1st Year in Office: Sanwo-Olu Delivers 1,348 New Homes to Lagosians

AgegePulse Magazine

… Promises To Work On Affordable Mortgage Rates For The People

AgegePulse Magazine

In pursuit of the vision of a Greater Lagos where decent and affordable homes are available to all, the State Government has delivered a total of 1,348 homes to residents of the State within the first year in office of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration in Lagos State.

The Honourable Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, who revealed this recently at the 2020 Ministerial Press briefing organised by the government in commemoration of the one year anniversary of the current administration at the JJT Park, Alausa, Lagos, disclosed that the State Government has completed five Housing Schemes located at Igando in Alimosho Local Government Area; Igbogbo in Igbogbo Baiyeku Local Council Development Authority; Igbokushu, Lekki Phase 1 and Idale in Badagry.

He explained that the provision of decent accommodation for Lagosians is an integral part of the transformation agenda of the present administration on housing, adding that the strategies deployed in meeting this agenda involve building affordable houses through Direct Budgetary allocation for the completion of existing schemes, as well as through Public-Private Partnerships.

In his words “492 of the homes located at Lateef Kayode Jakande Gardens in Igando and 320 at LagosHoms, Igbogbo 2b, were actualised through Direct Budgetary allocations while the rest were made possible through Joint Ventures with private investors”.

“The construction of 120 homes at Courtland Luxury Villa in Igbokushu, 124 homes at Lekki Apartments and 252 at Lagos State Affordable Public Housing Scheme in Idale Badagry was achieved through Partnerships with Lagos State Development and Property Corporation, Le Grand Property Development Company, Step Development and Echostone Housing respectively”, he added.

While appreciating the efforts of the Partners, the Commissioner called for more serious-minded investors to join hands with the State Government for the speedy resolution of the housing deficit challenge in Lagos.

He also disclosed that more schemes will be completed before the end of the year to yield an additional 1,662 home units by the end of 2020, noting that the projects include the LagosHoms, Sangotedo cluster, with 774 homes in Eti-Osa LGA; 660 homes at LagosHoms Odo-Onosa /Ayandelu in Agbowa LCDA; Iponri Estate Housing Scheme in Surulere LGA with 132 units and Lekki Phase 2 Scheme in Eti-Osa Local Government Area having 96 units.

Akinderu-Fatai averred that the government-owned housing schemes being developed across the State include the Epe Housing Scheme in Itamarun Epe LGA with 112 homes and LASU Housing Scheme with 36 units within the Lagos State University main Campus in Ojo.

The Commissioner maintained that the State Government is working assiduously to increase manpower development, through skills upgrade of 1000 artisans in the building sector, for an improved capacity as well as enhanced income generation.

In the area of accessibility of the homes, Akinderu-Fatai pointed out that, according to the State Government Housing policy, the homes are targeted at first time homeowners, who are residents of the State, with a convenient mortgage system or outright purchase.

In his words "The State Government has strengthened its convenient mortgage system under the Rent-To-Own Scheme of the Lagos State Mortgage Board to bring as many people as possible on the Home Ownership ladder. With an initial payment of 5% of the price and monthly payments spread over 10 years, Lagosians can become homeowners without experiencing serious financial hardship”.

Projecting the future years of the present administration, Akinderu-Fatai posited that the State Government will aggressively pursue the delivery of more homes by working with Private Sector investors, organise Housing Challenge Competitions to drive innovation in the building sector and ensure that the poor, the distressed and vulnerable have more access to social housing.

Also speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to Governor on Housing, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka lauded the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for activating the law that established Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA), saying that "with the promulgation, the Agency is now empowered by Law to register Real Estate Practitioners/Property Developers across the State and issue licenses annually to genuine practitioners".

Benson-Awoyinka continued that the new Agency is also saddled with the responsibility of investigating complaints and petitions against licensed and unlicensed Real Estate Practitioners /Property Developers as well as imposing sanctions in accordance with the Law where necessary.

She revealed that various stakeholders’ fora were organised by the government to enhance transparency in Real Estate investment transactions, stressing that the initiative, among others, is to help eliminate unethical Real Estate Business transactions in the sector and protect innocent citizens in the State from unscrupulous individuals.

The Special Adviser disclosed that the Agency has launched a Portal for the registration of practitioners in Property Market and Real Estate Business, noting that the online platform was unveiled by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on 30th, October, 2019 at a grand event held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island.

"The seamless and robust platform has been put in place to gather data of genuine stakeholders in the industry for the purposes of planning and promoting Ease of Doing business. More importantly, it was also a way of addressing the issue of sharp practices in the sub-sector in which many innocent citizens in search of accommodation, purchase and sale of property have been criminally defrauded by fake/dubious practitioners”, Benson-Awoyinka revealed.

She said, in order to further enlighten members of the public about the activities of LASRERA, series of interactive sessions with the Body of Permanent Secretaries of the MDAs and 57 Chairmen of the Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas, Officials of interrelated Ministries, Departments and Agencies, were held in the pursuit of achieving the goals of the Agency.

The Special Adviser hinted that the State is working on the Mortgage and Property Law Cap M5 Laws of Lagos State, 2015, which was established to generate a conducive environment for accessible and affordable mortgage/charge for the benefit of the citizens of the State.

#LASG
#ForAGreaterLagos
#1YearInOffice

Education: LASG Renews Pledge to Fix Defective Structures in Public Schools

...Directs Contractors to Move Back to Sites

#AgegePulse Magazine

Amidst the COVID-19 scourge ravaging the world and consequently affecting every sphere of human lives including the education sector, the Lagos State Government has renewed its commitment to addressing the decay in public schools infrastructure by directing all contractors to return to the sites.

The Chairman of the Special Committee on Rehabilitation of Public Schools, Mr. Hakeem Smith, disclosed this at a strategic meeting with the technical team, stressing that all the contractors on public school projects must quickly commence work in order to deliver within an appreciable time frame.
                                   
He implored all members of the technical team to be up and doing in their supervisory role at the various sites, emphasising that so much is expected to foster delivery of the campaign promises of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the education sector.

While appealing for non-compromise on the quality of work, the Chairman observed that since schools are not in session, it is expected that projects should be delivered promptly as the contractors need to take advantage of pupils’ absence from school to speed up work on-site and ensure that quality standards are delivered.

Smith recalled that the Lagos State Government early in the year awarded the construction of 20 school projects under Phase 1 but the COVID-19 pandemic slowed down the pace of work at the various sites, maintaining, however, that with the recent ease of the lockdown, few of the contractors have returned to site.

He pointed out that others have also been directed to resume at the construction sites while observing the State Government and National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) guidelines for building projects such as the use of face masks and physical distancing among all workers.
 
The Committee Chairman further assured that the Phase One school projects just rolled out include the construction of new classroom blocks, hostel blocks, rehabilitation of old classroom blocks, fabrication of Pupils, Principals and Teachers’ furniture and the construction of watchtowers to enhance security in public schools.

