The Essence Of Politics Is To Give Back To Society - Ambode

…Urges Lawmakers Not To Be Clogs In The Wheel of Progress

 AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday evening urged lawmakers across the country to eschew all acts that can constitute clogs in the wheel of progress based on party differences, saying the whole essence of politics is to serve the people and give back to the society.



Speaking while declaring open the Second Quarterly General Meeting of Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria held at Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja, Governor Ambode said politicians across party lines must be constantly reminded that the essence of politics which is also enshrined in the Constitution is the protection of lives and property and welfare of the people.

 

He said it was gratifying that in the wake of movement of people across political parties in recent times, speakers of the 36 State Houses of Assembly in the country were in Lagos to discuss issues of national importance, just as he expressed optimism that the lawmakers would come up with further measures to deepen democracy and advance the welfare of the citizenry.



According to the Governor, “As politicians, we must ensure that the electorate continues to believe and trust in the principles of equity and the rule of law. No arm of government must be a clog in the wheel of progress on the basis of partisan differences and that was why I said that it is very significant that irrespective of our party lines, irrespective of what has happened, we are still here to find a common-ground to discuss national issues that relate to autonomy, that relate to State Police and that is the message that we have been sending in the last three and half years.



“The whole essence of us being called politicians is to be able to give service to our people. When we do the road, bridge or the hospital, it does not ask whether you are PDP or APC neither does it ask whether you are Ibo, Hausa or Yoruba before you can climb on the Third Mainland Bridge.



“So, the whole essence is to ensure that we give back to our people and like I would always say and always agree, there are only two reasons why we are in this business of politics which are also enshrined in the Constitution – protection of lives and property and welfare of our people and so no matter what strategy or path or geographical landscape we use, what is important is that we should be able to achieve those two objectives and I believe strongly that this conference and meeting will focus on those objectives and ensure that we are able to arrive at something very lucrative to our people,” he said.



He said no arm of government can exist without the other, and as such, there must be collaboration and mutual understanding across party lines for effective governance to take place.



“Legislature is vital to the sustenance of democracy. Its stability, equity and economic prosperity through the effective performance of legislative duties and oversight functions cannot be overemphasized.



“There is no arm of government that can exist without another. So, it is very clear in our mind that there is need for collaboration, mutual respect and understanding across party lines for effective governance to take place,” Governor Ambode said.



While commending all the Houses of Assembly for the role they have been playing to ensure good governance and deepen democracy in the country, the Governor also congratulated them on the newly assented law granting financial autonomy to the Legislature and also the Judiciary, saying the development would further guarantee the independence of the two arms of government in line with the principle of separation of powers.



He said before the new law was passed, the Lagos Assembly had been enjoying financial autonomy, which according to him, had also been responsible for the high-capacity delivery of services by his administration since inception, adding: “As you move round our State in the course of this meeting, you will appreciate the modest achievements we have recorded as a result of the harmonious relationship that exists between the executive and the legislature in Lagos State.”   



Speaking earlier while leading his colleagues on a courtesy visit to the Governor, Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa said they were at Lagos House to inform the Governor of the fact that 36 Speakers across Nigeria were in Lagos to deliberate on key issues of national development including financial autonomy and State Police.



Obasa specifically thanked the Governor for his huge support which made the hosting of the meeting possible, as well as the harmonious atmosphere for Executive-Legislative relationship in the State.



Also, Chairman of the Conference and Speaker of Kebbi State House of Assembly, Mr Ismaila Kamba commended Governor Ambode for the massive infrastructural development across the State, saying the name of the Governor had been written in gold in the history of governance in Lagos.



“Anywhere you are in this country, you know the effort the Governor is making in building bridges, building roads and enhancing security. We are aware the Governor has further bought hardware of security so that this centre of excellence will continue to live and answer its name as the centre of excellence,” Kamba said.

 

2019: Akiolu Endorses Buhari, Ambode, Obasa

The Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty Rilwan Osuolale Akiolu has called on Nigerians particularly Lagosians to ensure the return of President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa and Hon Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni in the 2019 general elections.

The quartet  are: the President of Nigeria, Governor of Lagos State, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly and the Deputy Speaker of same Assembly respectively.


The Lagos monarch made this statement on Saturday in his palace when Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures paid him a courtesy visit in the course of their quarterly meeting in Lagos.


Oba Akiolu described the quartet as having performed excellently well in their course of duty.


"They have done well. And going by their performances during the few years that they have been saddled with the leadership positions, they have shown to all and sundry that they can do more if given the opportunity again," he said.


The Lagos monarch stated further advised politicians to work for the interest and welfare of Nigerians. "Politicians can only do this by settling their differences amicably. Politics is characterised by allignment and re-allignment of personnel but in doing this, politicians should not take actions or make utterances that can heat up the polity.


"We should ensure that we live in peace and harmony and that's when the country can grow and develop. Through this, Nigerians will enjoy real dividends of democracy," Oba Akiolu said.


The Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly and Chairman of the Conference I Speakers, Rt. Hon. Ismaila Kamba described Oba Akiolu as a man of honour and integrity. "As a policeman, I know you as an upright man and as a traditional ruler, you are still on the path of truth and the Rule of Law. I admire your courage and I thank you for taking time to host us," he said.


The host Speaker, Rt. Hon. Obasa described Oba Akiolu as a supporter of truth and an agitator for justice. "He has been a pillar of support for us. He has always stand by us and we have been drinking positively from his fountain of knowedge and wisdom," Rt. Hon Obasa said.

ILE-IFE AGOG AS OONI CELEBRATES YAM FESTIVAL AFTER DECADES OF NEGLECT

In fulfillment of his Cultural Tourism Agenda, the Arole Oodua & Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II was on Wednesday joined by multitude of indigenes, tourists and invited guests to celebrate New Yam Festival which has not been so  elaborately  celebrated in the last 120 years.

The newly revived  festival known as "Odun Isu" in Yorubaland held at the Ile-Oodua palace, Ile-Ife, where  citizens from other Yoruba towns came in large numbers to celebrate with him amid colourful display of culture and traditions.

Ooni Ogunwusi while addressing the mammoth crowd at the festival narrated that a deity called "Oreluere" who was one of the 401 deities sent by God(Olodumare) to establish the world was the first hunter on the planet earth that planted yam before Oduduwa supported him to make  on it a success.

The African foremost monarch acknowledged that God had provided all different necessary foods for sustainability of humanity and annual germination and growth of yam for human consumption.

