10 Things You Should Know Before Getting JAMB UTME Form

AgegePulse Magazine

JAMB UTME registrations and exam are here again. A lot of candidates do not get proper counselling before buying the form. Hence, they make huge mistakes that could easily be avoided.

Some attendants at the various CBT centres do not also help matters as they are supposed to guide JAMB candidates during the registration; although, the CBT centres are mostly crowded so the registration is usually done in a hurry.

In this article, we will guide you on the most important things to consider before buying the JAMB UTME form.

Reading this article to the end could save you from future mishaps.

1. NIN is not Compulsory

Few days to the commencement of the 2020 UTME and Direct entry form sales, the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB cancelled the provision of a National Identification Number (NIN) as a requirement for registration.



However, the Board said it will be compulsory in the next JAMB.

If you have not registered for your National Identification Number, this is the best time to register as there will be fewer queues.


2. Register with your Correct Details.

Some candidates make mistakes while registering for JAMB. Mistakes such as wrong name arrangements, date of birth, state of origin and local government are the most common.

Any mistake here could cost you extra to change in the future or disqualify you from getting admission completely.

Before going for the registration, you should ask your parents or guardian for this information.

Your name arrangement and spelling should tally with the name on your SSCE result and birth certificate. Surnames always comes first.

While registering for JAMB, you will be required to send an SMS with your full name to 55019. Your surname should come first, followed by your first name and then your middle name.

Your surname (also known as last name) is the same thing as your family name. Your First name is the name you are usually called (not your surname) and your middle name is your second name.

Most people use their native names as their middle name.

To be on the safer side, check your SSCE result or birth certificate to see how it was arranged.

We have laid much emphasis on the name arrangement and spelling; do not ignore the other aspects of the biodata which include your date of birth, state of origin and local government.

3. Your School of Choice Matters.

If one of your choice of institution is a Federal school, you need to prepare harder due to stiff competition.

In Nigeria, a lot of parents encourage their children to apply for Federal government universities or polytechnics because of the cost (mostly cheap) and quality of education compared to state-owned institutions.

This results in a higher number of applicants vetting for admission in Federal government schools.

AgegePulse learnt that, every institution has the capacity of students it can admit. When this limit is reached, the school can no longer admit students.

In a nutshell, if you really want to get admitted into a Federal University or Polytechnic, you have to prepare harder, smarter and score higher.

However, this does not mean that all state-owned tertiary institutions do not have a high number of candidates applying.

For example, The Lagos State University and Lagos State Polytechnic are both owned by the Lagos state government and they have a very large number of applicants every year.

4. Your Course is Saturated.

There is a usual trend in JAMB UTME every year; so many candidates apply for a few courses.

Most art students want to study Mass Communication, thereby neglecting other Art inclined courses like Philosophy, Linguistics e.t.c

The same thing is applicable to both science and commercial students.

If you have made up your mind to study that competitive course you have in mind, prepare harder because the road is tough. If not, you could apply for a less competitive course.

Finding a less competitive course is not like seeking gold, it’s actually easier than you think.

So how do I find a course with less competition?

Search online for the previous cut off marks of the school you want to apply for. Courses with low cut off marks usually have low applicants.

5. Know the Correct Subject Combinations.

Imagine after picking the perfect school and perfect course then you choose the wrong subject combination.

God will forgive you but your school of choice won’t.

These schools are looking for the slightest opportunity to disqualify you. And trust me, they will if you do this kind of mistake.

Before buying the JAMB UTME form, make sure you know the correct O’level and JAMB subject combination of the course you want to apply for.

You can find this information on the JAMB brochure, the website of the school you want to apply for or online when you search Google.

The best option would be a JAMB brochure or the school website.

You could also join the Facebook groups of the school you intend to study at and interact with the members in the group.

If you want to study at any school in Lagos state, join our Facebook community to interact with members of various tertiary institutions in Lagos state..

6. Your First Choice Matters.

Here is a not so popular fact; No school accepts the second choice option. That’s a direct order from JAMB.

To be admitted into any school, you have to make that school your first choice.

Here’s a tip.

Most Universities in Nigeria do not accept below 200 in JAMB.

So, if you scored below 200, you can get a JAMB change of institution form and make another school your first choice; a school that accepts below 200 or a polytechnic.

You can change your institution as many times as possible.

7. Know your Exam Date, Time and Venue.

Once you have completed your registration, you should see your exam date, time and venue on the registration slip.

If you don’t see it immediately, you will have to reprint your JAMB UTME exam slip on a later date that would be announced by JAMB.

It is always a good idea to visit the exam venue before the day of the exam especially if you have not been to that city or state before. This would help you locate the venue easily on the day of the exam.

Try to be at the exam venue at least 30 minutes before the exam time.

This would help you to be more relaxed when you get into the exam hall.

8. Attend JAMB Lessons.

Passing JAMB UTME exam is not rocket science. The earlier you begin to prepare for JAMB the better for you.

Here are some tips to take;

Find a good JAMB tutorial centre around you to attend.

Practice the JAMB CBT software on a computer (you could go to a cyber café that has the software installed to practice).
Practice JAMB Past questions.
Read and understand the JAMB novel assigned for this year.

Concentrate more on the subjects you are already good at while studying (at least 3 subjects including English language).
Reduce your social media usage during this period.

9. Price of the Form.

The price of JAMB form has reduced. Candidates are to pay 3,500 Naira to purchase the registration pin, 500 Naira for the compulsory reading text and 700 Naira for CBT centre charges.

The total price of the form and registration will cost you 4,700 Naira.
Please note that you can register for the JAMB UTME exam only at an accredited JAMB CBT centre.

10. Stay Informed.

The battle doesn’t end at having a high score in the JAMB UMTE exam.

You also have to keep yourself updated with the latest events in your school of choice.

This way, you get to know when the school commences sales of its post-UTME form.

It won’t be nice to go through all the stress of getting a good grade in JAMB and then miss the post-UTME exam.

Conclusion.

