LAGOS URGES CITIZENS TO DISREGARD FAKE COVID19 JOB VACANCY ADVERT

AgegePulse Magazine

The attention of the Lagos State Government has been drawn to an advert making the rounds especially on social media about job vacancies at COVID19Lagos Isolation Centres.

We wish to categorically state that this vacancy advert did not emanate from the Lagos State Government, the Ministry of Health or the COVID19Lagos Incident Command System.

We believe this is the work of fraudsters and mischief makers who are bent on exploting the COVID19 pandemic situation to swindle unsuspecting citizens who are willing to volunteer in the war against the global pandemic of their hard earned resources.

Citizens are therefore advised to disregard this job vacancy advert in its entirety and rely only on official communication channels of the Lagos State Government and the Ministry of Health for news and information on COVID19Lagos Response.

We are also currently investigating the source of the unsolicited advert and we assure citizens that the Lagos State Government will do all in its power to apprehend the authors and bring them to book.

Citizens are encouraged to desist from sharing any suspicious or unverified news or information on COVID19Lagos and bring same to the notice of the State Government for necessary action.

Let's continue to take responsibility towards #ACOVID19FreeLagos.

LASG rescues 3 trafficked children, seals 4 estates, 22 high-rise buildings

AgegePulse Magazine

By Grace Alegba

The Lagos State Government ( LASG) on Thursday rescued three trafficked children serving as  workers in a construction  site in Lekki axis  of  Lagos State .

The Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory (LSMTL) that effected the rescue also sealed  22 high-rise buildings and four estates for non compliance to quality assurance in the area.

Dr Afolabi Abiodun,  the General Manager of LSMTL during the enforcement warned developers against child labour, stating that defaulters would be prosecuted.

It was reports that the minors, who were  from Benin Republic were rescued during enforcement visit to the construction sites by LSMTL.

AgegePulse Magazine learnt that LSMTL sealed four estates and 22 houses in the Lekki axis during the exercise while it collected  water samples  from the sealed construction sites for analysis.

Abiodun stressed the need for safe water during  construction.

The general manager reacting to the rescued children serving as labourers  said, “It is child abuse, developers should not use children for construction.

“Look at the children, if we estimate, they are less than 10 years old. What will a 10-year- old be doing  on a construction site,” the LMSTI boss said.

He said that the enforcement was necessary to assess  the structural integrity of buildings, to stem the tide of building collapses, in line with Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s  zero tolerance for building collapse  in the state.

He called on owners of completed high-rise buildings to carry out non destructive tests every five years, to ensure the  structural stability of their  buildings.

Abiodun advised construction companies, developers, estate agents, builders and other stakeholders in the built environment to comply with the directive for testing their construction materials.

He said that such tests should be for ongoing and completed buildings to avert  the danger of building collapse in the state.

The general manager said that some estates had in the past refused officials of the LSMTL to carry out tests on their building materials and also ignored notices served on them to submit samples for testing.

He told  the workers on a site near the popular 1,004 Estate,  along the Ozumba Mbadiwe Way,  that it was on record that the place had been served notices.

“What we have done here is partial sealing because we understand that you must go in and out.

“Tell your engineer to bring evidence of all tests conducted to the  Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory”, he said.

Abiodun also  said that  his team discovered  that on some of the sealed sites, the engineers used 10mm iron rods for columns of buildings where the least thickness required was 16mm.

He decried the wrong foundations being laid for buildings on the axis which are mostly wetlands, adding that, the LSMTL was going to carry out urgent tests on some of the foundations to avert risks of collapse.
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Property owners who did not ascertain the structural stability of their buildings risk sanctions,” the general manager said.

He noted that using the right materials and carrying out the required soil tests would prevent construction failure.

Abiodun urged the public to patronise the LSTML to ensure that they test their construction materials for quality to guarantee structural integrity to avert building collapse.

However, some of the trafficked children working as construction workers told journalists they were working as brick layers and painters on site.

They said their daily wages of N400.00  per child were usually paid to their masters while they remained on site to work.

 (NAN)

Aare Gani Adams calls for proper investigation on Arotile's deaths says death suspicious

AgegePulse Magazine

Gani Adams, Tolulope Arotile

Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams,has urged  the Federal Government to properly investigate the gruesome murder of Nigeria's first female combat Helicopter Pilot,Totulope Arotile, saying the death was suspicious.

