, Ifako-Ijaiye, Alimosho, Ojo and Ikeja.

We are also concluding plans to upgrade Ishasi Waterworks from 4mgd to 12mgd to service the Ijanikin-Badagry axis. On November 6, 2012, we visited Oyingbo Market and the two markets being built in Tejuosho; the 36-unit housing project in Shitta; the 60-unit housing project in Mushin, the expansion and concrete lining of the System-6c canal that passes through Itire; the reconstruction of the damaged Ilasamaja pedestrian overhead bridge and the reconstruction and expansion of Kodesoh Road in Ikeja.

On November 13, 2012, we inspected our 540-unit Lagos HOMS project at Sangotedo; the on-going construction of road projects in Kasali Oluwo Street, Odo-Egiri Road, Igbonla Road, Salabiu Olanrewaju Street and Oba Animashaun Road; the combined High Court and Magistrate Court in Epe; the Epe Waterfront reclamation and shoreline protection project; and Oba’s Palace at Ilara-Epe. At Badore, we assessed the progress of the Badore Ferry Terminal and Jetty, the Langbasa Road, Ado-Kekere Street and Kajola Street in the Aja Area.

EDUCATION
At the commencement of the reform process in 2007, the average number of students obtaining five credits including Mathematics and English was 7%. This year, we have reached 38.28%. For the first time, our state is now in the top 10 of the 36 States at the forefront of public education revival, and the only South-Western state in the top 10 this year.

In the last 100 days, our technical colleges graduated a total of 6,000 students; many of whom have been employed by private sector operators who are partnering us to design their curriculum to meet industry standards. The electrical graduates amongst them work with the Lagos State Electricity Board to light up Lagos. The renovations of the classroom block in Agidingbi Technical College were done by the students and not an external contractor. Our new Electronic Engineering Academy in Agidingbi was built in partnership with Samsung Electronics that guarantees employment for every child trained at the Centre.

HOUSING
We are currently constructing housing units in 10 sites in Igando, Omole Phase I & Phase II, Sangotedo, Mushin, Ilupeju, Agbowa, Ogba Phase I & Phase II, Surelere and Igbogbo. Employed are 882 main contactors, 836 sub-contractors, 1,835 artisans, 1,940 labourers, 905 suppliers and 49 food vendors; totalling 6,450 people employed in less than one year.

HEALTHCARE
We are rapidly coming to the completion of the Gbagada Heart & Kidney Centre, the Isolo General Hospital Mortuary and the Ayinke House. Our health missions continue to take basic healthcare for diagnosis and cure to our people in their communities, screening and treating them in their thousands for diabetes, hypertension and cancer. Our preventive health initiative at the grassroots level is taking shape in partnership with our local government chairmen. We have successfully trained and graduated the first batch of 300 graduate volunteers to serve.

AGRICULTURE
We are improving on rice cultivation, milling and bagging; poultry production and processing; fish and seafood production, education and provision of extension services to farmers. We held the first Lagos Seafood Festival to showcase our aquaculture potentials and to expose and export our very proud seafood menu beyond Lagos. Our quest to create farms outside our state is yielding results as we have acquired 500 hectares of land in Ogun State, to grow rice to feed our mill in Imota.

SPORTS AND TOURISM
In October, we hosted the 12th edition of the Governor’s Tennis Cup, which is the only International Tennis Federation sanctioned tournament in West Africa. The event attracted entries from 361 players from 30 countries. Taking a cue from this, a private sector company has launched an initiative called “Breaking the Mould”, which brought the world famous Williams Sisters - Venus and Serena - to Lagos. In the next few days, we will be hosting the 18th edition of the National Sports Festival and we expect up to 20,000 visitors who will bring in revenue.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
On May 29th 2012, we commissioned the Lagos Traffic Radio broadcast on 96.1 FM; to help commuters get advance information and plan their journey. Also, the new Traffic Law was signed into effect on August 2nd 2012. With on-going advocacy and the installation of over 17,000 road signs, we are experiencing more voluntary compliance and seeing improved driving culture. Between July—before the law came into effect—and September 2012, of the 13,322 people attending our Drivers’ Institute, about 10.1% had bad vision and have since been referred for corrective action to improve vision and return them back to the road.

