LASG SHUTS 52 ILLEGAL, SUBSTANDARD PHARMACIES AND PATENT MEDICINE STORES

AgegePulse Magazine

No fewer than 52 pharmacies, patent medicine shops and unlicensed premises at Isolo, Egbeda, Ikotun, Bariga and Somolu in Oshodi-Isolo, Alimosho and Somolu Local government areas of Lagos were sealed on Tuesday August 7 by the Lagos State Taskforce on Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods for offences bordering on illegal operation, operating beyond scope amongst others, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Titilayo Goncalves has said.

Goncalves who disclosed this today when she received the report of the operation by the Task Force explained that the affected pharmacies and patent medicine shops indulged in the practice of operating without license, engaging unqualified persons to man and dispense drugs to unsuspecting citizens, operating beyond scope through sale of ethical products and displaying and storing drugs in unconducive environments which compromise the potency and integrity of the drugs rendering them ineffective.

“Although some of the pharmacies visited were registered, it is disheartening to note that quite a number of them had no qualified pharmacists on duty and displayed expired drugs for sale to the public”, She said.

Goncalves added that some of the premises visited also engaged in illegal clinical practices such as patient admission and setting of intravenous infusions. She noted that such practice is unacceptable and vowed that the State Government will do whatever is necessary to enforce the law and sanction erring operators. 

“ The sealing of the affected pharmacies and patent medicine stores was in accordance with the provisions of Section C34 of the Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods Miscellaneous Provision Act of 1999, No. 25”, She said. 

The Permanent Secretary stated that licensed patent medicine vendors are authorized to sell only drug products in their original packs in approved pack size as produced by the manufacturing companies. “The law prohibits dispensing and wholesaling of drugs by patent medicine vendors,” She said. 

While noting that the recent operation of the taskforce was coming on the heels of the war being waged against fake drugs and illegal drug shops, Goncalves warned that the activities of the State Task Force on Fake Drugs would not only be sustained, but intensified until operators in the sector adhere strictly to the provisions of the law on the operation of pharmacies and patent medicine shops, in order to safeguard the health of the citizenry. 

Speaking in the same vein, Director Pharmaceutical Services in the Ministry, Dr. Moyosore Adejumo said that the State Government will not relent in its efforts to stop the inherent dangers associated with the operations from unlicensed pharmaceutical outlets and drug shops.

She added that the Task Force through the Pharmaceutical Inspectorate Unit (PIU) of the Pharmaceutical Services Directorate has been re-energized to intensify the on-going war against fake, expired and substandard drugs being peddled by unlicensed and illegal premises.

“This closure is thus part of the government’s renewed efforts to sanitize the drug distribution system and curb proliferation of fake drugs in the State” Adejumo said.  

She explained that an investigative meeting would be held with owners of the sealed premises to make further inquiries on the status of the sealed premises and to notify them of the procedures and appropriate conditions to be met for reopening in line with government regulations and payment of administrative fee. 

The enforcement and compliance raid by the State Task force on Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods was carried out in collaboration with the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Pharmacists’ Council of Nigeria (PCN), Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Federal Taskforce on fake drugs and the Police Officers from Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Task Force) of Lagos Police Command.

LAWMA TASKS LAGOSIANS ON PROPER WASTE DISPOSAL AT EID-EL-KABIR

AgegePulse Magazine

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has called on residents to properly dispose of their domestic wastes during and after the forth-coming Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

The Assistant Director, Public Affairs of LAWMA, Mrs. Folashade Kadiri, in a statement, disclosed that adequate measures had been put in place to ensure that the celebration was observed in a filth-free environment, as waste evacuators have been mandated to work round the clock to clean up the city.

The statement noted LAWMA’s resolve to stamp out all forms of improper waste disposal in the metropolis, which has resulted in environmental degradation, calling on residents to patronize only their assigned PSP operators.

According to Mrs. Kadiri,toll-free lines had been made available to the public, for swift response to complaints, as well as back-up operations in areas witnessing service gaps.

While speaking on its plan for effective and improved services within its three (3) districts, during the festive period, she said LAWMA would be distributing free trash bags to residents for easy storage of extra waste that would be generated during the period.

Accordingly, the LAWMA spokesperson advised residents to desist from dumping waste indiscriminately on road medians and verges, but to patronize accredited PSP operators in their areas.

She also assured that extra trucks had been deployed to ensure adequate back-up for the PSP operators, urging residents to call the Authority’s toll free lines 07080601020 or 617, to request for prompt attention.

While wishing residents happy celebrations, she appealed to Lagosians to shun acts capable of negatively impactingon the environment, stressing that the task of achieving the desired cleaner and healthier environment was a collective responsibility.

Lagos debunks job vacancy site

Luqmon Balogun, Lagos

The Lagos State government has disclaimed the information circulating on social media of a recruitment exercise for teachers in the State.

The State says the information is false and untrue, advising residents and job seekers to be more cautious in the search of white collar jobs.

The Chairman of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Dr. Oluremi Sopeyin said that the crave for job opportunities has led many people into the hands of swindlers, urging members of the public to be mindful of the activities of men of the under world.

“The state government gives priority to increasing the numbers of teachers in the state in order to cater for the teeming population of students across the state,”Dr. Sopeyin explained.

Recruitment Exercise

He mentioned that the State at the appropriate time would inform the public when recruitment exercise would begin.

Dr. Sopeyin said the master minders of the misleading information would be brought to book.

According to Dr. Sopeyin, “The state government has not started recruitment of teachers and the State government will follow due process in announcing its vacancies especially through the state government website and official social media platforms and other credible sources.”

He advised job seekers to be more vigilant in order not to fall prey to persons with ulterior intention who always use job vacancies to swindle unsuspecting members of the public.