Adams, in a statement on Thursday, by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Aderemi, described the late Arotile's death as a personal loss, especially, to the Yorubas.

While condoling with the family of the deceased, Iba Gani Adams also urged the International Community, the United Nation,European Union, United States and Britain to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of the young and promising girl.

 "Nigeria has lost one of  its best brains in the military in such a suspicious circumstances. The late Tolulope Arotile's short span in life was remarkable with a track record of being the first female combat helicopter pilot. The best we can do as a nation is to get to the root of the circumstances culminating in her death"

"As far as I am concerned, reports of her death still remained suspicious to me because her death has raised many questions"

"How would such a promising, young girl be killed by a reversing car within the premises of the barrack? Who drove the car? What was his or her name? Where was the suspected killer at the moment? And what is the present situation? We will like to know, and that is why I am charging the International Community to investigate and look into the circumstances surrounding her death"

Adams, however,said the death of such a promising, young girl has exposed the nation as a country that never values the lives of its citizens, especially, the best and exceptional citizens"

"I take an exception to believe the story surrounding her gruesome murder. Her achievements speak volumes and many in the system may see her rising profile as a threat to the establishment,mostly with her passion towards ending the threats of the dreaded Boko Haram and bandits terrorising the North-west and the rest of the country"

" I feel the pain of a father whose daughter's shining light went dim unexpectedly.The sadness of losing a promising girl like Totulope was eternal to her family, because of her talents and dedication to duty, so it should not go the usual way, where our best brains died without any investigation being carried out"

"Tolu's father said he spoke with his daughter, by 1pm and by 5pm, a  few hours later she was reportedly killed by a reversing car and was in the mortuary.That story needs to be investigated because her case is one out of the many deaths of great Nigerians that made positive impacts toward making Nigeria great, and that is one of the reasons people of excellent and exceptional brains find it difficult to serve the country,and they are all over the world doing great"

" I have traveled across the world,and I see many  Nigerians doing wonderfully well in their respective disciplines, but they always feel reluctant to come back home,because of the way we treat our best brains, I think this is too bad for the development of our nation. More so, I share in the grief of the family as I pray God to give the family the fortitude to bear the loss". He said.

Online

Father Of Late Pilot: What My Daughter Told Me Hours Before She Died

AgegePulse Magazine

Akintude Arotile, father of Tolulope, the late first female combat helicopter pilot of the Nigerian Air Force, has narrated how he spoke to her few hours before she died.

Speaking with NAN on Wednesday, Arotile said being devastated “is an understatement,” recalling how the late Tolulope aspired to have an air service career as a child.

The late NAF officer died in a freak accident at the Kaduna air force base on Tuesday.

A former classmate of hers was said to have unknowingly knocked her down during which she sustained head injuries.

Arotile recalled how he had told his daughter to “return home on time” when they spoke hours to her demise, not knowing she was never going to be home again.

“Just yesterday,at about 1 pm, I called her because she just came back from an operation against the bandits in Katsina (and) they gave them one week to rest,” he said.

“So, she was sleeping and told me she was in bed resting. She said she will later go out to make some photocopies and I told her not to be long and to return home on time because she was staying with my first daughter in Kaduna.

“Around 5:30 pm, somebody called me and asked if I had called her today and I said yes. Then the person told me to call her which I did, but no response, so I called her colleagues, and they were all crying on phone.

“I asked what happened, they were just crying, so I  called one of her bosses who told me that she is in the mortuary and I said, ‘this is somebody I spoke with four hours ago and by 5pm she was in the mortuary’.”

He also recalled how his late daughter dreamt about flying an aircraft, saying “she had not just been brilliant but wonderful.”

“One day when she was very small, she pointed to one small aircraft packed on the field and said, ‘dad, one day, I am going to fly that aircraft’ and I said Amen,” he recalled, adding that she started working towards actualising the dream from that day.

“Right from day one she had been very very intelligent. Sometimes, I  wonder what type of IQ she had, she also combined intelligence with hard-work. I just thank God that she was able to achieve her dreams as a baby before her death,” Arotile said.

TheCable

COVID-19: Sanwo-Olu Commissions 48-Chamber Morgue in Yaba Isolation Centre

AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday commissioned a 48-Chamber morgue facility at the Infectious Diseases Hospital, Yaba in Lagos.