Between August 2nd when the law came into effect and the end of September 2012, we noticed a 68.4% increase in attendance in the Drivers’ Institute. During the same period, 58,174 vehicles came in to obtain their Road Worthiness Certificates, a 20.9% increase from the period before the law. We also noticed a 48.4% increase in the issuance of drivers’ licence which should suggest safer drivers and accident reduction. More importantly, fines have reduced between July and September by 24.2%; contrary to the opposition’s claims, no amount of money can be a substitute for the lives of citizens we are entrusted to serve and protect.

Also, the number of vehicles arrested for various violations has dropped by 16.9%, arrests for driving against traffic decreased by 35.9% and BRT lane violations has decreased by 74.2%. The 25 general hospitals report that Okada-related accidents dropped by 18.73% in September while deaths recorded during the same period dropped by 42.86%. The Office of the Commissioner of Police reported a drop in Okada-related crimes by 30% in September and by 60% as at the end of October, when compared to the month of July, before the law came into effect.

Our recent monitoring and evaluation assessment report on the impact of the law reveals that:
a. 65% of people sampled after the law want to reduce alcohol intake as opposed to 30% before;
b. 93% now want to reduce drug intake as against 71% before the law;
c. 77% are now convinced that alcohol is a danger to them and their passengers if they drink and drive, as against 10% before the law; and
d. Only 4% now say they can still purchase alcohol within the motor park after the law, as against 58% before the law.

While we are not yet where we want to be, but I am positive that a lot of gains lie ahead. I do not believe that it is the desire of Lagosians to live in a state where people will act with impunity without regard to the safety of others. Despite our detractors and local challenges, we have started a BRT model of urban mass transit; which can only grow. I am happy also that the vision of my predecessors for an urban rail transport is now alive again with the construction of the Blue Line from Eric Moore; which has now reached Mile 2. Our BRT expansions to Badagry and Ikorodu Town are progressing.

I remain convinced that the legacy of public transportation Lagosians deserve is one that puts us on the global map and not one that condemns us to a dependency on foreign imports. This should be our path to sustainable prosperity and safety. I wish you all a merry Christmas and happy new year in 2013, and once again appeal to you to drive safely and think of your safety and that of others. Thank you for your attention.

PointB: You guys can keep on whining as usual.

But the fact remains that Lagos State debt profile in the midst of huge IGR is bordering on the ridiculous. Those mandated to do something about it have decided to listen to the voice of Nigerians who will bear this burden, and have decided to ACT.

The FG cannot guarantee the rising debt, with little to nothing on the ground to justify it. Lagos State can get other guarantor, or hit the capital market. All this whining is unnecessary.

A lot of comments here lack understanding.
There are a number of parties involved here playing different roles. (1) The Lender: World Bank (2) The borrower: LASG(3)The Guarantor: FG rep by Minister of Finance (4) The Advisor & Manager: Debt Management office.
The Lender will give out to the borrower based on the guarantors acceptance.
The guarantor will accept or decline to, based on ability to secure or to pay on convincing with facts by the lender and on the advice of the DMO.
Federal allocation to the state; VAT portion to the state; Excess crude oil allocation to the state can be used by the guarantor FG to secure the loan i.e, deductions will be made from source (that is if entitlements of the state are not already been used for previous loans)

But in another vein, the gov of Bauchi state who is likely to receive his own loan of abt $180m has taken so many loans in the past which the state can NEVER pay back and thathe has no intention of paying back was on TV giving reasons why he wants the loan. Sadly, there was nothing concrete that he said on TV that showed the loan would be viable

danjohn: I think ACN should field Pat Utomi for governor of Lagos. It will help rebrand the party and remove the stigma of it being a Yoruba party.

