Real Estate: The Era of Fraudulent Act's Gone in Lagos, Says Toke Benson, SA on Housing

...As LASRERA Launches, Website, Payment Portal

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka has assured the residents of Lagos home and abroad that the era of fraudulent activities of Real Estate and Developers has gone in Lagos.

Token Benson stated this during the launching of the angency website: www.lasrera.com and payment portal at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, she said that the website became imperative so as to create, capture and update a Unified Central Database of Real Estate Practitioners and their activities within the State.

She said, “We are well aware of the trend of fraudulent practices of some Real Estate Agents and Property Developers; this is reflected in the complaints received by the Agency in recent times from residents who had fallen victims to fake Real Estate Practitioners and Property Developers while seeking for accommodation, purchase or sale of property, hence the need to have a comprehensive database that can be used to curb these fraudulent practices in the sector”.



The Special Adviser emphasised the vital need to sanitise the industry because Lagos is the commercial and economic nerve centre of Nigeria and Africa with lots of investments opportunities, adding that the State Government had also worked tirelessly over the years to curb the increasing fraudulent practices in the Real Estate sector.

She noted noted that the public presentation will assist in creating awareness and also educate residents of the State on the importance of patronising registered Real Estate Practitioners and Property Developers.

Speaking on the change of name from Lagos State Real Estate Transaction Department to Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA), she stated that the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, in a bid to transform Lagos into a 21st Century Economy as enshrined in the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda, approved the transition of the Department to an Agency on 7th February 2020.

According to her, part of the mandate of the new office includes the preparation of rules and regulations for the practice of Estate Agency and other connected matters in the State; identification of persons eligible to be licensed as Estate Agents and Renewal of Annual Licenses; Sanction of unlicensed Estate Agency Practitioners in the State, as well as the investigation of complaints and petitions against Licensed Estate Agency Practitioners, amongst others.

Benson-Awoyinka reiterated that the event complements the Smart City initiative of the present government, where service delivery will be technology-driven and readily available to the masses.

“We remain committed to providing an enabling environment and transparent Real Estate sector conforming to international best practices while safeguarding the ultimate interest of all the stakeholders. As a government, we have provided the creation of an innovative and sustainable environment to promote Lagos as a Real Investment destination in Africa and the World”, she said.

The Special Adviser averred that the website www.lasrera.com houses a brief history of the agency’s initiatives, aims and objectives, commitment to the people, a complaint section and a registration portal which allows practitioners to upload documents, stressing that the Agency also has social media handles for effective management and communication amongst the stakeholders.

Education: Lagos Commissioner Adefisayo Launches Toll Free Counseling Line For Lagos Students

... As Lagos Perm-Sec,Edu Dist 3, Dr. Ayandele birthed the idea

AgegePulse Magazine

The fruition of toll free line for Lagos State students counseling brought the Lagos State commissioner of Education, Mrs Folashade Adefisayo to education  District 3, to takeoff venue of the innovation.

In a broadcast by the Permanent Secretary, EDUCATION DISTRICT III, FALOMO IKOYI. Dr. Yinka Ayandele via social media handles revealed the TGPS's statement.

"We were privileged to receive the Honorable Commissioner of Education, Mrs Folasade Adefisayo at the Lagos State Education District III, Falomo Ikoyi to launch our Toll free lines for Student counselling and also learning worksheets; EDUGLOW."

"These initiatives are further proactive measures we have put in place to “reach the unreached”, bridging the inequity gap in our educational system and most importantly scaling education from a futuristic perspective."

“Knowing is not enough” - We must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do."

Together, we get better!

Igbega Ipinle Eko,
Ajumose Gbogbo Wa Ni." Dr ayandele added.

It will be recalled that multiple awards winning Dr. YINKA Ayandele  is widely known for her innovative ideas; an exceptional education administrator in the Administration of Gov. Babajide Sanwoolu.

AgegePulse Magazine gathered that Dr Ayandele has given a purpose driven name to Education District 3 as a GLOWING DISTRICT in a bid to raise the bar with expectations of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu's T.H.E.M.E Agenda on Education.


#EDD3
#AwardsYimika

Lagos Taskforce Impounds 180 Okadas, Warns Riders Against Traffic Law

AgegePulse Magazine

In a bid to ensure sanity on Lagos roads, the State Environmental and Special Offences Agency (Taskforce) has impounded atleast 180 commercial motorcycles popularly called Okada riders found contravening the road traffic law in the state.