Speaking at the commissioning of the state-of-the-art morgue facility, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the new morgue, donated by IHS Towers to the Lagos State Government will be available to serve the entire Lagos State and not just the Infectious Diseases Hospital.

He said: “Death is not something we pray for, but we also fully accept its inevitability. And we know that when it happens, it is absolutely necessary for the departed to be treated with care and dignity, until it is time to commit them to mother earth. This is why we have morgues, and why we will never shy away from expanding our morgue capacity. Not because death is palatable but because it is inevitable.

“I recall that in April, we experienced a congestion in mortuary capacity in Lagos State. The fact that the COVID-19 lockdown coincided with the end of Lent that month deprived many families of the chance to bury their loved ones. And we had to open a special window for funerals to take place, so as to decongest the mortuaries.

“Even though those were exceptional circumstances, it was clear from that experience that Lagos could do with an expansion in its morgue capacity. Now IHS has stepped up and very generously donated a state-of-the-art morgue facility to the Infectious Diseases Hospital. It will of course serve not just the IDH; it will be available to serve the entire Lagos State.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu while commending IHS Towers for its good gesture to Lagos State Government, called on other private sector players to emulate the generosity and good corporate citizenship of IHS Towers.

The governor noted that COVID-19 pandemic has brought all hands-on deck, to support the efforts of governments in Nigeria and globally.

“In recent months we have seen first-hand the immense support and generosity of the private sector, especially to the healthcare sector in Lagos State; significant donations of infrastructure, consumables and so on, to help strengthen our medical systems at a time when it is under great strain from the Coronavirus pandemic.

“This pandemic has no doubt brought all hands-on deck, to support the efforts of governments, and not just in Nigeria, but globally as well. I call on other private sector players to emulate the generosity and good corporate citizenship of IHS Towers.

“Here is a company that, over the last two decades, has created a significant business, investment and philanthropic footprint in Nigeria. You have tirelessly implemented philanthropy in education, thought leadership, environmental conservation, and healthcare.

“As your corporate slogan declares, you have consistently been ‘Towers of Strength’ in every sector in which you have intervened with your CSR. We look forward to more partnerships and support in the future.” Sanwo-Olu said.

Sanwo-Olu Applauds Health Workers' Sacrifice, as Lagos Marks Tree-Planting Day

 #AgegePulse Magazine

...Governor Inaugurates 48-Chamber Mortuary At IDH

Actions set out to combat diseases and natural disasters that continually threaten human existence may likely not yield desired results if efforts are not made to restore the aesthetics of the environment, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said.

The Governor said human race has a duty to protect the natural composition of the environment and embrace actions that would discourage degradation of ecosystem.

Sanwo-Olu spoke at an event held at the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), Yaba, in commemoration of the Tree Planting Day. The Governor dedicated the exercise with the theme: “Tree for Life”, to all health and emergency workers on the frontline of the State’s response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The State Government, since 2008, dedicates every July 14 as its tree-planting day as part of its sustainable actions to mitigate the impacts of climate change in line with Goals 13 and 15 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The event also featured the inauguration of a 48-capacity morgue donated by IHS Nigeria Limited – a private telecommunication firm – to support the State Government’s effort in the period of public health crisis.

The Governor said every effort to save the earth from diseases must be met with equal energy to restore the natural environment by planting trees and embarking on activities that will restore environment’s bio-diversity.

He drew parallels between the protective role trees play in the environment, and the roles of the health workers in protecting people from diseases and pandemics.

Sanwo-Olu said although the State had been deploying all resources and manpower required to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, this, he said, should not be an excuse to take away Government’s attention on matters that equally affect the wellbeing of Lagos.

He said: “This year’s Tree Planting Day is in honour of our frontline medical personnel, who toil, day after day, in the most challenging circumstances imaginable, on behalf of the rest of us. However, these are challenging times for cities across the world. The Coronavirus pandemic has drastically altered the way we live our lives and do business. There is a new normal, and it is now becoming clear that we may never return to the old ways of doing things.

“But, even amidst the challenges of COVID-19, one mistake we cannot afford to make is to ignore the existing problems and issues that predated the pandemic. COVID-19 cannot become an excuse for taking our attention away from other issues. One of such is the issue of climate change and environmental sustainability.