The initiators of the message had requested that holders of NCE and BSC. Education to report to the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board SUBEB headquarters on Tuesday, August 6th, 2019 to fill forms for vacancy positions.

VON

LAGOS POLICE ARRESTS TEKNO FOR CONVEYING HALF CLAD GIRLS IN TRAFFIC

AgegePulse Magazine

For breaching public decency by conveying half naked girls in traffic, the Lagos State Police Command has arrested popular musician, Augustine Kelechi, aka Tekno.

THISDAY gathered that he was arrested on Tuesday and he is undergoing questioning at the state Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Panti, Yaba.

Tekno had something last week conveyed half clad girls, who were dancing seductively, in a transparent glass box on a truck around the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge.

In the truck, the musician was seen spraying the scantily dressed girls with money as they danced.

Following the public outcry it generated, the state government reacted swiftly and condemned the move.

In his defence, Tekno said he merely used the truck to convey his crew to a location for a shoot, which was not intended to breach public decency.

Confirming the arrest, the state Police Spokesman, Bala Elkana, a deputy superintendent of police, said he was invited for questioning.
He said: “The command has arrested Tekno and the two girls for conveying half naked girls at the Lekki area of Lagos.

“He is presently undergoing questioning at the state Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Panti.
The police said such acts of public indecency is against the criminal code and if after investigation those involved are found guilty, they would be charged to court.

Already, the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency has suspended the advertising firm, Pro-Vision Media Systems Limited.


This day

FG Declares Monday, Tuesday Public Holidays For Eid-El-Kabir

AgegePulse Magazine




The Federal Government has declared Monday and Tuesday – August 12 and 13 – as public holidays to mark the 2019 Eid-Al-Kabir celebrations.

The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Interior, Georgina Ehuriah, declared this in a statement on Tuesday on behalf of the government.

She made the declaration in a statement signed by Mohammed Manga, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the office.

Ehuriah congratulated the Muslim faithful on the occasion and called on all Nigerians, at home and in the diaspora, to use the period to embrace the virtues of love, humility, peace and sacrifice as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Mohammed.

She also urged Nigerians to shun any form of disruptive tendencies and join hands with the government to build a peaceful, strong and united Nigeria for the growth and development of the nation.

READ ALSO: Buhari Should Urgently Release All Political Prisoners – PDP

The permanent secretary reaffirmed the determination of the Muhammadu Buhari led administration to protect the lives and properties of Nigerians.

She added that security agencies under the Ministry have been directed to ensure the provision of adequate security, before, during and after the Eid-Al-Kabir celebrations.

Ehuriah also stated the government’s desire for all citizens to live a life of sacrifice, charity, and love for one another.

She wished Nigerians a happy, peaceful and fulfilling celebrations.


ChannelsTv

How EFCC Saved Kwara from Looters- Gov Abdulrasaq

AgegePulse Magazine

The Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq has hinted that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC in Ilorin, the state capital, has contributed immensely to secure the resources of the state from being looted by corrupt persons.

“The EFCC has been proactive, they started working before we came onboard, I thank the EFCC for helping us in Kwara State,” he said, promising that “the state government will work with the anti-graft Commission for the benefit of our people, and we should join hands together to make the state work again.”

Abdulrasaq was speaking at a Public Education/Citizen Enlightenment Program organised by the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, PACAC, and the National Orientation Agency, NOA, in Ilorin, on August 6, 2019 with the theme, “Value Orientation and the fight Against Corruption”.

He said: “This state was already down when we came into power, no water in the hospitals, no electricity, and the system was totally in chaos, no chairs in our schools, the money was being diverted.

“Corruption had eaten deep in the government [but] we are working with the EFCC to ensure that all these abuses disappear from the system.

“It is very important to know that when we don't kill corruption, corruption will kill us as a nation.”

Earlier, the Head of Operations, EFCC Ilorin Zonal Office, Isyaku Sharu, called on stakeholders, especially the parents to assist government in fighting corruption and building a better society.

“As parents, you have a big role to play, you must educate your children about the dangers of corruption, and when your Child is mingling with bad people in the society, you must call them to order,” he said.

He further noted that one of the focal areas of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, was to fight corruption to a standstill, adding that, though the country is not in the place where it is supposed to be, “I can tell you that we are not in the place we were before, because this government is making progress when it comes to the issue of fighting corruption”.

He said: “Within few months of our operations in Kwara State, we have made significant achievements, and just last week, the EFCC secured final forfeiture of a N150,000, 000 (One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) property (Plaza) to the Federal Government. The property hitherto belonged to a civil servant

“The Commission (Ilorin Zonal Office) has also secured about 30 convictions, in less than one year of operations, with the majority of them being internet fraudsters.”

Imposition Of Fine By LASTMA Is Illegal- Court

AgegePulse Magazine

The appeal court held that imposition of penalties by the LASTMA ultra vires its power, especially where no platform was established to observe the principles of natural justice.

The court declared this while ruling on the appeal filed by LASTMA over judgment delivered by the Federal High Court on September 16, 2011, in the suit no FHC/L/CS/653/2011 wherein it was held that it breached the right of the respondent in the suit.
 
LASTMA had appealed the judgment delivered by Justice Okon Abang wherein the court declared that the unlawful assault and illegal arrest, seizure and continuous detention of applicant’s Pick-up van with registration number BE 736 KSF by the respondent on March 18, 2011 was a breach of the applicant’s fundamental right to human dignity as guaranteed by Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution.

The applicant, Mr. Jonathan Odutola had filed the suit against LASTMA over the alleged unlawful detention of his Pick up Van, and the court awarded N500.000 as damages against it (LASTMA ) and ordered issuance of public apology.