A lot of candidates made this mistake in previous years and some of them are still writing JAMB UTME exam while some are finally in school but it took them many years of trying.

You don’t have to follow that part.

Smart people learn from the mistakes of others.

We noticed that a lot of candidates make this mistake, so we took a little bit of our time to compile this post.

You have this list of nine things you should know before getting JAMB UTME form. Learn from them and don’t make the same mistake.

LagSchools
AgegePulse

Fashola narrates how robbers attacked him, backs Okada ban

AgegePulse Magazine

Published February 6, 2020

     

Sodiq Oyeleke

The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, says the use of motorcycles (Okada) as a major means of transportation is not in the plan of Lagos State and should be banned.

He spoke at a public lecture organised by the United Action for Change in Lagos on Thursday.

It will be recalled that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State had banned the operations of motorcycle and tricycle in 15 Local Government Development Areas and Local Council Development Areas, including highways and major roads in Lagos State.

The ban, however, has generated controversies and mixed reactions from residents of Lagos and other Nigerians.

Since the enforcement of the ban, residents complained of gridlock, hike in transportation fare and unavailability of vehicles to convey them to their destination.

But Fashola said rather than reduce crime, motorcycles aid it.

During his eight-year tenure as the Lagos State Governor, Fashola also banned Okadas.

“If you are concerned about security you must support the present Lagos governor now on Okada ban. As the Center of Excellence, motorcycles should not be our choice of transport,” he added.

He also advised the Lagos State Government enforcement of the law, saying, “We are more focused on launch enforcement and increasing the numbers of policemen. Capacity development is great but security is more than law enforcement.”

While giving reasons for his support for Okada ban, Fashola narrated that he was once robbed in his home.

He said Okada riding also aided crisis and caused youths not to explore other productive ways of generating income.

He said, “Do we stand in reacting mode or proactive mode. If reacting, there is already a victim and a criminal. If we are proactive then how long can we sustain that?

“Motorcycles are means of peddling drugs to children even under the watch of parents without knowing.

I’ve always held this position. Motorcycle has always been a conduit pipe for the opioid crisis among youths. We must act to eliminate anonymity.

“I was robbed in my home, in fact on my bed in 1999. Organised crime is dynamic, criminals are aware that people don’t keep money at home again, now they diversified into kidnapping people for ransom.”

Punch Newspaper

LASTMA DEBUNKS SOCIAL MEDIA REPORT ON BAN OF TRAFFIC OFFICERS

AgegePulse Magazine

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has debunked a trending social media report alleging that traffic officials, particularly LASTMA officers, have been banned from apprehending violators of traffic laws and restricted to traffic control.

A release issued by the LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olajide Oduyoye refuted the claim that the decision emanated from a meeting between Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Executive Members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) at an unspecified date, time or venue.

Oduyoye maintained that there was no meeting between Lagos State Government and the NURTW, stressing that the 2018 Traffic Law clearly spelt out the duties of LASTMA officers, saying that it is irresponsible and mischievous for any individual to insinuate that Governor Sanwo-Olu gave directives contrary to the law.

While noting that Transportation and Traffic Management constitute a vital part of the present administration's T.H.E.M.E.S agenda, Oduyoye recalled that the government had always emphasised the need for LASTMA officials to uphold the law, irrespective of anyone involved.

The General Manager, therefore, advised the public to ignore and disregard the fake news designed to confuse and hoodwink motorists into breaking traffic rules, noting that violators will face the sanctions prescribed by the law.

 LASTMA

#lagostraffic
#lastma
 ​

NECO releases November/December 2019 SSCE result

AgegePulse Magazine

The National Examination Council (NECO) has released the results of the 2019 November/December Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE).


Mr Abubakar Gana, Acting Registrar of the council, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.

Gana said that a total of 70,140 candidates registered for the examination, and 65,207 sat for English Language out of which 41,214, representing 63 per cent, got either Distinction or Credit.


He added that 66,398 candidates sat for Mathematics, out of which 54,565, representing 82.18 per cent, got either Distinction or Credit.


The acting registrar said 33,576 candidates, representing 48.68 per cent, got five Credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics.

“On the other hand, 50,057 candidates, representing 72.57% got five Credits and above, irrespective of English Language and Mathematics.

“A comparative analysis of candidates who scored five Credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics for 2018 and 2019 shows 62.48% for 2018 and 48.68% for 2019,” he stated.


The acting registrar said that the figure represented a decrease of 13.8 per cent in 2019.

“This is coming exactly 49 days after the last paper was written. A total of 29 subjects were examined.

Vanguard

I stabbed my girlfriend to death over phone call

AgegePulse Magazine

By Hassan Ibrahim, Bauchi   |

 A 23-year-old suspect, Solomon Peter, who allegedly stabbed his 25-year-old girlfriend, Patience Zakaria to death yesterday narrated how the deceased died.

Peter was arrested by the police following the death of his girlfriend on January 24 after an altercation in which he allegedly stabbed her in Gwallameji, a suburb of Bauchi metropolis.

Speaking with our reporter yesterday, the suspect said he stabbed the deceased as a form of self-defence after the deceased received a call from another man he suspected she was cheating on him with. He said, “We were having an issue which I was trying to resolve.

 This is over one man who called her a prostitute. I asked her what relationship she had with the man and the next thing was her breaking a bottle on my head. She hit me with a bottle and there were witnesses when the incident happened.”

 He added that after the deceased hit him with the bottle, he took a knife inside the room “and used the knife on her.”

 “It was not that I tred to kill her but I did it as a self defense because she broke my head with the bottle. At the time of the incident I did not intend to kill her rather, I acted in self defense out of anger. Our relationship is over one year and I had intention to marry her.

I feel very bad over the outcome of my action, it was not intentional. I regret my action,” he added. A neighbour of the deceased, who does not want be named told Daily Trust, that the deceased and Solomon were popularly known to be in a romantic relationship by most of the people in Gwallameji.

