LAGOS SETS TO ERADICATE SCHISTOSOMIASIS IN 7 ENDEMIC LGs

LAGOS SETS TO ERADICATE SCHISTOSOMIASIS IN 7 ENDEMIC LGs

….commences mass administration of drugs in Agege, Ikea, others

 

Lagos State Government is set to commence medical intervention campaign against Schistosomiasis; a neglected tropical disease which is endemic in seven local government areas of the State.

Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi who disclosed this to newsmen during a press briefing held at his office during weekend explained that the State would commence mass administration of medicines for the control of Schistosomiasis in  seven local government areas of the State.

He listed the local government areas as including, Ikeja, Ifako-Ijaiye, Amuwo-Odofin, Oshodi-Isolo, Agege, Lagos Mainland and Alimosho adding that health workers will go round schools, homes and other important places to administer on children between ages five and 14 from Monday 2nd  to Sunday, 8th December 2019.

Abayomi emphasized that parents and guardians should ensure that their children and wards eat well before taking the drugs.

He noted that the administration of medicines for control of the disease during the weeklong campaign would be carried out by the State government in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, World Health Organisation (WHO) and Mission to Save the Helpless (MITOSATH). 

Answering questions on the cause and mode of transmission, the Commissioner explained that Schistosomiasis, also known as snail fever and bilharzia, is a disease caused by parasitic flatworms called schistosomes and acquired when people come into contact with fresh-water infested with the larval forms of flatworms adding that the microscopic adult worms live in the veins draining the urinary tract and intestines.

He further stated that most of the eggs laid are trapped in the tissues and the body’s reaction to them can cause massive damage. 

Abayomi listed symptoms of the disease to include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, bloody stool, or blood in the urine with the possibility of death in the case of chronic schistosomiasis. 

The Commissioner said that neglected diseases such as Schistosomiasis causes significant implications for the wellness and wellbeing of the society and the people noting that development in any society cannot be sustainable without maintaining the the health of its citizens.

"To eliminate the disease, interventions in the general hygiene of the environment, nutritional status and strengthening public health systems at both the primary and secondary healthcare level would be deployed", he added.

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Abayomi explained that the diseases are generally termed neglected because they tend to be slow chronic diseases that don’t force patients to present and do damage slowly.

He added that government has no excuse to side-line the diseases as simple interventions on general hygiene, nutritional status and other basic things put in place at the primary and secondary health facilities can eliminate the diseases.

“We have no excuse to neglect these diseases because simple interventions put in place can eliminate the pathogens. By taking care of our hygiene, nutritional status as well as putting simple things in place will go a long way in eradicating the disease. That is why the present administration has put in place the one health approach to achieve optimal health outcomes," he said.

Abayomi added that the state government would utilise its One Health Approach to improve citizens’ health and strengthen mechanisms that would eliminate neglected diseases in the state

He said that collaborative efforts between ministries of agriculture, environment and health would assist to ensure a well-nourished people and engender a clean environment to resist diseases.

Abayomi noted that elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases was linked to delivery on some of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as improving water sanitation, hygiene and reducing malnutrition.

He stressed the state’s commitment to scaling up programmes to achieve optimal health outcomes and also commended partners supporting its efforts to eliminate neglected disease in the state.

The Commissioner urged parents and caregivers to take advantage of the medical intervention and make their children available for the intervention.  

Earlier, Executive Director, Mission to Save the Helpless (MITOSATH), Dr Francesca Olamiju, said that the disease commonly affected school-age children who come into contact with it during their daily chores or at play in activities involving freshwater.

She said that from the mapping of the state, seven local government areas were shown to be endemic to schistosomiasis.

Olamiju listed the areas as; Agege, Alimosho, Lagos Mainland, Ifako Ijaiye, Oshodi-Isolo, Amuwo Odofin and Ikeja, adding that seven-day treatments would commence in the areas.

According to her, treatment with Praziquantel tablet would commence on Dec. 2 and would

focus on children aged five to 14 years old in the areas.

She appreciated the state for collaborating with MITOSATH to eliminate neglected disease in the state, and urged parents to cooperate with the caregivers by bringing their children for treatment.

Dr Olakunle Daramola, Director at the Federal Ministry of Health, said that public awareness and commitment to upscale hygiene would assist to eliminate neglected diseases, saying that disease-free society would catalyse development.

LASG To Auction 108 Abandoned Vehicles

AgegePulse Magazine

The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enfircement) Unit (Taskforce) has obtained a 'Court Order' authorising it to auction 108 court forfeited/abandoned vehicles to interested members of the public.

Chairman of the Agency, CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi disclosed that the vehicles to be auctioned by the government include 86 court forfeited and 22 abandoned vehicles after they had been impounded by the enforcement team of the Agency in different parts of the State for driving against traffic (one-way) and committing other traffic offences.

Egbeyemi also stated that the public auction is scheduled to hold on Tuesday and Wednesday, 3rd and 4th of December, 2019 at the Agency's car park, Ikorodu, Lagos.

According to him, "It was after the expiration of the 30 days public notice issued by the Agency in line with the dictates of the law to all owners of the 22 abandoned vehicles to claim them that the government obtained the court order to auctioned them to interested members of the public"

"Let me commend the present administration for the on-going massive roads rehabilitation going on simultaneously across the State and to state clearly that motorists both private and commercial bus drivers should desist from driving against traffic (one-way) or causing traffic obstructions to other roads users with".

While reiterating the State government’s zero-tolerance for the violation of the law under any guise, the Chairman maintained that the Agency will continue to prosecute traffic offenders until sanity is restored on our roads and law-abiding citizens are allowed to commute without being impeded by unlawful individuals.

Meanwhile, the enforcement team of the Agency led by the Chairman over the weekend cleared all illegal trucks and abandoned vehicles causing traffic gridlock at 'Guiness' Ikeja / ogba axis in line with the directive of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu.

CSP Egbeyemi commended the new Lagos State Commissioner of Police CP Hakeem Odumosu for his pro-activeness in enforcing both the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Laws and the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law 2018.


Adebayo Taofiq
Head, Public Affairs Unit
Lagos State Task Force

Former Lagos Speaker, Ikuforiji bags Ph.D, LLB

AgegePulse Magazine

The former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Adeyemi Ikuforiji is back on the radar with a bang! He’s back with two major accomplishments; He just completed his Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Leadership at the Liverpool Business School, John Moores University, Liverpool, England.

