Ambode promises to deliver Agege-Pen Cinema flyover bridge by December 2018

The Lagos State Government, yesterday, flagged off the construction of the Agege-Pen Cinema Bridge, with a promise to deliver it by December next year.
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting with residents of Agege and environs on the construction of precast/pre-stressed concrete dual carriage flyover and ramp at Pen Cinema Junction, said the flyover, when completed, would be equivalent to both the Ajah and Abule-Egba bridges.

Ambode, represented by the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Adebowale Akinsanya, noted that this is the reason there would be inconveniences during the construction.

The governor, therefore, sought the support and understanding of the residents with the government and the contractor to make the project a reality and delivered on time.

“We are here gathered today to engage the relevant stakeholders on the need to construct a flyover bridge across the intersections of Iju Road and Old Abeokuta Road with Oba Ogunji/Agunbiade Street, respectively, which cannot be over emphasised, in view of its strategic link to several communities.

“In ensuring that this project measure up to world class standard, the reconstruction has been given to a tested and proven contractor, Hitech Construction Nigeria Limited, who is prepared to work round the clock in two shifts to ensure the timely completion of the project.”

According to the governor, to minimise the inconvenience to road users that ply this route during the construction stage of the flyover, alternative routes for traffic diversion were identified after a thorough reconnaissance survey, with a view to serve as bypass from the construction zone, as well as ensure seamless flow of traffic while the construction activities are ongoing within this corridor.

“The diversion will no doubt assist Iju, Oba Ogunji Roads and beyond bound motorists without going through traffic rigours.“The need to collectively resolve the perennial traffic gridlock at Pen-Cinema and its environs is a task that must be done by all.

“This stakeholders meeting is in line with the inclusive governance mantra of the present administration to run an open, robust and all-inclusive government where citizens will not only have a voice, but also determine the direction and scope of developmental projects in the state.

“Let me say without mincing words that there are bound to be some inconveniences during the construction period, but measures have been put in place to mitigate the impact.

“We, therefore, solicit your cooperation, support and understanding, keeping in mind that the ultimate goal is to facilitate improvement in the quality of life and overall standard of living of communities within the vicinity of the project.”

The governor listed a number of road projects being executed across the state, saying all are geared towards resolving perennial traffic gridlock, as well as serve as interconnectivity for roads that impact positively on the health of road users, who would not longer be subjected to the stress associated with traffic gridlock.

Meanwhile, Ambode has underscored the importance of accurate data gathering to national development and urged the national body of all statisticians in the country to improve on the process of data gathering and collation for the use of government institutions and research purposes.

Speaking at the opening session of the 1st International Conference of the Nigerian Statistical Association (NSA), with the theme, ‘Positioning National Statistical System for Data Revolution and Inclusive Development,’ in Lagos, Ambode, represented by his Special Adviser on Education, Obafela Bank-Olemoh, said data collation and analysis is key to good planning and inclusive governance.

He disclosed that his administration places high premium on statistics for even distribution of basic social amenities across the state for the benefit of the citizenry, promising to provide funding to ensure that reliable, acceptable and right statistics were provided in good quality and timely.He expressed optimism that the outcome of the conference would help the state to redefine strategies for improving statistical data production, usage and dissemination.

In his address, president of NSA, Prof Sidney Onyeagu, said statistics helps to provide sound information to enhance policy formulation and strategic planning in the public and private sector of the economy.

On his part, the Director of Statistics, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Mohammed Tumala, wants government institutions to understand and acknowledge the importance of statistics towards the attainment of national development.