The 180 motorcycles were picked by the enforcement team while plying Lagos Abeokuta expressway and roads in Ikeja and Oshodi-Isolo Local Governments to protect residents from persistent cases of road crashes.


As gathered, the impounded motorcycles were said to have been conveyed from their locations by four trucks to the taskforce headquarters in Oshodi where they will be kept for onward crushing.


Aside from the okadas, scores of riders were also said to have been arrested during the enforcement after they allegedly challenged the taskforce personnel for impounding their motorcycles.


A source from the taskforce disclosed that the actions of the riders were at variance with the ban imposed on their activities by the State Government to prevent loss of lives and curtail further spread of coronavirus in Lagos.


Confirming the enforcement, the taskforce chairman, Olayinka Egbeyemi, stated that the impounded okadas were found contravening the laws in the state.


Egbeyemi, however, warned okada riders in other communities to desist from contravening the ban imposed on their activities by the government and that the taskforce would not hesitate to impound any motorcycle found during enforcement.

Electricity Consumers to Pay More On Prepaid Meters From N67,055...

 AgegePulse Magazine

Emerging report indicates that Power consumers are going to start paying more for prepaid meters, as the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, has hiked the cost of the commodity.

It was gathered in Abuja, on Monday, that the Commission had increased the price for a three-phase meter from N67,055 to N82,855.19, while the cost of a single-phase meter was raised from N36,991 to N44.896.16.

The new prices were contained in a memo signed by the NERC Chairman, Prof. James Momoh, pegging the new price pursuant to section 19 (d) of the Meter Asset Providers, MAP, regulation.

However, the introduction of the MAP model, according to Stakeholders, is yet to adequately address the meter demands of customers.

Providing reasons for the increase in meter cost, Prof. Momoh was said to have explained that the hike in foreign exchange rate by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, was a contributory factor.



His words: “In arriving at the approved unit costs, the Commission has considered the recent changes in foreign exchange approved by the CBN, and the applicable rate available to importers of meter components or fully assembled meters through investors and exporters’ forex window.”

Figures from the Commission showed that out of a total of 8,310,408 registered active electricity customers, only 3,704,302 (44.6 percent) have been metered.

This indicates that 55.4 percent of end-user customers are still on estimated billing.
Page36News

Exclusive: Mr Governor, Time for Genuine Palliative is Now

AgegePulse Magazine

The Lagos Bus Rapid Transit System, also known as Lagos BRT,  regulated by The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority ( LAMATA) and currently operated by Primero Transport Services Limited mode of operation in Lagos is to say the least abysmal and becoming a huge hole in the pocket of Lagosians whose salary and earnings have not increased during the Covid 19 pandemic, but have to pay more exorbitant prices for new fares introduced by Primero.

Note too long ago I listened  attentively to Mr. Governor chat at Journalist hangout on TVC News, sadly, there was no reactions from Mr. Governor or the presenter to the realities of hard time Lagosians are on a daily basis facing to get to their various destinations due to increase in public transportation fares occasioned by the social distance arrangement in public transportation, which necessitated a reduction in the number of passengers a public bus can convey.

BRT before now was the populace, especially the low income earners' succour from the pangs and inhuman treatment the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) workers inflict on the people through their often inconsiderate,
 exhorbitant and indiscriminate hike in transport fares. The emergence of LAGBUS and BRT was thus a relief from high handed and "uncontrollable" activities of the yellow buses, popularly called "Danfo" and their high capacity bus counterparts - Molue.

However, Primerio Ltd's sole license to operate alone on the BRT corridor has also been abused; making the operator complacent. The monopoly enjoyed by Primero Ltd is a flagrant misapplication of the goodwill successive governors in Lagos State invested in the novel public transportation venture. The ordinary Lagos commuters that is supposed  to benefit from the expected global transportation efficiency of the BRT have been handed the short end of stick through unreasonable increment of transportation fares by Primero Ltd. The latest increment is rather sour and rash coming when the government of Governor Babajide Sanwoolu was marking its first year in office; making the increase a bad one year gift to the people!