“Lagos has seen its own fair share of climate change. As a coastal city, we are at the mercy of rising sea levels. As Africa’s most populated city, we have seen how demographic pressures have stripped the landscape of significant amounts of its forest cover. We are not immune from global warming and the various other climatic challenges experienced around the world.”

Sanwo-Olu said every resident in the State has a role to play in making Lagos a resilient city, stressing that planting of trees remained one of the best actions to mitigate effects of climate change.

He urged people to key into the plan and support the efforts of the Government, just as the world approaches the final decade of the push for the attainment of SDGs as outlined by the United Nations.

He said: “Goal 13 of the SDGs challenges us to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, while Goal 15 seeks to protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.”

“Lagos State will continue to be at the forefront of sustainable climate action in Nigeria and Africa. Everyone has a role to play in contributing strongly to these goals, including individuals, corporate organisations, national governments, as well as sub-national governments like Lagos.”

Sanwo-Olu praised the Ministry of the Environment and Lagos State Parks and Gardens, LASPARK for sustaining the culture and sensitisation of residents on the importance of tree planting.

Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, said tree planting remained the effective remedial action against erosion, pointing out that the perennial problem of flooding could be solved if residents fully embraced tree planting as new culture.

He said: “The interdependence of man and the environment in which we exist is becoming increasingly clearer. As countries respond to global pandemic, the path ahead presents possibly a once in a lifetime opportunity to shift the global development paradigm towards more sustainable and inclusive policies that will act as foundation for resilient people and societies. This is what informed the choice of ‘Tree for Life’ as the theme of this year’s tree-planting exercise.”

The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, pledged to work collaboratively with the Ministry of the Environment to fight diseases and deforestration.

The highpoint was the planting of a tree by Gov. Sanwo-Olu and the inauguration of the morgue donated by IHS Nigeria Limited.

Tree-planting events were held simultaneously in three other isolation centres across the State by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat.

Sad: How Lagos lawmaker, Tunde Buraimoh, died two days after falling sick

AgegePulse Magazine

The spokesperson of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Tunde Buraimoh, has died two days after he fell sick.

Buraimoh was the lawmaker representing Kosofe Constituency II.

And according to family source, the former old Kosefe Local Government Chairman fondly called Big Daddy due to his plus size was full of life until Wednesday when he developed ill-health and was rushed to a private hospital on Ikorodu road where he passed on in the early hours of Friday.

The cause of the 59-year-old’s death, who would have turned 60 in two months’ time, was still sketchy as of the time of this publication.

However, unverified account pointed fingers at the marauding coronavirus.

Confirming the sad occurrence, the Chief Press Secretary to the Kosofe Local Government Chairman, Taiwo Fadipe, said, “He died at a hospital in Ikorodu road. He died overnight after a two-day sickness.”

Orijo Reporters

Ahead of 2021 LG Elections, LASIEC Visits Orile Agege

AgegePulse Magazine

Ahead of 2021 Local Government Council Elections, the Chairman of Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, LASIEC, Hon. Justice Ayotunde Phillips who was ably represented by Dr Bunmi Omosehinde and team yesterday visited Orile Agege Council development to ensure the Local Council Development Area is readily prepared  and have put machineries in place to ascertain the success in the exercise.


Dr Omosehinde reiterated that their is need for the cooperation of the Council in order to deliver a credible, free and fair electoral process.

The Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. James Olufemi Agboola on behalf of the Executive Chairman, Hon. Johnson Sunday Babatunde received delegates of the Lagos State Independent Electoral commission(LASIEC) at the Council Secretariat.

In a statemente, Hon.James Agboola on behalf of the Executive Chairman assured the delegates on the Council's support in delivering a free and fair Elections.

In the same vain,the Council Manager,Mrs Tejumade Lawal also promised to provide LASIEC officers a conducive work environment and other requirements when requested.

Dr Bunmi Omosehinde  later presented Souvenirs bearing the logo of LASIEC to the Council as a symbol of sportsmanship.

Present at the occasion were the SLG of the Council, Hon.James Agboola, Leader of Orile Agege Legislative Arm and other Members,the Council Manager, Mrs Tejumade Lawal and LASIEC Delegates.

3rd Mainland Bridge: Govt. Clarifies Partial Closure

….To Commence Remediation Works on Alternative Routes

AgegePulse Magazine

In consideration of the strategic importance of the 3rd Mainland Bridge to commuters in Lagos, Government today clarified its position on the partial closure of the bridge to the public.