Delivering the lead judgment by Justice Jamilu Yammama Tukur which was adopted by Justice Biobele Abraham Georgewill and Justice Abimbola Osarugue Obaseki-Adejumo, the court held that “by the provisions of section 1 (1) and (3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the constitution is supreme and its provisions are binding on all authorities and persons in Nigeria.

“Therefore, if any law is inconsistent with any provisions of the constitution, the constitution shall prevail and other law shall to the extent of that inconsistency be void.” The court cited Nosdra v.Exxonnmobil (2018) LPELR -44210 (CA), pp 5-9 para E-C.

Also, the court held that the imposition of a fine by the appellant, it (LASTMA) acted in a judicial capacity which they are not imbued with under the constitution.

“The appellant constituted itself into a court with judicial or quasi-judicial powers, when ìn fact the law that created it did not donate such jurisdiction to it.

By doing so, the appellant became a judge in its own cause, the complainant as well the judge, contrary to the maxim ‘nemo judex in causa sua’. The court will not allow any authority to act ultra vires its power under the constitution.

“There is, therefore, a lacuna in that law creating the appellant. In view of the fact that the main crux of the respondent’s grievance bothers on the imposition of fine/penalty on it, I hold that there is no merit in this appeal whatsoever. I find the appeal as lacking in merit as same is hereby dismissed,” the court held.

Lagos Reporters

BREAKING : Armed robbers raid Commercial bank, kill two persons

AgegePulse Magazine

Armed Robbers raided a commercial bank in Iju, Akure North local government area of Ondo state,on Tuesday.

The robbers killed a staff of the bank and a customer.

Police spokesman Femi Joseph has not confirmed the incident.

Eye witness told TVC news correspondent, Ayodeji Moradeyo that the robbers shot sporadically into the air to scare the people

Lagos Council Boss Fulfils Promise To Orphanage, Donates Salaries

AgegePulse Magazine

Th executive Chairman of Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State, Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi has fulfilled his promise to donate his salaries to orphanage as part of his birthday celebration rituals every year.


To recap, Egunjobi was sworn in as Agege Local Government chairman two years ago on July 25, 2017, coincidentally his birthday, which he marked at Babes Salam Home, an orphanage situated at Ikeja area of the state. The Council chief turned a year older last Thursday and made good his promise to donate his three-month salaries to the motherless babies’ home on the occasion, a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Rotimi Sulyman stated. It said, Egunjobi presented a cheque of N500,000 to the management of Babes Salam, which was received by the deputy head of the orphanage, Imam Muhammed Shaban, in the latter’s office.

 The statement reads in part: “Today, Alhaji Tahir Taoheed on behalf of the Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government, Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi, presented N500,000 personal cheque, a cumulation of his three-month salaries as the Council’s chairman to Babes Salam Home in fulfilment of his promise to the orphanage on his birthdays. “A ritual he started on assumption of office, the Council boss at the presentation of the cheque through Alhaji Tahir, called on individuals of means and corporate bodies to rally to the aid of the less privileged and work in tandem to reduce the country’s grinding poverty.”

In response, Imam Shaban on behalf of the orphanage management reportedly expressed gratitude to Egunjobi and supplicated to Allah to reward his kindness.

Do Proper Background Checks Before Employing Housemaid - DCP Disu

AgegePulse Magazine

Following the recent arrest and interrogation of  an Agent who specializes in using Housemaids to steal valuables from people, the RRS Commander, DCP Olatunji Disu has advised Lagosians and the general public to always do a proper background checks before hiring maids..

Frances Oputu

According to DCP Disu, the modus operandi of the suspect identified as Frances Oputu is to plant a maid in your house and later directs them to steal your valuables.

He was caught in action and investigation revealed that he has 15 other maids in various homes in Lagos.

Detectives have contacted their employers for necessary caution.

"Please be careful and carry out necccesary background checks before  employing house maids". Says Disu

C&S El-Bethel Shiloh Cathedral, Agege Sets To Dedicate New Church Building

...Members Benefitted Through Scholarship Programme, says Elder Bola Odubela

AgegePulse Magazine

The  Cherubim& Seraphim Church El-Bethel Shiloh Cathedral Sanctuary at 68, Ipaja Road, Oke-Koto, Agege, Lagos' s Set To unveil New Church Building  this Saturday.

Elder Apostle Bola Odubela JPil, Minister-In-Charge, Sacred Cherubim& Seraphim Church El-Bethel Shiloh Cathedral, Agege disclosed this in Lagos during a press conference to reel out the lined up activities of the church for the Year 2019 Youths And Children Harvest, tagged: "Harvest of God's Heritage.

Below is the full Address By Elder Apostle Bola Odubela JPil, Minister-In-Charge, Sacred Cherubim& Seraphim Church El-Bethel Shiloh Cathedral, Agege

Gentlemen of the press,
Let start by thanking you for responding positively to our invitation to this press conference, which is one of the activities lined up to celebrate the attainment of another milestone in our church’s history

In a few days’ time, precisely on Saturday, July 27, we shall be dedicating our third church building on this site. This, to us, is a significant achievement, considering were we are coming from.
The journey started in 1926, that is, just a year after cherubim and seraphim society of Nigeria (as it was then known), was founded by revered leader, Baba Aladurah Moses Orimolade Tunolase.

The first port of call him when he arrived Lagos from earlier evangelical crusades in the northern part of Nigeria was Lagos island where, fortuitously he met a young lady whom he had been invited to heal of an unusual illness.
After her healing, Miss Abiodun Akinsowon (later captain Abiodun Emmanuel After marriage),. Who was highly spiritual, agreed to partner Baba Aladura Orimolade to move the society forward.

