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Friday, 20 March 2020

CORONA VIRUS: LASG calls on Stakeholders to Comply with School Closure Order



… To Introduce Educational Programmes For SS3 Students During Closure



Following the directive by the Lagos State Government on the closure all Public and Private Schools, the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo has called on Head Teachers and School Administrators to comply strictly with the State Government’s order.

Speaking on a Lagos Television live programme “Lagos Today”, the Commissioner disclosed that the Office of Education Quality Assurance will monitor the compliance level of schools within the State and anyone found culpable will be sanctioned.

Adefisayo noted that the State Government’s decision is rational and logical as it is in the best interest of the students, adding that their safety is paramount to the Government.

Furthermore, she emphasised that during the period, the students will be engaged with several take home assignments to keep them busy and enable them to continue their studies at home for continuous learning despite the closure.

She also averred that as part of measures to sustain continuous review and learning, the Lagos State Government intends to support SS3 students preparing for their West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) through some Radio and Television Programmes.

Adefisayo explained that some of the teachers will be assigned to teach and review eight core subjects with emphasis on relevant topics, listing the subjects as English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Literature-In-English, Financial Accounting and Economics.

According to her, “These intense sessions of teaching and exchange of knowledge by the teachers will be recorded, aired on several media stations and streamed online through various social media platforms”.

While emphasising that the programme, which is to review what the students had already been taught before the break, will run from Monday through Thursdays, Adefisayo revealed that a phone-in session with the Commissioner for Education and other teachers will be aired on Friday to create an avenue for the students to ask questions on challenging topics.

“The upload of WAEC past questions on various subjects will also be adopted and disseminated on several social media handles”, she noted.

The Commissioner, therefore, urged parents to support the State Government’s efforts by ensuring that their children have access to these programmes designed to refresh their minds and prepare them for the forthcoming examinations.

Covid-19: JS Babatunde Okays Ban On Religious Gathering, Closure of Public Schools

AgegePulse Magazine



Following the pronouncement of the Lagos State Government on the ban on Religious Houses and closure of Public Primary Schools  within the state to combat the spread of the pandemic Coronavirus also known as COVID-19,the Executive Chairman of Orile Agege Local Council Development Area has warned residents and concerned parties within the Lcda to  adhere strictly to these directives to avoid stories that touches the heart.

The Council Mayor however, implored all residents of the Lcda to remain calm while maintaining high personal hygiene through constant hand washing and maintaining a cleaner Environment to contain  the spread of Covid-19 threatening the existence of the human race.

It is worthy to recall  the efforts of the Local Council Development Area's efforts in the past few weeks in the massive  campaign and Senzitisation of all Stakeholders and residents including Public Schools within the Community on how best to prevent the pandemic through hand washing, use of hand sanitizers and other measures to win the war against the killer VIRUS, CORONA.


Lagos Assembly Reshuffles Committee Chairmen; Assigns New Portfolios For Demoted, Suspended Members

  AgegePulse Magazine


The Lagos State House of Assembly has reappointed members of the House who were initially demoted and suspended.

In line with recent happenings, the House issued an internal memo through the Clerk of the House, Azeez Sanni, on Friday directing the aggrieved members to take up new portfolios.

The former Deputy Majority Leader, Hon Olumuyiwa Jimoh, has been assigned to chair the Committee on Central Business District while his counterpart who was removed as Chief Whip, Honourable Rotimi Abiru, is now the Chairman of Inter-Parliamentary Committee.

Also, Hon Moshood Oshun, who was removed from the Chairmanship of the Public Accounts Committee (State), has been named Chairman of Committee on Legislative Compliance while Hon Nurudeen Saka-Solaja is now the Chairman of PAC (State).

Hon Kazeem Adewale Raheem is now the Chairman of Establishments, Training and Pensions from his earlier position of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations swapping office with Hon Rasheed Makinde while Hon (Mrs.) Mojisola Alli-Macaulay replaces Hon (Mrs) Mojisola Miranda as Chairman of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Committee. Mrs Miranda is now the Chief Whip.

CORONAVIRUS: HON. SAMUEL BABATUNDE ADEJARE ADDRESSES AGEGE RESIDENTS, CALLS FOR CAUTION

AgegePulse Magazine



As parts of the efforts to sensitize Nigerians on the raging Coronavirus in the country, Member of the House of Representatives representing Agege Federal Constituency, Hon. (Dr) Samuel Babatunde Adejare (MHR) has addressed residents in his constituency, urging them to be more cautious and maintain high level of hygiene in this period. 

Hon. Adejare who is a Doctor by profession also warned the good people of Agege constituency not to panic in the face of the current situation, but ensure that they adhere to all the preventive measures as recommended by the World Health Organization. 

“We cannot deny that the world is generally passing through a phase that will surely end. 

However, what is important in this period is that we exercise great caution, improve our personal hygienes and stay true to all recommended preventive measures”. He said.

The MHR further assured members of the constituency that in a matter of time, with patience and dedication, we will all join hands to celebrate the defeat of Covid-19.



Thursday, 19 March 2020

Don’t defy order on congregational worship, Egunjobi warns Agege residents



AgegePulse Magazine



Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government,  Alh. Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi, has called on residents of the area to abide strictly to the Lagos State government’s directive that outlawed congregational service of over 50 persons.

Amid the outbreak of coronavirus the state government banned religious gathering of over 50 worshippers on Wednesday.

The ban, according to Anofiu Elegushi, the state commissioner for home affairs, would last for four weeks and subject to reappraisal.

“We hereby agree we should suspend all religious congregation that is over 50 within the state for four weeks. While the constitution allows for freedom of association and worship, we are of the opinion that we should exercise our rights with extreme caution so as to avoid contacting and spreading of this disease,” Elegushi said.

In his contribution explicitly to bring Agege residents to the terms on congregational worships gave by the state, ahead of Jumaat prayers and Sunday church services, Egunjobi warned worshippers to adhere strictly to the directives.

He added that the measure became imperative to curb further spread of the pandemic disease.

According to him: “The measure is not to deny us of our inalienable right of any kind but to ensure safety of lives in the face of ravaging coronavirus that is distressing the world. In every sense of the word, it is for overriding public interest.
     
“We must also take cognizance of the wider issues of personal and environmental hygiene. Wash our hands with soap and water regularly and maintain social distance of at least a metre with anyone coughing or sneezing and avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.”

Agege Embarks On Fumigation, Deratization of Markets



#AgegePulse Magazine



In the effort to curb the outbreak of pandemic disease called corona virus (Covid-19), the Environmental Services department of Agege Local Government has embarked on fumigation and deratization of Manhood Abiola Market, Otubu, and other markets in Agege.

Recall, the executive chairman of Agege, Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi recently flagged off a sensitization campaign held at Agege Main Market to educate residents on how to curb and prevent Lassa Fever and Corona Virus at large.