He was also called to Bar on Wednesday in Abuja, having passed the one year Law School examination.

Apparently with his eyes set for the future, Ikuforiji, who is the longest serving speaker in the history of the State law making body, went back to school to, according to him, seek more knowledge on leadership and management. “The doctorate took me over five years to complete due to the exigencies of my former office and the nature of my research,” he said.



Not a few people were wondering why the former Epe born lawmaker disappeared from the radar in the last four years. Since his defeat in the All Peoples Congress (APC) governorship election in 2014 by Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, who eventually became the governor, Ikuforiji has been largely quiet with a casual interest and low profile in the politics of the state.

And it was obvious that most of his supporters were not aware of his decision to go back to school. Indeed, just few of his friends knew that he was studying law at the University of Lagos and even though he started his doctorate while he was still the Speaker, it never affected the way he presided over the House.

Hence, it’s a double celebration for a man who said he felt fulfilled to have achieved his age-long ambition of obtaining a doctorate degree and also being a lawyer. “You can only imagine how happy I am right now. There is nothing you can’t achieve once you set your eyes on it and you inculcate the necessary discipline. I thank my family and everyone for their support and encouragement”, he said.



Ikuforiji was on Thursday hosted by friends, family and associates in an impressive reception ceremony to celebrate his latest feat.

Speaking at the event, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila commended Ikuforiji for aspiring to acquire more knowledge and enhance self-development.

The Speaker who was represented by Hon Wale Raji said: “I want to felicitate with you. I remember when you were shuttling between Lagos, UK and Abuja and you were complaining of the busy schedule and I asked who sent you? Are you not the one that wants to seek more knowledge?

“I want to appreciate your commitment for self-development, you have done so much in your various endeavors as a banker, businessman and as a politician and you became the longest serving Speaker in Lagos House of Assembly.”



Dignitaries present at the ceremony include Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Senator Solomon Olamilekan, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Chief Mrs Kemi Nelson, members of the Lagos State caucus in the House of Representatives, among many others.

PMnews

LASCOPA seals up Big Boss supermarket for sale of expired products

AgegePulse Magazine

In a bid to ensure the safety of consumers from the purchase of unwholesome products and guarantee their satisfaction, the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has sealed up Big Boss Supermarket.

The Super Market which is located at Ogunlana Drive in Surulere, Lagos was sealed up on Friday for continuous display and sale of expired products contrary to the provisions of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency Law of 2014

Section 4(a) of the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency Law of 2014 empowers LASCOPA to protect consumers against the marketing of goods and services which are hazardous to the consuming public.

The Chief Magistrate of the Consumer Court in Lagos Mrs. Dani-Oni issued an order in Suit No. MSC/154/19 for the seal up of the supermarket which was executed by officials of the agency

It would be recalled that Monitoring Team of LASCOPA on a surveillance inspection visited the supermarket earlier in the year and discovered expired products on display in the shelf and issued a Compliance Notice to the supermarket.

According to the Agency, during a revisit, another set of expired products were found on the store and the Supermarket Manager called the bluff of the Agency saying they could do their worse.

The continuous display and sale of expired products by the Supermarket necessitated the Court action pursuant to the promotion of Section 4 of the Consumer Protection Law of Lagos State.

The Agency therefore reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of consumers from all forms of unwholesome products and charged consumable product producers and marketers to prioritize the interest of consumers.

LASEMA Recovers Omole Fallen Truck

AgegePulse Magazine

A fully loaded truck of sharp sand with registration number LSD 746 XX that fell on its side at Omole Bus Stop has been recovered by LASEMA.

The truck recovered inward Omole Roundabout Ogba, this afternoon by LASEMA Response Team, was conducted via manual tranloading of the the remaining sharp sand in the fallen truck, and the spilled content on the road, into another truck procured for that purpose.

The successful operation set the road free for vehicular movements, as it enabled the speedy recovery of the damaged, affected truck off the road, before it was handed over to Officers of the Nigerian Police Force from the Isheri Police Station.

Investigations by LASEMA Response Team on arrival at the incident scene revealed, that the fallen truck at Omole Bus Stop was due to a mechanical malfunction that lead to a break failure in the heavy duty truck while on motion which eventually resulted in loss of control.

According to available reports, the loss of control by the heavy duty truck while attempting to stop with it's full load of sharp sand, and propulsion by momentum, made the truck ram into a nearby electric pole, fall on it's left side, and subsequently spilling it's content on the road.

However, no casualties or fatalities were recorded in the operation where the LASEMA Response Team, Police and LASTMA were responders.

Fashola Commends Chief Ade Ojo On CSR Road Construction Project In Ondo State

The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola has commended the business magnate, Founder of Elizade Motors and Elizade University, Chief Micheal Ade Ojo on his contribution towards the development of the Ilara-Mokin community.

This came following the grand opening ceremony and official commissioning of the 6-kilometer road network in Ilara-Mokin, Akure, Ondo State constructed by Chief Ade-Ojo on Saturday, 9th November 2019.

The Minister who was present to formally commission the new road reconstruction in the town which hosts Elizade University, lauded Chief Ade Ojo on his commitment towards investing in the development of his immediate community. According to him, infrastructural development plays a key role in community and nationwide development.

Fashola stated that this 6-kilometer road construction which connects Ilara-Mokin and Ikota will ramp up social and economic growth to both communities, bringing transformation to Ondo state and Nigeria by extension. According to the minister the road construction has also led to the creation of jobs for both skilled and unskilled workers, and other professionals who were involved in the project.

Expressing his gratitude to Chief Ade-Ojo, the Minister stated that it is remarkable for an individual to embark on an infrastructural development project which contributes meaningfully to the speedy actualization of community growth and the enhancement of the citizens’ welfare.

The grand opening was graced by several dignitaries including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi,Ojaja II, wife of the Ondo State Governor, Mrs Betty Anyawu-Akeredolu and the Alara of llara - Mokin, Ondo State, Oba Abiodun Aderemi Adefehinti.

Arsenal sack Unai Emery with Ljungberg taking over as caretaker

AgegePulse Magazine

Emery has left Arsenal with the club eighth in the Premier League – eight points behind the top four, and behind both Burnley and Sheffield United.

The Gunners are on a seven-match winless run that began with the home draw against Crystal Palace on 27 October. They were unlucky to lose out on penalties following a 5-5 Carabao Cup thriller against Liverpool, but then drew at home to Wolves in the league and away at Vitoria Guimaraes in Europe, before being outclassed 2-0 at Leicester.

