EFCC Arrests Brothers, Three Others For Alleged Internet Fraud | AgegePulse Magazine

 

Operatives of the the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibadan zonal office, have arrested two pairs of brothers : Ayoola Timilehin, Olusola Timilehin, and Oladayo Fayemi, Tolulope Fayemi and three others suspected to be internet fraudsters.

They were arrested at their hide out on Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at Alaka, Elebu area of Ibadan, Oyo State.

The other three suspects arrested with them are Temitope Kumuyi, Babatunde Oyelakin and Olanrewaju Ibrahim. They are all between 20 and 30 years age range.

The suspects were arrested based on intelligence linking them with opulence without any identifiable means of livelihood. Items recovered from them, include: four cars, laptops, exotic phones and a stamp bearing the identity of the bursary section of Queensland University's School of Medicine, Australia.

They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

LASRERA Team Meets Lagos Chief Judge, Demands Special Court For Real Estate Practitioner

AgegePulse Magazine

From left, Hon Justice Femi-Adeniyi, Hon Justce Dabiri, the Chief Judge of Lagos, Hon Justice Kazeem Alogba, Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Toke Benson Awoyinka and Titilayo Omorodion, Dir. Admin LASRERA

In order to stem the tide of fraudulent practices in the real estate business and also ensure speedy trials of erring real estate agents in Lagos State, the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority, LASRERA, has called for the collaboration of the Judiciary in providing designated judges solely responsible for the handling of real estate related matters. 

The Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Housing, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka made the request on Tuesday when she led some principal officials of the Agency to the office of the Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba during a Courtesy visit. 

Benson-Awoyinka said that for Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) to effectively enforce the Law guiding activities in the sector in Lagos State in form of misconducts, complaints or petitions from the public against persons or organisations within the Sector, there is need for a assigned Courts and designated Judges to see to all Real Estate Matters in order to fast Track/Speedy hearing of Real Estate Matters/Issues in such Courts.

She appealed to Honurable Chief of the State to consider the Agency’s request due to the huge and incessant acts of fraudulent and quackery practices by some Real Estate Practitioners and the need to expedite hearings on matters that affects real estate businesses in the State.

 In her words, "the Courts will  accelerate the dispensation of all matters/ issues in relation to real estate and ensures that victims get justice within a reasonable time and refunded accordingly especially if the perpetrators are culpable, adding that the properties of the culprits might be confiscated and sold to offset the payment already made by the affected victims."

 Benson-Awoyinka also added that the introduction of Foreclosure  by the State Government would help decongest  and expedite the liquidity of Mortgage assets.   

 According to her," The State  Government needs to sanitize real estate transactions so as to conform to the global practices and also to attract  investments in the Sector while also increasing the soci-economy of the State. 

‘" The Real Estate Business has always being good investment that needs the State Government to act as a gatekeeper because people seek for accommodation either to rent, buy or sell around the World." the Special Adviser emphasized. 

 The Special Adviser said that the efforts of the State Government in the housing sector  is aimed at curbing the rate of reported and increasing cases of fraudulent practices in the Real Estate Sector across the State.

  She informed that Lagos State Estate Agency Regulatory Law, Cap L28, Laws of Lagos State, 2015, provides for the establishment of the Lagos State Regulatory Authority. (LASRERA) which is to regulate the practice of Real Estate Agency in the State so as to identify persons eligible to be licensed as Real Estate Practitioners and provides for the issuance and renewal of Permits annually.

 Benson-Awoyinka maintained that the Agency has the responsibility of collating a database  of Real Estate Practitioners/ Property Developers  and Agents thereof.

She assured residents of the State that the State Government remains committed to provision of protection for all residents of the State especially when there are perceived cases of fraudulent activities in the Real Estate Sector. 

 While responding, Honourable Chief Judge of Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba pledged that the State Judiciary will support in the fight against fraudulent dealings in the Real Estate Practice in the State.

He described the request of the Agency for designated Courts to fast track the issues/ matters of the dubious activities of some fake Practitioners in the Sector as a welcome development just as he also promised to assign judges to handle such cases within some jurdicition in the State.

He used the ocassion to also clarify that the Lagos State Judiciary has not stopped Bankers Order in the course of dispensation of justice but would expect due process be followed in seeking such orders.

He ended by giving a strong commitment to the Agency in its efforts to sanitize the industry as well as its pursuit of relief and quick dispensation of justice to the people. He thanked the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Housing for seeking such collaborations amongst the two arms of Government which will further enhance the objectives of the Agency!!

LASG Vows to Halt Activities of Land Grabbers | AgegePulse Magazine

Urges Property Owners To Perfect Title Documents

The Lagos State Government has advised all legitimate land and property owners in the State to perfect all title documents pertaining to their lands and property, saying this will help put land grabbers at bay and ensure easy administration of justice in the event that such assets are forcefully taken.

The Coordinator of the Lagos State Special Taskforce on Land Grabbers, Mr. Owolabi Arole, gave this advice, noting that undocumented and incomplete transactions, as well as untidy property documentation, make it difficult for any property forcefully taken to be retrieved through legal means.

He said, “a large chunk of the land grabbing cases are fraught with issues of improper and incomplete legal documentation and such issues cause a delay in getting justice for rightful owners of the land.”

“These issues, however, have not deterred us from carrying out our mandate and getting justice for rightful owners of the land from unscrupulous elements who forcibly encroach and dispossess real owners of their property”, Arole said.      

He affirmed that the task force has continued to pursue its mandate to reduce the activities of persons or corporate entities, who intimidate and forcefully claim the property of other residents.

Arole noted that the task force has, since its inauguration, received over 2,300 petitions bordering on land grabbing and related issues, while it has treated and concluded 600 cases, made 35 arrests and is presently working on 1,500 petitions.

While urging citizens whose lands have been forcefully taken not to take laws into their hands, the Coordinator advised them to report such incidents to the Special Taskforce on Land Grabbers for remedial action.

Arole warned land grabbers to desist from their illicit trade, stressing that the State government will, through the task force, bring the full wrath of the law on anybody caught forcibly taking another person’s land.

“Lagos State government, through the Lagos State Property Protection Law 2016, set up the task force to address the incessant activities of land grabbers in different parts of the State because the trend was stifling commercial activities and preventing prospective investors from carrying out business activities in Lagos”, the Coordinator explained.

Reiterating that the law prohibits forceful entry and illegal occupation of landed property, as well as violent and fraudulent conduct, Arole vowed that his task force will confront the menace of land grabbers and ensure a stop to their illicit trade.

BENEFICIARIES LAUD LAGOS FIRST LADY FOR SPONSORING TRAINING ON AQUACULTURE

AgegePulse Magazine

Participants at the special training on Aquaculture and its value chain organised by Office of the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, in collaboration with the State’s Ministry of Agriculture, have lauded the wife of the Governor for her initiative to encourage farming and contribute to the country’s food security drive.

Speaking at the training organised for members of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), civil servants and representatives of some groups, the beneficiaries expressed their views that the training was worth their while and also equipped them with the skills to go into commercial fish farming.

The three-day training, held at the Cooperative College Training Room and Agriculture Development Authority Complex, Oko-Oba, Agege, from August 31 to September 2, 2020, is the first batch of the programmes lined up by the Office of the First Lady to train people in fish farming, poultry and crops in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture.    

A participant, Mrs. Adeola Rotinwa stated that she benefited immensely from the training about fish farming and its value chain, saying “I really appreciate the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu for giving us the opportunity to learn about the fish farming value chain. We have learned so far, how to create fish hatchery, how to smoke fish, drying, selling and exporting fish, among others".

