Following the support promised by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu during the courtesy visit of the Super Eagles of Nigeria to Lagos House, Marina, the Lagos State Government has commuted the team to the Republic of Benin for the Y2021 African Cup of Nations qualifying match against the Squirrels slated for Saturday, 27th March, 2021, through the waterways.
Speaking during their boarding at the Five Cowries Terminal, Falomo-Ikoyi, on Friday, the Managing Director, Lagos Ferry Services, Mr. Abdoulbaq Ladi Balogun expressed delight that the team was being conveyed through the waterways, saying it is a testimony to the huge investment made by the present administration of Babajide Sanwo-Olu to make water transportation desirable and a viable alternative to roads.
His words: “It’s a good one for our brand and a good one for Lagos State. We are excited to take the Super Eagles for their international match in far away Benin Republic. This is the first time it’s going to happen that they are going by water and we are glad to be part of history”.
Balogun explained that Lagos State is trying all its best to boost water transportation and promote tourism, stressing that the eyes of all Nigerians and the world are here. We are showing them the potentials of water transportation and water tourism in Lagos State.
“Mr. Governor, since inception, has shown much passion to developing the water transportation system in Lagos State. As a megacity we can not afford to travel on the road alone, we have to seek other ways of diversifying the mode of transportation, waterways are readily available and a huge investment is being made by the present administration and that is what we are demonstrating to the Super Eagles, to Nigeria and to the entire world today”, he said.
The General Manager assured that adequate security has been put in place to ensure a fast, reliable and safe journey with adequate presence of Marine Police, CTU and Naval Personnel going with them, as escort of the players and the officers.
He disclosed further that the choice of LAGFERRY is predicated on its state-of-the-art-boats that are fully equipped with modern technology like free wifi, onboard entertainment, enviable safety records and real-time monitoring to ensure passenger safety under the watchful eyes of experienced and highly trained captains and deckhands.
“All our Passengers are insured and we adhere strictly to all safety regulations of compulsory wearing of life jackets by all passengers before boarding and operating within the stipulated time, among other things”, Balogun stated.
Recall that Governor Sanwo-Olu had charged the team to secure victory against their opponents and also redeemed the gift promised to a Football Gold Medalist in Atlanta 96, Patrick Pascal, by giving him a new three-bedroom apartment in the 360 units at Prince Abiodun Ogunleye Housing Estate in Igbogbo, Ikorodu.
