Residents Cry Out As Fuel Sells For N2000 Per Litre

By Ayodele Ifasakin 

Amid issues around availability of petroleum, residents of border communities between Nigeria and Benin Republic in Ogun State have lamented the cost of buying petroleum.

Residents Cry Out As Fuel Sells For N2000 Per Litre 

It was gathered that in the areas, petroleum has reached up to N2000 per litre.

This may not be unconnected to the fact that only four petroleum stations are said to be licensed by the federal government in the area, they are; Lafems Oil, Mobil Fuelling Station, Oppresso Oil and Gas; and Somolab Fuelling Station are authorised by the Nigerian government to sell petrol.

Some of the areas affected are; Idiroko, Ijofin, Agosasa, Ipokia, Iwoye Ketu, Tube, Oniro, Araromi ofo, Ilate, Ohunbo, Agada, Maahun and Tungeji, across Ipokia and Imeko Afon Local Government Areas.

The fueling stations licensed by the federal government sell fuel between N1,200 and N1,300 per litre, while black marketers sell N2,000 per litre, according to PUNCH.

Smugglers have also been blamed for the increase in the cost of petroleum in the area.

It would be recalled that in 2019, former President Muhammadu Buhari banned the supply of petroleum products to petrol stations within 20km of the country’s border due to diversion of fuel to Neighbour if countries.

Although the Buhari government later granted some filling station waivers to sell fuel in the border communities, the number is however insignificant to the population of the areas.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Ipokia Local Government Youth Forum, Imoleayo Mawutin, lamented that four petrol stations were grossly inadequate to serve a population of over 350,000 people.

He called on the government to lift the ban on the sale of petrol and allow other filling stations sell fuel.

Every week, we have a total supply of 180,000 litres of PMS in our local government but it is all going down the drain to the Benin Republic, PMS racketeers and black marketers.

“Our people now have to go as far as over 30km to Owode township, in another local government to buy PMS which customs will still have to harass and treat them badly while they confiscate the products meant for domestic consumption.

“These inhumane acts had forced most of our hospitals, Small and Medium Enterprises and farmers out of operations and the few left with no other option have to result to buying of PMS from black marketers and hoarders at an unreasonable price ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 Naira per litre”, Mawutin said.

N100mMega Empowerment Program: A Significant Manifestation For The Upliftment of Orile Agege Residents - Hon. JS Babatunde

AgegePulse Magazine 

The Executive Chairman of Orile Agege LCDA, Hon. Johnson Babatunde, also known as "Mr. Project" has reiterated his commitment towards reducing poverty and Upliftment of the good people of Orile Agege LCDA.

Speaking with AgegePulse Magazine in a brief interview, Hon. Babatunde said the upcoming Mega Empowerment Program is a monumental step towards fulfilling our promise to empower and uplift every member of this great community.

"When I assumed office, I made a commitment to work tirelessly for the betterment of Orile Agege. This Mega Empowerment Program is a significant manifestation of that promise. It is designed to provide tangible support to our people, enhancing their lives and creating opportunities for growth and development.

"As part of this initiative, we will be distributing N100,000 each to 1,000 deserving individuals. This financial boost is intended to help them start or expand their businesses, support their families, and pursue their dreams. By empowering our residents financially, we aim to foster entrepreneurship, reduce poverty, and stimulate economic growth within our community.

"In addition to financial support, we are presenting an ambulance to ensure timely medical responses during emergencies. This ambulance will play a crucial role in saving lives and improving our healthcare infrastructure. Our commitment to the health and well-being of our people is unwavering.

"We are also introducing a vigilante vehicle to enhance security in Orile Agege. Safety and security are fundamental to the prosperity of any community, and we are determined to provide our local security team, the paramole, with the necessary tools and support to keep our neighborhoods safe and secure.

"Our focus on environmental sustainability is reflected in the introduction of an environmental bus. This will significantly improve our waste management efforts, ensuring a cleaner and healthier Orile Agege. A clean environment is vital for the health and prosperity of our community.

"Transportation is another critical area we are addressing. By introducing more minibuses, we aim to improve local transportation, making it more convenient and efficient for our residents and students to move around.