“We also learnt how to have a cooperative and collaborate to form a business, either to sell fish or to sell the fingerlings. I thank the Office of the First Lady and the Ministry of Agric for this opportunity and we are also praying that going forward, they will assist in empowering us to take this fish farming value chain to the next level of feeding the nation”, Rotinwa said.

Another participant, Mrs. Olajumoke Saliu said the training was an eye-opener in terms of the opportunities inherent in fish farming.

In her words, “So far, we have learned how to do the fish farming from fingerlings to table fish among others. They have taken us through the process and even told us that when you have the fish, there is a way you can add more value to it, whether locally or internationally such as making fish fillet, making fish snacks, and making canned food with fish without preservatives”.

“We are learning how to do it the organic way and also giving us value that we can also add to people at our own ends. It is a big privilege. We want to thank the Office of the First Lady and the First Lady especially, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu. She is impacting lives because this is not just about the people being trained as they will go out, create more jobs and reach out to others. This is a total package that we are grateful for. This is what we will surely take to the next level to impact positively on the food security within our nation and State,” Saliu said.

Apart from the training, participants were also tutored on accessing the agric fund of the Lagos State Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Support (APPEALS), which is a World Bank assisted project.

#LASG

#ForAGreaterLagos

LASEMA Commences Reconstruction of Opebi Helicopter Crash Site | AgegePulse Magazine

 

... As Governor Sanwo-Olu keeps Promise Under 48 Hours

In keeping with the promises of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of less than 48 hours ago, LASEMA has commenced post-disaster reconstruction of the Opebi Helicopter crash site of Friday. 

Reconstruction of the affected fence and buildings at 14 and 16, Salvation Road, Opebi in ikeja by the crashed helicopter commenced Monday morning, following Mr. Governor's pledge, made in company of Hon. Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Engr. Omotayo Bamgbose-Martins and the DG/CEO of LASEMA, Dr. Oluwafemi Damilola Oke-Osanyitolu on Saturday 29th August, 2020  during a hands-on visit and post disaster assessment of the crash site. 

It would be recalled that Governor Sanwo-Olu on Saturday commended LASEMA, other emergency responders and security agencies for their swift response when a Bell 206 Helicopter, belonging to Quorum Aviation, traveling into Lagos from Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital with two crew members and a passenger crashed in-between two residential buildings on Salvation road in Opebi area of Lagos mid-day on Friday, killing two out of it's three passengers instantly, and leaving the third critically injured.

During inspection of the Opebi helicopter crash-site on Saturday to assess the extent of damage caused by the crash, Governor Sanwo-Olu who sympathised with families of the deceased three during the crash, prayed for God to comfort their families and promised that Lagos State Government will conduct integrity tests on the affected buildings within a hundred metres radius and do necessary repairs to assist the affected families by restoring normalcy as quickly as possible. 

 

Said he, “I am here to do a real on the spot assessment and I have seen things for myself. We thank God that as painful as the incident might be, the damage was not beyond what we have witnessed. We are pained by the death of the three people on board but we thank God because it could have been worse than that. The affected buildings are residential homes that have citizens living there. As at the exact time the helicopter crash happened, a lot of people were not in the premises and even the elderly people that were around and in their rooms. But as God would have it, nothing in terms of fatality, happened to people on the ground. So, we need to thank God. If not, fatality may have been a lot more than what we are talking about.

“As you can see the people affected are senior citizens; they are people in their 80s and 70s that I have come to condole with and also thank God for them. We have seen the level of destruction and damages. Tests will be conducted to understand the integrity of the buildings and once that is ascertained today or tomorrow, we will start work with the federal agencies. We will start the reconstruction and renovation of the places affected by the crash; the rooms, walls, tents and ensure that we quickly bring respite to the senior citizens that have been affected".

Thereafter, the Governor restated his commitment to Lagosians, pledging to commence the reconstruction of the crash site from today, when said; “From Monday, we will start rebuilding the damaged structure and also assist in any areas the owners of the buildings need our assistance. We will also assist the senior citizens wherever they need help. We know that the incident has had some impact on them. We will give them whatever support we can give them to reduce their psychological, physical and emotional hardship, which may have been caused by the incident. We would be doing that for them as a government. The whole essence of governance is to ensure that once your citizens are affected like this, government need to rise up.”

Still speaking on the incident, Governor Sanwo-Olu commended all the federal and state agencies for their quick response and speedy intervention by moving to site of the crash shortly after the helicopter crash. “I want commend all our frontline workers, all the emergency staff that turned up with citizens in the neigbourhood that turned out in large number to help,” he said.

Commenting today, at commencement of reconstruction of the disaster area, the DG/CEO, LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu explained further, that beyond the conduct of integrity tests and impact assessments on the affected buildings and entire disaster area within 100 metres radius, immediate response of LASEMA to directives of Mr. Governor, has already started yielding results as journey of quick restoration to normalcy, has commenced with the clearing and reconstruction of the incident site.

#ForAGreaterLagos

How I escaped from police custody -Ibadan serial killer | AgegePulse Magazine

Sunday Shodipe, the man be behind series of killings and rape of women in Akinyele area of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, has been telling the police how he escaped from their custody after he was first arrested.

Shodipe was re-arrested on Sunday after he escaped from the Mokola Police Station where he was detained after his arrest seven days ago.

The suspect told the Police that he escaped after a new Divisional Police Officer, deployed to the station allowed an officer he identified as  Funsho to allow him to take his bath.

He said he ran away despite warnings from the police officer

 

Shodipe said he escaped when he saw that the officer was  discussing with another person and was not paying attention to him.

Shodipe said, “The new female DPO asked officer Funsho to allow me take my bath. He cautioned me not to try to escape when I am taking my bath.

“I escaped when I saw him discussing with another person. I climbed the borehole pole and jumped the fence. The people living in the area saw me when I escaped but they did not raise any alarm.”

Police Rearrest Oyo Serial Killer, Sunday Shodipe | AgegePulse Magazine

  

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Oyo State Police Command, have re-arrested the notorious murder suspect, Sunday Shodipe who escaped from lawful custody on 11th August, 2020. He was re-arrested today, Sunday, 23rd August, 2020 by Police operatives at the Bodija area of Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital. 

It would be recalled that the erstwhile fugitive is a prime suspect in multiple murder of innocent citizens at Akinyele Local Government Area, Moniya, Ibadan, Oyo State. 

The Inspector General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM,mni while commending the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Joe Nwachukwu Enwonwu and his Team for a job well done, equally expressed his sincere appreciation to the citizens for their support and understanding while the manhunt for the rearrested Shodipe lasted.

Meanwhile, the IGP has warned against any form of complacency on the part of the operatives of the Oyo State Police Command, stressing that all hands must be on deck to bring the case to a positive and successful closure. 

LG Election: Foundation Drums Support For Council's Chair 2nd Term Bid | AgegePulse Magazine

A charitable and philanthropic market leader in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State, Chief (Hon.) Mrs Nonye Ukaegbu , popularly called Hajia Ikenga, has endorsed Engineer Dr. Valentine Buraimoh for a second term as council chairman.

Hajia Ikenga, who is the Co-ordinator of Abibatu Mogaji International Market in Amuwo Odofin Local Government and a younger sister of an influential Architect and market developer, Chief Gilbert Okereke, was elated while chanting four plus four songs to the admiration of the political leaders in Amuwo Odofin Local Government, as she  led members of her non-governmental organisation, Hajia Ikenga Foundation to the Council Secretariat,  yesterday, for her endorsement of  Engineer Dr. Valentine Oluwaseyi Buraimoh  for another four years of good governance in  the elitists local government, Amuwo Odofin.