The Spiritual father of Yoruba race worldwide observed that the process of originality of yam production emanated from the cradle of Yoruba's, (Ile-Ife) emphasising that yam is one of the foods with high carbohydrate that gives energy to the generality.

He stated that Oduduwa collaborated with other deities on how yearly plantation would be guaranteed. He added that "Owo" dynasty also value the celebration yearly maintaining Yam Festival is a very big event across yam belt in the world, saying Yoruba cultural heritage is very keen to this.

"I charge all other neighbouring towns especially Yorubas to emulate the ancient city of Ile-Ife in making the event a continuous exercise."

"Our youths must go into huge commercial farming as Yoruba communities are known as producers of yam for the entire world." Ooni charged

Ooni Ogunwusicontinued
"This belt is called yam belt and these yam belts produce 70% yam for national consumption, while others shared the remaining 30%.

"The plantation started from kingdom of Ife to middle belt of Nigeria straight to Central African Republic and other West African down to Southern Africa.

"Individual has his own capability and strength for production and Yorubas have mastered it and become the experts in yam production." Ooni explained.

The Co-Chairman of National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria added that the past heroes had suffered for the sustainability of human race, therefore, urged people to crown their efforts in appreciating them by embracing farming."

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede, congratulated Ooni Ogunwusi on the 2018 yam festival, commending him for promoting culture and tradition of Yoruba race globally.

Ogunbodede said that the festival has exposed all to international community, saying people prefers the celebration for it has attracted a lot of visitors not to Ile-Ife alone but to other Yoruba communities.

He added that celebration of yam festival added values to economic benefit of the nation as it will encourage farming and community development.

The Vice-Chancellor appealed to the three tiers of government to ensure improvement of storage facilities of agricultural produce for adequate safety for human consumption.

He called on government to provide infrastructures such as electricity, portable water  and good roads  for smooth transportation of farm produce from farms to the cities for more patronage.

Ogunbodede lauded Ooni for putting all efforts in maintaining peaceful coexistence on campus of Obafemi Awolowo University and Ile-Ife in general.

"The relative peace we are enjoying in Obafemi Awolowo University Community is the handiwork of God who used Ooni Ogunwusi. As we are enjoying him in Ife and Yoruba land at large, the  entire nation are also enjoying him because of his "peace mantra."
Baba Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi is always giving us a tremendous support"

"He has severally organised for people from Brazil, Portugal, and Cuba to come to Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife to learn African languages. I here pledge that the school management would not dissapoint him." Ogunbodede said

The Oba Olopo of Ilode, Oba Oyedotun Akintibubo, commended Ooni for the celebration of yam festival, first in the history of Ife Kingdom.

Oba Akintibubo said that during the past regimes, only his family used to celebrate the festival, before Ooni Ogunwusi elaborated it.

The Olopo of Ilode assured that the community, state and Nigeria at large will experience sulplus over the years, for the farm produce especially yam and corn will maximally grow extensively.

"With this year celebration, people will not experience hunger and hardship again, for the land will strongly produce seeds for the satisfaction of human race" he said

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Lagos Taskforce Chairman, Egbeyemi Shares life Experiences As He Celebrates Birthday

Agege Pulse Magazine

Says "I was Knocked down by a taxi at age 8 in Agege and was on support for 5 months.

Taken away by the Ocean at Badagry beach and brought back by tides after few minutes.

Escaped motor accidents in Lagos and Ado-Ekiti where everybody died in the same bus that I had fracas with the driver and refunded my fare and dropped me on the lonely road of Iyin-Ekiti.

Escaped death narrowly  by insurgents explosives at Potiskum, Yobe state where a patrol van that dropped me few minutes was bombed and shattered to ashes and flesh of colleagues littered the road and nearby roofs.

Almost commit suicide after losing both father and mother within 53 days interval because I thought the end has come.

Faced and still facing most dangerous Assignments  on the surface of the Earth in the name of keeping the society safe.

Upon all these, GOD ALMIGHTY still keep me alive to see the light of today.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME; Saheed Olayinka Omokuleyin Aremu Egbeyemi (Spiritual White Lion)".

11yr old Hyperrealism Artist, Kareem Visits TGPS EDDI, Dr Ayandele

...Presents Encouraging 3rd Term Exams Results


Agegepulse Magazine

11yr old super talented Hyperrealism artist, Kareem Waris Olamilekan on Thursday paid a courtesy call on the Permanent Secretary and Tutor General of Lagos Education District One, Dr Yinka Ayandele.


AgegePulse learnt that the visit was to acquaint Dr Ayandele with the classroom performance of Kareem in line with his God given creative talent. He is a pupil of Oke-Odo Junior College under EDDI.


She called for support for Kareem to aid an all-round development of his talent and academic prowess.


The visit was revealed by Dr Ayandele in a short post on her social media handle.

The statement reads: "I received talented  hyperrealist artist, Kareem Waris Olamilekan in my office this week. It was a pleasure meeting him in company of his mother and his school principal. Recall Waris drew the portrait of French President, Emmanuel Macron within 2hours recently.


It may interest you to know that as Waris is doing fine with his creative talent, he is also performing creditably well in his academics. The pupil of Oke-Odo Junior College had very encouraging results in the just concluded 3rd term examinations.


We need to support him to ensure an all-round development for him.

6 Die, Pastor Survives In An Accident On Lagos-Ibadan express way

A man is overwhelmed with joy after miraculously surviving a fatal motor accident which reportedly killed about six persons along Lagos-Ibadan express way.

The incident which happened Wednesday, August 1, 2018, saw many other passengers injured after their passenger bus collided with a truck along the highway.

A pastor narrowly escaped death in the accident and came out with only a small bruise on his ankle.

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Agege LGEA Boss Extols Ambode Over Secondary School Placement Text

...Receives instructional materials from Lagos Speaker, Obasa

AgegePulse Magazine

The Education Secretary of Agege Local Government Education Authority, Mr. Olalekan Olatunde Majiyagbe has expressed gratitude to Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on the successful staging of placement test process for potential applicants seeking admission into Lagos public secondary schools in Agege.

Hon. Majiyagbe said the adequate funding of the activities by the Lagos State Governor made the exercise a huge success.

Majiyagbe who also doubled as the Chairman of National Association of Education Secretaries, Lagos State Chapter, added that the motivation by Lagos State government encouraged the teachers assigned for the exercise to dissipate all their energy and professionalism towards the success of the exercise.

In another development, Hon Majiyagbe hailed Lagos House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa after receiving some instructional materials for all Public Primary Schools in Agege and Orile Agege donated by Obasa.

He said,  "we appreciate our own speaking speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa for this laudable gesture. This development will relief parents from the pressure to purchase other school items".