The source said, “The deceased received a phone call from a male friend and Solomon got jealous and started quarreling as she was trying to explain to him, he pounced on her. “She took a bottle, hit him on the head in self defence because the beating was too much for her and the man picked up a knife and stabbed her in the back in retaliation.

She lost a lot of blood before she was rushed to a clinic in the morning where she was treated and brought back home in the evening. “Unfortunately, when I left the place, I heard that the wound got bad and she was again rushed to the clinic that night where she eventually died.” The spokesman of the police in Bauchi State, DSP Kamal Abubakar, corroborated the narratives of the suspect and the source as regard the misunderstanding between the deceased and the suspect and how the deceased was stabbed.

“When he realised that she was unconscious amidst blood, he took her to a clinic for treatment. However, the clinic also treated her without informing the police and discharged her the same day.

“When her condition became worse, they took her back to the clinic where she was put on a drip and she eventually died while receiving treatment. We have arrested the owner of the clinic and the staff that treated her because they did not inform the police,” he said. DSP Abubakar added that the suspect tried to hide the crime but that before fleeing the scene of the incident, he was arrested by the police.

 He said preliminary investigation revealed that the deceased was a student who came from Borno State to study at the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi and was living in a rented apartment. “We do not know whether the deceased was still a student or has graduated from the purported school. She is living in a rented house alone at Gwallameji, an area predominantly occupied by students,” he said. When contacted, the spokesman of Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, Muhammad Rabiu Wada, said the deceased and the suspect were not students of the institution.

DailyTrust

Okadaban: School pupil killed as police and okada riders clash in Iyana-Ipaja

AgegePulse Magazine

 Another family has been thrown into mourning in Lagos as their little child has become the latest victim of the ban on Okada in Lagos.

 The pupil, a girl, was killed after being hit by a stray bullet during a clash by police and Okada riders in the Iyana-Ipaja area of the state.

 According to Sahara Reporters, policemen trying to disperse the protest, fired bullets in the crowd, hitting and killing the little girl in the process.

Sahara Reporters

Drug addict kills father, mother in Lagos

AgegePulse Magazine

By Evelyn Usman

Residents of Afeez Gbadamosi Street in the Ejigbo area of Lagos were thrown into shock Tuesday evening, following the discovery of the lifeless bodies of a man identified as Barr. Clement Okhide and his wife Toyin, in their apartment.

One of their daughters, Mary, who was found in the pool of her blood, was rushed to the hospital where doctors are still battling to save her.

Upon investigation, it was discovered that the dastardly act was perpetrated by their 23-year-old son, Michael, who is on the run.

Vanguard gathered that the fleeing suspect is a drug addict. Although the exact reason for snuffing life out of his parents could not be immediately ascertained as the Police said they were still on his trail.

But residents said it would not be unconnected with his uncontrollable urge to get some of the illicit drugs at all costs. One of the residents who described the 60-year-old late lawyer as a no-nonsense man said “ he had been warning his son against taking illicit drugs but he wouldn’t listen. There had been an altercation between them several times.

“Michael is the first child. The couple had three children. He had gone to three private universities but could not complete his education because of illicit drugs. At a point, he said that his family hated, even when his parents did all they could to make him useful”

A member of the deceased’s family who spoke on the condition of anonymity to Vanguard described the incident as sacrilege. He said, “ this type of tragedy has never occurred in my family. The boy has finally done his worst. It is unfortunate that my brother and his wife lost their lives in the process of trying to ensure he turned a new leaf. Michael has been a thorn in the entire family’s flesh. If you cautioned him, he would snap at you and warn you to mind your business”.

Vanguard

OkadaBan: Protesters burn LASTMA vehicles at Iyana Ipaja, Lagos State

AgegePulse

Hell was let loose in the early hours of Wednesday, in Iyana-Ipaja area of Lagos state when dealers of motorcycles, popularly called “Okada,” riders and miscreants, known as “Area Boys,” engaged the police in a violent confrontation over enforcement of the recent ban by state government on Okada and others

The situation which led to commotion and destruction of properties was said to have started around 8.am, which also resulted in a traffic jam as motorists were caught in the clash.

Also read: https://agegepulse.blogspot.com/2020/02/no-going-back-on-okada-keke-restriction.html?m=1

Several vehicles were smashed and shops looted by miscreants who seized the opportunity to loot and vandalized properties.

A vehicle belonging to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA was also burnt to ashes.

Vanguard

No going back on Okada, Keke Restriction - Sanwo-Olu

...Says mass transit scheme coming on routes where restriction is effective

AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Government will not reverse the ongoing enforcement of its Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018, which restricts operations of commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada and tricycles (Keke NAPEP) in 15 local councils across the State.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made this known on Tuesday, while speaking at the official launch of commercial operations in water transportation by Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) at an event held at Badore Ferry Terminal in Ajah.

Sanwo-Olu said the State Government would not give in to blackmail and “uninformed criticism” of its decision to restrict Okada and Keke NAPEP on the highways, saying the enforcement became necessary in the face of growing threats to security of lives of residents.

Besides, Sanwo-Olu said the scary figures of accidents resulting from Okada riders’ recklessness and the disobedience to traffic laws necessitated the enforcement of the laws.

The Governor admitted the decision was a tough one, but said his Government would not compromise on the issue of security and safety of residents.

He said: “I agree it’s a tough decision we made regarding the restriction of Okada and Keke in some parts of Lagos. But I want to say some facts, which people can debate. The restriction that we have done is primarily based on security and safety of lives of residents. We took the decision based on the level of danger we have seen to have happened to our people.

“As a responsible Government, we will not fold our arms and allow Okada riders put our lives in danger. One life is more important to us than all the economic benefits to be made if we allowed them to continue. We understand that investment too can be critical, but keeping people alive and safe is more germane.”

Sanwo-Olu identified with commuters affected by the Okada restriction. He announced that the Government would be deploying over 500 buses to the routes listed in the restriction directive as alternative to ease movement.

He added that the launching of commercial operations on waterways by LAGFERRY was another programme introduced by the Government to address congestion on the highways.