Then began the spread of the society outside Lagos Island; and one of it’s first places to berth was Agege in 1926
Being a relatively new religious organization, it is understandable why it was not readily accepted by indigenes, who were legally adherents of the African Traditional Religion, with it’s various rituals and another heathen practices.

However, woman defied the challenges by the going around the neighborhood to preach, with the view to winning membership for the new religious movement. Then on Sunday, she would conduct a church service in her home, in a area called atobaje in Agege.

Gradually, as Mrs .Rachael Hamilton (alias Mama Ibadan) intensified he evangelism, with her children in tow, the church began to grow, was GOD led other people to partner with her on this onerous task.

As time went on, it became apparent that Mama Ibadan’s home could no longer contain worship person; and so, the search for bigger location began. By Divine leading, the present site was acquired and the first church was built and dedicated in 1941, It was the built of mud and thatched roofing materials.
Less than two decades after, the need for a bigger and more modern church had become necessary, following the continuous growth in population. Thus began the building of the second church, which was dedicated in 1979.

In between the time of building the second church, we embarked on many others development projects, Thus today, in other locations within Agege area, we have a Nursery and Primary, Maryland, Cemetery and event centre. We also established a second Shiloh church at alakuko. All these are functional today.
With all these development came more recognition for the church, and this won it the status of sacred cherubim & seraphim Lagos headquarters and also produces the third General Superintendent (Baba Alakoso) of the sacred Cherubim & Seraphim of Nigeria & Overseas Venerable James Akinwunmi Philips (1958-1961).
Again, there arose the need to expand the church to meet up with the space demands for its teeming population and also complement its exalted status as Lagos state headquarter of the conference.

Today, to the glory of God, we have every cause to rejoice over this milestone. As we plan to dedicate the third church.
Permit me to say, Gentlemen that this occasion, the dedication of our new church, is actually intended to pay tribute to our founding fathers the- men and women who worked selflessly to bring us to where we are today. They defied all odds to ensure that Cherubim and Seraphim Church came to stay in Agege.

It is also an occasion to appreciate the labour of our heroes and heroines, past and present who sacrificed their labour and material endowment at every stage of the church’s development. They are too numerous to mention here. To all these people, the Nehemiah’s and Zerubbabels of our age, I say a big ‘Thank You’ and pray that God who rewards generous givers will reward them for their labour of love. It is my prayer that the souls of the faithful departed ones would rest in peace.
Gentlemen of the press, an occasion like this provides an opportunity for me to comment on contemporary national issues as they concern us all. These are the issues of insecurity, unemployment and corruption, among others.

We view with utmost concern the growing spate of insecurity across the nation, which is posing a dangerous threat to the country’s unity.
As a church organization, we believe very much in the efficacy of prayer, and affirm that our God is still in the business of listening to the genuine cries of His people for help if they repent of their sins and look up to Him (2 Chronicles 7:14).

The body of Christ should unite in prayer while also calling on Federal Government to declare a ‘National Day Prayer’ where all Nigerians, irrespective of your religious beliefs, should pray for forgiveness.

We do not want war again in Nigeria. Memories of Biafran war, which ended about 50 years ago, are still fresh on the minds of those who were directly affected. And we can assert this if we recognize that we cannot overcome the country’s multifarious challenge in our own strength but through the intervention of God Almighty.

Let me also say that our political leaders have a major role to play in foresting unity among the component units of this country by tempering their utterances, and conduct, an exhibiting the highest  level of patriotism and altruism at all times. To whom much is given, much is expected. They should therefore avoid anything that could jeopardize national unity.

Unemployment, no doubt, is one ills fueling the insecurity in the country. ‘The devil finds job for an idle hand.’ Therefore, the federal Government should explore all avenues to provide employment for our teeming population, especially youths. It must also enhance basic social infrastructure-electricity, portable water, good roads and well-kept drainages to reduce rural-urban migration.

Then, of course, the hydra-headed monster called corruption, which has eaten deep into the nation’s fabric, and has continued to stall her development. Concerted efforts must be made at all governmental and non-government levels to fight corruption to its minimal level.

Lastly, I want to urge Lagosians to co-operate with the State Government by obeying environmental and traffic laws to make the state habitable and pleasurable for all of us. We should also support the State Government by paying our taxes as at when due to enable the government provide adequately for its developmental projects.

Gentlemen of the press, we are responsible organization and will continue to do everything within our ability to support the government and our people in every way possible, I have since my inauguration four years ago, instituted scholarship programmes, by way of bursary awards, for the young members of our church who are in tertiary institutions. However, those of them who are not academically inclined are exposed to skill acquisition programmes.

Once again, I thank you for coming and look forward to seeing you again when we shall dedicate this beautiful worship sanctuary on Saturday, God willing.


Elder Apostle Bola Odubela, Jpil
Minister-in-Charge/Chairman Lagos Join District Council       
Present at the press conference were:

ElderApostle Bola Odubella

Sec Gen Rev Apostle Mother (Olawunmi Gbadamosi Idowu)

Asst Chairman Church committee
Senior Sup Apostle (Paul Olabisi)

Supo Apostle Taiwo (Chairman Delegation Committee)

Sup Apostle (C.O Fariloye)
   

See the Python that sacks Lawmakers out of Ondo Assembly

AgegePulse Magazine

Lawmakers fled in different directions as they shouted on top of their voices. The snake, which dropped from the roof of the building, caused apprehension among the members as they all scampered for safety. The development brought the proceedings of the House to an end abruptly.



Meanwhile, reports have it that legislative activities have been suspended until the complex is renovated.



A source said the speaker, David Oleyelogun, directed that the lawmakers should go on recess till the renovation of the Assembly is completed

TheNationOnline

WAEC releases May/June WASSCE results, withholds 180, 205

AgegePulse Magazine

A total of 1,020,519 candidates who sat for the 2019 May/June West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for schools obtained credits and above in a minimum of five subjects including English Language and Mathematics.