Sorry to disappoint you and certainly no disrespect to Prof Pat Utomi but the truth be told, Pat Utomi has never run a business successfully. He was the head of Volkswagen of Nigeria, a company that should have positioned Nigeria among nation of producers. He ran it aground.

He is a brilliant and respected scholar not an administrator. pls let him continue adding value to Nigeria by helping with policy researches. Each man has his capabilities, his own is not in running things.

nanomole: Reps charge Oduah to sustain airport modernization
Our Reporter November 28, 2012 No Comments »
By UCHE USIM

The House of Representatives, on Tuesday in Abuja, charged the Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah, to sustain the current tempo aimed at modernizing airports in the country. The lower chamber also commended the ministry’s capital budget performance for 2012 fiscal year, saying it ranks amongst the best in the country.

Chairperson of the House Committee on Aviation, Rep. Nkiruka Onyejeocha, who made the position of the House known during the 2013 Budget defence by the ministry, yesterday, said after inspecting the reconstruction and remodelling works of airport terminals across the country, the House was very satisfied with the quality of work and pace of transformation of the sector since the minister assumed office a little over a year ago.

“The Aviation Ministry surpassed other ministries in terms of capital budget implementation for the 2012 fiscal year. The transformation of our airport terminals by the minister is phenomenal and highly commendable,” she said. Onyejeocha called for the early and improved implementation of the 2013 Appropriation Act, which she believes will be passed into law by the National Assembly before the end of the year, assuring that the speaker, the leadership and the entire members of the House are, and will continue to be solidly behind the minister in its dream to leave of a legacy of visible and tangible transformation of the sector.

“The Speaker, the leadership and the entire members of the House are very happy with the work you are doing in the sector. We assure you of our continued cooperation and support because we all have the interest of the sector at heart. “We also believe the growth and development of the Nigerian economy is also tied to the growth and development of the aviation sector.

The economy will not perform well if the aviation sector fails to do well, so we want the sector to be rated as the first in terms of its contribution to the national economy,” the chairperson stated. She, however, insisted that the high tempo of development and transformation of the sector witnessed in 2013 must be improved upon and sustained throughout the 2013 capital budget implementation. “Keep doing what you are doing and remain focused..

The Speaker and the National Assembly assure you that we are solidly behind you and will give you all necessary support and cooperation in order to enable you perform better in the coming year”, the chairperson declared. In her brief remarks, Aviation Minister Oduah, thanked the leadership and members of the National Assembly for the support and cooperation given to the ministry since she came on board, stressing that little or nothing could have been achieved without their solid backing and encouragement.

She reiterated the fact that the aviation sector is pivotal to the economic growth of the nation, and assured that she and her team in the ministry, working in concert with the National Assembly as one family will not disappoint the nation. “We can assure you that we will strive to accomplish and surpass our achievements in 2012 next year”, she stated.

She stated that with 66 per cent of its capital vote released so far, the ministry has implemented and utilised 65 per cent. she said the ministry hopes to complete the second phase of the remodelling projects by the second quarter of 2013’ The minister, who said the theme of the 2013 budget in the ministry is “ Facilities and Infrastructural development and upgrade”, declared that greater attention would be focused on the rehabilitation of safety infrastructure like airfield lighting, fire hydrants, landing instruments, navigational aids, security, amongst others in 2013.

http://sunnewsonline.com/new/business/reps-charge-oduah-to-sustain-airport-modernization/

Complete Dullards!!!! An industry falling apart and they are praising a misfit of a Minister.
Airport modernisation is poor....very poor. No functional toilets!!! Conveyor belts tear suitcases!! Ticket to Abuja cost an average of 29,000. Airline collects 14,000; Govt pockets 15,000 and also collects 1,000 passenger service charge on top of it. International airline sells ticket to lodon for 185,000, govt collects 97,000 out of it and then National assembly and minister of aviation turn round and accuse BA & Virgin of high prices. Complete Hypocrites.

