BREAKING: FG lifts ban on interstate movement

AgegePulse

The federal government on Monday lifted ban on interstate movement effective from July 1, 2020.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation chairman Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, disclosed this during the daily media briefing.

National coordinator of PTF, Dr. Sani Aliyu also added that only fifty percent of the passengers of the buses are allowed during travels.

Only 50% of the passengers are allowed with compulsory use of face mask,” he said.

The PTF, however, reaffirmed the continuation of the nationwide curfew between 10 pm and 4 am adding that “travels are not expected at this period.”

Announcing the new measures, the SGF said; 

“I am pleased to inform you that Mr. President has carefully considered the 5th Interim Report of the PTF and has accordingly approved that, with the exception of some modifications to be expatiated upon later, the Phase Two of the eased lockdown be extended by another four weeks with effect from Tuesday, June 30, 2020, through Midnight of Monday, 27 July 2020.

“Specifically, however, the following measures shall either remain in place or come into effect: 

Maintaining the current phase of the national response for another four weeks in line with modifications to be expatriated by the National Coordinator; 

Permission of movement across State borders only outside curfew hours with effect from 1st July 2020; 

Enforcement of laws around non-pharmaceutical interventions by States, in particular, the use of face masks in public places; 

Safe re-opening of schools to allow students in graduating classes resume in-person in preparation for examinations and; 

Safe reopening of domestic aviation services as soon as practicable”.

Sanwo-Olu @ 55: No Congratulatory Messages in Newspapers

AgegePulse Magazine

This is to inform friends, families, professional colleagues and political associates of the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu that no congratulatory advertisements should be placed in newspapers to celebrate his forthcoming birthday.

The Governor wishes to continue his tradition of reaching out and sharing love with the needy in the society.

Mr. Governor believes that an occasion of one’s birthday, especially a milestone such as the age of 55, should be a day to reflect on one’s purpose of existence in life and, this according to him, is “to serve the humanity”.

Apart from the outreach, Mr. Governor is scheduled to spend the better part of the day to attend to many important State matters.

The Governor thanks his numerous supporters and well wishers, who may have planned to celebrate with him in one way or another as he turns 55, advising them to use same resources to touch the lives of the most vulnerable people in their spheres of influence.

He said: “the best birthday gift anyone would give me at this period is to identify those at the bottom of the pyramid wherever they reside, lift them up by putting smiles on their faces-that way, you would have lifted my heart too.”

Finally, there is no plan for any form of celebration other than what has been stated above.


Thank you.

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY TO GOVERNOR SANWO-OLU

Lagos Taskforce Arraigns Fake Female House Agent

AgegePulse Magazine

The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences in (Enforcement) Unit (Task Force) yesterday arraigned a fake female house agent, Mrs. Bukola Ayorinde, at a Lagos Mobile Court over fraud in Ikorodu.


Speaking on the arraignment, the Chairman of the Agency, CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi stated that her arrest was effected after series of complaints from members of the public over some fake house agents obtaining a large sum of money from them and absconding.


He explained that the Agency acting on a petition received from one Mrs. Olusola Ola-John, her latest victim, who claimed she was defrauded of the sum of N250.000 over securing an apartment for her aged mother at Millennium Estate Igbe in Ikorodu by the suspect.


According to him, after a thorough investigation, it was discovered that the suspect was the same person who had been defrauding innocent members of the public claiming to be house agent around Ikorodu axis.


“The suspect was charged for 'Conduct Likely To Cause Breach Of Peace, Cheating and Obtaining N250.000 Under False Pretense' before Chief Magistrate Abimbola Oshodi-Makanju of the Lagos State Mobile Court sitting at Bolade in Oshodi.

Mrs. Bukola Ayorinde, however, pleaded 'guilty' to the three-count charge which necessitated an adjournment to Friday, 26th of June, 2020 for a 'fact and sentence' judgment by the Magistrate”, Egbeyemi disclosed.


While appealing to members of the public to be wary of these criminal elements when securing accommodation in any parts of the State, the Chairman confirmed that it was in line with the directive of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu that the suspect be charged to court for prosecution.


