Nigerian Policeman Kills Colleague During Argument Over Second-Hand Phone

 By Ayodele Ifasakin 

Nigerian Policeman Kills Colleague During Argument Over Second-Hand Phone

Facts have emerged how a Nigerian policeman killed his colleague in Lagos State during a verbal confrontation over a fairly used phone.

A press statement issued by the police authorities said it had launched an investigation into the shooting incident.

The statement said it involved police aides attached to a lawyer, Barrister Wale Fapohunda in the Surulere area of Lagos State on August 8, 2024.

The statement reads: “According to a police report, on August 8, 2024, at approximately 10:22pm, information was received from the Control Room that a police officer from SPU Base 10 Sokoto, who was assigned to Barrister Wale Fapohunda, shot and killed Gabriel Audu, a legion attached to the same lawyer.

“As soon as the information was received, the police team left for Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where the suspect F/ No 510570 Corporal Umar Lawal was apprehended, and his rifle AK-47, which he used to kill the deceased, was also recovered.

“He confessed to the crime and stated that he truly wanted to shoot Vincent, aka Dogman, who had engaged him in a heated argument over a used phone he had purchased from him.

“Unfortunately, the bullet struck the deceased in the chest, and he was taken to Luth General Hospital Idiaraba, where he was pronounced dead.

“The corpse has been photographed, and his remains have been placed in the same hospital morgue for autopsy.”

Infrastructure: Ashaolu Residents Extol Agege Council Chairman Over Road Construction

 By Yomi Durojaye 

The Residents of Ashaolu Street over the weekend extolled the Agege Council Chairman led administration, Hon. Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi over the  construction of the street which was concluded few weeks ago.

Infrastructure:  Ashaolu  Residents Extol  Agege Council Chairman Over Road Construction 

Prior to the construction, the street had never gotten the attention of necessary agencies for over decades, this has left the people living in this community to be left out of hope and help any time it rains.

AgegePulse Magazine during its special report, had a brief interview with some residents of the street, praised the Government, particularly the Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi led administration in Agege for deeming it fit to  site such laudable construction in their Street.

Infrastructure:  Ashaolu  Residents Extol  Agege Council Chairman Over Road Construction 

"The job done at the street met the required standard, the roads are well constructed with covered spacious drainage that can comfortably stand the test of time, when it comes to flooding, particularly during the rainy season, which has primarily been one of the major prayers of the residents before now, the asphalt are well laid and marked radiating like a polished terrazzo". One of the residents said.

"Shola Ahmed, a resident said the beauty of the work usually comes up at night when the solar lights illuminate at night, the community becomes like a small London, this is a promise mad and promise delivered by the council Chairman".

Residents were advised to take full ownership and responsibilities of these assets because some unscrupulous elements may take joy in destroying some of these laudable projects for selfish interest in the name of vandals, which will rob the users of the gain and benefit they may derive from these projects.

It was learnt that, the road was delivered with a drainage system, and a full lighting system for the good people of Ashaolu Street of Keke, Agege. 

Protests Will Resume On October 1 - Omoyele Sowore

 By Ayodele Ifasakin 

Organizers of the nationwide hunger protests have announced that the demonstrations will resume on October 1.

Protests Will Resume On October 1 - Omoyele Sowore

Omoyele Sowore, the Action Alliance Congress (AAC) presidential candidate and a key organizer, made the announcement in an interview on News Central TV.

He revealed that ongoing meetings between organizers have been focused on strategizing the next phase of the protests.

LAGESC NABS TRUCKLOAD OF BANNED STYROFOAM PACKS

 By Ayodele Ifasakin 

LAGESC NABS TRUCKLOAD OF BANNED STYROFOAM PACKS

… As Corp Marshal Reads Riot Act To Would-Be  Defaulters 

As part of sustained efforts to mitigate environmental infractions in the State, operatives of the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) apprehended a truckload of banned Styrofoam packs in transit in the State.

Also known as KAI, LAGESC Surulere division apprehended the truckload of banned styrofoam packs which were bound for Cameroon (in a Mercedes-Benz 814) at Ojuelegba area of the State.

Speaking on the discovery, the Corps Marshal of the Agency, Major Olaniyi  Olatunbosun Cole (rtd) expressed dismay at the fact that despite the carpet ban on Styrofoam in the State, there are negative elements that stacked away these banned products in warehouses with intent to sell at reduced prices to unsuspecting buyers from other States. 

