Future Matters Concepts Honours Anigbajumo, Dedicates Award to Students

...urges students on Skills Acquisition

#AgegePulse Magazine

The name of Hon. Kolawole Anigbajumo has turned to a household name when it comes to giving back to the community,

As a Tailor and Leader of Agege Local Government Legislative Arm, the reward for  service to God and humanity have earned him an award by Future Matters Concepts, FMC  in a program organized for outgoing secondary School students, in Agege tagged "Beyond Secondary Education, What Next" 8.0.


He was honoured in an event held yesterday at Dami Event Centre, Agege for his commitment and passion in empowering youths.

According to the Convener, Walex Adeleye said that, the award was conferred on him over his contributions and passion towards the brighter future of young people in Agege.

Recall, Anigbajumo was a teacher/instructor at Agege Local Government Vocational centre in 2006 with a stipends aiming at imparting knowledge to young ones.

In a remark, Anigbajumo narrated his life story as a successful tailor and now a legislator.

"The tailoring job has help me to achieve my desired tertiary education which has placed me where I am today, as the Leader and No.3 man in the recent administration in Agege.
Though it's God doing and I give thanks to the Almighty".

He urged all the participating students to always focus on their studies and imbibe the culture of acquiring a vocational skill while growing up in life.

while receiving  the award, "I thanked the initiative of FMC for organizing such laudable program, I once again dedicated this Award to students as they are the brighter and shining stars of tomorrow". Anigbajumo concluded.

Soldiers assault LASTMA officials after they are stopped for taking BRT lane

AgegePulse

Soldiers have been caught on camera assaulting LASTMA officials at Onipanu area of Lagos after they were stopped for driving through the BRT lane.

The soldiers who were in a commercial bus came down and were trying to intimidate the LASTMA officials who were slapped and shoved off while they threatened to deal with them for having the audacity to try stopping them from plying the BRT lane.

There were about 3 soldiers in the bus, the assault looks like it started with the one driving first who launched the attack on the LASTMA officials who was challenging him while a Police officer also tried calming the air.

He ran after the LASTMA official to hit him, then other soldiers appeared and one can be seen shoving another official close to him. The driver was encouraged by his colleagues to move the vehicle but the LASTMA official behind was heard insisting that they cannot go anywhere.


Lagos Reporters
https://lagosreporters9ja.com/2019/11/15/soldiers-assault-lastma-officials-after-they-are-stopped-for-taking-brt-lane/

Lagos to commence payment of new minimum wage November

 AgegePulse Magazine

Conclusion Of Negotiations On The Minimum Wage And Consequential Adjustment Of Salaries For Lagos State Public Sector Workers

Consequent upon series of meetings and discussions held between the Lagos State Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JNC) and Lagos State Government as witnessed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) on the payment of the New Minimum Wage to Lagos State Public Sector Workers, necessary terms of settlement and agreement were reached today 15th November, 2019.

Recall that the National Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (NJPSNC) and the Federal Government's Negotiations and Consequential Adjustment of Salaries produced the following figures on Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS)
a. GL. 01-06=N30,000
b. GL. 07=23.2%
c. GL. 08=20%
d. GL. 09=19%
e. GL. 10-14=16%
f. GL. 15-17=14%

Comparatively and in consonance with the pronouncements of the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, find below the product of the process of negotiations that were painstakingly undertaken and concluded with the Lagos State Government by the Labour Movement for the Public Sector Workers.

1. LAGOS STATE SALARIES CONSEQUENTIAL ADJUSTMENT/INCREASE
a. GL. 01-06=N35,000.09
b. GL. 07=30%
c. GL. 08-10=25%
d. GL. 12-14=22.5%
e. GL. 15-17=20%

2. PROFESSIONAL/SECTORIAL PECULIAR ALLOWANCES
Payment of allowances peculiar to certain professions/sectors such as Health Workers, Medical Personnels, Teachers, etc embeded in their respective Consolidated Salary Structures (e.g. CONHESS, CONMESS, CONTISS, etc) shall be paid for those stated items (e.g. Hazard, Call, Shift, etc) at such rates as provided in the various salaries of government approved in 2011.

3. COMMENCEMENT OF PAYMENT
The payment of the New Minimum Wage at the aforestated Consequential Adjustment Rates shall commence in Lagos State in the November, 2019 Salary Cycle.

4. PAYMENT OF ARREARS
The New Minimum Wage Act came into effect on the 18th April, 2019 as such, it was agreed that payment of the six and half months arrears shall be be made and concluded by the first quarter of Year 2020.

LASUBEB calls on parents to monitor social media usage by children

AgegePulse Magazine

The Chairman, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, LASUBEB, Mr. Wahab Alawiye-King has called on parents of primary school pupils to monitor the usage of social media platforms by their wards.



Alawiye-King made the call on Thursday during a sensitisation programme organised by the Guidance and Counselling Department of LASUBEB on “The Effect of Social Media on A Growing Child” at Agidingbi Primary School, Ikeja, Lagos.



While noting that it might not be totally possible to debar the pupils from using the internet, he maintained that parental involvement and control would help curb some social media-related vices that are now prevalent in society.



The Chairman, represented at the event by the Board member of LASUBEB in charge of Special Duties, Mr. Dayo Israel, urged school pupils present at the programme to imbibe good behaviour as worthy ambassadors of the State.



In her contribution, Mrs. Sherifat Sanusi Adedoyin, also a Board member of LASUBEB, said that the programme was geared towards proper parenting to dissuade pupils from vices that could truncate their future, saying “Children are the heritage from God and it is our responsibility to groom them to become great individuals in life”.



Dr. Bola Makinde of the Department of Educational Foundations, University of Lagos, UNILAG, who was the Guest Lecturer at the event said that the internet has made it possible for children to develop necessary technical skills, especially through Games and Mathematical tasks that could help them in future.



“As an experienced tutor, I am aware that social media can help widen the horizon of children by reading far and near beyond textbooks, most especially when they are preparing to write examinations”, Makinde said.



She noted that social media could also affect children negatively in so many ways, including poor study habit, poor mental health, improper dressing, pornography, suicidal thoughts and depression, among several other risks.



The Guest Lecturer, however, underscored the vital roles of parents and teachers in ensuring that school pupils are not negatively affected through their exposure and time spent on the internet, maintaining that “time spent on social media by children should be strictly monitored and accounted for productively”.



In the same vein, Head of Guidance and Counselling Unit of LASUBEB, Mrs. Folashade Oladepo asserted that counsellors have made tremendous achievements in schools through different Guidance and Counselling activities ranging from Individual, Group and Career Counseling as well as Orientation Programmes.



Oladepo disclosed that LASUBEB organised the programme to emphasise the need for pupils to maintain their dignity and self-worth at the primary school level.

Gov. Abiodun Commiserates with Ota Petrol Tanker Victims

...weeps, picks hospital bills, orders transfer to specialist hospitals

AgegePulse Magazine

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has promised that the incessant accidents on the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta Expressway would soon be a thing of the past.

Prince Abiodun, while commiserating with victims of an inferno at the Sango toll gate on Thursday night, which led to loss of lives and properties, said that the planned takeover of the road by both the Ogun and Lagos state governments would put an end to the unnecessary loss of lives and properties in the area.