BREAKING: Policeman commits suicide in Lagos cell

AgegePulse Magazine

.................
A policeman, identified as Eze, has reportedly hanged himself in a cell at the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Yaba.

Our correspondent exclusively gathered that the cop, who was attached to a Dangote factory, was arrested after he allegedly shot dead a man.

"He was brought to the state CID for investigation and prosecution.

"But he hanged himself in the cell around 2 am today. He was attached to the Dangote factory and shot a man dead," a credible source said.

Lagos Marathon: Egunjobi assures participants of support

AgegePulse Magazine

The Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government, Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi (JP), has assured residents of the area interested in competing in the year 2020 Lagos City Marathon Race of the Council’s support.

Egunjobi gave the assurance while addressing newsmen at the secretariat at a press conference organised to create awareness for the event.

The Council boss was however, coy about the form of support the local government would give to participants from the area but went on to lavish praise on the race, saying, “We cannot take the event lightly because of its copious amounts of benefits to Lagos and Lagosians. While it is a sport tourism, the single fastest tourism sector of the tourism market with its attendant benefits, on the other hand, it would help the state in its quests to have a preponderance of healthy residents.”
       
The race is in two categories, namely 42kms for professional athletes, and 10kms for amateurs.

AgegePulse learnt that, the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, paid for the forms and distributed them to the twenty local government  areas and thirty-seven LCDAs for onward distribution to interested persons free of charge.  However, it has recorded low receipt.

Speaking on the reception, “Am not in any way impressed by the turnout in our local government despite plan to support interested participants. To say the least, the reception has been underwhelming.”

The marathon which is scheduled for Saturday, February 8, attracts lots of marathoners outside Nigeria with hundreds of thousands in prize money.

Woman stabs husband to death over phone charger, Says "I Still Love My Husband"

A 17-year-old housewife, Rabi Rabi’u, who stabbed her husband, Shamsu Salisu, to death in Katsina State last Wednesday, has explained that a misunderstanding on who should first charge their mobile telephone led to a scuffle in which he died.

Rabi, who was paraded at the Katsina State Police Command Headquarters on Tuesday, said amidst sobs that she never knew the stab could lead to the death of the 25-year-old Salisu.

According to her, the incident happened on Wednesday morning when public power supply was restored in their community and she wanted to charge her phones.


She said Salisu equally wanted to charge his phones at the same time.


She added the argument led to a scuffle between the two of them, adding that Salisu drew out a knife, which she snatched from him.

Rabi, who spoke in Hausa explained, “The incident happened early in the morning during prayer time. Public power supply was restored in our area and I wanted to charge my phones, while Salisu also wanted to charge his.

“Unfortunately, we were arguing over who should use the charger first when Salisu drew out a knife and I snatched it from him and stabbed him in the stomach and he later died.

“Our marriage was just 51-day-old and we were yet to have children, but I still love him. I never knew that the stab would lead to his death.

Punch Newspaper

LAGOS OKADA, KEKE BAN: GOKADA SACKS 7000

AgegePulse Magazine

Nothing less than 70% of Gokada riders have been laid off following the Okada ban policy by the Lagos State government.

The lay off, which affected about 7,000 bike riders among the 10,000 total Gokada riders has been confirmed in a statement from the Gokada team on Tuesday, February 4.

Gokada, which is one of the leading bike-hailing companies in Lagos, in its reaction to the okada ban development by the Lagos State Government, revealed that its company has shifted focus off the bike-hailing business as it is looking into delivery services as alternative.

“We are pivoting towards deliveries while this transport ban gets sorted,” the CEO of Gokada, Fahim Saleh, disclosed.

Recall that Ripples Nigeria had earlier hinted about this possible outcome in a review, following the ban announcement in January.

Even more earlier, Ripples Nigeria had published a review 7 months ago where bike-hailing business had been written off as unsustainable with emphasis as to why the business is “dead on arrival”, according to the August 2019 review.

While an outright ban on the business, however, was not called for in the analysis, emphasis was made on the need for the government to solve its transportation challenge.

It’s rather unfortunate that due solution was not in place before the government took actions to eliminate this “necessary evil”.

This reality is, therefore, scary and still unfathomable, especially to investors and the percentage of the youthful population that are losing their jobs. With Gokada alone, 7,000 of 10,000 of its riders are plunged into the labour market without adequate crisis management logistics in place.

The days ahead will tell the fate of these rendered jobless riders by the government, and the fate of thousands of their other colleagues working for other bike-hailing companies as Oride and MaxNG.

Ripples Nigeria

Islamic cleric rejects car gift from Nigerian lawmaker, 'Go and take care the poor' - Imam Ahmad

AgegePulse Magazine

The Chief Missioner of Ansar - Ud - Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Ahmad Abdurrahman has rejected a car gift by the lawmaker representing Mushin II Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Bolaji Yusuf Ayinla.

Hon. Bolaji popularly called BYA presented Imam Ahmad the gift of a Toyota Sienna car to ease the cleric Islamic work.



But the Chief Missioner of Ansar - Ud - Deen Society of Nigeria, respectfully returned the car gift asking the lawmaker to continue to take care the less privileged in the society.

Imam Ahmad preached humility and selflessness to the legislator and others in his shoes when reaching out to the less privileged in the society.

The globally renowned scholar said, any act of selfless giving will be adequately rewarded by Almighty Allah.

The erudite preacher thank the lawmaker for extending such gesture to him but politely tasked Hon. Bolaji Yusuf Ayinla to comb through the society and take care of those in needs.

He used the occasion to pray for wisdom and good health for the political leaders in Nigeria.

Opera news

DailyAdvent news

Lekki residents back Okada ban

AgegePulse Magazine

THE Lekki Estate Residents Association (LERA) has welcomed the ban on motorcycles, popularly known as Okada and tricycles (keke) in the area.

It said the ban showed that the Lagos State Government was responsive to the security, law and order challenges of the area and urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to sustain enforcement of the ban.



