50,000 applicants for 1,000 teaching jobs in Lagos – Official

Mr Suru Avoseh, a member, Lagos State Civil Service Commission, says no fewer than 50, 000 applicants had applied for one thousand vacant teaching jobs announced by the state government in 2019.

Avoseh made this known during the New Year Party organised by the Badagry Women Development Forum on Sunday in Badagry.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Lagos State Government had on November 11 announced the plans to employ one thousand teachers into the public secondary schools across the state.


Avoseh said some of the applicants that qualified for the job had been invited for the examination.

“After the examination, those that passed and meet up with the standard will be called for oral interviews.

“At present, some of the applicants who succeeded in the examination have started receiving text messages through their phone numbers.

“It is certain that not everybody that applied for the job will be employed, and not all that passed the examination will be given employment,” the commission member said.

He said that shortly Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and Civil Service Commission would soon start to employ people in the state.

“We will soon start employment too; every motion has been put in place and we have discussed it with the Head of Service.

“Currently, we have commenced staff auditing to know the number of vacancies to be filled up.

“It is after the auditing that the commission will be able to tell Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu the number of staff to be employed.

“So, we are making the preparation now,” Avoseh said.

He challenged women in Badagry to take over from the men in politics for the sake of development of the city.

Oshodi-Abule Egba BRT Corridor ready in May - Sanwo-Olu

…Lagos Gov: ‘Second Phase Of The Project To Start Immediately’

...Corridor To Open With 200 Buses
AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has beamed a special focus on the ongoing construction BRT corridor from Oshodi to Abule Egba. The 13.68 kilometre-long route will be completed in May, this year, Sanwo-Olu disclosed while inspecting the project on Sunday.

Construction work has resumed on the project, which was started under the last administration. The project is being handled and supervised by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).

Upon completion, Sanwo-Olu said the project was expected to bring relief to residents, as it is expected to ease transportation challenges along the route.

The Governor said over 200 mass transit buses would be deployed to the corridor for immediate operations, pointing out that additional buses would be delivered based on assessment of traffic situation and utilisation.

He said: “This BRT corridor was conceived with the intention to address congestion and transportation challenges along the Oshodi-Abule Egba corridor. We are fully back on this project and we are pushing the contractor to step up the pace of work on it. Once it starts operation, this will significantly bring relief and reduce traffic congestion and transportation problems along this route.

“We are hoping that by the end of May, we should complete the entire Phase 1 of the BRT infrastructure along this route. The work has been pushed up and there entire project is about 75 per cent to completion. The rest of the construction activities to be done include completion of bus shelters, rigid pavements and terminals.”

Sanwo-Olu said the Government had started to address some impediments slowing down the construction work on the path, which, he said, included blocked drainage network along the route. The Governor said desilting of the identified drain channels at Katangowa market would be done to pave the way for completion work on the BRT lane.

The ongoing Phase 1 of the project will have 14 bus stations between Abule Egba and Oshodi. Five of the stations are bilateral, facing both sides of Expressway; nine medium stations. Also, streetlight facilities will be installed on the route in addition to pedestrian bridges being built along the path.

The Governor also said the Government would be acquiring land to build mega bus depots for the BRT vehicles to be deployed to the area.

After the completion of the first phase, Sanwo-Olu disclosed that work would commence on the Phase II of the project, which will stretch from Abule Egba to Sango, later this year.

“The extension of the BRT corridor to Ogun State border is part of the solutions we are bringing to address traffic congestion along Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway and reduce it to the barest minimum. This will create a robust transportation model for our residents living in border towns.”

The Governor warned against indiscriminate dumping of refuse on the BRT corridor, stressing that the Government would not condone one-way driving along the route.

Why we suspended NIN for UTME registration – JAMB

Adelani  Adepegba


The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has explained that technical reasons and stakeholders’ concerns compelled the suspension of the use of the National Identification Number as a requirement for the 2020 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and Direct Entry registrations.

The UTME and DE registrations were scheduled to begin on Monday, January 13 and end on February 17, 2019.

Announcing this at a press conference in Abuja on Saturday, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, noted that technical issues with regards to the system of registration at the National Identification Management Commission was one of the major reasons for the suspension.


He cited difficulties being faced by candidates in the NIN registration, adding that the NIN requirement as a precondition for the UTME and DE registrations had been set aside for this year’s registrations.

Oloyede said the NIN would, however,  be a necessary requirement in the 2021 UTME and Direct Entry registrations.

He said plans are underway for the provision of a more advanced system that would be more efficient for the exercise.


The registrar stated, “We came to a decision yesterday (Friday) and decided that we will suspend the use of NIN as a prerequisite for the 2020 UTME and Direct Entry registrations until 2021.

“By then, all candidates would have been given one year notice to register. This does not affect our permanent and ad hoc staff who will participate in the exercise as they will require the NIN for verification.”

Oloyede disclosed that the board and the NIMC would continue to share intelligence reports as well as other plans for the smooth conduct of the exercise in the future.


He stated that the NIN as a requisite for the exercise was to tackle identity fraud during the examinations.

He added, “We have gone round and seen the passion and commitment of the candidates; the reality on the ground is that what we expect is not attainable at the moment, so we shall not inflict more pain on candidates.”

Also speaking, the Director-General of NIMC, Mr Aliyu Azeez, said that the move was necessary as the commission was overwhelmed with the exercise within the short time given.

This Day

We’ll utilise Federal allocations, IGR judiciously- Egunjobi

AgegePulse Magazine

By KAZEEM AKANDE


The Executive Chairman, Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State, Alhaji Ganiyu Egunjobi, says both the Federal and internally generated revenue accrued to the council will be utilised to meet people’s needs.

Egunjobi made the assertion at the 2020 Budget Presentation Retreat held on Thursday in Abeokuta, Ogun.

According to him, the 2020 Budget tagged "Budget of Manifestation" is to consolidate on the participatory planning process in achieving economic development.

Also, Council boss tasks health workers on punctuality, dedication.
“We would judiciously utilise our monthly statutory allocations from the Federal Government in addition to what we generate inwardly to pursue our plans and programmes.

“Also, the need to expand our revenue base cannot be overemphasised as such, we would continue to explore avenues of achieving this development,” he said.