An emotional Governor Abiodun wept as he ordered the transfer of victims to tertiary healthcare facilities in Lagos and Abeokuta promised to pay the medical bills of the victims.

Two people reportedly died in the inferno and properties worth millions of naira destroyed when a fuel laden truck went up in flames after being involved in an accident as a result of brake failure.

Governor Abiodun, while addressing residents at Ota toll gate and the State Hospital in the town noted that the Federal Government should accede to the demands of both the Lagos and Ogun state governments to reconstruct the road to stem the incessant accident in the axis.

He said: “I am most distressed by the news of the midnight inferno at the Sango toll gate, which was the result of an accident by a fuel laden truck.

“It is heart breaking that many lives were lost in addition to properties running into millions of naira.

“This sad occurrence has made our quest to take over the management of this road more compelling. The incessant road mishap around the toll gate axis is avoidable. While I commiserate with those who lost their loved ones and property, we shall do everything humanly possible to forestall future recurrence.”

Governor Abiodun prayed for the repose of the soul of the dead and called for caution on the part of motorists conveying fuel and other explosive products across roads with heavy vehicular movement and human traffic.

“May I use this opportunity to once again plead that the Federal Government should approve the request of both the Ogun and Lagos State Governments to take this all-important Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta expressway over,” he said.

The governor said firefighters and officers of TRACE and sister agencies have since been on ground, putting out the fire, easing its effects on traffic and attending to victims.

The governor reassures the people that the joint efforts with the Lagos State Government will be intensified, to take over the road from the Federal Government in order to bring in the needed succor.

“Once the road is taken over, expedited action will be taken to immediately begin reconstruction, so that there may be easy movement of goods and person, and consequently, a reduction in the occurrence of accidents of this nature,” the governor added.

Video: MANY FEARED KILLED AS PETROL TANKER FALLS, EXPLODES IN OGUN

AgegePulse Magazine

A petrol-laden tanker fell in the wee hours of Friday around Toll gate, Ota axis of Lagos-Abeokuta highway, while approaching Shoprite Store, killing yet to be identified number of people.

The tanker, DAILY POST learnt, went up in flames immediately, destroying lives, vehicles, and properties.

Confirming the incident, the Ogun State Traffic Compliance (TRACE) Corps Spokesperson, Babatunde Akinbiyi released a video of the inferno.

Akinbiyi told DAILY POST that there were casualties but the number could not be ascertained as of the time of filing this report.

According to Akinbiyi, the TRACE Corps, Fire Service agents, Federal Road Safety Corps, the police, the NSCDC, Naval officers and the Army were all on ground for rescue operations.

While sympathising with those affected by the ugly incident, Akinbiyi advised motorists to avoid Toll Gate Area for now.

“Nevertheless, they can go through the Old Ota Road to link Awolowo Road down to Sango under bridge to link Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway,” he said.

Biofil Toilet Digester An Alternative To SoakAway Pit

AgegePulse

MZ TECHNICAL ENTERPRISE is a service engineering company into business Sewer Technology.

This new Sewer Technology is a system that is been introduced to replace the old system of soakaway pit. It's a system that have life span of 20years without a need for evacuation or getting filled. With this system, environmental hazard is checked.

With this system cost is checked. It can be used in homes, schools, hotels, cooperate offices, real estate. As a matter of fact we in discussion with ADRON HOMES a leading estate developers. We have been privilege to have this system installed in some homes in Lagos.

It has been proven and we have the privilege to get this system introduced and installed in countries like South Africa, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, etc.

It's worthy of note to let you know the Ghanaian government in partnership with WHO - World Health Organization have invested over $20m to ensure that every household get this system installed there homes, offices,etc.

It's our goal to modernize our sewer system thus with this modern technology and design our environment will be safe from environmental pollution.

It would be an honor for us if you will allow us to partner/work with you. For this, we look forward to hear from you to be able to make a formal presentation of our services.

See posters for other service we render.
For more information and enquiries, please contact:08124717046, 09077279888

#AgegePulse #Sewer #Biofil

Land grabbing: Lagos arrests 19 persons

. . . Warns Land Grabbers To Desist From Illicit Activities

The Lagos State Government, through the Special Taskforce on Land Grabbers (LSSTFLG), has arrested 19 suspects for offences bordering on trespass, illegal occupation, forceful land take-over and prevention of lawful entry by violence in connection with a land situated at Plot 1, Block II, Ogudu Phase II Government Residential Scheme in Kosofe Local Government Area.

Lagos Attorney-General and Chairman of the Special Task Force on Land Grabbers, Mr. Moyo Onigbanjo, SAN, who confirmed the arrest to newsmen said, 18 men and one woman were arrested in a sting operation by officials of the LSSTFLG led by the Coordinator, Mr. Owolabi Arole and police officers attached to the State Taskforce on Environment and Special Offences Enforcement Unit.

Onigbanjo disclosed that the arrested persons have been handed over to State Police Command for prosecution at the Special Offences Court of Lagos State on a three-count charge.

He said, “This arrest is the culmination of the investigation carried out by the Special Taskforce on Land Grabbers after a petition was submitted by Attorneys on behalf of Mr. Ade Bamtefa; the petitioner and claimant of the land. On receiving the petition, officials of the State Special Taskforce swung into action.

“Both parties were invited for a meeting to establish the veracity or otherwise of the petition. It was, however, discovered from our findings that the arrested persons resorted to self-help by, not only trespassing on the land which had been cordoned off with a ‘KEEP-OFF’ inscription pending the conclusion of an investigation but had also started erecting structures on the land. This is unacceptable and contrary to some sections the Property Protection Law, 2016”, Onigbanjo added.

While noting that the Special Taskforce has been re-energised to receive petitions and conduct proper investigation concerning any case of land grabbing in Lagos, the Commissioner frowned at the alarming rate at which land grabbers prevent persons or entities from acquiring legitimate interest and possession of acquired property, especially on Government Residential Schemes.

“Government Residential Schemes are planned schemes documented under the law which ordinarily shouldn’t be subject to cases of land grabbing and illegal occupation. This current trend of having land grabbers encroach on land under government schemes is unacceptable and will be treated seriously like other cases of land grabbing”, he maintained.

He, therefore, advised legitimate land and property owners in the State to perfect the title as well as other legal documents pertaining to their property, saying this will help dissuade land grabbers from their illicit trade and ensure easy administration of justice in the event that such property were encroached on.

The Attorney-General also implored members of the public to forward their complaints on land grabbing issues to the Taskforce by addressing a petition to his office or through the numbers - 09096667123, 09020085005.

LSPWC rehabilitates roads within Education District 1 Headquaters

 ...As TGPS,  Mrs. Titilayo Margaret Solarin Appreciates LASG For The Development

The Lagos State Government has been applauded for bringing permanent relief to the management and members of staff of the Education District 1, as Public Works Corporation, PWC, commences the rehabilitation of the various dilapidated portions within the district headquarters, located along Ijaiye Ogba road, in Agege.

The Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Barrister Margaret Titilayo Solarin while expressing her profound appreciation to the state government and PWC, stated that the affected dilapidated portions has been a source of major concern to the leadership of the District especially at the wake of the persistent downpour in recent times.

According to her, the timely response and intervention of the repairs of the various dilapidated parts was another demonstration of the present administration a s a responsive and responsible government.

Okobaba: LASG to expedite relocation of sawmillers

AgegePulse

The Lagos State Government has assured Sawmillers in Okobaba, Ebute-Metta that it will hasten the process of their relocation to the “Timber-Ville” in Agbowa following the recent fire outbreak.

Speaking at a recent visit by representatives of the Lagos Mainland Sawmillers Association to his office, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako explained that the planned relocation of the Okobaba sawmill emanated from the desire of the Lagos State Government to create an ultra-modern sawmill industrial complex at an alternative location.

He attributed the government's drive to the desire for a sustainable physical environment, reiterating that the proposed relocation site in Agbowa will have a link connecting Ikorodu-Itoikin Road, among others.

Salako conveyed the Lagos State Government's sympathy to the sawmillers and others who lost their valuables in the recent inferno at Okobaba, assuring that the proposed permanent site will be conducive to transact their business.

The Commissioner expressed satisfaction with the excitement and willingness shown by the sawmillers to move to Agbowa ‘Timber Ville’, calling for their continuous cooperation for steady progress of the project.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Lagos Mainland Sawmillers Association, Alhaji Onikeku, who commended the Lagos State Government for showing concern for their cause, urged the government to expedite action on the planned relocation of members of his association to Agbowa.

He affirmed that members are delighted and in support of the proposed movement, pledging cooperation of the association to ensure unhindered movement of their sawmilling activities to Agbowa.

CCHR, CACOBAG, REACT OVER APPROVAL OF N10B TO KOGI TWO DAYS TO GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION.

...NIGERIA SENATORS  SHOULD STOP ARROGATING POWER TO THEMSELVES.

...SAYS THEY CAN NOT GAG NIGERIANS WITH "HATE SPEECH COMMISSION.

Where are we heading to in this country ?

What do we say of senate's approval of N10b for Kogi State two days to governorship  election ?

How do we get good governance in this country?

This act of the senate has further proven us right that Lawan led senate and Gbajabiamila led House of Reps may just be rubber stamp legislative houses.No doubt,we have been vindicated.
The fight against Corruption is being threatened regardless of the efforts of EFCC and ICPC.

Our Constitution in Section 15 (5) equates abuse of office with Corruption. This means by extension,abuse of office is also a form of Corruption.

Why the approval of  ten billion naira to Kogi State now? We are optimistic, the said money will be released to the state   instantly.

It's not an overstatement that the present government and APC may eventually murder this democracy.

The essence of three arms of government is to keep each other in check.

The legislature and executive can not guarantee  good governance if what they do between themselves is what Baba 70 of blessed memory called "arrangee" government.

How do one expect a legislative house that forfeits its independence to the executive to perform its oversight function?

A senate that has no concern for the welfare and feeling of Nigerians , that does not bother to debate or investigate the link between a minister and Al Qaeda and by extension Boko Haram, that does not debate how to truly conquer acts of terrorism in Nigeria, that treats disobedience of court order by executive with levity  but occupied itself with how to hang and murder Nigerians through " hate speech commission"

As much as we at CCHR and  CACOBAG detest capital punishment except in matters like murder , armed robbery, terrorism etc. We would have expected the senate to raise the issue of death sentence for corrupt elements , kidnappers , election riggers, Boko Haram members etc.,though we would still oppose it but for the senate not to think of anything other than death for Nigerians because of "hate speech" is shocking and an embarrassment to us as a people.

We wonder if the senate is conversant with the Iaws? Are the senators saying we don't have adequate provisions in the our statutory books to take care of hate speech ?
The senate should stop threatening us with death .They should be reminded that this life is ephemeral, everybody including the senators will die one day.

God did not create us to live for ever. Everybody has his or her appointed time. Many of us  " challenged " death by fighting the military to submission as to have this democracy which the senators are enjoying and reaping from where many of them did not sew.

Many of them took cover everywhere while we were on the streets in the day and at night to have democracy.
Dying for the cause that one believes and dying for one s country is not only heroic but also Godly.

Nigerians will never keep quiet when we are being oppressed or misgorverned.
This government should be reminded that it got to power through "hate speech" against it's predecessor in office.

Many APC leaders, members and supporters  employed several " hate speeches " either rightly or wrongly to have sympathy and votes of Nigerians.
Why is it now that the government that came to power as a result of several propaganda against it's predecessor is now afraid of "such hate speeches " it once employed to get the political power being used against the electorate that voted for it ?
To us at CACOBAG, nobody can gag Nigerians from speaking against any bad policy of the government and condemning  those involved. Either it's called "hate speech " or whatever is not our concern. It could be regarded as anything.
Nigerians now understand  better the need to know  the pedigree  of those to elect into various political positions.

Those that seek power to oppress and for selfish aggrandizement will do Nigeria and Nigerians no good.

No Nigerian should loose sleep over this  provocative bill being debated by the senate. It's no issue at all. It's dead  on arrival.
The Senate should first of all go ahead to amend Sections 38 and 39 of  1999 CFRN as amended for them to have the nonsensical and nauseating ",hate speech " bill passed into law.

Section 1(3 ) of our Constitution is express without any form of ambiguity.
Not only that , for some of the senators that are desperate to have the bill passed into law may say it's " simple and easy " to amend the Constitution. They must also go ahead to use their "power "  to amend African Charter on Human and People's Rights as well as Universal Declaration on Human Rights.

Only then can they succed with the draconian law being proposed.
In their interest, they should not debate the bill further or else they should be prepared for recall by their constituents, legal battles in the court of law to declare the law a nullity and mother of all protests by Nigerians to seal the senate chambers.
We as electorate are their employers. They should not arrogate any power or superiority to themselves.
We hope wise counsel will prevail.


   Signed.
Sunday Ilori.
For:CCHR
07080075038
ccrightsfighter@gmail.com

    Signed
Toyin Raheem
  For :,CACOBAG
08063141670.
cacobag@gmail.com

LAGOS TRAINS 1,050 HEALTH WORKERS ON ETIQUETTE AND PERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS

 AgegePulse Magazine

As part of effort to ensure improved service delivery and client satisfaction in public health facilities, the Lagos State Ministry of Health in partnership with the Saving One Million Lives Program for Results (SOMLPforR); a Federal Government sponsored programme has commenced an eight-day capacity building workshop for over 1, 050 health workers in the State.

According to the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, who declared the workshop open today at the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Ikeja, “the training was specifically organized to improve competencies and build robust relationship between health workers and clients. The training aims at building and maintaining high level of professionalism on the part of health workers whilst ensuring client fulfillment and satisfaction on the services accessed in our facilities”.

Abayomi while answering questions from press men shortly after declaring the training open explained that participants of the workshop include clinical and non-clinical health workers drawn from Primary, Secondary and Tertiary health facilities as well as from the Ministry of Health, Health Service Commission and the Primary Health Care Board.