The association advised Sanwo-Olu to cushion the effect of the ban by providing 15 LAGBUS vehicles to ease movement within the estate.

It stated this in a January 30, 2020 letter to the governor signed by its Chairman, Sir Kayode Otitoju and Secretary, Funmi Adeogun.

“We are happy about the inclusion of Eti-Osa Local Government (by extension Lekki Peninsula Scheme 1) in the ‘No Okada and tricycle ban… However, formal ban of Okada in our community has always been rendered a mere academic exercise due to delay or lack of enforcement of the order.

“We would be happy if Lekki could be given special attention in the area of serious enforcement.

“It would interest you Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu that Okada constitutes a serious security threat to our residents, ranging from accidents to stabbing officials, damaging cars when they run into vehicles,” LERA said.

The Nations

Okada ban: Three feared killed, others injured as police, operators clash

 AgegePulse Magazine

THREE persons were on Monday morning feared killed during a violent clash between commercial cyclists and policemen in Ijora, Apapa, Lagos.

Two of the victims were hit by stray bullets allegedly from the police team that attempted to disperse a riotous crowd of the operators. The third victim was a tri-cyclist alleged to be among those stoning commuters in commercial buses in protest of the ban on commercial motor and tricycles across six local government areas of the state which took effect on Saturday.



The operators engaged the policemen who moved early morning to enforce the ban placed by the state government.

They were said to have lit bonfires on the roads, pelted stones on commercial and private vehicles plying the road, including that of a policeman.

Many other people were said to have sustained injuries in the chaos while business activities were grounded for several hours.

Operators hundreds held a protest march at Ikeja and Ogba axis where they appealed to the government to reconsider the decision.

The protesters were led by members of the civil society and a pan-Yoruba youth group.


Shouting in Yoruba language, one of the protesters said: “Please help us beg Sanwo-Olu o! Does he want us to start stealing or snatching people’s bags? He did not give us any work as an alternative. Please help us beg him o!”

Although the march was peaceful, policemen were said to have fired gunshots and teargas into the air to disperse them to possibly avoid a recurrence of the Ijora incident.

According to a witness, Busayo Afolabi, people ran in different directions when the cops started shooting.

She said: “Ikeja is in shambles. These policemen are parading the streets with guns in their hand. They are shooting and throwing teargas in Ikeja. People are running.”

The ban also had its toll on commuters as many were forced to trek for long distances following their inability to afford the hike in fares introduced by commercial buses who saw a window for quick wealth.

Police spokesman Bala Elkana denied any death was recorded at the Ijora incident, adding that 24 persons were arrested.

“It is an ongoing situation. Reinforcement has been deployed and calm restored. But I do not have full details yet. Though, I do not think anyone died in the clash.

“The operators attacked innocent citizens and destroyed properties. The police cannot fold their arms in such a situation. They were dispersed. I cannot say for sure how many were arrested since it is still going on,” he said

Elkana said the police responded to a distress call that hoodlums armed with cutlasses and suspected to be commercial cyclists and thugs blocked major roads around Ijora Oloye, Amusu, Ijora 7Up, Underbridge, Sifa Junction and Gaskiya Road around 7:45am.

“The hoodlums caused major obstructions on the roads, burning tyres, looting and stealing from unsuspecting road users. Police Officers from Ijora Badia, Area B Command and Special Strike Force on Social Miscreants were promptly deployed to the scenes.

“The situation was brought under control. The obstructions were cleared for free flow of traffic. No life was lost. Twenty suspects were arrested. Investigation is ongoing. The suspects will be charged to court,” he said.

The Nation

Community policing: FG constables won’t get salary, it’s voluntary – Police

AgegePulse Magazine

The police on Monday said the community policing service would be purely voluntary and the constables to be recruited would not receive any salary.

The state commissioners of police, who stated this in separate interviews with The PUNCH on Monday, said police commands had started meeting traditional rulers and community leaders with a view to recruiting constables for the community policing initiative.

The Federal Government had on January 23 directed the police hierarchy to commence the recruitment of special constables nationwide preparatory to the implementation of its community policing policy.


The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, in a wireless message directed state police commands to set up screening committees for the recruitment of community policing constables.

The IG ordered all state commissioners of police, assistant commissioners of police and divisional police officers to liaise with traditional rulers and community leaders in their domains to screen volunteers who would be engaged after passing the screening tests.

The Federal Government plan came on the heels of the South-West states’ launching of a security outfit, Operation Amotekun, to address incessant killings and kidnapping in the zone.


Punch

CORONAVIRUS: LASG inaugurates Incident Command System

…To Start "Supervised Quarantine"

...Gov Sanwo-Olu Becomes Chief Incident Commander

 AgegePulse Magazine

In a bid to prevent an outbreak of the fast spreading Novel Coronavirus, the Lagos State Government on Monday launched an Incident Command System.

The health emergency structure is being set up to help with containment in the unlikely event of outbreaks of the virus in the State.

Commissioner of Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi explained that the Novel Coronavirus is a new pathogen to the human race and as such, research is still ongoing on how to arrest it.

According to him, no suspected or confirmed cases of Novel Coronavirus has been found in Lagos, warning residents against rumour mongering on public health and safety.

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, while launching the Incident Command System said the measure is not to stigmatise citizens of any country but a precautionary one taken in the interest of the people.

The Command System will have the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the Incident Commander while the Commissioner for Health will serve as the Deputy Incident Commander.

The Governor noted that relevant health professionals, in conjunction with the Federal ministry of health, would be deployed to the Lagos International Airport for a higher level of monitoring.

The Governor assured that the Government and Non Governmental Organisations will continue to escalate communication and create public awareness.

He said: “What we have started to do is to have what we call a heightened state concern on the Coronavirus. We are not declaring an emergency in any form but creating a heightened state concern.

"Also, the Honourable Commissioner through his Ministry will identify relevant health professionals that would, in conjunction with the Federal ministry of health, be deployed to our International Airports in Lagos where we would see higher level of monitoring as well as organised level of incidence reporting layout.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu said that although the team expects people to be self quarantined, he however stressed that the State will carry out a supervised quarantine where details about immigrants will be taken at the point of entry while the team will do daily follow-ups through phone calls to identified individuals for a period of two weeks.