Adebayo Taofiq,
Head, Public Affairs Unit,
Lagos State Task Force.

Flood: LASG Allays Fear of Residents Over Continuous Heavy Rainfall

. . . Releases Schedule of Water Releases From Oyan River Dam

AgegePulse

The Lagos State Government, on Tuesday, allayed fears of residents on the continuous heavy downpour being experienced in the past few days, assuring that necessary measures are in place to effectively manage the flash floods resulting from the rain.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello, gave the assurance at a Press Briefing in Alausa, while outlining measures already put in place for this year’s rainfall pattern, stating that additional heavy rains should be expected in July and September.

He urged all residents of low lying areas like Agboyi-Ketu, Ajegunle and several others to relocate from their residences, without further delay, to avoid being trapped by the rainfall at the risk of their lives and property.

The Commissioner also advised residents living along the plains of Ogun River to be on the alert and take necessary precautions as the Ogun Osun River Basin Authority, which manages the Oyan River Dam will soon commence the seasonal water releases, stressing that the controlled water discharge has become expedient as a result of weather forecasts and the continuous heavy downpour.

In his words: “In July, five million Cubic Meters (MCM) will be released while by August, they will release eight to 10 million cubic metres. In September, it will be increased to 18 million cubic metres while in October, 23 million cubic metres will be released which is the peak. Then by November gradual reduction of water release to the tube will be 11million cubic metres”.

Bello added that from the prediction of the Nigeria Meteorological Services, NIMET, released early in the year, the increasing frequency of extreme weather events indicated that the year 2020 will likely experience days with extremely high rainfall which may result in flooding.

He stated that the high volume of rainfall being experienced in June will run into July and September, urging Lagosians not to entertain fear because the State Government has mapped out strategies to contain flooding that may be experienced as a result of heavy rainfall.

“The State Government is presently working on 222 secondary channels out of which 146 have been completed across the State, just as 46 primary Channels are presently receiving attention, in addition to the efforts of the Emergency Flood Abatement Gangs (EFAG) that are being deployed around the State to undertake quick fix to free manholes or clogged up drains manually”, Bello stated.

The Commissioner assured members of the public, particularly residents of Aguda, Shomolu, Surulere, Oworonshoki and Idi-Oro, that contractors are already working on all the channels in the area, stating that cleaning usually starts from the lower stream to the upper stream and that the same applies in Aguda, where dredging is moving gradually towards all the areas adjoining LUTH Idi-Araba and Ishaga which are all parts of System 6c.

While stating that Idi-Oro and Olosha in Mushin are areas experiencing issues because of indiscriminate refuse dumping, the Commissioner assured that the Ministry is taking steps to tackle the problem of refuse dumping in the area so that the drainage channels can work effectively.

According to Bello, part of measures taken to dissuade residents from unhindered dumping of refuse was the recent arrest of eight people in Idi-Araba for throwing waste into the canal.

He disclosed that the government is in talks with Ogun State Government to identify a site that will complement the inadequate capacity of Olusosun dumpsite for joint management by both States, warning that the Ministry has empowered its environmental enforcement agents to arrest and prosecute sanitation offenders in Lagos.

Also speaking at the press briefing, the Special Adviser on Drainage and Water Resources, Engr. Joe Igbokwe said the issue of flooding was not only peculiar to Nigeria because other countries of the world also experience flooding during the rainy season.

He decried the situation where residents erect shanties on drainage setbacks, dump refuse indiscriminately, block drainage channels and constitute a nuisance to the neighbourhood, stressing that the government would embark on strict enforcement of the environmental laws against perpetrators.

Igbokwe urged Lagosians to embrace the waste to wealth initiative of the State where plastic bottles and Styrofoam can be sorted in exchange for a stipend, adding that in coming days, a commercially viable option would be found for styrofoams.

He also said that the State Government would not rest on its oars in ensuring that Lagosians inculcate the habit of regular maintenance of their immediate environment as doing so remains a collective responsibility.

