The governor said  the construction of the bridge would commence in the first quarter of 2024, “by the end of March or April.”

He spoke at the Lagos West Senatorial District Town Hall Meeting held at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja.

Sanwo-Olu noted that the bridge would  be constructed and opened for use in phases, while stating that extensive work had already been done towards the commencement of the construction.

He said, “You cannot get a new road without needing to do a bit of discomfort. But we will ensure that we compensate everybody that their property or their businesses will be disturbed by this new construction. But it’s going to be along existing corridors.

“So, there will be a few buildings that will be touched. But I want to assure you that not only will the landlord be paid full compensation, but places we have tenants as well, we will ensure that we also compensate them. And we will ensure that nobody is unduly taken advantage of.”

On when the construction of the much-awaited bridge would start, the governor said, “We’ve done extensive work on the bridge. But we are at the crossroads of where to get the real financing for that kind of project. We’ll need to be very very creative, but we thank God because we have reached the last final dot of the construction. Our commitment is that within this first quarter, meaning that by the end of March or April, we should break the ground to start the construction of the Fourth Mainland Bridge.”

The Fourth Mainland Bridge is a 38km-long bridge project by the Lagos State Government, connecting Lagos Island by way of Langbasa (Lekki) and Baiyeku (Ikorodu) across the Lagos Lagoon to Itamaga, in Ikorodu. The bridge is a 2 x 4 lane carriageway cross-sectional road with permission for Bus Rapid Transit Lane and future road contraction.

Meanwhile, Sanwo-Olu said the Lagos Red Line rail would be unveiled in February, adding that the state government had written officially to President Bola Tinubu to invite him for the unveiling of the rail line.

“Our Red Line rail will be unveiled in February. In fact, we have written officially to Mr President to come and help us unveil it in February this year,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The Red Line rail is a 37-kilometre North-South rail route that will run from Agbado to Marina with 13 stations at Agbado, Iju, Agege, Ikeja, Murtala Muhammed International Airport International Wing, MMIA Domestic, Oshodi, Mushin, Yaba, Ebute Metta, Iddo, Ebute Ero and Marina.

Sanwo-Olu said the planned medical university would graduate about 1,500 doctors yearly, urging other states to emulate Lagos.

The governor disclosed this at the unveiling of the Femi Gbajabiamila General Hospital located on Iyun Road, Surulere.

He said, “The Lagos State will be setting up, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Universities Commission, another university that will be called Lagos State Medical University, before the end of this year. This is a strategic intervention moment for us.

“Why are we setting up a health or medical university? This is to solve two problems: We found out, working with the Federal Ministry of Health, that we need to scale up very aggressively all of our training and the youth that require to be trained in everything within our health space.

We cannot sit back and fold our arms like a government that cannot intervene, and so we will, as a state that is leading the pack and we hope that other states will take the initiative,  set up this university to be able to scale and have 1,000 to 1,500 doctors being graduated on a year-on-year basis, and will also stem, in our view, the risk of our medical personnel leaving our country.

“We are going to ensure that we provide the best facilities to be able to retain our best talents here.”

Sanwo-OLu said the intervention became necessary following the advice by the federal authorities that states needed to scale up the number of medical personnel being produced to bridge the gap of the shortage of medical health practitioners due to japa.

He commended the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, for upgrading the popular Femi Gbajabiamila Clinic to an ultramodern multi-floor 80-bed hospital.

Other projects unveiled by the governor on Tuesday included: the upgraded and dualised Babs Animashaun Road in Surulere from a two-lane road to a four-lane dual carriage road; the Femi Gbajabiamila Conference Centre located on the campus of the Lagos State University, Ojo; and the Sam Shonibare Community Centre, comprising a youth centre, an auditorium, a football pitch, a lawn tennis court, and a basketball court; all facilitated/donated by the President’s Chief of Staff, Gbajabiamila.

The gesture, according to a statement on Tuesday signed by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, Folashade Kadiri, was in appreciation of their “critical role in keeping Lagos clean.”

