The Lagos State Government has ferried the Super Eagles of Nigeria team to the Republic of Benin for the 2021 African Cup of Nations qualifying match against the Squirrels slated for Saturday, March 27, 2021 through the waterways.
The Managing Director, Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY), Hon. Abdoulbaq Ladi-Balogun, said this in a statement during their boarding at the Five Cowries Terminal, Falomo-Ikoyi, on Friday in Lagos.
Ladi-Balogun said that the team was able to ply the waterways following the support promised by Gov Babajide Sanwo-Olu during the courtesy visit of the Super Eagles of Nigeria team to the Governor ‘s residence at the Lagos House, Marina on Wednesday.
He expressed delight that the team was being conveyed through the waterways, saying it is a testimony to the huge investment made by the government of Babajide Sanwo-Olu to make water transportation desirable and a viable alternative to road transport.
“It is 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 Benin Republic. This is the first time it’s going to happen that they are traveling by water, and we are glad to be part of this history,
“Lagos State is trying all its best to boost water transportation and promote tourism and the eyes of all Nigerians and the world are on us, showing the potentials of water transportation and water tourism in Lagos State.
“Mr Governor, since inception has shown a passion for developing the water transportation system in Lagos State.
“As a mega city we cannot 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 in them by the present administration. That is what we are demonstrating to the Super Eagles, to Nigeria and to the entire world today,” Ladi-Balogun said.
He assured that adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure a safe journey and a faster and reliable means of transportation, adding that this is enhanced by the presence of the Marine Police, CTU and Naval Personnel who are escorting the players and officials.
He said that the choice of LAGFERRY was predicated on its state of the art boats that are fully equipped with modern technology like free Wifi and onboard entertainment.
“Our enviable safety records are made possible by experienced and regularly 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 scheduled times, among other things,” he stated.
Meanwhile Ladi-Balogun recalled that Gov. Sanwo-Olu had charged the team to go for victory against their opponents.
He said the governor has 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 Prince Abiodun Ogunleye Housing Estate in Igbogbo, Ikorodu.