According to the Governor, the command will be in operation for the period of time the risk lasts. He assured that adequate preparation has been carried out to tackle the virus.

The Governor said: “This command will go on until when we believe and we have been given assurance that we have a stable and controlled environment but in the meantime, this exercises are going to be put in place and we are going to start things immediately.

“I also want to mention that we have started providing both human and material logistics required for this exercise.

“All of our major General Hospitals are also being prepared in event of an outpour into any of them. The hospitals in mainland have tents coming up and extensive resources are being put in that particular health facility for them to be on standby in case of any suspected or identified case.”

Abayomi further added that the WHO has declared the novel coronavirus a global health concern, saying this will make the State Government step up scrutinising travellers coming in from mostly affected region.

“We need to really ramp up the human capacity at the airport to be able to scrutinise all travellers coming in from particularly the routes that are coming in from the South East Asian regions.

The Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; the Consul General of People's Republic of China, Chu Moaming and the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Folashade Jaji were among the dignitaries present at the event.

Okada/Maruwa Ban: Lagos NURTW Boss, MC Olu-Omo Warns Commercial Drivers Not To Extort Lagosians

...To Meet With State Govt for Possible  Solution

AgegePulse Magazine

The Chairman of NURTW in Lagos, Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya has warned the operators of commercial vehicles in Lagos State not to extort the good people of Lagos following the ban on Okada and Keke Maruwa.

Read the Press Release from the Office of the Chairman, Lagos NURTW

"Our attention has been drawn to some drivers indiscriminately increasing the prices of their services due to the recent Lagos State government over the ban of motorcycles and tricycles in some parts of Lagos State.

 Our members are hereby informed that the leadership of the Union has not approve or in anyway support any upward review in the cost of transportation from different locations within Lagos.

There is no price increase and no Commercial drivers or member of the NURTW should inflict additional burden on the good people of Lagos by increasing their transport fare. Any drivers or union member found to be taking undue advantage of the situation by indiscriminately increasing transport fare will be dealt with.

The leadership of the Union will meet with the state government and appropriate stakeholders to find a workable solution to the OKada menace that necessited the ban in the first place.

Union members are once again implored to be patient and avoid violence at all cost and embrace peace".

GOD BLESS NURTW
GOD BLESS LAGOS STATE
GOD BLESS NIGERIA
GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

Thanks you

Signed:
Alh. Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, “Mc Oluomo”
Chairman Lagos State NUTRW chapter.

CDC Agege To Support in Tackling Security Challenges

...Holds First Executive Meeting

AgegePulse Magazine

The newly inaugurated CDC of Agege on Thursday, promised to give their unalloyed support to all security agencies in tackling security issues facing  various Agege communities.

The Chairman,  Alhaji Ayo Adesiyan stressed that security issues should not be the job of security agencies alone. He noted that useful information, cooperation from the public will help security agencies achieve effectiveness in their job delivery

Supervisor for Agriculture, Hon. Ganiu Adeyemo has urged residents of Agege to be vigilant about the pandemic Corona Virus,  after a brief sensitization about Lassa Fever and Corona Virus, advising residents to always make their environment clean to avoid such diseases.

Speaking at the meeting, Asst. HOD, Agriculture Department of the Council, Alhaji Yaqub Owodina who also supervises all the CDAs and CDC elections in Agege, said "The council is ready to give the Exco all the support that will ensure they deliver on their mandate and bring about community development in Agege."

The First Vice Chairman and Convener, Agege Community Safety Initiative (ACSI), Community Accountability Forum (CAF), Alhaji Moroofdeen Omodele Olohunwa has also assured the residents that the newly inaugurated Exco would take Security, Environment Cleanliness,  Youth Empowerment amongst others as priority.

He added that the team will also embark on community self projects that will foster community development periodically.

Present at the meeting were CDC Chairman, Alhaji Ayo Adesiyan, Supervisor for Agriculture, Hon. Adeyemo Ganiyu,  Asst. HOD Agric – Alh. Yakub Owodina, First Vice – Alh. Moruf Omodele

Others include, Secretary – Ishola Omodele,   PRO – Lucky Samuel, Treasurer – Alh. T.A Ekun, Financial Secretary – Prince T.A Aderounmu and other members.

Campaign for Constitutionalism and Human Rights CCHR rejects the ban on okad, three wheelers.

AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State government should stop toying with the means of survival of the common people.

 The governor  should be reminded of how we fought "their oga " in Lagos when he introduced 7pm closing time for Okada when he was the governor. No reason could be adduced for the failure of government to provide jobs for the citizenry which brought about the use of motorcycles and or three wheelers as a last resort to eke a living.

There is no law that justifies infringement on the freedom of movement. Amendment to 1999 constitution that allows any law reasonably made in a democracy can not give credence to this insensitivity of Lagos State Government.
Depriving people of their means of survival without the provision of alternative jobs is the highest level of insensitivity by any government.

The government  should be prepared for a serious fight against the unlawful pronouncement.
Consultation with the state attorney general and  commissioner for justice is advised. Its certain we shall meet at the law court to prove the illegality of the anti people order.
All legitimate means ,including protests shall be employed to fight for the okada riders and three wheelers operators. They are part of the toiling masses and under no circumstances shall we abandon them for the oppressors.

Democratic Commercial Motorcyclists Association of Nigeria DECOMAN, an  affiliate of Campaign for Constitutionalism and Human Rights CCHR, will leave no stone  unturned to make the state reverse the unlawful pronouncement.

Its ridiculous that a government which can not provide jobs for the people is bent on taken away the means of livelihood of the people.

No doubt ,some criminals use okada and tricycles to commit crime but the truth of the matter is that those using motorcycles and tricycles for crimes are criminals and not the toiling people using "okada and keke" as they are popular called for legitimate means of living.
Criminals make use of any means of transportation to carry out their nefarious activities. They use cars,small buses as well big buses too.They make use of their legs too.