The council chief added that the four development pillars of the Lagos State Development Plans remained the yardstick for the council’s budget in 2020 fiscal year.

Egunjobi said that Economic, Infrastructure, Social and Society; as well sustainable development would be the paramount focus of his administration.

“We would continue to pursue the said objectives in the current year.

“Participatory planning has continued to remain paramount in achieving economic growth and development,” he noted.

Egunjobi said that all developmental issues would be prioritised to ensure that all wards in the council continue to feel the impact of his administration.

The chairman said this would enhance achieving the goals and objectives of the local government in meeting the aspirations of the populace in the year.

According to him, the goals and objectives in the current year will also focus on maintenance of existing infrastructure facilities, public utilities and maintenance of a tidy environment.

Egunjobi said that provision of educational equipment and materials in all vocational centres and primary schools and continued empowerment for women and youths would be focussed on.

He added that there would be provision of drugs and other equipment for Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) and staff clinic and continued support for security service providers would also be the council’s priorities.

Primary School Head Teachers To Get Official Vehicles’ Says Sanwo-Olu

As Governor's visit boosts Teacher's Morale at ongoing Training

#AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday, made a surprise appearance at CMS Schools Complex in Bariga for an assessment of the on-going capacity building programme for all public primary school teachers across the State.

More than 2,000 teachers from all the 57 local councils are currently undergoing a two-week intensive training being held under the State Government’s Eko Excel Initiative. The programme is a key component of the Sanwo-Olu administration’s education blueprint seeking to deploy technology to fundamentally transform the basic education template, thereby improving the outcome of teaching and learning.

The State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and its technical partner, Bridge International Academies, had already trained 2,400 primary school teachers in the first tranche of the capacity building programme.

Sanwo-Olu said the training was necessary to incorporate the primary school teachers into the reforms being introduced to improve on education at the foundation level and enhance the quality of education in the State.

The Governor said his Government had concluded the plans to digitise curriculum of basic schools, noting modern techniques were being employed to maximise learning in all public-owned primary schools. He said the teachers required the training to enable them use gadgets being introduced by the Government to achieve and measure academic growth in primary schools.

He said: “We are changing the mode of instruction in our primary school and we are employing technology to achieve this. By this, we are creating a situation where school will be attractive to children, irrespective of social background. We believe the first effort to shape their future is to make them look forward to going to school every day in their formative years. When we properly prepare them at that cognitive stage, we have carved a good future for them.

“Delivering these instructions is critical. This is why we introduced this intensive training to boost the capacity of our teachers to deliver and support these children at this critical stage. We believe teachers are the first point of contact between the children and their future. The six hours spent with teachers can go a long way in shaping what the pupils will become tomorrow.”

Apart from the training, Sanwo-Olu said the Government would also be supporting the teachers with attractive welfare package that would boost their morale and enhance productivity. To better motivate the teachers and get them committed to their duty, the Governor disclosed that his administration would be introducing a vehicle scheme for head teachers to support them in delivering their responsibilities.

"They used to say that teacher's reward is in heaven. In Lagos State, all diligent teachers will get their rewards while they are alive. As a form of reward for your efforts, we are going to give head teachers official vehicles. We expect this will get you more committed to discharge your duty," he said.

Sanwo-Olu, who observed some of the training sessions, said the teachers were expected to develop on emotional intelligence after the training, which would help them focus on how best to prepare pupils in their care for learning, each day.

The teachers were also being trained on how to use a purpose-built Android tablet, which, the Governor said, was introduced to make it easy for the State to track growth and predict pupils’ performance on weekly basis. Through the gadget, Sanwo-Olu said the State would be adopting a single curriculum across schools and checking absenteeism among teachers and pupils.

He said: “The use of teacher computer will enable us to know what each teacher is teaching on daily and weekly basis. This shows that we can measure academic growth and we can predict the outcome, because all pupils are being taken through same instructions at the same time. We are expecting outcome that will propel us to another level. These are part of the progress we are going to achieve with the use of the tech gadgets as a medium to pass instructions in our basic schools.”

The unscheduled visit, however, turned to a moment of appreciation for the visibly elated teachers, who suspended the training sessions to show their gratitude to the Governor for the opportunity. The training, it was gathered, is the first in about two decades in which primary school teachers are being taken through an intensive training programme aimed at strengthening their capacity to discharge their tasks.

Accompanying the Governor on the visit include the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folashade Adefisayo, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Abosede Adelaja, and SUBEB Chairman, Hon. Wahab Alawiye-King.

Lagos announces shutdown of two strategic roads for railway project

AgegePulse Magazine

In line with the Nigerian Railway Modernization Project (Lagos-Ibadan section) with extension to Lagos Port at Apapa, the Lagos State Government has unveiled plans to shutdown PWD Level Crossing around Ikeja GRA axis on the 10th of January, 2020 and Brewery Level Crossing along Iganmu axis on the 11th of January, 2020.


The closure of the roads will be from 8:00pm to 6:00am.

A statement from the State’s Ministry of Transportation on Wednesday said alternative routes had been provided for road users to utilize during the course of construction to ensure motorists reach their various destinations with ease.

“The closure has also been slated at this time, to ensure smooth and uninterrupted flow of work on the rail tracks.

“Motorists plying Ikeja axis are advised to access their destinations via Ilupeju Level Crossing and Ikeja along Level Crossing while commuters driving along Iganmu axis inward Surulere should make use of Costain express way and Orile Express corridor, Bode Thomas Street and Eric Moore Road,” he said.

The government appealed to residents of the state, especially motorists that plied these corridors to bear the pains, as the project was aimed at achieving a seamless multi-modal transport system in the state.

“The Lagos State Government hereby appeals to road users to bear with the government as it takes steps to further create transport infrastructure that will ultimately improve the travel experience of commuters in the state,” the statement said

Lagos Panorama

LASG acquires new Vehicles, Motorbikes to combat Traffic Gridlocks

AgegePulse Magazine

The Lagos State Government today handed over 10 brand new vehicles and 26 motorbikes to the Traffic Enforcement Team assigned to unlock traffic gridlocks across the State.

During the handover ceremony at the Ministry of Transportation, Alausa Ikeja, the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde stated that the items were purchased to enable the combined Traffic Enforcement Team carry out their enforcement operations, promising that more equipment and resources would be deployed by the State Government to enhance efficiency in traffic control around the metropolis.