Speaking, Director Environmental Services, Agege, San. Akolawole Ajanaku said the Fumigation, Deratization of Agege Markets is imperative in protecting the health of residents, and that the government would do everything possible to ensure hygiene in markets across the local government.

"Today, we are starting with Moshood Abiola Market and next week we will be at another market for the same reason".

"It is very important that we should all be aware that as long as we are eating clean and healthy vegetables and fruits, we would be able to increase our immunity so that we will be strong to fight the virus".
Ajanaku urged residents, market women and men to imbibe the habit of regular hand washing with soap and water as well as lots of fruits intake to build immunity system against diseases.

Earlier, the health officers held health talk on Corona Virus Covid-19, and Lassa Fever while demonstrating on how to have a proper handwashing and other preventive measures against diseases.

Wednesday, 18 March 2020

CORONAVIRUS: LASG to Shut down Schools

AgegePulse Magazine


As part of the preventive measures against the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Lagos State Government is closing down all public and private schools from Monday, 23rd March 2020.

The move becomes necessary to prevent our children and their teachers from getting more vulnerable to the pandemic.

It is important for parents to ensure that their children practise ‘social distancing’ while at home, wash their hands regularly or use hand sanitizers and observe high standards of personal hygiene.
Children should be encouraged to remain at home.

The closure is not intended to create panic but to arrest the spread of the disease, which has become a global threat.

The Incident Command Centre, headed by the Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is the Incident Commander, will continue to trace all contacts of the identified cases and encourage anyone who has information about suspected cases to report to the nearest hospital or call  the emergency telephone numbers 08023169485, 08033565529, 08052817243 and 08023401214.

#LASG
#ForAGreaterLagos
#LagosAgainstCoronavirus

BREAKING: FG Reduces Fuel Price To N130

AgegePulse Magazine



BREAKING: FG Reduces Fuel Price To N130
President Muhammadu Buhari may have approved the reduction of pump price of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also known as petrol from N145 to N130.

A reliable presidential source, who disclosed this to The Nation at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday, said the approval may have followed a presentation by the Minister of State on Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, to the ongoing Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Villa.

According to the source, who would not want to be named, Sylva had made a request to the FEC for the reduction of pump price of the product, citing the drop in the price of crude oil at the global market.


Below is the statment released by NNPC

PMS Price Adjustment


In compliance with the directives of the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources on PMS pricing, the Corporation has reviewed its Ex-coastal, Ex-depot and NNPC Retail pump prices accordingly.

Effective 19th March 2020, NNPC Ex-Coastal price for PMS has been reviewed downwards from N117.6/litre to N99.44/litre while Ex-Depot price is reduced from N133.28/litre to N113.28/litre.

These reductions will therefore translate to N125/litre retail pump price.

Despite the obvious cost implication of this immediate adjustment to the Corporation, NNPC is delighted to effect this massive reduction of N20/litre for the benefit of all Nigerians.

Accordingly, all NNPC Retail stations nationwide have been directed to change the retail pump price to N125/litre.

Mele K. Kyari
Group Managing Director, NNPC

Covid 19: Education District 1, Agege Produces Hand Sanitizers for Lagos Schools



...Urged Students on Regular Hand Washing



AgegePulse Magazine


The Lagos State Education District 1, comprising Agege, Alimosho and Ifako Ijaye Zones today produced Hand Sanitizers for Schools under the District.

Tutor General/Permanent Secretary of the District, Barrister Titilayo Margaret Solarin said that, it is imperative to champion a first of its kind programme to sensitize principals, teachers, students and other stakeholders on how to prevent this pandemic Corona Virus disease in our schools in Lagos.



The event which was held at the Government College School in Agege,  was aimed at teaching the students on regular handwashing to prevent all kinds of diseases.

Speaking Barr. Solarin said, “the need to increase public awareness amongst relevant stakeholders in order to curb the spread can't be overemphasized, especially among education stakeholders including teachers and students who cannot do without having contact with their colleagues on a daily basis”.



She further said that the gathering is not only for the sensitization but for the teachers and students to witness the production of hand sanitizers which would be very useful in keeping the disease at bay. “One of the methods being used by the state government is aggressive sensitization of all members of the public through different sectorial heads and opinion leaders in different fields of endeavors across the state”.

“This sensitization programme is considered necessary following the high rate of susceptibility of our children to this virus if they are not well briefed and sensitized on the Dos and Don'ts of the virus.

“Apart from this, we also rely on the stakeholders here as well as our students to help cascade our message of personal hygiene to their parents and neighbors in a bid to get everyone enlightened.

“As already being advised by medical experts, we are advised to note the following: avoid travelling to endemic areas, regular washing of hands with soap and water, avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands, avoid close contact with people that are sick.



“On our own part, this sensitization is a major step we are taking in addition to teaching of the production of sanitizers to curb the spread of the virus and also to teach hygiene among our students. Knowledge is power”. Barr. Solarin asserted.

On the part of the facilitator, Director, Lagos State Agriculture Development Authority, LASDA, Mrs. Juliana Balogun demonstrated and taught teachers and students on how to produce hand sanitizers with a token amount of money.

Balogun urged that it is important for people to imbibe the habit of regular washing of hands with soap and water and also go around with hand sanitizer where it's needed.

The high point of the event was when students of the District staged a drama play titled: “Covid-19, Corona Virus Must Go”, to educate fellow students on how to prevent the pandemic disease.

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT SEALS BLOCK MOULDING INDUSTRIES FOR FAILING TO MEET STANDARDS

AgegePulse Magazine



The Lagos State Government has sealed some block moulding factories in the Ikorodu axis of Lagos state during an enforcement exercise as part of its efforts towards bringing an end to building collapse been experienced in the State as part of efforts of the State Government towards bringing sanity to the built industry.


Speaking during an enforcement exercise the General Manager of Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Dr Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen said the government of Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has declared zero tolerance to building collapse in Lagos state and as part of the state government’s efforts towards securing the lives and properties of the citizens of the state its beaming its search light on materials used for construction.




The General Manager said any block industry that fails to meet the requirements and the laid down standard will be sealed. He also hammered on the need to have their blocks stamped as a means of identification.

 On stacking of blocks, the GM said blocks should be stacked 5 layers per column.
Dr Afolabi said the government is all out to make sure those involved in production and sale of building materials meet up the required standard.

In the course of the enforcement exercise eight block moulding industries were visited while seven were sealed for not meeting the required standards and samples of the blocks were taken from each block moulding agency, tagged and moved to the agency laboratory for testing which will be done in the presence of the owners for them to witness the test being carried out to ascertain the strength of their blocks.

 Also, the source of water used for mixing was also questioned and samples were collected to be tested in the Agency’s Laboratory.

The General Manager said this exercise will be continuous and spread to all Local Government areas of the State. He appealed to members of the public and gentlemen of the press to alert them of any suspicions of illegal block moulding activities going on in their environment.



