News

Bamise: Check Out Safety Measures In Newly Launched Lagos Taxi Scheme

Published

4 years ago

March 23, 2022

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, rolled out the first batch of 1,000 brand new GAC-branded automobiles for modernised taxi scheme in the state.

This is coming barely a month after a 22-year-old tailor, Oluwabamise Ayanwola, went missing and was later found dead after using a Lagos State-owned Bus Rapid Transit vehicle.

Ayanwola went missing after boarding the BRT bus on Saturday, February 26. She was said to have boarded the bus, which was going to Oshodi, at Chevron Bus stop.

Until her death, the victim worked as a fashion designer on Chevron Estate, Ajah, Lagos, but spent the weekends with her sister at Ota, Ogun State. Her lifeless body was found by the roadside on Carter Bridge, Lagos Island.

But to prevent reoccurrence, Sanwo-Olu said the government had put in place necessary security measures to protect Lagos residents that would be using the newly launched scheme which was codenamed ‘Lagos Ride’.

To improve riders’ and passengers’ security, Sanwo-Olu said a full security gadget, including a 360 dashboard camera that will give 24-hour audio-visual feeds to the control centre, had been pre-installed on each car deployed for the scheme.

He added that each car came with a physical panic button that could be used by anyone on board in case of assault or emergency. The panic button, the governor said, is also on the mobile application and is connected to the Control and Command Centre.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the automobile assembly plant being set up in Lagos – another component of the partnership between CIG Motors’ and the State Government – stood at 60 per cent completion, with anticipated launch and start of operations expected in September.

“What we are witnessing today is that Lagos is moving away from the era of rickety kabu kabu to a brand-new, comfortable, and safe transport system. The multiplier effect of this singular initiative on job creation, youth employment, and economic growth and development in the State cannot be overstated,” Sanwo-Olu was quoted as saying in a statement by his spokesman, Gboyega Akosile.

Also, the Managing Director of IBILE Holding, Abiodun Amokomowo, said over 5,700 drivers had downloaded the driver’s mobile apps as of last Tuesday, out of which 1,786 drivers submitted applications.

Registration and enrolment fee has been accepted from 359 drivers, while others were awaiting screening, Amokomowo said.

He said: “As part of the process each operator will go through for the safety and security of life and effective operations of the scheme, we will conduct full verification of applicants’ Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI) ID cards, medical history, background check and verification of NIN and Lagos resident registration numbers.”

The ride-hailing taxi initiative, which is being operated on a lease-to-own basis, is a component of the State Government’s multimodal transportation blueprint being executed under the Traffic Management and Transportation pillar of the THEMES agenda of the Sanwo-Olu administration.

The initiative is a partnership between Lagos State-owned IBILE Holding Limited and CIG Motors Company Limited, with the objective to provide clean and reliable means of taxis movement across the metropolis at affordable cost, using brand-new vehicles.

Operators are required to pay about N1.9 million down payment, of which the sum covers the 20 per cent equity of cost of vehicle, registration, and insurance. Each car being used in the scheme comes with technology-enabled security features that monitor every journey undertaken.

News

Christian Genocide: Regha Reveals Why Trump Called Nigeria ‘Disgraced Country’

Published

3 hours ago

November 2, 2025

Editor

Popular social media commentator, Daniel Regha has suggested why the US President Donald Trump called Nigeria a “disgraceful country”.

Recalls that Trump had, in a statement on Saturday, warned that if the Nigerian government failed to tackle the alleged genocide against Christians, the US would “immediately stop all aid and assistance to the West African country.

The US leader also warned that his nation may very well go into Nigeria, which he labelled “that now disgraced country”, to wipe out the terrorists allegedly perpetrating the religious persecution.

Reacting, Regha, in a post on his official X account on Sunday, claimed that Nigeria is a “disgraced country” today as a result of bad leadership from all regions.

According to him, corruption is found in every state, and all ethnicities are involved.

“Nigeria is a “Disgraced country” today as a result of bad leadership from all regions. Corruption is found in every state and local govt; And all ethnicities are involved,” Regha wrote.