 Mr Olu Adenipekun, Head of National Office (HNO), West African Examinations Council (WAEC), gave the figure while announcing the release of the results at a news conference on Friday in Lagos

He said that there was an improvement in candidates’ performances in 2019 when compared to that of 2018 in the same examination.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 1,596161 candidates registered for the examination from 18,639 recognised secondary schools in Nigeria. The HNO said that, of the number of candidates who registered for the examination, 1,590,173 sat for the examination which was also administered to some candidates from some schools in Benin Republic, Cote d’Ivoire and Equatirial Guinea, where Nigerian curriculum for the Senior Secondary School was used.

Daily Trust

FG Releases New Salary Table

AgegePulse Magazine


Last week, President Muhammadu Buhari directed the implementation of the newly approved minimum wage  of N30,000 to all federal government workers who earn below the amount.  But the announcement, rather than elicit joy, dampened the spirit of workers across the country as it fell short of their expectations.

The President’s order was disclosed by the Executive Chairman, National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission [NSIWC] Dr. Richard Onwuka Egbule at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday. He said based on the president’s approval, implementation takes effect from April 18, 2019. Egbule said civil servants affected are only those who earn less than N30,000 monthly and no federal government staffer will earn less than N30,000 per month.

He also said salary structures affected include consolidated public service salary structure (CONPSS); consolidated health salary structure (CONHESS); consolidated research and allied institutions salary structure (CONRAISS); consolidated tertiary institutions salary structure (CONTISS II) and consolidated tertiary educational institutions salary structure, CONTEDNESS.

Egbule said “the negotiations between the Federal Government and the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council on the consequential adjustments arising from the new national minimum wage for officers who earned salaries above N30,000 per month before 18th April, 2019 in the federal civil service will continue.” The  outcome of such negotiations, he said, will be implemented with effect from the date an agreement is reached. He also said arrears arising from implementation of the N30,000 minimum wage will be worked out by all concerned agencies in partnership with the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation.

This came after another meeting between Federal Government representatives and those of Labour ended in a deadlock. Soon after the signing of the new minimum wage into law, a joint committee was set up to work on the consequential adjustment. Till  date they are yet to reach an agreement. At their last meeting, Labour proposed 30 per cent salary increase for officers on levels 7 to 14 but the government team proposed nine and a half per cent salary increase for them. Also, while labour proposed 25 per cent increase for officers on grade levels 15 to 17, the federal government offered five per cent. A stalemate therefore ensued.

The Trade Union Congress [TUC] has threatened to embark on strike over the issue. It said government appears not to be committed to implementing the new minimum wage “going by the way its representatives in the committee set up to negotiate the adjustment arising from the new minimum wage was handling the negotiations.” TUC’s President Comrade Quadri Olaleye said the entire process lacked transparency. He said organised labour was considerate enough by lowering its initial demand of increasing salaries of GL 07 to GL 17 officers by 66.66% per cent, ‘‘yet government is only offering 9.5 per cent for levels 07-14 officers and 5 per cent for GL 15-17”. Olaleye also said the consequential adjustment is supposed to be negotiated openly in the spirit of collective bargaining. He said, “As it stands now, we may be forced to go to the trenches.”

The president’s directive to commence payment for only some workers was an anti-climax and it left many workers  disappointed.  While his order may have fulfilled the letter of the law, it definitely violated the spirit of the minimum wage law. This issue has dragged on for far too long, from the period when Labour began agitating for a review to the signing of the bill by the president.

Instead of five years after which a salary review should be done, the last time there was an increment in salaries was in 2011. There is really no reason why, three months after signing the bill, it is yet to be implemented. Officers earning above N30,000 also deserve quick implementation because they were also affected by inflation and depreciation of the Naira.

Both parties should return to the negotiation table and we should have a comprehensive salary table for all grades of workers very soon.

Daily Trust

BREAKING: Akpabio, Keyamo, Akume, Aregbesola make Buhari’ ministerial list

Sunday Aborisade

President Muhammadu Buhari has sent the ministerial list to Senate.

Some of the names on the list include Godswill Akpabio, George Akume, Festus Keyamo, Niyi Adebayo, Gbemisola Saraki, Olutayo Alasoadura, Rauf Aregbesola, Adeleke Mamora, Rotimi Amaechi.

Detail later.

Police Arrests 78 Suspected Cultist, Robbers In Lagos

AgegePulse Magazine

Personnel of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested 38 suspected cult members for attacking unsuspecting members of the public and damaging vehicles during a supremacy fight in the Ikorodu area of the state.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Bala Elkana, in a statement on Sunday, said policemen mobilised to the scene of the attack and arrested the suspects and restored normalcy in the area.

Elkana said, “On Tuesday, July 16, 2019, around 9.30am, youths from Idiroko, Adeola and Ajose in the Owutu area of Ikorodu, engaged themselves in a supremacy fight at the Idiroko area, Owutu, Ikorodu. In the process, the youth attacked passers-by and damaged some vehicles in the area.

“However, combined teams of policemen mobilised to the scene successfully brought the situation under control and restored normalcy in the area. Thirty-eight suspects were arrested and taken to the office of the task force in Oshodi for prosecution. Meanwhile, security has been beefed up in the area to forestall a further threat to law and order.”

The following day, the personnel of the Operation Crush, while acting on a credible intelligence, arrested 34 suspected members of the Awawa Boys for allegedly terrorising the Agege area of the state.

Elkana said the suspects were arrested during a raid on their hideouts, adding that seven bags of a substance suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered during the operation.

