Transport
Gridlock as pothole causes accident in Lagos
Hundreds of motorists and commuters plying the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway groaned in frustration on Wednesday as they were stuck in gridlock caused by a trailer accident at the Isheri-Oke end of the expressway.
The accident, which occurred around 5.30am, reportedly happened after the trailer fell into a pothole on the road.
According to PUNCH Metro, the accident obstructed free flow of traffic for hours, as many people, who were stranded at bus stops, trekked to their various destinations.
The trailer driver told our correspondent that he lost control of the vehicle when one of his tires burst after entering the pothole.
He said, “The accident happened around 5.45am. I was on my way to deliver cartons of biscuits in Taraba State when I drove into the pothole. My tire burst and I lost control of the vehicle. I thank God that I am alive.”
A trader, Oluwadamilare Qaudri, said she had spent over two hours in the gridlock.
She said, “I am heading for Berger, from where I intend to board a bus to Ibadan, Oyo State. But the traffic has been terrible. I have spent almost two hours inside the bus just to get to Berger from Ketu.”
Our correspondent also gathered that some vehicles developed mechanical faults on the road, which worsened the gridlock.
A motorist, Aladeotan Modioluwamu, who claimed to have been in the gridlock for five hours, said, “my car broke down. After I repaired it, I still joined the traffic.”
An electrical contractor, Wasiu Olunloyo, appealed to the Federal Government to repair the road to avert tragedy.
The 53-year-old said, “We have a lot of potholes on the road; it will not cost the government anything to repair the road. But they have refused to do that. I appeal to the Federal Road Maintenance Agency to be up and doing and save us this agony.”
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Chike Oti, said the traffic unit of the command was mobilised to the scene to regulate the traffic.
He said, “As soon as we heard about the accident, we mobilised our traffic unit to the scene to create a corridor for other vehicles to pass. To ensure speedy removal of the fallen truck, we also contacted the relevant agencies. We have commenced investigation to find out the cause of the accident.”
The Federal Controller of Works, Lagos State, Adedamola Kuti, said users of the road had been advised to drive with caution because the road was undergoing rehabilitation.
He said, “I am aware that there was an accident, but I cannot say precisely what caused it. Nigerians are aware that the road is under construction and we have always asked people to drive with caution. We are putting measures in place to ensure that the road is rehabilitated.”
Meanwhile, Lagos residents plying the Ikorodu Road have appealed to the state government to carry out urgent repairs on the Mile 12, Kosofe end of the road.
Our correspondent gathered that commuters and motorists using the road usually endured long hours of traffic.
A commuter, Omowunmi Adekoya, said she once spent four hours on the road for a distance that usually took few minutes.
An automobile mechanic, Olamilekan Adebanjo, 28, added that when commuters were fed up with the gridlock, they usually risked their lives by boarding motorcycles to their destinations.
“I do sell drinks at Ojota and I pass the Ikorodu Road to Ojota every day. The traffic is really affecting my business; I don’t meet my target because I do not get to the market early. I want the government to patch the pothole because it is affecting us,” a trader, Olukoga Mojisola, said.
The Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Tunji Bakare, had yet to respond to enquiries from our correspondent as of the time of filing this report.
Source: Punch
Bolt, the leading ride-hailing platform, on Thursday, 19th of March hosted an Iftar gathering in Kano to bring together Muslim drivers during the holy month of Ramadan.
The event was not only an opportunity to share a meal but also served as a platform for open dialogue, feedback exchange, and community building within the Bolt driver network.
The Iftar event, held in recognition of the significance of Ramadan, reinforced Bolt’s commitment to supporting its driver-partners and fostering inclusivity across all communities. The gathering provided an environment for drivers to voice their concerns, share their experiences, and engage directly with the Bolt team in a collaborative discussion about improving their experience on the platform.
Speaking during the event, Osi Oguah, the general manager for Bolt Nigeria said: “At Bolt, we recognize the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment for our driver-partners.
This Iftar event was more than just a meal, it was a chance to connect, listen, and understand the challenges and needs of our drivers in Kano. We appreciate their dedication, especially during this sacred period of Ramadan.”
Drivers in attendance expressed their appreciation for the initiative, highlighting the sense of belonging and recognition the event fostered. Many also welcomed the opportunity to discuss ways to improve their overall experience on the Bolt platform, making it a productive and meaningful engagement for all participants.
Nura Muhammed, a driver-partner said: “We want to say thank you to Bolt for this initiative, if my knowledge serves me right, this is the first time a ride-hailing company will organize such an event in Kano. This event has also made it possible for us to share some feedback to them physically and we drivers mostly get to connect through our online platform but today, we’re able to meet physically, mingle and exchange pleasantries”
Bolt remains committed to strengthening driver engagement and well-being, and this Iftar gathering is part of a broader effort to continuously support and empower driver-partners across Nigeria.
Transport
Travelers to Make Money as Ozi Launches to Redefine $460 billion Global Package Delivery Market
Key Takeaways from Ozi launch:
- With logistics representing a $1.34 billion in Africa, the demand for innovative delivery solutions has never been greater
- Nigerians face numerous hurdles when it comes to moving packages, ranging from delays and high costs to a lack of secure options
Ozi (www.ozionline.com), a pioneer community-driven delivery app, launches today, offering users a new way to send packages and earn extra cash.