Oladeinde stated that the combined team approach, comprising of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Lagos State Neighborhood Corps (LNSC), Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), Nigerian Police Force and OPMESA, was adopted to tackle the hydra-headed challenge of the gridlocks and subsequently provide a holistic solution to the traffic situation in the transport sector.

The Commissioner posited that the traffic management would not stop at enforcement but extend to other areas such as reconfiguration and rehabilitation of road infrastructure, including the on-going junction improvement at critical areas to increase capacity for vehicular movements.

He lauded Governor Sanwo-Olu for his consistent support and drive towards combating traffic congestion in the metropolis, assuring that work would continue round the clock to ensure that the vision for efficient traffic management and transportation system is achieved in record time.

While expressing gratitude for provision of the vehicles and bikes, the Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Transportation, Mr. Oluwatoyin Fayinka promised that the Traffic Enforcement Team will ensure the appropriate use of the equipment for the desired purpose.

He explained that capable and responsible officers were carefully selected from all the enforcement agencies to achieve free flow of traffic, assuring that residents will notice traffic improvement within the next few weeks.

The Special Adviser appealed to officers to desist from excuses in the course of discharging their duties as monitoring teams have been set by the State Government to monitor their operational activities, warning that the vehicles and the motorbikes should be used strictly for enforcement.

The General Manager LASTMA , Mr. Olayinde Oduyoye charged officials of the Traffic Enforcement Teams to uphold the confidence reposed in them by handling the vehicles responsibly, hinting that proper use would attract more equipment for their operations.

“We will do our utmost best in ensuring the free flow of traffic in the State, we won’t return to the dredges of yesterday”, Oduyoye assured.

#LASG
#ForAGreaterLagos

Meet Lanre Ogunyemi, APC's New Secretary In Lagos State

 AgegePulse Magazine

On Wednesday, 8 January, 2020, the Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) conducted a special congress to fill the vacant positions in the party's Executive Council. Three members of the Executive Council of APC in Lagos State were appointed into the state cabinet by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

They are: Dr Wale Ahmed, Secretary; Joe Igbokwe, Publicity Secretary; and Toke Benson, Assistant Legal Officer.
In line with constitutional provisions, a special congress was thus held to fill the vacant positions.

Inaugurated as the new Secretary of the party in the state is two time member of the state House of Assembly, Honourable Micheal Olanrewaju Ogunyemi, simply known and called Lanre Ogunyemi or HLO.
A former classroom teacher,  Ogunyemi is a veteran politician despite being only in his 50s.

He started early and has always been a Progressive. He was a member of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP). He was also a member of the National Centre Party of Nigeria (NCPN), going on to become a foundling member of the Alliance for Democracy (AD).

From AD through Action Congress (AC) to Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and APC, he remained steadfast to the progressive ideals.

His political work experience started at Ojo Local Goverment where he served as Personal Assistant  (Administration) to the Late former Council Chairman, Dr. Solomon Akin-Aina.

From there, he became the state Secretary of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) Lagos, serving between 1999 and 2003.

He was then appointed the Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Otunba Olufemi Pedro from June 2003 till March 2007 when he was redeployed to the Governor's office.
Ogunyemi, a vibrant and resourceful two-term member of the Lagos State House of Assembly  (June 2011-June 2019) was Chairman Committee on Energy, Mineral Resources and Waterfront Infrastructure  (in his first term ) and Chairman, Education Committee (in his second term).

 He has impeccable record of good representation and his strides in community empowerment programmes to the aged, widowed, students, persons living with disabilities, market men and women,  the youth (vocational training), pilgrimages,  distribution of work tools to artesans, sinking of boreholes, facilitation of transformers, donation and erection of street light poles, construction of culvert, donation to other good causes, etc, are still in record.

A holder of a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education (with English Language as specialisation ) and a Master's Degree in International Relations and Strategic Studies both from Lagos State University, he has attended many conferences, seminars, workshops at home and overseas on diverse subjects.

 Ogunyemi is an attendee of University of Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education Programme on Transformational Leadership and Organisational Change ditto University of North America's International Leadership, Government Economy, Negotiation, Communication and Fundraising Summit, amongst several other international studies.

A grassroots politician of good standing and pedigree, Ogunyemi is a reliable trustee to Leadership and has served as party officer at the ward and local government levels in times past. He is  unassuming, courageous and dependable and has handled so many committee, local and state assignments with utmost credibility and commitment.
Very recently,  Ogunyemi stood in for APC in Ojo Local Goverment as LGA results collation agent for the 2019 Presidential and Governorship elections. He was an aspirant for the APC House of Representatives ticket in Ojo Federal Constituency in 2015 and 2019.
He is a distinguished alumnus award holder of the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, first ever to be so honoured, and a holder of a certificate in Public Relations from the  Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.

Lanre Ogunyemi's re-emergence as State Party Secretary, the second time in nineteen years, speaks volume about the belief of the Leadership in him and a testimony to his unflagging loyalty and pedigree.

He is a recipient of numerous awards in Leadership, Politics, Administration, Education, Community Development,  Religious Tolerance and collaboration, Representation, Philanthropy, etc.

Ogunyemi is happily married to Oluwayemisi and they have children.

Agege To Become A Business Hub, says Hon. Ayantayo

... As Egunjobi named Newly Renovated Majekodunmi Plaza after Obasa

...inspects other ongoing projects in Agege.

#AgegePulse Magazine

Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Parastatals Monitoring Office, PMO, Hon. Afolabi Ayantayo has today confidently said that Agege will soon become a 'BusinessHub' after the completion of all ongoing projects embarked upon by the all tiers of government in the country.

Ayantayo who ably represented the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu, disclosed this at the official opening of the newly renovated Agege Local Government Plaza (formerly known as Majekodunmi Plaza) now named after the Lagos Speaker Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa for public use.

He said that the facility would improve the business activities and also generates internal revenue to the Council.

He stated that at the completion of Agege Pen Cinema Fly-over bridge and the rail system by the Federal government with the complimentary infrastructural development by the Council Chairman, Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi; the standard of living of the Agege residents will increase and this will enhance the economic development in that vicinity.

Earlier, the Council Manager, Mr. Oluwafemi Esan, gave the background of the moribund state of Majekodunmi Plaza.