According to him, the fabrication and supply of over 60,000 units of dual combined students’ benches and tables with an under-bench compartment for storage in public secondary schools and another 25,000 units for public primary schools has commenced, stressing that adopting such ergonomic furniture design is simply for the comfort of the pupils.

The Chairman also disclosed some of the sites where contractors have since commenced work to include Ijaiye-Ojokoro Housing Estate Senior Grammar School, Ojokoro; Lagos State Junior Model College, Igbokuta, Ikorodu; Oriokuta Junior Grammar School, Ikorodu; and Ojota Junior Grammar School, Kosofe.

Others are Elemoro Community School, Ibeju-Lekki; Girls Junior Academy, Lagos Island; Akintan Junior Grammar School, Surulere; Festac Junior Grammar School, Amuwo-Odofin; Badagry Junior Grammar School, Badagry Town and St. Joseph Secondary School, Mushin.

#ForAGreaterLagos

Lagos TaskForce Recovers Stolen Goats From Abandoned Vehicle

AgegePulse Magazine

The Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit (Taskforce) today recovered four suspected stolen goats with covered mouths inside a vehicle abandoned by the occupants for contravening Lagos traffic law at Ikorodu.

According to the Enforcement Team leader DSP Anthony Abutu who recovered the goats, the team was on a security monitoring operation in Ikorodu axis when they intercepted a Blue Toyota Camry (AAA 743 EZ) driving on the BRT corridor, adding that the driver and his colleague immediately abandoned the vehicle on the road and ran away.

He said the action of the two men raised suspicion among the team which led to a thorough search of the vehicle and four goats with covered mouths and food items were recovered from the booth of the car, indicating that the goats and other items in the car were stolen.

In this regard, the Agency has called on members of the public, particularly those residing around Ikorodu axis whose goats are missing or suspected stolen to report the Agency at Bolade, Oshodi for collection of the recovered loot.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has distributed new sets of kits to all Nigeria Police Officers attached to the Agency, in a bid to boost the morale and commitment of the officers.

The newly kits distributed include new sets of uniforms (Camouflage and black), berets, shoulder badges and crests.

LASG Renews Pledge to Grow Entertainment Sector

AgegePulse Magazine

The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Pharmacist Uzamat Akinbile Yusuf has reiterated the commitment of the State Government to the growth and development of the Entertainment and Tourism sector in Lagos.

She stated this while rendering an account of stewardship at a Ministerial Press Briefing to commemorate one year of the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu in office on Tuesday.

Akinbile-Yusuf affirmed that the government will not relent in its unflinching support to the entertainment and tourism sectors, adding that the industry remains one of the prioritised pillars in the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda.

The Commissioner disclosed that the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board had in the last 365 days recorded an impressive level of progress in ensuring adequate monitoring, enforcement and censoring of film production, marketing and distribution across the State.

While calling on film practitioners and other stakeholders in the industry to fulfil their obligations by obtaining necessary permits and documentation, she maintained that monitoring and enforcement are crucial in the film industry in order to curb the sale and distribution of uncensored and pirated films, saying that "This is to boost the industry by ensuring that film production is protected as intellectual property”.

She stated further in her address that the number of registered and licensed Cinemas in the State now stands at 20 with seven out of the number registered in the last one year.

Revealing that the government has designed the Film Village Concept to halt infrastructure deficit in video production, Akinbile-Yusuf said “The good news we have for you today is that we have been able to secure 85 hectares of land at Ejirin in Epe Division of the State for film production. This will serve as an avenue to build and explore the entertainment sector bringing to fore the talents and the creativity of entertainers alike”.

The Commissioner, however, made it known that the project is a long-term project and the implementation and arrangement is by Public-Private Partnership, hence, the State government is calling on interested investors to key into the worthy project.

Education: 3,000 Primary, Secondary School Teachers Recruited in the Last One Year, Says Lagos Commissioner

AgegePulse Magazine

The Honourable Commissioner for Education in Lagos State, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo has disclosed that a total of 3,000 Primary and Secondary School teachers were recently absorbed into the teaching workforce of Lagos State in a bid to boost capacity and provide quality education for the pupils.

Speaking on Tuesday at a Ministerial Press Briefing organised to mark the first anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in office, the Commissioner noted that the Education Sector, which forms part of the Third Pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda of the present administration, has witnessed tremendous improvements due to high premium on the quality of teaching and learning in all schools in the State.

According to her, several workshops and training programmes were organised for teachers drawn from the various Education Districts, including the Special Needs Education Division, as improved capacity and welfare of schools’ personnel remain paramount to the present dispensation.

Adefisayo, while highlighting the activities and achievements of the State Government, pointed out that the Ministry is focused on the socio-economic development of an emerging economy that encourages responsible citizenship, development of human capacity and crucial support for transition into a knowledge-based economy.

She revealed that the Lagos State Government’s plans for Education are being executed along key strategic areas under the Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu (BOS) Education Transformation Plan 2020 with many initiatives and intervention projects.

The Commissioner informed that the Ministry had embarked on the construction and upgrade of Public School infrastructure across the State with the completion of six blocks of 92 classrooms in primary schools and three blocks of 54 classrooms in secondary schools to ease classroom congestion, while ensuring capacity development and welfare of students.

While noting that the State Government under the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and State Universal Basic Education (SUBEB) intervention projects also commenced the delivery of 10,164 furniture and 60,000 chairs and tables to public schools Statewide, Adefisayo stated that Governor Sanwo-Olu has approved the establishment of well-equipped standard science laboratories in 11 Senior Secondary Schools and five Government Technical Colleges, including the repair and rehabilitation of 60 selected schools in Lagos.

She further hinted that in its first year the present administration, through the Ministry of Education, has instituted better school governance, administration and improved quality of primary education with the launch of the EKO-EXCEL (Excellence in Child Education) programme which aims at transforming teaching and learning in all State Primary schools with the training of 4,400 teachers and social officers in January 2020.

In her words: “The Eko Excel initiative is already operational in 300 public primary schools in the State. The State government also provided two new buses, laptops, photocopying machines to Basic Education Quality Assurance Officers for monitoring of Primary Schools”.

“We have improved the capacity and welfare of students, our pupils have continued to emerge tops at several competitions nationally and internationally by clinching medals and trophies for the State at the JETS Competition, World Robot Olympiad held at EDUTUS University Gyor, Hungary, and the Chinese Bridge Proficiency Competition to mention a few”, she stressed.

She observed that with COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry has ensured that the students remain engaged by organising electronic learning and teaching platforms through Radio, Television and the Internet, adding that a total of 135,445 pupils are being fed one meal per day in 976 schools across Lagos, through the ongoing Home Grown School Feeding Programme.

Adefisayo also declared that the administration has invested so much in technology as a learning aid while setting up a team of Technology Professionals to support its teaching workforce, stressing that the Ministry has reviewed the Nigerian Curriculum and integrated it with the 21st Century skills while the year 2020 major Book Review is ongoing.