According to Majiyagbe, the distribution of the said instructional materials will start immediately schools resume by September, 2018.

AMBODE APPROVES RECRUITMENT OF 2200 TEACHERS

AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday approved the recruitment of additional 1200 teachers for the Junior and Senior Secondary schools in the State.



The Governor, at the last quarterly Town Hall meeting at Ibeju Lekki, had promised that his administration would employ more teachers into public schools to meet up with the manpower required to cover all public schools in the State.



Confirming the development, Deputy Governor of the State, Mrs. Idiat Adebule said the 1200 teachers was an addition to the 1000 teachers which the Governor had approved for recruitment into Primary Schools in the State.



Adebule, who superintends over the Ministry of Education, said guidelines for application would be released soon in accordance with the Civil Service Rules.



The development, she added, would further aid teaching and learning in the public schools which according to her, has been attracting more enrollment in the last three years as a result of the improved infrastructure and welfare of teaching and non-teaching staff.



She said the improved facilities and staff motivation was evident in the high performance rate of the students of the State in local and international competitions.

FG spends N49bn to feed pupils in two years -Presidency

Olalekan Adetayo, Abuja

The Presidency on Thursday said the Federal Government has spent N49bn on the feeding of primary school pupils under the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, a component of the government’s Social Investment Programme, in the last two years.
The Special Adviser to the President on NSIP, Mrs. Mariam Uwais, disclosed this to journalists in Abuja.

Uwais said 8, 596,340 pupils were currently being fed in 46,247 public primary schools in 24 states.
The 24 states, according to her, include Abia, Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Niger, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, and Zamfara.

The presidential aide said through the programme, 90,670 Nigerians had been engaged and empowered as cooks while over 100,000 local farmers had also been linked with the programme to supply locally sourced farm produce.
She said, “We have created a value chain with significant economic benefits to the microeconomic development of the states.

“The value chain offers additional benefits of job creation and increased livelihood outcomes for both cooks and small holder-farmers, hence improving livelihood and the local economies.”
Uwais noted that government was having challenges with the implementation of the school feeding programme in Niger and Benue states.

She said already some officials in the programme in the two states have been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for the investigation and prosecution.

“The National Social Investment Office is ably empowered to suspend the programme in any state where the prescribed standard is reported to have fallen below expectation until a redesigned and realignment is achieved,” the presidential aide noted.

Uwais said the government has achieved 30 percent improvement in school enrollment in the country since the commencement of the programme.

She said while the Federal Government budgeted and appropriated N500bn for the 2016 fiscal year and the same amount in 2017, only about N140bn was released in 2017 while N80bn was accessed in 2016.


Other components of the SIP are N-Power, National Cash Transfer Project, and Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme.

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3 Remanded in Prison for Stealing Ikeja Electric cables

Three suspected vandals, Kabiru Musa, 20; Abubakar Mohammed Umar, 25 and Rayyali Ibrahim 23, have been remanded in Kirikiri Prisons Lagos for damaging and stealing armored cables from a transformer belonging to Ikeja Electric Plc, at NEPA Coop Estate in Ijede, Ikorodu.

The trio were arraigned at Agbowa Magistrate Court in Ikorodu following their attempt to cart away with cables they had severed from the transformer. They pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge when they appeared before His Honour Magistrate A. O Ogbe on Thursday, July 26, 2018. 

According to the charge sheet, the trio did conspire among themselves “to commit felony to willful damage and stealing and thereby committed an offense punishable under the section 411 of the criminal law, laws of the Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.

The charge further stated that they “willfully and unlawfully interfered with Ikeja Electric Distribution Company’s Electric Transformer thereby disconnecting its Step-Down cable and Upriser Cable with intent to steal and thereby committed an offense punishable under section 340 of the criminal law, laws of the Lagos State of Nigeria 2015. “On the same date, time and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District the suspects did steal 24 meter of electric transformer armored cable value Sixty Five Thousand Naira (N65,000) property of Ikeja Electric Distribution Company and thereby committed an offense punishable under section 280(2)(a) of the criminal law, laws of the Lagos State of Nigeria 2015,” the charge read.

Magistrate A. O Ogbe adjourned the case till next month for hearing while the three suspects have been moved to Kirikiri Prison for failure to meet the bail conditions. In his reaction, Head of Corporate Communications for Ikeja Electric, Felix Ofulue, confirmed that vandalism, theft of electricity materials and energy theft through meter bypass and illegal connections, remain a major challenge facing the company.

According to him, these illegal activities further sabotages the company’s efforts to provide excellent service delivery as customers will be affected by the extended power outage resulting from these unpleasant activities. He commended the security agencies for providing dependable support and for the role they play in protecting IE infrastructure against vandalism while he further urged the Community Development Association (CDA) chairmen and members of the public to assist the DisCo in safeguarding the electrical infrastructure in their respective communities.

Reason FG set to increase NYSC members’ allowance – DG

The Federal Government has begun an upward review of the N19, 800 monthly allowance paid to members of the National Youth Service Corps, according to the Director-General of the scheme, Brig Gen Suleiman Kazaure.

The DG stated this on Thursday, noting that the NYSC, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, received a letter from the Presidency, which confirmed that the process to review the allowance of corps members had started.


Kazaure, who disclosed this while inspecting the NYSC Orientation Camp in Abuja, said the Presidency had also sent a copy of the letter to the Ministry of Finance for further consideration.

The DG said, “The Federal Government is working to increase your monthly allowance. Therefore, wherever you find yourselves, conduct yourself well and be good ambassadors for the country. We received a letter from the Presidency through the Ministry of Youth and Sports and copied to the Ministry of Finance, which shows that the corps members’ allowance will be reviewed upward. This is in the pipeline.”


The DG, earlier in Edo State, warned corps members participating in the 2019 general elections as ad hoc workers to shun electoral malpractices.

He stated this while addressing the 1,989 corps members deployed to the state for the 2018 Batch “B” service year, warning that any corps member who violated the electoral laws would be dealt with accordingly.

The NYSC’s Spokesperson, Adenike Adeyemi, in a statement, quoted the DG as saying, “We warn corps members to avoid electoral malpractices as they will be participating in the forthcoming general elections as ad hoc workers. The NYSC management has put the necessary machinery in place to ensure the safety of all corps members throughout the service year.

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Six Nigerian asylum seekers die as Cameroon forcefully repatriates them

The UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, has expressed shock about the tragic death of six Nigerian asylum-seekers, among them three children, who reportedly died in a blast in the far north of Cameroon.