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, was quoted in the statement as saying, “Governor Sanwo-Olu acknowledges the tireless efforts of our street sweepers and waste handlers in maintaining a clean and healthy environment for Lagosians. This bonus is a gesture of gratitude for their dedication and commitment, especially during this festive season.”

Gbadegesin added that the bonus would impact the lives of the recipients and their families, bringing joy and relief during the season.

Sanwo-Olu also approved an end-of-the-year 2023 bonus for all public servants in the state to appreciate them for their contributions to the advancement of the state.

Speaking at the 14th Tradesmen and Artisans Day celebration held  at the Blue Roof, Lagos Television, Agidingbi, the governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Mr Afolabi Ayantayo, said his administration had put in place a series of empowerment programmes to prepare artisans in the state “to think global and provide local solutions.”

Acknowledging the artisans as key contributors to economic growth, employment generation and wealth creation in the state, Sanwo-Olu said his government would continue to develop “innovative solutions that address the challenges” of the sector and create the enabling environment for improved productivity.

“As a government that is responsive to the needs of the people, we will continue to explore ways to make sure we cushion the effects of these policies; we will do everything within our power to support you at this time and ensure that you feel the impact of our good governance.

“We will continue to improve the capacity of the relevant government agencies and institutions, including the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, and continue to support small-scale businesses with access to funds.

“Our passion to enhance the growth of this sector and prosperity of all stakeholders has been demonstrated by the implementation of various programmes through the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment and collaboration with other government agencies and the private sector,” the governor said.

Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, appealed for the upward review of the annual subvention from N6m to N12m.

The governor, who was represented by the state Head of Service, Mr Olabode Agoro, at the celebration of Lagos State Day/closing ceremony of the annual Lagos International Trade Fair held at Tafawa Balewa Square, Onikan, on Sunday, said his administration was committed to improving the business environment towards making it more attractive for investment.

“With the T.H.E.M.E.S Development Agenda, now rechristened T.H.E.M.E.S.+ Agenda, our administration rose to the occasion as we confronted the challenges of infrastructure and others frontally because we understand how important they are to achieving the major responsibility of government, which is facilitating friendly environment for living and ease of doing businesses.

“We shall continue to place a high priority on the provision of key infrastructure that would make our state safer, more secure, functional and productive as an impetus towards achieving sustainable economic growth, leveraging a highly motivated and vibrant private-sector participation,” he added.

Also speaking, the Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperative, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, said Lagos State, the economic nerve centre of Nigeria, currently contributes approximately 25 per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.

The commissioner also noted that the non-oil sector of the state has grown by eight per cent in the past year.

“Over the past year, we have seen an impressive eight per cent growth in our non-oil sector, a testament to the resilience and innovation of our industrious business community. Many of our Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises are growing, accounting for about 80 per cent of the state’s employment, which underscores their pivotal role in job creation and economic development,” she noted.

The governor, who spoke via his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, noted that the ‘Clean Up of Lagos’ vision demands out-of-the-box thinking and discipline.

“The clean-up of Lagos, getting rid of waste and reducing pollution is a shared vision and collective effort that demands out-of-the-box thinking and extreme discipline,” the governor said.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed that he moved the Commissioner of the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, to the ministry “because I saw passion and pragmatism as well as the discipline required to do the difficult things.”

He added, “Working closely with LAWMA, LASEPA, LAGESC, as well as other agencies, they have hit the ground running in the efforts to clean up Lagos.”

Speaking of the clearing of an illegal dumpsite in the Amuwo Odofin area of the state, which was recently cleared by the ministry, the governor said, “This is a very good example of clearing and regenerating an illegal dumpsite in Amuwo Odofin.

“A lot of such projects are going on across the state and I need the support of  all residents in achieving the success of this goal.”

Sanwo-Olu, who spoke at the unveiling of the Oyingbo Overpass, one of the five overpasses being constructed across rail lines in the state, also noted that the inauguration of the bridge was timely as the Federal Government was set to commence the rehabilitation of the Third Mainland Bridge on Monday (today).

