Photo: google
Totowu is a popular village in Igbesa area of Ogun state, south-west
Nigeria. But, for some people, crossing over from Lagos through Igando axis on
canoe to the village, is like going on a journey of no return.
Last week, our correspondent embarked on the journey to discover Totowu
village through Iyana-Ipaja axis.
With a N50 ticket, the fully loaded blue BRT bus, plying Iyana Ipaja-Igando
axis began the journey through Egbeda and Idimu and finally ended at Igando.
Opposite Igando police station, commercial buses painted with yellow color
were calling Odo and passengers boarded the buses after paying N50 each.
Movement through Isuti Road to the waterside on this particular Sunday
was quite hectic as okada riders literarily went on rampage over what one of
them described as repeated extortions from their union officials and agberos.
But, police patrol vehicle was spotted around the area.
At the Egan, Igando end of Odo waterside, petty traders selling food, provisions,
local herbal drinks, popularly known as ogogoro, cigarettes and other items
occupied both sides of the riverine area.
Ten canoe conveying passengers across the river were spotted and as one
of the owners of the canoe, who was provoked by a lady, who handed him N1000
for a N100 transport fare boasted, “I make N10, 000 on the average daily
running my business”
Our check revealed that about seventeen passengers board each canoe for
a journey across to the Totowu side of Ogun state from Egan in Lagos. Each of
the passengers pays N100, which translate to N1, 700 per journey.
With the boasting by one of the boat operator, it is likely that
between 5 am to 12 midnight, each of the operators could journey to and fro both
sides of the river about eight times to earn between N9, 000- N10, 000 on the
average.
Yet no life jacket is provided to any of the passengers. Though, check further
revealed that the waterways around these riverine areas was recently opened,
having been earlier closed due to the unpatriotic activities of suspected
militants, who allegedly killed a police officer and wrecked havoc on Totowu
village.
Some first time boarders of the canoe were seen silently praying during
the 15 minutes journey from Lagos to the Ogun end of the river.
But, with one canoe built at the rate of N500, 000, depending on
the size, calculations show that it will take an operator, who is making N8000
daily on the average 63 days to get back his returns on investment, all things
been equal.
But, all things may not be equal as they have to pay dues daily to
the boat union officials and other stakeholders. So, it may take a much longer
time to re-coup returns on investments.
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