Esan stated that, the plaza has been under the control of a developer for decades before it was handed over to the Council management, he added that the former state of the plaza was bad.

"The Inauguration of these 74 Shops in this plaza will not only increase the IGR of the Council, but will also snowball into more projects delivery to the people of Agege at large". Mr. Esan asserted.

In another development, The Executive Chairman, Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi, alongside the Special Adviser, Agege LG Excos, Councilors and Management staff went on inspection tour at the ongoing construction of Agege LG Legislative building that has recorded about 80% completion.

At the end, the edifice got the nods of the SA to the Governor, saying "Agege is fast becoming a pacesetter in terms of infrastructural development and service to humanity".

LASIEC Chairman Confirms 4 Years Tenure For Lagos LG Chairmen, Councilors

AgegePulse Magazine

The Chairman, Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), Hon.Justice Ayotunde Phillips(Retd) has directed her staff to buckle-up at work this year in preparation for next year's local government elections in the state.

In her new year message to LASIEC staff, the retired bencher urged them to improve on their work abilities in readiness for the conduct of a free and fair local government elections in 2021.

This development has however put paid to the controversy over the tenure of local government Chairmen and Councilors which the State House of Assembly had increased from three to four years per term and signed into law with the consent of the former Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode.


Online

Agege LG Holds First Procurement Committee Retreat

...As Lagos Procurement Boss Commends Egunjobi

AgegePulse Magazine

In ensuring the Council develop a value for money and Transparency system in delivering quality public infrastructure to the people of Agege, LGA, Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi's led administration yesterday held first procurement planning committee retreat in Agege.

The event was held at Dami Event Centre, Lagos Street, Akilo, Agege, Lagos.

The Council Procurement Officer, Mr. S.O. Tiamiyu, in a welcome address, stated that it is imperative for every local government to have what is called "Needs Assessment" that would ensure a prudent spending of a Council funds at all times.

He said that, the objective of procurement planning retreat " is to enable the Local Government plan the projects and services it intends to render to its citizenry with the view to deliver the dividends of democracy to the grassroots, which this administration policy is premised on".
"This is first and unprecedented in the history of the Council". Tiamiyu said.

Guest Speaker, General Manager, Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, LSPPA, Mr. Onafowote Fatai Idowu, ably represented by Mr. Subair Akintunde, Head Monitoring, Enforcement & Compliance Public Procurement Agency, commended Egunjobi's led administration over the level of projects implementation delivered so far by the council.

He urged the council management to key into the system of Lagos State PPA law and Local Government guidelines to ensure "Value For Money" of Government funds. Adding that public procurement system would enable a level playing ground for contractors to bid for government jobs with quality service delivery.

In a remark, the Executive Chairman, Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi stated that, "an effective and efficient procurement planning will enables the procuring entity and its staff to work smoothly to achieve the organizational goals with the right quantity and quality of input in place and at the right price".

He added that "Needs Assessment and Best Value for Money will always come first in the course of delivering infrastructural development to the grassroots and people of Agege".

Egunjobi commended the initiative of the procurement officer and promised to make it an annual event as a platform to dissect the need assessment and prioritize the council's projects and services in every fiscal year.

Sanwo-Olu Empowers 1050 Vulnerable Women, Artisans

...Gov Vows To Eradicate Poverty Through Socio-Economic Programmes

#AgegePulse Magazine

In fulfilment of his pledge to end poverty through the implementation of socio-economic empowerment programs, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday empowered a total of 1,050 vulnerable and indigent residents in the state.

The Governor, who promised to uplift the living standards of the citizens at the inception of his administration kept part of the promise through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

The government achieved the feat by working with various associations across the State, who in turn reached out to the beneficiaries.

The event, which held at De Blue Roof in Lagos Television Complex, Ikeja, marked a turning point for thousands of residents who could not hide their admiration for Governor Sanwo-Olu and his administration.

The Governor noted that the programme is in line with the foundational ideology of his political party, the All Progressives Congress, adding that it is an attempt to boost the economy of the most vulnerable in the society.

According to him: “One of the key functions of government is to bring the greatest good to the greatest number of the people. Living in poverty, or on the edge of poverty, is akin to being submerged in water, struggling to stay afloat. Poverty alleviation seeks to ensure that every person in the water is helped out, onto a boat, where they can then get a chance to take charge of their lives and their journeys henceforth.

“What we are doing here today therefore is lending a hand, to pull the most vulnerable people among us out of the water, in line with our campaign promises and the manifesto of our great party, the All Progressives Congress.

“It is therefore in line with this foundational ideology that, today, over 1,050 Lagosians made up of vulnerable women, indigent residents, as well as graduates of skill acquisition centres will be receiving requisite support to lift them out of poverty and set them firmly on the journey to financial/economic independence.”

The Governor stated that women empowerment shall remain a top priority of his administration, adding that any society that neglects the full potentials of its female population is guilty of short-changing itself.

The Governor said that no part of Lagos was left out as the Mega Empowerment programme covers all the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the State.

He further stated that the programme would be done on a quarterly basis.

Beneficiaries received, in addition to financial support, business support tools and equipment such as grinding machines, hair dressing tools, sewing machines, tyre repair kits, among other materials.

Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Cecilia Dada, explained that women form the backbone of economy in Lagos State and the current administration is ready to place women where they belong.

She said: “It is an established fact that the economic activities of the women often times constitute the back bone of our economy. Studies have shown that increasing women's economic opportunities is the key to poverty reduction and economic growth. Lagos firmly believes that women's economic empowerment is a crucial pillar of sustainable development and poverty alleviation.

Vulnerable women, indigent residents, unemployed graduates of Skill Acquisition Centers, artisans that cannot set themselves up and religious groups were part of the beneficiaries of this empowerment.

Other dignitaries that graced the occasion include the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, members of the State Executive Council and other top functionaries in State.

Tinubu finally speaks about 2023 presidential election

AgegePulse Magazine

National leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday cautioned against the haste in debating which zone of the country should produce the next president now.

Tinubu, who spoke with State House correspondents after a closed door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, said such would affect the pace of governance by President Mohammadu Buhari’s government.

He cautioned that discussing 2023 the presidency would distract the government from providing people-oriented services such as roads, and other development agenda of the administration.

NewsNG.