The United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees has learnt that on 29th of July, 12 asylum-seekers were being forcibly returned to Banki, Nigeria, in a Cameroonian army truck which drove over an improvised explosive device that exploded.

Six Cameroonian soldiers and six other asylum-seekers were also injured in the incident, which took place in Homaka, Mayo Sava Division.



“This tragic incident is a disappointing testament of continuing forced returns (refoulement) of refugees and asylum-seekers from Cameroon, despite numerous appeals by UNHCR to the Government of Cameroon to respect its obligations,” said Valentin Tapsoba, Director of UNHCR’s Regional Bureau for Africa.

“The forced return of refugees and asylum-seekers is in violation of the principle of non-refoulement which constitutes the cornerstone of international refugee law to which the Cameroonian State is party.”

UNHCR noted that over 800 Nigerian refugees and asylum-seekers in Cameroon have been forcibly returned to Nigeria since the beginning of 2018.

It therefore called upon the government of Cameroon to refrain from carrying out further forced returns of Nigerian refugees and asylum-seekers.

It also reminded Cameroon of its obligations under international law relating to the protection of refugees and asylum-seekers and the commitments it made by signing the Tripartite Agreement for the voluntary repatriation of Nigerian refugees from Cameroon in March 2017.

UNHCR reiterated its appeal to authorities to provide Nigerian refugees with unhindered access to asylum and also expressed its readiness to support Cameroon to ensure that all individuals seeking safety have access to efficient screening, registration and documentation procedures.

Some 96,000 Nigerian refugees have sought safety in the Far North region of the country, with more than 8,000 new refugees registered since the beginning of 2018, UNCHR noted; stating that Cameroon currently hosts more than 367,000 refugees and asylum-seekers

Punch

PDP Make Saraki National Leader

Senate President, Bukola Saraki has been appointed the national leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP at the party’s NEC meeting on Thursday.

Being the highest office holder in the party at the moment, Saraki will replace his deputy, Senator Ike Ekwerenmadu, who held the position until the defection of Saraki and other top APC members to the PDP.

The arrival of Saraki was heralded by loud ovation as he was led into the venue of the meeting by PDP national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, and other top leaders of the party.

Saraki, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Sokoto State governor Aminu Tambuwal and Benue State governor Samuel Ortom were all present at the meeting.

The NEC meeting attended by the four former members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was in celebration mood as the politicians exchanged banters.

Apart from the former APC chiefs, the meeting hall had key figures in the PDP, including governors, lawmakers and some of the presidential aspirants.

AMAECHI VISITS AMBODE, SAYS APAPA PORTS PHASE OF LAGOS-IBADAN RAIL PROJECT TAKES OFF NEXT WEEK

...Movement of Cargo By Rail Will Reduce Traffic Congestion- Gov

...Commends FG’s Approval For Reconstruction Of Apapa-Oshodi Expressway

AgegePulse Magazine

Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi on Thursday visited the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, revealing that work on the Apapa corridor of the Lagos-Ibadan Rail project would commence next week.



Amaechi, who spoke to journalists after a strategic meeting with the Governor and his team at the Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja, said it was gratifying to report that contractors would move to site to continue the Lagos-Ibadan Rail Project from Apapa as part of efforts to bring about permanent solution to the perennial traffic gridlock in the axis.

He said: ‘You would recall that the Federal Government had commenced construction of the Lagos-Ibadan railway and the focus was more on the Ibadan and Abeokuta axis because we had challenges in Lagos which included utilities and not much with the communities and I think I have to commend the communities that allow us use their land though we would pay compensation but not much. So, we are grateful to all the communities from Lagos to Ibadan.



“However, we have utility challenges both gas pipes and water and beyond the gas pipes, we also have challenges with bridges to either build or demolish. I remember when we said we wanted to demolish the Costain Bridge, everybody screamed and we had to invite the Lagos Governor to assist us; he took us there and promised that he would pay the compensation.



“I like the fact that the Lagos State Government are also contributing to this whole efforts and so what we have come here to do is to ensure that there is a win-win situation and the Lagos Governor has been very cooperative. He cooperated all the way from the beginning till now and what we have decided is that CCECC should therefore move back to Lagos for construction to commence immediately in Lagos because we are insisting that by December, we should complete the Lagos-Ibadan Railway,” Amaechi said.



He said in addition to the rail projects, the Federal Government was also working on the roads, saying that the combination of the projects would facilitate seamless movement of cargos from Apapa.



“What we are trying to do there is to get a good road to evacuate cargos but it would be faster with the rail. So, while we are working hard to ensure that the rail is delivered by this year ending, the Federal Government has also awarded the contract to deal with the road from Apapa and Tin Can to enable us to evacuate cargos freely which is an addition to the rail,” Amaechi said.



Responding, Governor Ambode lauded the action of the Federal Government to commence work on the Lagos-Ibadan Rail Project from the Apapa axis, expressing optimism that the development would go a long way to enhance movement of cargos from Lagos to other parts of the country. 



“Lagosians would recollect that in the last three weeks, we have had issues with the Apapa gridlock and two times, Mr Vice President had actually visited Lagos and promised that a lot of remedies would take place.



“We want to use this platform to say a big thank you to Mr President and the Federal Executive Council for approving the reconstruction of the Tin Can-Apapa-Oshodi Expressway up to the Toll Gate which was done yesterday. This is in continuation of our efforts at finding permanent solutions to what has been happening in the Apapa axis.



“We also want to say a big thank you to the Minister of Transport and Minister of Works because the rail construction that is coming up and will commence in Lagos from next week is actually from the Apapa Ports up to the Ibadan axis which means that we are having a two-pronged approach to be able to cart away cargos from Lagos to other parts of the country,” Governor Ambode said.



The Governor also commended the Federal Government for approving the reconstruction of the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway as part of efforts to finding lasting solution to the perennial traffic gridlock around the axis.



He specially thanked President Muhammadu Buhari; Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo; Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, and indeed the entire members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), saying the State Government was grateful for their commitment to end the sufferings of the people in the State.



He said as a follow-up to the initiatives of the Federal Government, there would be a lot of additional construction works across the State especially from the Apapa axis including 10 over-passes to further reduce the sufferings of the people.



Besides, Governor Ambode reiterated the commitment of the State Government to collaborate with the Federal Government to implement impactful projects that would make life comfortable for the people.



“We just want to say that we reiterate the commitment to collaborate with the Federal Government as a State Government to ensure that we reduce the sufferings of Lagosians and I am happy that we have come out from this meeting stronger together with the Federal Ministry of Transport to make sure that this particular rail project is delivered within the next six to twelve months,” Governor Ambode said.