The final straws proved to be last Saturday’s draw at the Emirates against Southampton, where they were extremely fortunate to get a point, while last night’s 2-1 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt in front of a sparse crowd showed the fans were voting with their feet.

Last season his side spluttered to fifth in the league after losing their final three games, but he took Arsenal to the Europa League final thanks to a brilliant 7-3 aggregate win over Valencia. However, it all ended with a 4-1 shoeing by Chelsea in Baku.

This season’s opening two victories in the league proved to be false dawns, and Arsenal have only added two more, with four wins from 13 Premier League games, six draws and three defeats.

The Guardian 

Updated

Nigerians will no longer pay N50 on every POS transactions above N1,000 from Next Year - FG

AgegePulse Magazine

The Federal Government has reviewed its policy on stamp duty charges, levied on electronic payments.

This is captured in the new proposed finance bill, presently with the Senate. The new bill ensures that the N50 stamp duty charge will now be levied on electronic payments above N10,000 as against payments above N1,000.

The new bill aims to repeal a provision of the Stamp Duty Act 2014, which had a threshold for receipts chargeable with stamp duty as N4 and above.

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, during a panel session at the PwC Executive Session on Finance Bill and Tax Strategy, confirmed the Finance Bill will become effective on January 2, 2020.

So effectively, from next year the N50 charged on POS transactions above N1,000 will cease. It will now be charged on transactions above N10,000.

This is good news for Nigerians and Merchants who have hitherto been made to bear the brunt of this .....READ MORE http://bit.

Lagos Reporters

LASG announces war against traffic, environmental offenders

…Appoints Opeifa To Head Committee On Law Enforcement

AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, has announced an inter-agency collaboration of all security and law enforcement agencies within the State to bring about lawful order.

He said The Monitoring and Enforcement Coordination Committee to be headed by former Commissioner for Transport in the state, Comrade Kayode Opeifa is to monitor and enforce all the new executive orders and other existing laws of the state with high sense of responsibility and the seriousness they deserve.

Speaking to newsmen after a meeting of the committee with the Governor, Odumosu said the team, which is ready to annihilate all forms of crimes across the State has the backing of the Governor to move into action immediately.

He also warned that there is no longer any hiding place for miscreants using any of the agencies as shield or fronts to perpetrate crime(s) in the State as the new synergy formed would allow each agency to act on behalf of the other for efficiency.

He said: “We just came out of a meeting with the Governor of the State and the pivot of our meeting is enforcing all the laws of Lagos State. All the heads of the government agencies that are involved in enforcing laws of the State.

“So, we have come together to let any lawless members of the community know that Lagos of today won't condone their lawlessness. We are together now in synergy, putting all our resources together and go after the lawbreakers in the society.

“Because we are now together, you cannot hide under any agency to break laws. An officer of LASTMA can do the job of a KAI if he is the one present at the scene of the crime. All security agents across the State can get involved in maintaining law and order, not withstanding if it's within their jurisdiction because we now work in Synergy.”

He added that “Mobile Courts will now move from one point to another so we can now have instant judgement. All the laws will now be fully enforced”

Chairman of the Committee, Comrade Kayode Opeifa, said the Committee is charged by the Governor with the duty of keying into the dream of a Greater Lagos via a systematic approach of enforcing law and order.

He said the committee is put together to simplify approach to keeping a sane society through a well coordinated activities of all agencies in the state saddled with the responsibility of making Lagos safe for optimum performance.

According to him: “The whole essence of the meeting with the Governor is to align with the Greater Lagos dream. To support the effort of the government in making life better for Lagosians.

“We will monitor the enforcement agencies to ensure they don't violate any fundamental rights or the laws establishing their agencies. More importantly, to encourage to do their job without fear or favour. To provide technical understanding on the nitty-gritty of their assignments.”

Community Day: Monitor state projects in your communities, Sanwo-Olu To CDC's

 AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has charged members of Community Development Association to serve as voluntary supervisors to ongoing projects across the State.

The Governor emphasised on the importance of teamwork stating that all hands must be on deck to see that quality projects are delivered by contractors.

While speaking at the year 2019 Community Day Celebration which held on Wednesday at the Police College Parade Ground, Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu described the CDAs and CDCs as the real growth engines in the state.

The event, which was themed: “Revising Rural Communities For 21st Century Development,” was organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs.

According to the Governor: “Our community development; the CDAs and the CDCs are the real engines of growth. They are the owners of all our interventions in government. They are the ones that own every intervention. Everything we are building is for the community, it’s for the Local government.

“So, it is important that the Local Government takes ownership of these development initiatives. We need to ensure that once we’ve sent contractors out, you should monitor them and ensure that they do and deliver quality service so that the schools, the hospitals, and the roads that those contractors are building meet the standard that is required of them.

“You have to serve as monitors and ensure that the right proportion of things needed are used. You have the right to present your complaints to any contractor once you discover that the work is not properly done.”

The Honourable Commissioner for Local Government & Community Affairs, Mrs. Yetunde Arobieke, thanked the Governor and other dignitaries for their presence.

Also present for the event are: The Wife of the Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; The wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat and the representative of the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu amongst others.

Ten Community Development Associations with laudable community projects adjudged to be the best amongst all by the supervising ministry were presented with mini-bus and other prizes.

Lagos to train teachers for 21st century teaching

 AgegePulse Magazine

Determined to improve the teaching and learning environment, the Lagos State Government has stated its intention to introduce technology to assist teachers discharge their responsibilities in the classroom in line with modern teaching practices.

Speaking at the Eko EXCEL Stakeholders Forum held today at Ikeja, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat noted that the training of the teachers is a critical item in the realization of goal of building an education system relevant to 21st century.

The Eko EXCEL is the education transformation programme of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration aim at repositioning basic education in the state by  enhancing teachers’ effectiveness through leveraging technology to support, train, empower and motivate teachers to improve children’s learning outcome at the primary schools level.
Noting that the emphasis on training all children in Lagos State is to guarantee “our collective future”, Dr. Hamzat expressed the desire for the parents too to actively engage in the process of educating the children.

He further noted that education and technology is important to the Sanwo-Olu Administration as such it is taking a holistic budgetary view of allocation to education in which part of other sectors’ allocation is equally tilted towards education. The calculation of sectorial allocation focusing on specific figure of education is not taking cognizance of the overall pictures, he said.
Saying that education at the primary school level is the bedrock of national development, the Deputy Governor urged teachers to embrace the new initiative and ensure the benefits are reaped as the administration is committed to making sure that teachers in the state are well trained and equipped to teach the children well.