"We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to empower and uplift the citizens of Orile Agege. Our administration is committed to creating a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

"I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the good people of Orile Agege for their unwavering support and trust in my administration. Your encouragement and cooperation have been instrumental in driving our initiatives forward. Together, we are building a stronger, more vibrant community.

"After this press conference, we will be visiting various media outfits to ensure wider publicity for this Mega Empowerment Program. We believe that with your support, we can reach a broader audience and maximize the impact of our initiatives.

"To the esteemed members of the media, I want to thank you for your presence here today and for your continued support. Your role in disseminating information and shaping public opinion is crucial. I kindly request favorable publicity for this program, as it is aimed at bettering the lives of our people and enhancing the overall development of Orile Agege". Mr. Project concluded.

Agege LG Chairman, Egunjobi Empowers Residents with N5,000,00

AgegePulse Magazine 

The Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government, High Chief (Alh) Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi (JP) has once again empowers 50 (fifty) residents with the sum of N100,000.00 naira each; amounting to the tune of N5,000,000.00 (Five million naira).

This gesture is aimed at empowering residents with a start up or boost  existing businesses of the beneficiaries.

At the cheque presentation event held at the council secretariat on Wednesday, 14 February, 2024; the council chairman, represented by the Supervisor for Women Affairs & Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Alhaja Aramide Abdulsalam admonished the beneficiaries to ensure the financial assistant is not used for frivolity.  She also enjoined other residents that have not benefited to be captured in the subsequent programme.

Recall that Egunjobi led administration has been empowering residents with the said amount on monthly basis since the inception of this administration in 2017.

The beneficiaries, who could not hide the joy in their faces, expressed appreciation towards the council helmsman or the financial assistant, prayed for him and the entire Agege for continuous growth and development.

Listed below are the beneficiaries.

1. Nifemi Fisayo Oladele

 08080030791

2. Adepeju Rachel Bolatito

08038232448

3. Ayinde Gbenga

08034483654

4. Bashiru Adeniyi Saka

08055061997

5. Okunuga Segun

08038033209

6. Taofeek Bolaji Adewale

08033679779

7. Adam Jubreel

09098848731

8 Muritala Amuda

07051010761

9. Akindele Akinola 

08060594374

10. Semiu Ogunbona

08022027083

11.Moshood Abdullahi Apata

08163804891

12. Adeyemi Sheyi

08160980315

13. Dauda Sulimon

07014765791

14. Sunday Olawale Morakinyo

08132446137

15. Komolafe Abimbola

08068137058

16. Saka Kudirat Nike

08103181956

17 Ibraheem Fausat

07051010347

18. Abdullahi Kehinde 

08032308826

19. Yahyah Auwal Muhammed

08066217909

20. Waliu Kareem

08023380277

21. Dele Ikulobuju Ibrahim

08026949190

22. Ojo Martins

08023102992

23. Sheriff Abanise

08080417847

24. Dauda Adedayo

08034147742

25. Titilayo Kuti Bidapo

08138210088

26.Olaleye Yemisi

08023594450

27. Salami Shakirat Toyin

07031864804

28. Mrs Toyin Ajibona

08056472475

29. Mrs Aishat Bello

08137249482

30. Mr Yusuf Adeniran 

08023721273

31. Lanre Ojuolape Smith 

08023740261

32. Kuburat Makinde 

08125211914

33. Jubril Akeem Jimoh

09036365512

34. Awobokun Gbenga

09019624005

35. Mrs Tokunbo Adekanbi

08023721273

36. Oroge Feyisayo Titilayo

09021447649

37. Samuel Victor

38. Adeoti Shakirat Titilope

08185715817

39. Deji Arogunyo

09020321484

40. Jimoh Isaah

08062909623

41. Adedokun Alirat Iyabo

09041508834

42. Sikiru Omotosho Kayode

08083153780

43. Bolaji Bello

08059153442

44. Muhammed A Abdullahi

07031823772

45. Biobaku Gbemisola

08123528084

46. Salami Raufu

08033656725

47. Rasak Adetoyinbo

08080997152

48. Adams Oluwatoyin Folasade

08185479660

49. Lateef Ibrahim Babatunde

08028463598

50. Musiliu Cole

09135811988

Picture credit: Esan Sefiu 

Agege LG 

Erin Jogunola 

 Ismaeel Garba Ismaeel

PHOTOS: Ota Residents Block Abeokuta-Lagos Highway To Protest Bad Roads | AgegePulse Magazine

  By Ayodele Ifasakin 

Ota road

Scores of travellers on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway on Monday were stranded after residents in the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State staged a protest over bad roads in Ota and its environs.