The Special Adviser, thereafter, advised Lagosians to be safety conscious during this period and urged them to take some safety measures such as staying home during the rains except it is absolutely necessary, being conscious when driving, ensuring that vehicles are in good condition and resisting the urge to drive through flooded areas when it is difficult to ascertain the depth of the water.

Osinowo Died a Fulfilled Politician, Family Man - Sanwo-Olu

AgegePulse Magazine

•Tributes Rain For Late Federal Legislator, As Lagos Assembly Holds Special Plenary In His Honour

It was a solemn moment in the chamber of the Lagos State House of Assembly, as rain of tributes and dirges poured out for the late lawmaker representing Lagos East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Sen. Adebayo Sikiru Osinowo, at a special plenary session held in his honour on Tuesday.

Osinowo, popularly known as Peperrito, died on June 15. The late lawmaker was a member of the Assembly for 16 years, serving four consecutive terms before he was elected into the Senate in 2019.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led the session of tributes to the memory of the late Osinowo, saying the deceased lived a fulfilled life on the home and political front.

The Governor recalled that his path and that of the late politician crossed in 2003, noting that Sen. Osinowo’s personality meant different thing to different people.

Sanwo-Olu said the late lawmaker was endowed with uncommon wit and humour, which, the Governor said, Osinowo usually brought to any discussion no matter how seriously the subject matter.

The Governor said: “The level of political dexterity of the late Senator Sikiru Adebayo Osinowo and his unique personality are not in contest, given the testimonies and tributes since his death. We saw in video documentary how he was able to galvanise and energise colleagues at legislative sittings.

“Many people may not know that I personally knew him since 2003. Sen. Osinowo meant different things to different people. His level of dedication to good governance and development of Lagos was unique. At the State’s cabinet meeting yesterday (Monday), we appreciated his contributions and held a special session in his honour.

“I know the level of comradeship we shared. This special plenary is really not to mourn him, because he was a distinguished Nigerian who distinguished himself in service. He led a fulfilled life on the home front and had an outstanding engagement on the political trajectory of this country.”

Sanwo-Olu said Osinowo’s death must serve as a lesson to those in the positions of leadership, saying people’s good testimonies after the demise of the late Senator confirmed his selflessness as a leader.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, recalled that the process of installing leadership of the fifth Assembly brought him close to the late Osinowo.

He described the late lawmaker as “a formidable stabiliser and hero”, saying Osinowo was an influential politician who was endowed in native intelligence.

Obasa acknowledged the role played by the late Osinowo in his emergence as Speaker of the Assembly at the 8th session, stressing that the deceased was a national politician who was progressive in nature.

Also, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, who joined the session through virtual platform, said Osinowo’s sense of humanity would be forever remembered.

“He was a welder, who brought all contending forces together,” Gbajabiamila said in a tribute.

Members of the Assembly, who paid tribute to the late Senator, said Osinowo made credible legislations while he served in the Assembly.

Hon. Tunde Braimoh, who represented Kosofe Constituency II, said the late Osinowo was selfless and pragmatic.

The member representing Surulere 1, Hon. Desmond Elliot, said he was a man filled with wisdom, having seated beside him in the chamber for four years.

He said: “Sen. Oshinowo was an embodiment of humanity and a bridge builder, who was a parliamentarian per excellence. He was generous in ideas and resources.”

Hon. Sylvester Oguntelu urged the Assembly leadership to immortalise the late Senator for his contribution towards shaping the status of the legislative council.

In his 10-minute sermon, the Mudir of the Institute of Arabic and Islamic Training Center, Morkaz, in Agege, Sheikh Habibulah Adam Al-Ilory, said Allah created life and death as a test for human beings.

Taking a reading from Quran 67: 1-2, Sheikh Al-Ilory said death remained inevitable in human existence, urging people to strive to leave legacies of good deeds and righteousness.

Also speaking on the theme: “Preparation for Death”, Chief Imam of the Assembly Mosque and former member of the House, Hon. Abdul-Hakeem Abdulateef, urged leaders to bring down themselves down before they are brought down by death.