     

It would be recalled that the Federal Government, at the end of Wednesday’s FEC meeting, had approved N72.9billion for the reconstruction of the road from Apapa to the Toll Gate on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

SARS Harass, Detains Resident For 10 Hours In Agege



AgegePulse Magazine

As residents across the Lagos Mainland and other parts of the State continue to condemn the harassment extortion and illegalities of the operatives Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), recent developments show that the officers concerned are not ready to desist from the acts.

This is following a recent development in Agege community  Tuesday, July 31, 2018, where the operatives reportedly harassed and illegally detained a resident who was returning home from work.

According to the resident, Jonathan Godwin, he was apprehended by the officers along Dopemu, Agege Lagos Mainland, at about 9:15 pm but was driven around town and also detained at Area G Station, Ogba, Lagos Mainland, without having an inkling of his offense.

In his narration, Godwin said; “Yesterday, l was going home around 09:15 pm at Dopemu and l was harassed by the officers who called themselves SARS and TASKFORCE. They dragged me into their Black Maria without committing any crime nor explaining what I did. l was in the Black Maria till 3:00 am before they took us to Area G but the Area G officers said they cannot detain us.”

He continued saying; “They collected all our phones and money and a guy arrested alongside me told them that he works with the wife of the Commissioner of Police. He was beaten before he called the wife of the Commissioner of Police who asked him to give the phone to one of the officers but they refuse to answer him.

“At midnight, they took us back to Alabo Police Station in Dopemu but l when we got there, I noticed that the SARS and TASKFORCE vans were not to be found again but only the BLACK MARIA that took us there.”

Commenting further on the harassment received from the SARS officers, Godwin said; “All our phones and money were collected by the officers who called themselves SARS and TASKFORCE.”

He concluded saying “l was released this morning and many people are still in the cell. l swear to my father’s grave and assured them each one of them will be crying in their various houses by the special grace of GOD. Is this a country?”

Idris Aina 

Insidemainland

Lagos Plays Host To Conference Of State Assemblies' Speakers

AgegePulse Magazine

Speakers of the 36 state Houses of Assembly will converge in Lagos between Friday, 3 August, and Sunday, 5 August, 2018 to deliberate on national issues especially those that have to do with the Legislative arm of Government.

The meeting, according to a release signed by Hon. (Princess) Adefunmilayo Tejuoso, Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy and Security; is a three day event which will take place at the Radison Blue Hotel, Isaac John Street, Ikeja.

According to Hon Tejuoso, apart from their deliberation anchored on presentation of papers, the visiting Speakers, who will be hosted by the host Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, will attend a dinner on Friday organised by the host Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode.

The event proper takes place on Saturday where papers will be presented. In between presentation of papers on Saturday, the Speakers will visit the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress  (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty Rilwan Osuolale Akiolu. The Speakers will later present their resolutions through a communique after the meeting.

The Speakers will depart Lagos for their various states on Sunday.

BREAKING: Kwara Governor Abdulfatah Dumps APC For PDP

Announcing his defection on Tuesday evening, minutes after Senate President Bukola Saraki announced his resignation from the APC, Abdulfatah wrote:

Agege Pulse

 “Following due consultations and in response to calls by major stakeholders in the state, I have moved to the PDP because the APC can longer serve as a platform for achieving the aspirations and expectations of my people.”

Sahara Reporters

READ MORE: http://bit.ly/2O0Wumx

BREAKING: Senate President Saraki Dumps APC

Senate President Bukola Saraki has dumped the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Details Shortly…

Channels Tv

COUPLE, SON, GIRLFRIEND, ARRESTED FOR STEALING.

When Mrs Folashade Odunuga of No. 8 Ade Onitiri, Harmony Estate, Langbasa, Ajah, embarked on a 3-month vacation which commenced on May 27, 2018, little did she know that her apartment  would be broken  into and her household  property including her car, stolen by eighteen-year-old Tega Teddy aided by his parents, Mr. Uroye Teddy, 45 years old and his mother Mrs. Margaret Teddy.

Also fingered in the offence is Tega's girlfriend, one Karima Edom, a close neighbour of the victim, who allegedly passed information of the victim's absence from home to her boyfriend.

The stealing had been going on for weeks until the victim's househelp, one Eniola Abisola, visited her mistress' house and discovered that a lot of items were missing. She couldn't understand how the thieves entered the apartment as all doors to the house remained locked.

She alerted the police and detectives were sent to check on Tega, they saw the stolen Chevrolette Aveo saloon car with registration number AKD 512 AP,  parked in front of his parents' house at New Osho Layout, Langbasa. He was promptly arrested. 

During interrogation, he revealed that he entered the victim's house through the ceiling and gradually, he began to  pack the household items to his father's house. He narrated that his mother helped him to hide the stolen items in an uncompleted building while his girlfriend Karima, hid some in her apartment.

The suspect, Tega, further revealed that his father went with  him to the victim's house to tow the aforementioned car. It was seen that Mrs Margaret Teddy had put the stolen properties for sale.

Exhibits recovered from the suspects include: Chevrolette saloon car reg NO. AKD 512 AP, 42 inches flat screen TV, LG Home theatre sound system, electric generator, one standing fan, 5 leather bags, iPad, baby shoes and other personal items.

The Commissioner of Police,  CP Imohimi Edgal, charges Lagosians to take their personal security seriously by ensuring that their houses are entrusted in the hands of trusted relations, friends or aides whenever they travel.

He urged people to go back to our old way of visiting their neighbours to check on them. He added that if that was the case in this instance, Teddy and his girlfriend Karima wouldn't have had the effrontery to cook, eat and wine in Folashade Odunuga's house during her long absence from home.

Man Rapes A 3-Year-Old Girl With Engine Oil In Ondo

A man named Christopher Arigidi has been accused of raping a 3year old girl in Apata, Ese-Odo LGA of Ondo State.

The 23-year-old took the victim to his house and allegedly defiled her, by rubbing engine oil on her private parts to ease penetration.

An Eye Witness Oshodi Ibeji, said:
“The suspect and some people were sitting together at the function; all of a sudden, the guy stood up and said he wanted to go and change his cloth at home.

As he was going, he took the girl along with him; the mother of the victim saw him when he was going. When the mother went back home, she did not see her daughter so she went to Argigidi’s house and found out that the girl had been defiled. .

After discovering what happened, she reported to the youths who went to the man’s house to beat him up. He was later taken to the community chairman. He initially denied it but later confessed that he did it.”
The victim’s mother, Pouma Ologun, said she wanted justice for her daughter, adding that she wanted the community to deal with Arigidi. .