Credit: Daud Olatunji, Saheed Olugbon

Punch 

Amuwo, Badagry, Others To Benefit From Lagos COVID-19 Cash Transfer For Residents

AgegePulse Magazine

By Daniel Essiet

The Lagos government has approved the establishment of the State Cash Transfer Unit (SCTU) for the National Cash Transfer programme.

The State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mrs. Yetunde Arobieke who disclosed this Thursday in Lagos while rendering the account of activities of her ministry within the last one year to commemorate the first year anniversary of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration said in a matter of weeks, the payment of the beneficiaries cleared in the first phase of the programme in the State’s Social Register (SU) would commences.

She said 8,147 cleared beneficiaries from the SU of poor and vulnerable households are from six local government areas and 40 wards.



She said they will pay the conditional cash transfer of N5, 000. The amount is per household monthly in the first phase.

The cleared beneficiaries are from Amuwo Odofin, Apapa, Badagry, Epe, Ibeju Lekki and Lagos Island.

She added that the mapping activity to capture all the poor and vulnerable households in other local government areas is ongoing and these households will be covered as soon as their data is made Ava by the State Operation Coordinating Unit.

To ensure enrollment of beneficiaries, she said the ministry in collaboration with the National Cash Transfer Office, Abuja had organised training for cash transfer facilitators from various local government areas in the state on data and biometric capturing.

Also, Mrs. Arobieke said the government is establishing industrial hub to boost jobs in skill development and entrepreneurship, adding it is intended help the youths to get more employment opportunities.



She explained that the industrial hubs will target clusters in leather, wood and fish preservation with the intention to promote production of finished good.

Apart this, she said the government is planning a robust artisans virtual database.

TheNation

‘Sleep with your Eyes Closed, No Armed Gang Coming’ - Lagos CP Assures Residents

…Sanwo-Olu Charges Police To Intensify Security Patrol

…We’ve Neutralised ‘One Million Boys’ Since - Odumosu

AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Government has reassured residents of its commitment to protect lives and property, stressing that the responsibility will not be compromised.

The re-assurance came just as the State Police Command, acting on the orders of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, stepped up its surveillance, following the panic generated by threat letters purportedly written to some communities by a faceless criminal group, “One Million Boys”.

The group allegedly threatened that it would carry out armed robbery attacks in some listed neighbourhoods.

The police described the group as “non-existent”, adding it had strengthened its surveillance across neighbourhoods.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hakeem Odumosu, who led squadrons of anti-robbery policemen to various tension-soaked communities on Friday, allayed residents’ fear, saying the criminal gang called “One Million Boys” had been disbanded in several operations.

Odumosu said a new set of criminally minded people may be hiding under the gang’s name to scare the public, but he assured all that the police, in conjunction with other security agencies, would neutralise such threat.

He said: “Today, we have come out in full show of force to give you assurance that there’s nothing like ‘One Million Boys’; they are criminals. Be assured that Government is out to protect you. The police are out there to guarantee your safety and we are doing this in conjunction with soldiers, Navy, Air Force and Department of State Services (DSS) operatives.

“So, we are asking you not to panic. Go about your lawful engagements. When it is time for you to sleep, you should sleep without nurturing the fear that some faceless criminal gangs will come and attack you. Faceless people are sending letters around only to put fears in your mind. We will respond swiftly to any attack and we shall be patrolling round the State.”

Odumosu gave out emergency numbers to call in case of armed robbery attacks and cautioned residents not to burn tyres on roads because such acts damage and pose health risks to children and the sick.

The numbers are: 09010512385, 09010512286, 09010512287 and 09010512288.

The police chief said the security agencies had been carrying out land and aerial surveillance to ensure the safety of residents during the lockdown imposed by the Federal Government to tackle the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Some of the areas visited by Odumosu and his team of combat-ready policemen include Ikotun, Pako-Ijesha, Igando, Mushin, Surulere, Festac Town, Idimu, Ikeja, Ojodu, Berger, Ogba, Fadeyi, and Onipanu among others.

