Lagos State Government has formally kicked off commercial waterways transportation in Ilaje Bariga jetty, at a ceremony held at Bariga Ferry Terminal in Bariga local council Area on Wednesday.
#ForAGreaterLagos
#ForAGreaterLagos
The event marked the commencement of commercial operations in waterways transportation by @Lagferry in Bariga, a stakeholders meeting that had political office holders, CAN, ..
... Muslim community, CDC, Artisans, youth representatives, academics community, traditional chiefs, and @TalktoLaswa in attendance, was an interactive session that depicted what a stakeholders meeting should be.
The managing director of @Lagferry, Hon Abdubaq Ladi Balogun (@positivebaqi) in his welcome speech appreciated all the people in attendance and he further said Bariga waterfront jetty was commissioned last year to ease movement, ...
.. as the governor saw it as one of the best solutions to the traffic problems in Lagos state.
"It is a well known fact that one third of Lagos state lands is covered with water, and the govenor wants to utilise the opportunity available to ease traffic gridlock within the state".
Hon Balogun said the agency started its operations on the 4th of Febuary 2020, and that they have successfully conveyed 86,000 passengers around the state, this was achieved with the support of the Governor.
Governor @jidesanwoolu was there for them during the COVID-19 challenges, he subsidized the fare for the people of Lagos.
Continuing, the MD said @Lagferry is safe, secure, free wifi, USB port charger, and all lag ferry passengers have an insurance cover on them in case of an unforeseen circumstances, they have professional operators and so far, there has not been record of any accident.
Other advantages of water transportation is that it makes travel time shorter, a journey from Badore to VI is 5 minutes while Badore to Ikoyi is 12 minutes, while Bariga to Ebute Ero is 10 minutes.
Concluding , he said Somolu Bariga and its axis have about 6 higher institutions of learning and It will be of great advantage for the students and lecturers alike, and that market women will also see it as a massive advantage.
The member representing Somolu 2 in the Lagos state house of assembly, Hon Rotimi Abiru in his goodwill message said water transportation is an alternative to ease traffic congestion on Lagos roads ...
.. and there is no form of pollution, amongst other key benefits, noted that @Lagferry has never recorded any casualty since its commencement of operation.
His counterpart in the assembly ( Somolu 1), Hon Rotimi Olowo, also a transportation expert thanked the Lagos state government for bringing life to Somolu and Bariga because he believes Lagferry signifies safety, ...
... he said water transportation is a good alternative form of transport because Lagos is an island surrounded by water, and Lagferry will provide safety, comfort and security.
Furthermore, he advised that the fare should be structured to accommodate students and if possible liaise with Road transport workers to make provisions for transporting the people especially students to make it seamless, ...
... he also made a case for employment of residents of Bariga and Somolu, as he promised that the house of assembly will support the agency to enlarge their coast and points of operations.
The chairman of Somolu, Hon Abdulhameed Salawu (DULLAR) in his short message thanked Governor @jidesanwoolu and @Lagferry for deeming it fit to bring the terminal unto life, and appealed to market men and women to be using Lagferry, because of its safety and conformability.
His counterpart in Bariga, Hon Alabi Kolade David was ably represented by his amiable Vice, Hon Adeola Zainat Kuponiyi, on behalf of the chaiman, she thanked the Governor who is an APC product for the opportunity, saying it will help our youths in terms of employment, ..
... and she also advised that the fare should be affordable for the residents, and the timing of the ferry should be scheduled in such a way that it won't have effect on market women.
Barrister Doyin Banjo (@AdeWasiuBanjo), a senatorial aspirant in Lagos East, also appreciated Governor @jidesanwoolu for the initiative saying it is long overdue, but advised that car carrier should also be deployed to the terminal for peoples use.
The agency responsible for security and protection of waterways, @TalktoLaswa was also represented by Mr Ibraheem Oladapo and he assured Bariga residents that the safety of the people is assured.
The representative of the king of Somolu, Baale Bajulaye, Chief R. A Yunusa as well as the Baale of Ilaje, Chief Kayode Ayetiwa, Professor Iyiola Oni ( representative of UNILAG VC) and Dr Titilayo (representative of the Provost of FCE (Technical), Akoka) ..
.. also took turns to speak and promised to support the state government and Lagferry in area of broadcasting.
Questions were asked by CAN representative , Muslim representative, CDC members, Artisans on the operation and routes of the ferries
Questions were asked by CAN representative , Muslim representative, CDC members, Artisans on the operation and routes of the ferries
Responding , Hon Balogun said the Govenor is committed to the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda and he further said the ferry would be operating from Bariga to Ebute Ero, Ikoyi and Victoria Island for now and will start Bariga to Ikorodu soon.
He assued market women that no one will charge them for loads, they will only pay normal fare as a passenger.
On students, he said fee will be reduced for them as far as they can show their identity cards, also adding that there wont be overloading, ..
On students, he said fee will be reduced for them as far as they can show their identity cards, also adding that there wont be overloading, ..
.. life jacket would be a must while boarding LAGFERRY, and finally, on employment , he said Lagferry always carries along the people of the communities it operates and Bariga will not be an exception and he assured on security in the surrounding areas of the terminal.
