Education: Sen. Tinubu Praises Sanwo-Olu on Education Reform, as Lawmaker Donates 10,000 Dictionaries to Lagos Schools

 AgegePulse Magazine

•Governor: ‘New Era Project Has Left Lasting Footprints In Lagos’

The Spelling Bee Competition held yearly for secondary school pupils across Lagos State has left lasting legacy and positive footprints on education in the State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said on Wednesday.

The Governor said the competition, since inception in 2000, had promoted access to quality learning which offered secondary school pupils from humble backgrounds an opportunity to be on the same education pedestal with their mates from rich homes. 

He said the English language competition had come of age, transforming lives through revolutionary changes it brought to public speaking and vocabulary spelling.

Sanwo-Olu spoke at the official handover of 10,000 units of Spelling Bee dictionaries freely distributed to public schools across the State by New Era Foundation - the organiser of the Spelling Bee Contest.

The Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), is the pet project of the former First Lady of the State, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, who is now a third-term lawmaker representing Lagos Central in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly.

The Governor and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, personally took delivery of the education materials from Sen. Tinubu at an event held at the State House in Alausa.

Sanwo-Olu said: “The story of the New Era Foundation has been revolutionary in the education sector since its inception. I have personally been part of the New Era Foundation family for decades and I’m opportune to witness how this simple seed germinated to transform the lives of young people through education and value reorientation.

“The Foundation has trained and mentored several young people who have excelled excellently in various fields of knowledge. There have been several First Class graduates that have been produced from this simple intervention of the Spelling Bee Competition, giving them opportunity to showcase their knowledge in different parts of the world. 

“Through this project, many young people from various humble backgrounds have had opportunity to transform their lives and business environment. We will continue to appreciate the progress this novel idea that our mother has brought to us in education in the last 20 years.”

Sanwo-Olu described the Senator as “a caring mother” in Lagos education family, reiterating his administration’s commitment to working with the Foundation to further initiate actions that will help the Government to solve challenges bedeviling education in the State.

He said the State Government would continue to create development opportunities for public school pupils, adding that public speaking and diction tasks would be bolstered across schools to imbue confidence in students in Government schools.

Sanwo-Olu praised the former First Lady for the donation of the dictionaries, saying English learning remained a strong tool that could define what students become in future.

He said: “The donation is simple but historic. This is another demonstration of Sen. Tinubu’s love for our children and education system. We will see the footprints of this intervention both in primary and secondary schools, because English learning is a strong tool that can define what students become in future.”

Sen. Tinubu gave a pass mark to the Sanwo-Olu administration on teachers’ training and retraining, saying the effort had improved the delivery of quality education in Lagos.

The lawmaker said the Spelling Bee contest was not the Foundation’s only intervention initiated in education in Lagos. She said the NGO had supported Lagos Government in school renovation, and provision of learning materials and laboratory equipment.

She said: “I must commend the administration under the leadership of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the stride achieved in education within a short period. It is worthy of mention that the training and retraining of teachers has boosted morale and improve service delivery. This effort and many other interventions by successive administrations have improved academic rating of our public schools.”

Sen. Tinubu urged the Government to beam a special focus on education to prevent the Coronavirus pandemic to erode the progress recorded since 1999. 

The timing of the dictionaries’ donation, the lawmaker said, coincided with the 20th anniversary of the Foundation and the Spelling Bee Competition, pointing out that the NGO has been nurturing young people to lead social change and achieve their potential through targeted education and leisure activities.

She said: “Today, we are donating 10,000 copies of the Spelling Bee Dictionary to the State Government. The dictionary contains all words used in the Spelling Bee competition from its inception to date. It is our hope that it will help improve vocabularies and dictions of the public school children.”

Sen. Tinubu urged wealthy citizens and corporate organisation to partner with the Government to ensure essential requirements needed in the education sector are provided, stressing that the responsibility of educating the society must not be left to the Government alone.

Miss Boluwatife Tijani, a student of Vetland Senior Grammar School in Agege, expressed words of appreciation to Senator Tinubu on behalf of the public school children in the State.

The dictionaries comprise words being used in primary and secondary classes.

Other top Government officials at the event included the Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folashade Adefisayo, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, Special Adviser on Education, Hon. Tokunbo Wahab, and chairman of State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Hon. Wahab Alawiye-King, among others.

