Fanfare as Sanwo-Olu Commissions 13.6KM Oshodi-Abule Egba BRT Corridor | AgegePulse Magazine

 

...Unveils 500 Mass Transit Buses, Launches Smart Ticketing System

…’It’s Another Promise Fulfilled’ - Gov

All activities literally stood still in Oshodi and Abule Egba axis on Tuesday, for the formal commissioning of the Oshodi-Abule Egba Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Ecstatic crowd of residents filed along the route to welcome the Governor, who rode in a BRT bus to formally flag off the 13.68 kilometre-long corridor for public use.

The BRT project was handled and supervised by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) - an agency of the State’s Ministry of Transportation.

The Oshodi-Abule Egba corridor is a major link for residents who commute in and out of Alimosho, Egbeda, Ijaiye, Iyana Ipaja and Oshodi. The route is also a gateway to neighbouring Ogun State and Republic of Benin.

Governor Sanwo-Olu described the event as “a major milestone” in the implementation of his administration’s reform agenda in public transport system, pointing out that the handover of the BRT infrastructure was another promise fulfilled by his administration.

He said the transportation asset would create a new travel experience for residents of Alimosho and Oshodi, stressing that the project was specifically designed to improve journey time for commuters, thereby scaling up productivity and life expectancy in the State.

He said: “A little over a year ago, we pledged to significantly improve traffic flow and transportation system which is the very first of our six-point development agenda encapsulated as Project T.H.E.M.E.S. We made the pledge knowing that the people are the main reason we have been entrusted with the management of our commonwealth.

“Today, we are here to formally flag-off a very important public transport infrastructure – the Oshodi–Abule Egba BRT corridor - which officially launches the commencement of transport operation along the BRT corridor. We are unveiling 550 high and medium capacity buses which will be immediately deployed for public use. This event also formally inaugurates our upgraded e-ticketing system in fulfilment of our pledge.

“This project is very significant because of its immense benefits to Lagosians in the different communities it straddles and to visitors to our state. This new BRT corridor will bring great relief to over 60,000 commuters who will use this facility daily. Travel time, which is estimated at an average of two hours during peak periods, will be significantly reduced to an average of 30 minutes. This will improve the health of our people, engender a safer environment, and increase the value of socio-economic activities in the State.”

Sanwo-Olu said his administration’s reform efforts were geared towards birthing a new commuting order in the State through seamless travel and creating smart mobility model that’ll result into a congestion-free State. He reiterated that his Government remained committed to bringing problem-solving interventions across all modes of transportation sector in Lagos.

To integrate all transport modes on a single smart payment ecosystem, the Governor launched an upgraded e-ticketing platform that would automate fare payment and create smart mobility through a cashless pre-paid Cowry card.

The e-ticketing mechanism has modern functionalities which simplify the process of bus booking and ticket purchase. It introduces simple solutions that guarantee seamless cash and wireless payment for passengers at designated booths.

The Cowry card will enable passengers to proceed to the loading bay and scan the card for fare deduction.

Sanwo-Olu said: “With the e-ticketing system, we envisage the use of a single card on buses and ferries and later upscale to the railways system when passenger operations commence in 2022. The system promotes a cashless ecosystem, aids personal budgeting and planning and commuters can easily top up.”

The Governor disclosed that the State Government would be distributing the first 100,000 Cowry cards to residents free of charge.

Sanwo-Olu said the State Government was on the verge of complementing Oshodi-Abule Egba BRT corridor with rail project to aid mass mobility.

He hailed LAMATA for supervising the project construction and bringing it to reality, while also thanking President Muhammadu Buhari for supporting the State Government in its drive to deliver efficient transport system.

He said: “Our administration is very passionate about easing the movement of the citizenry around this beautiful State which is why we would not stop at ensuring that we give you a transport system that works for you.

“I would like to congratulate Lagosians on the successful completion of this project in spite of the challenges thrown up by its implementation. I would also like to commend Lagosians for the pains they had to endure while the construction of this important transport project lasted.”

Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladehinde, described the project as “great progress” in the public transport system, noting that the BRT route was important to the State’s strategic transportation master plan.

Managing Director of LAMATA, Engr. Abimbola Akinajo, said the commencement of BRT operations along the corridor would reduce travel time for commuters by 35 per cent, while also enhancing socio-economic development.

She said: “The frequency of the BRT operation along this route will enhance public transport accessibility by up to 25 per cent, while the provision of dedicated lane will enhance reliability on the public transportation by 30 per cent. The project has been designed to integrate the proposed Red Line Rail Mass Transit project as part of the Sanwo-Olu administration’s transportation blueprint.”

The new BRT corridor is a median running route with 14 drop-off terminals along the Oshodi-Abule Egba route, which terminates at Katangua Bus Station. Each terminal has well ventilated foyer where passengers can sit and wait for buses.