Recall that the Lagos State Independent Electoral  Commission, LASIEC,  has announced its readiness to conduct council polls across all the 57 local council areas in 2021, hence the political firmament in the State, especially at the grassroots, is charged.

In her speech, Mrs Nonye described her foundation's mission to the Council Secretariat as a divine visit to announce to the incumbency at the local government of her foundation's readiness and that of the Apex hierarchy of the Ndigbo in Amuwo Odofin Local Government , including the market leaders to cast their weights behind the council boss for a return to the massive projects embarked on in Festac Town , come 2021.

In her comments, the energetic Hajia Ikenga metarphorically addressed Engineer Valentine Buraimoh as " an Eagle" and his detractors as "a crow", who she said their stock in trade is to " sit on the Eagle's back and bite its neck."

She implored the Council Chief to prepare for the new heights; free himself from the whimps and caprices of those who she called " small sizes" and  keep climbing up.

While responding, Engineer Valentine thanked Mrs Nonye who as a peace- loving business tycoon and a bridge builder, has taken a bold step as the first stakeholder within  the  market circle in the local government and led by example by publicly identifying with the success story of the present council administration, as well as declaring supports for another well deserved tenure in office of  the  Buraimoh- led administration.

Sanwo-Olu's SA, Toke Benson Seeks Agencies Synergy To Curb Fraud in Real Estate Business | AgegePulse Magazine

 

The Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) has solicited for a seamless working relationship with the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency, LASAA and the State Criminal Investigation Department, CID, Panti, Yaba its drive to achieve its mandates of regulating, registering, monitoring and achieving sanity in the Real Estate Sector. 

The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Housing, Mrs Toke Benson – Awoyinka, who paid a courtesy call to the offices of the two organisations on Wednesday said the intention of the visitation and request for collaboration was to convince members of the public that the Agency has the support of all relevant stakeholders that would make the attainment of the vision of LASRERA achievable. 

She informed that the Agency collaboration with Lagos State Signage & Advertisement would assist in curbing the placement of unverified and misleading advertisements by Real Estate Practitioners and Property Developers across the State since all advertisements in the State are approved by LASAA. 

Mrs Benson- Awoyika stated that it became necessary to collaborate with the State C.I.D so as to curb the menace of the fraudulent practices of unauthorized persons in the Sector and to sanitize the entire Real Estate industry stressing that due process of prosecution would be followed in dealing with an recalcitrant practitioner.

She restated the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to protect the rights of all residents of the State both at Home and Abroad who are either seeking to rent, buy or sell Properties in the State. 

The Special Adviser said that Real Estate Transaction is an important economy activities to the State as Oil is to the Country, added that the collaboration will transform and reduce rate of fraudulent practices ones people are aware that they can be prosecuted by the Law of the State.

Toke Benson- Awoyinka assured the residents that all registered Real Estate Practitioners/Property Developers with the Agency are now duty bond to operate with high sense of professionalism or risk being prosecuted by the State Government.

Responding, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, SCID, Mrs Yetunde Longe stressed the need for separate Court to handle the issues and matters on frauds in the State because of the volume of work load on Magistrate Courts across the State.

She said that people visit the CID Yaba to complainant different issues including fraudulent activities which often take a long time to conclude its investigation but with the collaboration with the Agency and assigned Court, it will be easy to prosecute any acts of fraudulent practices in the State.

Mrs Longe assured of the support of the Nigerian Police on the issue of fighting fraudulent activities practices perpetrated through the Real Estate Sectors in the Country.

The Chairman, Yaba Local Government Development Area, Hon. Kayode Omiyale pledged the support of its Local Government Council to provide an office space for  the Agency’s Zonal Office, in order to ease registration for Real Estate Practitioners/ Property Developers within the Area.

On his part, the Managing Director, Lagos State Signage & Advertisement Agency (LASAA), Mr Adedamola Doceme assured the Agency that LASAA would support LASRERA by asking for the Agency’s registration before granting approval for placement of advertisement for any of the Agency’s stakeholders.

Lagos NURTW Boss, MC Olu-Omo Partners NGO For Guinness World Record | AgegePulse Magazine

The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Lagos State council lead by the state chairman Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya (MC Oluomo) yesterday launched the collection of five million plastic bottles to break Guinness World Record.

The five million plastic bottles project is expected to be achieved in five days.

This project is in partnership with 

Humanity Nigeria group coordinated by Olafemi Olabode George .

This plastic bottles collected would be recycled. Besides, the project would keep the Lagos clean and desilt drains.

“We all know that the used plastic bottles constitute nuisance in our environment. We can actually gather them together to beautify the same environment.

‘’NURTW’s involvement is basically to take charge of the environment. We are saying that the environment is important to us and we are taking the lead to  act.

I therefore call on all Nigerians and friend of NURTW across Nigeria, to join us in making Nigeria clean and the earth safe for every child. 

Lagos Empowers, Trains 800 Rice Farmers In Production Practices | AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Government today empowered no fewer than 800 rice farmers with preferred high yielding farrow 44 seeds, brand new high-quality knapsack sprayers, rain boots and farm coats.

The Acting Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, who gave out the empowerment tools before the commencement of a three-day capacity building and training of the rice farmers on current production practices in the rice value chain, explained that this strategic intervention by the State Government was informed by the need to boost the farming activities of its rice farmers.

She pointed out that empowerment of the rice farmers was also geared towards ensuring the sustainable supply of paddy, bearing in mind the imminent completion of the State-owned Imota Rice Mill project.

“It is expected that if these farming techniques are adopted by the farmers in the next planting season, it will result in an increase in paddy production in the State to an expected average yield of four tonnes per hour”, the Acting Commissioner averred.

Olusanya explained that the capacity building and training were expected to give all participating farmers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in modern and improved rice farming techniques, adding that the exercise would also expose the farmers to efficient harvesting methods using the most up-to-date agricultural practices to ensure maximum output, improve yield as well as derive maximum return on investment.

In her words, “Due to the fact that the State has a limited agricultural cultivable land area and with the increasing rate of small and large scale Rice Mills across the nation, there is a strain on the State getting a constant supply of paddy to feed the mill when it becomes fully operational”.

“It is to this end that the Ministry has embarked on the sensitisation of Rice farmers to train and disseminate the current production practices and empowerment geared towards the sustainable supply of paddy by Lagos Rice farmers towards the Imota Rice Mill project”, Olusanya stated.

She noted that the 32 metric tonnes per hour Rice Mill at Imota was nearing completion, stressing that at full capacity, it would produce 115,200Metric Tonnes of milled rice, which would require about 280,000 Metric Tonnes of paddy per year; hence the need to stock enough paddy to ensure a smooth take-off of the Mill.

According to her, the training was necessary in order to bridge the rice demand deficit for the residents of the State due to the Federal Government’s current ban on importation of rice in the country.

She averred that the training would take place in 20 locations cut across Ikorodu, Epe, Badagry, Gboyinbo, Idena, Obada, Ito Ikin, and Ise, adding that training will be undertaken on global best practices and the most effective ways to grow their rice.

Responding, the National Deputy President, Rice Farmers’ Association of Nigeria, Mr. Segun Atho appreciated the State Government for the training initiative, especially for its members.

He noted that the training and capacity building would enhance knowledge on providing paddy for rice production at the nearly-completed Imota Rice Mill, while simultaneously improving the economic status of rice farmers in the State.

Notorious kidnapper, Evans, sentenced to death by Lagos High Court | AgegePulse Magazine

 

The Lagos State High Court has sentenced notorious kidnap kingpin, Chikwudubem Onwuamadike, also known as Evans, to death.