At the rate we are going, we would have more airports than planes in nigeria, mark my word. Fed govt wants to build airport in every state

bigass: Generally it is like Lagosians are tired of this Fashola/ACN set up. Judging from the general mood of Lagosians concerning many of the actions of this administration from Lekki Ajah toll gate to Okada ban to flood issue and excessive taxes Recent traffic law. One can begin to think Lagosians will vote out ACN come 2015 and vote in PDP. Are Lagosians really tired of ACN? And prefer PDP? Will PDP be any better?

@poster, any sensible person wld do one thing 1st i.e Check the track record of majority of PDP govs both present and past & realise PDP is bad for Lagos. PDP will take Lagos back to mediocrity.

Lekki Ajah Toll gate is not likely to be better handled by a PDP govt even though we are not happy with its running.

Flood issue: Its is sad that people cannot make objective comparison. Last year 2011, flood dealt wt Lagos in different ways i.e the avoidable and the unavoidable. The avoidable were the ones that destroyed inner city areas like Bariga & a lot of other places. The Unavoidable for which Lagos state govt is powerless is the release of water from Oyam dam which destroyed houses on the way to Ikorodu town but mind you, those houses were never given permit to be built there. Lets now compare with 2 the 2012 heavy rains which resulted in minimal flooding, WHY?? becos the drains had been cleared and obstructions pulled down, then compare that with other states where NEMA wrote letters to the Govs directly and put full paid adverts in paper but the govs did nothing.

Only a mad man will allow uncontrolled industry like Okada to continue. If you sight the year on year records of patients at Igbobi Orthopedic from Okada accidents, you will need to be insane to allow it to continue. It is also only a mad man that will allow a mad man to carry him on Okada on Ikorodu Road; 3rd Mainland Bridge; Apapa Oshodi expressway etc.

Those traffic laws exist in every part of the world but its the fines and punishments like impounding cars that appear heavy handed coupled wt law enforement misusing them.

Taxes, unfortunately, u cannot avoid them. just because some governors turn a blind eye to taxes doesnt mean Lagos is doing wrong.

Be aware that its only Lagos sate & i think Sokoto state amongst the whole 36 states that do not need to collect Federal allocation to exist.

Do you also know that Lagos state is the only state that renders published accounts annually.

Do you know that Lagos state gov renders account every 100 days at different parts of lagos?

Do you know that projects in Lagos are bringing long term prosperity to everybody whatever tribe you are?? e.g, are not Igbos benefitting from 1000% land appreciation along Badagry expressway becos of railway line project?

Have Landlords along that corridor not experienced appreciation in value just becos Lagos govt opened up that area.

Business activity has quadupled in Ajah in the last one year becos the place has been opened up.

@Poster, u are looking at this at microscopic level, discerning people look at things at Strategic level.

Have you ever asked yourself why international brands are opening mostly in lagos only for food; hospitality and entertainment even though you say govt is killing them with taxes?? why are they not in non tax paying states One simple answer, the economy is not stimulated there. lagos economy is bubling. PDP will just suck it dry

Just cant believe that this is on the front page!!!! Bn that you have children presumes you have a husband or they have father(s). Thats where your seeking for advice should be targeted not on Nairaland or else, very soon, every happening at your financial insttution workplace would be on Nairaland too.

Lagos state has just over 40 Political Appointees and its one of the only 2 states amongst 36 states that doesnt need federal allocation to exist.

The governor provides the state scorecard every 100days http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/our-commitment-to-rebuilding-lagos-is-paying-off/131453/

Most other governors are jokers

I maybe wrong but i suspect that what is lacking and therefore leading to a lot of frustration experienced by both Developer and Customer is lack of proper definition.

Definition of requirements (Business Requirements; Functional requirements; Usability requirements)

Definition of scope etc.

No matter how little, every development should obey the cycle of Requirements Specification; Architecture; Design; Implementation; Thorough Testing; Debugging; Deployment. ( Maintenance is a value adding you might want to take on) The value of maintenance is that you get good experience on the job that even helps you to better design and develop in future.