She, however, reiterated that the Ministry organised the Y2020 Public-Private Partnership (PPP) dialogue, a strategic initiative aimed at partnering with stakeholders, Public, Private and Non-Governmental Organisations that are passionate about improving the quality of education in the State.

The Commissioner expressed the readiness of the State Government to ensure the revitalisation of the education sector towards making it more effective and efficient for the attainment of self-reliance and socio-economic development towards a Greater Lagos.

Lagos NURTW Chairman, MC Olu-Omo Presents Face Masks to Nigeria Union of Journalists

AgegePulse Magazine

The Lagos State Chairman of National Union of Road Transportation Workers, NURTW, Alhaji Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, Popularly known as Mc-Oluomo has presented facemasks to the leadership Lagos State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ as part of efforts of the Transport Union's contribution to the fight against COVID-19.

The facemasks numbering hundreds according to Mc-Oluomo, is to support the efforts of NUJ in ensuring the safety of journalists who are in the frontline of reporting the COVID-19 situation.

He commended journalists for their dedication, passion and steadfast in keeping society abreast of government's activities in the fight against the virus.

The Lagos State NURTW chairman noted that media has played and still playing prominent roles in the dissemination of Covid-19 preventive measures.

Alhaji Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya also used the occasion to urge journalists to adhere strictly to the precautionary measures aimed at preventing them from contracting the virus noting that regular handwashing with soap and the use of facemasks and hand sanitizers are sure ways to flatten the curve of the virus.

Receiving the facemasks, Lagos State Chairman of NUJ, Dr. Kazeem Akinreti applauded leadership of NURTW state chairman and his excos member for supporting the efforts aimed at curbing the spread of the corona virus.

Dr. Akinreti particularly appreciated the NURTW boss for providing the facemasks for journalists in Lagos State, saying that wearing them would go a long way to ensure the safety of the journalists as they carry out their duties.
 
Up national.......Progress

How RRS Arrested Man Behind Nude Photo of Salawa Abeni

AgegePulse Magazine

The operatives of Rapid Response Squad (RRS) has arrested a 19-year-old National Diploma holder of Yaba College of Technology, Lagos as the brain behind the blackmail of Queen Salawa Abeni with nude photographs.

The suspect, Olufowoke Oladunjoye Emmanuel, a resident of Brentfield Avenue, Peace Estate, Magboro, Ogun State, was picked up by the Decoy Team of Rapid Response Squad last week Thursday after three days of monitoring him.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hakeem Odumosu had in the wake of *the* attempt by an unknown individual to blackmail Alhaja Salawa Abeni sometime in April 2020, directed the Commander, Rapid Response Squad, DCP Olatunji Disu to fish out the suspect.

After technical diagnosis of the complaint, the Decoy Team narrowed down on the suspect few days later.

Sources close to the team disclosed that the suspect couldn’t be picked because of the prevalence of Covid 19.

The suspect in his statement to the police confessed to have been the mastermind behind the ploy to publish some nude pictures of Waka Queen in exchange for money, adding that he was alone in the scheme.

The suspect, a 2017/2018 Electrical Engineering student of Yabatech, disclosed that he saw the nude pictures in a memory card which he picked up on the floor in Yabatech sometime in November 2019.

He added that after downloading the nude photographs of Salawa Abeni on his phone, he picked up her mobile number from her Instagram page.

"On 1st of April, 2020, I chatted her up and also called her after sending few of the photos to her online.

My intention was to negotiate with her for few bucks and for me to destroy the photographs.

I thought everything was going on fine until the following day when I heard the news of the blackmail over the radio. I was with my mother. She was even cursing the blackmailer unknown to her that I was the brain behind it.

I immediately sneaked out, destroyed the memory card and threw my mobile phone and SIM card into nearby wetland in Magboro. Since then, I never mentioned it to anyone and called Madam Salawa Abeni about it again”, he disclosed.

Commenting on the arrest, CP Hakeem Odumosu stated that no individual would be allowed to commit a crime in Lagos from any State or escape to other States in Nigeria to evade arrest.

He advised guardians to monitor their wards, emphasizing that the internet is a fertile ground for opportunities but the State Command would not allow criminals use it as avenue to exploit law – abiding Lagosians.

Imota Rice Mill will be Ready this Year - LASG

AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Government has said that the multi-billion Naira, 32 Metric-Ton-per hour Rice Mill at Imota will be delivered on or before the end of this year.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Prince Gbolahan Lawal, who disclosed this recently at the Y2020 Ministerial Press Briefing organised to commemorate the one year anniversary of the State Government, explained that the Rice Mill has attained 80% completion level compared to 35% when the administration came in May last year.

The Commissioner explained that the Mill, when operational, would ensure a steady supply of about 2.4 million freshly processed 50kg bags of rice per annum, in addition to over 250,000 jobs that would be created in both the upstream and downstream sectors of the Rice Value Chain.

Lawal noted that efforts have been put into backward integration along the Rice Value Chain to ensure an adequate supply of Paddy to the Mill for smooth operations, stressing that the integration includes the identification of farmers’ groups, in conjunction with other States, to cultivate the required amount of paddy as well as the provision of inputs such as seeds, fertilizers and irrigation facilities, where applicable, to the farmers.

In his words “To meet the Paddy requirement of the Mill, we have undertaken a backward integration in the form of collaboration with other States like South-Western States, Kwara, Sokoto, Benue, Borno and Kebbi. This will be done leveraging on the Anchor Borrower Scheme of the Central Bank with the Rice Mill as the off-taker of the products”, Lawal averred.

The Commissioner disclosed that the Agricultural Youth Empowerment Scheme (Agric-YES) has been revamped within the last one-year in such way that a total of 15,000 women and youths would be trained and empowered in the various Agricultural Value Chains especially poultry, aquaculture, rice, piggery and vegetable production by the year 2023.

“One of its major objectives is to achieve a significant reduction in unemployment, create more jobs and wealth and significantly enhance food security in Lagos State by the year 2023. It also seeks to promote the State's target of producing at least 25% of the food consumed by residents of the State before the end of year 2025", he added.

Lawal noted that the need to meet the challenges of upscaling food production in the State made the Ministry treat agriculture as both a business and development platforms by using strategic partners to stimulate investment in the State.

“The increasing population in Lagos has put pressure on the State’s food security, supply mechanism and available infrastructure, hence the need to prepare adequately to meet the challenges of upscaling food production cannot be over-emphasised. The Ministry has, therefore, treated agriculture as both a business and development platforms with a plan to use strategic partners to stimulate investment”, he said.

The Commissioner explained that the Ministry’s roles in the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda are to ensure food security and improved nutrition for Lagosians; wealth and employment generation with inclusive participation of youth and women; creating an enabling environment for private sector investment; and institution of policies that support sustainable agri-business practices.