I would have expected the government to ban mini buses ,LT buses etc within those Local Government areas and their so called LCDAs if there is anything like that recognised by the 1999 CFRN.
Is the commissioner and the state government not aware some criminals ( Not commercial vehicle drivers  doing their legitimate duty) use buses for one chance in every part of Lagos State? Why is the state government not banning commercial  buses in those areas?

The ban of commercial motorcyclists tricycle operators in the local government areas is  totally  unacceptable.
Its a gross violation of the fundamental rights of those concerned and a discrimination against the people of those affected areas. The Constitution is very clear ,express and unambiguous when it declares no Nigerian shall be discriminated against.

Why is the ban not in entire Lagos State but certain parts of the state? Does it mean the crimes and accidents given as  reasons for the ban  are peculiar to those Local government areas alone ?
Why should the government shift its failure and lack of ability to govern the state appropriately in line with Section 14(2) (b )of 1999 Constitution on the people whose reason for resorting to okada was as a result of planlessness  of successive governments in Nigeria?

Section 4 of the Police Act states ;" the Police shall be employed for investigation of crimes and apprehension of offenders".
If there is infiltration of criminals within the okada and keke riders,why can't the state employ the police to fish out the criminals among them?Truly, accidents do occur and some may be caused by reckless riders but reckless and bad  drivers do  cause accidents too.

Why are the LASTMA officials on our roads? Are they not meant to watch over drivers and those riding whatever on our roads,be it okada,bicycle or tricycle and sanction erring ones ?

It must also be stressed that 95% of okada and three wheeler riders bought them on hire purchase and have to pay.

 How and where will  they get money to pay? Is the government ready to pay for all of them?

The ruling  Party in Lagos State made use of these okada and keke riders to get to power.
Helmets were even distributed  to lure the gullible ones to vote for their party at all levels.

Recently,the state government was said to have signed an agreement with Gokada as a source of revenue for the gvernment.

Why is it now that the ruling party is just waking up to raise the menace of the riders ?

I have said at many fora,that even as an advocate for the okada riders , I will support any government that is serious about giving okada riders alternative jobs in order to ban commercial usage of okada and three wheelers  outrightly.

The  state government should have a rethink not to put lives of several children in jeopardy. Parents of several children rely on Okada or Keke three wheelers to feed and cloth them.

The State Commissioner  for health should tell the governor what happens if children
are not properly fed. God forbid, can the state government hospitals  (said to be free yet people pay for ordinary consultation cards and everything
 including drugs ) cope if children start falling sick due to malnutrition ?
If the government fails to listen to wise counsel and go ahead to enforce the ban, it  should be prepared to contend with us at CCHR .

 We are determined to "fight" the government legally for this provocative and unlawful ban of people's legitimate means of survival.

I hereby call on Nigeria Labour Congress NLC, Trade Union Congress TUC, United Action for Democracy UAD, Committee for Workers Rights CWR , Federation of Informal Workers of Nigeria FIWON, Lagos State Civil Society Partnership LACSOP, Joint Action Front JAF, Public Interest Coalition PIC and others to prevail on Lagos State  government to rescind its decision to commence enforcement of the illegal ban from 1st February, ,2020.

The entire okada and Keke Marwa operators should come together to join every peaceful protest against the order.
The motto of  DECOMAN , No more oppression ,  should be the stand of all Keke and Okada riders regardless of the unions they belong.

We say NO to the BAN on commercial motorcyclists and tricycle operators without providing them with alternative jobs.

A People United Can Never Be Defeated.

Toyin Raheem.
Executive Secretary,  CCHR.

Govt hails compliance with restriction of Motorcycles and Tricycles

…65 New Buses For New, Old Routes Monday

…14 Ferries Join Waterways Tuesday

AgegePulse Magazine

The government of Lagos State praises motorcycle and tricycle operators for complying with the restriction from six local government areas, major highways and bridges. The enforcement of the State Security Council’s order began on Saturday, February 1, 2020.

The level of compliance was over 90 %. In fact, some of the ride hailing companies directed their riders to obey the directive. This is commendable. The high level of compliance has shown that Lagosians agree with the government on the need to stop the danger that commercial motorcycles and tricycles have become - a big threat to safety of lives and security of our people. They should stand firm in supporting the government.

The little discomfort experienced  by commuters on some routes due to the absence of motorcycles and tricycles is noted. This will not last as alternatives are being rolled out.

A fleet of 65 buses will join the others on some major routes as from Monday , February 3, 2020: No less than 550 more buses are being expected. Besides, 14 ferries will be commissioned on Tuesday. This will further open up the waterways, reduce travel time on various routes and provide safe, dependable and comfortable alternatives for commuters.

The government is not unaware that enforcing this directive may lead to some job losses. The Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, plans to announce some measures to tackle the  likely effects of the order, besides the programmes of various agencies, such as the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Office of Civic Engagement, Lagos State Parks and Gardens and others.

The government hereby warns all those who are planning to unleash violence on the state because of the ongoing enforcement to have a change of heart. Lagosians are peace loving and law abiding people, who will not embrace any disruption of their legal activities by failed politicians hiding under the evil of unwholesome activism. The law enforcement agents have been directed to ensure that nobody takes the law into his hands. The government places a very high premium on law and order in the interest of all Lagosians.  It will not fail to act when peace is threatened.

#LASG
#ForAGreaterLagos

I’M IRREVOCABLY COMMITTED TO EDUCATION SECTOR, SAYS SANWO-OLU

…As UNILAG Alumni Confers Special Recognition Award On Lagos Gov

AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reiterated the commitment of his administration to massively invest in quality education to guarantee a brighter future for the young ones, assuring that the State Government would spare no effort to improve the learning and teaching environment in schools across the State.

Speaking on Saturday at the 2nd High Table and Fund Raising Dinner of the Alumni of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos where he was conferred with a special recognition award for his contribution to the growth and development of education, Sanwo-Olu said he remained irrevocably committed to make the right investment to scale up provision of quality education, especially in public schools.