The Covid-19 pandemic, the world over, has exemplify how compassionate and soft-hearted a government ought to be during trying times to the citizenry. But, rather than making life easier for the people, Primero Ltd and, by extension, Lagos state government are adding to the anguish of the people. It is not out of place for Lagos State government to liaise with Primero Ltd on how to subsidize the cost of commuting the people during the pandemic. Paradoxically, instead of Lagosians enjoying palliative assistance from the government, we are being inflicted with hike in transportation fares. It is a glaring fact that majority of the people who use the BRT are artisans, traders, students and people in the informal sector, whose income remain unchanged.

On the other hand, I believe it is time for Lagos state government to break the monopoly of the Primero buses on the BRT corridor and allow other operators to compete,  to allow the poor masses enjoy better  choice and services.

On this note, I warmly congratulate Governor Babajide Sanwoolu for the service and human leadership he provided being the incident commander and number one frontliner in the fight against Corona Virus and marking his one year of being on the driver's seat of the economic capital of Nigeria. You have recorded a commendable start, one can only wish you a successful and eventful ending of tenure.


Comrade Alarape Aliu writes from Agboyi Ketu LCDA, Kosofe, Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu’s Aide Restates Commitment to Welfare of Residents

AgegePulse Magazine

The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Parastatals Monitoring, Mr. Afolabi Ayantayo, has restated the commitment of the State Government to improving the welfare of its citizenry.

Ayantayo, who disclosed this at the Y2020 Ministerial Press Briefing organised to commemorate the first year in office of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the JJT Park, Alausa, on Wednesday, said that the present administration will continue to embark on people-centred plans, policies and programmes in all its activities.

In his words “As the State Government repairs and builds new roads, hospitals, clears the drains, invests in the intermodal transport system, empowers more residents, creates more opportunities for economic enhancement and valiantly confronts the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, the foremost drive for the administration has always been to improve the lots of the people because of the Governor’s conviction that citizens are the bedrock of democracy”.

The Special Adviser said all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the State Government perform key roles in delivering specific services to the general public, adding that the Parastatals Monitoring Office, PMO, effectively monitors these agencies to ensure they are being optimally administered and professionally run.

Speaking on the activities of the PMO in the last one year, the Governor’s aide said one of the first steps taken was to congregate all Heads of Parastatals and Agencies of the State in fulfilment of its assigned mandate, saying that “In the last one year, the PMO team has visited 94 government companies, agencies and parastatals across the nooks and crannies of the entire area of the State”.

“A detailed report of the visitation has been submitted to the Governor, especially on the need to monitor the Agencies more closely. Each now has a file opened for it.  I have directed that minute by minute reports of all their activities on a daily basis must be submitted to my Office.  Through this, Mr. Governor can obtain an accurate report on any agency, company, institution and parastatals he so desires. Likewise, the office can through this make recommendations to Mr. Governor on any one of them at any point in time”, he added.

According to Ayantayo, the PMO has also been involved in facilitating cooperation between budding entrepreneurs who have a business relationship with some Parastatals and also embarked on the review of enabling laws, in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice (Law Reforms Commission), for Parastatals whose laws are obsolete or hindered by their operational guidelines. Consequently, a total number of 54 enabling laws have been forwarded to the Law Reforms Commission for review.

Taking a peep into the future, Ayantayo said better days are ahead for the PMO despite the COVID-19 pandemic, stressing that the Office is on the verge of producing a maiden journal, “Lagos Parastatals”, adding that the major objective of the publication is to provide a quick reference guide for organisations, individuals and corporate citizens who intend to partner with the current administration in moving the State forward towards delivering on its T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda.

The Special Adviser also disclosed that the PMO will be organising training for executive officers of Parastatals in the State to improve their capacity.

He said: “These will involve quarterly workshops (locally) for high ranking members of Parastatals and Biennial (International) strategic management workshops for CEOs of Parastatals and Agencies. The objective of the continuous training of CEOs of Parastatals is to connect top executives of PMO with the vision, programmes, priorities and expectations of the Sanwo-Olu led administration in Lagos State. This skills acquisition programmes are also aimed at developing the participants’ skills and capabilities that are tailored to their specific duties and roles”.

On COVID-19, Ayantayo said the pandemic has slowed down the plans for the first quarter, stressing that some of these plans include the deployment of Shared Service Infrastructure (SSI) among Parastatals and Agencies as well as the Single Billing Platform.