Church-ownership Dispute: Pastor Stabs Wife, Self To Death In Front Of Congregants

AgegePulse Magazine

A Christian cleric did what many would consider an abomination on Sunday, 5 January, 2020: he stabbed his wife to death and committed suicide by slitting his own throat on the pulpit.

The pastor was reported to have committed the sacrilege with knives hidden under his shirt.

The church where the incident happened was co-founded by the pastor and his wife.
The incident took place at the second largest city in Kenya, Mombasa.

The heinous act was committed in the presence of stupefied congregants who had gathered for the day’s service.

Congregants at the church told journalists that Elisha Misiko was seated on the front pew when he walked over to his wife Ann Mghoi – who was at the pulpit – and stabbed her using knives hidden under his shirt.

He then stabbed himself in the stomach and slit his throat as congregants rushed to the pulpit.

He died on the spot while his wife died in hospital.

The couple was separated and had a quarrel over who should be in charge of the church, according to the Daily Nation newspaper.

The Gazelle News

Community Service: Elephant Club of Ogba Donates Items Worth N1.5m to schools in Agege, Lagos

AgegePulse Magazine

The Elephant Club of Ogba, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has donated items worth N1. 5 million, for community schools in Ogba, and its environs to enhance learning and teaching.

It was reported that 14 primary schools within and outside Ogba and Agege communities benefited from the kind gesture at a ceremony held at the Ogba Ashade Palace, to impact pupils in Agege Local Government, Orile Agege, Ikeja and also extend to community Primary School, Ijoko, Ota, Ogun State.



Prince Jelili Ashade, the Adele of Ogba, in his remarks thanked the NGO for the kind gesture by donating to the school for the benefit of the children.

Ashade, who is also a member of the club, said that the donated items would go a long way in enhancing both the teaching and learning process in the schools.

“The items will go a long way to help both the teachers and the pupils in the classrooms.



“The generators and the printers donated would would help the schools print their documents, examination and text papers, without stress or delay.

“I just want to advise both the teachers and the pupils to make good use of the opportunity and ensure they are used for the right purposes.



Mr Wole Ogunlolu, the guest speaker at the occasion, also advised the pupils, to always read their books, instead of spending most of their valuable time on social media.

Ogunlolu, who is the founder, Centre For The Redemption of Yoruba Civilisation Art (CRYCAT), urged the pupils to cultivate the habit of reading from primary school level, rather than focusing on what is going on social media.

Mr Alilu Salau, the Chairman, Elephant Club Ogba, in his own remarks thanked the Almighty God for giving the club the opportunity to dish out, such items to the school children in the community.

“We just concluded grassroots football, where the winning team was rewarded N500,000, the second position got N250, 000 and the third position got N100,000.

“This is another programme for the school children in the community, where the schools will benefit from the generators, printers and other items; to help them in the learning process in their schools.

“We are praying that more items will be donated at next event; so that more schools in the community will benefit,” he said.

One of the beneficiaries, Bakare Hikmat, a Pupil from Al-hikmat Primary School Ogba, thanked the organisers for the kind gesture to the school.

According to her, the items will go a long way in assisting them in both learning and teaching process.

Ashade Fatia, another pupil from Anwar-Ul- Islam Primary School Ogba Ashade, also commended the organisers, saying the first aid box, Exercise books and other items donated would help the school.

Nwankwo Chiamaka, a pupil from Local Government Primary School Agege, also thanked the Elephant Club, for their humanitarian gesture to the school.

Edited b y Olabisi Akinbode/Ifeyinwa Omowole

Sports: Pokilee FC wins N500,000 for 2019/20 Bet9ja Elephant Cup

AgegePulse Magazine

Pokilee Football Club of Ifako Ijaiye in Lagos State has won the 2019/20 Bet9ja Elephant Cup, a five-a-side grassroots soccer tournament defeating Oloke FC, Oshodi in the final match by two goals to one.

The match was held on Friday evening at the Ashade Ogba Palace playing ground in Agege Local Government area of the state.

Pokilee FC, was one of the 14 teams, drawn on Oct. 14 to groups to kick start the five-a-side grassroots soccer tournament.

Pokilee FC emerged victorious through penalty kicks after the 20 – 20 minutes encounter could not produce the winner.

The Pokilee FC was rewarded with cash prize of N500,000, while the second Oloke FC, Oshodi and the third place winner, Successful FC got N250,000 and N100,000 respectively.

In his post-match remarks, Mr Alilu Salau, Chairman of Elephant Club, thanked God for the success of the league.

Salau said that the competition had been in existence for the past 22 years at the same venue, and keep improving on it every year.

“I appreciate and thank all the teams that participated in the league from the beginning, for their sportsmanship and fair play attitude during the matches.

“The game went well and the players show some level of maturity during the tournament.

“We also thanked the supporters and the spectators for their peaceful conduct and coexistence during and after the matches,” he said.

Also, Rasheed Olalekan, the Best Goal Keeper of the tournament, thanked God for the success of his team to win the 2019/20 league.

“Though, it is not easy, God saw us through. We thanked all our sponsors, supporters and organisers of the game for giving us the opportunity to showcase our talents,” Olalekan said.

Commenting, Adetobi Osadipe, a representative of Nigerbev, one of the sponsors of the competition, thanked youths in the community for their participation in the grassroots football league.

“In fact, this league is fantastic; it was well organised and all the supporters were very friendly; there was no violence; everything went on smoothly in spite of the venue being crowded environment,” Osadipe

Education: LASG Welcomes Students back to School for 2nd Term, 2019/2020 Academic Session

AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo has welcomed students of both Public and Private Schools as they return to school for the 2nd Term 2019/2020 Academic Session on Monday, January 6.

A statement issued on behalf of the Commissioner by the Director-General, Office of Education Quality Assurance, Mrs. Abiola Seriki-Ayeni clarified that students of Private Schools and Public Senior Secondary Schools will resume on Monday 6th January, 2020 while all Public Primary School students are expected to return for classes on Monday 20th January, 2020.

The release urged all students in boarding school to return to their hostels by Saturday 4th January, 2020.

The Commissioner advised Proprietors and School Administrators to ensure strict compliance with the Lagos State Government academic calendar/resumption dates, wished them a successful academic session and solicited their support in maintaining the high educational standards in Lagos State.