Said he, “this capacity building workshop is geared towards enhancing effective service delivery in the health sector in line with the second pillar of the present administration’s THEMES agenda. We are not relenting in our drive to provide qualitative health care to the citizens and this could only be achieved through well-equipped and better trained health workers”

The Commissioner who was represented by the Director, Family Health and Nutrition, Dr. Folashade Oludara assured that the State government will make training, capacity building and human resource development a priority in delivery of quality health care services across health facilities.

He urged all participants to take what they have learnt to their facilities, cascade it to other healthcare workers and employ it in the discharge of their duties noting that the result will be a win-win situation for health workers and clients that leaves everybody happy and fulfilled.

“The present administration will leave no stone unturned in ensuring best practices in health service delivery in the State. We have organized this program to improve the interpersonal skills of our health workers in and around their working environment and to build clients confidence in our health workers and our facilities. We also want to change the narratives by getting good testimonials from clients that patronize our facilities”; Abayomi said.

The Project Manager, Lagos State SOMLPforR, Dr. Mazeedat Erinosho who also spoke at the event explained the training is in line with SOMLPforR’s disbursement linked indicators two which is aimed at improving the quality of service and increasing the quality of high impact reproductive and child health nutrition interventions.

She added that a similar training on personal effectiveness and etiquette was organized by the Ministry in partnership with SOMLPforR some months ago where over 1,000 nurses where trained.

Erinosho noted that the trainings stands to help the State analyze her current position in personal effectiveness and etiquette amongst its health workers in the three tier of service delivery to help in taking actions towards improvement in the areas of time management, better commitment to work, constant evolution, improved communication skills and building better relationships and responsibilities.

 “After this training exercise, we are going to conduct an impact assessment, to see whether there has been an improvement in the deliverables of quality health service from our health workers in our facilities especially in the way they relate to clients and their colleagues.

“Through this training and capacity building workshop, we want to ensure that the patient is satisfied with the healthcare service received either at the primary, secondary or tertiary levels of care. Saving one million lives is thus supporting this training to ensure that our health care workers and non-clinical health care workers put in more effort in the way they discharge their duties and responsibilities”, She said.

The Project Manager added the training was extended to nonclinical staff because of the belief that no cadre in the health sector should be relegated in the quest to achieving an effective health care delivery noting that every person in the chain of health service delivery is important.

Erinosho stated that the Saving One Million Lives Programme for Results is a federal Government initiative aimed at strengthening Maternal New Born and Child Health intervention has part of its deliverables targeted towards improving the quality of Health care delivery. 

Speaking after the training, a participant, Mr. Adekunle Shonde who is a community health officer expressed satisfaction in the training stressing noting that he has learnt new ways of relating with colleagues and clients to attain fulfillment in his facility. He assured that he will cascade and put to practice what he has learnt in the course of the training. 

Simbiat’s House of Style: Relieving Nigerians of their Everyday Anxiety

AgegePulse Magazine

Simbiat’s House of Style (SHS) was founded by Simbiat Bakare. A graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, Simbiat obtained a bachelor’s degree in English Language from the institution. She also holds a master’s degree from the University of Lagos.

Simbiat has worked in the media industry for many years. She is the host of The LWS Show (Livelihood with Simbiat) and author of the book: Love in Hell.

Like many other Nigerians, Simbiat had anxiety when it comes to getting a fashion design outfit with a great customer service to cater to her fashion needs. She also had a challenge getting her preferred clothing designs from fashion designers who she perceived as quite affordable. In addition, finding one organization to cater to her hair needs, makeup, massage, among others, was a big challenge.

She wished there was a place in her locality that is a one-stop shop for fashion and beauty needs with great customer service that would ease her fears. She discussed these anxiety issues with her friends and colleagues, and she soon discovered that she was not alone in it. She also learned that many Nigerians wish they could work in an environment without having to suffer from mental and emotional anxiety.
To make these wishes come true, Simbiat decided to launch SHS (Simbiat's House of Style). Located in the heart of Lagos at the famous Binukonu Ultra-Modern Market in Ojota, SHS is envisioned to be the number one business for fashion and beauty care in Nigeria with the best customer service.

Although getting talented staff that fit into the company’s vision was a challenge, the company soon scaled it by assembling the best team. Customers’ fashion needs are met satisfactorily and clients often feel like they are among friends and not strangers waiting anxiously to empty the naira in their pockets.

Aside helping to reduce unemployment in the country, SHS has also been able to create a healthy working environment where staff are not afraid to express their creativity and individuality. They are free to express their opinion and work in the best way they know how to.

Although SHS is yet to fully develop its hairdressing, makeup, and spa segments as intended due to financial constraints, the company is currently providing professional tailoring service to individuals and organizations. They also stock different styles and sizes of quality bags in their outlet and supply schools and offices with bags and other fabric outfits and accessories needs.

SHS empowers youth through their quarterly fashion design training and also provides a space in their outlet to serve as drop-off points for individuals organising party events such as weddings to drop their fabrics (aso-ebi) for guests to pick up anytime.

The company, dedicated to serving Nigerians indiscriminate of time and season, opens every day of the week. They also keep exploring ways to relieve Nigerians of their anxiety, making them a cheerier people at each passing of the day.

Pipeline Vandals: LASEMA Averts Ipaja Oil Theft Fire

 
...Recovers Truck's Stuck, Tilted, Fallen Consignment

Following the Pipeline Vandalism on Monday, 11th November 2019 at Abesan Estate, Boys Town end of Ipaja, behind Honeyland School at about 8:18 a.m where fire broke out due to activities of oil pipeline vandals, and a truck at ijora bridge inward iganmu that constituted obstruction to free vehicular activities when more than half of its consignment got stuck beneath the bridge as a result of miscalculations by its driver, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency's Director General, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu explained that there was no loss of lives in the two incidences.

Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu further stated that a tanker with registration number AGL 591 XP laden with 36,000 litres of stolen Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, the second of such to exit the site of the vandalized pipeline at the back of Honeyland School, Abesan Estate, while trying to escape came in contact with an electric pole which resulted into a fire outbreak making the oil tanker burn midway through before it was curtailed.

Speaking further, the LASEMA Boss reiterated that no casualties or fatalities were recorded, nor were any injuries incurred as residents of the area rallied support for the combined response team of LASEMA and the Lagos State Fire Service but two cars belonging to yet - to - be identified residents, were razed, Toyota Camry with registration number EPE 79 DF and completely burnt a Volkswagen saloon car beyond recognition, while activities of the vandals left PMS spilled in the entire area which had been cordoned off on arrival of the LASEMA team for safety of residents and rescue teams in tandem with International best practices.

Meanwhile, after putting out the fire completely,  officials of Pipeline Maintenance/Security Committee from NNPC/PPMC whom the Agency's officials at the incident scene contacted, on arrival, trans-loaded the remaining PMS in the half burnt tanker of the vandals, with officials of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, on standby to take possession of the oil Tanker truck afterwards.

However, Having completed the task of safely Transloading the remaining PMS from the vandal's articulated vehicle, the affected back tyres of the tanker were refixed to enable its recovery to the Head  Office of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, at  Alausa with assistance of the Agency's Heavy-Duty Equipment.