Why Sanwo-Olu Appointed Metillelu as Acting Rector, LASPOTECH

AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has appointed Mr. Olumide Olusola Metillelu as the Acting Rector of Lagos State Polytechnic for a period of three months, effective from 1st June, 2020.

According to a release from the Office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the appointment is sequel to the expiration of the five-year tenure of the current Rector of the Institution, Mr. Samuel Oluyinka Sogunro on 31st May, 2020.

"The process for the appointment of a substantive Rector for the institution is ongoing by the Office of the Special Adviser on Education, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, with the screening and clearance of 17 out of the 25 applicants for the post of the Rector", the statement read.

It further disclosed that Mr. Metillelu, prior to the present appointment, was the Deputy Rector (Academics) of the institution.

SANWO-OLU HONOURS COVID19 FRONTLINE HEALTH WORKERS AS HE COMMEMORATES HIS ADMINISTRATION’S FIRST ANNIVERSARY

AgegePulse Magazine

As part of part of activities marking his first year in office, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu today honoured ten frontline health workers who have distinguished themselves in the service of State especially during the on-going war against COVID19 pandemic.

Amongst those honoured are;Prof Sunday Omilabu, aninternationally renowned virologist, Principal Investigator at the Lagos State Biobank and Director, Centre for Human and Zoonotic Virology, College of Medicine University of Lagos;Dr Sunday Adesola, a Principal Medical Officer, who has contributed immensely to case management of COVID 19 at the Isolation Centre of Mainland Hospital Yaba and deployed to head the Onikan Isolation Centre and Mrs Basirat Adeoye, the Apex Nurse at Mainland Hospital Yaba,

Others are, Mr. Folarin Amosun, a pharmacist from Lagos State Ministry of Health who hasdemonstrated immense logistics skills in managing the COVID 19 stores and ensuring an uninterrupted supply chain;Mr Olufemi Akinade, a  hygienist/medical waste cleaner; Dr Bisola Adebayo,  a Consultant Public Health & Community Medicine Physician and Lecturer at LASUTH/LASUCOM who has been coordinating contact tracing, case investigation and active case search; Mr Olanrewaju Aladetuyi, a  laboratory scientist, known to carry out highest manual extraction of samples (250) as part of RT-PCR for COVID 19;Mrs Abiola Aduloju,  the administrator of Mainland Hospital Yaba; Mr Alaba Anago, an ambulance driver  and Mr Tajudeen Bankole, one of the gateman/security officer at the  Mainland Hospital Yaba.

In his remarks before the presentation of award plaques to the health workers, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the government of Lagos will not wait till the eradication of COVID-19 before acknowledging the effort and contribution of the health workers who he described as unsung heroes battling the global pandemic on behalf of other citizens. He noted that the last one hundred days would have been chaotic if not for the dedication and sacrifices made by the health workers.

“The ten of you here today are by no means the only people deserving of the honour but this is just a show of our appreciation for the effort you have put in so far. We are not out of it yet, but as we go along, they say delay is denial; we certainly cannot wait till it is over before we begin to acknowledge our own (frontline health workers). That is why we are excited that your principals looked around and picked you for this honours”.

He added that the ten awardees stand in gap for other cadre of health workers at the frontline at the primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities as well as the isolation centres across the State noting that all of them are deserving of “our appreciation and commendation”. Sanwo-Olu noted that the dedication of the health workers has increased their workload especially at a difficult and trying time such as this.

Governor Sanwo-Olu admitted that though more needed to be done to revive the economy, he gave an assurance that the lessons being learnt from the pandemic would be employed in developing the State post COVID19

“It is not only about COVID19, this is about the whole health structure, about what we need to do and what we can learn from the COVID19 pandemic and beyond”, he said

Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi noted that a ceremony to honour health workers in commemoration of the first anniversary of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration is commendable and a morale booster for State health fraternity.

He stated that the Governor has once again demonstrated exemplary leadership as the Incident Commander of the COVID19 battle in Lagos and as a team player who appreciates the efforts of other team members to achieve the desired result.

Abayomi added that the Governor has demonstrated his leadership skills by leading from the fore front, visiting intervention and treatment sites and supporting all the noble initiative of the Incident Command System.

“While we are recognizing the front line health workers, I think it is important for us to establish that Mr. Governor himself is a chief frontline health worker. We really appreciate the role you have been playing. You have been in the front line and the battle field in so many ways; you have visited all the sites, you have been active and you have been exposed, these are true attributes of leaders that lead from the front”, he noted.

Children's Day : Lagos Education District 1 Agege, Celebrates Outstanding Scholars

AgegePulse Magazine

The Tutor-General/ Permanent Secretary, Education District 1, Barrister Margaret Titilayo Solarin has presented gift items to some outstanding students that have distinguished themselves and excelled in both academics and Co-Curricular activities in the District.

She seized the opportunity of the Children's Day  to honour about 30 students  who had at different times participated in sporting activities, debate, drama etc including those that made the District proud and the state at the year 2020 Maltina School Games among others.

 The TG/PS led some officials of the District including school Principals and some administrators to the various residences of the students to present the gift items to them.

 She said that though the gesture may not equate the efforts and dedication of the students, Barrister Solarin averred that the initiative was intended to spur other students to aim for excellence by making their parents, school and the State proud of their performances.

 "The District deliberately decided to  appreciate these scholars on an ocassion marking the Children's Day celebration and to show these ones as shinning examples worthy of emulation."

  Some of the students who were honoured in company of their parents are: Renner Ayomide from Keke Senior High School, Ifako-Ijaiye, Kikelomo Yusuf and Babatunde Yusuf from Abibatu Mogaji Millennium Senior Secondary School amongst others

The TGPS congratulated the students and appreciated their various achievements in both academic performance and sports.

She admonished them to continue to study and work harder, especially in making an excellent use of the opportunities provided by the state government in the area of online teaching via television and radio.

Barrister Solarin seized the opportunity to thank the parents of the students and called on other students to emulate the outstanding performances of those honoured just as she admonished those honoured not to relent  but continue to aim higher for greater accomplishments.

She assured the students that the state government has a reward system in place to recognize and appreciate exceptional performances which sometimes could be in form of scholarship.

The TGPS expressed appreciation to the Governor, Babajide Sanwo - Olu for providing enabling environment and the wherewithal for continuous improvement and educational development in the state.

 "Let me also appreciate all the education stakeholders for their lofty contributions and efforts in getting the best out of the students. I will advise you to continue to unleash your potentials for the betterment of the state, nation and the world at large." Barrister Solarin pleaded.

By Alabi Rahmat (Mrs)

Amuwo, Badagry, Others To Benefit From Lagos COVID-19 Cash Transfer For Residents

AgegePulse Magazine

By Daniel Essiet

The Lagos government has approved the establishment of the State Cash Transfer Unit (SCTU) for the National Cash Transfer programme.

