News
Finally, Lagos Reopens Maryland/Ojota Bridge
By Mario Deepromoter
The Ojota/Maryland sections of the Odo Iya Alaro Bridge have been reopened to vehicular movement.
The Lagos state government also declared zero tolerance for infrastructure abuse.
Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, at the reopening on Monday, September 16, lamented the incessant theft of manhole covers and other bridge apparatuses.
To curb the menace, Hamzat said the government resorted to using fibre to fabricate manhole covers instead of steel.
He added that anyone caught henceforth stealing the covers will be prosecuted.
Hamzat added: “Everybody keeps saying that maintenance of infrastructure is a challenge. But, in Lagos, we are saying it is not. This informed our decision to maintain this infrastructure and put it in good shape. The expansion joints which are necessary accessories for bridges were repaired and are now in good shape, and all the manholes that were stolen have been replaced.
“But it is important to say that these new manhole covers are fibres and not metals. So if you steal it, it is useless. But the manhole covers protect people. It is to protect human beings so they don’t fall off bridges. This is a safety issue. It is no longer steel. It is fibre and so difficult to remove. And even if you remove it, it’s useless to you, and if you are caught, you will be prosecuted.
“This administration is focused on road and bridge infrastructure to reduce travel time, save important man-hours that would have been otherwise lost to traffic; boost interconnectivity; provide better riding surface; eliminate traffic gridlocks and generally make life more meaningful to commuters.
“And because we place a high premium on the safety of lives, many pedestrian bridges have also been identified for routine maintenance.”
Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Olufemi Daramola, said the bridge was completed and re-opened ahead of scheduled time because the government was eager to alleviate the suffering of road users.
The commissioner for works, Hon. Oluwasegun Osiyemi, expressed delight over the early completion, emphasising the benefits it would bring to daily commuters.
“We are pleased to inform road users that the rehabilitation of the Odo Iya Alaro Bridge has been completed earlier than expected. The bridge will reopen today, significantly ahead of schedule, with all work completed in under two months,” Osiyemi announced.
Recall that work started on the Ojota-bound side of the Bridge on July 22 and ended on August 23, while work began on the Maryland-bound section the same day and ended on September 13.
News
See Photos of World’s Tallest and Shortest Women Meet for Afternoon Tea in London
The world’s tallest woman and the world’s shortest woman met for the first time this week, sipping tea from china cups — and bonding over what they have in common while celebrating their differences.
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
Rumeysa Gelgi, from Turkey, stands at 7 feet and 0.7 inches, while Jyoti Amge, from India, is 2 feet and 0.7 inches.
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea
“You’re so beautiful,” said Gelgi, 27. “Thank you — you too,” replied Amge, 30.
Their meeting, over afternoon tea at London’s Savoy Hotel on Tuesday, came ahead of Guinness World Records Day, which is held annually in November to mark record-breaking achievements and encourage people to attempt records. The pair have been honored as “World Record icons” in the 70th anniversary edition of the Guinness World Records book.
Story continues below advertisement
“Meeting Jyoti for the first time was wonderful,” Gelgi said in a release Wednesday. “She’s the most gorgeous lady. I was waiting to meet her for a long time.”
Gelgi said the pair bonded over their love for makeup, jewelry and doing their nails.
Video footage showed them sitting down for tea, cakes and sandwiches stacked next to them, with the London Eye visible from the window.
Amge said in the release that she was “so happy to look up” and see the world’s tallest woman, whom she called “good-natured.” She added that it was difficult at times for the pair to make eye contact “due to our height difference.”
“Guinness World Records is all about celebrating differences,” its editor in chief, Craig Glenday, said in a statement ahead of Guinness World Record Day, which is on Thursday.
“By bringing together these two amazing, iconic women, they can share their perspectives on life with each other and, also, with us,” Glenday said.
Gelgi’s record-breaking height is due to a rare genetic condition called Weaver syndrome, which causes rapid growth, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders.
Story continues below advertisement
The primary symptom is growth and bone development that occurs faster than usual, making those affected taller than average. People with Weaver syndrome may have rigid muscles and difficulty extending their elbows or knees.
Gelgi used a walking aid for support during the pair’s meeting. Her case of Weaver syndrome was the 27th ever diagnosed and the first in Turkey, according to Guinness World Records.
Weaver syndrome is generally caused by changes in the EZH2 gene, according to the NORD, though the organization notes that some people with Weaver syndrome do not have a mutation in the gene.
Story continues below advertisement
Amge, an actor who played the character of Ma Petite in the television series “American Horror Story,” has a genetic growth disorder that occurs in the early stages of fetal development, known as achondroplasia.
According to Johns Hopkins, the condition causes shorter bones, abnormally shaped bones and shorter stature. While the genetic defect can be passed from parent to child, in about 80 percent of cases, achondroplasia results from a spontaneous mutation that occurs in the developing embryo.
On Thursday, Gelgi shared photos on Instagram of the two exploring London despite the cold weather, posing side by side in front of Tower Bridge.
News
Speaker Abbas Decries Gross Inadequacy In Health Sector Despite Annual Allocation
News
Reps Demand Details Of Project Undertaken From Ministry Of Solid Minerals In 2024 Budget
-
News18 hours ago
DHQ Gives Updates on on Arrest, Trial of Simon Ekpa in Finland
-
News18 hours ago
Japa: 1 of 4 Nigerians want to leave the country – NBS
-
News17 hours ago
Senate mandates military to free LGs under B’Haram control
-
News18 hours ago
OUTREACH: Senator Manu concludes 2-day ICT program for constituents, distributes over 500 laptops to students (Video/Photos)
-
News17 hours ago
2027: Obasanjo’s knock on INEC reopens push for electoral reform
-
News18 hours ago
Simon Ekpa Sent To Prison
-
News18 hours ago
I’m not too young or inexperienced to run for Lagos Governor – Speaker Obasa
-
News19 hours ago
Nigerian Catholic religious Sister Uti wins $1.2 million Opus Prize