The DG/CEO LASEMA, commended efforts of the Agency's Local Emergency Management Committee members, LEMC, concerned journalists, as well as residents of the area for their complete cooperation and for rallying round the dual response team of LASEMA and the LASG Fire Services on their arrival, especially for understanding when to give way for the professionals to perform their duties thus making the task of quick, effective and efficient recovery easier.

He thereafter advised residents of the area to be more vigilant, insisting that the area belongs to the residents whom he advised to be more alert in the future, saying that just as it occurred this time, if it were worse before recovery, it is the residents that will bear the brunt of the whole sad episode, he thus insisted that residents must as a matter of paramount importance implement simple safety measures to mitigate against fire incidents in the near or distant future by acquiring fire extinguishers, fire extinguishing balls and blankets as well as ensure that their simple fire fighting equipment are always active.

Aside LASEMA, LASG Fire Services, officials of Pipeline Maintenance/Security Committee from NNPC, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC,  Officials of the Nigerian Police Force from Ayobo and Abesan Police Stations, as well as representatives from the Ipaja Area Command were all on ground for the safe recovery.

In a related development, LASEMA recovered an accident truck at ijora bridge inward iganmu that constituted obstruction to free vehicular activities when more than half of its consignment got stuck beneath the bridge as a result of miscalculations by its driver.

The truck with registration number OKLAHOMA 517-2GJ conveying a loaded consignment got stuck under the bridge due to carelessness on the part of the driver which made it's cargo tilt off the truck on impact, effectively cutting off other road users by obstructing free vehicular activities.

However, no loss of lives were recorded, nor were any injuries sustained at the scene of the incident where the Agency's heavy-duty equipment compiling of the Crane, Lowbed and Super Metro were deployed for speedy recovery of the articulated vehicle off the bridge, to enable free vehicular activities for all other road users.

LASEMA, LASTMA, FRSC and Police were responders at the Ijora under bridge accident scene.

Lagos Civil Service Commission Gets New Chairman

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has appointed Mrs. Olubunmi Fabamwo as the Chairman, Civil Service Commission, just as Messrs. Adeshina Mohammed Odeyemi and Kamal Olorunoje were also named as members.

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Civil Service Commission, Mrs. Kikelomo Sanyaolu, while receiving the appointees, assured the Chairman that the new members will get the full cooperation and support of staffers through rededication towards achieving the set goals and objectives of the Commission.

Responding, the Chairman, Mrs. Olubunmi Fabamwo promised to improve on the achievements of her predecessor, imploring staff to remain diligent in the discharge of their duties in order to deliver on the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda of the present administration.

"Lagos State deserves not only the best but also expect the best from her workers. I, therefore, implore you to remain dedicated, diligent and focused on your responsibilities so as to support the Governor in fulfilling his campaign promises to the citizens of Lagos State”, she said.

Prior to her present appointment, Mrs. Olubunmi Fabamwo was the Director-General of Lagos State Public Service Staff  Development Centre, Magodo, from May 2009 - May 2017 and is a fellow of Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, a Certified Coach, a member of the International Coach Federation as well as a highly experienced HR practitioner and facilitator.

An astute manager and administrator with private and public sector experience spanning over three decades, Fabanwo has a speciality in Human Resources and Capacity Building consultancy to professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, the Nigerian Employers Consultative Association and the Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC)

Taxify driver awaiting youth service loses sight to robbers

AgegePulse Magazine

Etim Ekpimah

A graduate of Physics from the Kogi State University, Tomi Waziri, 27, has lost his eyesight to an armed robbery attack while in traffic in the Apongbon area of Lagos.

Waziri, who was waiting for his call up letter from the National Youth Service Corps for the mandatory one year service, was said to have approached his sister’s husband to engage him as a Taxify ride hailing service driver until he would be mobilised for the scheme.

It was learnt that on September 12, two armed robbers attacked him while in traffic and shot him in the face.

[READ ALSO] #NotThatBad: ‘Highways of death’ Fashola needs to visit

Waziri was said to be conveying a female passenger to the Papa Ajao area of Mushin around 8.00 p.m., when the robbers attacked him.

They were said to have left immediately they shot him.

The victim narrated his experience, “I live at No. 35 Daudu Street, Mafoluku, Oshodi. I was robbed in traffic on the Apongbon Bridge, Lagos, on September 12, 2019, by two young men around 8pm. I was a Taxify (now Bolt) driver and I had a female passenger in the car. We were going to Papa Ajao, Mushin.

“One of the robbers pointed a gun at me; I was about giving him my phone, when he shot me in the face and collected the phone. The pellets shattered the window and hit me in my two eyes.

“The robbers ran away immediately I was shot. My passenger became scared and panicky. The next thing I noticed was that she disembarked from the vehicle and began calling for help as she was running away.

“I was bleeding profusely without help. I came down from the vehicle and shouted for help; nobody answered. After about five minutes, two policemen showed up.

“They were the ones who took me to the Military Hospital, Yaba, in my vehicle. One of the policemen drove us to the hospital. While driving, the other was busy holding me and saying kind words to me so that I wouldn’t give up.

“When we got there, I was given first aid to stabilise my condition.


"I lost vision immediately I was shot. After treatment, it is still the same, we are only hoping for God’s intervention. The vehicle belongs to my sister’s husband. I used to remit money to him pending when I would get the NYSC call-up letter.”

According to him, his brother-in-law has been supportive, and is always around for him.

Waziri noted that the doctors at the Eye Foundation, Isaac John Street, Ikeja GRA, told him that if he had been treated earlier, he would have regained sight in his right eye.

He added, “I went for surgery at the Eye Foundation. Before then, I was being treated at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, and I was about to do the surgery at LASUTH, but there were delays there.

“It was through God’s help that we were able to do it at the Eye Foundation. And when we got there, we were told that if we had come for the surgery earlier, I would have been seeing with at least my right eye. LASUTH was just negligent and wasting time.

“What the doctors are saying now is that we can only hope for the best; what I know is that there is no vision now.”

Punch Newspaper

Lagos police captured cultists who killed Fashola

AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Police Command says it has arrested six members of a dreaded cult group, Aiye Confraternity in Lagos.


The cultists were allegedly responsible for killing a victim identified as Fashola in Bariga.

 Police Public Relations Officer, Bala Elkana disclosed that operatives of Operation Crush had on Saturday at about 8:15pm arrested one Fatai Nofui aka ‘Itape,’ of No 12 Ago Owu Street, Bariga, age 28 and one Qudus Kazeem “aka” ‘Bobo’ of No 14 Tape Street, Bariga.

He said the suspects were arrested at Ebute Bariga following a sustained monitoring.

 “They are members of Aiye confraternity with allegiance to one Mohammed, alias “Obama” as their leader in Bariga. The gang is responsible for series of violent attacks, armed robbery and murder in Bariga and environs.

 They are on Police wanted list for the murder of one ” Fashola” on 3/11/2019 at Pedro area.

“Exhibits recovered from them include: an axe, a HTC phone, one Nokia, and one Intel phone they snatched from one Amusa Bukola of No 34 Odundi street Bariga.