Speaking during a joint media briefing by the Federal and Lagos State Government the Federal Controller of Works, Olukayode Popoola, said that the proposed partial closure of alternate sections of the Third Mainland Bridge for repairs and maintenance works would commence by July 24, and will last for six months .

While urging commuters to cooperate with Government on the proposed maintenance works, the Federal Controller said the proposed closure is not total closure as reported in some segment of the media, but it is only “a partial closure to allow for the routine repairs and maintenance works which became necessary in order to avert structural damage to sections of the bridge”.

He said for the first phase of Third Mainland Bridge maintenance works traffic would be diverted to only the Lagos Island Bound section of the road to take motorists from Oworoshoki inward Lagos from 12 midnight to 1pm in the morning while in the afternoon, from 1pm to 12 midnight daily, the section of the road will be opened to traffic from Lagos Island inward Oworoshoki.

This arrangement will be alternated for the second phase of the project on the Oworoshoki bound lane after the first phase must have been concluded.

He advised motorists to use alternative routes such as from Carter to Bridge through Iddo, through Oyingbo to join Adekunle ramp inward Oworoshoki and another from Ijora-Olopa through Western Avenue to Ikorodu Road
Popoola, who said the last routine maintenance of the bridge was carried out over eight years ago however expressed regret over the attendant hardship and discomfort the maintenance works and partial closure would cause Lagosians.

Also speaking during the Press Briefing, Commissioner for Transportation, Fredric Oladeinde said a traffic advisory for alternative routes has been carefully planned to ease travelling for commuters plying the route.

He assured that officials from Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) as well as other relevant government agencies would be on ground to enforce the traffic plan and ensure easy movement during the closure.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Aramide Adeyoye, said as a follow up to the notice of routine maintenance works on the Third Mainland Bridge the State Government had commenced remediation works on identified alternative routes to make it motor able for the public.

While urging transporters to ensure that only road worthy vehicles are put on the road she enjoined residents to desist from putting vehicles that are likely to break down on the roads as doing so would escalate traffic congestion. She said in order to ensure that the remediation works provided on the alternate roads is effective, the State Government is set to enforce extant rules and impound vehicles that are not road worthy.

According to the Special Adviser, “We need to change our habits and refrain from dumping refuse in the drains, indiscriminate parking of vehicles on roads and bridges and driving vehicles that are not road worthy on our roads we can reduce traffic congestion in the metropolis. “Drains provided for roads are not meant for solid waste disposal, rather they are pathways for water to run and when the drainages are choked or the cross culverts are blocked, the asphalt surface will become water logged thereby accelerating the rate of dilapidation of the roads”, this would further affect the free flow of traffic, she said

Hushpuppi To Face Charges of Conspiring to Launder Hundreds of Millions of Dollars from Cybercrime Schemes

Nigerian National Brought to U.S. to Face Charges of Conspiring to Launder Hundreds of Millions of Dollars from Cybercrime Schemes

#AgegePulse Magazine

COMPLAINT

         LOS ANGELES – A Dubai resident who flaunted his extravagant lifestyle on social media has arrived in the United States to face criminal charges alleging he conspired to launder hundreds of millions of dollars from business email compromise (BEC) frauds and other scams, including schemes targeting a U.S. law firm, a foreign bank and an English Premier League soccer club.

         Ramon Olorunwa Abbas, 37, a.k.a. “Ray Hushpuppi” and “Hush,” a Nigerian national, arrived in Chicago Thursday evening after being expelled from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Abbas made his initial U.S. court appearance this morning in Chicago, and he is expected to be transferred to Los Angeles in the coming weeks.

         Abbas was arrested last month by UAE law enforcement officials. FBI special agents earlier this week obtained custody of Abbas and brought him to the United States to face a charge of conspiring to engage in money laundering that is alleged in a criminal complaint filed on June 25 by federal prosecutors in Los Angeles.

         According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, Abbas maintains social media accounts that frequently showed him in designer clothes, wearing expensive watches, and posing in or with luxury cars and charter jets. “The FBI’s investigation has revealed that Abbas finances this opulent lifestyle through crime, and that he is one of the leaders of a transnational network that facilitates computer intrusions, fraudulent schemes (including BEC schemes), and money laundering, targeting victims around the world in schemes designed to steal hundreds of millions of dollars,” according to the affidavit.

