Honourable Abdulrasaq Balogun told the traditional rulers, religious leaders, market women and union leaders that the Governor has resolved to make waterways transportation an integral means of transportation in Lagos by developing the sector to a high standard.
He added that the Governor is making every effort to integrate the waterways and road system to complement each other and that the BRT (Bus Rapid Transport) and the Lagos Ferry Waterways will soon be complemented with the Lagos Metro-rail system, hopefully by 2021.
“We have taken maximum advantage of the water burden that we have in Lagos State and we are doing it inter – dependently, a way that when people disembark from the bus, they can actually take a ride in the boat and when they get to the terminal after taking the boat, they can then commence in their last mile destination.”
“In terms of job opportunities, the people of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA will be privileged because this is a growing sector and we have people around here with a coaster communities. They have to make use of the advantage for having water transportation taking place at their backyard, and this will add to the economic value of the people in that particular area while the GDP of the Lagos economic will actually improve,” Abdoulrasaq added.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Builder Olusesan Mayokun Daini, thanked MD Lagferry and applauded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for keeping to his promise in relieving Lagosians of the stress of land transportation and putting more efforts in developing water ways.
“Having this Jetty in Bayeku will surely relief the people of Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA and the entire Ikorodu Division because it will ease the movement of the people to Badore, Langbasa, Ajah, Marina and Lekki. And just as it will increase the economic availability of our LCDA, it will equally be part of the coaster land development,” Daini said.
He advised commuters to comply with the rules and regulations while urging the operators to keep by the rules, time and all other regulations guiding their operations.
“What the Lagos State government is presently introducing will reduce the risk involved seriously, while the monitoring agency should also do more to uplift their job,” Daini added.
Speaking eloquently, Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola, the Oluomo of Igbogbo land and former Ag. Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture in the State, said it is obvious that the commercial ferry operation is going to transform the social and economic life of Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA by bringing peace and tranquility.
“Under ten to fifteen minutes, one would get to Badore, Falomo, Marina and Lekki. This is something we have been clamouring for. So, we thank Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for this opportunity. Apart from the ferry terminal, we are hoping that the road leading to Bayeku will equally be done. We also thank the managing Director of Lagrerry, Hon. Abdulrasaq. He’s very capable and doing wonderfully well,” Akinsola said.
In the same vein, the Odofin of Igbogbo, High Chief Tajudeen Onasanya, also applauded the Lagferry MD and the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for their selfless efforts on Lagos coaster areas and enjoined them to always involve Igbogbo Monarch in their activities.
HRM Oba AbdulSemiu Orimadegun Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, in his royal remarks, said without mincing words, that what Igbogbo is experiencing today is long overdue.
“I want to appreciate Governor Sanwo-Olu for making it a reality at this point in time and also his administration for making effort to explore the water transportation to relieve the burden on our roads, more so on Ikorodu-Lagos axis.”
“We also want to talk about improving roads between the local communities to the jetty, the draining of the water, safety and monitoring of water transportation in that axis, so that people’s confidence can be ensured and heightened to the fullest,” the Monarch said.
He expressed confidence that the Baiyeku Jetty will lift up the economic and social life of the people while also stating that a lot of people will make use of the opportunity presented by the jetty from Igbogbo to the Island.
“It will make the commercial business a reality and of course, it will surely influence positive implications on our people’s life, not only Igbogbo kingdom but Ikorodu Division at large,” Oba Kasali added.
Others present at the stakeholders meeting were: Mrs. Adeshiyan Ibitola of Lagferry, Baales, religious leaders, Market leaders, Council Officials, CDAs, NURTW and the anchor man, Mr. Odusina Akeem