 Investigation led to the arrest of four other members of the gang namely: Muiyis Saraki, alias ‘Bosingwa,’ age 23; Lucky Sunday, aged 2; David Okpa, alias “na god ” aged 29 and Taye Balogun, alias ‘Gbalagbala’ 24,” Elkana said.

He said investigation was ongoing and that the suspects will be charged to court.

Lagos Reporters

Domestic Workers Cart Away Celeb’s N243M Jewelry, Sold It For N10M

AgegePulse Magazine

Two domestic workers who connived and stole a Cuban Diamond neck chain, a Frank Muller and Rolex wrist watches worth N243 million belonging to their employer were Wednesday arrested in Borno after almost two weeks of fleeing Lekki, Lagos.

The suspects: Alex Obinyan (39), cleaner and Ayuba Samson (29), car washer, were arrested after they had sold the Cuban Diamond neck chain and Frank Muller wrist watch for N6M and N4M respectively in Lagos and Abuja.

The identity of their employer, who sources confirmed is a popular celebrity with vast investment in Lekki, Lagos is being kept under wrap by the police. Obinyan, source disclosed had spent over 8 years working and living with the celebrity in Lekki before the incident.

His colleague, Ayuba started working at the celebrity residence only two months ago after returning from Chibok, his home town. They earned N80,000 and N50,000 monthly.

The suspects and the buyers of the jewelry were brought to Rapid Response Squad headquarters, by the Decoy Team of the agency in an unbranded vehicle after an 8 day investigative activities to Abuja and Borno State.

The suspects, who were captured on CCTV leaving the celebrity’s residence have confessed stealing the Cuban Diamond Chain valued at N54 million, a Frank Muller Wrist watch worth N140 million and a Rolex wrist watch worth N49 million.

According to Obinyan, they sold the Cuban Diamond Chain in Eti – Osa, Lagos for N6 million while the Frank Muller watch was sold in Abuja for N4 million.

“I have been working with him (celebrity) in Lekki for over 8 years. I am used to moving those valuables around the house wherever I found them in his car. I have never thought of stealing them.

When Samson came and he saw me with the gold chain laced with diamonds, he convinced me that we could make a fortune from stealing them. He was not with us before. Within two months of his stay, we planned to steal these things.

Oga was in the sitting room. We stole the chain along with a Frank Muller wrist watch and a Rolex wrist watch. Before escaping, we already got a buyer for the chain. We sold the Cuban Diamond chain in Eti - Osa for N6 million.

The following day, we escaped to Abuja where we bought a Toyota Corolla. We sold the Frank Muller watch in Abuja for N4 million to raise more money for our escape to Borno State, where we intended to start new lives and businesses”.

Obinya in his letter to the celebrity informing him of his departure, (reads in parts, un – edited) “…I know you will be shock why I write to you but the truth is that due to some quite observation I have come to a notice that you are not a person that someone can rely on.

I have been patient enough to see if you can help me but you keep on promising me up to now there is no avale.

To cut the story short, I have decided to stop working for you, and I’m sorry to mention that but you have to bear with me. I have gone for good, because I cannot continue to work for a person that doesn’t care about me and doesn’t value me for the rest of my life”.

The suspects were arrested in Maiduguri in their two room and parlour they rented. Also arrested with them were the buyer of the Cuban diamond chain, Haruna Abdullahi and that of the Frank Muller’s wrist watch, Abubakar Buhari.

Recovered from the suspects were a Rolex watch, two brand new keke Napep and a Toyota Corolla and the sum of $2200.

The suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti for further investigations.

Commenting on the development commander RRS DCP Olatunji Sisu urged lagosians to always do a background checks of all their workers before employing them.

RRS

Lagos primary school teachers to get Tablets as teaching tool

AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, on Thursday said that the state government has approved the provision of computer tablets for all primary school teachers in the state.

Speaking at the inauguration of primary school facilities in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area, Hamzat said that the tablets would assist the teachers in effective teaching of the pupils.

“Every teacher cannot teach with the same standard across the state, but with the tool (tablet), it allows to know your students are being taught right.” The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat said.

“What is important for us is education and it is fundamental to the development of the state, you will also see a big increase in education budget.


“Because if we don’t get it right from the basic level, then we have missed it. We believe that education is fundamental,” Hamzat said.

OperaNews

Pero Bus Stop: Agege Community hails Ogundimu for quick intervention

By Adegbenro Nurudeen

AgegePulse Magazine

The residents of Old Ogba road, Agege; have hailed the House of Assembly Member, representing Agege ’02, Hon. Yinka Ogundimu for his quick intervention in fixing bad portion of Pero Bus Stop.

According to the leader of the legislative arm of Agege Local government, Hon. Muyideen Anigbajumo, the quick intervention came through Hon. Ogundimu after the community leaders registered their displeasure over the road.

Anigbajumo added that Lagos State Government has promised to do the road as the Public Works department is working on Akilo road, a suburb part of the local government.

A resident, Abiola Subairu, said, “the condition of the road has been like that for months and neither the local government or State Government did something until it become dungeon. Thank God, Hon. Ogundimu has done something over the road.”

Mrs Ogunaike, a landlord, revealed that the road needs total repair and Sanwo Olu led government should assist the community in fixing the road permanently.

Anigbajumo later urged the residents to shun the act of dropping their wastes in drainages.

LAGOS STATE SET TO RECRUIT 1000 SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS

AgegePulse Magazine

The Chairman, Lagos State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Mrs Olabisi Ariyo, has announced the intention of the Commission to recruit One Thousand Secondary School Teachers into the State Post Primary Teaching Service.



She made this known in her office yesterday, stressing the commitment of the Mr Governor, Babajide Sanwoolu, to ensure that the standard of secondary school education in the State is in tandem with the 21st century global educational standard.



She thereby invited all interested and qualified Nigerians who are resident in Lagos to visit the TESCOM recruitment Portal, @tescomjobs.lagosstate.gov.ng for full detail of application procedures.

The portal, according to her will be opened from Wednesday 13th to Wednesday 20th of November 2019, adding that this is an opportunity for all interested qualified Teachers who are residents of Lagos State to apply accordingly.

We'll Revisit Rural Communities For 21st Century Development, Says Lagos Commissioner

...To Reward CDAs For Self-Help Projects

Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon. Mrs Yetunde Arobieke

AgegePulse Magazine

The Lagos State Government said it planned to transform Revisit Rural Communities For 21st Century Development, would  improve standard of living of the residents at grassroots level and also attract more business opportunities to the areas.

Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon. Mrs Yetunde Arobieke, said this during a media briefing on the “2019 Community Day Celebrations” which would begin on Friday.

She said that the 2019 Community Day was organised to celebrate the grassroots people for complementing government’s efforts in their communities.

“We are here to celebrate our people in the communities for their various self-help projects, promotion of peace and security and advising the state government on matters affecting community development,” she said.

According to her, prizes will be given to Community Development Associations (CDAs) that emerged winners during the project assessment across the local governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.

AgegePulse learnt that the three-day event tagged: “Revisiting Rural Community for 21st Century Development,” would  feature church and mosque services, Health Walk/Talk and grand finale at Police College, Ikeja, starting today Friday 8th of November, Special Jumat Service till Sunday 17th November, Sunday Thanksgiving Service.