The Governor, who was represented by his wife and an alumnus of the institution, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, said: “As you might have known, the Education sector was allocated the highest percentage in our current’s year’s budget. This prioritization is in tandem with the T.H.E.M.E’s agenda in which education represent a key pillar. It is also in realization of the key role education plays in the 21st Century.

“Our administration is irrevocably committed to give utmost attention to the education sector particularly the Public School System where much is needed to be done to improve the learning and teaching environment.”

In furtherance of this, the Governor said the State Government had recently completed the process of massive rehabilitation and renovation of 300 public schools which is the first phase under the public schools’ transformation programme.

In addition, he said a training programme for primary schools’ teachers under Eko Excel Initiative was just completed, while the pilot exercise of the school feeding programme tagged “Snack for Thoughts” for pupils in primary 4 – 6 within Lagos Island Local Government was completed a few days ago.

“When fully operational, this programme will improve the nutritional intake of the pupils. This would result in improve mental capacity and school attendance. All of these and many more initiative being implemented will result in significant transformation of the education sector and better future for our State and the country as a whole,” the Governor said.

Besides, Sanwo-Olu commended the MEDILAG Alumni for finding him worthy of the award, saying that it would further spur him to invest more in quality education of the youth and guarantee a brighter future for them.

In his opening remarks, Chairman of the Planning Committee of the MEDILAG Alumni High Table and Fund Raising Dinner Committee, Professor Oladapo Ashiru said Governor Sanwo-Olu was being honored for the dynamism he has brought to education sector in the State since assuming office.

Man allegedly caught in Living Faith Church with explosives

AgegePulse Magazine

A 30-year-old man was on Sunday caught with what is suspected to be an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at the Sabon Tasha branch of the Living Faith Church, (aka Winners) Chapel in Kaduna.

This is Just as the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pa Enoch Adeboye led members on a prayer walk to decry insecurity in the country.

Reports gathered stated that this is not the first time the suspect was coming to the church, adding that just last week, he came but was sent away.

Accordinng to reports the Chief Security Officer of the parish stated that the suspect was monitored on a CCTV Camera carrying the bag into the church auditorium.

According to him, the suspect successfully gained access and was already seated before his bag was searched and the explosive device was found.

Edet who said he was not in a position to hand out details to the press, appealed to our correspondent to wait to get details from the presiding pastor when the service was over.

He, however, said the suspect had been handed over to the police and moved to the Sabon Tasha Division of the Nigeria Police Force.

According to Daily Post, an officer at the Sabo Police station confirmed that the suspect had actually been brought to the Police Station.

The NationOnline

MARATHON: LASG issues Travel Advisory to Motorists

 AgegePulse Magazine

The Lagos State Sports Commission has notified motorists that due to the Access Bank-Lagos City Marathon event scheduled to hold on Saturday, 8th February, 2020, the National Stadium in Surulere, to Ikorodu road, as well as the entire stretch of Third Mainland Bridge to Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, inwards Eko Atlantic City, will be closed to traffic for the duration of the race.

A release by the Sports Commission said participants will take off from National Stadium, Surulere on the Lagos Mainland, proceed through the entire stretch of Funsho Williams Avenue/Ikorodu Road to connect Third Mainland Bridge through Gbagada, into Adeniji, Osborne Road down to Bishop Oluwole Street before finishing at Eko Atlantic City in Victoria Island

While noting that no vehicle will be allowed to ply designated routes during the marathon from 4.00 a.m on the scheduled date, the Commission advised motorists to use alternative routes as well as plan their journey in advance.

The statement, therefore, advised that motorists going to Surulere from Lagos Island shall be diverted through Costain Roundabout to connect Ebute-Metta, Orile, Nigerian Brewery, and Bode Thomas to link their final destination, adding that those coming from Masha, Kilo inward Stadium shall be diverted at Shitta Roundabout for onward movement through Falolu or Adeniran Ogunsanya Roads in order to proceed further.

It advised motorists plying Apapa/Orile-Iganmu and going towards Ojuelegba, Mushin and environs to go through Eric Moore, Bode Thomas, Adeniran Ogunsanya, Shitta Roundabout down to Falolu to access endpoints.l, stressing that vehicular movement is allowed on Ikorodu Road, from Anthony (by Theodolite Junction) inward Ojota as well as from Ojota through Maryland, Anthony to Ojuelegba and Eko Bridge via the National Stadium Bridge.

While pointing out that no U-turn is allowed between Anthony and Stadium as a result of the marathon holding from Stadium inwards Anthony, the release informed that motorists coming from Mile-2 inward Gbagada will be diverted into Agege Motor Road via the service lane of BOC Gases/Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, or through Town Planning Way to connect destination.

The statement explained further that cars coming from Old Tollgate, Alapere, Ogudu going to Lagos Island shall be diverted to Gbagada, Anthony to Ikorodu Road - Funsho Williams Avenue to connect Lagos Island through Eko Bridge, while those coming from Ajah inward Ozumba Mbadiwe shall be diverted to Admiralty Way from Lekki Second Roundabout to connect Cable Bridge for their onward trip.

It stated further that motorists descending Cable Bridge into Ikoyi shall be diverted into Gerrard Road to connect Osborne Road, while those from Awolowo Road shall be diverted to Falomo Bridge to connect Ozumba Mbadiwe Road due to the restriction of traffic towards Falomo Roundabout inwards Bourdillion as well as Akin Adesola inwards Bar Beach.

The Commission emphasised that all adjoining streets and feeder roads leading to the designated marathon routes shall be temporarily closed to traffic until all runners leave, in order to ensure the safety of the athletes.

While apologising for any inconvenience the event may cause, the Lagos State Government solicits the co-operation and understanding of the general public in complying with the directives of Traffic and Security Personnel that will be deployed and strategically positioned at major road points and intersections in order to ensure compliance and ease of movement.

#LASG
#ForAGreaterLagos