By DEBORAH AKPEDE

The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Task Force) says it impounded 278 commercial motorcycles during a weeklong crackdown on operators violating the state’s ban on Okada operations.

The Task Force Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, disclosed this in a statement signed by the agency’s spokesperson, Mr Abdulraheem Gbadeyan, on Sunday in Lagos.

Aketrele said the operation was carried out in line with the Lagos State Government’s directive prohibiting commercial motorcycles from operating on highways and other restricted routes.

He said the restriction was stipulated in the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.

According to him, the exercise aims to strengthen security, protect lives and property, and prevent criminal activities across the state.

The chairman said the operation aligned with the renewed commitment of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr Fatai Tijani, to sustain security and public order.

Akerele said the weeklong enforcement exercise followed an earlier clampdown conducted weeks ago.

He stressed that the agency was determined to sustain pressure on violators of traffic, environmental and security laws.

The chairman said the operation covered several locations, including Ikorodu, Agric Bus Stop, Festac First Gate, Mazamaza, Iyana School and Iyana-Iba.

Other areas covered were Idimu Road, Egbeda, Kola Bus Stop, Iyana Ipaja, Ikotun Roundabout, Ajaiye in Ojokoro and Berger Bus Stop.

The Task Force boss said several commercial motorcycle operators were arrested while illegally plying highways and restricted routes.

“Some were found using motorcycles to transport illicit substances and hazardous items such as petroleum products and gas.

“Others were conveying school children and toddlers in unsafe conditions on major roads,” he said.

Akerele noted that the operation restored sanity and improved compliance in the affected areas.

He added that all impounded motorcycles would be processed for forfeiture to the state through the courts.

He stated that the action was in accordance with the provisions of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.

The chairman reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustain the enforcement until full compliance was achieved.

“We will not cow or fold our arms and allow people of criminal intent to overrun Lagos or surrender to their illegalities,” Akerele said. (NAN)Ñ

How Otti convinced Tinubu to back Abia Intnl Airport project — Keyamo

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has disclosed how Governor Alex Otti of Abia State rejected a Federal Government plan to build an airstrip in the state and instead opted for a full-fledged international airport.

Keyamo also revealed that negotiations were ongoing for the first direct international cargo flight from Guangzhou, China, to the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

He said the federal government had initially proposed an airstrip for Abia State and captured the project in the 2024 budget as part of efforts to expand aviation infrastructure across the country.

He spoke at the official unveiling of two Boeing 737-800NG aircraft acquired by United Nigeria Airlines in Lagos.

The minister said the decision followed his recommendation to President Bola Tinubu that Abia State lacked both an airport and an airstrip.

He added, however, that Otti approached the President with a proposal to upgrade the project into an international airport through a counterpart funding arrangement.

Keyamo said: “When we came to power, I went to Mr President saying Abia does not have an airstrip or an airport in the whole of the South-East. So, he told me to put it in the budget. In the 2024 budget, we put the Abia airstrip as one of our first projects.

“However, credit to Dr Alex Otti, who did not stop at that. He went straight to Mr President behind me and said, ‘Sir, bring the money for the airstrip, I have counterpart funding. I will now make it a full international airport.’ He said, ‘Don’t give me an airstrip, but bring the money. With counterpart funding, I will build a full-fledged international airport in Umauhia, Abia State. That project has taken off under his guidance. In fact, Abia has brought more money than the federal government.”

On direct cargo flights from Guangzhou to Enugu, he said: “They (Enugu State government) want to make it (Enugu Airport) a cargo hub for the whole of the South-East.

“We are negotiating for the first flight from Guangzhou straight to Enugu in December. I am working with the governor of Enugu State. It will enable all traders, especially our brothers from the South-East who do business in China, to go twice every week, put all their goods into one cargo, and have it go straight from Guangzhou to Enugu. Then it can be delivered to Onitsha and Aba.” (Vanguard)