The State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mrs. Yetunde Arobieke who disclosed this Thursday in Lagos while rendering the account of activities of her ministry within the last one year to commemorate the first year anniversary of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration said in a matter of weeks, the payment of the beneficiaries cleared in the first phase of the programme in the State’s Social Register (SU) would commences.

She said 8,147 cleared beneficiaries from the SU of poor and vulnerable households are from six local government areas and 40 wards.



She said they will pay the conditional cash transfer of N5, 000. The amount is per household monthly in the first phase.

The cleared beneficiaries are from Amuwo Odofin, Apapa, Badagry, Epe, Ibeju Lekki and Lagos Island.

She added that the mapping activity to capture all the poor and vulnerable households in other local government areas is ongoing and these households will be covered as soon as their data is made Ava by the State Operation Coordinating Unit.

To ensure enrollment of beneficiaries, she said the ministry in collaboration with the National Cash Transfer Office, Abuja had organised training for cash transfer facilitators from various local government areas in the state on data and biometric capturing.

Also, Mrs. Arobieke said the government is establishing industrial hub to boost jobs in skill development and entrepreneurship, adding it is intended help the youths to get more employment opportunities.



She explained that the industrial hubs will target clusters in leather, wood and fish preservation with the intention to promote production of finished good.

Apart this, she said the government is planning a robust artisans virtual database.

TheNation

Again!: LASEMA Averts Collapsed Building Tragedy

...Take Corrective Action to safeguard lives and properties this inclement weather conditions - LASEMA DG Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu

AgegePulse Magazine

in swift response to reports on a distressed 2 (two) storey building located at Olaosun close, by Abati Barracks, off Western Avenue in Surulere axis of Lagos, LASEMA Response Team in collaboration with officials from the Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA, conducted a controlled demolition of the defective structure after due diligence, outcome of several tests and approval by the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Physical Planning.

The said 2 storey residential building which tenants were evacuated earlier today by the Agency’s and LASBCA officials, aside results of exhaustive tests, had shown visible cracks, distress signs and several other defects which led to the distress calls that generated it's indept investigation by concerned government agencies and it's subsequent demolition to ensure it no longer constituted threats to lives of  occupants and surrounding properties before it was completely brought down at 4:24p.m today.

According to Preliminary Report emanating from the LASEMA DG/CEO, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu on the Distressed Building situated on Olaosun close by the Abati Barracks off Western Avenue, Surulere which states that, "The agency received reports concerning a distressed 2 storey building at the above mentioned address.

"A joint response team comprising the Agency’s officials, LASBCA personnel and Ministry Of Physica Planningl personnel, observed that a residential building was showing visible cracks and defects.

"The occupants of the building  have been evacuated by the Agency’s officials. The building has subsequently failed the integrity testing and is undergoing a controlled demolition with LASEMA heavy duty equipment, with a go-ahead from the Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of Physical Planning.

Members of the public are urged to take necessary corrective action on their properties to safeguard property and lives from inclement weather conditions especially as the State’s resources are committed to battling the COVID-19 pandemic".


By NOS∆ OKUNBOR

Covid19: No More Lockdown In Ogun Except Weekends, Says Dapo Abiodun

AgegePulse Magazine

The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has eased lockdown in the state except on weekends.

The Governor stated this on Thursday evening while addressing newsmen on the update of COVID-19 held at his Oke-Mosan office.

Abiodun said henceforth, there would not be restriction of movement between Mondays and Fridays except on Saturdays and Sundays.

He added that the Federal Government’s order on curfew which begins between 8:pm and ends 6:am daily is still in place.

He also said the ban on interstate travelling and religious activities is also still in force.

Abiodun said the state recorded 59 new positive cases, an increase of 32 per cent , bringing the total number of positive cases to date to 242.

The Governor said, “This second phase has two major elements of further relaxation of the restrictions and expansion in the number of days.

“In contrast to the current three days of Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, this new phase opens up all the five working days in the week i.e Monday to Friday, with only Saturday and Sunday as lockdown days.

“In addition, there will be no time restriction from Monday to Friday, with the exception of the curfew period from 8.00 pm or as may be directed by the President.

“Let no one make a mistake. COVID- 19 is neither over nor the curve of the spread flattened. From all available data and simulations, we are yet to reach our peak. Consequently, the further easing of the lockdown is not a license to believe the worst is over.

“For the avoidance of doubt, all the existing guidelines to combat COVID-19 in the state remain in place. In addition, specific guidelines to guide the operations of industries have been issued and must be fully complied with by all industries, as part of preparations for full operations.

“The curfew from 8.00pm to 6.00am as directed by the President is still in place.

“Restrictions on Interstate travel are also retained. Wearing face masks in the public is still mandatory. Only one passenger is still allowed for motorcycles, otherwise known as okadas, whilst tricycles are limited to two passengers only.”



Punch

Sanwo-Olu Commissions 264 Units of Flats in Lekki

Gov: "We Will Build Affordable Houses For Lagosians-Sanwo-Olu"

... Project is a successful public-private collaboration- Commissioner

AgegePulse Magazine

The Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu on Thursday has promised that his administration will build affordable and accessible houses for Lagosians.

The commissioning came less than 24 hours to the first year anniversary of his administration.

Speaking at the official commissioning of two different estates in the Ikate Elegushi and Lekki area of the state, Sanwo-Olu said his Government is positioned to bring about even development to every part of the State, with a view to making Lagos achieve the 21st Century economy.

Sanwo-Olu noted that the project is a manifestation of his administration's much-touted need for public-private partnerships, which he said would be encouraged in all sectors of Governance to bring rapid growth and mutual benefits to all parties.

He said: "We need to continue to genuinely think through affordable housing, and that is our commitment for our people, because it's not everybody that will have the ability to pay for housing estates such as this. Therefore, we must give them opportunities for installmental payment, so as to make it affordable and accessible for them.

"I inherited this amongst several other projects and the critical challenge we had to contend with was lack of funds. To surmount this challenge, we had to look towards the private sector and adopted the public-private partnership (PPP) model. It was then that we were able to mobilize the needed funds and put life back to the construction site.

"The Lekki Apartment is thus another manifestation of the possibilities attainable when the public and private sectors come together to pursue a mutually beneficial goal. This cooperation remains a veritable means of meeting the shortfall in the supply of public utilities and social infrastructure", he stressed.

Urging the new allottees of the estate to put the facilities to proper use and comform to laid down rules for appreciation of value, Mr Sanwo-Olu congratulated them as he equally commended the Ministry of Housing, Lagos State Development Property Corporation and the private developers in making this a success in one year of his administration.

Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai praised the foresight and confidence of Governor Sanwo-Olu on the success of the project noting that he left no one in doubt of his commitment to providing affordable houses for Lagosians.

He said the project which started six years ago but witnessed some delay during the past administration got an immediate boost from Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu who provided all that was needed to make today's Commissioning a reality immediately he assumed office.

Akinderu-Fatai expressed optimism that the current administration in Lagos State will ensure that housing need becomes a success story.