The court gave this judgement on Monday.

Evans was arrested in June 2017 and arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and kidnapping.

The Lagos State Government had said Evans conspired on February 14th, 2017 at about 7.45pm at Ilupeju, Lagos, to kidnap one Donatus Dunu and collect €223,000 for his release.

According to the police, Evans managed to escape arrest for seven years.

He was, however, arrested after a police special squad caught up with him at his No. 3, Fred Shoboyede Street, Magodo, Lagos home.

The kidnap kingpin then confessed to being responsible for many high-profile kidnap cases in many states of the country, especially Lagos State.

He also confessed to earning money running into billions of naira from his unlawful activities, having charged some of his victims up to $1 million each as ransom.

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Police Foil Multi-million Naira Fraud in Lagos | AgegePulse Magazine

Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) last week botched the transfer of N25 million from a locally based bank account and a $220,000 from an international account with the arrest of a 7-man fraud syndicate based in Lagos.

The arrest by the Decoy Team of RRS few days ago, was based on the intelligence it received on the activities of a fraud syndicate based in Lagos and led by one Osita Nwafor, alias Ossy.

Nwafor, 45 years old, was picked up in the gang’s hideout by the Decoy Team after a technical analysis of the details of the gang and its activities. His arrest facilitated the arrest of six other members of the gang in different parts of the metropolis. 

Other members of the gang arrested by the police include; Nwogu Joseph Chika (36), Anthony Odama (43), Ikechukwu Nkem (32), James Okonkwo (51), Adedio Paulinus (29) and Ogundepo Olufemi (51).

The prompt arrest of the gang first voided a fraudulent transaction of N3 million that had been perfected by the syndicate through a cloned SIM card.

Police investigation revealed that the gang members were recruited by Nwafor sometime in 2019 and they work independently and collectively. 

According to Nwafor, ‘although I brought the team together, each and every member of the group has his own specialization in the group. We sourced for cases and each and every member of the has his own role on each of the cases.

“Once I have done my own part of the deal (sourcing for SIMs and accounts numbers through which the group perpetrates its fraud), I push it to whoever among the member has to play the next role and that is how we treat our cases”.

“Apart from this, each member of the gang also has his own splinter group. Whenever they have personal jobs, they also handle on their own”, he added.

The suspects confirmed to investigators that they also work with bank insiders locally and internationally.

Nwafor added “Chike (Nwogu) sourced for foreign and local accounts for money lodgments. I don’t know anything about how he does that, I simply hand over to Chike. He has his connections and they work on percentage.

Once they agree on the percentage, when the money comes, everybody gets his own cuts”. 

According to sources, police investigations revealed that the fraudsters scout for obituaries of well to do members of the public, use bank insiders to determine the deceased account balance, clone their SIM cards for online transfer.

It was learnt that one of the bank insiders was arrested in Lagos while another one based in Benin is on the run after suspecting the gang has been busted and that police are on his trail.

Nwafor disclosed that Nwogu was working on the transfer of $220,000 fresh transaction from a foreign bank (bank name, account holder and parties withheld) before he was arrested.

Another member of the syndicate, Femi Ogundepo, it was revealed, was also working on a fraudulent transaction of N25 million from an old generation bank with an insider connivance (details of the deal withheld). 

James Okonkwo, a close ally of Nwafor, the gang coordinator, it was disclosed allegedly cornered N8 million fraudulent proceed of the gang shortly before his arrest.

 This, it was learnt, was the cause of a serious dispute between Nwafor and Okonkwo, who just came back from the village.

All the suspects have been transferred to the SARS for further investigations and prosecution.

Expect More Rains In September, LASG Warns Residents | AgegePulse Magazine

 … Commences Provision of Pump Stations With Pilot At Ilubirin

The Lagos State Government, over the weekend, alerted residents on impending heavy rainfall from the end of August, saying it is intensifying measures to minimise the effects on Lagosians.

Addressing the press at Alausa, the Honourable Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello said work is ongoing on more than 200 secondary channels with over 80 percent at various stages of completion, just as 46 primary channels are presently receiving attention.

He disclosed that the ongoing projects are in addition to the continuous work of the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG) deployed round the State to undertake quick fix to free manholes or clogged drains manually.

The Commissioner averred that one of the new measures put in place to combat flash flooding is the provision of pumping stations, with a pilot model being planned for Ilubirin in Lagos Island, explaining that the stations will promptly pump out of the water from flooded neighbourhoods to reduce the risk of damages to property. 

Bello said major flood-prone areas in the State that are natural buffers to the lagoon, like Isheri and its environs, Owode, Agboyi-Ketu, will also benefit from the initiative. 

In his words: "For a coastal city like Lagos, once it rains consistently for a minimum of eight hours, we are bound to have flashflood caused by the increasing inability of effective discharge into the lagoon which is brought about by a rise in the ocean level”.

“This will automatically lock up all our drainages and until the water level goes down, the drainages would be unable to discharge. This is what happens in most coastal cities around the world, including those who have adopted the best of technological advancements to curtail flooding", he added.

Relying on data from the Nigerian Hydrological Services, Bello said the months of July, August, September and October, also known as ‘JASO’ months, signify heavy rainfall, flooding and flood disasters in most parts of the country.

He reiterated that while States like Ogun and Ekiti suffer from urban and river flooding, Lagos is at the receiving end of three types of flooding - coastal, urban and river flooding because of the peculiarity of its location.

Disclosing that the management of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority has also commenced the staggered release of water from the Oyan Dam, with eight to 10 Million cubic metres being released in August, Bello said the volume will increase to 18 million in September and 23 million cubic metres in October which is the peak.

While appealing to residents of low-lying areas that are contiguous to the Ogun River to be alert to the possibility of their homes being flooded as water is released from the dam, the Commissioner urged residents to adopt an attitudinal change of not dumping refuse in drainage channels and erecting structures on drainage alignments, vowing to prosecute offenders.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Drainage and Water Resources, Engr. Joe Igbokwe, maintained that the effort to contain flood is the responsibility of everyone and should not be left to the government alone.

He enjoined Lagosians to collaborate with the State Government by cleaning the drainages in their frontages and desisting from indiscriminate dumping of refuse in unauthorised places.

“I would like to appeal to Lagosians to always play their part in the cleaning of the environment. This must be a collective effort, so residents should ensure they take responsibility for what is going on around them”, Igbokwe said.

He sounded a note of warning to those engaging in these unwholesome acts to desist, saying that the Ministry has empowered its environmental enforcement agents to arrest and prosecute sanitation offenders in Lagos.

Igbokwe, however, enjoined residents to report all cases of drainage blockages, dumping of waste into canals and other unauthorised places to the appropriate authority, noting that “by so doing you are complementing the State Government efforts on the environment”.

Covid-19: Lagos Extends Market Operation From 8am To 6pm | AgegePulse Magazine

The Lagos State Government has extended the hours of operations of both food markets and non food markets.

They are now to open at 8am and close at 6pm.

In a statement signed by the commissioner for local government and community affairs, Dr Wale Ahmed Wale Ahmed, the decision of the  Governor Mr Babajide Sanwoolu is to further enhance trade and commerce and mitigate the hardship of the covid-19 pandemic.

Dr Ahmed emphasised that the alternate days of operations still remains in force whereby food markets open on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, while non food markets open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 

He urged all traders to adhere strictly to the covid-19 protocols for their safety and the citizenry at large.