The decision to take him to a police station lies in the hand of the victim’s father because the nearest police station to our community is very far.”

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Breaking: Governor Ortom Impeached

The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has been impeached.

He was impeached this morning by eight lawmakers of the Benue state House of Assembly under the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The lawmakers served the governor an impeachment notice this morning after a meeting at the state Assembly complex on Monday, 30th July, 2018.

Ortom’s aide, Tahav Agerzua who confirmed the development said that the lawmakers took over the Assembly complex to sit and pass the impeachment notice while the police blocked further access.

Source: Silverbird

Lagos Seals Partnership With Multi-National Consortium To Clean-Up Waterways

…Says Sector Remains Critical To Solving Traffic Congestion

…Woos investors at Water Transport Roundtable

 AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday expressed the commitment of his administration to provide critical infrastructure and enabling environment for investors to participate in the ongoing efforts to rev up water transportation, saying the sector remains critical to solving the traffic congestion affecting the State.

Speaking at a Roundtable on Water Transportation organised by the State Government, and held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, the Governor said though the sector had been left unattended to over the years, but that the State Government was nonetheless now committed more than before to fully harness the potentials of the water transportation to the benefit of the people and economic prosperity of the State.


He said the chaotic traffic situation in some parts of the State in recent times and the pressure on the road with attendant danger to lives and property, made the need to forge ahead with the reforms in the water sector being championed by his administration even more compelling.



According to him, “The question to ask is what has brought us to this despicable situation so to speak where the only mode of transportation for over 22million people is road and the road itself is chaotic. In the last three years, we have been fighting traffic and unfortunately in the last two weeks, we have seen what has happened in Apapa and what we have been trying to do. Just about three weeks ago, we saw what happened with regards to the Otedola Bridge disaster and then the carnage, as well as the inability of government to provide for the needs of the people.



“So, among the over 22 million people, almost 8 million are walking on the streets every second and at the same time, 86 people enter into Lagos every one hour according to United Nations statistics for 2016 which is the largest in the world. So, if other states are failing, more people are going to be coming to Lagos and that means maybe right now, there are 120 people entering Lagos not wanting to go back and the only mode of transportation we have for them is just the road and that is why we are coming up with other modes.



“1/5th of Lagos is water. We have the smallest geographical space in Nigeria of 3577 square kilometers with 25 per cent of that being water. So, you are asking yourself that why in the history of Lagos and in the history of Nigeria, that we did we not just think of other modes of transportation and what really went wrong?”



While reeling the benefits of water transportation especially to traffic management, the Governor said it was instructive to note that being surrounded by water, many parts of the State could be connected within few minutes.



“I was in Apapa yesterday and I look at the gridlock and it made sense to me that it is just five minutes ride between Apapa and Marina and so the question is can’t we create barges that take our cars officially and then push them there in just five minutes and so in no time everybody is in their offices instead of going through the traffic?



“Between Badore and Ikorodu is just ten minutes. So, we lay off people on Ikorodu axis. This is something that has been waiting for a long time and I just think this is the right time for us to do it because those coming behind us will not forgive us if we don’t take advantage of all the things we need to do to develop water transportation,” the Governor said, adding that major channelization projects, shoreline protection and jetties, among others were currently being constructed as part of efforts to boost the sector.



He said in addition to efforts ongoing, the roundtable was basically to come up with sustainable framework to boost water transportation and encourage people to adopt it as alternative to other modes of transportation.



While wooing investors to take advantage of the reforms in the water sector, the Governor said it was instructive that in the last 36 months, more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) came into the State largely due to transparency and credibility to encourage investors, assuring that his administration would continually create the enabling environment for businesses to thrive.



Earlier, Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Ladi Lawanson said the essence of the roundtable was to evolve effective framework in partnership with the private sector and relevant stakeholders to play up water transportation in Lagos with the view to diverting a lot of pressure currently on the roads to water.



Also speaking, a major player in the sector, Mr Ganiyu Balogun, who is the Managing Director of Tarzan Ferry Services, commended Governor Ambode for his commitment to rev up water transportation and harness it's potentials for the benefit of the people.



He said stakeholders were aware of the challenges in the sector and were willing to partner with the State Government to address the issues in the overall benefit of the State.



There were also presentations at the event by University of Lagos, United States Mission in Nigeria, Trade and Investment Department of British High Commission and Paramount Maritime Holdings of South Africa, all expressing readiness to partner with the State Government to boost water transportation.



Meanwhile, the State Government at the roundtable also sealed a major partnership with a consortium of multi-national companies, Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance, to rid the waterways and water bodies in the State of filth with specific focus on plastic waste.


The agreement will also bring about the setting up of a world class collection and recycling framework for plastic waste in Lagos State.


The consortium including Nigeria Bottling Company, Coca-Cola, 7-Up Bottling Company, Nestle and Nigerian Breweries, among others, will be investing in boats with capacity to collect waste from the waterways, thereby protecting the ecosystem and boosting water transportation.

Nigeria will partner with Google to boost internet connectivity –Osinbajo

Agege Pulse

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday revealed that Nigeria will partner with Google and other service providers to boost connectivity in the country.

Osinbajo said this while speaking at the Google for Nigeria event holding in Lagos. He said; “We will be partnering with Google and other technology providers to achieve the level of connectivity that will match the creativity of our people.”

The VP also revealed that the provision of human basics, such as healthcare and food may soon depend on technology.

During the event, Ken Tokusei, PM Director International Search, said that “health queries are common on the web, so we are making it easier with a new search experience that allows you to explore health conditions related to symptoms!”

Punch

BREAKING: 'Unknown gunmen abduct Dino Melaye'

Senator Dino Melaye (Kogi West) has been abducted by unknown gunmen.

AgegePulse Magazine

This was disclosed by Senator Ben Bruce (Bayelsa East) on his Twitter page.

“I have just been informed by Moses Melaye, @dino_melaye’s brother, that Dino has been abducted by unknown persons in a Toyota Sienna that blocked their car and overpowered them on their way to Kogi to answer to Dino’s court case. Lets be on the watch out. Will keep you updated,” Bruce tweeted. 

Melaye was arraigned yesterday before an FCT High Court in Apo, Abuja on a six-count charge bordering on attempted suicide.

Melaye was also charged with the offences of attempt to escape from lawful custody and damage of police property.

DailyTrust

Five Dead, Five Rescued as Boat Capsizes in Lagos

About five persons drowned wednesday, while five others were rescued when a 20-passenger boat capsized mid-way from Ebute Terminal, along the Lagos – Ikorodu Expressway.