Lekki residents back Okada ban

AgegePulse Magazine

THE Lekki Estate Residents Association (LERA) has welcomed the ban on motorcycles, popularly known as Okada and tricycles (keke) in the area.

It said the ban showed that the Lagos State Government was responsive to the security, law and order challenges of the area and urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to sustain enforcement of the ban.



The association advised Sanwo-Olu to cushion the effect of the ban by providing 15 LAGBUS vehicles to ease movement within the estate.

It stated this in a January 30, 2020 letter to the governor signed by its Chairman, Sir Kayode Otitoju and Secretary, Funmi Adeogun.

“We are happy about the inclusion of Eti-Osa Local Government (by extension Lekki Peninsula Scheme 1) in the ‘No Okada and tricycle ban… However, formal ban of Okada in our community has always been rendered a mere academic exercise due to delay or lack of enforcement of the order.

“We would be happy if Lekki could be given special attention in the area of serious enforcement.

“It would interest you Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu that Okada constitutes a serious security threat to our residents, ranging from accidents to stabbing officials, damaging cars when they run into vehicles,” LERA said.

The Nations

YULETIDE: LAGOS ASSURES RESIDENTS OF AVAILABILITY OF LAKE RICE

 AgegePulse Magazine

The Lagos State Government has assured residents of the availability of LAKE Rice in all approved designated sales centres, outlets and shops across the State from Saturday 22nd December, 2018.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Oluwatoyin Suarau who stated this in his office over the weekend urged residents to visit any of the approved sales centres, outlets and shops to buy the product stressing that there is enough supply of LAKE Rice to meet growing demands of residents especially during the yuletide.



According to him, residents can get the product from Agricultural Development Authority (ADA) Oko Oba, Agege; Lagos Television (LTV) Complex, Agidingbi-Ikeja and other designated centers and accredited distributors across the State.



“The ultimate goal of the State government on production and marketing of LAKE Rice is to stop importation of rice and ensure that only locally produced rice is consumed by residents”, Suarau said.





The Commissioner noted that the need to ensure that Lake Rice circulate into the nooks and crannies of the state is key in the State government’s drive to attain food sufficiency and food security.



He assured that the State government will ensure the continuous availability of LAKE Rice in already approved designated sales centres, major markets, shopping malls and supermarkets that are in partnership with the Lagos State government and work assiduously to ensure adequate supply all over the state.



The Commissioner while noting that Lake Rice is of good quality explained that the products always go through different quality analysis assessment before being released to the market for consumption.



“Our LAKE Rice is of good quality. The major difference between LAKE Rice and imported rice is that the imported has a minimum storage of five to six years storage life span, but LAKE Rice is fresh and wholesome”, He said.



Suarau stressed further that the price of the rice has not changed from N12,000, N6,000 and N2,500 for 50kg, 25kg and 10kg respectively adding that the government will continue to maintain the price of the product so as to make it affordable to residents.

Lagos police arrest 40 ‘Awawa hoodlums, list names

AgegePulse Magazine

Following the recent report on notorious gang group "Awawa boys" terrorising residents of Agege and Lagos at large.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal has arrested about forty Awawa boys terrorising the people of Agege, he says that, the command has intensified its efforts to rein in members of a cult group in the Agege area of the state, whom he described as “hoodlums and very dangerous”.

The cultists, widely known in Lagos, and in Agege particularly as ‘Awawa boys’, have assumed wide notoriety in the Lagos metropolis as killers, robbers and rapists.



Edgal disclosed that the police rounded up about 40 members of the cult group in the latest raid of their hideout on Friday November 2, 2018.

At a press conference at the Command Headquarters on Monday, the police boss expressed worry that the Awawa boys had become a serious menace to residents of Agege and its environs.



Some police sources at the conference told Daily Trust that the Awawa boys publicly robbed and maimed their victims, and as well raped some women and their daughters as they flaunted their strength and dominance in the Agege area.

Edgal said that various dangerous weapons like guns, axes, cutlasses and hammers, as well as charms were recovered from members of the cult group that the police arrested.

He said that during interrogation, the suspects claimed their herbalists had assured them the charms would make them invincible but wondered why the charms failed and the police were able to arrest them.