He said humans must come to term with suddenness of death, saying: “We must not think we know our term limits.”

Lagos Embarks On Non-Destructive Integrity Test on Public-Schools Infrastructure

#AgegePulse

The Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory (LSMTL) has flagged-off the non-destructive test exercise on public-school infrastructure to prevent any possibility of collapsed buildings and ensure safety of pupils, students and staff of the institutions.

Speaking at the ceremony, which held at Omole Senior Secondary School, Omole, Ikeja, the General Manager of the Agency, Dr. Abiodun Afolabi, said the exercise is another significant effort that affirms the commitment of the present administration to reform the Education and Environment sectors in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda.

“We are flagging off the commencement of this exercise, which will be carried out in phases. The first phase includes the conduct of non-destructive test on 25 selected Primary and Secondary Schools across the State and will last for two weeks”, he said.

Explaining that the non-destructive tests being conducted by the Agency are diagnostic in nature and will reveal any structural defects in the school buildings, the General Manager disclosed that similar exercise had been extended to private schools, in conjunction with the Ministry of Education, with over 50 educational institutions in Ikeja subjecting their buildings to the test.

Afolabi revealed that the Agency, in 2019, also carried out a similar exercise on government buildings within the old and new secretariat complexes at Alausa and Oba Akinjobi respectively, asserting that all the buildings passed the Integrity Test and were, therefore, declared structurally fit.

He maintained that Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory is well equipped to carry out various quality assurance tests including soil, water, concrete,  non-destructive, Geoscience etc.

While advising residents to subject their buildings to requisite tests, the General Manager maintained that the process will go a long way in reducing the loss of lives and property resulting from building and civil engineering infrastructure defects.

How EFCC Arrested 16 Suspected Internet Fraudsters In Lagos, Ogun

AgegePulse Magazine

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In yet another raid aimed at stamping out cybercrime in the country, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos Zonal Office, have arrested suspected internet fraudsters, otherwise known as “yahoo yahoo boys” in Ota, Ogun State, and Victoria Island, Lagos.
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The suspected internet fraudsters arrested during the raid in Ota, Ogun State are Adeshina Michael;  Ayeni Emiloju;  Odenigbo Anthony, Afolabi Gbenga and Oyibogbola David Seun.
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Those  arrested in Victoria Island, Lagos are Onothebor Edmond;  Suuru Blessing;  Ifedapo Opeyemi;  Samson Samuel,  Oguntade Idowu, and Emmanuel Akinyemi.

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Others are: Seyi Kazee;  Sulaiman Toheed;  Oduwale Oluwasesan, Adewoye Oluwasesan and Alex Abiodun.
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Their arrest followed intelligence received about their alleged involvement in internet fraud.
For details of this and other stories, visit our website at www.efccnigeria.org
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#InternetFraudsters #YahooYahoo #Scam #Fraud #Crime #Corruption #EFCC #TheFightAgainstCorruption #FightingForYou

LASUBEB Marks International Day of the African Child

 AgegePulse Magazine

… Holds Sensitisation Walk Against Sexual Assault, Child Molestation

The Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), on Tuesday, celebrated the International Day of the African Child with a renewed call for the involvement of all relevant stakeholders in the fight against sexual assault and child molestation in the society.

The event, which was held at the LASUBEB Office in Maryland, Ikeja, was preceded by a sensitisation walk around the axis to create more awareness against sexual assault and child molestation.

The Chairman of LASUBEB, Mr. Wahab Alawiye-King, in his address, stated that the theme for the celebration - “Access To A Child-Friendly Justice System In Africa” - was apt considering the high rate of recently reported cases in the country.

He said, “The exponential rise in cases of abuse against children, the perpetuating culture of silence and the impunity enjoyed by the doers of these evil acts informed the decision of the State Government, through LASUBEB, to join other member States to advocate for a justice system that is accessible, age-appropriate, speedy, diligent and focused on the needs and rights of the Nigerian child”.