Tuesday, 17 March 2020

Why Lagos closed Adejobi Street In Agege


AgegePulse Magazine



The Lagos State Government has announced that Adejobi Street, Agege will be partially closed on Tuesday today, 17th March, 2020 till Thursday, 19th March, 2020 for the laying of tracks along the level crossing as part of the ongoing railway modernisation project within the axis.

According to a statement from the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, the route will be closed daily from 6p.m to 6a.m the next day, advising motorists intending to ply the Adejobi axis to go through Fagba to link Toyin and Ashade Underpass to access their desired destinations.

The release also advised all road users to comply with the traffic signals as well as obey traffic management officers to ease the traffic situation and minimise the inconvenience likely to result from the construction work.

While soliciting for the support and cooperation of all Lagosians during the Nigerian Railway Modernisation Project, the Lagos State Government reiterated its determination to provide a seamless multi-modal transport system that will meet the transportation needs of its large population.

#LASG
#ForAGreaterLagos

Nigeria Records Third Corona Virus Case




The Honourable Minister for Health has announced the 3rd case of #COVID19 in Nigeria
According to the minister, " the case is a Nigerian who returned to Lagos from UK & developed symptoms during her 14-day self-isolation. "She is clinically stable & is being treated at Infectious Disease Hospital, Lagos".

The Lagos State Ministry of Health, which confirmed the case, said the patient is unconnected with the index case.

The infected, a 30-year-old Nigerian female who returned from the United Kingdom on Friday, observed self-isolation, developed symptoms and tested positive.

Monday, 16 March 2020

Lagos Speaker Obasa Reiterates No Crisis In Lagos Assembly

AgegePulse Magazine


Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashir Ajayi Obasa on Monday 16, 2020 has reiterated his earlier statement that there is no crisis or whatsoever at the assembly.

Obasa made the statement at their plenary session where a vote of confidence was passed on him by the 35 lawmakers present at the session.

“There is no crisis in the Lagos House of Assembly. We have 30 something members sitting here at the plenary today. If there’s crisis, we won’t have these numbers sitting here.

“We don’t have crisis. The fact that one or two people sat somewhere to write rubbish doesn’t mean we have one.

“We had a sitting on Monday, Tuesday and parliamentary on Thursday and another sitting today. So where is the crisis? There is no crisis in this house and there won’t be crisis. We took decision in the interest of Lagos and Lagosians and if there’s need to take such decision again, we would,” he said.

Childhood Trauma Made Me A Philanthropist – Damorich


…My Iyalode Title Was Predestined

Agege Pulse

The popular saying that there is no smoke without fire could well be used to describe the personality of Alhaja Khadijat Oladunni Adeyemi, the CEO of Damorich Stores after struggling through spike of life to prominence.  Known as a cheerful giver with penchant for seeing children and less privilege make it in life, she was recently  installed as Iyalode of Orile Egbiri Land amid wide celebration. In this interview with AgegePulse, she speaks on the rationale behind her personality, her ever-growing business, relationship with Elephant Club of Ogba and other issues of interest. Excerpt….

You recently distributed school sandals to primary school pupils at the 20th anniversary of elephant club, what informed this gesture from you?

That was my little contribution to the good work Elephant Club is doing being their matron. They said they wanted the 20th anniversary to be memorable for pupils of the eleven schools (24 students each) they invited, I felt the little school needs that God used me to donate will go a long way in that regards. What really motivated me were the students that did debate, if parents really take time to send them to school, the world will know that the poor are really trying. They really impressed me, and I pray God will protect every one of them.

 How did Damorich store start?

That's a really serious question. I lost my mother about twenty five years ago; I was a little bit younger. Without my mother, no one else, would cater for me. My schooling stopped along the way too. I had to do menial jobs to provide for myself. I've served as a house help in many places before. I hawked “Moi Moi” and several things for survival. One day, I met a lady who is now my co-worker in Gbagi, her name is Abimbola. I explained the reason why I was hawking to her, I told her about how hurt I was, most especially from my step mother. So, she introduced me to buying and selling of foot wears, there was a slippers called “Bata China” in those days. I started buying in two dozens including some clothes. However, Damorich came about after someone I helped betrayed me at the company where I was getting the 'Bata China'. I got demoralised but when I got home that night, I explained everything that transpired at the resolution meeting with the Chinese people to my husband. I asked him of the company name to use if the Chinese company calls me, he smiled, took pen and wrote down our names. His name is Adedamola Richard. After writing his name, we just concluded that it should be DAMORICH. We started officially fifteen years ago.

Tell us your name and your background.

My name is Alhaja Khadijat Oladunni Adeyemi, the CEO of Damorich Store. I was born in Isolo, Lagos State. I'm a native of Ibadan.

What is Damorich Store's mode of operation?

At Damorich Store, we are three in one. We sell whole and retail sales, and we encourage people who want to venture into the business as much as we can.

How was your growing up like?

Growing up was seriously rough. My mother died twenty five years ago; can you imagine the age I was back then? Think of what I would have passed through, the sufferings. My education stopped in primary four. The pains I passed through was the reason behind my philanthropic personality. It is the reason for my excessive love for children and the less privilege. I don't want people to suffer. If God do more than this for me, I will really help a lot people. Bye and large, I thank God for what he has done for me.

You were recently crowned Iyalode of Egbiri Town, tell us about this traditional title

The title of Iyalode has been predestined for me. I have been rejecting the title of Iyalode for the past three years. It was first given to my father's elder sister, her name is Elizabeth Adigun. It would have been better if a day like that happened in her lifetime. When I wanted to become the Iyalode of Orile Egbiri, Ojokoro LCDA, people were afraid, they told me to quit that it's more than me, but I told them the title of Iyalode has been predestined. Let's thank Almighty God.

Apart from Agege, tell us about other branches of Damorich Store
To the Glory of God, we have many branches.

 It is my prayers that those managing the branches work harder as we are doing in Agege - Headquarters.

What is Damorich's staff strength?
Our staff strength is about thirty (30).

What can you say about the ongoing construction of Pen Cinema Flyover Bridge?

It is one of the best thing that can ever happen to Agege and environs. It is just that human beings are insatiable. If government didn't do anything, we will complain, now that they are doing we are still complaining when we ought to be enduring the pains for tomorrow's gains.

How is the ongoing construction affecting your business?

I know that this bridge will bring progress to the market. It will make Agege cynosure of  all eyes. Also, the driving convenience that the bridge will bring, will endear more potential customers towards Agege.

Tell us about one of your funny experiences in life.

It is definitely my hajj experience. A lot of people didn't believe I will go to Hajj because of my workaholic nature. Personally, I doubted it too. When I first paid for Hajj, I asked for a refund and I used the money to buy car. I paid the following year, I requested for refund as well as. One day, I just sat down and thought about it that I was beginning to play God on my destiny. Later, I went to Hajj in the month of October when foot wears are bestselling, I mean selling fast because that is when children are planning to resume school. It was indeed funny because whenever, I remember till date, I just smile.

