By Dipo Olowookere

The police in Oyo State on Monday arraigned the driver of a back 4Matic Benz with registration number LSD 862 JS, for allegedly killing an official of the Oyo State Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), Mr Fabunmi Kehinde.

Business Post reports that on Saturday, the driver of the vehicle allegedly rammed over Mr Kehinde in the Agbowo area of Ibadan, the state capital after he disobeyed a traffic light in the area.

According to an eyewitness, the suspect, while trying to escape after being apprehended by OYRTMA officers, reversed his vehicle and in an attempt to zoom out, killed Mr Kehinde, who had approached the vehicle at the front.

It was said that the traffic control official sustained severe head injuries and was rushed to a hospital in Orogun, where he received treatment.

He was later transferred to another hospital within the Ibadan metropolis where he unfortunately passed away.

The driver attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended by OYRTMA officers and police personnel at the University of Ibadan (UI) area and was taken to Sango Police Station.

On Monday, he was arraigned at the Magistrate Court in Iyaganku, but the matter was later adjourned to Thursday,

Commenting on the incident, the chairman of the traffic control agency in Oyo State, Mr Adekoya Adesagba, described the death as avoidable, though he commended the swift response of the police and OYRTMA officers in apprehending the suspect and expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased officer.

“No one who disrespects or assaults our officers will go unpunished,” he said.

“The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by traffic officers and the need for drivers to exercise caution and respect for the law.

“The suspect has been arraigned at the Magistrate Court, Iyaganku, today, but since the court was on a weekday break, the case was adjourned to Thursday. The suspect remains in police custody,” he added.

By Adedapo Adesanya 

The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to creating an eco-friendly state with fewer cars on the roads in the future.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said this during a presentation at the closing of the fifth Lagos Real Estate Marketplace Conference and Exhibitions in Lagos.

Mr Osiyemi said that the commitment is in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda of Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s led administration, expressing concerns that traffic congestion costs the state trillions of Naira in budget deficits annually.

The transportation commissioner noted that the heavy reliance on road transportation, which accounts for 90 per cent of travel in Lagos, is unacceptable and unsustainable.

The Commissioner stated that water and rail transportation account for only two per cent of the means of transportation, highlighting their gross underutilisation.

Mr Osiyemi emphasised that every sector in the state must be robust enough to contribute significantly to the wellbeing of its residents, as Lagos accounts for 30 per cent of the nation’s gross domestic product.

He expressed the state’s readiness to maximise the use of intermodal transportation system, to help upscale socio-economic activities in the metropolis and reduce man-hour loss to traffic.

In a panel discussion, the Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Ms Titilayo Oshodi, emphasised the need for the state and its stakeholders to adopt a purposeful approach to waste management.

Ms Oshodi highlighted the importance of a circular economy in recycling, repurposing and reusing waste effectively.

She noted that several policies were already in place in the state for managing waste, urging producers and manufacturers across various sectors to collaborate with the state government to contribute to carbon reduction efforts.

Other panellists including Ms Stella Okengwu, Chief Executive Officer of Winhomes, said that the current economic situation calls for housing to be built based on clear demand that aligns with people’s budgets while Mr John Oamen, Co-founder of Cutstruct, urged the state government to promote the digitisation of construction procurement.

This, he added, would enhance the efficiency and practices of the construction and real estate sectors.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

There are plans by Heirs Insurance to introduce insurance products tailored for vehicle owners, a statement from the underwriting firm has disclosed.

According to the subsidiary of Heirs Holdings, this low-cost motor insurance package known as the Flexi Comprehensive Motor Insurance Plan will provide the benefit of a comprehensive motor insurance plan for a fraction of the cost, addressing the financial realities many Nigerians face.

The underwriting company announced the plan to introduce this package as it launched a new campaign designed to reward its customers.

This initiative themed Unwrapping Smiles will bring hope to individuals, families, and communities this holiday season, and will run from December 10 to December 31, 2024.

It will feature community-focused outreaches, including Christmas gifts and exciting rewards to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians. It will also include the launch of a holiday-watch web film known as The Underwriters for all Nigerians to enjoy.

“At Heirs Insurance Group, we are committed to providing much more than insurance. In a season when many Nigerians seek hope and reasons to smile, we are proud to offer initiatives that inspire and uplift,” the Chief Marketing Officer of Heirs Insurance, Ms Ifesinachi Okpagu, said.