He said the exercise, which had been tried in Edo witnessed a 27% increase in public school enrollment in the state. He added that the same result is expected in Lagos.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folashade Adefisayo disclosed that the Eko EXCEL project is a state government designed and funded initiative to drive excellence in learning for about 500,000 pupils across 1,016 public primary schools.

She added that a total of 4,000 teachers in 300 schools across all the Local Government and Local Council Development Areas in the state will be trained in the first phase of the programme which will commence in December this year.

The Commissioner noted that as the state aspires to be a 21st century economy and maintain its position as a leading economy in Africa, a critical investment in basic education is required to build the quality work  force needed for the future.

According to her, “Most importantly, Lagos, like other cities, is unequivocal in its commitment to equity, closing the gap between the rich and the poor by ensuring access to quality education for all children.”

In his welcome address, the Executive Chairman, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, Hon. Wahab Alawiye-King stated that the Eko EXCEL which acronym connotes Excellence in Child Education and Learning is an initiative of the present administration aimed at reforming the state educational system by deploying technology for effective classroom management and optimum performance for teachers and pupils.

He added that, through the Eko EXCEL model, teachers in the state would be able to deliver standardized learning to pupils in pubic primary schools in line with global standards and hope to remove educational boundaries, in which both pupils and teachers can collaborate in real time using advanced educational technology.

Saying ‘Teachers are at the heart of successful learning”, the SUBEB boss emphasized that the starting point for improved outcome for pupils in schools is the continuous improvement of teaching practices, leadership practices and organizational practices.

He emphasized that it is important that all key into the initiative to discover the strengths and opportunities that are inherent in deploying modern techniques and new technologies to boost learning outcomes, saying, “Technology has become an essential part of our lives”.

“I therefore use this medium to seek your support and collaboration for the effective realization of the objectives of the programme.”he concluded.

Agege LG Boss Egunjobi Supports Traditional Rulers With Cash Gift

...To Give Palaces Facelift

Agege Pulse Magazine

In a bid to improve the welfare of Traditional Rulers in Agege, Executive Chairman of Agege LGA, Hon. Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi has rained cash gifts on all the eleven Baales under the council.

Egunjobi played host to all the Baales yesterday at the council's Secretariat where several issues affecting offices of the traditional rulers were discussed. Top on the agenda was the need for all the 11 palaces including the Palace of Ologba of Ogbaland in the council to wear a new look.

Speaking on the purpose of the meeting and cash gifts, Egunjobi said the effort is to proffer solutions to issues mitigating their leadership and communities as well as to give the palaces of all the traditional rulers a facelift and restyling following long years of clamour for welfare improvement.

Egunjobi used the medium to urge all Baales to sensitise their communities on illegal dumping of refuse, illegal parking and clearing of drainage in their communities to avoid unhealthy environment.

Recall, Egunjobi did this last year and recently gave eighteen seater bus to Baale in Council to ease the movement accross the nation.

In addition, the Council Head of Administration, Mr. Olufemi Esan  implored the Baales to be part of revenue generation by sensitising members of their communities on prompt payment of their levies and taxes, adding that it will go in a long way to create more dividends of democracy to people of Agege.

Esan urged traditional rulers to the needful in the upgrade of their title for proper recognition and to ensure  a desired community service delivery from state government.

Chairman of Baales in Council, High Chief Afogunlowo on behalf of others thanked Hon. Egunjobi for his service to humanity and focus on welfare delivery.
Afogunlowo urged the council to do more in the area of sensitisation on revenue collection either through print medium or electronically.

Present at the events were Vice Chairman Prince Abiodun Ogunji, HoA, Mr. Olufemi Esan, SLG, Hon. Gbenga Abiola, HoDs, Councilors, Supervisors amongst others.

The Traditional Rulers /Baales include, the Regent of Ogbaland, Prince Jelili  Kehinde Asade, Chief S.A Afogunlowo Dopemu, Chief, L.I. Ajagunna, Keke, Chief S.O. Sobande, Onipetesi, Chief S.A. Salako, Otubu, Chief R.A. Ogundare, Papa Jafojo,

Others are Chief T.A. Adebari, Iloro, Chief Murisiku Majaro Balogun, Ajegunle, Chief T.A. Ogabi, Idi-Mongoro, Chief Rufai Kuku, Isale Oja and Chief N.A. Sunmonu, Baale Panada

LASG SET TO PROSECUTE 12 SUSPECTS FOR ATTACK ON TASKFORCE OPERATIVES

 AgegePulse Magazine

The operatives of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Agency (Taskforce) has concluded plans to prosecute 12 arrested suspects who attacked members of an enforcement team of the Agency on Tuesday, damaging four of their vehicles in the process.

Speaking on the attack, which took place at Alapere area of the State, the Chairman of the Agency, CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi stated that the enforcement team of the Agency and men of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) had responded to a distressed call that some protesters were about to burn down Alapere Police Station over the clampdown on commercial motorcycle operators plying illegal routes as directed by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police CP Hakeem Odumosu.

He explained that on getting to the scene around Alapere Police Station, the protesters came out en mass to attack the Agency's enforcement team with stones, Iron-rod, broken bottles and cutlasses, stressing that it was in the course of restoring peace and order in the area that the officers were injured and vehicles damaged.

The Chairman confirmed that 38 suspects were initially arrested during the fracas, but 26 individuals were later released after thorough screening, adding that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu has since directed that the remaining 12 suspects are immediately charged to court.

"Let me state categorically that the battle line has been drawn with these illegal motorcyclists and to warn various associations regulating their operations to immediately call them to comply with the law as the government would no longer tolerate the slightest attack on any enforcement personnel forthwith", he stated.

CSP Egbeyemi also revealed that the Agency had impounded 493 commercial motorcycles and riders arrested after hey were caught contravening the law by plying restricted routes around Alapere, Ketu and Mile-2 area of the State by the operatives of the Agency with the support of men of the RRS on Monday.

While informing that the Agency's driver (Ojo Tobiloba) who was severely wounded during that attack at Ketu is presently receiving treatment at the hospital, the Chairman reiterated the determination of the Agency to ensure that all road users in the state abide by the stipulated traffic rules and regulation.