What is your projection for Damorich in five year's time?

My utmost projection is that in five year's time, Damorich Stores should have become manufacturer of foot wears.

Message to your customers and people of Egbiri

I appreciate the people patronizing Damorich Stores because if not for them, there will be nothing like Damorich. May God infinite mercy be with them always. I thank Baale Adegboyega of Orile Egbiri, may you live long. Ever since I've been the Iyalode of Orile Egbiri, they have been giving birth to set of twins and mine is coming (laughs…). I really appreciate everyone of you.

2020 UTME: JAMB releases first day results



AgegePulse Magazine




Results of the 312,000 candidates that sat for Saturday’s 2020 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) nationwide have been released, says Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

The Board’s Head, Media and Information, Dr Fabian Benjamin, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.

Benjamin urged all concerned candidates to check their profiles for the results.



According to him, the board is optimistic that the entire exercise will be hitch-free, as it has worked assiduously to ensure that this year’s examination process will be one of the best ever conducted in recent times.

“I want to say that the Board is happy with the conduct of the examination on its first day, Saturday, March 14.

READ ALSO: Candidates optimistic as JAMB starts 2020 UTME
“This is not to say that we did not register one or two technical hitches.

“There is no way anyone can embark on such massive exercise without a few hitches.

“However, the good thing is that, as soon as our attention is drawn to such hitches, we tackle them immediately.



“So, the Board is fully on ground to take on these hitches as they come, but in all, I must tell you, that we are happy with the conduct of the examination so far,’’ he said.

Benjamin assured that the Board would continue to ensure quality service delivery in a bid to give every deserving candidate an opportunity to excel.

NAN reports that, in continuation of the exercise, a total of 469, 670 candidates on Monday sat for the examination in various centres across the country.

The JAMB Head of Media and Information said by Tuesday, March 17, such candidates’ results would also be ready.

(NAN)

Sunday, 15 March 2020

Pipeline Explosion: Obasa Commiserates With Able Ado Victims


AgegePulse Magazine



The Speaker of Lagos House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. ( Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, has expressed his commiseration with the victims of Abule - Ado' s gas and pipeline explosion that occured today, Sunday, March 15, 2020, at Abule - Ado area of Amuwo - Odofin Local government area of the state.

Obasa , in a statement released by his media team said his heartfelt sympathy goes out to the people who lost their lives, valuables and property in the unfortunate incident.

" I pray that God in His infinite mercy will grant you all the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss of your  loved ones and property" he said.

" We on our own part,  as part of the government will do everything possible to avoid such a disaster and collosus loss of lives and property in future", he added.

Obasa also used the opportunity of the unfortunate incident to advise Lagosians to be safety conscious at all times by making sure that they avoid living close to dangerous areas such as petroleum pipelines and gas depots .

Lagos inaugurates new Community Development Advisory Council



... COMMENDS CDAs, CDCs for selfless service

Pix 1:  L-R:  Dr.Wale Ahmed,  Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government & Community Affairs,Alhaji Azeez Amusat, newly inaugurated Chairman, Community Development Advisory Council, Mrs.Ganiyat Amusat and Cardinal Omolaja Odunmbaku, APC chieftain & Life Patron of the Community Development Advisory Council @ the inauguration of newly elected members of LSCDAC and valedictory service for immediate past Members @Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island on Friday.


Lagos State Governor, Mr.Babajide Sanwo-Olu has  extolled the zeal, passion and commitment of various Community Development Associations, CDAs and Community Development Committee, CDCs across the State, saying that the group had over the years exhibited high level of selfless service to the state government and their various communities.

Sanwo-Olu who gave the commendation through Lagos State Commissioner for Local,Government and Community Affairs Dr.Wale Ahmed at the inauguration of newly elected 23 members  of the State Executive, Lagos State Community Development Advisory Council (LSCDAC)at Eko Hotels & Suites on Friday.



He said that the fact that members of the group organised themselves in such an orderly manner and took ownership of government projects in their various domains without expecting any financial reward from government in return shows patriotic disposition that should be commended.

 Addressing the newly sworn-in officers, Sanwo-Olu charged them to continue in the path of transparency, probity and accountability as already enshrined in the practice of the council over the years.

He implored the exco to ensure that the activities and self-help projects of the CDAs are in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda of the present administration in order to achieve the Governor's vision of a Greater Lagos.

He added that the role of Community Development Associations majorly is to complement government developmental activities at the grassroots. "As development partner, I enjoin you to focus in this direction and to achieve this, you must engage and communicate with every member of your community on how to complement Government's effort in our communities. He stated."

While thanking the outgoing executive for serving meritoriously and for contributing in no small measure to the peaceful coexistence across communities in the Centre of Excellence, the Governor reminded them of how the present administration relies on them for quality governance, stressing that they are very integral in delivering dividends of democracy to all residents of the State.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Taiwo Salaam in his welcome address appreciated CDA members and executive for the success recorded at the recently concluded election conducted.

He stated that the efforts of all CDAs and CDCs across the State has made the goal of bringing the government closer to the people possible, saying that Lagos today, boasts of over 3,900 vibrant CDAs.

Similarly, Cardinal Omolaja Odumbaku, a member of Governor’s Advisory Council and Life Patron, Lagos State Community Development Advisory Council, LSCDAC, while giving his speech thanked Mr Governor for the honour he has given to CDAs in the state by recognising and including them in the T.H.E.M.E.S. Agenda of his administration.

He commended Dr. Wale Ahmed for using the experience he has garnered over the years in grassroots politics to contribute immensely to the development of Lagos state.

He also appealed to them to ensure that resources garnered at the CDAs are used meticulously for the purpose they are earmarked for, thus contributing to the State Government’s Agenda of making Lagos State a 21st century economy.

Odumbaku who is the life patron of LSCDAC advised members of the various groups to cooperate with their local government Chairmen, saying, that is how they can get the needed support for their various projects at the grassroots.

Speaking on behalf of the outgoing executive, the Chairman of the LSCDAC, Alhaji Tajudeen Adeniyi Quadri thanked the State government for given them the opportunity to serve the state and for the unflinching support.

He pleaded with the state government to extend same support to the newly elected executives so that they can sustain the tempo of development at the grassroots and even surpass their own achievements.

The newly elected LSCDAC Chairman, Alhaji Azeez Amusat while giving his acceptance speech thanked the state government for the platform created for CDAs to relate with government, just as he appreciated the Ministry for conducting a free and fair election which brought about his emergence as the new Chairman of LSCDAC.

He assured the state government that the Council will heed to the advice of the state government and ensure his tenure exemplifies  probity, accountability and transparency.