According to him, "It is worthy of mention that the project started in 2014 but thereafter got stuck due to some challenges. It would not have been completed if not for the ingenuity and determination of our very able Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.

" When Mr. Sanwo-Olu resumed as MD/ CEO of LSDPC in 2016, he immediately set about putting into motion the financial engineering and design modification required to complete this estate. Today's event is actually to the credit of Mr. Governor who ensured that all the hurdles to the completion were surmounted.

"We thank our able Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for not only the initiative of completing this Estate but also for the entire transformation of Lagos State. Certainly as we work together, the vision of the Greater Lagos as envisaged in the T. H. E. M. E. S. Agenda will be effectively achieved", he said.

Courtland Luxury Villas and Ikate Elegushi Lekki Apartments provide a total of 264 units of flats from one bedroom to four bedrooms for upper and middle income earners working around Lekki and Victoria Island of Lagos.

CHILD MURDER: Lagos Magistrate Court sends Mother for Psychiatric Evaluation

AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Magistrate Court, Igbosere, Lagos Island, on Wednesday, directed that a 22-year old mother, Olufunmilola Adisa, accused of killing her 21-month old daughter, Oluwanifemi, by drowning her in a bucket of water be sent to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) Psychiatric department for evaluation.

Delivering her ruling on the alleged murder case, the Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. Dora Ojo, granted the application of the Lagos State Office of the Public Defender (OPD) representing the defendant, saying that based on section 217 (3) of Lagos State Administration of the Criminal of Justice Law of 2015, the defendant should be sent and remanded at the Teaching Hospital for the necessary psychiatric test in order to determine her state of mental health.

Speaking on the case, the Director, OPD, Dr. Babajide Martins said that the Office, acting in line with its statutory responsibility of providing free legal service for the indigent and vulnerable, took up the case to represent the accused and requested a psychiatric evaluation of the defendant in view of her alleged crime.

He said, "based on the recent ruling and the granting of our application, the Agency will ensure that she commences treatment as an out-patient at the hospital pending further arraignment before the Law Court."

According to him, “Although, the case has been adjourned to the 26th of June, 2020 for the outcome of the Psychiatric examination to be conducted on the defendant, the OPD would do everything within the legal framework to defend the accused in line with the mandate of the Agency”.

The Director, therefore, urged members of the public not to cast judgement on anyone until the person is convicted by the Court, stressing that the Office is still operating within the directive of the State government that rights of the vulnerable are well taken care of, irrespective of their socio-economic background or crime committed.

Recall that the defendant was, on the 11th of May, 2020, arrested after being alleged to have killed her 21 month-old daughter, Oluwanifemi by drowning her in a bucket of water at their residence in Gowon Estate, Alimosho Local Government Area of the State.

Simi and Adekunle Gold reportedly welcome baby in the US

Nigerian singer, Simi and her husband, Adekunle Gold have reportedly welcomed their first child in the United States of America.

The report which was first published by blogger, SDK on her blog, alleged that the duo welcomed their baby before Simi released her “Duduke” video.

 Simi and Adekunle Gold reportedly arrived the US long before the coronavirus pandemic.

Read the report below…

“Musicians Simi and Adekunle gold who are currently in the US welcomed their baby many weeks ago according to sources based in the US….

The couple who arrived the US before the Coronavirus pandemic lockdown to birth their baby have been locked down there since the arrival of their patter of tiny feet.

Insiders reveal that Simi had birthed her baby long before the Duduke challenge she started on Instagram…*wink*

Their baby news is heavily coded and i suggest we wait for them to announce the gender and the date of arrival themselves….

Congratulations to Simi and Adekunle.”

GistReel

How Lagos Police Intercepted Dismissed Soldier, Other Smuggling 1,200kg Indian Hemp

AgegePulse Magazine

By Idowu Abdullahi,
It was the end of the road for a dismissed soldier and his accomplice who must have been parading themselves as uniform men after operative of Lagos State Police Command apprehended two of them for being in possession of about 1,200kg of Indian hemp and hard drugs.


The suspects, a dismissed soldier, identified as Okoliko Andrew, and his partner, Idowu Adebayo, were intercepted with vehicles in which they were conveying loaded substances suspected to be Indian hemp before they were intercepted around Itowolo towards Ikorodu area of the state.


The two men who were said to have been initially stopped for plying Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) corridor around Itowolo, an offense which contravenes the state traffic laws. The state had prohibited motorists from plying the BRT corridors.


However, the Guild gathered that upon further interrogation by the police operatives attached to the state’s Task Force team, the suspects who were parading themselves as uniformed men ran out of luck after it was discovered that they were smuggling substances.


An eyewitness disclosed that the suspects initially stopped by the Taskforce team for plying BRT corridor tried but that they could not bail themselves out of the trouble.


“But trouble started when they failed to properly identify themselves as they had earlier claimed during initial interrogation. So, acting with on spot intelligence, the task force team stopped them and upon further interrogation, they discovered they were carrying banned substances which led to their arrest,” he said.


While confirming the arrest, another source from the task force team, who does not want his name in print because he was not authorized to speak to newsmen, said the police seized 24 bags of 50kg of Indian hemp and also recovered other outlawed drugs from the suspects.


The source disclosed that the suspects who met their waterloo were intercepted driving two vehicles which were Toyota Corolla with registration number CE APP 903FR and a Peugeot 307 with registration CB 686 ABJ, and were said to be living at No. 1, Pedro Compound, Charley Boy, area of the state.


The source added that the arrested suspects claimed they were to deliver the bags of Indian hemp to someone at Sura Market at Lagos Island and that the owner of the banned substances promised to pay them N50,000 after delivering the substances.


However, efforts to reach the Chairman of Lagos Taskforce, CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi, and the agency’s Head of Public Affairs Unit, Adebayo Taofiq, proved abortive as repeated calls to their lines were no connecting.


Also, as at the time of filing this report, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bala Elkana, was not available to confirm the arrests or respond to our correspondent’s inquiries.

Lagos to deliver Pen Cinema Bridge November

AgegePulse

The Lagos State Government on Wednesday said it will complete and deliver the Pen Cinema Bridge by November, 2020.


Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Mrs Aramide Adeyoye, made this known while rendering account of the activities of the Ministry in the last one year.

“The construction of Pen Cinema flyover and access roads in Agege, currently at over 50% stage of work is scheduled for completion in November this year 2020.

“On completion the flyover is expected to resolve the perennial traffic gridlock in Agege and its environs,” she said.

Adeyoye listed works carried out by the Ministry during the period under review to include continuation of projects embarked upon by the immediate past administration such as the Agric-Isawo road, Igbogbo-Igbe road, completion of 31 network of roads in Ojokoro LCDA, network of roads in Badagry and Alimosho Council areas as well as maintenance of existing Infrastructure across the State

She said the administration had also embarked on new projects, including the Ijede road, the 10km 3-lane Lekki regional road and the 4th Mainland road.