SANWO-OLU LEADS WALK AGAINST DOMESTIC, SEXUAL VIOLENCE

AgegePulse Magazine

…Says Lagos’ll Work With The Police, Judiciary To Combat Rape And Other Vices

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has promised to wield "the big stick" on perpetrators of rape, domestic violence and child abuse in the state.

He added that the state will support the police and the judiciary to ensure the crime is brought to the barest minimum.

He gave this warning on Tuesday in his address to Lagosians after the "Walk To Commit and Act" rally organised by Lagos State Government through the Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) of the Ministry of Justice to further drive home his message against the menace.

Sanwo-Olu, who said the government is commemorating the day in line with United Nations declaration against gender-based violence added that the State is working hard with its police command and all relevant agencies to bring the crime to zero point.

The Governor emphatically warned that no offender would go unpunished, saying that rape, domestic violence and child abuse are crimes and must be treated as such.

He said: “Lagos state government through the ministry of Justice and other arms of the government, deem it fit that we need to have this walk to further confirm and to indicate our full support for advocacy around the talk of child abuse, the advocacy around rape, against women and girl, the talk around domestic violence, sexual violence and all other vices that are around abuse of children.

“Our government by this walk confirms that we are totally against it, we stand against everything about this issue and we are going to ensure that we have zero tolerance against it.

“It is a crime against humanity. When you are caught in the act of sexual violence, child abuse, domestic violence, you will be made to pay dearly for your crime. So, we are using this advocacy to warn and to tell people to desist because the full arm of law will be brought to bear on anybody or institution found wanting in any form.”

Sanwo-Olu encouraged victims of these acts to open up to necessary authorities noting that the government will take up such issues.

According to the Governor, “It is about time we lived in a civil society and we need to end and ensure that people end the silence. Come forth if anything happens, speak up, and you can be rest assured that you'll be protected and the government will take up your issue.

“For people that have been all shut out that don't know who or how to go about it, we have phone numbers that you can call. You can call our 112 or you can call the toll free number which is 08137960048. You can also send your text to 6820. Be rest assured that somebody is on the other side, that will pick up your case and we'll see to it that justice is served in anyway where we found anybody culpable.”

The State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyo Onigbanjo, in his remark, condemned rape and violence in its totality.

Onigbanjo stated that the walk, which is an annual event, is in line with the United Nations convention and practices.

He said, “It is a barbaric act and we frown against violence of any kind and rape against all genders. This walk demonstrates the State’s commitment and zero tolerance for all these acts of violence against women and children.

“So, anyone within the state who wants to commit these offences should be aware that they are going to face the full wrath of the law. That's why we are taking the walk to show the State’s commitment in compliance with UN convention and practices.”

The event had in attendance the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hakeem Odumosu, representative of the Chief Judge, Justice Kazeem Alogba; Judges and other top officials of Lagos State Government.

OMO BETTER CONCERT: SMALL DOCTOR VISITS RRS COMMANDER, DCP DISU

AgegePulse Magazine

Musician, Small Doctor, has paid a visit to the commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Rapid Response DCP Tunji Disu

The singer shared a picture of his visit to Mr Disu on Instagram on Thursday evening.

“Earlier today with the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad commander, DCP OLATUNJI DISU 👮🏿‍♀️. Omo better concert on a lockdown💯,” he captioned it.

Small Doctor, a police ambassador, clashed with the police in December 2018 following his arrest for alleged illegal possession of firearm and threat to shoot a police traffic officer.

The 33-year-old was paraded along with three others at the Lagos State Police Command.

Small Doctor was among a group of popular Nigerian entertainers appointed police ambassador earlier in 2018.

The ‘Penalty’ singer and others like Omoni Oboli, Odunlade Adekola, Sound Sultan, Dr Sid, Korede Bello and Ruggedman were seen in police uniforms posing with celebrity police officer, Dolapo Badmos.



Online

LAGOS CP DIRECTS TASK FORCE TO CLAMPDOWN ON VIOLATORS OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRAFFIC LAW BREAKERS

AgegePulse Magazine

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu has directed the operatives of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Agency (Taskforce) to clampdown on all violators of the State environmental laws, especially those impeding the free flow of traffic across the State.

Chairman of the Agency, CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi disclosed that the directive became imperative as a way of sanitising the environment and ensuring the free flow of traffic for all road users, stressing that the directive also empowered the Agency to clear all illegal traders, abandoned vehicles, road side mechanics, miscreants, okada and other activities constituting environmental nuisance across the State.

He noted that with many ongoing road rehabilitation projects across the state, there is an urgent need to create a free flow of traffic for motorists by clearing all obstructions on Lagos roads.

The Chairman, therefore, implored all illegal traders, road side mechanics, Iron benders and owners of abandoned vehicles particularly those ones around Police Stations to vacate immediately as anyone caught during the enforcement would be severely dealt with in accordance with the law.

According to him "The directive is to be jointly carried out with Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) and the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, adding that areas to be covered during the enforcement operations include Igando, Ikorodu, Ajah, Mile 2, Obalende, Oyingbo, Dopemu, Iyana-Ipaja, Agege, Ojota, Idimu, Yaba, Ikate-Elegushi, Apple Junction (Festac), Bogije area and Mushin"

He commended the new Commissioner of Police on his directive to all Divisional Police Officers to support the Agency’s clampdown on illegal commercial motorcycle operators, especially those plying restricted routes including highways and bridges across the State.

Egbeyemi, however, enjoined members of the public to support the Agency by providing useful security information about criminal activities around them to security agencies through the Lagos State free Emergency Toll Lines 112 & 767.

Meanwhile, in total compliance with CP directive, the enforcement team of the Agency over the weekend cleared the entire Ikeja GRA, Mopol 20 Barracks and surroundings of the Lagos Police Command of illegal traders, Vulganizers, illegal beer palour, block moulders, okada riders, abandoned/accidented vehicles and illegal tricycle operators.

U.S Indicts CEO of Air Peace Airline, Onyema Over Fraud, Money Laundering

Allen Ifechukwu Athan Onyema, the Chairman, CEO, and founder of Air Peace, a Nigerian airline, has been charged with bank fraud and money laundering for moving more than $20 million from Nigeria through United States bank accounts in a scheme involving false documents based on the purchase of airplanes.

The international airline’s Chief of Administration and Finance, Ejiroghene Eghagha, has also been charged with bank fraud and committing aggravated identity theft in connection with the scheme.