Illegal Encroachment: LASG Sets To Demolish Illegal Structures | AgegePulse Magazine

The Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit (Taskforce) had concluded all arrangement to demolish illegal structures encroached  on 'Idera Land Scheme' in lbeju Lekki as Apapa Tin Can Island Park is to be redeveloped and given a new look by Government

The Chairman of the Lagos State Task Force CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi disclosed that all illegal structures and shanties encroached on 'Idera Land Scheme', Ibeju Lekki would be demolished after the expiration of the 7 days 'Removal Order' served by the Sgency on Wednesday, 19th of August, 2020.

CSP Egbeyemi disclosed further that the Government had observed with dismay the massive encroachment by individuals, private estate developers and land speculators on lands using them to defraud innocent members of public into purchasing parcels of land within government acquisition areas across the State particularly around Ibeju-Lekki corridor.

He implored Lagosians who are interested in purchasing lands in the State, to first verify the Land records at the State Land Registry or Surveyor General's Office where millions of land documents are stored in the 'Electronic Data Management System (EDMS)' consisting details of documented lands and properties in Lagos in order not to be swindled by land speculators.

"All illegal structures and buildings constructed on State lands by person, companies or institutions without valid titles from the Government across the State would be removed", he added.

The Chairman also warned miscreants, illegal mechanics, food vendors and owners of illegal shanties within Apapa Tin Can Island Park to vacate within 7 days as the entire area is set to be redeveloped and given a new look in line with the T.H.E.M.E agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led in transforming the State into a fuctional and efficient model Mega-City.

He ascertained that a situation where illegal squatters jumped on Government Acquired Land to errect illegal structures and shanties would no longer be tolerated by the government.

Sanwo-Olu Presents Staff of Office to Alara of Ilara | AgegePulse Magazine

• 
  
  

...Says Royal Fathers Are Indispensable Partners Of Govt

... Pays Condolence Visit To Late Razak's Family In Epe

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sunday presented Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment to Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, the Alara of Ilara in Eredo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of the State.

Speaking during the presentation of Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment to Oba Ogunsanwo at his palace in Ilara, Governor Sanwo-Olu reiterated his administration’s commitment to the fulfilment of his promise to spread infrastructure to all parts of Lagos State including Epe Division. 

The Governor said royal fathers are indispensable partners of government due to the roles they play as agents of development, promoters of peace and peaceful coexistence among all people and residents within their domain. 

He said Lagos State Government will continue to collaborate with traditional rulers in the State and ensure that their welfare is accorded the attention it deserves.

His words: "On behalf of myself, the Government and people of Lagos State, I rejoice with Your Royal Majesty as you ascend the stool of your ancestors. Your choice by the Kingmakers and wide acceptance by your people to lead them and be the custodian of the culture and tradition of this Kingdom is a reflection of their trust and confidence in your ability to positively impact the fortune of this landscape and its people.

"Kabiyesi, your position as Chairman of Epe divisional Council of Obas and Chiefs as well as Vice Chairman at the State level confers on you great responsibility which you are expected to discharge with a high sense of responsibility guided by the overall interest of our dear State. 

"You have a responsibility to provide leadership, promote cooperation, friendship and the spirit of togetherness among the comity of Royal fathers and Chiefs within the Division and at the State level."

Governor Sanwo-Olu also implored Oba Ogunsanwo to use his wealth of experience for the development of Ilara, Epe Division and Lagos State as a whole. 

He said: "It gives me great joy to note that Your Royal Majesty is bringing to this highly revered stool a rich background of decades of experience and accomplishments in your professional calling and an astute administrator. Part of these accomplishments was recorded during your tenure as Executive Chairman of the State Internal Revenue Service. 

All of these, I have no doubt, Your Royal Majesty will bring to bear on the development of Ilara, Epe Division and Lagos State as a whole. 

"Now that Kabiyesi has ascended the throne, I enjoin all the sons and daughters of Ilara to rally round the King so that his reign will be glorious and usher in unprecedented development to this ancient and historic kingdom." 

Governor Sanwo-Olu also commiserated with the people of Epe over Saturday's death of the Balogun of Epe and member of the Governor's Advisory Council (GAC) of the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Lanre Razak. 

The Governor Sanwo-Olu led some state cabinet members, which include his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola; Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde and Commissioner Justice and Attorney-General, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), among others to pay a condolence visit to the family of the late Razak at the late APC chieftain residence in Epe.

He said the late Razak was an illustrious son of Lagos State and a great leader who was well known for his passionate commitment to the development of his people and Lagos State. 

"Let me use this opportunity to commiserate with the people of Epe division on the sad and painful demise of Chief Lanre Razak KLM, an illustrious son of our State and a great leader who is well known for his passionate commitment to the development of his people and Lagos State. 

"May almighty Allah grant his soul a peaceful rest and May He give his family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear his painful loss," he said.

Speaking at Razak's residence, Dr. Hamzat also condoled with the deceased family.

He said the APC chieftain left a good legacy for those coming behind him and therefore urged the family to emulate the good virtues of the late Razak. 

Responding on behalf of the deceased family, late Razak's first son, Ibrahim, said his father left a good legacy for them and they will do everything possible to ensure the investment will not be in vain. 

"He left a good legacy for us. He was a giver of love, kindness and money. He had given so much to his family, state and the country. We are sure that the harvest will come. We hope the state will remember him," he said.

Lagos Commissioner Challenges Youths to be Purpose-Driven, Organises 7-Day Empowerment Initiative

AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf has challenged youths across the State to add value to their immediate society regardless of the numerous inhibiting factors around them.

Akinbile-Yusuf made the plea recently at the commencement of a training programme tagged "Moremi Development Youth Programme", a goodwill programme and her personal initiative for youths in Alimosho area of the State to commemorate the year 2020 International Youth Day celebration.

Speaking on the theme of the annual event, "Youths Engagement for Global Action", the Commissioner called on youths to be deliberate in their actions and intentions by not being averse to little beginnings.

"I have decided to put this training programme together for youths in Alimosho, my constituency, in order to get the best out of them such that they can unleash their potentials, develop their innermost gifts and position their minds with the hope that greater opportunities await them in the future", Akinbile-Yusuf explained.

She hinted that the week-long training programme, which has over 100 participants, will hold both physically and virtually to cover diverse areas of human endeavour, including entrepreneurship and employability skills among others.

The Commissioner said that the zeal to organise the training programme resulted from a similar project successfully put together during her tenure as the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, noting that some past beneficiaries of the programme now occupy leadership positions in their respective disciplines and localities.

She urged the participants not to be confined or limited by their academic qualifications, saying, "Your course of study or university degree is only meant to expose and widen your horizon and as such, you should not limit yourselves to what you have learnt in school alone".

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Parastatals Monitoring Office, PMO, Mr.  Afolabi Ayantayo, in his remarks at the event, commended the Commissioner for her passion towards youth development in her constituency.

Speaking on the theme for the Y2020 International Youth Day celebration, Ayantayo stated that the theme also implores the Nigeria government to make good governance available to the people so that citizens, especially the youth, can also make meaningful contributions to the development of the country.

"Government must play its own role in making sure that the aspirations of the youth are met, this is not to say that the youth also do not have their roles to play. They must be serious-minded and set realistic goals for themselves", the Special Adviser added.

#LASG

#ForAGreaterLagos

TGPS Lagos EDD1, Barr. Solarin Presents Mobile Phone Gifts To Winners Of Essay Competition

Agege Pulse Magazine

The Lagos State Education District 1 Tutor - General/Permanent Secretary,  Barrister Margaret Titilayo Solarin has congratulated and presented mobile phone devices to the students, winners in both senior and Junior Category of an Essay Competition on the topic: "POST COVID-19 AND EDUCATION IN NIGERIA: Traditional Learning or E - Learning" as a further commitment to marking the Y2020 Children's Day Celebration.

