The Managing Director, Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY), Mr Abdoulbaq Balogun, has sought the patronage and cooperation of Badagry residents, to enable government to achieve seamless transportation.
Balogun made the plea during a stakeholders meeting held at Ferry Terminal, Ebute Miller, Marina Badagry in Lagos State on Tuesday.
Balogun, represented by the Head, Admin and Human Resources of Lagferry, Mrs Bunmi Mofunlewi, said that the commencement of LAGFERRY at the terminal represented a platform for connectivity.
He said that the operation would also bring numerous economic and social benefits to the community.
“The ease of access, reduced travel time and increased mobility options will undoubtedly contribute to catalysing economic growth and attracting investment to our region.
“This terminal will serve as a hub for tourism and recreational activities, boosting our local economy and providing the opportunity for visitors to experience the natural beauty of our waterways,” Balogun said.
He said that LAGFERRY passengers were fully insured, while its captains were professionals and regularly trained.
Balogun sought stakeholders’ patronage on the boat services which he said was a viable alternative to road transport.
He said it also creates a future where environmentally friendly transportation becomes the norm, benefiting the society and the State.
The LAGFERRY boss said that Lagos State Government was committed to improving water transportation as panacea to traffic congestion.
He said it was doing so by constantly procuring state of the art boats, rehabilitating and constructing modern terminals/jetties, opening new routes and providing hi tech safety equipment.
“The commencement of operation by LAGFERRY from Badagry to Liverpool, to CMS/Marina in the morning and CMS/Marina to Liverpool, to Badagry in the evening, stands as a testament to our commitment to providing convenient and eco-friendly alternatives to traditional means of traveling.
“Now that there is congestion on the Badagry expressway road due to reconstruction and rehabilitation, this move is designed to ease movement to essential and critical destinations for our commuters,”Balogun said.
Chief Hundogan Samuel, the Agoloto of Badagry, expressed his gratitude to the state government and asked for employment of youths to assist in sale of tickets and proper maintenance of the terminal.
The Chief Imam of Badagry, Alhaji AbdulHakeem Akewusola, appreciated the state governor and prayed for a smoother tenure.
Akewusola urged the state government to improve on security so as to attract more customers at the ferry service.
He also asked government to make security the topmost priority to give Badagry indigenes and other residents confidence.
Dr Sulaimon Iroko, elected Posu of Badagry, asked for jobs for Badagry indigenes
He said that they had graduates in various disciplines as well as in marine operation.
The Director General, Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Mrs Cecilia Gayya, was represented by Director, Leadership Development and Legislative Studies, Mr Aderibigbe Adejare, at the event.
She assured Lagferry of continuous training on character and development to enable the staff members to attract more patronage.
The Coordinator, Christian Association Nigeria, Badagry, Pastor Sunday Oyinbo, commended the effort of the Lagos State Government in establishing ferry terminal in Badagry.
Oyinbo said that the initiative for developing the waterways would go a long way to reduce time spent on the road.
He urged Lagos State Government to ensure that all the boat captains comply with the safety standard at all times, to avoid boat mishaps.
He pleaded that the ferry service should employ Badagry indigenes to enable them to monitor the operations of the boat captains.
Lagfeery Head of Engineering, Mr Olasunkanmi Sumola, said the terminal was built with tax payers’ money and government would sstill ubsidise it for the masses.
He said that government had established EKO token, and insurance also covered every of the Lagferry passengers in Badagry.
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