“Onyema allegedly leveraged his status as a prominent business leader and airline executive while using falsified documents to commit fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak.  “We will diligently protect the integrity our banking system from being corrupted by criminals, even when they disguise themselves in a cloak of international business.”

Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division commented on the indictment, “Allen Onyema’s status as a wealthy businessman turned out to be a fraud. He corrupted the U.S. banking system, but his trail of deceit and trickery came to a skidding halt. DEA would like to thank the many law enforcement partners and the subsequent prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office who aided in making this investigation a success.”

“This case is a prime example of why IRS-CI seeks to partner and leverage its expertise in an effort to thwart those seeking to exploit our nation’s financial system,” said Thomas J. Holloman, IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Office. “With the importance of our banking system to the movement of money around the world, those attempting to use intricate schemes to commit bank fraud through the use of falsified documents and other means should know that the odds are now heavily stacked against them as law enforcement is combining its talents to protect the sanctity and integrity of the nation’s financial system.”

“Onyema setup various innocent sounding multi-million dollar asset purchases which were nothing more than alleged fronts for his scam,” said acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in Georgia and Alabama. “I’m proud to be part of a team of law enforcement agencies that come together to identify and attack criminals that attempt to profit from the exploitation of our nation’s financial systems.”

According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the indictment, and other information presented in court: Onyema, a Nigerian citizen and businessman, is the founder and Chairman of several organizations that purport to promote peace across Nigeria, including the Foundation for Ethnic Harmony, International Center for Non-Violence and Peace Development, and All-Time Peace Media Communications Limited.

Beginning in 2010, Onyema began travelling frequently to Atlanta, where he opened several personal and business bank accounts.  Between 2010 and 2018, over $44.9 million was allegedly transferred into his Atlanta-based accounts from foreign sources.

Onyema is also the CEO and Chairman of Nigerian airline Air Peace, which he founded in 2013. In years following the founding of Air Peace, he traveled to the United States and purchased multiple airplanes for the airline. However, over $3 million of the funds used to purchase the aircraft allegedly came from bank accounts for Foundation for Ethnic Harmony, International Center for Non-Violence and Peace Development, All-Time Peace Media Communications Limited, and Every Child Limited.

Beginning in approximately May 2016, Onyema, together with Eghagha, allegedly used a series of export letters of credit to cause banks to transfer more than $20 million into Atlanta-based bank accounts controlled by Onyema.  The letters of credit were purportedly to fund the purchase of five separate Boeing 737 passenger planes by Air Peace.  The letters were supported by documents such as purchase agreements, bills of sale, and appraisals proving that Air Peace was purchasing the aircraft from Springfield Aviation Company LLC, a business registered in Georgia.

However, the supporting documents were fake — Springfield Aviation Company LLC, which is owned by Onyema and managed by a person with no connection to the aviation business, never owned the aircraft, and the company that allegedly drafted the appraisals did not exist.  Eghagha allegedly participated in this scheme as well, directing the Springfield Aviation manager to sign and send false documents to banks and even using the manager’s identity to further the fraud.  After Onyema received the money in the United States, he allegedly laundered over $16 million of the proceeds of the fraud by transferring it to other accounts.

Allen Ifechukwu Athan Onyema, 56, of Lagos, Nigeria, and Ejiroghene Eghagha, 37, of Lagos, Nigeria, were indicted on November 19, 2019, on one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, three counts of bank fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit credit application fraud, and three counts of credit application fraud.  Additionally, Onyema was charged with 27 counts of money laundering, and Eghagha was charged with one count of aggravated identity theft.

Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges.  The defendants are presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Commerce, and Department of Treasury are investigating this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Garrett L. Bradford, Deputy Chief of the Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Section and Lead Strike Force Attorney, Irina K. Dutcher, and Christopher J. Huber, Deputy Chief of the Complex Frauds Section, are prosecuting the case, with assistance from the Department of Justice’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section and Office of International Affairs.

This prosecution was brought as a part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Co-located Strike Forces Initiative, which enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations against a continuum of priority targets and their affiliate illicit financial networks.

 These prosecutor-led co-located Strike Forces capitalize on the synergy created through the long-term relationships that can be forged by agents, analysts, and prosecutors who remain together over time, and they epitomize the model that has proven most effective in combating organized crime.  The specific mission of the Atlanta Strike Force is to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug trafficking and money laundering organizations designated as Consolidated Priority Organization Targets or Regional Priority Organization Targets and their affiliates impacting the Atlanta metropolitan area and the Northern District of Georgia.

Online News

WHY LAGOS ASSEMBLY SUSPENDED IFAKO-IJAIYE COUNCIL BOSS, OKE

AgegePulse Magazine

Obasa.     Oke

In a bid to curb corruption in Lagos, the State House of Assembly on Friday suspended Chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye local government, Oloruntoba Oke, over misappropriation.

The Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, announced the suspension after the committee set up to investigate alleged misappropriation of N350 million loan received by the council.

Obasa has directed that the Vice Chairman of the council take over the affairs of the council to avoid vacuum till further notice.

According to him, the fate melted to Oke will serve as a deterrent to other council chairmen who have turned themselves to Lords in their various councils and flout government policies at will.

Oke’s suspension followed a petition received by the House from Councillors in the local government, accusing him of highhandedness and failure to utilise the loan as earlier stipulated.

It would be recalled that the House set up a committee to investigate the allegations and came out with a report that further indicted the chairman.

PEARL AWARDS 24TH YEAR EDITION SET FOR EKO HOTEL THIS SUNDAY

AgegePulse Magazine

The stage is now set for the glamorous occasion where corporate titans are celebrated - 2019 PEARL Awards Nite. The coveted Awards for the Nigerian Capital Market comes up on Sunday November 24, 2019 at the prestigious Eko Hotel & Suites Lagos, with this year’s theme tagged ‘Celebrating Sustainable Leadership and Resilience.’

According to the organizers, the annual PEARL Awards Nite is a national corporate showpiece event where quoted companies and key stakeholders in the capital and financial markets of the Nigerian economy are rewarded for their outstanding contributions to economic development.

The PEARL Awards, instituted in 1995 is endorsed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the apex Capital Market regulatory authority. Commenting on the event which is in its 24th edition, the President of PEARL Awards Nigeria, Tayo Orekoya remarked that this year’s Awards Nite promises to be novel yet glamorous. “The event is being remodeled from an operational stand point to be more appealing and engaging on a night of excellence and glamour”.

