Lagos Allays Residents’ Fear Over Lockdown For City Marathon

The Lagos State government, yesterday, allayed the fears of its residents of impending chaos on Lagos roads, due to its decision to codon off some roads in the metropolis for the forthcoming City Marathon billed to take place in the state this weekend.

The special adviser on transportation to the state governor, Hon Olarenwaju Elegushi, who stated this at a press conference in the state, disclosed that adequate arrangements have been made to ensure that there is security and free-flow of vehicular traffic on some roads opened for movement during the international sporting events.

According to Elegushi, the marathon, which will begin from the National Stadium and terminate at the Eko Atlantic City, will involve restriction of traffic along the axis to ensure the safety of the marathoners.

“It is important to stress that the marathon will commence at 7.00 and restriction of traffic will begin at 6: 30am and end at 13:00 hours. Adequate arrangements have been made to ensure that security operatives and the men of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) barricade access to the dual carriageway which will be used for the race.

“We call on all Lagosians to see this event as not only a sporting event but one which has tourism content. As a people who are naturally friendly, we should put on display our positive attitude to visitors.

“While we also appreciate the delay and disruption, we must emphasise that the restriction will be lifted if and when it is perceived as necessary and will not affect the flow [of traffic].”

Also speaking, the chief executive officer of the LASTMA, Chris Olape, many LASTMA officials will be deployed to ensure [that] there is no chaos on the roads opened for movement.

According to him, all traffic flow and access from Alaka and Alhaji Masha to the National Stadium, towards Ojuelegba and along Western Avenue, terminating at Anthony Bus Stop, will be blocked.

Acess to Dolphin Estate towards Osborne, terminating at Falomo Ring-road, roads along Bourdillon, up to the Lekki –Ikoyi Bridge Ring-road and the link Bridge will all be cordoned off.