The route was designed with 11 pedestrian bridges, traffic safety measures and street lighting.Fanfare as Sanwo-Olu Commissions 13.6KM Oshodi-Abule Egba BRT Corridor 

...Unveils 500 Mass Transit Buses, Launches Smart Ticketing System

…’It’s Another Promise Fulfilled’ - Gov

All activities literally stood still in Oshodi and Abule Egba axis on Tuesday, for the formal commissioning of the Oshodi-Abule Egba Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Ecstatic crowd of residents filed along the route to welcome the Governor, who rode in a BRT bus to formally flag off the 13.68 kilometre-long corridor for public use.

The BRT project was handled and supervised by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) - an agency of the State’s Ministry of Transportation.

The Oshodi-Abule Egba corridor is a major link for residents who commute in and out of Alimosho, Egbeda, Ijaiye, Iyana Ipaja and Oshodi. The route is also a gateway to neighbouring Ogun State and Republic of Benin.

Governor Sanwo-Olu described the event as “a major milestone” in the implementation of his administration’s reform agenda in public transport system, pointing out that the handover of the BRT infrastructure was another promise fulfilled by his administration.

He said the transportation asset would create a new travel experience for residents of Alimosho and Oshodi, stressing that the project was specifically designed to improve journey time for commuters, thereby scaling up productivity and life expectancy in the State.

He said: “A little over a year ago, we pledged to significantly improve traffic flow and transportation system which is the very first of our six-point development agenda encapsulated as Project T.H.E.M.E.S. We made the pledge knowing that the people are the main reason we have been entrusted with the management of our commonwealth.

“Today, we are here to formally flag-off a very important public transport infrastructure – the Oshodi–Abule Egba BRT corridor - which officially launches the commencement of transport operation along the BRT corridor. We are unveiling 550 high and medium capacity buses which will be immediately deployed for public use. This event also formally inaugurates our upgraded e-ticketing system in fulfilment of our pledge.

“This project is very significant because of its immense benefits to Lagosians in the different communities it straddles and to visitors to our state. This new BRT corridor will bring great relief to over 60,000 commuters who will use this facility daily. Travel time, which is estimated at an average of two hours during peak periods, will be significantly reduced to an average of 30 minutes. This will improve the health of our people, engender a safer environment, and increase the value of socio-economic activities in the State.”

Sanwo-Olu said his administration’s reform efforts were geared towards birthing a new commuting order in the State through seamless travel and creating smart mobility model that’ll result into a congestion-free State. He reiterated that his Government remained committed to bringing problem-solving interventions across all modes of transportation sector in Lagos.

To integrate all transport modes on a single smart payment ecosystem, the Governor launched an upgraded e-ticketing platform that would automate fare payment and create smart mobility through a cashless pre-paid Cowry card.

The e-ticketing mechanism has modern functionalities which simplify the process of bus booking and ticket purchase. It introduces simple solutions that guarantee seamless cash and wireless payment for passengers at designated booths.

The Cowry card will enable passengers to proceed to the loading bay and scan the card for fare deduction.

Sanwo-Olu said: “With the e-ticketing system, we envisage the use of a single card on buses and ferries and later upscale to the railways system when passenger operations commence in 2022. The system promotes a cashless ecosystem, aids personal budgeting and planning and commuters can easily top up.”

The Governor disclosed that the State Government would be distributing the first 100,000 Cowry cards to residents free of charge.

Sanwo-Olu said the State Government was on the verge of complementing Oshodi-Abule Egba BRT corridor with rail project to aid mass mobility.

He hailed LAMATA for supervising the project construction and bringing it to reality, while also thanking President Muhammadu Buhari for supporting the State Government in its drive to deliver efficient transport system.

He said: “Our administration is very passionate about easing the movement of the citizenry around this beautiful State which is why we would not stop at ensuring that we give you a transport system that works for you.

“I would like to congratulate Lagosians on the successful completion of this project in spite of the challenges thrown up by its implementation. I would also like to commend Lagosians for the pains they had to endure while the construction of this important transport project lasted.”

Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladehinde, described the project as “great progress” in the public transport system, noting that the BRT route was important to the State’s strategic transportation master plan.

Managing Director of LAMATA, Engr. Abimbola Akinajo, said the commencement of BRT operations along the corridor would reduce travel time for commuters by 35 per cent, while also enhancing socio-economic development.

She said: “The frequency of the BRT operation along this route will enhance public transport accessibility by up to 25 per cent, while the provision of dedicated lane will enhance reliability on the public transportation by 30 per cent. The project has been designed to integrate the proposed Red Line Rail Mass Transit project as part of the Sanwo-Olu administration’s transportation blueprint.”

The new BRT corridor is a median running route with 14 drop-off terminals along the Oshodi-Abule Egba route, which terminates at Katangua Bus Station. Each terminal has well ventilated foyer where passengers can sit and wait for buses.

The route was designed with 11 pedestrian bridges, traffic safety measures and street lighting.