Confirmed to grace the occasion are Mr. Olufemi Lijadu, Chairman, Board of Securities & Exchange Commission; Ms. Mary Uduk, Ag. Director-General, Securities & Exchange Commission; Bashorun J.K. Randle, Past President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria; Mr Kayode Falowo, President, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce, among a host of other captains of commerce and industry.

Awards to be presented for deserving companies fall within the class of Sectoral Leadership, Market Excellence, Special Recognition, Special Honorary and then the Overall Highest Award (The PEARL). In all these categories mentioned, three nominees have been shortlisted and publicly announced on 22nd October 2019, with the winners to be announced at the event come November 24 at Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos.

The PEARL Awards remains the only Awards event in Sub Saharan Africa that identifies and rewards quoted companies based on empirical data. Which is predominately based on data sourced from audited financial reports companies, utilizing credible parameters and tools of data evaluation that meet international standards.

PualUkpabio's Blog

LASEMA: Electrical Power Surge Sets Surulere Super Plaza Ablaze

AgegePulse Magazine

LASEMA in an ongoing operation is battling to curtail a fire outbreak that gutted the upper floor of a storey building Plaza in Akerele, a Street in Surulere axis of Lagos.

The fire according to outcome of preliminary investigations conducted at the incident site, was said to have resulted from an electrical surge in one of the shops before escalating to other parts of the plaza.

However, no loss of life nor injury has been sustained so far at the scene of the ongoing fire incident where properties worth a fortune have been lost to the inferno.

LASEMA, Officers of the Nigerian Police Force, LNSC, the Federal and LASG Fire Services, are responders working together at the incident scene to combat the inferno from escalating to the adjoining buildings.

Social Media Bill Passes Second Reading In The Senate

AgegePulse Magazine

The Protection from Internet Falsehood and Manipulations Bill also known as the Social Media Bill has passed second reading in the Senate.

The bill on Wednesday passed second reading with support by majority of Senators.

This is despite opposition to the proposed legislation by Nigerian citizens who are of the opinion that the bill seeks to fight free speech.

During the debate, only one lawmaker, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani opposed the bill. He argued that there is legislation in the country namely the Cyber Crimes Act which addresses internet falsehood.

The Senate, however directed its committee on judiciary to work on the bill and return in four weeks.

The bill was introduced to the Senate on Tuesday, November 5, 2019.

According to the sponsor of the bill, Mohammed Sani Musa, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) representing Niger East Senatorial District, it will regulate the use of social media in Nigeria and curb fake news on the internet.

A similar anti-social media bill introduced by the previous eighth Senate, sparked outrage across the country, and was later withdrawn.

The bill, if passed into law, seeks to prevent falsehoods and manipulations and counter the effects of such communications and transmission to sanction offenders with a view of encouraging and enhancing transparency by social media platforms using the internet correspondences.

The Hawk News

Otedola Bridge Again: LASEMA Recovers Another Fallen Oil Tanker

...Averts Oil Spill Fire Around Ojodu

LASEMA has recovered an oil tanker laden with 44,000 litres of Aviation fuel (Jet A1) involved in a lone accident from the Otedola Bridge inward Berger.

In this ongoing operation, the LASEMA team's preliminary investigations revealed that the fully loaded oil tanker with registration number EKY 814 XX, lost it's cargo in the lone accident due to over speeding and reckless driving on the part of the tanker driver.

The recovery team disclosed that when the incident occurred, the impact made the oil Tanker, due to the dead weight of it's 44,000 litres  cargo, pull off from it's Truck head, fall on its side, and started spilling it's content from torn portions of the tanker that impacted the ground.

However, no injuries, fatalities or deaths were recorded in the oil spillage caused by the fallen oil tanker on the Otedola Bridge nor around Ojodu Berger and it's environs, due to sustained activities of the LASEMA team and the hardworking LASG Fire Service that had been available from beginning of the operation.

The very real danger of fuel ignition, explosion and fire, was fully averted due to the timely intervention, activities and collaborative efforts of LASEMA and the LASG Fire Service teams that doused the gushing flow of fuel from it's oil spilling source, averting any probable ignition during it's journey through gutters and drains to the canal.

Though the spilled fuel had been doused and blanketed, the LASEMA response team as well as that of the Lagos State Fire Service remained on ground to mitigate against any probable hazard may result from trans loading of remnant fuel or recovery of the truck head from the deep gorge where it has fallen.

Speaking on the fatal lone accident and collaboration with other First Responders, the DG/CEO LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke–Osanyintolu acknowledged the hugely successful Ojodu–Otedola bridge operation that was quietly achieved with virtually no disruption of traffic around the sensitive Ojodu-Berger road, as one of many in the state.

He attributed the smooth operations to the short response time of his well trained teams whom he said were very capable and excellent team workers that coordinate and collaborate well with other emergency responders at incident scenes to quickly bring emergency situations under control with minimum casualties and stress.

Dr. Oke–Osanyintolu who emphasized that aside hardwork and well trained teams, said that this Ojodu–Otedola bridge operation has once again proven true another of his mantras on seamless success, which he says is easily achieved through collaborative efforts of *"Working Better".

By
NOS∆ OKUNBOR

SECURITY: SANWO-OLU WELCOMES OPERATION CROCODILE SMILE-IV IN LAGOS

...Assures Military of Support

AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday welcomed Operation Crocodile Smile IV by the Nigerian Army, saying the exercise is a right move towards ensuring peace and security in the South West and South South regions during the festive season.

The Governor assured the Nigerian Army of his administration’s continued support as it engages in intensive security duties in the state while also urging citizens to be security conscious.

Sanwo-Olu stated this during the flag-off ceremony of the Nigeria Army’s 81 Division Exercise Crocodile Smile IV for Lagos and Ogun States held at Takwa Bay, Lagos.

The Governor who was represented at the ceremony by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai for his thoughtfulness and strategic foresight, which brought about the idea of the exercise.

The Governor said: “from antecedents, the security issues prevalent in the yuletide are not lost on any of us as men of the underworld tend to perpetrate criminal acts during this period,” adding that Exercise Crocodile Smile IV is a welcome development that promises to ensure that these black heads of the society have no safe haven within the period.

‘‘We cannot thank you enough for your efforts and sacrifices”, Sanwo-Olu commended the army for their resilience and determination towards providing security in Lagos State and other states across the country including the federal capital territory.’’ he said.