Alawiye-King reiterated the State Government’s stance on the protection of children's rights, saying “In Lagos State, the rights of children are well encapsulated under the Child's Rights Law 2007, a law designed to enforce the rights and advance the welfare of children.

While maintaining that more needs to be done to ensure adequate implementation of the law to guarantee a truly child-friendly justice system, the Chairman enjoined the general public to lend their voices in support of the fight against child molestation in order to protect their rights and dignity.

“Children are the future of our nation; we must ensure that their voices are not drowned. They deserve to have their rights protected and cared for, in order to grow into responsible adults. A child whose rights have been constantly violated will likely grow up to become an adult who does not respect the rights of others”, he opined.

The Chairman emphasised that LASUBEB remains committed to providing quality and child-friendly educational system for the pupils of Lagos State, while ensuring that public schools run a system and structure that protects the best interest of young pupils by keeping them safe from all forms of abuse and increases their confidence in speaking out when oppressed.

Delivering her address at the event, Mrs. Folusho Ajimoti, Board Secretary, LASUBEB, remarked that the programme was organised and preceded by a sensitisation walk to create awareness for tackling the prevalence of child abuse in the society.

“What we have noticed in our society today is that child molestation is on the increase, especially sexual abuse, as the media has been filled with gory tales of child molestation recently. In fact, about 717 cases have been reported in the last five months. This is unacceptable and must be nipped in the bud quickly” Ajimoti said.

The Guest Speaker at the event and an Associate Professor of the Faculty of Education, University of Lagos, Dr. Bola Makinde, identified sexual abuse as harassment, rape and molestation, stating that children become vulnerable when there is lack of sex education.

She enjoined parents to teach their children the proper names of sensitive parts of their body and trust no one with their bodies.

Recall that the African Child Day is celebrated annually, on July 16, to highlight and discuss the threats and opportunities facing the full realisation of the rights of children in Africa.

#LASG
#ForAGreaterLagos

LASEMA Declares Partially Collapsed 2-Storey Building Unsafe

AgegePulse

A partially collapsed two-storey building located at Shanuaje Street in Iju, outskirts of Lagos towards Ogun state.


The said two-storey building according to the SOS message, 'collapsed into half this afternoon (Sunday) about 200 metres from Dana plane crash (site) at Toyin bus stop, lju- lshaga. Thanks".


In spite of the swift response of the LASEMA Rescue Team, it took two scouting operations to locate the reported collapsed building at Toyin bus stop, lju- lshaga.


Preliminary Report on the Partially Collapsed two-storey Building at Shanuaje Street in Iju has it that, upon arrival, the Agency’s officials was observed that the rear of the two storey building had partially collapsed due to an apparent lack of maintenance.

"The Agency’s men also observed that the occupants of the affected building had long been evicted from the building before its collapse yesterday.

"It was also further observed that the building had been previously marked by officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA). The building has been cordoned off.

"Testing has revealed that the structure is unstable and poses a high risk to the neighborhood .

"A Controlled Demolition will be carried out and we will keep the people of Lagos updated"

LASG Postpones 2020 Basic Education Certificate Examination

LASG Postpones 2020 Basic Education Certificate Examination

AgegePulse Magazine

The Lagos State Government, through the State Examinations Board, has announced postponement of the year 2020 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), earlier scheduled to commence from Tuesday, 16th - 23rd June, 2020, till further notice.

The announcement, which was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Director, Lagos State Examinations Board, Mr. Supo Gbadegesin, noted that the postponement was due to the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent closure of schools by the Lagos State Government.

He informed the general public, especially all duly registered Public and Approved Private Junior Secondary Schools, that immediately the State Government issues directives on the re-opening of schools, new dates approved for the examinations will be communicated to all stakeholders.

While maintaining that the Lagos State Examinations Board had no options than to postpone the examinations due to COVID-19, Gbadegesin stated that registration is still ongoing via the Board’s online platforms for those who were unable to register earlier.

The Director also implored the general public to contact the Board through any of the following phone numbers: 08180252477, 08023895717 and 08035190744 for further inquiry.

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.