APAPA GRIDLOCK: Lagos Donates Land for Trailer Park, as Sanwo-Olu Inspects Road Projects

  

•We’ll Restore Life Back To Apapa, Gov Vows

•Govt To Eject Illegal Settlers Under Iganmu Intersection 

AgegePulse Magazine

The disturbing gridlock created along Apapa corridor in Lagos State by heavy-duty trucks clogging the major highways may soon fade away, if the actions being taken by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu fully materialise.

The Governor, on Sunday, set out on a five-hour tour of projects and infrastructure being developed on the Apapa corridor to ease traffic congestion in the area.

A poser raised by the Governor on why container-laden trucks usually disregard the State’s traffic laws and park on roads generated heated arguments among terminal operators, Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) and Maritime Transport Unions and Associations (COMTUA).

In the ensuing blame game, Sanwo-Olu expressed disapproval of the truck drivers’ action and the failure of the NPA to enforce extant regulations preventing trucks not yet approved for loading to park indiscriminately on the highways.

The Governor stressed the need to overhaul the terminal system at the ports, noting that there was no reason for the trucks to park on the highways if their dedicated terminals were operational. 

He disclosed that the State Government had made a request to the Federal Government to prevail on the concessionaire that will be operating the 700-truck capacity Lilypond Terminal at Apapa to open the facility for use without further delay.

Sanwo-Olu revealed that the State Government had donated additional 30 hectares of land in Ijora area as part of the solutions initiated to address the problem, noting that the land would expand the holding capacity of the Lilypond terminal.

He said: “Today, I have taken time to personally inspect some projects being developed both by the Federal and State governments to improve traffic around Constain, Iganmu, Apapa and Mile 2 areas. The projects are initiated specifically to address the chaos created mainly by indiscriminate parking of trailers along the routes. Already, there is an ongoing rehabilitation work on Marine Bridge, where a stretch has completely been scarified.

“There is also a Lilypond Terminal, a major holding bay for heavy-duty trucks, which has not been operated after it was transferred to a concessionaire. We are aware that the concessionaire is meant to complete an agreement with NPA on the transfer of the facility. But, while this is being done, the Lagos Government has donated 30 hectares of land in Ijora to raise the capacity of the Lilypond Terminal. 

“These steps will be part of the solution of taking the trucks off the Apapa highways. When the rehabilitation work on Marine Bridge is completed in another four months, there will be improvement in journey time towards Apapa. We will also be having meeting with various stakeholders operating at the port, including the truck owners. The system needs a total overhaul. We need to agree and formalise the matrix of the trucks’ movement in and out of the port.”

The Governor also decried the failure of the truck drivers to make use of over 30 holding bays around the port area, including the 320-capacity Tin Can Transit Park. 

He pointed out that the gridlock created by the indiscriminate parking of trailers had impacted negatively on the businesses environment on the axis, stressing that the menace had endangered the lives of people living on the corridor.

Sanwo-Olu observed that the volume of maritime business being carried out in Apapa and Tin Can Island ports had outgrown their capacities. He said the State Government had started building another port in Lekki in collaboration with the NPA to serve as alternative and ease the pressure on the two ports in Apapa. 

The Governor admitted the Apapa needed a complete regeneration. The Government, he said, has responded the challenge with the re-construction work currently going on in the area. 

He said: “We need to set out our activities in a methodical order and see how we redevelop Apapa. There is a massive road construction that is going on in Apapa and the work is extensive. We are using concrete for roads that are being rebuilt. Liverpool and Creek roads have already been completed. By October, all the road network leading in and out of the port area would been opened up for public use. 

“My message to our citizens residing and working on this corridor is that, we have assessed the issues and we will be meeting with various operators and stakeholders. We will fashion out how we will all work collaboratively to bring about an efficient system that will deliver permanent solution and diffuse the gridlock. This, we hope, will bring life back to Apapa.”

The Governor moved to inspect a failed section of Mile 2 Interchange along Lagos-Badagry Expressway, where the State Government cleared 70 trucks of waste materials from the road drainage. 

Sanwo-Olu promised that repair work would commence on Monday, but said the appealed to residents to desist from clogging the drainage with waste.

At the Costain Bridge being constructed by the Federal Government, the Governor said there would re-adjustment of the turning radius to alleviate the difficulty being experienced by motorists in negotiating the descending point of the bridge.

Sanwo-Olu also stopped at Iganmu intersection in Apapa-Iganmu area, where illegal settlements are springing up and encroaching the right-of-way of the Blue Line Rail project. 

The Governor gave the slum occupants one month to remove their shanties and vacate the space. 

He said: “The mess created under the Iganmu intersection has encroached the right-of-way of our rail project. In the next one month, we will be taking a decisive action to eject those creating illegal settlements under the bridge. We will give them notice of eviction and we will clean up the place. Once it is cleaned up, we will hand over the space to corporate organisations to restore the aesthetic of the environment.”