“On Wednesday, July 17, 2019, around 8.30am, acting on credible intelligence, men of the Operation Crush raided some criminal hideouts in the Akerele area, Agege. Thirty-four suspects known as Awawa Boys, who had been terrorising the area were arrested, while seven bags of weed suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered from them. Meanwhile, the suspects have been handed over to the task force in Oshodi for prosecution,” he stated.

In a related development, a suspected leader of the Aiye Confraternity, Azeez Olawale, has been arrested by men of the state police command for allegedly staging an attack that disturbed the peace of the Bariga area.

While investigation is ongoing to arrest other members of the group, the PPRO said Olawale would be charged to court.

“On Saturday, July 20, 2019, around 9.45pm, men of the Bariga Police Station arrested one Azeez Olawale, 32, at Egbenrode Street. The suspect was identified as the leader of the Aiye Confraternity, whose members had earlier in the day attempted to cause a breach of the peace in Bariga. Investigation is ongoing and the suspect will be charged to court,” Elkana added.

Meanwhile, five suspected armed robbers have been arrested for disturbing the peace at Ilasan in the Lekki area of the state.

The PPRO, who said one locally-made pistol with 10 unexpended cartridges was recovered from the suspects, added that they would be charged to court soon.

Elkana said, “On Friday, July 19, 2019, around 1.30pm, the Ilasan Police Station received credible intelligence that a group of hoodlums, suspected to be armed robbers/cultists, were sighted behind the Angle 90 Bar, Ilasan, Lekki.  A team of policemen was quickly mobilised to the scene. The leader of the gang, Ibrahim Abu, 32, and four others, Samuel Usai, John Nwaru, Emmanuel Moro and Michael Daniel, were arrested.

“Upon searching the suspects, one locally-made pistol with 10 unexpended cartridges was recovered from them. Investigation is ongoing and the suspects will be charged to court.”


Punch

Work To Resume On Pen Cinema Bridge, Says Sanwo-Olu

…Lagos Governor, Deputy Inspect Road Repair Exercise In Iju-Agege Areas

AgegePulse Magazine

There will soon be respite for motorists plying Agege-Pen Cinema axis in Lagos, as State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu assures accelerated completion of the abandoned Pen-Cinema Bridge.

The Governor spoke on Sunday while inspecting ongoing rehabilitation work on major roads in Iju area of the state by Lagos State Public Works Corporation.

Sanwo-Olu, in company of his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, said the contractor handling the bridge construction was being prepared for re-mobilisation back on the site.

Expressing concern over the pains residents go through due to regular gridlock on the alternative routes occasioned by abandoned project, Sanwo-Olu said his government would compensate for the discomfort by ensuring timely completion of the bridge.

He said: “I can assure you that we are currently in talks with the contractors handling key road projects in Ikorodu, which are Igbogbo and Ishawo roads, and also a critical project in Agege area, which is the Pen-Cinema Bridge.

Our promise is that, if it is not by end of this month; then, by next month, the contractors will be fully mobilised back on sites to complete the work.

“We are particularly concerned about the pain motorists are going through because of the incomplete construction of Pen-Cinema Bridge. We are hoping that the contractor handling the bridge construction, too, will be mobilised back on site. Once we push these three critical infrastructures and get them completed, relief would come to residents in these areas.”

The Governor said the ongoing road repair across the state was an outcome of his Executive Order, which declared emergency rehabilitation of critical roads.

Sanwo-Olu said the repair was being carried out in six segments, pointing out that the highways and arterial carriages were captured in the first set of repair across the state.

He said repair work would begin on roads captured in other segments in succession. The Governor urged commuters to be patient while the repair is being carried out.

He expressed satisfaction on the level of work done, while assuring that the road rehabilitation would be ongoing to until 100 major roads marked for repair in all Local Government Areas across the state get done.

Sanwo-Olu said his administration would continue to be responsive to the challenges confronting the people, assuring the actions of his government would focus on bringing relief to taxpayers.

“We have risen up to the expectations of Lagosians and we believe there is still a lot more to do. It is a work in progress. But we can feel the immediate relief that are coming to residents of all the areas where the rehabilitation work is being done currently,” the Governor said.

Also joining the Governor during the inspection is the Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, and General Manager of Lagos State Public Works Corporation, Engr. Daramola Olufemi.

Popularly drug baron, Toyin Egbira, dies of breast cancer

AgegePulse Magazine

Popularly drug baron and socialite, Monsurat Oloruntoyin, aka Toyin Egbira, is dead.

She died on Friday from breast cancer, OrijoReporter exclusively gathered.

The deceased was a prominent figure in the social circles in the nineties with Fuji stars like King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal(KWAM 1), Wasiu Alabi Pasuma and Abass Obersere singing her praises to high heaven in some albums and live plays.

The Kogi-born socialite, who was into drug trafficking was incarcerated during Musa Bamiayi led-National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, and at one time married to a high ranking police officer, Kehinde Oyenuga

Orijoreporter

EKEDC starts free lunch programme for school pupils

AgegePulse Magazine

Over 100 pupils of the Anglican Girls Seminary School, Broad Street, Lagos Island, were treated to a free lunch on Wednesday, 17th July, 2019 courtesy of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) in partnership with the NGO ‘Food for Thought’.

The MD/CEO, Adeoye Fadeyibi, who was present at the occasion, said the programme was centred around making life comfortable for the pupils by providing a meal per day for one year.

The Chief Charity Officer ‘Food for Thought’, Mary Dinah, lauded the management of EKEDC for the kind gesture.

#ekedc #csr

Breaking: Commotion as man climbs aircraft at Lagos Airport

AgegePulse Magazine

There was palpable anxiety at the Lagos Airport on Friday when an unknown man carrying a bag climbed the fuselage of an aircraft.