Adeyoye pointed out that most of the new projects embarked upon were in tandem with the THEMES agenda of the current administration and also in line with the Lagos strategic development master plan.

On the Multi-level Facility (Car Park) in Onikan, the special adviser said the facility designed to accommodate 384 cars is a six floors edifice with offices and two banquet rooms.

“It has an auditorium sitting 800 guest complete with Elevator, Fire Alarm system, Cctv and a mini grid Solar Power system. The project is currently at 83% completion,” she added.

On the proposed 4th Mainland Bridge, Adeyoye said the bridge project had been in the pipe-works for about 20 years and intended to provide a useful additional link between the Lagos Mainland [Ikorodu] and the Eti-Osa corridor.

She said the proposed construction of the bridge was in consonance with State Transport Master Plan (STMP) and the EtiOsa/Ikorodu Master Plan, with the adoption of Public Private Partnerships (PPP) as the procurement model.

“The project procurement process has commenced with the successful completion of the Expression of Interest (EoI) Stage, which had 52 proponents/Bidders show interest and 32 compliant responses. The Request for Qualification (RFQ) stage is nearing completion, and this is expected to lead to the next stage, which is “Request for Proposal” (RFP) stage,” she stated.


Lagos panorama

EID-EL-FITR Celebration: Egunjobi addresses Agege Residents

AgegePulse Magazine

On behalf of the Executive, Legislative, Management & Staff of Agege Local Government, i felicitate with the Muslim community in Agege on the successful completion of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid-el-fitr festival.

May Allah accept all our sacrifices during the fasting period as an act of Ibadah and reward us abundantly.

Importantly, it's my prayer that God in His benevolence will help us beat the ravaging coronavirus, protect frontliners in the war against it and graciously imbue scientists with the knowledge to find cure and vaccine in no distant time.

While we're hoping on God for mercy, i enjoin all residents to abide with lockdown and social distancing protocols and maintain personal and environmental hygiene.

Please endeavour to keep to the new normal: wearing face masks, washing hands with soaps regularly, using hand-sanitiser among others.

In the word of President, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, our spiritual leader, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sir Abubakar Saad,
"Muslims are enjoined to note that Eid-el-fitr is not a compulsory religious activity (fard) and at no point should it be observed if doing so will undermine the fundamental purpose of Shariah: security, a multifaceted concept, which includes personal, community, national, environmental and health components, among others."

It's pertinent to reiterate that there is curfew between 8.00pm and 6.00am and the orders banning congregational worship and bars from operating are in force.

 *Happy Special Eid-el-fitr celebration*

EID-EL-FITRI: Continue on the Path of Spirituality, Peaceful Co-Existence, Sanwo-Olu Urges Muslims

…Governor: “I Implore All To Celebrate Moderately With Families”

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has congratulated Muslims in the State on the successful completion of this year’s Ramadan fasting and the celebration of Eid-el-Fitri, urging them to continue on the path of spirituality and peaceful co-existence among every Lagosian.

Sanwo-Olu in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, on Saturday said the occasion of Eid-el-Fitri is very significant to Muslims across the world as it marks the end of one month of abstinence from worldly pleasures with fasting and prayers, observed in accordance with the Islamic injunctions.

He said: “Today, I join millions of people around the world, to wish our Muslim brothers and sisters in Lagos State and in Nigeria happy Eid-el-fitri.”

“For Muslims, today’s celebration is very unique. It is a feast to mark the end of a month long spiritual renewal following thirty days of fasting and other religious acts.”

“Ramadan was a period that you denied yourselves the worldly pleasures, turned to your creator for total cleansing and upheld other religious values.”

“Such values as the reaffirmation of your duty to serve one another, helping the poor and the vulnerable in the society, offering gratitude, showing compassion and generosity among other good deeds that guide your faith.”

Sanwo-Olu urged Muslims to continue on the path of spirituality, respect for one another and peaceful co-existence among all Lagosians.

“As Muslims celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Fitri, we must remind ourselves of the need to further reflect spiritually and build communally.’’

The Governor reminded the Muslim faithful of the new reality caused by the global coronavirus pandemic, saying it has altered the way we live, work and celebrate.

He said: “Traditionally, the end of Ramadan is marked with fanfare, where thousands of worshippers head to various designated praying grounds in their localities for special Eid prayer, followed by festive gatherings, visits to families and friends, gift exchanges, feasts among friends, neighbours and relations.”

“However, these activities, which are a reflection of joy and happiness of the season cannot hold this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.”

“As we celebrate, I want us to remember that our fight against the COVID-19 is not over. Let us reflect on the last two to three months of our lives as individuals, as a State and as a nation.  We should also remember our health care workers, and thousands of COVID-19 patients who would have loved to be at home to celebrate with us at this moment.”

“Therefore, I implore all to celebrate moderately with our families.”

“My wife and I hope the occasion of Eid-el-Fitri brings joy to every Lagosian irrespective of religious inclination.”

“Eid Mubarak!” Sanwo-Olu said.

Lagos State Exam Board Postpones Screening Test Into Model Colleges, Upgraded Schools

AgegePulse Magazine

In view of the prevailing situation of global pandemic virus called COVID - 19, Lagos State Examinations Board hereby informs the general public, especially all duly registered candidates for the year 2020 SCREENING TEST into Lagos State Model Colleges and Upgraded Junior Secondary Schools, that the conduct of the examination scheduled to commence from Monday, 25th to Saturday, 30th May, 2020 has been postponed till further notice.

Kindly note that, as soon as the situation improves for the conduct of the examination and approval is obtained from appropriate authorities, the new dates would be duly communicated to you all.

The Board regrets any inconveniences this POSTPONEMENT might have caused.

However, registration is still ongoing via various electronic means such as on-line, WhatsApp or phone calls. For further inquiries, contact the Board through any of the following phone numbers: 08166599458, 08138462960, 08035190744.

Kindly accept our best wishes.

"IGBEGA IPINLE EKO,  AJUMOSE GBOGBO WA NI.

Thank you.

Signed:
Supo S. Gbadegesin
Director, Lagos State Examinations Board

Police parade alleged kidnapper of Ibadan Muslim cleric’s twins

AgegePulse Magazine

Monday, May 18, 2020

Oyo State Police Command on Monday paraded seven suspects arrested over the abduction of the twins children of Ibadan based cleric, Sheikh Taofeek Akewugbagold.

The suspects were paraded  by the Oyo state Police Commissioner, CP, Shina Olukolu at the police headquarters, Eleyele Ibadan.

Also, part of the N4m ransom collected by the kidnappers to free the twins as well as the vehicles used for the operation recovered from the suspects were also paraded before journalists.

The kidnapping syndicate paraded by the police includes: Rildwan Taiwo,(30) Rafiu Mutiu(35), Olumide Ajala, (36) Fatai Akanji,(39) Bashiru Muhammed (25), Opeyemi Oyeleye (33)and Rafiu Modinat (29).