The Governor also inspected the on-going repair work on the failed section of Eko Bridge. The repair is expected to complete by the end of September.

Fatai Ayoola rewards winners of AJIF online essay competition | AgegePulse Magazine

The Hon. Fatai Adekunle Ayoola’s led administration in Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area (LGA) has redeemed the pledge of N250,000 to winners of the online essay competition, organized for secondary school students in the LGA.

The council Chairman made the cash presentation to the trio of Uzoma Israel from Ajeromi-Ifelodun Senior High school, Saidat Anifowoshe from Temidire Senior High school and Ofaboh Gift from Odufunke college, at office of the executive chairman recently.

While speaking during the presentation of cash prizes to the online essay winners, Hon Ayoola said his administration felt the need to keep teenagers busy through essay writing during this lockdown.

He added: “We wanted them to get closer to their books, do research and proffer solutions to the impact of COVID-19.”

It would be recalled that Hon. Ayoola has promised the winners a laptop each, and that the teenagers would be integrated into AJIF Ambassadors, a group that is geared towards changing the behavioural and mental attitude of teenagers towards greatness in Ajegunle.

The essay competition according to organisers of the event, had challenged teenagers across the LGA to proffer solutions by ‘Identifying the pitfalls on the education system in Ajegunle’ as a result of the negative impact of COVID-19.

The cash prize was shared in the various categories of N150,000 for the first position, N70,000 for second prize winner, N50,000 for third place and other participants sharing the remaining cash as consolation prizes.

Lagospanorama.com

Keke Senior Grammar School, Fagba Junior, Win Y2020 Governor's Quiz Competition in Lagos

...As Ahmed Primary School, Others Make Agege Proud

AgegePulse Magazine

                           

Keke Senior Grammar School, Agege, Lagos has emerged the best Senior Secondary School in the year 2020 Lagos State Schools Governor’s Quiz competition with 14 points.

Announcing the result at the grand finale of the competition that was held virtually, the quiz Master, Mr. Olusegun Adedeji declared Keke Senior High School, Agege winner with 14 points, Oriwu Senior Model College, Ikorodu got 12 points to clinch the second position while Lagos State Senior Model College, Kankon came third with 10 points.

In the junior category, Fagba Junior Grammar School, Fagba took the first position with 18 points, Lagos State Junior Model College, Kankon second position and Eva Adelaja Junior Secondary School, Bariga came third positions with 16 and 12 points respectively.

For the Primary Schools’ category, Ahmed Primary School, Agege came first with 14 points, Oke Ishagun Primary School, Alimosho and Mafoluku Nur/Primary School, Oshodi-Isolo emerged second and third positions with 10 and 8 points respectively.

Speaking at the grand finale of the competition held on Friday for Primary, Junior and Senior Secondary Schools in the state Honourable Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo revealed that this year’s competition held virtually is in line with efforts by the State Government towards engaging the students while at home.  

Adefisayo spoke on the need to conduct an assessment on the children and get a feedback on what they have learnt in the past few months through the Radio, Television and On-line programmes in which the Government has invested.

In her words, “In any good educational system, you don’t only test knowledge by written or summative examinations, there are so many other means such as test, quizzes, panel discussions, project work, among others, which will develop the students for the task ahead.”  

The Commissioner averred that the Governor’s Quiz competition became necessary not only to checkmate the students, but to also ensure that they are on top of their studies, adding that this competition will give them a wider scope in their core subjects and general studies.

She reiterated the Education and Technology Agenda of Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, expressing optimism that the children will be confident towards operating technological devices from the comfort of their homes to attend virtual academic programmes that will enhance learning outcomes.

According to the Commissioner, the quiz competition is expected to focus on the three domains of education, which are; psychomotor, cognitive and affective domain. 

The virtual competition is a creative and innovative idea of the Ministry, the pandemic has created various means of proffering solutions to challenges”. 

While congratulating the participants and winners, stating that the State Government is indeed proud of them, thereby wishing them all the best in their endeavors.

Speaking earlier in an address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Abosede Adelaja said that the highly competitive Lagos State Schools Governor’s Quiz Competition is an annual event designed to develop the mind of the pupils by creating healthy rivalry among school children and has over the years produced many very brilliant students who have gone ahead to study various courses of choice in the Higher Institutions of Learning.

Mrs. Adeleja expressed that the adoption of virtual competition is as a result of the “New Normal” adding that pandemic has fast-tracked the technological development of day-to-day affairs.

She noted that, “The government was happy with the overt display of knowledge by our amiable children in all facets of life, science & technology, art & craft etc. The improvement recorded in external examinations and achievements in many competitions both at home and abroad are encouraging”. 

The Permanent Secretary advised all children in the State to devote more time to their academic pursuit in order to attain excellence and be reliable keepers of tomorrow. She urged the students to see the competition as an avenue to upscale their knowledge and key into the technological vision of the Governor for a Greater Lagos.