The Director, Community Development Department, MLG&CA, Mrs Sherifah Ewumi-Dosumu thanked the state government for its commitment to development at the grassroots.

She assured that her department through the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs under the leadership of the Commissioner, Dr Wale Ahmed, would work effectively to take Community Development Advisory Council in Lagos State to the next level of community development by giving continuous support and audience to all the CDAs.

Saturday, 14 March 2020

Regional Road Project to take off in May - Sanwo-Olu



…Governor: ‘Trespassers’ properties to go for road construction’

 AgegePulse Magazine

Barring any exigency, the construction of the long proposed Regional Road in Lekki-Ajah axis in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State will take off before the end of May, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said.

The Governor disclosed that all plans had been concluded to mobilise contractors to commence the construction work, but said there was need to remodel the design and alignment for the road in order to reclaim the right-of-way already encroached on by property developers along the corridor.

Sanwo-Olu made this known while on inspection tour of the Regional Road alignment on Saturday. The Governor was accompanied on the tour by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako, Special Adviser on Works and Infrastructure, Mrs. Aramide Adeyoye, her counterpart in Drainage Services, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, and Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Survey, Ola Odulate, among others.

It was the second time the Governor would be going round the alignment of the 9.3 kilometre-long, 45 metres wide road, which he described as strategic in the implementation of Lekki Masterplan Development.

After its completion, Sanwo-Olu said the road would not only bring traffic relief to commuters plying Lekki axis, but improve quality of life for residents of the area.

He said: “This is the second time in two months that we are going round the alignment of Regional Road. What it means is that, we are getting close to the reality of developing this corridor, which starts from somewhere close to Victoria Garden City (VGC) and terminates at Freedom Road in Lekki.

“The road, which is parallel to Lekki-Epe Expressway, is strategic for us in our Lekki Masterplan Development programme. While we went round the alignment, we discovered that there are so many estates behind this place. Construction of Regional Road will not only give relief, it would also enhance movement and improve quality of life for our people.

“There has been encroachment on the identified right-of-way. What we are doing now is to see how to resolve all these issues before we go into final tendering process to pick the would-be contractor for the job.”

Sanwo-Olu said much of the right-of-way for the proposed road remained intact from encroachment; he added that properties built within the road alignment would be pulled down to allow the construction.

He said there was no going back on the development of the road, adding that Government would be meeting with the owners of the affected properties to discuss relocation plan.

He said: “We want the people to know that this Regional Road is part of the development that will ease the Fourth Mainland Bridge we will be constructing. It is strategic because it would ease pressure off the Lekki-Epe Expressway. In future, there is another highway that will extend from Freedom Road to Ilubrin and Third Mainland Bridge. We are hoping that before our first anniversary in office, the contractor would have moved to site for the construction of the Regional Road.”

LASG gives Ultimatum for Removal of Rickety Vehicles from Roads



. . . Sensitises Articulated Vehicle Owners on Road Safety



As part of the efforts to further unlock traffic gridlocks and ensure free vehicular movement across the metropolis, the Lagos State Government, through its Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS), has organised a stakeholders meeting to sensitise articulated vehicles owners about the need to ensure their vehicles are in good condition before putting them on roads.

The sensitisation, according to the State Government, became necessary in view of the frequent traffic jam resulting from the frequent breakdown of rickety vehicles and articulated trucks that daily ply Lagos roads and the danger they constitute to citizens’ safety.

The Director, Vehicle Inspection Service, (VIS), Engr. Akin George Fashola who chaired the meeting, stated that the stakeholders meeting was aimed at bringing different players together to educate them on government policy relating to the movement of dry and wet cargo within the State as well as intimating them with regulations guiding road carnage by articulated trucks in Lagos.

He added that the increased traffic in the metropolis, occasioned by the regular breakdown of articulated vehicles, indicated the need to inculcate the culture of safety in motorists plying Lagos roads as well as enlighten them on the need to be more cautious and responsible in their daily operations.

Fashola, warned that the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) will, henceforth, uphold the State government’s zero tolerance for rickety trucks and articulated vehicles to promote safety on Lagos roads.

He disclosed that there was an agreement among participants that a period of six weeks be given all stakeholders involved in haulage movement to revalidate their documentation and put their vehicles in a proper working condition, failure of which such vehicles would be impounded by the VIS.

While warning operators of articulated trucks, tippers and tankers to comply with all guidelines on Safety and Standard operations or be sanctioned, the Director listed some areas of agreement between all parties, such as zero-tolerance for rickety trucks and articulated vehicles on Lagos roads; all drivers of articulated vehicles should ensure they hold the required Class-G drivers licence; and there should be adequate publicity on radio, television and newspapers on government directives to sensitise other members absent from the gathering.

Other decisions include the following: all articulated vehicles that develop mechanical problems should not be allowed to load or leave their loading points; there should be a collaboration with haulage companies that own computerised testing facilities that meet global standard practice to enhance compliance and safety; there should be continuous training and retraining of drivers, among others.
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The highpoint of the stakeholders meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the State Government and Trucks Owners to ensure safety and free vehicular movement on Lagos roads.

Friday, 13 March 2020

LASEMA Curtails Ipaja Ayobo Fire Outbreak


AgegePulse Magazine



 LASEMA Response Team has successfully put out the raging fire that broke out at 12, God first Avenue, Ipaja Ayobo in a operation that lasted for a period of time.

The fire outbreak which was attributed to power surge that did not record any injuries, nor claim any lives, was extinguished before it could engulf the affected room completely or other parts of the burning building.

AgegePulse gathered that the fire outbreak at 12, God First Avenue, Ipaja Ayobo by the LASEMA Response Team that explained events at the incident site states that;

"On getting to the scene of the incident, it was discovered that a two storey building duplex at the above mentioned address was engulfed by fire.

"Further investigation gathered at the scene of the incident revealed that the cause of fire was as a result of high voltage.

"The fire was cutailed and completely put out before it excallated to other parts of the building.

"No life was lost, nor injuries recorded, the only place affected by the fire in the two storey building, was the visitor's bedroom".

Comenting on the development, DG/CEO of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu said since observation of the worrisome fact that electrical fires had been attributed to power surge especially when restored after outages, LASEMA had inculcated precaution against electrical fires as a core aspect of it's public advocacy programmes.

Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu stated that the Agency during all it's public enlightenment campaigns had always insisted that all domestic appliances such as air-conditioners and other 15 amps appliances not in use should be switched off, and unplugged from the suckets.

"With these simple precautionary measures, electrical fires due to restoration of power from public electricity supply after outages would be brought to the barest minimum, if not totally curtailed".

He surmised that every hand should be on deck in the prevention of emergencies in our homes, offices and various other places. This he said was due to the fact that "Emergency/Disaster Management, was everyones Business".

