General
Positive Changes Ahead: Lagos State Announces 90-Day Traffic Diversion for Bridge Repairs
The Lagos State Government has announced a 90-day traffic diversion for motorists on the Odo Iya Alaro Bridge, set to begin on Monday, July 22, 2024. This proactive step will address the necessary repairs on the bridge’s asphalt pavement and expansion joints, ensuring safer and smoother travel in the future.
According to a statement issued on Thursday, July 18, 2024, by the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the diversion will be carried out in two phases, focusing on the Ojota bound lane and the Yaba/Ojuelegba/Maryland bound lane. This structured approach aims to minimize inconvenience while maximizing the efficiency of the repairs.
The statement detailed the traffic management plan for the first phase of repairs, where motorists heading to Ojota from Maryland/Yaba will be diverted into a counter flow on the lane inbound Maryland. Those heading to Yaba from Ojota will continue their journeys on the same lane. Alternative routes have been thoughtfully mapped out to ensure continuous traffic flow and accessibility during the repair period.
Motorists from Berger, Magodo, and Tollgate along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway are advised to use the Alapere/Ogudu axis inward Gbagada/Anthony Oke Bridge to descend the ramp and access Ikorodu Road. This alternative route will help ease congestion and maintain traffic movement.
Additionally, those coming from Ikeja, Oregun, and Kudirat Abiola Way can utilize the Opebi Link Bridge to connect Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way inward Sheraton through Maryland to access Ikorodu Road. For motorists from Jibowu, the Ikorodu Road Service lane by Mobil Fuel Station/Bertola Engineering Equipment Company provides a route to the Gbagada/Ogudu axis.
In case of missed turns, motorists can use Theodolite to link Anthony Oke Ramp and join Ikorodu Road again, accessing Town Planning Way inward Gbagada/Ogudu/Alapere axis. Another option for those heading to Ikeja, Magodo, Berger, and Lagos-Ibadan Expressway from Jibowu is to navigate through Maryland, Mobolaji Bank Anthony, Sheraton/Opebi, Allen Avenue/Obafemi Awolowo Way, and Nurudeen Olowopopo Road.
During the second phase of the repairs, the traffic diversion plan will similarly redirect motorists inward Maryland/Yaba from Ojota into a counter flow on the lane inbound Ojota. The same alternative routes will be available for motorists from Berger, Magodo, and Toll Gate, ensuring consistent access to their destinations.
Commissioner Osiyemi assured the public that traffic management personnel would be on hand to maintain a steady traffic flow throughout the repair period. He appealed to the public for cooperation and understanding, emphasizing that these interventions are essential for the long-term benefit and safety of all road users.
This comprehensive and well-organized traffic diversion plan reflects the Lagos State Government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and ensuring the safety and convenience of its residents and visitors.
General
Google Pushes Back Against Potential DOJ Proposal to Sell Chrome
Google has reacted strongly to reports that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) may propose forcing the tech giant to sell its Chrome browser as part of antitrust remedies. The DOJ is expected to present its final recommendations to a judge this week in response to an August ruling that deemed Google a monopoly in online search.
Bloomberg reported the DOJ might also push for new restrictions on Google’s artificial intelligence (AI), Android operating system, and data usage practices. In a statement, Google executive Lee-Anne Mulholland criticized the proposal, saying, “The DOJ continues to push a radical agenda that goes far beyond the legal issues in this case.”
Mulholland warned that such measures would harm consumers, developers, and U.S. technological leadership at a critical time for innovation.
Chrome is the dominant web browser worldwide, commanding 64.61% of the global market as of October, according to Similarweb. Google’s search engine, with an estimated 90% global market share, benefits significantly from being the default search option in Chrome and other browsers, such as Safari on iPhones.
Judge Amit Mehta previously described default search engine agreements as “extremely valuable real estate” for Google, noting that competitors would need to spend billions to secure similar deals.
The DOJ has hinted at potentially breaking up Google to address concerns over its ability to leverage products like Chrome, the Play Store, and Android to maintain its search monopoly. Final proposals are expected to include remedies aimed at limiting Google’s dominance across multiple platforms.
Google remains firm in its opposition, maintaining that the proposed measures would negatively impact users and innovation. The outcome of the DOJ’s recommendations will shape the future of antitrust enforcement in the tech industry.
General
Switzerland and Italy Redraw Alpine Border as Melting Glaciers Shift Boundaries
Switzerland and Italy have been compelled to redraw sections of their shared border in the Alps due to the ongoing effects of melting glaciers, driven by climate change. The revised boundary will affect areas near the iconic Matterhorn, one of Europe’s highest peaks, and regions close to well-known ski resorts such as Zermatt.
The Swiss-Italian border is traditionally defined by glacier ridgelines or perpetual snow areas. However, as glaciers shrink, these natural demarcations have shifted, prompting both nations to adjust the border accordingly. A draft agreement was reached in May 2023 by a joint commission, and Switzerland officially approved the changes last Friday, with Italy’s final approval still pending.
The new borders, which will impact locations like Plateau Rosa, the Carrel refuge, and Gobba di Rollin, aim to address the practical needs of both countries, particularly in terms of maintaining natural areas. The clarified boundaries will also help resolve responsibility for managing these regions as the landscape continues to evolve.
Melting glaciers have revealed a number of surprising discoveries in recent years, including the remains of a German climber missing since 1986, found last July near the Matterhorn. Such discoveries highlight the rapid rate at which the glaciers are retreating and the broader impacts of climate change on the region.
General
Martinez Banned for ‘Offensive Behaviour’ by FIFA
Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has been handed a two-match ban by FIFA for “offensive behaviour” during recent World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Colombia.
The suspension stems from two separate incidents. In the 3-0 win over Chile on September 6, Martinez controversially repeated his provocative celebration from the 2022 World Cup by holding a replica Copa America trophy against his crotch. This was Argentina’s first match since their Copa America victory in the United States in July.
Four days later, after Argentina’s 2-1 defeat to Colombia on September 10, Martinez hit a camera with his gloves as a cameraman approached him on the pitch.
The Argentina Football Association expressed disagreement with the suspension but acknowledged that Martinez was “responsible” for his actions. The ban means Martinez will miss Argentina’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia in October.
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