Edgal gave the names of those arrested as including Olarenwaju Shakiru Ashamu, 30; Aloye Godwin, 24; Ibrahim Yakubu, 19; Seun Fawole, 30; Macarty Taiwo, 27; Otobong Saturday, 27; Otobong James, 25;  Ismaila Isha, 34; Saliu Dauda, 19; and Chinedu Ogu, 24.

DailyTrust

Body Of Motorcyclist Dumped By Roadside After He Was Killed In Ikorodu

A yet-to-be-identified motorcyclist has been found dead at Banana Estate, Igbe-Laara, Igbogbo/Bayeku, close to Ginti Banjoko, Ikorodu.

According to residents of the community, the motorcyclist was said to have brought a passenger into the community, before he was killed, while his bike was taken away from him.

The police was alerted and his body has been deposited at the morgue.

Copied!

2019: AMBODE OFFICIALLY DECLARES FOR SECOND TERM

…Picks Guber Form, Says I’m Undaunted, Ready To Achieve More For Lagosians

…Thanks Party Leaders, Residents

Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday officially declared his intention to seek re-election in 2019 on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), saying he remains undaunted and resolutely committed to achieve more for the State.



Addressing scores of residents and party faithful who defied the heavy downpour to witness the declaration ceremony in Alausa, Governor Ambode recalled how the journey began four years ago when he called on Lagosians to join him in a journey of selfless service to build a secure and prosperous State driven by a vibrant economy and supported by quality service, equity and justice, saying it was gratifying that the people believed in him and gave their support.



According to the Governor, “In the last three and a half years, I have fulfilled my promises to you to make Lagos work for all. With your support, we have made Lagos a better place and changed the face of our State. I did not do it alone; we did it together, because you believed.



“Our State has remained steadily prosperous because of your positive outlook. I urge you to always stay positive in your personal and communal lives and continue to aspire to great things,” he said.



While thanking all Lagosians for believing in his administration and for the support so far, Governor Ambode, who had earlier picked up his expression of interest and nomination form at the National Secretariat of the party in Abuja, specifically appreciated members of APC and political leaders in the State, especially the party’s National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, for giving him the platform to contribute to the further growth and development of the State.



The Governor said though a lot had been achieved, he was nonetheless not daunted or tired to achieve a lot more for the State, adding that such was the reason for humbly seeking the support of the people to achieve more for the State.



“In these three and a half years as your Governor, I have seen visible proof that we can achieve unbelievable things when we all come together with no more than our belief in our dreams.



“We achieved because you believed. But there is still a lot more to be done. But I am not daunted. I am not tired. And I am sure you feel the same way because we all envision a better Lagos, a Lagos of our dreams.



“So, I humbly call you again, to give me your support as I seek to continue with your mandate to steer the affairs of our State. I ask you to believe again and together, let’s achieve more,” Governor Ambode said.



 Also speaking, Senator representing Lagos East senatorial district at the upper legislative chamber, Gbenga Ashafa said Governor Ambode had already been endorsed for a second term by Tinubu on account of his sterling performance in office.



According to him, "We are so proud to have Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as our Governor.



 "As the Senator representing Lagos East senatorial district which produced him even though he is for the whole of Lagos State and Nigeria, we are saying we are very happy to endorse him (Governor Ambode) for a second term on the instruction of our leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu," Ashafa said.



Among scores of APC leaders and members present at the declaration include wife of the Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode; Deputy Governor, Dr. Mrs Idiat Adebule; Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello; Senator Musiliu Obanikoro; Senator Gbenga Ashafa, Senator Ganiyu Solomon; members of the House of Assembly; members of the State Executive Council, all the 57 Local Government Chairmen, among others.

FLOOD: LAGOS ALLAYS FEARS, SAYS MAINTENANCE OF DRAINAGE CHANNELS ON COURSE

In the wake of torrential rainfall experienced in some neighbouring States, the Lagos State Government on Monday allayed fears of residents, assuring that the on-going flood abatement and ocean shore protection measures will keep them out of harm’s way during the rainy season.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, in a statement, said the Government had already commenced the maintenance of all primary, secondary and tertiary drainage channels under the Cleaner Lagos Initiative.



“Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration is mindful of the terrain and geographical location of Lagos State being very close to the coast which makes it relatively prone to flooding and as such has come up with the global best practices through the engagement of reputable and competent contractors for all year schedule maintenance of all primary, secondary and tertiary drainage channels in the five divisions of the State,” Bamigbetan said.



He listed the areas undergoing dredging and cleaning to include Adetokunbo Ademola collector drain; 1004 collector drain – 1004 – Bishop Aboyade Cole to IGI; Idejo collector drain – Idejo – Adeola Odeku to Ozumba Mbadiwe; Billy collector drain, Epe; Beecroft/Simpson collector drain Lagos Island; Jankara/Adeniji Adele/Dolphin Estate Channel, Lagos Island; Ashimowu/Bakere Channel, Mushin; Ladipo Trape Zoidal channel, Mushin; Kehinde/Eta-oko collector drain, satellite Town, Amuwo-Odofin and dredging of Ketu-Alapere channel.



Others, according to the Commissioner, are dredging of 3.50km long Ketu-Alapere Drainage Channel, Kosofe LGA; 2.07km long Lakowe Drainage Channel, Lakowe, Ibeju Lekki; NTA 7 Tejuosho/Alaka Channel, Surulere; Osapa/Maiyegun Channel, Eti-Osa; Abeokuta/Egbe/Idimu Channel, Alimosho LGA; Ogombo Channel, Eti-Osa; Aguda/Coker Channel, Surulere and 615m long Kokoro Abu/Adeniran Ogunsanya Drainage Channel, Sabo, Ikorodu.



He also listed areas being cleaned up under the exercise to include Akibo Savage Collector drain, Victoria Island; Church gate collector drain, Victoria Island; Agoro Odiyan collector drain Victoria Island; Old Ewu Road collector drain, Oshodi Isolo; 5.00km long Ladipo Collector Drain, Fatai Atere, Mushin LGA; 1.98km long Alafia Collector Drain, Ajeromi Ifelodun LGA; 2.30km long 21 Road Collector Drain, Festac, Amuwo Odofin LGA; 820m long Amuto/Adeniji Adele Collector Drain, Lagos Island LGA; 235.0m long Thomas/Adeniji Adele Collector Drain, Lagos Island LGA; 850.00m long Oba Sefiu Adewale Drainage, Epe LGA and 950.0m long Billy Tertiary Drain, Epe LGA.



Noting that the administration’s efforts to protect the shores and the coastal communities led to the construction of 15 groins, Bamigbetan thanked environmental authorities for commending the Government’s efforts and recommending the construction of more groins from Lagos to Escravos to increase the protection.



“In addition, the Lagos State Public works has also commenced the cleaning/clearing of some road drains and inlets capable of causing traffic during the heavy down pour such as the inlets along Odo-Iya Alaro Bridge,” he said.

LASTMA arrests five officials for extortion…20 dismissed for misconduct

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has arrested five of its traffic officials for extorting motorists last week at various parts of the State.

The traffic officials were Bamidele Sheu, 48, Officer and resident of 68, Oke Popo Street, Lagos Island; Ope Adisa, 32, of 8, Freeman Street, Lagos Island and Babatunde Aluko, 37 of 15, Oriwu street, Ikorodu.

The trio was arrested following a complaint to the Agency by one Akinmolayan Babatunde, a clearing agent for the illegal apprehension of his container truck with number AA 553 NGW at Marina area of the Lagos Island and subsequently demanded N80,000 as a bribe before the vehicle could be released.

According to Akinmolayan, he was accompanying the container truck on Monday morning to deliver goods at Walter Carrington Street at Victoria Island, when the truck was forced to stop at Marina close to the State House by the three LASTMA officials in uniform working with some other men in mufti for driving the vehicle at unauthorised hours.

Akinmolayan said all pleas to allow the truck to go in order to meet up with delivery time fell on deaf ears as the traffic officials and these men in mufti engaged him in fisticuffs, and the vehicle was eventually taken to Olowu removal yard of the Agency on the Island, where they demanded the said sum before its release.

It took the intervention of the Zonal Head and payment of N7, 000 to the unidentified men in mufti before the vehicle was eventually released to Mr. Akinmolayan.

