Kunle ADELABU
-Engages Commissioner for Waterfront and Infrastructural Development
In its quest to harness the abundant natural resources and more importantly, maximize the lucrativeness of the untapped waterways between Ikorodu and the Island, the Ikorodu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), has concluded plans to invest in Ferry services.
This was the focus of the Engr. Hameed O. B. Lawal led Ikorodu Chamber of Commerce at its 12th Business Luncheon held at the Gbadamosi Conference Room, Ikorodu Town Hall, Ikorodu, on Friday, December 16, 2018.
The guest speaker at the Luncheon, which was themed, “Involvement of ICCI in the Development of Ferry Services in Ikorodu Division”, was the Honourable Commissioner in-charge of the Lagos State Ministry of Waterfront and Infrastructure Development, Hon. Samuel Adejare, who was represented by a Director in the Ministry.
The initiative is a more practical approach by the ICCI to further its core objectives by attempting to invest in water transportation business which covers about 70% of the division.
In his address, Engr. Lawal stated that the ICCI Luncheon is held quarterly to discuss issues facing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMES) in Ikorodu division and promote their interests.
“Our Business Luncheon is held quarterly, and majorly to have a robust discussion on problems facing small and medium Enterprises (SMES) and generate ideas that could promote growth in various business areas in line with the best global practices of Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
“In this connection, it must be mentioned that our past business luncheons had witnessed robust discourse ably led by eminent technocrats in public and private sectors, distinguished entrepreneurs, acclaimed scholars and renowned captains of commerce and industry, all for the benefit of members of the chamber and the business community of Ikorodu and its environs.
“It is, therefore, in line with our tradition and core objective of providing the hub for social and business excellence in Ikorodu Division and beyond that we have carefully selected another relevant topic for this 12th Business Luncheon – “Involvement of ICCI in the Development of Ferry Services in Ikorodu Division”.
Engr. Lawal commended the Lagos State Government for completing the Ferry Jetty at Bayeku in Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area of Ikorodu division, which he stated would contribute to the development of the division.
“In this connection, I wish, on behalf of the ICCI and the entire citizens of Ikorodu division, to thankfully congratulate the Lagos State Government and the Honourable Commissioner for this milestone completion of the jetty at Baiyeku.
“Our dear Honourable Commissioner sir, once again, we appreciate you and we appreciate the Lagos State Government for completing the jetty at Baiyeku in order to ease water transportation in Ikorodu division.”
The ICCI on behalf of Ikorodu residents asked for more intervention from the Lagos State Government in the development of waterways in the division.
“Like Oliver Twist, we respectfully ask for more of such jetties in Ikorodu division. The choice of this topic is not only premised on the completed Jetty at Baiyeku by the Lagos State Government, but it is also based on our conviction that neither the private sector nor the public sector can deliver the State’s aspirations alone.
“The task of socio-economic development of the State and even the country at large requires collaborative efforts by both public and private sectors in areas such as critical infrastructure like power supply, water ways, good roads, and those areas that focus on human capital development.”
Hon. Samuel Adejare,while speaking on the theme, stated that the government is committed to sanitizing the water transportation sector and make it lucrative for business.
“The Lagos State Government has restated its commitment to sanitize the water transportation sector so as to ensure improved, efficient and safe mode of movement of passengers and goods on her waterways.”
He revealed that state government has identified 30 routes for navigation across the state out which 20 had been dredged.
“The Government has identified over 30 routes for navigation channels across the State; out of which about 20 had been completely dredged, regular removal of water hyacinth and buried debris. It has also upgraded and modernized existing terminus and constructed new ferry terminus across the State.
According to the Commissioner, two of the completed routes are located in Bayeku and Offin in Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA in Ikorodu division.
While stating that accidents on waterways are due to man-made errors, Hon. Adejare also mentioned measures that have been put in place by the government to make waterways safe for passengers.
“The Government has acquired new ferries and disposed the unworthy ones from her fleet.
“While Government is not relenting in its quest to achieve more, strategies have been put in place to ensure strict compliance to extant water transportation regulations that will forestall wanton loss of lives and other mishaps along the State waterways, especially man-made errors caused by inexperience personnel, over-speeding, boat over-loading and use of inappropriate life jackets.
“ln addition, the State Government, amongst other efforts, had licensed private operators to support this giant stride, deploy mobile security taskforce on water and curbing unauthorized sand dredging activities that cause uneven water depth.”
While recognising the population and abundance natural resources that abound in Ikorodu division, the Commissioner challenged residents, especially the elites, to take advantage by investing in harnessing these opportunities.
“Ikorodu, the second most populous Local Government Area in the State, with a population of over 2million people, is a littoral city and the fastest growing exurb near the Lagos metropolis, owing in part to the influx of people from Lagos and the serene environment provided by navigable Lagos Lagoon.
“lkorodu has the advantage of investing in her natural endowment and as such, should be in the forefront of harnessing maximum potential from her abundant waterways.
“Investment opportunities inherent in water transportation of this city cannot be overemphasized. Commuters ( numbering over 5,000 people per say)from Ikorodu and suburb can access other parts of Lagos State like Lagos Island, Oworonsoki, lkoyi, Ajah, Epe, Apapa, Marina and many too numerous to mention, through the lagoon.
“This singular reason makes it pertinent for investment in water transportation, especially by Ikorodu Business Elites and Organizations like you. This will not only boost the economic base and investment capacity of the Ikorodu Division but enhances strategic advancement of Ikorodu Division; which I believe other littoral cities like Epe, Badagry and Apapa will eagerly emulate.
“I, therefore, charge you to propel, educate members and liaise with the State Government in strategic development of water transportation master plan for the benefit of your members and lkorodu division generally.
Among other chieftains of ICCI at the Luncheon were the 1st Deputy President, Prof (Chief) Kunle Ade Wahab, 2nd Deputy President, Sir Engr. (Chief) R.O. Shoderu, Vice President, Revd. Col. Titi Onafowokan (Rtd.), Vice President, Chief Tele Oduloye, Treasurer, Alhaja K.O. Lamina, Public Relations Officer, Alhaji Mukaila Afolabi, Legal Adviser, Barr. Lekan Ijelu and the Director- General, Chief Michael Ojo, MNIM.