“From Hausa to Igbo to Yoruba to Urhobo, and others. Past administrations failed, and Tinubu’s administration is failing cos the leaders who are representing different tribes and constituencies aren’t speaking up.

“State govts are equally acting nonchalantly by not solving regional problems, but instead playing politics. Before u shift the blame, remember that the State House of Assembly has your people in there, and State governance is by indigene.”

News

Kwankwaso Sends Message To Trump After US Invasion Threat

Published

3 hours ago

November 2, 2025

Editor

The leader of Kwankwasiyya and former Presidential candidate, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso has expressed concern over recent comments by US President, Donald Trump about Nigeria.
President Donald Trump had described the country as a country of particular concern.

Kwankwaso who took to his Facebook page on Sunday wrote: “I have noted with increasing concern the heightened pronouncements on Nigeria by President Donald Trump. This follows his designation of Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern.’”

He stressed that Nigeria remains a sovereign nation facing security challenges caused by outlaws, not by religion or ethnicity.

“The insecurity we face does not distinguish based on religious, ethnic, or political beliefs,” he said.

Kwankwaso urged the United States to support Nigeria with modern technology to fight insecurity instead of issuing threats.

“The United States should assist the Nigerian authorities with better cutting-edge technology to tackle these problems, rather than posing a threat that could further polarise our country,” he added.

He also called on the Nigerian government to engage with the US diplomatically.

“The Nigerian government should also consider appointing special envoys from its distinguished diplomats to engage the American government. Additionally, it is necessary to appoint permanent ambassadors to represent Nigeria’s interests on the international stage,” he said.

Senator Kwankwaso appealed to Nigerians to remain united, saying, “To my fellow countrymen, this is an important moment where we should emphasise unity of belonging over division. God bless Nigeria.”

News

5 Pro Tips On How To Become A Good Writer

Published

8 hours ago

November 2, 2025

Editor

Writing is one skill that cuts across every profession. Whether you are in civil service, journalism, business, or even tech, you can’t escape the need to write.

Contents
1. Write, Write, Write!
2. Embrace Writing Tools
3. Learn from Experts
4. Read voraciously
5. Get Feedback, Don’t Fear Criticism

From emails to reports, social media posts to full-length books, your ability to communicate clearly can set you apart.

Writing is not a talent reserved for a few gifted people; it’s a skill like any other that can be learnt, practiced, and mastered over time.

In this article, Tribune Online takes a look at five ways to become a better writer :

1. Write, Write, Write!

The best way to become a better writer is simply to write more. It sounds obvious, but many people spend more time worrying about writing than actually doing it.

Don’t just wait for the right moment, create it. Set aside time daily or weekly to write, even if it’s just a page.

Keep a journal, write short stories, or start a blog. Even a few paragraphs a day make a huge difference. Consistent writing helps you find your voice and refine it with time.

2. Embrace Writing Tools

Technology has made it easier to polish your writing. From grammar checkers to distraction-free apps, these tools reduce errors and improve flow.

Tools like Grammarly, ProWritingAid, or Quillbot can help tidy up your sentences. Apps like Scrivener or Ulysses can keep longer projects organised.

3. Learn from Experts

No one becomes a master alone. Signing up for writing courses, webinars, or workshops connects you to experts who can sharpen your craft.

Online platforms now offer lessons in copywriting, creative writing, grammar, storytelling, and editing.

4. Read voraciously

Great writers are voracious readers. Reading fuels your creativity, sharpens your vocabulary, and exposes you to different writing styles.

If there’s a specific area of writing you want to specialise in, study the works of experienced writers in that field. Read their books, articles, and resources, and learn from their style and approach. When you engage with the works of others, you tend to easily gain insight into effective techniques and common pitfalls to avoid. And don’t restrict yourself to a particular niche; expand your reading to different authors, cultures, and genres.

5. Get Feedback, Don’t Fear Criticism

One of the fastest ways to grow as a writer is to regularly seek feedback. No matter the kind of writing you do, having others review your work helps you see how your words are received beyond your own perspective.

Share your drafts with trusted friends, colleagues, mentors, or even family members. Their proofreading, corrections, and honest criticism can point out blind spots and give you fresh ideas for improvement.
(TRIBUNE)