In the same vein, the duo of Jimoh Olaosebikan and Emmanuel Padonu were arrested during the week by surveillance unit and provost officials of the Agency at Okokomaiko and Mile 12 areas of the State respectively.

While Olaosebikan was arrested by men of LASTMA surveillance team unit at Okokomaiko along Lagos- Badagry expressway for illegally collecting a sum of N20,000 from a female motorist whom he alleged to have made an illegal u-turn at Okokomaiko.

According to the motorist, “all explanations that other vehicles have been turning there before failed to convince him and efforts to see his superior officers in their office were frustrated by him, only for him to collect the sum of N20,000 from me before their surveillance team emerged from nowhere to arrest him.”

Padonu, on his part, was picked up by Provost Officials for using men in mufti to collect money from commercial drivers at Mile 12 area of Kosofe Local Government of Lagos State on Wednesday morning.

The arrest was as a result of a tip-off from members of the public who informed the Agency that some traffic officials were conniving with men in mufti to arrest and collect money from commercial drivers in the area.

Speaking on the arrested officials, General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olawale Musa expressed dismay at the activities of unscrupulous elements within the Agency and assured that with the assistance of members of the public they will be eased off from the Agency to protect the good name of officers who work assiduously to ensure free flow of traffic in the State.

Musa expressed his appreciation to members of the public for alerting the Agency to the unscrupulous activities of these officials, just as he advised motorists to always report any LASTMA official found wanting on duty.

According to him, “LASTMA operates a cashless policy and motorists should not give money to any LASTMA official under any circumstance. Furthermore, LASTMA officials on duty are always in uniforms with names conspicuously displayed on the breast pockets and motorists should disregard anybody not in uniform claiming to be Agency officials".

He said such person in mufti should be reported to LASTMA or nearest law enforcement Agency, adding that any motorist dealing with the State traffic officials should feel free to demand his identity and name.

The LASTMA boss urged motorists to exhaust all avenues available to seek redress before approaching the media, as any officer found wanting on duty would be dealt with according to the service rules and regulations.

“I want to assure motorists that we have put everything in place to ensure free flow of traffic during the yuletide period and I want to implore motorists to imbibe the culture of voluntary compliance with traffic officials' directives, obey road signs and laws so that we can have seamless traffic during this yuletide period,” Musa said.

AGEGE LG BOSS, EGUNJOBI ENACTS BYE-LAWS TO PROTECT PUBLIC PROPERTY

Agege Pulse Magazine

As members of Agege communities continue to perpetrate actions that are defaces and causes serious damages to public properties domicile in the Local Government, the council’s Chairman, Hon. Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi has resolved to enact bye-law tailored to serve as deterrent to the perpetrators.

Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Rotimi Sulyman, he said the bye-laws, if enacted, would protect public property in the area from abuse by residents and business operators.

   
Egunjobi said; “Nigeria is today suffering huge infrastructure deficit not only due to government’s failure to make provision at all but also the attitude of the generality of the public,” he said.

“Agege is a miniature Nigeria. And here residents and business operators abuse public infrastructure in unimaginable ways.

“They block access road, deface public property and dump waste in carnal and drainages indiscriminately.

“Artisans also use roadsides for workshops. Their activities and that of traders caused road damage. Some trade on the road and sidewalks.

“All these are clear antithesis to urban renewal drive being vigorously pursued by Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode, and we cannot continue to lose taxpayers’ money like this,” the chairman said.

Egunjobi stressed that the bylaw would serves as measure of criminalising abuse of public property in the area.

According to him, the law would not only benefit the council but the general public as well, saying “it touches critical issues that facilitate the improvement of public service delivery.”

LASG Set To Proffer Lasting Solution To Incessant Flooding on Akilo Road, Agege

Lagos State Government has embarked on clearing of silts and reconstruction of drainages at Akilo Road, Agege to tackle incessant flooding ravaging the area.

Over the years, residents and commuters along popular Akilo Road, Agege are often thrown into distress due to constant flooding whenever it rains.

Moreover, there has been several efforts on the part of the community to address the cause of the flooding but the unruly dumping of wastes into gutter from different parts of Ogba Ijaye and Agege has continued to block drainages on Akilo Road.