Relocation of Computer Village: LASG assures of Hitch-Free Movement to Katangowa

AgegePulse Magazine



The Lagos State Government has assured stakeholders of the Computer Village Ikeja of a hitch-free movement to Katangowa, Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area, where the new computer and ICT hub is being relocated, saying that the movement schedule is going on as planned.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako, stated this while welcoming the Phone and Allied Products Dealers Association (PAPDA) who were on a courtesy visit to the Ministry.

Salako urged all stakeholders to continue to support the project which was conceived to enhance the sector, stressing that the new ICT and allied business centre would boast of 24-hours electricity, ICT hub, loading and offloading bay, car parks and banking halls among others.

He said that the Lagos State Government would continue to share information and engage stakeholders for their buy-in, noting that the present administration is determined to relocate the  Computer Village to a more conducive business-friendly environment in order to address the challenges created by the market in Ikeja.

“The new site has been cleared and delivered to accommodate the upcoming development, whilst the construction of adjoining roads has commenced", he said.

He noted that the new ICT Park is being undertaken through Public Private Partnership in which Messrs. Bridgeways is the Private Partner/Developer and urged stakeholders to continue to engage with the developer on grey areas and any other emerging issues.

Arc. Jimmy Onyemenam of Messrs Bridgeways stated that stakeholders’ engagement had been an integral part of the project and would continue so that stakeholders are always on the same page.

In his remarks, Mr. Niyi Balogun, an Executive member of the Phone and Allied Products Dealers Association, having been involved since the inception of the project, confirmed the involvement of stakeholders and urged the government to expedite action on the project.

Thursday, 12 March 2020

Arsenal's Mikel Arteta tests positive for coronavirus

Arteta
AgegePulse

Sky Sports News’ Geraint Hughes discusses the possible implications on the Premier League and EFL of Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta testing positive for coronavirus
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has tested positive for coronavirus and their Premier League match against Brighton on Saturday has been cancelled.

Arteta will now self-isolate in line with government health guidelines and it is expected the first-team squad - along with coaching staff - will do the same.


Arteta said: "This is really disappointing but I took the test after feeling poorly. I will be at work as soon as I'm allowed."


Managing director Vinai Venkatesham said: "The health of our people and the wider public is our priority and that is where our focus is.


"We are in active dialogue with all the relevant people to manage this situation appropriately, and we look forward to getting back to training and playing as soon as medical advice allows."

After Arteta's positive test was confirmed on Thursday evening, the Premier League announced it would hold an emergency meeting on Friday morning regarding upcoming fixtures.

A statement said: "In light of Arsenal's announcement tonight confirming that their first team coach Mikel Arteta has tested positive for COVID-19, the Premier League will convene an emergency club meeting tomorrow morning regarding future fixtures."

SkySport

LAGOS ASSEMBLY SET UP COMMITTEE OVER SUSPENDED MEMBERS

AgegePulse Magazine



The Lagos State House of  Assembly on Thursday set up a committee to look into the recent removal of two principal officers and the suspension of two members.

The House took the decision at a special parliamentary held within the Assembly complex.

The Committee is headed by Hon. Ibrahim Layode, a senior lawmaker from Badagry Constituency 1.

Speaking after the special parliamentary, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Publicity, Strategy and Security, Hon. Tunde Braimoh, noted that what concerns the House currently is a resolution of the action of the House concerning the affected lawmakers.

"Those who are being reprimanded are our colleagues, they are not outcasts, and we belong to the same political party.

"We are mindful that the image of the House is at stake and we want to tell you that the people affected are not outcasts, they are our colleagues.

"The committee headed by Hon. Ibrahim Layode is looking at the amicable solution to the matter.

"All the issues about offices, access and others would be addressed by the committee," Braimoh said.

The Information Committee chairman, while briefing House correspondents after the special parliamentary in the presence of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and other members, added the election of the two replacements for the impeached principal officers followed due process.

According to him, the only two offices that are constitutionally recognised are those of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

Others,he said, are done in-house.

"They are nothing to worry about, they were done accordingly. All that we did were done according to Order 10 Rules 68 to 72 of the Business Rules of the House.

"We are in the process of conflict resolution. We don't want to talk about what constitute gross insubordination and indiscipline.

"All the negativity that they are spreading about is exaggerated.

"There would be conflict and this is part of any society. That does not mean there is a sharp division or there is break down of law and order in the House," Braimoh explained.

"The Speaker is here, the Deputy Speaker is here, all the principal officers are here and all the other lawmakers are here, apart from those that have other things to do and those that are under suspension that are not here.

"There is no problem that is beyond solution. It is just that when things are working there could be some disagreement here and there, that does not mean that we will go for the jugular," he said.

On his part, the new Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Noheem Adams, explained that his emergence as a principal officer was based on the decision of the lawmakers and that he was not desperate.

The new Chief Whip of the Assembly, Hon. Mojisola Meranda, also noted that the House is one big family and that there is no rift among the lawmakers.

Lagos Assembly Crisis: APC Scribe Speaks, Says Demoted, Suspended Members Should Have Been Given Fair Hearing



The Secretary of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon Lanre Ogunyemi has expressed strong reservations on the current crisis in the state House of Assembly.



Ogunyemi, a two-term former member of the House decried the turn of events in the House noting that the party leadership should have been consulted before action taken on Monday, 9 March, against four members of the House.

It would be recalled that on Monday, the House members removed two Principal Officers: Hon Olumuyiwa Jimoh, Apapa 2, Deputy Majority Leader; and Hon Rotimi Abiru, Somolu 2, Chief Whip while two other members: Hon Moshood Olanrewaju Oshun, Lagos Mainland 2; and Hon Kazeem Adewale Raheem, Ibeju Lekki 2 were suspended Indefinitely.

Speaking on the matter, Ogunyemi stated that the House members may have applied the disciplinary tool wrongly, saying, "if disciplinary tool will be applied in accordance with House Rules, suspended and deposed members should have been given benefit of fair hearing via appearance before a panel to ensure that allegations of insubordination and gross misconduct are proven.

"Furthermore, all members of the House are products of the party and it is expected that they would explore leadership and party machinery on the matter before arriving at their far reaching decision".

Ogunyemi also querried the legality or otherwise of the members' decision, stressing that members should have examined the legality or otherwise of suspending another member Indefinitely.

The APC Secretary stated that in the coming days, the party leadership will take a decision on the matter with a view to finding an amicable solution to the crisis.

Policemen, Military Personnel Engaging in Commercial Motorcycle Operations will be Arrested - Lagos Govtg



…Sanwo-Olu Chairs State Security Council Meeting

…‘Okada, Keke Replacement Coming In April’


AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Government has issued a stern warning to uniform men flouting the State’s Transport Sector Reform Laws. It is illegal for any security operative in mufti to ride commercial motorcycles on routes where Okada and tricycles have been restricted, the Government said on Wednesday.