SS3, TEC3 STUDENTS IN LAGOS STATE TO RESUME ON MONDAY 3RD AUGUST –ADEFISAYO AFFIRMS

...Boarding activities included

...Government Officials to monitor protocol compliance

AgegePulse Magazine

In line with the Federal Government’s pronouncement, directing students in exit classes across the country to resume on Tuesday, 4th of August, 2020 for revision classes ahead of their forthcoming examinations, the Lagos State Government has directed all the SS3 and Technical Studies (TEC3) Students in both day and boarding schools in the State to resume on Monday, 3rd of August, 2020.

 

This disclosure was made by the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Mrs Folasade Adefisayo on Tuesday in her office at the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja. 

According to the Commissioner, “This is to allow for revision classes and adequate preparation ahead of their forthcoming West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).”

Adefisayo stated that this directive became imperative due to the newly announced date by West African Examination Council (WAEC) for the 2020 WASSCE which is scheduled to commence on the 17th of August, 2020. “Only SS3 and Technical Study Three (TEC3) students are permitted to resume at day and boarding Schools on the 3rd of August, for revision classes and examinations,” she noted. She therefore enjoined all schools in the State to follow the required public health guidelines and protocols for re-opening of schools for this category of students.

She stressed that while students in SS3 and TEC 3 will have the privilege of sitting for their examinations, the state government is considering the option of using first and second term exams performance or continuous assessment to promote students in other exit classes. 

The Commissioner revealed that various meetings have been held with the stakeholders in the education, health and safety sectors in a bid to ensure that adequate precautionary measures were put in place to ensure the safety of the students before resumption. “The Office of Education Quality Assurance will be going round all the schools across the State to monitor the level of safety and protocol compliance expected to be put in place by both private and public schools.” 

Small Doctor, Pasuma, Others To Serenade Lagosians On Sallah Day | AgegePulse

Agege Born-Hip Hop Super Star, Alhaji Temitope Adekunke, Small Doctor, Alabi Pasuma and others are set to serenade the good people of Lagos on a Two-Day Virtual Sallah Celebration.

Some A-list Musicians and Comedians including Kenny Black, Gbenga Adeyinka, Omobaba, Small Doctor, Pasuma, Humblesmith, as well as some popular Islamic musicians such as Alawiye and Iya 'N Ghana, among several others, have been slated to entertain Lagosians during the forthcoming Ileya Celebrations.

The event, which is an initiative of the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, has been designed to provide virtual entertainment for all residents of the State.

According to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Solomon Bonu, the event would be aired live on Lagos Television, Lagos State Government Facebook Page and YouTube channel on Friday 31st of July and Saturday 1st of August, 2020.

He said, "The Lagos State Government is already known to lead other States when it comes to Arts, Tourism and Entertainment; that is why we planned to hold this concert to celebrate this year's Eid-El-Kabir celebration in view of the restriction placed on large gatherings due to COVID-19 pandemic".

The Special Adviser added that the two-day event scheduled to hold between 5pm and 9 pm daily, promises to be fun-packed and engaging with special performances from some disc jockeys, dancers and will also feature some Nollywood Stars. 

While noting that the event would be held amidst strict adherence to all safety protocols, Bonu explained that the State Government is making efforts to address the yearnings of residents of the State, while also being mindful of not neglecting any aspect of the society. 

He, however, urged Lagosians to be very vigilant as they celebrate and ensure strict adherence to all medical and safety protocols that will ensure that the war against the pandemic is won in earnest. 

"I want Lagosians to celebrate in their homes, avoid large gathering, enjoy the fun from their phones and television sets and be very moderate throughout the holiday period and Eid-El-Kabir celebrations", the Special Adviser pleaded.

#LASG

#ForAGreaterLagos

Our system has cleared Apapa gridlock – Opeifa

AgegePulse Magazine

The Presidential Task Team (PTT) on the enforcement of discipline in Apapa, on Tuesday, insisted that the system it developed has rid the ports and community in the area of gridlock. 

Executive Vice Chairman of the team, Comrade Kayode Opeifa, said what was required to restore full normalcy in the area was total commitment of all stakeholders, especially government agencies. APM Trminals, NRC restore rail service at Apapa Port My companies lost N25bn to Apapa ports road gridlock — Dangote Speaking after taking journalists around the Wharf and Tin Can Port areas in Apapa, Lagos, Opeifa said enthronement of best practices and the introduction of electronic call-up system would bring the desired normalcy to the traffic pattern in the Apapa Ports and access roads. 