By connecting people traveling with those needing package delivery, Ozi turns everyday trips into profitable opportunities, aiming to disrupt the global parcel delivery industry, also known as the Courier, Express, and Parcel (CEP) market, currently valued at around $460 billion.
Imagine this scenario – You’re traveling to Abuja from Lagos and have empty space in your car. With Ozi, that unused capacity can earn you extra cash by delivering a package along the way. Or maybe you’re a small business owner who needs to send a package to another state but balk at the high cost of courier services.
With Ozi, you can find a verified traveler heading in the right direction to handle your delivery, Engr. Christian Chime, Ozi’s co-founder and CEO, said during the startup launch held today at Four Point by Sheraton, Victoria Island, Lagos.
“Why travel empty when you can earn?” asks Engr. Chime said. “Ozi allows travelers to make the most of their journeys while helping others get their packages delivered with ease.”
“This simple yet powerful idea leverages the daily movements of millions of Nigerians to create a logistics network that is fast, affordable, and efficient.
“Ozi’s unique approach leverages the everyday movement of travelers to bridge this gap, creating a system where everyone benefits”.
He said that the choice of Nigeria as the first launch-location for Ozi was due the potential the country holds in the parcel delivery sub-sector.
“Actually, we had the opportunity to launch OZI in other country outside Nigeria but for their believe in the Nigeria dream and its potentials made us to choose the country as the first to witness Ozi’s innovation”, the CEO said. “Travelers can now monetize their journeys by delivering packages along their routes, while senders gain access to an affordable and convenient alternative to traditional courier services”.
Ozi combines convenience, innovation, and community to deliver a win-win solution for Nigerians. From quick intra-city deliveries to long-distance trips, Ozi offers an affordable, efficient solution for all.
Whether you’re a traveler looking to earn on your trips or a sender seeking a reliable delivery option, Ozi offers a solution that works for everyone.
In the words of Azubuike Augustine, the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Ozi, “Ozi’s mission goes beyond simplifying package delivery. The app represents a broader effort to create shared value for all stakeholders in the logistics process. By connecting senders and travelers, Ozi creates a win-win scenario where costs are reduced, trust is built, and income opportunities are created”.
“Ozi prioritizes safety and transparency. Every user, whether sender or traveler, undergoes a comprehensive verification process that includes ID checks and phone number authentication. This ensures that all participants in the system are trustworthy and accountable”.
To enhance security further, Azubuike said that Ozi offers real-time tracking for all transactions. Senders can monitor their packages throughout the delivery process, ensuring peace of mind. For high-value items, optional insurance coverage provides an added layer of protection, reinforcing Ozi’s commitment to reliability.
“At Ozi, we understand that trust is critical in logistics,” the CTO added. “That’s why we’ve built a platform where every step is designed to safeguard both the traveler and the sender.”
“Ozi is more than an app; it’s a community where everyone wins,” said Ikenna Ani, co-founder/COO of Ozi.
“From today, travelers across the globe can sign up through www.ozionline.com and start making every trip count”, he said. “We have put measures in place to ensure only genuine and verified travelers or senders use the platform. Security is primary for us”.
He added that the app will be released on Google Play Store and Apple (iOS) on January 1, 2025. Ozi Live on Instagram | Facebook.
The Beer Sectoral Group (BSG) of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has reiterated the dangers of drunk driving at the launch of the Annual “Don’t Drink & Drive” Campaign.
The two-day campaign began with a press conference on Tuesday, December 10, at Radisson Hotel Ikeja, and continued with park rallies on Wednesday, December 11.
Both events emphasized the importance of avoiding drunk driving, the consequences of impaired driving, and the critical need for responsible road habits to enhance safety across Nigeria.
Speaking at the press conference, Chairman, BSG and CEO Nigerian Breweries, Hans Essadi, commended FRSC for its dedication to road safety and pledged continued support for initiatives that reduce traffic accidents. He stated: “Each year, countless lives are lost to preventable accidents caused by impaired driving. This campaign is built on three pillars: education, enforcement, and encouraging responsible behavior by all road users.”
Essadi also announced the following day’s park rallies, during which campaign teams visited major motor parks in Lagos—Ojodu, Ojota, and Oshodi. At these locations, they engaged commercial drivers in discussions on the risks of impaired driving, distributed educational materials, and offered voluntary breathalyzer tests.
FRSC Lagos Sector Commander Kehinde G. Hamzat emphasized the importance of defensive driving and passengers’ rights to challenge reckless drivers. He also highlighted FRSC’s new app, which alerts users to speed limits, dangerous roads, and potholes.
The press briefing attracted a diverse group of stakeholders, including executives from BSG, senior FRSC officials, and road safety advocates. Speakers highlighted the campaign’s objectives, shared success stories from previous editions, and renewed their commitment to reducing road accidents caused by impaired driving.
The park rallies saw impactful interactions with drivers and park officials, with many participants pledging to adopt safer driving habits. The campaign reinforced the message of accountability and safety through practical demonstrations and community engagement.
The 2024 “Don’t Drink & Drive” Campaign exemplifies the effectiveness of partnerships in addressing critical societal issues. BSG and FRSC reaffirm their shared commitment to reducing alcohol-related crashes and ensuring safer roads for all Nigerians.
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