She observed that the quality of Quiz competition has been growing as it progresses opining that, “The standard of questions that are posted to the pupils/students and the ease with which they answer them is a testimony to the quality of education that we provide in the State”.

The grand finale of the competition had Shodiya Ayomide and Nwoke Emeka representing Keke Senior High School, Agege, Ajeniya Abdulquadri and Akande Winifred representing Oriwu Senior Model College, Ikorodu while Alabi Emmanuel and Akintunde Joseph representing Lagos State Senior Model College, Kankon.

In the junior category, Ishaku Jethro and Owolabi Grace representing Fagba Junior Grammar School, Ashaka Kehinde and Humpe Christiwedo representing Lagos State Junior Model College, Kankon while Modupe Esther and Okebola Treasure representing Eva Adelaja Junior Secondary School, Bariga.

For the Primary Schools’ category, Ibrahim Wiquyat and Haruna Aishat representing Ahmad Primary School, Agege, Junita Lafua and Adeniran Mary of Oke Ishegun Primary School, Alimosho while Okikiola Idowu and Jimoh Mariam representing Mafoluku Nur/Primary School Oshodi-Isolo.

The winners/ participants of the competition were virtually presented with trophies, plaques and gift items such as Laptops, Android Phones, Tablets, School Materials among others.

By Kayode Abayomi

How I Battled, Killed Covid-19 By Gboyega Akosile | AgegePulse Magazine

 

By Dr.  Gboyega Akosile,  Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Lagos State 

Thank God I am back at my duty post! I returned to work today, Wednesday, August 5, 2020 after several weeks away, battling the monstrous Coronavirus.

It began with a feverish condition on Wednesday, July 1, 2020. I usually don't joke with my health so I stopped at a pharmacy on my way home, got an anti malaria drug with some paracetamol and I used it as recommended.

I must state here that I have never completed a full dose of any malaria treatment or drugs before getting back on my feet in my adult life, never! In fact, you would have to remind me sometimes before taking my drugs because I would have felt well after taking the second dose. This time, I completed the malaria medicine yet there was no improvement. By Thursday (July 2) evening and Friday (July 3) morning, my health condition had started to deteriorate. The feelings gradually moved from headaches to severe body pains and cold. Same day, I had a responsibility to organize a media briefing for my boss. I didn't raise the alarm just yet because everybody was wary of everyone else, especially if you showed any signs of illness. But the truth is I was sick, terribly sick. 

I told my wife on Thursday evening that there was a need for us to get tested for COVID-19. I convinced her that we needed to clear all doubts. She understood clearly, knowing it may not be out of place that I had been exposed to the virus, especially now that Lagos was experiencing rise in community spread.

We drove straight to the Yaba Infectious Diseases Hospital on Friday morning and in less than an hour; the very efficient Lagos health workers in charge of sample collection and testing attended us to. 

Although he was not ill and showed no signs of COVID-19, I encouraged my driver to join us for the test. We left for Marina to continue with the day’s official activities. While Mr. Governor was briefing and responding to questions from journalists, I stood there on the beautifully tendered State House lawn shaking from within. I could feel that my legs were wobbling from inside my bone marrow. Not even the beauty of the grass, which I usually admire, could calm the way I felt.

I remember how much I tried to keep more than two metres away from some colleagues who had come to me for some clarifications on issues or points raised by Mr. Governor. Since I was not sure of my status, I needed to take responsibility by ensuring that nothing was discharged into the atmosphere from my side. 

I waited till the end of the press conference, managed to move towards my boss but ensured that I didn't move close to him. In that socially distanced position, I informed him of my state of health and his response was direct, "have you gone for another test?" He asked because he had mandated his entire close aides to go for COVID-19 test on two or three occasions. He has also done the test repeatedly, just for everyone to feel safe around the office. I answered him in the affirmative, "yes sir, I just did this morning. Results should be out on Sunday." He then said I should go home for a couple of days. I thanked him and I left the State House.

No sooner had I left the State House than the real symptoms started in fearful proportion. To be honest, I was scared. I had never felt that way before in my entire life. Driving from Marina to Ikeja felt like travelling from Lagos to New York. The vibrations and other bodily pains I experienced that day can't be described here. I rolled from one end of the vehicle to another. All I remember was my driver's voice, saying "epele sir (sorry sir)". It was excruciating! By the time we got home, my eyes had turned red, with the retinal looking the other way. My wife took over immediately as the resident nurse. She was scared too but she summoned the courage and took charge. She insisted we went to the hospital. We did. I told the doctor that I had gone for COVID-19 test but he said he would place me on another round of malaria treatment. 

 

I took some shots that evening, repeated them on Saturday morning and evening. I went again on Sunday morning but there was no remarkable improvement. By Sunday evening, our COVID-19 test results were sent to me via email. My worst fear stared at me in the face; we all tested positive for Coronavirus - my wife, driver and I. I immediately called my driver to inform him. Clearly he was asymptomatic because as at that time and up till the time of writing this piece, he had no symptoms. Life has been normal for him. Nonetheless, I insisted that he should self-isolate at home for 14 days and not go about infecting other people.