The governor said the Oyingbo Overpass would serve as an alternative route for commuters travelling between the Island and the mainland during the period of the rehabilitation, hence, providing succour for commuters.

“As the Federal Ministry of Transport commences the rehabilitation of the Third Mainland Bridge and the total overlay of its pavement, this bridge will provide a lot of relief to motorists,” he announced.

Speaking on the significance of the Oyingbo Overpass, Sanwo-Olu said, “Given the importance of Oyingbo as a major link between the mainland and the Island, we are investing so much in the provision of transport infrastructure that will support commerce and enhance ease of movement.

“Part of the infrastructure is the Yaba Bus Terminal, which, unfortunately, was torched by arsonists alongside over 50 new high-capacity buses during the #EndSARS protest.

“Today, we have risen from the ashes of those dark days as we forge ahead in the development of our transport infrastructure.

Here in Oyingbo, we also have the Oyingbo Train Station of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Red Line. The siting of these infrastructures in this area is strategic and intentional to achieve a seamless integrated intermodal transport system for the people.”

The special guest of honour at the inauguration ceremony and Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, congratulated Sanwo-Olu, who he called “our mentor,” on his various successes in the state.

Sanwo-Olu, last Thursday, unveiled the Yaba Overpass last, noting that bridges are being constructed across rail lines in the state to stop train-vehicular accidents.

Earlier, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Abimbola Akinajo, who noted that the bridges are an essential part of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Red Line rail project to ensure the safety of Lagosians, disclosed that the LRMT Red Line Oyingbo Overpass has a total length of 717 metres.

“I would also like to inform you that the infrastructure to support the operation of the LRMT Red Line rail is already in place with stations and rail platforms built at Oyingbo, Yaba, Mushin, Oshodi, Ikeja, Agege and Iju. By and large, the system is ready for test operation,” she added.

In his goodwill message, the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, noted that the LRMT projects are a subset of the State Strategic Transport Master Plan, “which prescribes six rail lines and one monorail for Lagos. For the Red Line to be fully functional, there must be some supporting infrastructure that must be provided.”

He said the STMP “is very clear and specific on the transport projects and infrastructure required to make our beloved state competitive among the college of cities.”

The LRMT Red Line Oyingbo Overpass is one of such supporting infrastructure. Lagosians would recall that our governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, last Thursday, commissioned the Yaba Overpass, the first of the four newly constructed overpass bridges over the Red Line tracks to be commissioned.

“The provision of this transport infrastructure is a testament to the fulfilment of the electoral promises of Mr Governor under the first pillar of the THEMES+ developmental agenda, Traffic Management and Transportation.

“The government’s vision for transportation for Lagos is one that is sustainable, intermodal, and an integrated system. Our transport infrastructure, therefore, speaks to intramodality. For instance, the Oyingbo train station connects to this terminal, thus giving commuters the choice of which transport mode to use to get to their destinations,” the commissioner stated.

Osiyemi added that “while it is the responsibility of the government to provide infrastructure, it is important for the people for whom they are provided to own them and that they report any abuse of the infrastructure to law enforcement agencies and the ministries or agencies in charge. This way our infrastructure will work for us and make life easier for us.”

The governor made this known in a statement on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Gboyega Akosile.

According to Sanwo-Olu, his visit to the hospitals was predicated on the need to see things for himself and ensure staff compliance with the health palliative scheme which covers the cost of normal pregnancy delivery, Caesarean section and antenatal care done in the state-owned hospitals.

The health scheme is part of the relief measures rolled out by the state government to cushion the hardship being faced by residents as a result of the fuel subsidy removal policy.

He said, “I need to come and see things for myself to know where our intervention is specifically and generally needed,” the governor said.

According to the statement, Sanwo-Olu walked into the hospital unannounced at exactly 6:35 pm.

The statement reads, “At 6:35 pm, the governor walked quietly into the hospital’s maternity ward where two expectant mothers were being examined.