Education, Healthcare top Lagos' N1.1trillion 2020 budget

 AgegePulse Magazine

• Sanwo-Olu earmarks 62 per cent for capital spending



With a proposed fiscal plan of N115 billion for public infrastructure, Lagos State, next year, will be a massive construction site.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday, presented the Year 2020 Budget proposal to the House of Assembly, unveiling his administration’s plan to accelerate the growth of the State’s economy by proposing aggressive investments in critical priority areas - physical infrastructure, environment, human capital and security.

Sanwo-Olu announced that the State expenditure of N1.168 trillion will be funded from a projected Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of N1.071 trillion while the budget deficit, put at N97.53 billion, will be financed through internal and external loans, just as he noted that the fiscal proposal also included a provision for the new minimum wage.

Giving a breakdown of the budget tagged “Awakening to a Greater Lagos”, Sanwo-Olu earmarked 62 per cent representing N723.75 billion of total spending for capital expenditure, revealing that recurrent expenditure, put at 38 per cent, will take N444.81 billion.

Disclosing that about N167.81 billion of the recurrent expenditure will go for personnel costs and other staff-related expenses, representing 22.02 per cent of the total revenue, the Governor noted that the proposal is within the acceptable wage policy, which benchmarks 25 per cent staff overheads in the budget.

He said the proposed budget would help the State achieve a sustainable social investment and scale up private sector-led economic growth through investment in infrastructure and security, improve civic engagement in governance and foster partnership with the Federal Government and the Civil Society.

Explaining why his administration will be earmarking huge funds to the environment and public infrastructure, Governor Sanwo-Olu said Lagos requires resources to confront the combined threats from population explosion and climate change.

“Lagos faces an existential threat, arising from the interplay of demographic and climate change. Lagos will continue to be a magnet for multitudes within and outside Nigeria, in search of jobs and economic prosperity. These levels of migration put phenomenal strain on the physical and fiscal resources of the State”, Sanwo-Olu maintained.

“This budget seeks to aggressively invest in and develop our education, health and other physical infrastructure sectors. As at September 2019, our capital expenditure on Works and Infrastructure was just N31 billion, which is less compared with N78 billion proposed in the current year. It is our intention to spend N115 billion on physical infrastructure in 2020.

“In response to the perennial challenges of flooding in the metropolis, we have to triple the capital budget provision to tackle these observed problems from N3 billion in 2019 to N9 billion in 2020. We are embarking on massive desilting of major drain systems across the State next year”, he added.

Lagos also plans to spend N48 billion on Education and Technology, representing 60 per cent rise in capital allocation to the Ministry of Education.

On Healthcare, the State plans to spend N33 billion on programmes, which include proposed revamping and re-equipping of over 350 Primary Health Centres across Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu described the proposed budget as “unique”, noting that its details reflected the wishes of residents, following series of consultations and feedback from stakeholders across senatorial districts.

The Governor assured residents of transparency and accountability in the implementation of the budget, pointing out that there would be strict performance mechanism to drive compliance and measure the progress of the budget at the execution stage.

He said: “The 2020 Budget will be supported by a Performance Management System that will ensure that, by December 2020, we shall achieve an optimal budget implementation when compared with previous years. This is in line with our commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of public finances.

“We have provided N11.8 billion as counterpart funds in preparation for various social impact schemes. In addition, we have made provisions for N7.1 billion this year to provide for industrial hubs, parks, graduate internship programs and virtual markets for artisans. This is in support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) which are the engines for both economic and employment growth.”

Reviewing the performance of 2019 Appropriation Bill, which he signed into law in June, shortly after he assumed office, Sanwo-Olu said his administration embarked on strict implementation of the budget and achieved 69 per cent efficiency at the end of September.

He said his administration completed critical projects that directly impacted residents, including two Maternal and Child Care Centers (MCCs) in Eti-Osa and Alimosho areas, and the 492-flat Lateef Jakande Housing Estate in Igando.

The Governor outlined several other capital projects captured in the 2019 budget, including 31 arterial roads in Ojokoro/Ijaiye area, a High Court and Magistrates Court complex in Eti-Osa Local Government Area, and a Police Command Complex in Ojo Local Government Area, promising that they will be completed.

Sanwo-Olu observed that the approved re-ordering of the 2019 budget by the Legislature gave the government an opportunity to raise N250 billion in addressing critical infrastructure needs such as the rehabilitation of public schools, ongoing construction of Lagos–Badagry Expressway, Agege–Pen Cinema Overhead Bridge, Agric–Isawo Road, Bola Ahmed Tinubu–Igbogbo Road, and the ongoing road rehabilitation by Lagos State Public Works Corporation.

He added that the loan will also enable his administration to start the desilting of drain systems, provision of security and emergency hardware, light rail infrastructure, and construction of a General Hospital in Ojo, with provision for a Spinal and Neurology Unit.

Sanwo-Olu reiterated that his administration’s development agenda, known as Project T.H.E.M.E.S, was designed to address major challenges facing the State and creating a city that would work for the citizens. He said his administration was ready to transform Lagos by rethinking projects that will improve the wellbeing of the residents.

The House of Assembly chamber was filled to the brim, as a large crowd of Lagos residents, comprising leaders and members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), State Executive Council members, traditional rulers, workers, traders, artisans, students and stakeholders in the private sector witnessed the budget presentation.

LASEMA BATTLES FIRE AT LAGOS ISLAND

 AgegePulse Magazine

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, has reiterated the need for all traders and residents in the State to desist from storing combustible materials in their various homes and shops to prevent fire outbreak that may lead to loss of lives and properties.

Speaking on the unfortunate fire outbreak which gutted a six-storey building at 43 Martins Street and a three-storey commercial building of lock-up shops at Dosunmo market on Tuesday, 5th October, 2019 around 10:00am, the Director General/CEO of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu explained that goods worth millions of Naira were destroyed as a result of the fire incidence.

According to the Director General, incident of fire outbreak is on the high side due to the inability of property and shop ownerss to put necessary precautionary measures in place to avoid incidents that could have disastrous consequences appealing that storage of highly inflammable materials such as petrol, Diesel, kerosene should be avoided, while desisting from storing combustible materials at home or shops.
He further explained that the fire which continued burning non-stop for about 24hours despite all efforts to put it out by the LASEMA Response Team, Lagos State Fire Service, UBA Fire crew, Federal Fire crew, Union Bank Skylift Fire Truck and other Emergency responders, was as a result of the combustible materials stored in the buildings which kept re-igniting the fire.

While seeking the support of residents of the State, especially shop owners for adequate protection of lives and properties, the LASEMA Boss warns that everyone should desist from storing generators in their penthouses or roof tops as well as combustible materials in their various shops, because safety of lives and properties of Lagosians is paramount to the administration of the Governor of Lagos, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.

In addition, he explained that Government had made provision for fire hydrants in the past at Idumota and it's environs, which was destroyed by the residents in that area. He therefore advises everyone to desist from such heinous act and also install fire extinguishers in their various homes, offices and shops so as to forestall a future reoccurrence.