#LASG
#ForAGreaterLagos

LASEMA Recovers First Y2020 Road Crash at Ile Zik

...'Ember Months' is a Myth-DG LASEMA Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu

AgegePulse Magazine

While still celebrating the successful cross over into the new year, LASEMA Response Team from it's Cappa Base made the Agency's first recovery of the year at  Ile Zik Inward Dopemu, along Lagos – Abeokuta expressway yesterday.

Upon arrival at the scene of the incident for recovery operation in what turned out to be the first incident of Year2020, it was discovered by the Response Team that the containerized truck with unknown registration fell on it's side due to mechanical malfunction, constituting obstruction to vehicular activities along the express road.

However, no loss of lives were recorded, nor were injuries sustained during the successful recovery operation conducted using the Agency's heavy duty equipment - the Super Metro, to recover the containerized truck off the express road.

Commenting on the incident, the DG/CEO of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu said that scientifically, this most recent incident has further debunked the mythical assertions to the "ember" months to which a lot of people erroneously attribute road crashes and other disasters.

"Scientifically, this accident of the containerized truck with unknown registration that fell on it's side on first day of the Year2020, did not fall due to the date or months of this new year, rather, it fell due to the fact that the truck developed a mechanical malfunction.

"This incident goes to prove that if this, and other truck owners do the needful in terms of proper maintenance of their fleet, training and retraining of their drivers, as well as ensuring that appropriate precautions are taken, such incidents will surely be averted to it's barest minimum, if not completely eradicated.

" This is why LASEMA is moving on to it's next level of incident prevention this Year2020 with increased enlightenment and even it's catch-them-young School Advocacy programs in order to educate the upcoming generation and inculcate appropriate safety precautions in their lifestyles from their growing years, so that they will not depart from it when they are fully formed".

Going further, Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu asserted that it was important to enlighten the present population of active adults on safety measures, prevention of emergencies and by extension, disasters, continuing that several scientific researches has proven that it takes a minimum of ten years - one decade, to achieve attitudinal change.

" Due to the long time it takes to achieve attitudinal change, it's also imperative that we go beyond this present generation of adults to groom the upcoming generations on safety measures, emergency/disaster prevention, at home, schools, corporate offices, places of worship with large gatherings of people. Today's children are tomorrow's adults which makes it imperative that they must be included in LASEMA's emergency/disaster prevention programs because Emergency/Disaster Management is Everyone's Business".

Aside the LASEMA Rescue Team that performed the successful operation, other responders present at the incident scene  included LASTMA, FRSC and officers of the Nigerian Police Force who were controlling traffic, while the Police also provided security all through the recovery operation.

NOS∆ OKUNBOR

JAMB Announced 2020 UTME/DE Registration & Examination Date

AgegePulse Magazine

The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the dates for the commencement of the 2020 JAMB UTME/DE Sales of form, registration, and examination.

This was disclosed by the JAMB Registrar, Prof Is-haq Oloyede at a stakeholders’ meeting on Monday in Abuja, where he met with Commissioners for Education from the 36 states.

According to Prof Is-haq Oloyede, the registration for the UTME would start on January 13 and end on February 17, 2020; while the examination will hold between March 14 and April 4, 2020.

He noted that an optional mock examination for candidates will take place on February 18, 2020....READ MORE http://bit.ly/2twgp7C

Lagos Reporters

Agege Pen Cinema Flyover Will be Ready by July, Says Sanwo-Olu

AgegePulse

Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has assured residents and motorists that the Agege Pen Cinema flyover bridge will be completed and commissioned for use by June ending or early July 2020.

The governor, who toured the project site on Friday in company of his cabinet members, said the bridge has reached 70 percent completion.

He stated June/July date was the commitment given by the contractors.

Sanwo-Olu also visited on-going work at the first segment of construction at the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, which is open to motorists.

The Agege Pen Cinema flyover, which connects Oba Ogunji road where it takes off and drops off at Agunbiade on the other side, also has a railway underpass and three abatements, splitting into adjoining streets all around Agege Pen Cinema.

Sanwo-Olu said: “At the completion not only would we see a major traffic gridlock improvement, we would also see real estate value coming back to the entire neighbourhood here and you could see better quality of life because it is all geared to ensure we continue to build smart environment and smart cities.

“This is one of the major flyovers happening right in the midst of Agege, so what it speaks to is the fact that what is good for the people on the Island is also good for my people right here.

“You can see road infrastructure, bridge infrastructure, all three coming to solve traffic, transportation and movement of human beings from one point to the other, and you can see economies, businesses coming up to flourish here.”

He appealed to citizens and residents around the area to bear with the government a little bit more and to exercise more patience and cooperate with the contractor, who has engaged many of them on site.

At the Lagos-Badagry expressway, the governor warned residents and motorists around Mazamaza- Alakija- Agboju against indiscriminate dumping of refuse, open defecation, illegal parking of tankers and trucks among other traffic and environmental nuisances on the expressway.

Sanwo-Olu noted that government has kept its promise made in July 2019 to deliver, quality, motorable roads to residents of the area, vowing to intensify enforcement of the state’s traffic and environmental laws.

According to him, before the end of the third quarter of this year, construction work will be concluded on the four point seven kilometres stretch of the Expressway from Agboju to LASU Gate.

The Governor, who was accompanied by his Deputy, Obafemi Hamzat and some cabinet members noted that the projects will ease gridlocks and boost economic activities in the areas.

#ForAGreaterLagos

Awori Street, Morkaz, Taiwo Dada, Others To Experience 10 Days BlackOut

AgegePulse Magazine

The management of Ikeja Electric has taken to Twitter in the early hours of today to announce that there will be an interruption of power supply to certain areas under its network for a period of 10 days, due to planned outage that would result from the installation of new 11KV panels at Mangoro Injection Substation to boost the power supply in these areas.

On the official account of the Ikeja Electric Plc, @IkejaElectric, they tweeted:

“Dear Esteemed Customer,
1. This is to notify you that there will be an interruption of power supply to your area between Monday, 6th and Thursday, 16th of January 2020, to enable us install new 11KV panels at Mangoro Injection Substation to boost power supply to your area.”