The pronouncement was part of the issues discussed during a security meeting held at the State House in Marina. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu chaired the meeting, which was attended by Commanders of all security formations in the State.

Briefing the press after the meeting, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, said the enforcement of the restriction order would be executed with more force to completely keep Okada and tricycles away from the restricted routes.

Members of the Security Council, the Commissioner said, frowned at a situation in which uniform men flouted the State’s Transport Sector Reform Laws, warning security operatives, especially police officers and military personnel, to stop taking passengers on their motorcycles on restricted routes.

Omotoso said: “We have just concluded the State Security Council meeting, where we reviewed the ongoing enforcement of Okada and Keke restriction order in the six Local Government Areas. Matters concerning uniform men engaging in commercial motorcycle operation came up in our discussion and there has been an order restricting them from doing that.

“Only a uniform man who is fully kitted and who rides motorcycle as his own personal mode of transportation is allowed. If any uniform man ventures into commercial motorcycle operation or Keke, the action of such a person is illegal and such persons are going to be arrested if they are caught.”

The Commissioner reiterated that the State would not relax the laws restricting Okada and tricycles on the highways, praising Lagosians for standing firm behind the Government in the ongoing enforcement of the restriction order.

In April, Omotoso said the State Government would be assuaging the pain being felt by residents by injecting buses of different sizes and capacities into the public transportation space to serve as alternative to Okada and Keke.

“We are using this opportunity to inform Lagosians that the palliatives promised by the Government will be coming very soon, most likely in April,” the Commissioner said.

Omotoso said the Government was not resting on its oars in providing required infrastructure that would improve traffic situation and transportation across the State. He disclosed that the Government would be holding a ground-breaking ceremony on the long-awaited Red Line rail project, which, he said, would be held on March 25. He added that updates would also be shared on the ongoing Blue Line rail project handling by Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).

On the closure of Eko Bridge, the Commissioner said the Government would work assiduously to lessen the pain of commuters plying the route. He, however, noted that the closure of the bridge was a necessary precautionary measure taken to avert an incident that may result into loss of lives.

The commissioner urged residents to continue to support the government’s efforts at securing the State, stressing that the Sanwo-Olu administration would deploy all resources to ensure safety of lives and property in Lagos.

“About security, Lagosians should be rest assured that Government is on top of the situation and that all is well. Every action we take is to show that we put the interest of Lagosians at heart and their welfare is on the front burner at all times,” Omotoso said.


Tuesday, 10 March 2020

Flashback: How Chief Obafemi Awolowo dethroned the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Adeyemi Adeniran who married 200 wives in 1955

AgegePulse Magazine



Author: Austin Oyibode

- Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the political leader of the old western region of Nigeria was not a friend to the old Alaafin of Oyo, oba Adeymi Adeniran


- Oba Adeyemi was playing friendship with the NCNC an opposition party to the Action Group, a party set up by Chief Obafemi Awolowo

- Following his support for the NCNC, a rival party, Awolowo plotted his dethronement in 1955

Power is no doubt an intoxicating factor in the lives of many – men and women alike. This is really the reason many come out on different platforms in different levels of the society to hustle for it. Eventually though not many are able to effectively handle and maneuver through it. That is why it is said that most men can stand in the face of adversity, but the true test of a man is the way he acts when he is given power.

The struggle for supremacy is nothing new to man, and in the history of Nigeria, there has been such tussles, with different parties trying to show their superiority; political leaders, pressure groups and even traditional rulers. One of such tussles was what led to the deposing and unceremonious de-stooling of the Oba Adeyemi Adeniran II.


In the pre-colonial times, the Oyo Empire was headed by the Alaafin in a monarchical system where the only functional check on his usage of powers was Oyomesi council. The coming of the colonialists changed it to a form of indirect rule where the Britons ruled via the instituted system. However, this system was again tampered with after the exit of the colonialists following a clash of powers between the Oba and Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Oba Adeyemi II, who succeeded his father Oba Adeyemi I Alowolodu, ascended the stool in 1945 and reigned for about a decade before his abrupt and unexpected dethronement in July 1955. When in 1950, Obafemi Awolowo established the Action Group promising freedom from British rule, disease, ignorance and want for all those who followed him, particularly the westerners.



The Alaafin was one of the few highly placed men of the Yoruba extraction who did not go along with him. The Oba did not, in any way, hide the fact that he was a fan of Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe and by extension the National Council of Nigerians and the Cameroons (NCNC).


This was the beginning of the rift between Awolowo who was the national president of the newly formed party which was thought to project the interest of westerners and the Alaafin who was the undisputed supreme ruler of the Yoruba race. Based on the regional ties, the Northern People’s Congress (NPC) dominated the North, the National Council of Nigerians and the Cameroons (NCNC) dominated the East, while Action Group (AG) had the West as their home zone.

This means that the Oba’s support for the NCNC, a rival party, gave them an edge over the AG which was supposed to dominate this region; and this resulted in his being unable to gather any coalition of voters large enough to win a federal election. This was of course, something Awolowo would not tolerate, as it was not just an affront to his person, but threatened the base of the AG, his political brain-child.

When the Egbe Omo Yoruba association was formed by some prominent Yoruba sons in 1953, and the Alaafin was named grand patron, this threat became magnified. With his dual position, Oba Adeyemi II personally campaigned for the NCNC during the local government elections in 1954. This was a contradiction to what the Oba had done during the 1951 elections when he was still close buddies with the Action Group allies, where he had supported the Bode Thomas, who was the deputy leader of Action Group, and Abiodun Akerele in their bid for the regional house of assembly.

Sequel to that election, Bode Thomas became the chairman of the Oyo divisional native authority controlling the town of Oyo and the hinterlands, while Abiodun Akerele became the chairman of Oyo southern district native authority, both of which were hitherto controlled by the royal stool.

Furious over the attitude of the Alaafin which was not in any way favouring the regional government, the Awolow-led government started dishing out policies which one might be tempted to refer to as anti-Alaafin. The policies were majorly targeted at undermining the authority of the traditional rulers in general and the Alaafin in particular, and transfer more powers to the regional government.

First of all, the Oyo divisional native authority which was headed by Bode Thomas, cut off a major source of fund by replacing the traditional judges also known as the Iwefa chiefs, with their new and elite appointees. The Baales and senior chiefs, as a result, had to hustle for whatever they wanted to come to them, as the new arrangement did not take them into consideration. This, of course, also meant that the Oba was no longer paramount in any way, except in the minds of his loyalists.


The Action Group further tightened the noose by reforming the tax collection system so that the tax collection and assessment which was until then done by the Alaafin was now handled directly by the government in addition to a ten shilling tax and four shilling education rate. All of these provoked the Alaafin to state that a close examination of the party’s policies had led him to withdraw his earlier support and method.