The TGPS while presenting the mobile phone packages to the students winners in company of their Principals and teachers on Monday August 10, 2020, in the Conference Room at the District Headquarters, also disclosed that henceforth, the Essay Competition would be organized and held twice in a term and six times in a session to further encourage and develop healthy competitions amongst the students.

She averred that such essay competitions would further develop,  broaden, sharpen and strengthen students instincts, abilities, knowledge and skills required to excel in their academic performances with prospects for greater heights in the future for the upliftment of the society at large.

According to her, she made the choice of the mobile phone devices in relation to the digital age, as the reward for the students outstanding performances in order to enhance their learning and equip them better for the future.

She therefore urged the students winners to inform their fellow students and friends of the gift packages they won in order to motivate them and be earger to participate, pointing out that from now on, such a reward package would be attached to the winning essay  in the subsequent competitions which would be organized by the District. 

Barrister Solarin who also appreciated the principals, teachers and indeed all education stakeholders for their unflinching efforts and support to the students all the time. She further encouraged them not to relent on their oars, adding that such brilliant manifestations was part of their joy in life.

She particularly commended and referenced a student of Fagba Junior Grammar School, Iju, Master Ishaku Jethro who won the first position Prize of the Y2020 Lagos State Schools Governor's Quiz Competition (Junior Category), for his consistency of remarkable accomplishments. 

His counterpart, also a student Fagba Junior Grammar School, Iju, Miss Ukwabdichima Chisom also came first in the Governor's Quiz Competition.

The six students who were honoured and recipients of the mobile phone devices are: Ajifowowe Ajoke from Ijaiye - Ojokoro Senior High School, Aje Dorcas Adehunoluwakiye from Lagos State Model Senior College, Meiran and Quoyum Samotu from Isefun Community Senior Secondary School.

Others include: Ajayi Treasure Eyitayo from Ijaiye - Ojokoro Junior High School, Ogunbode Omolola from Sasa Community Junior High School and Ishaku Jethro from Fagba Junior Grammar School.

Responding on the behalf of the students winners, Miss Ajifowowe Ajoke from Ijaiye Ojokoro Senior High School expressed appreciation to the TGPS, principals and teachers for the gifts, their commitments and encouragement to their overall development. She pledged to put more efforts to sustain the achievements.

Present at the event: the Director, CS&T, Mrs. Mary Oyetunde, Director, Schools Administration, Mr. Oluyemi Adesina, Mrs. Omoaka Lucy, the Principal, Fagba Junior Grammar School, Mrs. Adesanmi Olajumoke, the Principal, Ijaiye Ojokoro Senior High School, Mrs Farimoyo Agnes Omolade and the Principal, Isefun Community Senior Secondary School, Mr. Sowemimo O.O.

Also, the Vice Principals,

 (Administration and Academics) Fagba Junior Grammar School, Mrs Adepegba Efuntunde and Mrs. Bankole Toyin Olusola and the HOD, Language Department, Sasa Community Junior High School, Mrs. Otomewo Florence Misan.

Others include the English Language Teacher, Ijaiye Ojokoro Senior High School, Mrs Otubu - Odufejo Adebukola, the Counsellor, Ijaiye Ojokoro Senior High School, Mr Adesanya Taiwo Atanda, the teacher, Fagba Junior Grammar School, Mrs Ayeni Funmilola Monisola and the teacher, Lagos State Model Senior College, Mrs Savage Gbemisola and members of staff from CS&T Department respectively.

Adaranijo Fulfils Promises, Builds 3 Blocks of 9 Classrooms For School Puiplis In Agege

AgegePulse Magazine

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...Named Building after Obasa Over Excellent Legislative Job

AgegePulse Magazine

Former House of Representative member representing Agege Federal Constituency between year 2015 to 2019,  Hon Taofeek Adaranijo Mhr has yesterday fulfiled his promises by completing his constituency projects meant for its constituents.

According to him, the inauguration of 2 Blocks of 6 Classrooms to Ore-Ofe Primary School, and a block of 3 Classrooms at Oyewole Primary School was named after the Lagos Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa and Late Chief Suleiman Adaranijo and others are part of his constituency projects while in office.

"The projects had been awarded two years ago and were completed few months ago  the inauguration was delayed till today due to Covid-19 Lockdown.

"These constituency projects make it 5th school buildings facilitated to Agege within the space of four years as your humble representative at the 8th Assembly of House of Representatives".

"The future of nation through our children should be paramount to us in any capacities we are call to serve, through education  we owe them solid educational foundation by providing them with the basic facilities for qualitative learning.

"Hence, I was inspired to facilitate these projects to support our children amongst other projects  as a Member, committee of works at the 8th House of Representatives".

Adaranijo further stated that the "Projects such as these will afford our children opportunity to continue learning in conducive classrooms for proper assimilation of studies. It will also aim at reducing the numbers of pupils in classrooms for better and efficient performance".

Its important to note that this school project is to also complement the giant strides of the Lagos state Government in education sector - since the administration of Former Lagos State Governor, Our National Leader, All progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, down to the present Administration Led by His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu, with the support of Lagos state House of Assembly, under the speakership of Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.

This explains the unveiling of other constituency projects which I was able to bring to our people here in Agege.

These include donation of Eight (8) boreholes in various wards in Agege such as Provision of Motorized Borehole with 4 overhead plastic Tanks at Ogunnaike Community, Papa Asafa; Solar powered Water point at MajaroAjegunle, others at Akinlabi Street, Magbon Agbotikuyo; AP Agege by Akerele Area; Ago Ebira, Idi Mongoro; Itogbe Street; Lateef Street by Olowo-okere and Olabua Compound, Orile Agege.

Streets Light Projects were also donated to Alaagba Community Development Area; Shiaba; Ifeloju street, Oko-oba and Olabua Community Development Area

Donation of Electricity Transformer to Alaagba Community Development Area.

All the above projects were facilitated from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development  as a member of Agriculture and Rural Development committee.

Todays school inauguration is another dividend of progressiveness for our people who have children in our various public schools, which lots of us here also attended.

The three schools building we are inaugurating today shall be dedicated as follow:

Ore-Ofe Primary School complex shall be dedicated to Rt Hon.(Dr) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, Speaker, Lagos state House of Assembly and Chairman, Conference of State Assemblies Speakers, Nigeria - For his laudable contributions towards growth and development of Agege and Lagos as a whole, as a legislator per excellence in this state of excellence. 

 In addition, the Oyewole primary school project shall be dedicated to the late father of our leader, High Chief Safari Adaranijo in memory of late Chief Sulaimon Adaranijo, the first Ekerin of Orile Agege, who happened to be my Grand Father.

You would recall that previous school projects both at Moses Orimolade primary school and Anwarul-Islam primary school were dedicated to Olu of Agege, His Royal Majesty,  Oba Oyedeji K. Isiba and Alaige of Orile Agege, Oba Hakeem Agbedeyi separately.

"I am hopeful that our people will make the utmost use of all these amenities to deliver the most anticipated better community of our dream. 

"At this juncture, I owe a deep appreciation to the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Our own, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa and other notable leaders for your presence at this occasion  not forgetting your unflinching support for me so far.

Speaking at the event, the Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa who's also the special guest that unveiled the projects, lauded the former Council chair, Hon. Taofeek Adaranijo to deemed it fit in completing a pending constituency projects despite not part of the current 9th Assembly.

Obasa while appreciating and commending Adaranijo for naming the new blocks of classrooms in his name, urged other stakeholders to invest in education sector by giving back to their community.