“2. The outage will affect Onilekere, Sodeke, Onipetesi, Valley View, Santos Layout, Sunday Farm, parts of Dopemu Road, Oniwaya Road and Aluminium Village, Capitol Road, Sule, Arigidi and parts of Sebiotimo Streets.”

“3. Others include Adegbola, Ajakaiye, Ikuomola, Ni Olagoke, Abimbola, Oseni, Markaz, Akinjobi, Taiwo Dada, Owo, Ogunwo, Awori, Abeje, Yekinni and Olagoke Streets.
We solicit your understanding and assure you that power will be fully restored as soon as the work is completed.”

Lagos Public Servants to Receive Three Months Minimum Wage Arrears

AgegePulse Magazine

Public Servants in Lagos State began the New Year with a commitment by the State Government to pay a 3-month arrears of the new minimum wage, the implementation of which took off in November 2019.

Speaking today at the 2020 Annual First Working Day Thanksgiving for Public Servants in the State, the Deputy Governor stated that the gesture was in recognition of the significant contributions and commitment of the public service to the realization of the goals and aspirations of the Sanwo-Olu Administration.

According to him, “We do this because we know this is the best public service in the country. The skill is there and the capability to deliver.”

While promising that the state government is committed to the completion of some major projects like the Blue Line Rail, Red Line and the Bus Rapid Transit; which will have a multiplier effects on wellbeing of the citizens, the deputy governor solicited the continued support and cooperation of the public servants to deliver on the projects.

He emphasized that in line with the present administration’s commitment to better the lots of Lagosians, the state government has increased budgetary provisions to Works and Infrastructure, Health and Education adding that if Lagos gets everything right, Nigeria will get it right.

Noting the importance and strategic position of Lagos and Nigeria in the socio-economic and political development in Africa, the deputy governor urged public servants to do the right thing, work hard and pray.

Saying, “If Lagos don’t do well, Nigeria will not do well and if Lagos do well, Nigeria will do. We are the key to the success of Nigeria and Nigeria is the faith of the Black race. So, we must be upright, do the right thing; obey traffic rules and other regulations”

In his remarks, the Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola disclosed that in consonance with the new Minimum Wage Act, the state Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has approved the payment of additional three months’ salary arrears to state public servants.

He stated that the acknowledgement of the pivotal role of the public servants in the implementation of the T.H.E.M.E.S was responsible for the payment of the 3 months arrears.

The Head of Service declared that the state government had prioritized the continuous and sustained training based on robust learning and development policy, budgetary provision and staff welfare oriented policies.

He urged workers to also improve the quality of service delivery and uphold the long-standing traditions of the public service namely the ethics and ethos of discipline, honesty, integrity and transparency.

According to the Head of Service, “In moving ahead towards successfully taking Lagos State closer to our shared vision of a cleaner, smarter and more habitable city through the highest standards of quality service delivery, it is imperative that we all recognize the critical importance of updating our knowledge, skills and competences.”

In their exhortations, the Islamic and Christian clerics charged public servants to do something good in the New Year and be more dedicated to their duties.

Highlight of the event was the offering of prayers for the Governor, the Deputy Governor, the State Executive Council, and the State Public Service in general.

Proposed NOUN centre will create employment for Agege residents – LG chairman, monarch

AgegePulse Magazine

Alhaji Ganiyu Egunjobi, the Chairman, Agege Local Government Council says the proposed National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Study Centre in Agege community will create employment for hundreds of residents of the community.

Egunjobi made this known in an interview with the Nigeria News Agency in Lagos on Wednesday.

The Nigeria News Agency reports that the NOUN management had in November solicited the council’s support to establish a study centre in the area.

Also, Badagry LG boss offers 5 graduating students immediate employment.
The council chairman was optimistic that many youths would benefit from such a development in Agege community.

“This is a welcome development in Agege area. With such a learning institution coming to our community, many of our youths will be employed.

“Such an institution will also improve the economic standard of the area in terms of demand and supply of goods and services.

“The university authorities have reached an understanding with the management of Agege Local Government Area to site a study centre in the suburb,’’ he said.

According to him, part of the agreements reached was the constitution of a six-man committee comprising of three from each side, charged with drafting a Memorandum of Understanding that will be binding on both parties.

He said the parties decided that the council would provide land on which the study centre would be built, while NOUN would construct the buildings.

Egunjobi said that the university authorities conceded to the council’s demand to have Agege residents dominate the centre’s workforce, particularly the non-academic staff when it comes into operation.

NAN reports that the Olu of Agege Kingdom, Oba Kamila Oyedeji-Isiba, recently received a delegation of the Advocacy Committee of the university in his palace.

The delegation was led by the Director of the Lagos Study Centre, Prof Abubakar Sulaimon.

The monarch appreciated the management of the school for counting Agege worthy of having a study centre of the university.

He pledged his total support toward realising the goals of the university and assured the university authorities of his people’s warm hospitality afterGB CNN establishing the study centre in Agege.

Edited by: Adeleye Ajayi
(NAN)

LASG Announces Road Closure along Agege Motor Road Axis for Railway Modernisation Project

AgegePulse Magazine

The Lagos State Government has announced that the Adejobi axis of Agege Motor Road will be closed on the 4th of January, 2020 from 6.00pm to 12.00pm the next day for activities related to the modernisation project of the Lagos-Ibadan section as well as its extension to Lagos Port/Apapa rail tracks at the Level Crossing.

A statement issued by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation appealed to residents, especially motorists plying the corridor to bear the pains, noting that the project is aimed at achieving a seamless multi-modal transport system in the State.

According to the statement, alternative routes have been provided for road users during the course of construction, including Ashade Underpass and Fagba Crossing, to ensure motorists reach their various destinations with ease.  

The release said the government is taking steps to create proper road infrastructure that will ultimately improve the traffic situation and facilitate the free flow of traffic within the State.

#LASG
#ForAGreaterLagos
#SolvingLagosTraffic

Relief For Lagosians, As Lagos Lawmakers Amends Land Use Charge Law 2018

AgegePulse Magazine

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have amended the Land Use Charge Law, 2018 and for connected purposes.

The 6 Man Ad Hoc Committee, Chaired by Hon. Rotimi Olowo, presented the report of the findings of the Committee to Members at the Plenary today.

According to him, the House in response to the outcry of residents on some sections in the Principal Law on Land Use Charge, 2018, organised a Public Hearing to ensure public participation.