I duly informed my principal and then called my direct boss, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, the Chief of Staff to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who immediately made arrangements for my treatment. The doctors called in and asked that we isolate at home. They tutored me on all the protocols, most of them I was already familiar with, having been part of the communication team on Lagos State Government's response to COVID-19.

Case management started and in two days, I had lost my sense of smell, taste and every symptom that comes with COVID-19 had fully manifested in me. Trust me, it was not a particularly pleasant experience.

In eight to nine days of medication, the initial pains and discomfort started to disappear. I began to experience a new lease of life. My SPO2, which is a small device used in checking the flow of oxygen in a patient’s system was back to normal. BP was good and body temperature returned to normal. This time, I could attend to work related issues. I started working from home.

 

Recall that three of us tested positive and one was asymptomatic. My wife too showed some symptoms from Monday, July 5, so she was placed on same medication. While I improved, her condition took a downward turn; her oxygen level was below the acceptable limit of 95! At first, it fluctuated between 90 and 94; sometimes it would hit 95 so I was hopeful. Her Blood Pressure was also irregular. The value was inconsistent; sometimes good, at another time bad. 

 

On Tuesday, July 14, her SPO2 went down to 88! That was when it dawned on everyone that she had to be evacuated to an isolation centre. She was taken to the Onikan centre, where she received some of the best treatment that COVID-19 patients in the United States of America are looking for. I don’t get scared easily by anything or situation. This time, I was very scared. I thought the worst phase of my life had come when after three days of her admission, she had not responded well to the treatment. She neither called home nor picked her phone. Everyone was worried.

 

Thanks to the Lagos State Government, the Ministry of Health, the health workers; doctors, nurses and drivers, among others who ensured that my wife, like all the other patients that were brought in under very terrible conditions returned home with joy.

 

After spending five days, we started to connect again via video calls.

 

Since I was not in the isolation centre, the closest was when I took her birthday cake there for a symbolic celebration; I could only rely on her experience, which she described as wholesome.

 

I decided to touch on my wife’s experience to draw attention to the fact that people do not necessarily die of COVID-19. You lose people to complications from underlining ailments. Unknown to us, my wife had a silent case of pneumonia and had some blood clot related issues. And since she had not fallen sick, these conditions never manifested in any form. Everyone in the house appeared healthy and truly so until the COVID-19 incident.

 

It is very important to conduct comprehensive medical checks, even if it is once in a year. If we had known this earlier, perhaps our experience would have been less traumatic when COVID-19 came calling.

 

Without sounding immodest, Lagos State Government is a model State on the COVID-19 response in Africa. Special thanks to Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu who built excess capacity in readiness for the pandemic. This has helped the State to manage the effects of the pandemic since it broke out. 

 

COVID-19 is not a hoax, it’s very real. Use your face mask  wash your hands regularly, use sanitizer and please keep to the social distance protocols.

 

Now I am back on the beat, what have I missed?

Akosile is the Chief Press Secretary to the Lagos State Governor.

Nigerians are not banned from visiting Dubai- Official says | AgegePulse Magazine

 

Nigerians are not banned from visiting the United Arab Emirates (UAE), contrary to earlier reports, an official from the Dubai tourism has stated.

Stella Fubara-Obinwa, its Director Africa, International Operations, made this known during a webinar organized by the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), themed “Tourism Business Opportunities in Face of New Normal.”

Fubara-Obinwa said there was never a time, nor was there any publication, which reported that Nigerians had been banned from visiting the UAE.

“I challenge people to show me any publication from the United Arab Emirates which states that Nigerians had been banned from the country.

“This is fake news and am not happy with the development from the Nigeria travel agents.

“Nigeria is very important to Dubai; Nigeria has the highest number of travellers to Dubai, out of the 41 sub-Sahara countries.

“As a matter of fact, Dubai is ready to accommodate visitors, likewise every hospitality business, while we adhere to the new COVID-19 restrictions,” she said.

Fubara-Obinwa said Dubai had been opened to tourists from July 7, adding that safety measures had been put in place across all hospitality and tourism outfits.

She noted that Dubai was recently recognized as a safe destination by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).

According to her, in Dubai now, a tourist is expected to have a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test at any accredited laboratory in their countries, 96 hours before embarking on a trip to Dubai.

She explained that this would make travellers ascertain their COVID-19 status prior to their journey to Dubai to guide against spreading the virus.

TheNation Newspaper

JUST IN: Sanwo-Olu Reverses Ambode's 2018 Land Use Charge | AgegePulse

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reversed the amendment of the Land Use Charge effected by the administration of his predecessor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode in 2018.

Specifically, the government cancelled the 2018 land use charge and reverted to pre-2018 land use charges.