The aircraft which had passengers on board was parked at the apron preparatory for taxing through the taxiway into the runway for take-off .

After beating security on duty to gain access to the apron, the man climbed the parked aircraft through the dude to hang at the compartment housing the fuel tank.

Passengers onboard who recorded the unauthorized activities were confused, shouting and unsure of what might happen.

Officials of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria ( FAAN) said the man has been arrested and taken to an isolated area around the Lagos Airport called Tango City.

The incident provoked questions about the porosity of the Lagos Airport where rising cases of stowaways and other unauthorized activities are commonplace.

It has also raised concerns about the vulnerability of the premier gateway without adequate perimeter and security fences.

TheNationOnline

Education: Rest During Holiday TGPS Ayandele urges Teachers

.....NAESN Lagos Chairman, Majiyagbe lauds, TGPS, Dr Ayandele

AgegePulse Magazine

Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary (TGPS), Lagos State Education District 1, Dr. Yinka Ayandele has implored the teachers to take time-out to rest during holiday periods.

Ayandele made this known  while receiving the delegates of Agege Local Government Education Authority on a courtesy call to her office at the District Headquarters, yesterday.

She noted that teachers have worked assiduously and must rest to be refreshed.

The TGPS, commended the effort of Agege Local Government Education Authority Lgea Agege led by the Education Secretary, Hon. Olamilekan Majiyagbe Great Majiyagbe  towards improving the standard of education at the basic level, thus making the Education District 1 inherited sounds pupils in their various  secondary Schools.

While appreciating the supportive roles of the Christians and Muslims communities as stakeholders in the sector.

However, Dr. Ayandele charged the teachers not to relent on their efforts in ensuring that vision of Lagos State Government on Education continually progresses.

Earlier, in his remarks, the Chairman, Lagos State Chapter, National Association of Education Secretaries who also double as Education Secretary of Agege Local Government Education Authority, Hon. Olamilekan Majiyagbe, said that the purpose of the visit is to  inform the Education District 1, TGPS, that the school is officially closing today.

He recounted that the Agege LGEA has recorded a huge success without any forms of casualties.

Majiyagbe, described Dr. Yinka Ayandele as a goalgetter, humble achiever, pace-Setter, and role model that has touched many lives positively.

He also noted that Education District 1 achievements under Dr. Ayandele can been imputed for her special privilege and character even as a woman.

Presentation of Award frame, Special prayers for Dr. Ayandele and Good Will messages were part of the activities during the visit.

#Grassrootstimes

We killed NBA chairman for withholding N18m Internet fraud proceeds –Suspect

AgegePulse Magazine

Thirty-nine-year-old Kenechukwu Eze, a native of Amoli Edem in the Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, on Wednesday, said his gang members killed one Emmanuel Agundu because he withheld the N18m they realised from Internet fraud. The money was reportedly paid into his Nigerian bank account.

Agundu, who was the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Udenu branch, was shot on August 15, 2018, at Obollo-Afor in the Udenu Local Government Area of the state by unidentified gunmen around 7pm, but  he survived the attack.


However, on September 2, 2018, he was trailed to Uru-Uwani Edem in the Nsukka Local Government Area around 2pm and shot dead.

Although one of the gunmen was arrested and remanded in prison custody, Eze, a member of the five-man gang of Internet fraudsters based in Morocco, was apprehended on Wednesday, July 10, 2019, by the personnel of the Enugu State Police Command.

Parading the suspect at the state police headquarters alongside 18 were arrested across the state for various offences ranging from armed robbery, kidnapping, car snatching, vandalism, cultisim, unlawful possession of firearms and murder, the state Commissioner of Police, Suleiman Balarabe, said Eze was arrested with the help of credible intelligence, adding that the police had been tracking him since Agundu’s death.

Punch

Couple fall from 9-storey building while making love

AgegePulse Magazine

A woman has been killed after falling from the ninth floor of a block of flats in Russia while having sex, but her partner survived after landing on top of her.

The woman, aged 30, was found dead at the base of an apartment block in St Petersburg on the night of July 5 during what neighbours described as a wild party.

Witnesses said they saw a television thrown from the window of the flat, after which the woman and her 29-year-old lover plunged to the ground below.

The woman landed head-first on the asphalt and died instantly, local media reported, but the man survived after his fall was broken by her body and nearby bushes.

Witnesses told local media that the partially clothed man then got up and went back to rejoin the party.

Police were called, and when they arrived the revellers allegedly threw a mop out of the windows at them.

Initial reports suggested the woman had been killed by the falling TV, but images from the scene clearly show her naked from the waist down.

After interviewing witnesses, investigators concluded that the couple were having sex on a windowsill when they fell.

Two other men were in the flat when the fall happened, but are not thought to have been involved.

A murder investigation has been launched.

NAN

LASG SERVES 7 DAYS REMOVAL NOTICE TO ALL ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ALONG BADAGRY EXPRESSWAY

AgegePulse Magazine

The operatives of the Lagos State Task Force today served 7 days 'Removal Notice' to all illegal structures/commercial activities along Badagry Expressway.

The Chairman of the Agency, CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi while addressing owners of these illegal structures/traders at diffetent spots warned them to immediately vacate all road setbacks and walkways within the stipulated date given to them by the government.

CSP Egbeyemi expressed that all illegal structures/traders on road set-backs and walk-ways from 'Eric Moore' down to 'Trade Fair' must remove their illegal structures, shanties, Kiosks and containarised shops on or before Tuesday, 23rd of July, 2019.

He disclosed that the 'Removal Notice' became imperative in preparation for the commencement of road works to be embarked upon along that corridor and to dislodged criminal elements who on daily basis engaged in robbing motorists including innocent members of the public of their valuables.