Present at the event, APC Leader and Member of GAC, Prof. Tunde Samuel, Chief Safari Adaranijo, Elder Ajide, Chief Bisi Odeomu, the twin Council Chairmen, Agege and Orile Agege, Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi and Hon. Johnson Babatunde, Vice Chairman, Agege LG, Prince Abiodun Ogunji, the two Council leaders, SLGs, Commissioner 1, Lagos House of Assembly, Hon. Richard Akin Oshungboye, SUBEB Chairman, Wahab Alawiye King, ably represented Hon. Sherifat Adedoyin, Agege LGEA ES, Hon. Great Majiyagbe Agege, Orile Agege APC Party Leaders and ward Chairmen.

Others include: Alaige of Orile Agege, HRM, Oba Ambaliu Agbedeyi, First Agege Council Chairman, Alhaji Owolabi Dada, Iyaloja General Agege and Orile Agege, NUT Chairman, Chairman Ass. Of HeadTeachers, Agege Chapter, CDC Chairman Orile Agege, Iyaloja General, Agege, Orile Agege, Councilors and other stakeholders.

Lagos Council Chair Bags Leadership Award, Commended for Combating Crime, Corruption | AgegePulse Magazine

...Receives NSCDC Commandant 

The Executive Chairman of Somolu Local Government, Hon. Abdul Hamed Salawu received a  Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) at his Durosimi Secretariat of the council, as the Assistant Commander lauded the Mayor for his efforts in using his office to support security operatives in Somolu to combat crime.

The Commander in charge of NSCDC covering Ikeja, Somolu, Kosofe and Ikorodu areas, M.J. Adewale ( an Assistant Commandant) said Somolu was known to be an area where security operatives were usually over worked in terms of combating crime but that it's no longer business as usual as criminals no longer have a place to hide as the Mayor of Somolu, Hon. Abdul Hamed Salawu is giving much support and cooperation to  security operatives within Somolu.

While addressing the newsmen at the Chairman's office, the Commander urged the people of Somolu  to cooperate more with the Hon. Abdul Hamed Salawu led administration of Somolu Local Government and the security operatives in Somolu. She said everyone should be security conscious, vigilant,  prompt and precise in giving out informations to the security operatives to help their community. 

The Mayor of Somolu also added more feathers to his cap of achievement  as he was awarded  prestigiously by the "Fight Against Corruption Organization" (FACO) and Mega Impact magazine. 

While FACO awarded the Mayor with Distinguished Leadership Award, Mega Impact Magazine awarded him as 2020 Pillar of Asiwaju Lagos Mega Youth Festival. While the Mayor was receiving the FACO award, Apex APC leaders in Somolu, Mr. Lai Giwa (Council Manager), Mr. Leke Odunfa (Information Officer) were also with the Executive Chairman  at the award ceremony, Oseni Owolabi Ajimomuya (Chief Press Secretary) read out the citation of the Mayor's  biography.

The Dr. Francis Shopekan led Fight Against Corruption Organization (FACO) said "FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION ORGANISATION hereby present to you HON. ABDUL HAMED SALAWU, EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF SOMOLU LOCAL GOVERNMENT". A PRESTIGIOUS LEADERSHIP AWARD. "The award is based on your integrity, hardwork, honesty and undeniable impact in various offices and capacity where you have served, now as Executive Chairman, Somolu Local Government, the innovation and transformation you brought Somolu Local Government since you assumed office". 

The statement reads further that "Your immense contribution to the development of Lagos State Government and particularly in the Covid-19 pandemic in your local government. Your leadership skill over the years that has distinguish you and brought you to this level, your track record of success and achievement that cannot be over emphasize, your proven integrity, your credibility, your discipline, your efficiency, your compassionate heart, your selfless effort to humanity and your love of God".

The Bola Olabisi led Mega Impact Award said the award presented to the Mayor of Somolu is as a result of his unrelenting support for grassroot development in Lagos State. Inscription on the award states "As a result of your outstanding contributions to the youth development initiative in Lagos State and a symbol of the progressive ideology of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu".

The two awards just added to the numerous awards received by Hon. Abdul Hamed Salawu since he assumed office in July 2017, including the "Best Local Government Chairman" award received at the Nigerian Merit Award House in Abuja in 2018.

M.J. Adewale (Assistant Commandant & Area Commander, Lagos East) was with K.O. Bashar (Somolu Divisional Officer), E.I. Aloba (21C Divisional Officer), K. Ogunbajo (Intelligent Officer) and L. Agboola (Provost). Mr. Olakunle Mumuni-Eshilokun (Procurement Officer), Mr. Muftau Oyefolu (Clerk of Somolu Legislative Arm), Mr. Leke Odunfa (Information Officer) and Mrs. Oluremi Adedayo (Peace and Security Officer) were all also present at the security reception.

LASG Demolishes Illegal Shanties, Kiosks In Agege | AgegePulse Magazine

 PRESS RELEASE

The operatives of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit (Taskforce) yesterday demolished over 150 illegal shanties, kiosks and shop extension around Arewa Community Central Mosque popularly called (Masalashi Alhaja) in Agege area of Lagos.

Speaking on the exercise, the Chairman of the Agency, CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi, stated that the demolition exercise became imperative following the degradation of the environment by miscreants and illegal traders in the area, particularly within the vicinity of the mosque.

The Chairman disclosed that relevant stakeholders, including Alhaji Musa Muhammad Dogon Kadai, the Sarki of Agege, were notified before the demolition of the illegal shanties and kiosks took place.

According to him "The Mosque had been sealed for over four months due to the attack on officials of the Lagos State COVID-19 Taskforce by some worshippers while enforcing the lockdown directives by the State and Federal Government". 

AgegePulse learnt that "The area has since become eyesore and security threat to residents including members of the public as the entire area including the surroundings of the mosque had been occupied by miscreants and illegal traders", he added.

CSP Egbeyemi, however, assured members of the public that it is the responsibility of the Agency to enforce both the Lagos State Environmental Law and Lagos State Traffic Reform Law of 2018 inline with the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda of the present administration.

 

 

LASG EMPOWERS 1,100 VULNERABLE WOMEN, RESIDENTS WITH WORKING TOOLS |AgegePulse Magazine

 

Lagos State Government today provided economic support in the form of working tools to 1,100 vulnerable women and residents, who have been affected by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to get them back on their feet to provide for their families.

Speaking today at the Y2020 Mega Empowerment Programme held at the Skills Acquisition and Vocational Training Centre, Isheri, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, stated that the programme is a significant step forward as the current administration continues to deliver palliatives for the economic empowerment of the most vulnerable and indigent residents across the five administrative divisions of the State.

The Governor said, “We shall be distributing economic and material inputs including sewing machines, pepper grinders, pop-corn machines, hairdryers, barbing sets, generators and other essentials to support 1,100 vulnerable women and indigent residents”.

“These items will enable the beneficiaries leverage on the various skills acquired and other vocational training support which has been offered to guide them in the transition period of post-COVID-19 pandemic towards adjusting to life in a new 'normal' situation”, he said.

Sanwo-Olu stated further that the government would continue to support the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund so that it can be more impactful, especially in alleviating the effects of poverty through the provision of critical financial and other support that will enable a significant number of the youths, including unemployed graduates, vulnerable women and pensioners fulfil their entrepreneurial dreams.

Emphasising that the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation will continue to receive support from the State, Sanwo-Olu gave assurance the skills acquisition centres will always be enhanced to meet the yearnings of the target population.