#LASG
#ForAGreaterLagos
#1YearInOffice

HOW COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIP AIDED INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN LAGOS, COMMISSIONER

AgegePulse Magazine

The Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Dr Wale Ahmed has explained the indispensable roles played by the various communities in the State in the implementation of developmental projects across the Local Government Areas, LGAs and Local Council Developmental Areas, LCDAs, saying that
the involvement of Lagosians at the grassroots  contributed significantly to the successes of government's projects in different parts of the State.

The Commissioner who described a hostile community as a bane to any development, acknowledged the cooperation received by members of Community Development Associations and Community Advisory Council especially those in neighbourhood where there are different ongoing infrastructural projects.

Dr. Ahmed made this disclosure on Wednesday while giving the score-card of the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs at a Ministerial Press Briefing in commemoration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s One Year in office.

While briefing the media on the achievements of the Ministry, he stated that these achievements were only possible because of the cordial relationship the state has with its citizens, stressing that this explains the unprecedented infrastructural development across all communities in the state.

“Our relationship with our communities has been mutual because we have always adopted a “round-table” approach in disseminating the policies and the T.H.E.M.E.S. Agenda of Mr Governor, and this has aided in aligning LGs, LCDAs, Traditional Rulers and other allied bodies with the policy direction of the present administration”.

“ With the efforts of the LGAs and LCDAS, feeder roads, Primary Healthcare Centres and schools have been constructed for the benefit of these communities. This relationship has made seamless grassroots governance achievable especially during ongoing construction works across the 57 LGs and LCDAs."

The Commissioner also added that the relationship the State enjoys with citizens at the local level also  encouraged community development and communal efforts as most of the CDAs have started embarking on various self-help projects that have improved infrastructural developments in the State.

In his words, “In the course of the past 365 days, Mr Governor has equally acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of these communities with the Annual Community Day celebration earmarked to celebrate all our communities. During the last Community Day Celebration, Mr Governor gave star prizes of three 18-seater buses to three outstanding CDAs for initiating self-help projects and N500,000 Consolation Prizes each for 10 other CDAs”.

He recalled that the mutual relationship established with some relevant stakeholders like the Ministry’s partnership with Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials, COWLSO and Market Board Leaders, brought about sanity in the various markets in the State with in the areas of regulations guiding trading in the market, provision of proper sewage system, potable water and adequate security.

While reiterating on security in market places, the Commissioner stated that the State Government stands on zero-tolerance for trading in market places beyond 6:00pm, saying that the decision was necessary to combat insecurity in market places and in the state at large.

Dr Ahmed assured Lagosians that the State Government will continue to improve on mutual relationship amongst LGs, LCDAs, Traditional Rulers and other allied bodies in order to achieve the T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda of Mr Governor, thereby making Lagos a desirable place for us all.

EXCLUSIVE: Gbolahan Lawal, Tinubu’s Former Aide, Set To Be Named New Oniru

AgegePulse Magazine

The stage is set for Gbolahan Lawal, Lagos commissioner for agriculture and former aide-de-camp (ADC) to Bola Tinubu, to be announced as the new oniru of Iru, TheCable has learnt.

He resigned his appointment as commissioner on Thursday afternoon, preparatory to taking over as the first-class monarch of Iruland, which covers Victoria Island, Lagos state.

The affluent Victoria Island encompasses Lagos Island, Ikoyi and the Lekki Peninsula.

There have been controversies over who occupies the seat since September 2019 when Idowu Abiodun, the former oniru, died aged 82.

The tussle had been between Adesegun, a former commissioner and son of the late ruler whom some chiefs had reportedly endorsed, and Hakeem Ajasa, a retired police officer also endorsed by a part of the royal family.

Sources, however, told TheCable that while Ajasa was the favored, there was no compromise within the family.

Lawal, who was in the running before, is now the most favoured for the throne.

Born on July 24, 1970, Lawal obtained a degree in botany from the University of Port Harcourt in 1992.

In 2008, he obtained his post graduate degree in violence, conflict and development from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.

Lawal began his career at the raw materials research and development council at the federal ministry of science and technology in 1994 as a scientific officer.

He later joined the Nigerian police force and was  commissioned as a cadet assistant superintendent.

As a police officer, he served as ADC to Tinubu who was governor of Lagos from 1999 to 2003.

Lawal retired voluntarily in 2008 as a superintendent of police.