He stated that the team, which was set up last year by President Muhammadu Buhari under the chairmanship of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to clear Apapa of gridlock, has succeeded in instilling discipline and improving the traffic situation in Apapa. Opeifa, who stated that the PTT has achieved the objective of its establishment since October last year, said unlike before, the traffic situation has greatly improved. 

According to him, truck and tank drivers that have genuine business were now able to access the ports within a week unlike before when they spent weeks.

 He said trucks that have no businesses were the ones messing up Apapa, adding that if the system developed by the PTT is sustained, the two ports should be able to process the volume of trailers approaching it to transact official business without delay. “All the terminal operators combined have the capacity to attend to 1000 trailers and from what we see, the daily inflow of trailers approaching the ports is just slightly more than this daily. 

Opeifa noted that terminal operators should be able to engage their clients and customers rather than allowing them to storm the road thereby congesting the access roads. “The PTT has been able to clear Apapa of the cartel profiteering from the confusion in the Apapa areas and the port. That is why we would continue to challenge anyone who still claims he gives anyone bribe to come out and name those who received it from them. “We have removed the circumstances that make bribes attractive,” he added.

DailyTrust

Ileya: FG declares Thursday, Friday public holidays

AgegePulse Magazine

 

The Federal Government has declared Thursday 30 and Friday 31 July, as public holidays to mark 2020 year’s Eid-el-Kabir. The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, through a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, ministry of Interior, Mrs Georgina Ehuriah, on Tuesday in Abuja. 

Aregbesola congratulated 

The Federal Government has declared Thursday 30 and Friday 31 July, as public holidays to mark 2020 year’s Eid-el-Kabir.

The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, through a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, ministry of Interior, Mrs Georgina Ehuriah, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Aregbesola congratulated Muslim faithful and all Nigerians both at home and abroad on the occasion.

He called on Muslims to continue to imbibe the spirit of love, peace, kindness and sacrifice, as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him).

The minister also called on Muslims to use the period to pray for peace, unity, prosperity and the stability of the country especially as the world is witnessing global health challenges caused by Covid-19 pandemic.

Aregbosola assured that the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari was fully committed to battling the scourge with the cooperation of all Nigerians.

The minister emphasised that government would continue to foster peaceful coexistence, national cohesion and stability in its march towards actualising  the full potentials of the country.

He called on all Nigerians to join hands with the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in its avowed determination to build a peaceful, harmonious and prosperous country, where the rights of every citizen, were protected and guaranteed, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Aregbesola advised Nigerians to take responsibility against the spread of the COVID-19 virus and also to stay safe by observing physical and social distancing, personal and respiratory hygiene, as well as other regulations issued by relevant authorities.

The minister wished all Muslims a happy Eid –el- Kabir celebration.

Edited By: Sadiya Hamza (NAN)

Akpabio Names Lawmakers On NDDC Contracts' List

AgegePulse Magazine

Sahara Reporters

Akpabio also linked the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi (Delta-North), with 53 projects, Senator Matthew Urhoghide (Edo-South), six; James Manager (Delta-South), six.

The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, has linked some members of the National Assembly to some contracts awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission, The PUNCH reports.

Akpabio, however, did not state if the lawmakers were directly awarded the contracts or they nominated the projects under their Zonal Intervention Projects, also known as constituency projects.

The former Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on the NDDC, Mr Nicholas Mutu, who represents the Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency of Delta State, is among those linked by the minister with contracts.

The minister listed Mutu's name against 74 projects, including various emergency road projects in Delta, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Rivers states.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had on February 3, 2020, arraigned Mutu before Justice Folashade Giwa-Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court in Abuja for alleged abuse of office and fraud involving about N320m.

Akpabio also linked the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi (Delta-North), with 53 projects, which included emergency repairs of Asue Street, Owa Phase 2; ldumuogbe Road via Ojemaye; Otolokpo College Road, Otolokpo; and the Police lshu Ani Ukwu Road, Issele Uku.

Other lawmakers that Akpabio listed projects against are Senator Matthew Urhoghide (Edo-South), six; James Manager (Delta-South), six; Samuel Anyanwu (Imo-West, 8th Senate), 19; and others simply identified as Ondo and Edo Reps.

The minister, however, did not provide the cost of the projects listed against the lawmakers' names, while the value of contracts given to non-lawmakers had costs of various projects attached to them.