         The affidavit describes BEC schemes as often involving a computer hacker gaining unauthorized access to a business’ email account, blocking or redirecting communications to and/or from that email account, and then using the compromised email account or a separate fraudulent email account to communicate with personnel from a victim company and to attempt to trick them into making an unauthorized wire transfer.

         “BEC schemes are one of the most difficult cybercrimes we encounter as they typically involve a coordinated group of con artists scattered around the world who have experience with computer hacking and exploiting the international financial system,” said United States Attorney Nick Hanna. “This case targets a key player in a large, transnational conspiracy who was living an opulent lifestyle in another country while allegedly providing safe havens for stolen money around the world. As this case demonstrates, my office will continue to hold such criminals accountable, no matter where they live.”

         “In 2019 alone, the FBI recorded $1.7 billion in losses by companies and individuals victimized through business email compromise scams, the type of scheme Mr. Abbas is charged with conducting from abroad,” said Paul Delacourt, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “While this arrest has effectively taken a major alleged BEC player offline, BEC scams represent the most financially costly type of scheme reported to the FBI. I urge anyone who transfers funds personally or on behalf of a company to educate themselves about BEC so they can identify this insidious scheme before losing sizable amounts of money.”

         “This was a challenging case, one that spanned international boundaries, traditional financial systems and the digital sphere,” said Jesse Baker, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service, Los Angles Field Office. “Technology has essentially erased geographic boundaries leaving trans-national criminal syndicates to believe that they are beyond the reach of law enforcement. The success in this case was the direct result of our trusted partnerships between the Department of Justice and our federal law enforcement colleagues. These partnerships helped dismantle a sophisticated organized crime group who preyed upon unsuspecting businesses. It is thanks to these partnerships that the American people can feel a bit more secure today.”

         The affidavit alleges that Abbas and others committed a BEC scheme that defrauded a client of a New York-based law firm out of approximately $922,857 in October 2019. Abbas and co-conspirators allegedly tricked one of the law firm’s paralegals into wiring money intended for the client’s real estate refinancing to a bank account that was controlled by Abbas and the co-conspirators.

         The affidavit also alleges that Abbas conspired to launder funds stolen in a $14.7 million cyber-heist from a foreign financial institution in February 2019, in which the stolen money was sent to bank accounts around the world. Abbas allegedly provided a co-conspirator with two bank accounts in Europe that Abbas anticipated each would receive €5 million (about $5.6 million) of the fraudulently obtained funds.

         Abbas and others further conspired to launder hundreds of millions of dollars from other fraudulent schemes and computer intrusions, including one scheme to steal £100 million (approximately $124 million) from an English Premier League soccer club, the complaint alleges.

         A criminal complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

         If convicted of conspiracy to engage in money laundering, Abbas would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.

         The FBI led the investigation of Abbas, and the United States Secret Service was also involved and provided substantial assistance. The FBI further thanks the government of the United Arab Emirates and the Dubai Police Department for their substantial assistance.

         This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anil J. Antony and Joseph B. Woodring of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section.  The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance in this matter.

US...Justice Page

IKORODU Boat Mishap : LASEMA in Search, Rescue of mising passengers

AgegePulse Magazine

On getting to the scene of the incident, the LASEMA Response Team, Lion Squad, at Agbowa discovered that a boat enroute Ikorodu jetty terminal from Ebute - Ero (Lagos Island) via lagos waterways capzised at the wee hours of Friday, 4th July, 2020 at Ipakodo ferry terminal. Unfortunately six adult females lost their lives to the incident and were recovered by local divers. The boat captain and his assistant could not be found as search and rescue effort is ongoing to recover the victims.

The 6 commodities have been deposited at Ikorodu General Hospital morgue LASEMA Response Team, LRT, the Nigeria Police Force Ipakodo division, Lagos State Ambulance Services, LASAMBUS Officials and Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA, Officials were the responders present at the incident scene.

All efforts by the LASEMA Team to get the manifest of the boat proved abortive as the LASWA Officials at Ikorodu jetty could not establish the number of passengers on board from Ebute - Ero.