The State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, while at the incident site on, Wednesday 6th, October 2019,
commiserated with the traders on their losses, highlighting Government's plans to carry out proper enumeration of the traders, businesses, property owners who suffered losses as a result of the fire in order to organize financial assistance, while harping on the regeneration of Lagos Island, saying the Island, saying that the Island is dominated by buildings over a century century old.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu stated that, integrity tests will be conducted on all the buildings during the regeneration exercise to ascertain thier integrity, while the very weak ones detected in the course of conducting the tests, would be pulled down to further reduce chances of  disasters of such great magnitude in the State.

Dr. Oke-Osantintolu enjoins Lagosians and traders not to overbuild commercial areas, saying that they should respect the physical planning laws of the state regarding provision of roads, setbacks and parking spaces for vehicles and allowances for fire fighting appliances to penetrate the area in case of a fire incident.

He assured residents that there was no need to panic, nor hesitate to contact the relevant authorities in the event of any form of emergency/disaster through the State emergency toll free line 767 or 112.

GEION defies FIRS, Minister’s directive to pay ARCO Group reconciled monies owed

…as PENGASSAN and NUPENG Gets Set For Mother Of All Labour Strike

Buba Ali is dead. He died out of frustration waiting for money he worked for, but was not forthcoming! His family said he slumped one early morning, and gave up the ghost. Musa Hassan is dead too. He died out of the frustration that killed Buba Ali.

 Both men died broke despite having worked in the prosperous Nigerian oil industry. Their families are aggrieved but embarrassed and do not want us to use their real names in print.

Ali and Musa are victims of a cross fire between an indigenous oil company known as Arco Group and an American company known as General Electric International Operations Nigeria (GEION), both being operators in the oil and Gas industry. Late Ali and Musa Hassan are among the several number of people who are being owed by Arco Group, an organization that was cheated out of a contract deal and forced by circumstances not to be able to make severance payment to exiting staff.

Late Ali and Musa Hassan represent the agony that most of the ex staffers are facing due to General Electric Operations Nigeria (GEION) refusing to pay what is duly owed to Arco Group, despite the intervention of The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Minister of Labour and Employment.

But respite seems to be in sight as the oil industry, is presently boiling. The industry is angry. The labour unions are angry. And the union leaders of PENGASSAN and NUPENG have declared that all hell will be let loose after their 14 day ultimate for GEION to fulfil the payment of arrears due ARCO Group by this weekend.

The general anger has been provoked by the fact that never has a foreign organization been so defiant to the authorities or an agency of the federal government. And the labour unions are peeved and set to go on a sympathetic protest to identify with ARCO Group an organization that is being owed by GEION a foreign company to the tune of ₦1,891,752,214.48, $7,326,125.99 and EUR 328,189.32, inclusive of accrued interests. These being accumulated reconciled monies, said to have been dubiously concealed by the American company.

According to our investigations, the issue dates back between 2006 and 2015, when ARCO General Electric International Operations Nigeria (GEION) had a joint contract for the maintenance of Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC)’s gas plants in some different locations in Delta and Rivers states of Nigeria.

Somehow along the line, GEION is said to have changed ARCO Group’s position to that of a sub-contractor to GEION, reducing its work scope, and making all manner of unjustified deductions from Arco’s invoices.

But the major act of contention was the issue of the deduction of withholding tax (WHT) at the rate of 10% from payments due to Arco, rather than the stipulated statutory rate of 5% which was supposed to be paid to ARCO Group.

ARCO Group reported the illegal deductions when it demanded WHT credit notes from GEION for the sums deducted from its invoices purportedly as tax. Rather than a coherent explanation, GEION could not explain why the credit notes, reluctantly provided it, did not match the volume of monies deducted from its invoices, ostensibly as WHT.

Upon further investigations, the issue became messier when it was found out that it wasn’t ARCO Group alone that short changed in this manner by GEION. And that attracted a further investigation by the Federal Inland Revenue Service, and the obvious was found out that GEION had not been straight in its withholding tax credit notes dealings.

FIRS in 2017 confirmed that the applicable rate of WHT to be 5%, and instructed GEION to furnish ARCO Group with credit notes to match purported WHT deductions from ARCO’s invoices. While in other climes, GEION would have been slammed with stiff penalties for such fraudulent error, GEION instead was given opportunity to attend a reconciliation meeting between FIRS, ARCO Group and itself, where at the end of the meeting, was confirmed that the total amount over deducted from ARCO Naira invoices was ₦446 million and some $3 million had been over-deducted in the Dollar invoices.

The reconciliatory meeting also confirmed that between 2006 and 2008, the sums of ₦74 million and $1.275 million deducted by GEION were not remitted as required by law, and could therefore not be accounted for. Another sum of $563,861.05 deducted from 12 ARCO invoices in 2014 could not be traced!

The matter eventually reached a dead end when on Tuesday 24th September, 2019, the Hon. Minister of Labour reconvened the meeting to deliberate on the FIRS report, and issued final instructions to the parties through a letter dated 4th October, 2019, that GEION should make the payments as agreed upon. But GEION has continued to turn a deaf ear to the all entreaties at all fronts.

It was at this point that the labour leaders in PENGASSAN and NUPENG stood up in one accord and said “no, enough is enough,” that no foreign company should hold its government agencies in such disregard.  It was against this backdrop that the unions gave a 14 day ultimatum to industry stakeholders to call to order General Electric International Operations Nigeria, GEION, and all other authorities, over the non-payment of terminal benefits to its members who were laid off in August 2019 by ARCO Group.

The ultimatum which commenced on last Monday was signed by PENGASSAN General Secretary Lumumba Okungbawa and the General Secretary of NUPENG Afolabi Olawale. The ultimatum was addressed to the Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

Both the Labour unions said that the ultimatum became necessary after GEION failed to act according to the decisions reached at the reconciliation meeting with the Minister of Labour and Employment held in September. Which among other things agreed that GEION should within 7 days apply to FIRS for the refund of the over-deducted sums paid to FIRS as agreed during the reconciliation exercise with FIRS. That GEION and ARCO should meet afterwards between the following 2 weeks to reconcile the deductions that had not been done and ensure that the workers who were laid off are paid within one week. Tax deductions made by GEION on behalf of ARCO supposed to be remitted to FIRS but which was not done, should be returned to ARCO within 3 weeks.

GEION was also supposed to meet with FIRS within 2 weeks because of the sum confirmed by the Lagos state Inland Revenue Service office as having been remitted by GEION but presently under dispute for further reconciliation. The unions noted that the refusal of GEION to heed to the agreements is a slap on constituted authority and an affront for which they will have no option but to go on an indefinite strike after the expiration of the ultimatum.

A combination of PENGASSAN and NUPENG strike in Nigeria has always been the most feared in the country as it literally means the paralysis of the economy of a nation that largely depends on oil for survival and popularly referred to as the giant of Africa boasting of about 180 million people.

A nation which critics lament is already going through severe hardship due to insecurity, insurgency attacks in the northern part of the country and land border closure that has restricted trade flow in several sectors of the economy. Can the country survive the impending doom of economic stand still in the next one and a half week? Only time will tell.