According to the Chairman "It was an eye-sore seeing owners of these illegal structures/traders (Iron benders, fruits/pepper/ram sellers, furniture makers and food vendors) indiscriminately dumping their refuse and used materials on road set-backs, walk-ways and canals thereby causing serious flood to the entire axis whenever it rains"

"Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu newly signed 'Executive Order' on traffic and sanitation declared zero tolerance for environmental abuse, illegal and indiscriminate dumping of refuse and defacing the environment"

CSP Egbeyemi however advised  miscreants and hoodlums who have turned under pedestrian bridges, shanties and abandoned vehicles including containarised shops as their abode to vacate immediately as anyone caught would be seriously dealt with in accordance with the law.

Photo Inside: FINAL YEAR STUDENT GUNNED DOWN BY SUSPECTED CULTIST

 AgegePulse Magazine

A 500- level  Electrical Engineering student identified as James  was gunned down by cultists while writing the first semester examination today 15th July, 2019 at the old Engineering block, Cross Rivers University of Technology, CRUTECH, Calabar Campus, Nigeria.

According to our source, after noticing that the gunshot didn't kill James, they decided to use axe and he eventually dies. After hearing gunshots and being alerted that a student has been shot dead at the Electrical Engineering Department, some lecturers in the Civil Engineering Department of the institution made a mild announcement in the Exam Halls where Civil 500L students were writing their final paper, that all cult members either leave the hall quietly or bear the security risk themselves, as there is no security presence.

Quite a few got up, submitted empty sheets and Ieft. Some even forcefully collected from their colleagues in order to leave in groups.

More details later.

Say NO To CULTISM
#Bencitytimes

I slept with my brother-in-law thinking it was my husband, woman tells court

AgegePulse Magazine

A trader, Mrs Ajayi, 52, told an Igando Customary Court that she slept with her brother-in-law because she thought he was her husband.

Ajayi’s husband, Akande, is seeking the dissolution of their 35-year marriage, accusing her of infidelity.

”I was in bed when my husband’s younger brother came to the house my husband rented for me.


“I thought it was my husband who normally comes to the house at that particular time between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. to play and sleep with me.

“It was after he finished making love to me that I realised that he was not my husband.

Punch

Image Copied

‘I MAKE N18,000:00 DAILY FROM PICKPOCKETING' – SUSPECT

AgegePulse Magazine

A suspected pickpocket arrested in Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos has confessed to the operatives of the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Rapid Response that he made at least N18,000:00 daily selling stolen phones.

The suspect, Lawal Daodu, 31, was arrested on Friday around 5:00 p.m. when he unsuccessfully picked a phone from the pocket of a passerby in Ikeja Under Bridge.

Lawal, who had before his arrest steadyly picked 2 android phones from passersby was removing another android phone from the pocket of another victim when the phone incidentally fell from his hand thus drawing the attention of its owner.

He was promptly arrested by the RRS officers attached to the Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) stationed at Ikeja, Under Bridge. Just as the suspect was explaining the source of the phones in his possession, one of his victims, who was trying to catch a glimpse of what was happening saw his phone in suspect’s hands.

Lawal in his confession to the police explained that he operates  in Computer Village, Ikeja and Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos. “On Friday, I was in Computer Village as usual. I have picked two phones in the morning which I sold to my customers in Computer Village.

In the afternoon, I resumed to pick few phones. I was picking the third one when the owner raised alarm which attracted the attention of the RRS men. They arrested me and unfortunately, just as I was trying to prove my innocence, one of my victim identified his phone in my hand”.

“I don’t operate every time. I go out at times twice in a week and I make at least N18,000.00 from pickpocketing. There were times I made more than that, especially, when I picked expensive phones.

I started pickpocketing in 2017 and I have never been arrested before. I buy and sell cloth in Computer Village. I resort to pickpocketing occasionally.

I sell the phones to Afeez and Lanre. They are street guys in Computer Village. I was trained by Bello. I have not seen him in a long while now,” he added.

Commenting on the development, the Command’s Public Relation Officer, DSP Bala Elkana, said the suspect is assisting the police in the arrest of the buyers of his stolen phones in Computer Village, Ikeja.

Bakare weeps, says Nigeria’s ‘cup full’

AgegePulse Magazine

The Serving Overseer of the Latter Rain Assembly, Lagos, Pastor Tunde Bakare, went a little emotional on Sunday when he broke down in tears while lamenting the gruesome murder of Mrs Funke Olakunrin, the daughter of Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti.

While delivering his Sunday sermon in his church in Lagos, Bakare wondered how Nigeria had found itself in a situation where life counted for nothing even to the leaders, adding that with the latest killing, Nigeria’s ‘cup is full.’


The fiery cleric specifically took a swipe at the political and security leaders in the country, saying both had been playing politics with the lives of the citizens through deliberate inaction.

“A few weeks ago here, I called the attention of the nation to the impostors who visited Aso Rock in the name of Afenifere leaders. Now you have killed the daughter of the real Afenifere leader, a 95-year-old man,” Bakare said while crying.

“And you think God will overlook these things. Someone who had gone to see her father and returning to her station! I tell you, now, the cup is full.”


The cleric submitted that security agencies had used different standards for different categories of people whose kinsmen were victims of criminals in the country.

Bakare added, “The other day, the wife of the Governor of Central Bank (of Nigeria) was kidnapped; and within a few hours, they did not just rescue the woman, they also arrested those who perpetrated the crime.

“Now, the daughter of Pa Fasoranti has been killed, and we have been hearing only stories, nothing tangible has been achieved.

“If someone desires a thing so seriously and does not know the purpose for such a thing, when he gets it, he won’t achieve anything with it.”

Copyright PUNCH.