The decision was announced today at an ongoing press briefing by Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Rabiu Olowo.

The government also waived penalties for land use charge for 2017, 2018 and 2019, which according to the Commissioner translates to a loss of revenue amounting to N5.6bn.

The 2018 amendment had generated hue and cry from residents and business owners who considered it to be outrageous.

According to Olowo, “In 2018, there was an increase in Land Use Charge rate as well as the method of valuation of properties, this shock had a sporadic increase in Land Use Charge payable by property owners.

“In view of the aforementioned, the current administration decided to review the Land Use Charge law by reversing the rate of Land Use Charge to pre-2018 while upholding the 2018 method of valuation.

"Penalties for Land Use Charge for Year 2017,2018 and 2019 have also been waived. This translates to N5,752,168,411.03 potential revenue waived by the State.

"In additional to the re- introduction of the 15% early payment discount, an additional Covid 19 incentive of 10% will be granted on the total amount payable. This makes the total discount for early payment 25% if payment is made before due date

"The penalty for obstruction of officials and damage to property identification plague has been reduced from N250,000 to N100,000

The penalty for inciting a person to refuse to pay LUC has been reduced from N250,000 to N100,000.

"The 2020 LUC Law introduced a 10% and 20% special relief for Vacant properties and Open empty land, respectively."

SCHOOL RESUMPTION: Lagos Perm. Sec, TGPS EDD1 Agege, others Monitor Level of Compliance | AgegePulse Magazine

 

Following the resumption of terminal class students in Lagos State, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Mrs. Abosede Adelaja, her Education District 1 Agege, counterpart, Barrister Margaret Titilayo Solarin, school principals, teachers and some stakeholders in the education sector embarked on monitoring of the compliance level to COVID-19 protocols already instituted in schools across the State. 

AgegePulse learnt that the inspection team led by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Abosede Adelaja, expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness of the schools visited and the comportment of the students to all safety guidelines and protocols.

Speaking at one of the schools visited, Vetland Senior Grammar School, Ifako-Ijaiye, the Permanent Secretary disclosed that the State Government had earlier organised a training session tagged: "Scenario Planning" to prepare teachers ahead of resumption and enlighten them on psychological and physical issues concerning both teachers and students. 

According to her, the State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo, also had a virtual meeting with school managers to discuss all the protocols and facilities the school management required ahead of resumption as far back as July. 

She disclosed that the schools have been fumigated and the environment kept clean, saying that "We have distributed facemasks for use by the students. As a matter of fact, all the schools have more than enough facemasks and sanitisers to cater to the needs of the students as well as hand washing basins. 

The Tutor-General/ Permanent Secretary of Education District 1, Mrs. Margaret Titilayo Solarin, said that the monitoring exercise had been ongoing before the decision to reopen schools, stressing that several consultative fora had been held to strategise the resumption modalities. 

She informed that apart from the preparedness on the part of the government and the teachers, the students have also been enlightened about physical distancing rules and other precautionary protocols that will make their stay in the school safe. 

She challenged parents to also join hands with the government to instill the consciousness of abiding by the safety rules and COVID-19 protocols in the mind of the students even while at home. 

As a way of ensuring compliance, Mrs. Solarin revealed that the schools have adopted the slogan "No Mask, No Entry", in addition to subjecting the students to temperature checks before entering the school premises. 

Other schools visited included State Senior High School, Oyewole, Agege; Oke-Odo Senior High School, Alimosho; Unity Senior College, Oke-Odo, Alimosho; Abesan Senior High School, Abesan and Jakande Estate Comprehensive Senior College, Abesan.

Group In Agege Campaigns Against Rape, Child Abuse In Lagos| AgegePulse Magazine

A progressives Youth in Agege,  Dopemu-Agege Youths Wing recently embarked on aggressive campaign against Rape, Child Abuse, Gender Based Violence and other domestic violence.

According to Dopemu-Agege Youths, the initiative was pertinent to raise awareness about rape and sex abuses in the state, “sexual violence is a menace that affects everybody emotionally and psychologically and a Walk Against Rape is an avenue to say NO to the menace in our communities".

Walk Against Rape is an opportunity for Lagosians to come together and raise awareness on sexual assault. Statistics shows that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 11 men will be raped in their lifetime and it is estimated that less than 20% of rape cases are reported to the police. The silence and stigmatization of rape victims in our society make rape victims feel dejected and neglected.

AgegePulse Magazine learnt that the main aim of Dopemu-Agege Youth Wing is to empower the victims, their friends, families and supporters to break the silence by staging a walk against rape together on the streets in order to send signal to the perpetrators that Lagos State frowns and condemns in totality any act of sexual harassment on our girl-child.

We have our aims and objectives as highlighted below:

Raising awareness in Agege/Orile Agege on the need to curb any form of sexual violence.

Providing a space for the victims of sexual violence to preach love to them that they are not neglected and we care for them.