PUNCH also observed that contracts listed against the names of the lawmakers were not up to 60 per cent of the 266 on the list provided by Akpabio.

Non-National Assembly members are also on the list.

It was further observed that the minister copied the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN).

The House had on Thursday resolved to sue Akpabio for alleged perjury and defamation of the parliament.

Akpabio had on Monday, while appearing before the House Committee on the NDDC during an investigative hearing on the alleged illegal spending and mismanagement of funds, claimed that the commission awarded members of the National Assembly 60 percent of contracts.

Traffic 'll now Improve around Allen Avenue, Maryland, Ikotun Axes, Sanwo-Olu assures Commuters

 AgegePulse Magazine

...Gov Excited At New Designs In Six Gridlock-Prone Junctions

..Says 10 More To Be Completed Soon

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, spent an ample time, weekend, at the popular Allen Junction on Obafemi Awolowo Way in Ikeja, monitoring flow of vehicular traffic at the newly re-designed junction.

The Governor expressed satisfaction with the new layout of the ever-busy junction, following the removal of a broad roundabout to create seamless flow of traffic. 

The Allen Junction is one of the vulnerable spots across the metropolis notorious for vehicular logjam due to the roundabout, which was identified as an impediment to free flow of traffic.

In line with his administration’s traffic management agenda, Sanwo-Olu awarded contracts for the re-designing and construction of the identified traffic-prone spots across the State. Sixteen highways are currently undergoing re-construction and junction improvements.

Three of the six junctions captured in the first phase of road improvement programme have been completed. They are Allen Junction, Ikotun Roundabout, and Maryland Junction. Work is almost completed on three roundabouts in Lekki and Ajah of Eti-Osa area of the State.

Sanwo-Olu said the State Government considered the road improvement programme as one that would relieve commuters of burden of heavy traffic, stressing that the aim was to reduce journey time and increase productivity.

He said: “I am particularly excited that the famous Allen Roundabout is a lot more befitting now, with the new design and road furniture we have put in place. This project is now completed and there is no need for a formal handover because the junction is ever busy. What is now required of those plying the road is maintenance of the road furniture, because it is a new better experience for the road users.

“Apart from re-designing the junction, there are light traffic cameras installed on this junction from where we can remotely monitor what is happening on this axis any time of the day. These are parts of the improvement we have brought on this road and others we are re-designing. This is one of the promises we made to residents, that we would make travel time better and rewarding. From my observation so far, I can see the improvement in journey time.”

It was not only the roundabout that was removed at the Allen Junction, the Government also widened the junction with the creation of pedestrian walkways, zebra crossing, setbacks and laybys for commercial buses to carry and drop passengers.

The junction perimeter has also been adorned with lawns to reinforce the aesthetics of the area.

“Now, the junction has a better ambience. What it means is that, people don’t need to get to the Allen Junction to make a detour. We have resolved the conflict and we will ensure the installed traffic signals keep working every time,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The Governor expressed satisfaction on the re-designing of the Ikotun roundabout, which, he said, has led to improvement of traffic flow in the area. He also visited Maryland Junction on Mobolaji Bank-Anthony Way where an improvement had made to diffuse traffic gridlock. 

While assessing ongoing re-designing of roundabouts at Lekki, Sanwo-Olu promised road users that the project would be completed in the next two weeks.

COVID-19: Poor Ghanaians to enjoy free electricity for three months

AgegePulse Magazine

The Ghanaian government has extended free electricity to poor citizens for another three months due to the economic hardship caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, made the announcement on Thursday, adding that all citizens irrespective of social status would enjoy free water supply for the next three months.

The period for free water, which ended in May 2020, would be extended for an additional three months while the free electricity would be enjoyed by lifeline consumers that consume less than 50kWh per month.

President Nana Addo Akufo-Addo, in a compassionate move during the lockdown, announced three months of free electricity for lifeline consumers and 50 per cent rebate for consumers, who went beyond the lifeline threshold

.Additionally, water bills for all Ghanaians for April, May, and June were taken up by the government, following complaints of lack of potable drinking water in communities affected by the lockdown.

The minister announced the extension of the packages in the mid-year budget review presented on the authority of the President to the nation through Parliament, in Accra.

“That is also why we further reduced electricity prices by half and completely provided potable water for free for everybody since March this year. And we will extend it for another three months.

“It takes a caring government to be for the people and for business, large and small, to choose to subsidise electricity consumption by 50 per cent to 4,086,286 households and 686,522 businesses at a cost of ¢1.02bn ($176m) in three months.