One of them, Odeyemi Omowunmi, is heavily pregnant but she is not yet due for delivery. The 37-year-old expectant mother was compelled to take admission weeks ahead of her scheduled delivery.

“Odeyemi’s forced hospitalisation was as a result of her unstable blood pressure — the condition that led to two previous miscarriages. In order not to lose the pregnancy, doctors advised Odeyemi be placed under constant observation until she is due for childbirth.

“The care is free of charge. The medical expenses are completely covered under the health palliative scheme declared by Governor Sanwo-Olu across the Lagos State-owned General Hospitals.

“The health palliative covers the cost of normal pregnancy delivery, Caesarean section and antenatal care done in the state-owned hospitals.

In a chat with the governor, Odeyemi said: “My husband and I live in Abule Egba, where I started antenatal care at a private clinic. I was seven and half months into my pregnancy when they discovered that my blood pressure was too high. My husband feared that I might lose the pregnancy again, having had two successive miscarriages.

“We were referred to the Island Maternity Hospital for advanced medical examination when doctors told me I must be admitted for continued observation. My husband did not want me admitted initially because of the cost. But we were told the care is completely free. We didn’t believe it until I started getting treatment without anyone asking us to pay a dime.”

Since the free medical services commenced on the first day of August, hundreds of pregnant women have benefited from the free deliveries and antenatal care across the Lagos-owned hospitals.

Sanwo-Olu was conducted around the maternity ward by the Chief Matron in Charge, Akinsola Dorcas.

The governor moved to Lagos Island Hospital, Odan, where he personally took an audit of facilities in the 10-storey Doctors’ Quarters in which a house officer recently died from injuries in an elevator accident.

Sanwo-Olu conducted an on-the-spot assessment of apartments, stores, and power supply systems in the quarters. He was led by a representative of the House Officers, Dr Segun Ogunlana.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Executive Security of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Dr Abdurrazaq Balogun, on Wednesday, adding that the agency would present a review of the agency’s security interventions from 2019 to 2022 at the town hall meeting.

Balogun said, “The Lagos State Security Trust Fund holds its 16th annual town hall meeting on security with Governor Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday 24th November 2022 at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. The main focus of this year’s town hall meeting is to take a retrospective look at the current administration’s developmental strides across all spheres of governance, particularly in the area of security.

The external auditors to the Fund, Ernst and Young, will give their opinion on the 2021 audit report of the Fund while the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, Abiodun Alabi will also give a report on the activities of the Command including their challenges and achievements in the year under review.

“The issues of insecurity has been a major concern in the country and by extension Lagos State, and security is under the purview of the Federal Government.”

This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Public Affairs Unit, Office of the Special Adviser on Education, which noted that the appointment of Odusanya as the substantive VC of the university took effect from September 29, 2022.

Sanwo-Olu, at the take-off of the new university, approved the appointment of the then substantive Rector of the former Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu, Dr Nurudeen Olaleye, as the acting Vice-Chancellor of the university, pending the selection and appointment of the substantive Vice-Chancellor.

The statement explained that “it  has become imperative to appoint a substantive Vice- Chancellor for LASUSTECH to ensure that there is no void in the university’s leadership and to maintain the necessary stability of the institution.

“Odusanya was born on February 8, 1965.  He is a Professor of Public and Community Health and a Fellow of the Medical College in Public Health and Community Medicine. He holds Master of Public Health from the University of Lagos. Until his new appointment, Odusanya was a Professor of Community and Primary Health in the Department of Community Health and Primary Health Care, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, Lagos State University.

While commending LASUSTECH’s former acting Vice-Chancellor, Olaleye, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, appreciated him for using his experience and good managerial skill to set the new university on a good track.
“Posterity will judge him aright as one of the foundation Management Heads of the university in the future. His efforts will pave the way for the new administration to start on a good pedestal,” the statement read.

It added that Olaleye had been directed by the State Government to resume his duty post as the LASPOTECH’s substantive Rector for the next three years and two months remaining for him to complete his tenure.