After this, he declined the invitation of Sir Kofo Abayomi, the secretary of Egbe Omo Oduduwa, making reference to earlier occasions when he had been publicly disregarded by both Bode Thomas whom he had earlier installed as Balogun of Oyo in 1950 and Abiodun Akerele. From there, he gave his full support to the opposition NCNC at all levels.

The Oba immediately put actions to his words, setting up his own private courts within the palace and in the residences of his chiefs, which rendered the governments native court reforms redundant as the people preferred to meet with their Oba to resolve the disputes especially marital issues, rather than visit the courts which they saw as an elite thing. He also passed a resolution against the education and capitation taxes, and told the people not to cooperate with the government.

In a counter attack, the regional government set about intimidating supporters of the Oba. When the Oyo native authority council was formed, the counselors who took the side of the government against the Oba were reportedly attacked, and all fingers especially those of Bode Thomas pointed at the Crown Prince (Aremo) as being responsible for the assault. This same council eventually reduced the annual salary of the Alaafin by 650 pounds, removed the salary of the Aremo and other palace nobles. They did not stop at that but went ahead to de-stool the Oba and banish his son who was tagged as being a threat to public order.

At this point, it was clear that it was not just a minor clash of titans, but a major and cataclysmic head-on collision between the two powerful figures. It also appeared to be a contest between the educated minority elites of the land (represented by Awolowo) and the majority illiterates and devote traditionalists, chiefs and rulers (represented by the Alaafin).

Awolowo kept advocating a reformed system of administration and overhaul of the constitution so that the educated minorities could wield the powers – a system where the traditional rulers would be stripped of their already streamlined powers and same would be shifted to the educated few.

The house of chiefs was thus placed under the regional government, and the institution of chieftaincy was placed under the control of the Action Group party. Their method of dealing with any errant Oba or chief could be by demotion, punishment or the person in question could even be completely declined membership of the house of chiefs.


The already delicate power balance was tipped further when a fight broke out between Bode Thomas and the Alaafin over issues of supremacy in the Action Group controlled Oyo divisional council. This was worsened by the death of Bode Thomas at the prime age of 34, in November 1953, a death which the Oba was accused of having perpetrated through diabolical means.


It was so terrible that when the members of the Action Group launched a violent attack on the opposing camp, they reacted immediately and stormed the party meeting in Oyo, an action which led to the death of about six AG loyalists. Throughout the rest of 1954, there were further clashes and counter clashes resulting in injury of many and destruction of properties worth thousands of pounds.

When in September of the same year, an emergency committee composed of seven Yoruba rulers including the Alaafin, the Ooni of Ife Oba Adesoji Aderemi, and the Alake of Egbaland, as well as fourteen leaders of the Egbe Omo Oduduwa was convened, the Alaafin was accused of conspiring to work against the regional government and the party in power.

Awolowo then stated that the government had outrun their patience and could no longer tolerate his insubordination, and after consultation with the other Obas, he was suspended from office and removed from the native authority.

This de-stooling was done despite the position of Sir Richard Lloyd, senior crown counsel to Sir John Macpherson the then Governor-General, that the elected counsellors could have shown more tolerance to the older members of the council who were majorly illiterate and could not easily understand or adapt to the new system. Despite all his grammar and recommendations, they went along with their initial plan, deposing and banishing the 84-year-old Alaafin.

His banishment led the Oba to relocate to Lagos where he was housed by a wealthy NCNC stalwart Alhaji N.B, Soule, a citizen of Benin Republic and fellow Muslim, alongside his large entourage and loyalists who came daily in their thousands to pay their respects.

Even though the deposed Oba was touched by his generosity and tolerance, he acknowledged that there was no place like home, and that his only pain was being subjected to such a treatment at his old age. Even the paltry 210 pounds salary which was left for him was finally stopped. His over 200 wives could not be accommodated with him in Lagos, and so his wives came in batches of 30 to spend times with him, before returning for another batch to take their place.

After taking the Oba out of the way, Awolowo proceeded to pass into law three crucial policies giving him as the regional head tight control over the local government, the customary courts and matters of lands and chieftaincy.

The Action Group thus had the traditional rulers under their firm grip, but the chiefs decided to make the relationship more mutual by dishing out honorary chieftaincy titles to the politicians. This was how Obafemi Awolowo became Chief Obafemi Awolowo. By November 1970, the son of the banished Oba ascended the throne as Adeyemi III Lamidi Olayiwola, to the delight of Oyo indigenes.

Legit.com

Lagos Yellow Taxi/Cab Drivers Launch Operational Mobile App



... As LASG Promises Level Playing Field for All Operators



Lagos State Yellow Taxi/Cab Drivers Association on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, launched a digital Mobile App to enhance their operational efficiency, with a warning from the State Government that the drivers must be more civil and operate in line with regulations that guide public transportation.

Commissioner for Transportation, Dr Frederic Oladeinde gave the warning during the launch, advising members of the taxi association to comply with the extant laws and stipulated regulations to ensure success and sustainability of the initiative.

Speaking at the Eko Cab App Launch held at the Events Centre, Hakeem Balogun Street, Agidingbi, Ikeja, the Commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Oluseyi Whenu urged the commercial vehicles operators to leverage digital technology to bring innovation into their business.

“The State Government is not out to punish anyone, as you go digital today, I want you to know that it places more responsibility on you. You are expected to be more civil and friendly with your customers more than before, while you are expected to operate in line with the extant laws and regulations that guide public transportation in the State”, Oladeinde warned.

While pledging government's continued support and equal opportunity for all investors in public transportation, the Commissioner affirmed that the State Government would create a level playing field and enabling environment for all investors to ensure a quick return on their investments.

“The present administration will continue to implement government programmes and policies that will be of great benefit to public transport operators while we pledge our commitment to creating an enabling environment that will attract more investors into public transportation; we will give equal opportunity to all, we are not biased nor one-sided, we will continue to support all good initiatives that can enhance free flow of traffic”, Oladeinde reiterated

The Commissioner commended the Lagos State Taxi Drivers for their support for the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda by digitalising their operations in line with global standard practice, imploring them to support the ongoing reforms to make the transport system rank among the best in the world.

Oladeinde stressed that compliance with the traffic law will ensure reduction in traffic gridlocks and road crashes, just as it will restore safety and sanity on roads in the metropolis.

In his remarks, the General Secretary of the Lagos State Yellow Taxi Drivers & EkoCab Association, Mr. Taiwo Omolekan thanked the Lagos State Government for their consistent support towards the realisation of the EkoCab App and its take-off scheduled for March 17, 2020.

He disclosed that the application has been designed to enable the Ministry of Transportation monitor commuter patterns to aid the State government in proffering innovation regulations and solutions for overall improvements in the Lagos transportation sector.

Omolekan maintained that the launch would enable the Association bridge the gap created by the Okada/Tricycle restrictions in certain parts of the State while operators will observe strict adherence to the provisions of the State Traffic Law to ensure better service delivery.