Punch Newspaper

Pen Cinema Bridge Gets October Completion Date As Sanwo-Olu Inspects Work on Third Mainland Bridge

...Urges Motorists on Patience

•600 Mass Transit Buses Coming In August - Gov

AgegePulse Magazine

Patience - that is all motorists plying the partially shut Third Mainland Bridge need to bear while meandering through the carriageways, as the Federal Government repairs the failed segments of the bridge.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made the appeal to commuters on Saturday, while on an inspection of the bridge and alternative routes rehabilitated by the State Government.

The Governor also toured various highways where junctions and roundabouts have been redesigned to diffuse traffic, including Allen Junction, Maryland Junction, and Lekki’s first and second roundabouts, among others.

Sanwo-Olu said the bridge’s repair was long overdue and could no longer be postponed as it would portend danger to the residents. The Governor urged motorists to be patient and cooperate with traffic management personnel deployed on the routes, while assuring that the Government would ensure speedy work on the bridge.

Besides, Sanwo-Olu urged commuters to explore the option of waterways as faster alternative. He said the State Government has strengthened the capacity of the ferry services and currently building six additional jetties across the State.

The Governor said: “I am here to supervise the repair activities and to monitor the effect of the closure of the bridge on the vehicular movement, with the aim to enable us focus on where improvement could be made. However, what we need to communicate to the road users is patience. Our traffic management officers are on ground to make their journey hitch-free.

“The contractor handling the repair work will be fully on site by Monday. In the next three months, repair work would have been completed on the first lane, while they will move to the other lane. While we urge road users for patience, we also advise them to look at the option of waterways transportation in commuting to and from the Island. We have just opened the Ilaje jetty for public use and we are delivering additional six jetties across the State to ease movement.”

While inspecting the newly designed Allen Junction on Obafemi Awolowo Way, the Governor said he was satisfied with the project, expressing optimism that the new layout would relieve the highway of gridlock.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the State Government, by August, would roll out 600 buses to ply various routes, including Ikorodu, Abule Egba-Oshodi, and Ikeja.

“We are rolling out 600 buses in high and medium capacity. The buses will be deployed next month and they will be seen across busy roads. The medium capacity buses will be plying Obafemi Awolowo Way. Oshodi inward Abule Egba will be priority. We will also be increasing bus capacity from Ikorodu to Tafawa Balewa Square,” he said.

The Governor used the opportunity to explain the slow pace of work on some ongoing capital projects, including the Pen Cinema Bridge in Agege, which, he said, was disrupted by Coronavirus pandemic.

The Pen Cinema Bridge, he said, would now be delivered in October.

The Governor was accompanied on the long-hour tour by some cabinet members, including the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, his Transportation counterpart, Dr. Fredric Oladehinde, Special Adviser on Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Aramide Adeyoye, and Special Adviser on Transport, Hon. Toyin Fayinka.

Sanwo-Olu also inspected drainage at Eric Moore Road, Eko Bridge and Lekki-Epe Expressway.

Why Federal Bureau Prison Released Hushpuppi On Monday – Lawyer Clears The Air Again

AgegePulse Magazine

The case of a suspected Nigerian swindler, RAMON OLORUNWA ABBAS also known has Hushpuppi, has drawn several interests across the globe and it is largely monitored by Financial Crime Agents in different countries where he allegedly swindled several citizens. A lot of Cyber forensic and security professionals, and individuals are also keeping tabs on every development of the case since the time the suspected fraudster was arrested in Dubai.

Hushpuppi and accomplice, Olalekan Jacon Ponle a.k.a Mr Woodberry were extradited to the United States after their arrest in Dubai. He arrived in Chicago on Thursday evening, July 2, and made his initial U.S. court appearance on Friday morning in Chicago and he was later confirmed as an inmate of Federal Bureau Prisons in Chicago with registration number 54313-424.

Despite been denied bail recently by a Chicago court which ordered that he remains in detention till his next trial date later in the year, speculations about his release have gone viral after a search via Inmate Locator Information on Federal Bureau Prisons’ website indicated that the suspected fraudster has been released on Monday, 20th July 2020.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) accused Hushpuppi of funding his extravagant lifestyle from “hundreds of millions of dollars” from business email compromise frauds and other scams. Such a ‘grand fraud case’ cannot miss the media and press after 48 hours of release if the suspect has been granted a total freedom.