Educating communities about the means available to seek a redress and rehabilitation if anybody is assaulted asexually.

As Dopemu-Agege Youth Wing, we believe that no single individual, organization, foundation or business man can stop the epidemic of sexual assault alone but by collective responsibility we can stop the menace.

Speak out and you shall be heard. We say NO to rape and any form of sexual harassment

Super Eagles Star Signs 2 Years Deal With Dynamo | AgegePulse Magazine

...Qualifies Team for Europe Competition

The Ace Super Eagles Star, Sylvester Emeka Igbonu Sly, yesterday successfully sealed a 2 years permanent contract with Russian Giant Team, Dynamo Moscow.

The Agege born attacking striker has been able to gain the interest of the team Dynamo after helping the club to secure European slot, currently sitting comfortably in 6th position with 41points in the log table.

Sylvester SlyTata who revealed the contract extension to AgegePulse Magazine through a media chat, says: 

"Permanent deal in Dynamo Moscow sealed, Let me start by thanking Dynamo Moscow for believing in me and for giving me another 2years opportunity to deliver my professionalism in football, my 1st year in Dynamo Moscow was great even though we have ups and downs but at the end of the season we can be pleased with where we end up for the qualification for European".

Now I have another 2 years with the team who have shown me nothing but love since my arrival here, I look forward to many great things, we are going to achieve together in future, let me use this opportunity to appreciate Almighty God for giving me strength and injury free season, I also extend my gratitude to FC UFA who brought me from Demark to Russia, my 4 years in Ufa was amazing and promising.

"I had a lot of fun and I will always remember my time there, thanks to the coaches, players, staff, President and most especially the fans of the club for our time spent together".

"It's indeed remarkable and memorable". Igbonu concluded.

Conditional Cash Transfer Kicks Off in Lagos | AgegePulse Magazine

... Beneficiaries Receive N10,000 For The Month Of May And June

Following the enrolment of eligible residents of the State for the first phase of the Cash Transfer initiative of the Federal Government, each of the beneficiary households of the Conditional Cash Transfer policy, which kicked off in April this year, received the sum of  N10,000 for the months of May and June 2020.

The conditional Cash Transfer policy, an initiative of the Federal Government to the most vulnerable and indigent of the society was officially flagged off in Lagos today at Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of the State.

The initiative, which will be administered through the designated household caregiver, who will in turn utilise the money for the better living of the household, was flagged off by the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mrs. Yetunde Arobieke and top federal government functionaries.

The Commissioner lauded the efforts of the Federal Government, through the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, for their support in the establishment of the cash transfer unit in Lagos State while also expressing her gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his commitment and enormous support in making the implementation a success.

Arobieke noted that the process of enrolment of beneficiary households commenced in April 2020 with the most vulnerable, aged and indigent citizens identified.

"It is of the essence to mention that the process of enrolment of about 8,147 households captured by the State Cash Transfer Office was approved by the Governor and commenced in the month of April to fast-track a conditional Cash transfer to beneficiary households in order to alleviate the sufferings of the poor and vulnerable", Arobieke explained.

While noting that the beneficiaries were painstakingly selected by the Cash Transfer Office in six pilot Local Government Areas and validated through the issuance of identification cards in order to partake in the exercise, the Commissioner appealed to those that have not registered to key into the programme in order to benefit from the palliative measures.

"I will like to appeal to Lagosians that this is a continuous exercise and in case you are yet to be captured in this batch, there are more opportunities that would be cascaded to the rest of the Local Government Areas in the State”, she said.

The National Programme Coordinator of the Scheme, Dr. Temitope Shinkaye, who was represented by Mr. Mohammed Abdullah at the event, stated that the programme focuses mainly on the poor and vulnerable in the country as identified through a combination of geographic and community-based targeting mechanism.

He stated that the programme facilitates the transfer of N5000 per month to the identified beneficiaries, noting that payment is made every two months to eligible households selected from the national social register while the programme also offers capacity building to beneficiaries for empowerment on self reliance.

Abdullahi disclosed that beneficiaries are also trained on life skills and micro-business development in order to engage in viable business activities that will sustain them in future.

He thanked the Lagos State Government for its support and commitment in registering vulnerable households in the State, stressing that it has helped to incorporate them into the Federal Government National Social Register for the vulnerable.

The Executive Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, Mr. Oluseyi Valentino expressed gratitude to the State Government for choosing the Local Government as the flag-off point for the initiative.

He expressed his appreciation to the Federal and State Governments for the laudable initiative, expressing confidence that it will help to alleviate the suffering of the poor and most vulnerable.

The Household Uplifting Programme (HUP), otherwise known as Conditioner Cash Transfer, was introduced in 2016 as one of the four social investment programmes anchored by the Federal Government to tackle poverty and hunger, focusing on a more equitable distribution of resources to the vulnerable population, including the aged and physically challenged.

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.