However, the state government in its efforts to ensure a flood free state swiftly responded to complaints of the residents as Lagos State Public Works Corporation have began the clearing of silts and reconstruction of drainages on the road.

The exercise which began last week is still in progress due to the length of Akilo road.

When Agegepulse visited the site, one of the LSPWC supervisors, Mr. Taiwo Akintokun explained that apart from clearing the silt, the agency will also dig the drainages deeper and wider adding that the drainages will be channelled to a bigger drainage on ACME Road for easy flow of water.

Solid waste reform will improve the socio-economic conditions of Lagos residents - Dr. Babatunde Adejare

Solid waste reform will improve the socio-economic conditions of Lagos residents - Dr. Babatunde Adejare

AgegePule Magazine

The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare has said that the ongoing reform in solid waste management, tagged: “The Cleaner Lagos” initiative,will contribute to the improvement of the socio-economic conditions of the residents of Lagos State by tackling the problems of poverty and unemployment.

Adejare, who on Monday at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, during the 2017 Annual Ministerial Press Briefing in commemoration of the second year in office of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, stated that the Solid Waste Management (SWM) sector had been identified as critical to the realization of the vision of the current administration to position Lagos as a clean, healthy and livable State.

He stated that the sector, therefore, required urgent attention to bring it to the required level of international standard as its current situation, which had necessitated the reform of the entire solid waste management sector, clearly did not align with the Lagos State Government’s future vision.

“Current realities in this sector reveal deficiencies across the entire process chain, from insufficient collection services to inadequate transportation methods and abysmal disposal practices that are not only wasteful in terms of resource utilization but also injurious to environmental and public health”, he said.

The Commissioner recalled that Lagos State, in its 50years of existence, had grown exponentially in population thereby impacting on solid waste management and sanitation as a whole, adding that at present the daily waste generation in the State officially stood at 13,000 metric tonnes.

According to Adejare, by devolving the provision of Solid Waste Management services to the private sector, the CLI will birth a new financially viable and technology-driven sub-sector to the Lagos economy, creating new businesses and job opportunities that can be emulated by other Stateswithin the country.

His words: “These reforms are all encapsulated under the ‘Cleaner Lagos Initiative’ (CLI) with a broad strategy of creating an environment for the private sector to harness international best practice in this vital area of infrastructure.

“The CLI aims to protect the environment, human health and social living standards of Lagos residents by addressing the lacunae in the existing legislation and refocusing the scope of LAWMA to enable the agency enforce, regulate and generate revenue from the waste management process”.

“The components of the Cleaner Lagos Initiative include Residential Waste Collection and Processing, Commercial & Industrial Waste Collection, Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Drainage Maintenance, Provision of Engineered Sanitary Landfill , Manual Street Sweeping, Mechanised Street Sweeping, Provision of Transfer Loading Stations(TLS), Material Recovery Facilities(MRF) and Marine Waste Collection”, he added.

The Commissioner maintained that under the CLI, waste generated by the commercial sector would be handled by licensed waste management operators while an environmental consortium would provide waste collection processing and disposal services for residential properties.

Speaking on the de-flooding activities of the State Government, the Environment Commissioner noted that over 10.8million people have benefited from the de-flooding programme through completion of 21 drainage construction and 14 drainage dredging projects across the State.

He stated that to achieve this feat, the Lagos State Government constructed 12.99 km length of drainage channels in 17 LGAs/LCDAs, dredged 22.250 km length of primary channel across the State and made provision for 16 new drainage projects.

Towards a secured Agege:

Towards a secured Agege: The Sarki Hausawa of Agege, HRM, Alhaji Musa Muhammed today, play host to security stakeholders in Agege and Lagos State at his Palace in Agege, where the Lagos NSCDC boss Commander Tajudeen Balogun calls for the support of residents in the community in solving security challenges in Agege and Lagos at large.

Says this in a short interview with AgegePulse magazine that " if you see something, say something, if you see something, do something". Dignitaries at the events are: Lagos State SSS, NDLEA, NSCDC Lagos, NSCDC, Agege, DPOs in Agege, Sheik Habeebulah Adam, Al-Ilory, Sarki Hausawa in other communities, Eg. Guinea, Ikotun, Ifako-Ijaye, Alimosho, Hon. Rabiu Danjuma amongst others.