Hushpuppi may have been released from Federal Prison custody on Monday but transferred to a State Prison custody since his case was transferred to California. Justice Gilbert who presided over his case in Chicago was quoted saying;

Accordingly, Defendant is ordered removed to the Central District of California in the custody of the U.S. Marshal forthwith. As provided by 18 U.S.C. § 3142(f), Defendant is remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal and shall remain in custody until further order of the Court.

The suspected Nigerian fraudster was reportedly moved to California on Tuesday July 14, as confirmed by transfer documents signed by Thomas G. Bruton, the Clerk of the U.S Court in Chicago.

However, Hushpuppi is still missing in Califonia Prison according to CDCRInmate Locator, Public inmate locator system. The CDCR Inmate locator, unlike the Federal Inmate Locator allows you to search for inmates with their first names and other names. Results after searching for every name in Hushppupi’s real names (RAMON OLORUNWA ABBAS) provided no match.

punchNews.com

Education District 1 Distributes Mobile Phones, Radio Devices for Virtual Learning

AgegePulse Magazine

In a bid to ensure that students benefit from the online and media classes initiated by the State Government, the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Education District 1, Mrs. Titilayo Solarin on Monday distributed mobile phones and radio devices to indigent students of the District. 

Solarin explained that the gesture was to further enhance the teaching and learning experience of the students as well as expand the reach of the virtual classroom lessons that had been ongoing since the school closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

According to her, “The Telephone and Radio devices were donated by First Bank Nigeria through the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials, COWLSO, to the Lagos State Government”. 

“Some of the beneficiaries included students of Iju Senior Grammar School, Ifako-Ijaiye; Abibat Mogaji Millennium Senior School, Agege; Agege Junior College, Agege; Orisunbare Senior High School, Alimosho and Akesan Community Junior Grammar School, Alimosho”, she added.

The Permanent Secretary informed that the District had observed that some of the students do not have access to either phones or radio devices in their localities, hence the decision to give them the phone and radio devices for participation in the online classes for easy monitoring and evaluation. 

During the distribution exercise held at Iju Senior Grammar School, Ifako-Ijaiye, the Tutor-General thanked the State Government for the initiative as well as the provision of conducive learning atmosphere, saying that despite the pandemic, the supply of furniture had been going on across schools within the District.

She also disclosed that many schools are undergoing rehabilitation, upgrading of libraries and renovation of laboratories at this crucial period, thus affirming the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's administration to the Education sector. 

The Tutor-General, however, urged the students to be serious-minded and face their studies whole-heartedly, stressing that they must reciprocate the government's efforts of providing a conducive learning atmosphere as well as necessary tools make learning more meaningful and impactful. 

While assuring the donors of the devices that the gadgets would be used judiciously for the intended purposes, she called on parents to monitor the movement and attitude of their children, especially now that they are learning outside the school environment, in order to avoid abuse of the use of social media. 

In her words, "This is the time for parents to be more sensitive to the needs and yearnings of their wards, they should cultivate a cordial relationship with their children rather than entrusting them to the care of relatives, neighbours and friends because the rate of all forms of abuses in the society is alarming".

The Director of School Administration, Mr. Oluyemi Adeshina, said that it was expedient for both parents and teachers to work together to save the future of the children by being alive to their specific roles and by not reneging from their responsibilities. 

The event was attended by the representative of the Honorable Commissioner of Education, Mrs. Olufunke Oyetola, the District Directors, ANCOPSS Chairperson and Principal of Iju Grammar School, Mrs. Dorcas Adegboye, NUT representatives and Parents Forum members, among others.

#LASG

#ForAGreaterLagos

Arotile’s Killer had no valid driver’s licence – Channels TV

By orijoadmin

AgegePulse Magazine

Report has emerged that the driver, who caused the death of Flying Officer, Tolulope Arotile, has no valid driver’s licence.

This was gathered by Channels Television from an unnamed military source who told the news medium’s website that the suspect is equally a civilian.

The report said the civilian driver, accompanied by his friends, visited his relations at the Airforce base located in Mando area of Kaduna metropolis on that fateful day and decided to drop off the late Airforce Pilot whom he spotted on the road inside the base and in the process of reversing the car knocked down the history making flying officer.

According to the source’s account, consequently, both the driver and the other occupants of the car were taken into the custody of the Air police for questioning, where it was discovered that the driver of the car has no valid driver’s license.

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.
.
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

‌
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.