The boat was said to have capsized by the Ferry Terminal, Ipakodo, Ebute, as the passengers were heading from CMS to Ikorodu.

As at press time, rescue operations were still ongoing as only 10 persons- the dead and the rescued, were accounted for.

THISDAY gathered that the bodies of the dead persons were brought to the jetty at Ipakodo located in outskirts of Lagos for onward movement to the nearest morgue.

Confirming the incident, the General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Adesina Tiamiyu, said the agency received the distress call late in the evening.

“The agency received the distress call and on arrival at the incident scene, it was observed that a 20 capacity passenger boat belonging to Blue Sea capsized mid-sea enroute Ikorodu from Lagos Island. Investigation carried out by the LRT revealed that the immediate cause of the boat mishap was unknown at time of report.

“Unfortunately five persons (four adult females and one adult male) were confirmed dead as a result of the incident and their bodies were deposited at the morgue at Ikorodu General Hospital. Meanwhile, five persons – four females and one male were rescued alive.

“The exercise was carried out by the combined efforts of LASEMA, Lagos State Waterways Agency (LASWA), and the Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS). Figures of other rescued victims cannot be ascertained as they were brought to the jetty with various passing boat. Recovery efforts still on-going at time of this report,” Tiamiyu explained

ThisDay

Apapa: FG must revive Ports in other states, oil pipelines to save Lagos from gridlock - Ambode

...Calls for redistribution of tank farms to outer borders
…Approves employment of 1000 teachers
...Holds 12th Town Hall Meeting in Ibeju Lekki

AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday tasked the Federal Government to do everything within its powers to revive existing Ports in other States of the federation so as to bring about permanent solution to the perennial traffic congestion in Apapa axis of the State.

Governor Ambode, who spoke at the Third Quarter Town Hall Meeting, the 12th in the Series, held at the Community Primary School, Iberekodo in Ibeju Lekki Local Government, said the recent chaos witnessed in the area was beyond traffic issues, saying that concerted efforts must be made to revamp moribund ports.

According to him,  beyond getting other ports up and running,  the issue of tankers queuing up to lift petroleum products from Tank Farms in Apapa was also a major issue causing gridlock and damaging road infrastructure in the area,  which according to him was inimical to the economic growth of not just the State,  but Nigeria in general.

"It would be very unfair to Lagosians if I don't talk about issues relating to traffic management and integrated transport management most especially what we have witnessed in the last one week in Apapa, but again I would like to tell Lagosians that every stakeholder that is ‎relevant to resolving the Apapa crisis, we have gone to work and you can see that there is a major improvement.

"But again, this issue has become perennial and in the last six years, it's always been there, it comes and goes, but the challenge is to be able to find a permanent solution and in that reason Mr. President had directed the Vice President to come and see what the situation is and to actually give us a permanent solution. We are grateful Mr. President, we believe strongly that every layer of government should collaborate to be able to resolve this Apapa crisis.

"But we all must know that Apapa crisis is more than traffic issues. That is where all States depend on for revenue through Customs because the revenue is shared at FAAC. If anything goes wrong in the Port, whatever they get from Federal Allocation Account Committee (FAAC) could reduce,” Governor Ambode said.

Stressing that the Apapa congestion was a national issue that required urgent attention, the Governor also noted that oil pipelines should be revived to discourage the trend of thousands of trucks coming from other parts of the country to lift petroleum products from Apapa.

"It is bad that we still use truck to lift petroleum products from Apapa to other parts of the country. As it is now, other ports in Nigeria must begin to work immediately to decongest gridlock in Lagos.‎ Whatever has led to continual use of trucks to lift fuel, which is, vandalism of pipeline should be addressed immediately.

"We believe that this will allow the roads to become free.  We don't need to continuously use tax payers’ money to build road that were destroyed by tankers.  We call on the Minister of Petroleum and Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to work towards reviving the pipelines," he said.

The Governor also expressed concern about the approval for the development of tank farms in Ijegun area of Lagos, saying that as much as the State supports redistribution of tank farms, such should be located in areas that are not populated.

"We don't need tank farms within Lagos metropolis anymore. There are 68 tank farms in Apapa alone. That is a serious danger waiting to happen. Beyond Apapa, they have approved tank farms in Ijegun axis and that is where we have huge population.

"We need to redistribute tank farm establishment to outer borders and other parts. This is what we believe should be done at this moment to free Lagos roads," he said.

Speaking on the efforts of his administration to develop the economy of the State, Governor Ambode said his administration has continued to keep faith with its mandate to ensure that the future of Lagos remains on a sound pedestal.

He said the Town Hall meeting, which had moved round the three senatorial districts in the State from its first edition held in October 6, 2015 has continued to provide the Government with first hand information on the needs of the people and how best to solve them.

"Our promise from the very beginning was that we are going to give you a government of inclusion and it's very clear that we are on track. When we look at our scorecard, which is to keep Lagos on a trajectory of growth and development, we are on that track.

"We are happy to be here. We are everywhere meeting the needs of our people, asking them what the issues are and wanting to respond positively to those issues. Yes, we are not perfect, we would try our best but our people know that we are doing things that would create prosperity for their future," Governor Ambode said.

Besides, the Governor said that his administration was not oblivious of the fact that the Eastern and Western axis of the State were pivotal to the future prosperity of Lagos.

Giving an insight on the next plan of action for the Ibeju Lekki axis,  Governor Ambode also said the construction of the Epe Airport and reconstruction of the Coastal Road were very much on course, adding that the dualization of the Eleko Junction to the T-Junction would commence in January 2019, while the 27 network of roads in Ojokoro, Ayinke House, among others would be completed before the next quarter.

The Governor, while thanking traditional rulers, community heads and residents of Ibeju Lekki for their unflinching support towards the advancement of the multibillion dollar projects ongoing in the Lekki Free Trade Zone assured that all issues relating to compensation would be resolved before the end of the week.

Governor Ambode also announced the commencement of recruitment of 1,000 teachers in the State, adding that more would be recruited as the need arises.
 
Taking questions from residents, Governor Ambode said his administration would go back to the drawing board and respond accordingly to issues raised, appealing to residents to be patient as the Government would continue to deliver more life changing projects to make life more comfortable for the people.

A physically challenged resident and graduate of Computer Studies, Micheal Ogunyemi who said he had been jobless for five years could not hold back his joy as the Governor directed the Civil Service Commission to grant him immediate employment from August 1, while relevant agencies were directed to address various issues raised by residents.

