Nigerian billionaire and Chairman of Geregu Power Plc, as well as a Director at First Bank Holdings Plc, Femi Otedola, has expressed his appreciation for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his administration, and the people of Lagos State on the successful completion and inauguration of the long-awaited Lagos Blue Rail project.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Otedola stated that the project should bring joy to the hearts of all Lagosians and residents of the state.
On Monday, Governor Sanwo-Olu officially launched the commercial train service on the Blue Line, taking the maiden passenger train ride from Marina Terminal to Mile-2 Station. He became the first passenger at the Marina Station of the Blue Line Rail. The journey from the Marina Terminal to Mile 2 takes approximately 25 minutes, with brief 90-second stops at each of the five stations before reaching the final destination.
Commenting on this development, Otedola remarked, “This should gladden and make every Lagosian proud. This is because the idea of governance is to build world class infrastructure for the people to benefit.”
Otedola commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his dedicated leadership and determination to enhance the state with world-class infrastructure, spanning transportation, healthcare, security, power generation and transmission, and a business-friendly environment.
Otedola emphasized that the new rail infrastructure will simplify the lives of state residents, provide greater comfort, reduce commuting times, alleviate traffic congestion, and lower transportation costs.
The billionaire encouraged other states to follow Lagos’ lead in their infrastructure endeavors and called on all well-meaning Nigerians to support the Sanwo-Olu-led government as it endeavors to transform Lagos. He also urged Lagos residents to protect the state-of-the-art facility to ensure it serves its intended purpose.
The Blue Line Rail project was undertaken by the Lagos State Government and supervised by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), as part of the state’s development and improved intermodal transportation system.
The rail project’s initial phase, spanning 13 kilometers from Marina to Mile 2 along the Lagos-Badagry corridor, was completed during Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, although it was initially conceived during the tenure of former Governor Babatunde Fashola.
The Blue Line Rail was officially commissioned in January 2023 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, with the project’s inception attributed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the inaugural Governor of Lagos State.
The Red Line Rail project, currently at 96 percent completion, is expected to be commissioned by Tinubu before the end of the year