Dr. Olufemi Damilola Osanyintolu, the Director General/CEO LASEMA, noted that despite the huge investment of the State Government to encourage water transportation and the need for Lagosians to explore water transportation as an alternative means of transportation due to congestion on our roads, it is important for all passengers and boat operators to imbibe safety culture, and also comply with the rules and regulations of the regulatory bodies in charge of water transportation and safety in the State, while noting that proper investigation is on ongoing by the security operatives to ascertain the real cause of the incident.

BREAKING: Lagos primary six, JSS3, SSS3 students to resume August 3

PublishedJuly 3, 2020

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Sodiq Oyeleke

AgegePulse Magazine

The Lagos State Government has reopened schools for students in “transitional classes” from August 3.

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, made this known in a televised press briefing on Friday.

He, however, clarified that though schools would be reopened for the transitional classes on August 3, students in Senior Secondary School three and Technical School three would resume first.

He added that pupils in primary schools and Junior Secondary School three students would resume to school a week or two weeks after the SSS3 students’ resumption.

The governor asked school authorities in the transitional classes to ensure adequate preparation for resumption ahead of August 3.

He said, “Tertiary institutions will remain closed. We continue to support online teaching during this period. However, students in the transitional classes who have mandatory public examinations ahead of them will be permitted to resume for revision classes and examinations. The commencement date for this will be from Monday, August 3rd

Punch

Ex-convict rapes housewives, maids to spite husbands, bosses in Lagos

AgegePulse Magazine

Deji Lambo

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, has announced the arrest of an ex-convict, Adeniyi Ajayi, for allegedly raping no fewer than eight women during robbery operations in different parts of the state.

Speaking at a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Ikeja on Wednesday, Odumosu said Ajayi broke into the premises of a company, robbed workers of their valuables and sexually harassed the female employees in the process.


He explained that Ajayi was tracked down to the Ijora Badia area of the state and arrested, adding that during investigation, more than eight victims accused the 27-year-old of raping them during separate robbery operations.

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Odumosu stated, “On June 16, 2020, around 1.55pm, some female and male members of staff of a particular company reported at the Sabo Police Station that one Adeniyi Ajayi, alias Ogologo, 27, forcefully gained entry into the company. The suspect claimed to be in company with other members of his gang outside the premises. He tied the hands and legs of the staff members and dispossessed them of four phones, two laptops and ATM cards.

“He sexually harassed female workers. The suspect was arrested in a hotel at Ijora Badia by SARS operatives. The stolen phones were recovered from him. It was revealed that the suspect operated alone. He was recently released from prison custody. He equally confessed to a series of robberies and rape he single-handedly committed around Sabo and its environs.

“In the cause of investigation, more than eight female victims affirmed that the suspect robbed and raped them, even in the presence of their husbands and other family members.

The suspect specialises in dispossessing victims of their phones, laptops and gold jewellery, and raping female victims. He will be charged.”

Ajayi told PUNCH Metro, “I prefer to be killed than go to prison. I have been imprisoned before, but when I came out, I had no job and that was why I went back to robbing people. I have only raped three victims, and it was when their husbands and bosses refused to cooperate with me that I raped their wives and maids in their presence.”

Punch

FG raises petrol price to N140 per litre | AgegePulse

 The Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) has announced an upward review of the retail pump price of petrol from the previous N121.50.

According to the agency, the recommended petrol retail band for a litre of petrol is now N140.80 – N143.80

Civil Society Activists declare Support for Team Jandor Lagos for Lagos project

AgegePulse Magazine

The Lead Visioner of Team Jandor, Mr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, on Monday played host to a group of Civil Society Activists.

In a meeting held at the Liberty Place, Ikeja, the leader of the group, Comrade Richard Akinola during an interactive session commended the philanthropic activities of TEAM JANDOR and its selfless service to Humanity, touching lives across the three senatorial districts of Lagos State since 2016.

Comrades in attendance, thereafter took turn to declare  unequivocally that, truly "It is time for a Lagos that works for all.

The visiting Comrades commended the vision and the brilliant presentation of the Lead Visioner, they also assured team Jandor of their readiness to commence of grassroot enlightenment and mobilization for the actualization of the 'Lagos for Lagos' agenda.

Speaking earlier, Jandor had called on the Comrades to collaborate with vision of TEAM JANDOR.

Jandor who is also the Grand patron of the IBILE-EKO FORUM, an indigenous group of Lagosians with members spread across the 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Areas, assured of a better synergy to the benefit of all Lagosians.

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