During the presentation of the report, the Chairman of the 6 Man Ad Hoc Committee, Hon. Olowo highlighted observations made by the participants at the Public Hearing some of which are;

According to him, Section 1(2), “Pensioner” should be redefined to include all retirees resident in the State from Federal and State Institutions and from both Private and Corporate organizations domiciled in the State;

The public hearing revealed that the Increase is generally perceived to be arbitrary and unrealistic in a recessed economy and the State Government should revert to status quo of the Land Use Charge for 2017;

Similarly, it was agreed by participants and stakeholders that vacant plot of land and unoccupied properties should be exempted from the Land Use Charge liabilities;

The Committee also posited that Section 17(c) (i) there is no need for 50% payment by an aggrieved owners over disputed charges before their eligibility to appeal; while aggrieved residents/owners should pay the preceding year’s charges while the disputed charges are being resolved; amongst others.

The Committee however, recommended that as from the commencement of this Law; there should be proper classification of commercial and residential properties in the State for the purpose of levying charges in accordance with the provision of this Law by the property identification officers of the Ministry;

He further recommended that there shall be twenty percent (20%) increase from the fees chargeable before the repeal of the Land Use Charge Law Ch. L79 2015, and the increment referred to in sub-section (1) above shall be renewable every ten (10) years; Pensioner should be replaced with a person who retires from a Pensionable Office; The owner of the property is liable to pay Land Use Charge in respect of any taxable property;

It should be noted that from the date when Land Use Charge is levied on a property in accordance with this Law, the provisions of the Assessment Law, Land Rates Law, Neighborhood Improvement Charge Law and any amendments made pursuant to it shall cease to apply to that property amongst other recommendations.

The House therefore adopted the recommendations as amended as resolution of the House.

It would be recalled that the House at the Plenary Session of Monday, 19th March, 2018 constituted a 6 Man Ad Hoc Committee to further look into the Bill and report its findings.

NASFAT bans Dec 31st/Jan 1st cross over Tahajjud

AgegePulse Magazine

Prominent Islamic organisation, NASFAT, has banned its branches from holding December 31st/January 1 cross over tahajjud.

This was contained in a memo obtained by iWitness NG.

Read the memo below:

Date:25/12/2019

From:The Mission Board Secretariat

To:All Missioners(Branch,Assistant, zonal and National)

Subject:December 31st/January 1st cross over Tahajjud program. A Reminder of its prohibition.

Salam alaykum wa rahmatul laah wa baarakatuhu, 

I write to remind us all that the above-mentioned type of tahajjud is not one of NASFAT programmes and thus no Branch of NASFAT Society is allowed to hold such in any manner.

It has come to the notice of the office of the Chief Missioner that some branches do organize this tahajjud under the disguise that they are holding other NASFAT-accepted socio-religious functions. This is not acceptable and I have the instruction of the CM to inform us that any Missioner that does otherwise will be sanctioned appropriately.

Missioners having any challenge on this in their Branches are to bring this to the notice of the Chief Missioner through the National Dawah Officer/Mission Board Secretary.

May Allah ease our affairs.

Animashaun Uthman
National Dawah Officer/Secretary,Mission Board

IWitness

School feeding: FG pays food suppliers in 33 states

AgegePulse Magazine

The Federal Government on Sunday said it had paid suppliers of foodstuff and cooks in 33 participating states under the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Farouq, said the payment, which was for January 2020, would ensure that the feeding of the 9.9 million pupils in the 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory starts immediately schools resume in two weeks time.

She explaining that the payment covered the cost of feeding the school pupils in the participating states, adding that the funds were released in December to give the suppliers and cooks adequate time to procure and stock foodstuff.

Farouq said, “We believe that paying these funds early is critical to the success of the programme. We do not want any hitches and we want to ensure that the  school children are fed on time and without any excuses.”

The minister warned that the Federal Government would not accept any drop in the nutritional quality of the meals given to the children.

She said the Federal Government had gladly received reports of improved attendance in the schools and improved hygiene among the pupils.

These outcomes, according to Farouq, were some of the reasons for setting up the school feeding programme.

She noted that under the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme a total of 9,963,726 pupils were fed in 54,942 schools across the country and were served by 107,862 suppliers and cooks.

The programme is one of the components of the National Social Investment Programme of the Federal Government.

The NSIP, which was previously under the Presidency, was recently moved to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.


Punch

Lagos Deputy Gov arrests drivers for driving against traffic

AgegePulse Magazine

The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, on Saturday apprehended two commercial drivers and their buses for driving against traffic.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, the commercial drivers were apprehended at Majidun area of Ikorodu, on the outskirts of Lagos.

The buses with registration numbers, FKJ 704 XK and FKJ 864 XV were driving inward Ikorodu using the outward Ikorodu Lane.

The two buses and the drivers were handed over to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) at Owode Onirin police station for necessary actions.

LASG Begins Demolition of Illegal Shanties, Shops

AgegePulse Magazine

...over 2500 illegal structures removed

The operatives of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit (Taskforce) over the weekend began the demolition of all illegal structures, shanties, kiosks and containarised shops at 'Marwa Waterside' area of Lekki, Lagos

Speaking on the demolition, the Chairman of the Agency, CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi disclosed that the exercise became imperative in preparation for the construction of a coastal road which will serve as an alternative route for the Lekki-Epe Expressway and enhance free flow of traffic on that corridor.

According to Egbeyemi, “Illegal business operators like Iron benders, Mechanics, food/fruits vendors and others were served a seven-day 'Removal Notice' by the government to remove their property and vacate the entire area and it expired on Thursday, 19th of December, 2019.

It was an eye-sore as these illegal artisans, food vendors and others littered the entire area with refuse and waste materials.

Investigation conducted revealed that none of these occupants and illegal business operators have any permit from the State Government as miscreants freely smoke and sell Indian hemp as well as engage in prostitution around residential premises.

The Taskforce confirmed that after the expiration of the removal order, the government still gave these illegal squatters additional eight days grace to vacate the entire area before embarking on the clean-up exercise as well as clampdown on all criminal elements disturbing law-abiding residents within Marwa waterside and the entire Lekki axis.

He implored all illegal occupants on any of the government lands/property to immediately vacate same as it would not be business as usual across the State.