Modinat, the only female member of gang was said to have been saddled with the responsibility of  taking care of the twins while they were in captivity of the kidnappers.

While parading the suspects before journalists, Olukoku said, ”I wish to inform you that in the sensational case of the kidnapping of the 2-year old twins of Alhaji Taofeek Azeez “Akewugbagold” on the 25″ April, 2020. All the suspects have been arrested with substantial parts of the ransom collected, the gun used for the operation, the two operational vehicles, and one motorcycle were also recovered from them.”

”The notorious criminals attacked his wife and subsequently abducted his 2-year old twin to an unknown destination. The criminal assailants later demanded for ransom of Fifty Million Naira (N50, 000, 000.00) before the two abducted babies would be released.”

“As soon as the incident was reported at Ojoo Police Station and later transferred to AK Eleyele/SARS office Dugbe, Ibadan, a team of AKS/SARS operatives swung into action while concerted efforts was intensified to rescue the abducted babies and arrest the perpetrators of the heinous crime. The abducted babies were released unhurt eight ‘8’ days later after their father had parted with an alleged sum of four million naira only (N4,000,000) as ransom to the hoodlums.”

The kidnapping syndicate paraded by the police includes: Rildwan Taiwo,(30) Rafiu Mutiu(35), Olumide Ajala,(36) Fatai Akanji,(39) Bashiru Muhammed (25,Opeyemi Oyeleye (33)and Rafiu Modinat (29), a female member of gang who was detailed to take care of the babies while in captivity were all arrested in their respective hideouts in connection with the crime

The News

#Covid19: LASUBEB recognizes teacher for initiating free online coaching for pupils

 AgegePulse Magazine

    The Executive Chaiman of LASUBEB, Hon. Wahab Alawiye-King and other members ofthe Board have  commended the selfless efforts of a Senior Education Officer in Ebenezer Primary School, Ifako Ijaye, Mrs. Fausat Adegeye for initiating free online classes for some school pupils on Facebook since the closure of schools.

Mrs. Adegeye was described by the Executive Chaiman of LASUBEB, Hon. Wahab Alawiye-King as a resilient worker that is capable of moving Basic Education forward in the state.

 As a mark of recognition of her efforts by LASUBEB, Hon. Alawiye-King presented a letter of commendation to the teacher for the impactful initiative.

    The letter was given to her at LASUBEB Office at Maryland Ikeja for her selfless service at ensuring that pupils in primary 1-6  acquire English language proficiency during the period of school closure.

Just In: Lagos Assembly Chief Imam Loses Mother

The mother of former Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs Dr AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef, Alhaja Risikat Balogun, is dead.

She died a few minutes ago at her Ogba, Lagos residence.

The late Alhaja Balogun was survived by seven children.

Dr Abdul Lateef, the immediate past Lagos State Amirul Hajj, announced the death of his mother on his Facebook page.



He wrote: “It is my turn to grieve! My darling mum has just died. Inna lilahi wa inna ilaehi rajiun.

“Please pray for her in your places. DO NOT COME FOR HER BURIAL. LET US COMPLY WITH GOVERNMENT DIRECTIVES ! She lived well and died well. May Allah forgive her shortcomings and grant her Al jannah fridaus. Aamin.”

Speaking with The Nation, Dr AbdulLateef appealed to Lagosians not to come for the Janazah (funeral).

This, he said, was to comply with the directives of the Lagos State government on social distancing due to the pandemic coronavirus.

Giving insight into the death of Alhaja Balogun, an aide of the ex-commissioner, AbdulGaniy Oladippupo, told The Nation that she was rejected for treatment by a private hospital due to COVID-19 pandemic.

“The hospital rejected her for four days. The hospital management insisted that Alhaja should be taken to the COVID-19 test centre first before they can have anything to do with her despite her urgent need for medical treatment.

“The results came out yesterday (Wednesday) and was negative. Unfortunately, Mama died this morning, ” he said.

Source: The Nation

Two Arrested for Stealing a month old baby

AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Police Command has arrested one Patrick Mbama ‘m’, 41 years old and Ogechi Chinonso Ekwebele ‘f’, 30 years old, for stealing a month old baby  and selling him to a buyer in Lagos.

AgegePulse learnt that, the suspects were intercepted by Police Officers from Anthony Police Division, on enforcement duty at Anthony Oke pin down point.

The officers stopped a Toyota Sienna SUV carrying 7 passengers. The officers' enquiries fuelled the suspicion that the baby was stolen.

The suspects stated that they were coming from Orlu, Imo State. Further investigations  revealed that the suspects had sold the baby to a childless couple in Lagos.

The childless couples,  Izuchukwu Okafor ‘m’ 51 years old and Cecilia Okafor ‘f’ 40 years old were arrested thereafter arrested after the suspects' confession.

Recovered from the suspects was the baby's original birth certificate and parents names.

The baby’s biological parents have been traced and he would be handed over to his parents today

The suspects are to be  charged to Court.

#Covid19: Pastor Bakare Donates Lagos Church As Isolation Centre

AgegePulse Magazine

Ademola Aderele

Tunde Bakare, Serving Overseer of Citadel Global Community Church, formerly known as Latter Rain Assembly, has donated church halls in Ogun and Lagos states as isolation centres.

In a statement issued by the church, Bakare said it was the church’s way of contributing to the fight against COVID-19 in the country.

The statement read:
We, the Citadel Global Community Church (formerly, The Latter Rain Assembly, hereinafter called the CGCC) offer our heartfelt condolences to the grieving families who have lost loved ones as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. We pray that God will comfort and strengthen those left behind in Jesus mighty name. Amen.

Our community has held daily prayers across electronic channels to unite various households together in pleading for the mercies of God to triumph over judgement, and for Christ to heal the sick and shorten the scope and impact of this plague on Nigeria, and the nations of the earth.

Drawing inspiration from the parable of the Good Samaritan as told by our Lord Jesus Christ, the CGCC launched a campaign #IamMyBrothersKeeper to provide meal support to Lagosians irrespective of faith through the houses of our members. This campaign has already been launched and we encourage others to join us and do the same.

To further spread the mandate given by the Good Samaritan in the parable, the CGCC offers parts of our current Church facilities located at Plot 4 Akilo Road Ogba for the use of the Lagos State Government as an isolation Centre for the treatment of Covid-19 cases. The CGCC Medical Missions shall onboard LASG officials to ensure the best utilization of this space as an isolation centre.

We commend the Lagos State Government and well meaning individuals and corporate bodies for the spirited efforts at controlling the spread of this pandemic in Lagos and by extension in Nigeria. We pray for divine health, wisdom and energy for the leadership of Lagos State and frontline healthcare workers.

We continue to urge obedience to social distancing regulations by the people of Lagos and urge well meaning Nigerians to self organize and fund meal support initiatives to the less privileged members of our communities as part of #IamMyBrothersKeeper campaign.

May God extend mercy to Nigeria and the nations of the earth at this challenging time.