SIEGE AT SARAKI’S RESIDENCE STAGE-MANAGED, SAYS JIMOH MOSHOOD

Jimoh Moshood, spokesman of the Nigeria police force, says the siege at the residence of Senate President Bukola Saraki was “stage-managed for public sentiments”.

Speaking on a Channels TV programme on Wednesday, Moshood said the force had no hand in the incident.
In the early hours of Tuesday, some police vehicles and officers were seen stationed at the entrance of the senate president’s residence in Abuja.

Footage which emerged online also suggested that the officers were trying to block his convoy from leaving the area, although Saraki later made it to the national assembly.

The incident generated widespread criticisms of the force, with some Nigerians describing it as a “clampdown on the nation’s democracy”.
But speaking on the programme, Moshood said there was no official command for a deployment of police officers to the senate president’s house.

“We have the responsibility to protect him so we can’t block him. If we were expecting him at 8am, why should we block him?” he said.

He said over 140 security personnel of the police are attached to the national assembly “and about 40 are attached to the senate president, including other units”.
“So what happened yesterday was not a blockade by the security personnel from the force. The personnel seen in the footage are those attached (to) the convoy of the senate president and to his residence. Those you see are those attached to him,” Moshood said.

“The IGP has directed an investigation into the incident. The ADC has been invited, he should be with the principal all the time. So if he is not aware of the whereabouts, we want to know why. Why should we go and block an empty house?

“The video footage was circulated in the media to embarrass us. These are leaders of the legislature who we have the responsibility to protect. So we should allow the investigation to be completed before we give you the outcome of investigation.”
Saraki is being investigated for his alleged connection with suspects arrested over the Offa bank robbery incident in Kwara.

-Cable

Egunjobi donates 3-month salaries to orphanage

  

Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State, Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi, was today at Bab-es-Salam Orphanage to celebrate his birthday with orphans during which he pledged the donation of his three-month salaries to the home.

  

The celebration coincided with Egunjobi’s 365 days in office as he was sworn in as the council’s chairman last year’s July 25, on his birthday.

Speaking during his visit, the Chairman, who was accompanied by the Council’s Vice-Chairman, Prince Abiodun Ogunji, Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Gbenga Abiola, Councilors, Supervisors, management and selected staff, said it was not in his character to celebrate his birthday, adding that this time around he let sound reason prevailed.

The Council boss explained that after he was left with no choice, he took the decision to celebrate in the orphanage with orphans advising the privileged to support the needy in kind and cash as enjoined by the holy books.

“I had never celebrated my birthday before until today because I don’t see it as important. Today, have come to celebrate with you and come along with a widow’s mite: some food stuffs and beverages.

“I also bring you good tidings, my next three-month salaries will be donated to this orphanage for your care,” Egunjobi told his hosts at the orphanage.

He promised to rededicate himself to the service of Agege community saying, " I was born and bred in Agege and i will give my best to ensure that under my watch Agege's stock rise."

Lagos residents lament as robbers kill two in reprisal

Residents and traders on Okoya Street in the Ajegunle area of Lagos State have lamented the robbery attack that allegedly led to the death of two guards and the burglary of many shops.

The attack, which reportedly happened around 2am on Tuesday, was said to have been a reprisal by the robbers against a vigilance group contracted to guard the community.


PUNCH Metro had reported on May 8, 2018, that a salesman, identified as Obinna, was allegedly killed by a police stray bullet during a street fight involving some youths and hoodlums who invaded Okoya Street.

The hoodlums, reportedly identified as Cemetery Boys, had allegedly been robbing and terrorising residents.

Our correspondent learnt that in a bid to curb the attacks by the hoodlums, the vigilance group had engaged them for about three days.

A member of the vigilance group, Kamoru Lateef, alleged that the Tuesday robbers were Cemetery Boys, adding that they were led by one Kaka.

Lateef also said the hoodlums, who were armed with guns and other weapons allegedly killed two guards, identified as Jesse Onanuba and Isa.

He said, “The Cemetery Boys killed two members of our group. They shot Isa and Jesse Onanuba. When they killed Jesse, they cut his two hands and private parts. They shot Isa in the chest.

“Before this attack, the Cemetery Boys had robbed a resident of Okoya of his mobile phone. After he reported to us, two members of our group went on a peace meeting to retrieve the phone.

“They stabbed the peacemakers with daggers and we reported the matter to the Layeni Police Station.

“It was after this incident that they attacked us. I saw them burgled some shops and stole goods and other property. Some residents and vigilance group members came out to protect the community, but we never knew they had guns. It was too late when the boys knew that they had guns; and that was how Isa and Jesse were killed.”

Our correspondent gathered that the family of the deceased had yet to locate the corpses of their sons.

The eldest brother of late Jesse, Christian Chukwunedu, said he did not know how to break the news of his brother’s death to his parents.

“The police have not made any arrest; they have refused to provide the remains of my brother; I want the government to investigate this incident because I want justice for my brother.”

READ ALSO: We’re merging with 15 parties, says Agbakoba-led NIM

A 35-year-old bar owner, Ejiro Omoniyi, said she lost N400,000 to the hoodlums.”

The state police spokesman, CSP Chike Oti, said, “There is neither record of murder at Layeni nor any other police station in the Ajegunle area. If there is any such case, we encourage residents to report to the police so that proper investigation can be done.”

I wish you best in future undertakings, Buhari tells defecting APC members

Oluwakemi Abimbola

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday wished all the lawmakers, who defected from the All Progressives Congress to other parties, in “best in their future undertakings.”

On his Twitter handle, President Buhari reacted to the defections that were the order of the day at the National Assembly.


In his tweets, the president said; “I wish all of our party members who today defected, the very best in their future undertakings. The APC has done its best to stop the defections, and I must commend the party leadership for working tirelessly to unite the party and position it for future victory.”

Other tweets read: “I am confident that no harm or injury will be done by these defections, to the APC and its aspirations. I urge party faithful to not despair, but to instead see this as something that happens in seasons like this, on the eve of elections.



As the saying goes, all politics is local. We understand that some of the Distinguished and Honourable lawmakers have issues in/with their home states, especially on zoning which bars some of them from seeking another term in their constituencies.

Let me also note that none of the defecting federal lawmakers has any specific grievances against me or the government I lead; neither do I harbour any ill-feeling towards any of them. I fully respect their freedom to choose what party to associate with.

I am using this opportunity to restate my total commitment to the values of democracy, as well as my total willingness to work with ALL members of the National Assembly, irrespective of their political party, for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians.”

Punch