600 drivers, conductors benefit from EcoMove Lagos medical outreach

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, Mr Toyin Aremu, says more than 600 drivers and conductors benefited from the EcoMove Lagos medical outreach.

Aremu said this in an interview with newsmen at the sideline of the EcoMove Lagos grand finale and award presentation on Wednesday.

He said the drivers and conductors were urged to prioritise their health during the medical outreach because health is wealth.

“The first day was the clean-up of mechanical villages in Lagos and this was done simultaneously.

“We have more than 100 mechanic villages in Lagos and clean ups were done simultaneously to reduce environmental hazard and emission and it will be a continuous effort.

“The government told the mechanics to make sure that it is a continuous effort.

“Together, we are partnering with them because we believe they are the integral part and key stakeholders when it comes with issue of transportation,” he said.

He added that the movement toured Lagos to experience the waterways through the Lagos State Ferry Services, rail and Bus Rapid Transit buses.

“This showcases the heritage of Lagos, what the state stands for as the second largest economy in Africa.

“The take home for Lagos residents is to ensure that government infrastructure is protected, take ownership of them because it is meant for their use, make sure the environment are clean and hygiene for people to move around,” he said.

Earlier, the Lagos State Commission for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the state government was intentional in adopting an affordable and sustainable transport system due to the size of the state.

“Lagos is the smallest state in terms of land size and one third of the land mass is covered by water.
“Lagos State has introduced the Omi-Eko project which will see to the dredging of the waterways and introduction of electric vessels.
“The state is going green, and this will be done in a sustainable manner. 50/100 electric buses are coming in, 2,000 Compressed Natural Gas are also coming in.
“The more buses we have, the less cars on the road and this will reduce emissions,” he said.
Also, the General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Dr Babatunde Ajayi, noted that transportation distance one covers contribute to quality of life.
He added that all activities in life had significant impact on the environment and so the need to make the environment eco-friendly.

“We need the environment to survive and have quality of life,” he said.

Ajayi added that LASEPA and the Lagos Computerised Vehicle Inspection Service had partnered for greener mobility.

Also, the Commissioner for Transportation, Ekiti State, Mr Kehinde Ajobiewe, said the theme of the event showed the urgent for leaders, policy makers to ensure transport system impacts positively to the environment.

Awards were given to transport stakeholders that had contributed to the growth of the sector.