A year after, he was appointed as senior special assistant on special projects by Babatunde Fashola, then governor of the state.

He was also the coordinator of the agriculture-based youth empowerment scheme (Agric-YES).

He was first appointed commissioner for agriculture and cooperatives in 2011.

In 2015, he was again appointed commissioner of housing by Akinkunmi Ambode, then governor of the state.

Breaking: Churches, Mosques To Reopen in Lagos

AgegePulse Magazine

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has given dates for Mosques and Churches to reopen for worship in the State with some guidelines.

Lagos Governor made this known while briefing the people of the State on Thursday, 4th of June, 2020.

Sanwo-Olu hinted that security personnel will be going round to monitor how these religious bodies will comply with the COVID-19 protocols.

The governor said that Mosques in the State can now open on the 19th of June, while Churches will now open on 21st June.

According to him only 40% capacity is allowed in the facilities. And that for large gatherings, no facility must take more than 500 people.

He also said that children below 15 years of age and elderly people above 65 years of age should stay away from Churches and Mosques.

He advised that anyone without face masks should not be allowed to enter any place of worship.

Sanwo-Olu also said that there should be no communion service and sharing of foods during these gatherings.

Only Sundays and Fridays Worship are allowed for now, every other regular programme remained suspended.

Fumigation of premises and other hygienic protocol should be observed

We’ll publish names, photos of rapists – NAPTIP

 AgegePulse Magazine

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons has urged Nigerians to report cases of rape within their vicinity to the agency or the nearest police station.

It said the names and photos of sex offenders in the country would soon be published.

NAPTIP Director-General, Julie Okah-Donli, made this known on Thursday in Abuja following the rising cases of rape in the country.

According to her, reporting cases of rape is the only way to curtail the abominable act, adding that the agency will act on reported cases.


She said, “Rapists are now getting away with their illicit acts along with murder; these cases of domestic servitude are cases that take place behind closed doors.

“Our job in NAPTIP is to protect Nigerian men and women, we are not going to compromise our work if they report such cases and we will ensure justice is done.

“Rape cases are not reported because of stigmatisation of the victims and this makes the cases rise. And very soon, the names of rapists will be published with their pictures in the media.”

Okah-Donli said the Sex Offenders’ Register had already been opened in the agency where the names of rape perpetrators were documented for further actions.

(NAN)

Punch



......
“Rape cases are not reported because of stigmatisation of the victims and this makes the cases rise. And very soon, the names of rapists will be published with their pictures in the media," NAPTIP Director-General, Julie Okah-Donli said.

Lagos Confiscates Houses Used For Fraud

AgegePulse Magazine

The Lagos State Government on Tuesday said it has confiscated two houses discovered to be used in defrauding residents in the state.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Mrs. Toke Benson Awoyinka, revealed this at a press briefing to commemorate the first year of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration in the state

She said the government has resolved to take strong measures to stop developers or agents from defrauding members of the public and therefore anyone caught in the act would be prosecuted.

Benson, who is also in charge of the Lagos State Real Estate Transaction Department (LASRETRAD), said her office is currently prosecuting a developer who duped members of the public in the Ketu area, and also another developer who defrauded people in the Mafoluku area.

She said the government has also seized their properties and her office is working on how to sell the properties. According to her, the proceeds from the sale would be used to settle the defrauded members of the public.

She, however, appealed to members of the public to always patronize agents and developers who are registered with her agency.

Awoyinka said: “We have successfully reviewed the Lagos State Estate Agency Regulatory Law, Cap L28, Laws of Lagos State, 2015 (“Law”) presently in operation in the state, which provides for the establishment of the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority.

“The essence of this Law is to regulate 
estate transactions in Lagos State by identifying persons eligible to be licensed as Real Estate Practitioners and providing for the issuance or renewal of annual permits.”

She pointed out that the authority has the responsibility to maintain a register of Licensed Real Estate Practitioners and the sanctioning of unlicensed Estate Agents in the state.

“There is a need to sanitize Real Estate 

in Lagos State. In achieving this, the state must have a data-base of persons dealing in Real Estate Transactions for it to control their activities.

“Thus, the state must amend the Law to reflect its efforts in monitoring the transactions of real estate in a way that is proactive so as to protect its citizens and rid the State of fraudsters,” she added.

Source: ChannelsTv

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.”



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