Anyway, enough said. If you honestly have the abilities you are boasting about, go to www.dealzng.com They are planning a makeover to go live by 1st of December and email your interest for an RFP to info@eandmbusinesssolutions.com who are project managing the makeover.

All the best

konami001: Very good... in less than 100 years time, Nigerians will have conquered the United Kingdom... Everything they stole, we shall get them back. just a matter of time..

Too late!! The Indians and Pakis have done that already

Castos: Which book be that abeg?

"The Boeing 777 pilot, named later as Peter Burkill, 43, said he had lost all power and had to glide the plane in to land" http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/7194086.stm

A few things to note here;

(1) Professionalism (The Pilot and Flight Engineer did the right thing to inform of the occurence)

(2) Integrity (They could have concealed it and asked for ground staff & engineers to patch things up.

(3) Structured organisation (Business Managers did not over rule technical professionals just to earn a few extra millions of naira)

(4) News Media need to exercise restraint in sensationalizing technical matters that they have little knowledge about

(5) No where near a crash as you cannot crash your car in parking position when it doesnt even start up

Its as simple as this: China give you the loan. CECC a chinese company constructs the Railway; builds the airport terminals and provides thru Huawei, the Computer cables and devices for Galaxy backbone. That way, the money they borrowed you comes back to them through their own companies in profit and with interest. Its all about GeoEcoPolitics(my coinage)

GeoEcoPolitics is simply taking new territories with your influence; money and numerical strength. The Indians practice it too. Other 1st world countries who dont have numerical strength had used other means in times past e.g UK bn a great empire etc etc.

My only worry is that with all our knowledge and exposure, we have not used the same model to colonise other African countries as we have money and numerical strength and if well used can get us influencebut we cant because nobody respects us any longer or how can Ghana respect us when we willfully spend 160billion plus annually attending their schools that is no big deal to them. The respect has since long gone that they treat us as they like ala Yellow card.

The long & short of it is that Nigeria has to wake up or it will be a forgotten nation totally as right now, our contribution to the wealth of d world is so in·fin·i·tes·i·mal that if nigeria disappeared today from the face of the earth, its demise will not be felt. What a shame

Kudos to true leaders who do it because thats really who they are and not for show. It also sends the right signal to their colleagues and followers that holding that office will end one day and they would return to their normal life one day.

As for the Obama's, whether its election or not, na their way. Xmas period 2011, Michele Obama strolled into a Target shop in Bethesda wt a face cap and was only recognised when she was paying at the till. Obama is known to play basketball in the hood as well.

Coming back home, Gov Fashola was walking right in front of me in the departure lounge at MMIA to board an Emirates flight. He pulled his hand luggage himself and also placed it on the table for searching by himself at the gate of the plane. He walked down the plane gangway with not one aide in tow not even his aide de camp I dont know if he had an entourage waiting for him in the plane but from what i saw, and the reaction of the Airport Police commandant and Air Force personnel that accompanied him through his walk around the airport, you could tell that he was alone.

There is also a top 10 bank MD, that has bn sighted having quick snacks wt children in KFC and also picks them up from school as need arises. No escort car; no security detail, NOTHING. Wort emulating

(1) Prof Barth Nnaji is excellent professional in his field

(2) As most technical people are not astute business people, Prof Barth Nnaji was unable to run his company profitably and the company nearly went bankrupt a couple of years ago. They were heavily exposed to Nigerian banks with unpayable bad debts that AMCON had to bail them out.

(3)I cant consider this resignation honourable because he should not have been there in the first place as it was conflict of interest from the word go and should nevr have accepted appointment as Special Adviser to the President on Power when he was owner in a company heavily involved in Power contracts in Nigeria.

(4) One day sha, our President will learn from his ineptitude. He should never have offered Barth Nnaji a post in his govt as Special Adviser and then Minister when he knew he had ownership of a company involved in Power contracts, so all this one of accepting resignation is mere grandstanding and playing to the gallery.

Barth Nnaji, i wish you success in your future endeavours as i salute your bravery and doggedness in taking the Power reform up to this point with all the minefields around you