While seeking the support for security operatives, the governor urged citizens to be security conscious and remain vigilant by being alive to activities in their environment.

He also advised residents to “see something and say something. The Police and other security personnel are not magicians and they don’t look at oracle, they listen to information. It is for all of us to conduct ourselves and just be our neighbours’ keeper.’’ Sanwo-Olu stated.

He further affirmed that beaches around Lagos, which are a beehive of activities, will remain safe with such security activities as the one planned and executed by the Nigerian army.

In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Buratai who was represented by the General Officer, Commanding 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Major-General John Irefin disclosed that the Exercise Crocodile Smile IV was part of the Nigerian Army’s continuous commitment to combating security challenges in the country such as illegal oil bunkering activities, militancy, kidnapping, pipeline vandalism; cultism and some other common sundry crime.

He added that the objectives of the operation are to reduce to the barest minimum the prevailing security threat in the riverine environment and sharpen the professional skills of security personnel that are involved in the exercise.

Buratai noted that the exercise would be intelligence-driven and will portray real time operation at any moment a potent threat is encountered.

Kolade Johnson: LASG arraigns killer cop for murder

AgegePulse Magazine

The Lagos State Government has arraigned a dismissed police officer, Ogunyemi Olalekan, allegedly responsible for the murder of Kolade Johnson, a 35-year-old man at a viewing centre in Lagos by shooting him with an AK47 rifle in the lower abdomen.

Olalekan, 45, a former Police Inspector was charged on Tuesday at an Ikeja High Court for murder in contravention of section 223 of the criminal laws of Lagos State 2015.

In reaction to the accused's not guilty plea to the murder charge, lead prosecuting Counsel and Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Ministry of Justice, Mr. Yhaqub Oshoala Mr. Oshoala requested that Olalekan, who has been incarcerated at the Ikoyi Prison since his arrest continues to be remanded at the facility.

"We ask that the defendant continue to be detained in prison custody before the trial date. Our witnesses are available and we are ready to commence", Oshoala said.

Before adjourning the case till January 15, 2020, for trial and ruling that the accused be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Facility, the Presiding Judge, Justice A. J Coker told Mr. Ike Ezekwen, the defence counsel to ensure he explains to Olalekan the option of a plea bargain before the full trial commences.

Recall that Olalekan, a former Police Inspector at the Special Anti-Cultism Squad (SACS) of the Nigeria Police Force, committed the offence at 5.10 pm on March 31, 2019, at Onipetesi Estate, Mangoro area of Lagos.

LASG gives approval for establishment of 173 private schools

AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Education, has given approval for the establishment of 173 Private Schools across the five divisions as part of efforts to entrench inclusiveness in the educational sector.

The Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo made this known while issuing letters of approval to the beneficiaries at a ceremony held in Ikeja.

She noted the present administration's passion for partnering with critical stakeholders in the Private Education Sector as a catalyst to take education in the State to the next level.

“Despite the fact that the number of schools in Lagos, especially in the private sector, has increased tremendously, the yawning gap between demand and supply clearly shows that more schools are needed to meet our educational target. We need more private schools to come on board for us to be able to cater to the ever-increasing educational needs of a fast-growing metropolis like ours”, she said.

Adefisayo, therefore, urged all School owners to reflect excellence in their service delivery, integrate 21st century skills into their teaching methods, make provision for special students, employ only qualified teachers, emphasise digital literacy and adhere to the recommended curriculum for teaching.

While enjoining school owners to improve on the situation which earned them the approval, Director, Private Education and Special Programmes, Mrs. Adetutu Adebowale stressed the need to maintain the standard that earned them the approval of the State government.

She opined that private school operators could not afford to fail in their complementary role needed to move the sector to greater heights.

Responding on behalf of the private nursery and primary schools, Mrs. Anidebe Chinyelu urged the Ministry to always make the new curriculum available on time, update the current curriculum and initiate enlightenment programmes aimed at dissuading parents from encouraging their children to skip primary six.

In the same vein, Captain Femi Olaiya, representing the secondary school sector, encouraged the Ministry to utilise all available media to disseminate information on the criteria for approval to school owners and also hasten the process.

Policemen Who Drive Against Traffic Crushed Two To Dealth

AgegePulse Magazine

Some policemen allegedly driving against the traffic, on Monday, crushed two motorcycle passengers to death on the Long Bridge end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State.

The motorcyclist was also said to have sustained injuries during the crash involving a white Toyoyta Hilux pickup van with number plate GGE 960 DD and a Bajaj motorcycle with number plate MEK 418 VH.

According to eyewitnesses, the policemen in the patrol vehicle took to their heels after the accident occurred around 10.50am, while emergency responders, who rushed to the scene, took the injured victim to hospital.

The remains of the deceased were said to have been deposited in the Lagos State Emergency Centre at the old tollgate area.

An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “When the accident happened, the policemen ran out of the vehicle and jumped off the bridge and ran away. No one could catch them.”

At the scene of the accident, other commercial motorcyclists, while mourning the death of the vicitms, threatened to burn the van.

Punch

LASG EVACUATES LION FROM PRIVATE RESIDENCE TO LEKKI ZOO

AgegePulse Magazine

 
The operatives of the Lagos State Task Force today succeeded in moving the lion found at a private home around Victoria Island to a zoo in Omu Resorts, Lekki.

Chairman of the Agency, CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi disclosed that the exercise was carried out in conjunction with officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and medical personnel from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine,University of Ibadan.

Speaking further, Egbeyemi said that Dr. Ogunmo Bamidele, who led the medical team from theUniversity of Ibadan, had to tranquilised thrice before evacuation.

He confirmed that the Agency responded to a petition from residents while investigations revealed that the lion was brought in from Camerounby an Indian two years.

“Immediately I got the petition, I deployed my officers to the house at No. 229, Muri-Okunola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, where they kept a close watch for more than 72 hours before the lion was finally removed today”, Egbeyemi said.

The Chairman assured residents that the owner of the lion will face the full wrath of the law, warning residents to abstain from harbouring wild animals that endanger the lives of others.

“In as much as we appreciate residents around Victoria Island for their quick action, we urge every member of the public to be observant in their immediate environment and report any strange or unusual activity to appropriate government authority for prompt action”, he stated.

The Director, Veterinary Services, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Macaulay Rasheed also advised members of the public to stop rearing wild animals at private homes in order to avoid unnecessary attack and contagious animal diseases.