In his words: “We will also not relent in developing strategies that will ensure the economic empowerment and social integration of our people into the wealth basket. I enjoin you all to continue to support our administration by complying with established safety protocols, even as we gradually lift social restrictions that have altered the way we have been living in the last few months.”

The Governor, therefore, commended Lagosians for their resilience and fighting spirit in joining the State government in its quest at containing the spread and fatality of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Cecilia Dada disclosed that 17,752 persons have so far benefitted from the empowerment programme since the inception of the Governor Babajide-led administration in Lagos State.

She stated that the programme was in fulfilment of the promise by Governor Sanwo-Olu at the maiden edition of the empowerment programme to make it a continuous one in order to meet the 20,000 target of the administration.

Dada restated the government's belief that women empowerment is a crucial pillar of sustainable development and poverty alleviation, hence all efforts are geared towards accelerating the economic empowerment of women in Lagos. 

She added that the Ministry will continue to initiate and sustain programmes and activities within its ministerial mandate to raise the living standard of women and all others in the State.

#ForAGreaterLagos

LAGOS CITIZENS DESERVE MORE FEDERAL REPRESENTATION - SANWO-OLU | AgegePulse Magazine

 

 

… Governor Meets State’s Federal Character Commissioner, Calls For Redress

 

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed displeasure over the low quota reserved for the State’s indigenes in the employment scheme of the Federal Government’s organisations operating in the State.

 

The Governor vowed that his administration would be making necessary moves to address the inadequacy, which, he said, offended the spirit of fairness, equity and federating balance.

 

Sanwo-Olu spoke against the backdrop of low representation of Lagos indigenes in federally controlled public institutions when he received the Honorable Commissioner representing Lagos State at the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Hon. Abdulwasiu Bawa-Allah, in a courtesy visit, on Wednesday, at the State House in Marina.

 

The Governor wondered why Lagos - the nation’s commercial and economic nerve centre - should be short-changed in the distribution of public service employment and political representation in Federal Government’s institutions, departments and parastatals that are based in the State, stressing that the inadequacy must prick the conscience of the FCC leadership.

 

Sanwo-Olu said the State needed all the help it could get from the Commission to reverse the lopsidedness and imbalance, which, he said, has mounted pressure on the Government resources and limited citizens’ potentials.

 

He said: “It is a shame that Lagos, which is Nigeria’s economic and industrial nerve centre, and which has the largest population has been short-changed in this national commission. The popular narrative about Lagos is that, people think we are okay in terms of resources and infrastructure. They think we have been taken care of. This is not the case. 

 

“Lagos is accommodating to all but the resources available is not enough to cater for all. The challenges facing us are enormous. Our citizens need to be given their proper space in line with the spirit of fairness and the mandate of the Federal Character Commission.

 

Sanwo-Olu said he was particularly excited by the nomination of Bawa-Allah as Lagos representative in the Commission, noting that President Muhammadu Buhari was buoyed by sense of fairness and equity for considering it necessary to reconstitute the Commission.

 

He pointed out that Bawa-Allah’s appointment was timely and came at a period the State was making efforts to bridge the deficit in its federal representation. Sanwo-Olu pledged the State Government’s readiness to work with the Commissioner to realise the goal of upscaling Lagos’ representation.

 

The Governor said: “With your calibre and the knowledge of these shortcomings, we are expecting that this unfair narrative will turn around for good for the State. Not only will we be working closely with you as our representative in the Commission, we will take up the charge and ensure what is deserving of us is taken up. We will be giving you all the support required to settle and work to achieve your goals.”

 

Responding, Bawa-Allah pledged to work with the Governor to reverse the inequitable action against the State.

 

The Commissioner said he was shocked, upon assumption of office, to discover indigenes of Lagos only made up 11 per cent of the 10,000 employees on Grade Levels 1 to 6 working across over 120 federal organisations operating in Lagos.

 

He added that Lagos representation in the federal system was not in the statutory 2.5 per cent, a problem, he said, was caused by a period of sour relationship between the State and the Government at the centre.

 

He said: “While we cannot turn back the hands of time, I believe it is time to get cracking and address the issue. I stand in focus, courage, tenacity and optimism. I am determined to work hard with the confidence of the Governor and stakeholders in order to get what is due to our State. I seek effective synergy and collaboration with the Government of Lagos, our representatives in the Senate and House of Representatives to achieve these goals.”

International Youth Day: Ex-Council Boss, Gbenga Abiola Urges Youths On Single Ideology | AgegePulse Magazine

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The ex-Sole Administrator of Agege Local Government, Hon. Olugbenga Abiola has today lends his voice as world celebrate International Youth Day worldwide.

The theme of International Youth Day 2020, “Youth Engagement for Global Action” seeks to highlight the ways in which the engagement of young people at the local, national and global levels is enriching national and multilateral institutions and processes, as well as draw lessons on how their representation and engagement in formal institutional politics can be significantly enhanced.

The youngest council boss in Lagos history, Hon. Abiola who is fondly called Agbelebu has urged the youth to come together in  one voice with a unified bankable ideology that would ensure quality representation at all opportunities available to them locally and globally.

The ever promising youths ambassador, Gbenga Abiola's message reads:

"My Message is simple and clear. 

"A day and time when youth representatives, organizations, structures and associations will come together for a common vision, goal , purpose and definition. Then, we can as one body sell to the decision makers and leaders an ideology that can affect that average youth financially, materially , economically, socially and most importantly psychologically. 

"A day when every Nigerian youth will speak the same language from different tribes and organization. A day when the vision of youth activism will be returned to its original drive to speak, fight and account on behalf of the weak and defenseless youth. 

"I crave for a day when a young, vibrant youth with ideas and talent can walk into the bank and easily secure a soft loan to drive a small business and grow it to become an employer of labour , a day when the less privileged youth can secure study loans, a day when farm lands can be given for free , a day when the the disabled youths can be placed on monthly stipends, a day when scholarships will be for the very many who deserves it. 

"I pray and seek for a voice spoken in one accord to erase and dislodge the gun power in front of us where over tens of decades have come by with all tertiary institutions producing a chunk of graduate in hundreds of thousands to join the already congested labour market. 

We can as one under clog of voices bring forth initiatives that can create a workable ideology for the average Nigerian youth. Together we can make it work ... Together it will surely work. 

 Greatest Nigerian Youths!! Youth organizations, youth association , youth structures , youth councils, someday soon we can all stand tall and have ONE YOUTH FORUM with a single ideology., Comrade Gbenga Abiola Concluded.

Governor's Quiz: Lagos SUBEB Chairman Congratulates Winners, Ahmed Primary School, Agege, Others | AgegePulse

 

The Executive Chairman of LASUBEB, Hon. Wahab Alawiye-King, has congratulated primary school pupils who excelled at the Grand Finale of the 2020 Governor's Quiz Competition held virtually.

The competition, which was part of efforts by the state government to keep pupils engaged and alert at home while schools remain closed, recorded participation from schools across the 20 Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs) within the state.

Speaking at the award presentation ceremony to the winners of the Year's competition, Hon. Alawiye-King applauded the winning pupils who displayed brilliance and strength to make their schools proud. The champion school, Ahmad Primary School, Agege which topped with 14 points was represented by the duo of Ibrahim Wiquyat and Haruna Aishat. The runner-up school, Oke Ishegun Primary School, Alimosho, which had 10 points was represented by Junita Lafua and Adeniran Mary, while Mafoluku Nur/Primary School, Oshodi-Isolo which came third with 8 points was represented by Okikiola Idowu Dorcas and Jimoh Maryam Opeyemi. 

The Chairman also commended the Lagos State Ministry of Education ably led by Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo for putting together such a laudable programme despite the harsh new normal.