According to him, ‘‘You would recall in January that the State Government via the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources announced the carpet ban on the use and distribution of Styrofoam and other single-use plastics across the State in which adequate publicity and stakeholder engagement was deplored to spread the word but some negative elements decided to withhold these inflammable products in their warehouses beyond the deadline’’.

Investigations also revealed that Iya Ireti Plastic Company, situated in the Lagos Island area of the State, sold the Styrofoam packs at a street value of ₦2,090,000.00 to a Cameroonian national with the hopes of moving the truckload of Styrofoam packs through Akwa-Ibom State for sales in the Central African country. 

Cole reiterated the commitment of the Agency to rid the State of environmental infractions just as he vowed to deal with all environmental defaulters. 

He maintained that the distribution and use of Styrofoam remains banned in Lagos, citing the new constitution of a task force by the Agency to consolidate intelligence efforts aimed at flushing out environmental defaulters across the State.

LASTMA, FRSC COMMIT TO STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIP ON TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT IN LAGOS

 By Ayodele Ifasakin 

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have agreed to strengthen their partnership in managing traffic across Lagos State.

This agreement was announced recently by the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki during a courtesy visit by the FRSC Zonal Commanding Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal Jonathan Owoade and his team to LASTMA Headquarters in Oshodi, Lagos.

Mr. Bakare-Oki welcomed the initiative and reiterated LASTMA's commitment to collaborating with the FRSC on traffic decongestion, public enlightenment, and the enforcement of traffic regulations. He expressed confidence that the partnership would bring about positive outcomes for road users in Lagos.

He further disclosed that between January and June 2024, a total of 9,370 vehicles were penalised for traffic violations in Lagos. 

"Let me emphasise that 50% of these contravened vehicles were commercial buses, and all were prosecuted in the Lagos State Mobile Court in accordance with the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018", Mr. Bakare-Oki stated.

He also highlighted several recent initiatives aimed at enhancing road safety and traffic management, including the launch of a toll-free call centre (080000527862), a Walk-In Complaint Centre, a Whistle Blower App, and the upgrade of both the Agency's website and the Planning, Research and Statistics Department.

In his address, FRSC Zonal Commanding Officer Mr. Jonathan Owoade emphasised that the FRSC remains Nigeria's leading agency in road traffic management and safety administration, with a strong commitment to eradicating road traffic crashes and creating a safe motoring environment. 

He confirmed that the newly introduced vehicle number plates are designed to enhance security by being visible from about 50 metres away.

The FRSC leader also called for a special public enlightenment campaign to educate motorists on the importance of various road signs.

The meeting was attended by the top management teams of both LASTMA and FRSC.

LASG INCREASES BLUE RAIL LINE TRIPS TO 72 PER DAY, INTRODUCES 25% FARE DISCOUNT FOR OFF-PEAK TRAVELS

 By Yomi Durojaye 

The Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line will from Monday, 12th August 2024 increase its number of trips from 54 to 72 per day. However, the current schedule for Sunday operations remained unchanged

LASG INCREASES BLUE RAIL LINE TRIPS TO 72 PER DAY, INTRODUCES 25% FARE DISCOUNT FOR OFF-PEAK TRAVELS

The Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Engr. Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo announced this weekend that Blue Line train riders will now travel between Marina and Mile 2 in just about 18 minutes from the previous travel time of 25 minutes.

According to her, the implication is that there would be a train every 18 minutes both ways, thus allowing commuters to plan their trips.

Apart from this, Engr. Akinajo also announced a 25 per cent discount fare for commuters travelling within the off-peak period set at 10.00 am and 4.00 pm daily.

The new train schedule is potentially expected to reduce journey times, encourage more riders to use the train system during off-peak periods and reduce transport spending. The new timetables are available on the LAMATA website, stations and social media handles.

Recall that the Blue Rail Line commenced passenger operation on 4th September 2023 and has moved close to two million passengers.

#AGreaterLagosRising 

#LASG

I Was Offered ₦800k To Demonize Dangote Refinery - David Hundeyin

By Ayodele Ifasakin 

I debated long and hard whether to do this publicly, but I think a message needs to be sent to a group of external interests working in tandem with the internal interests described in the quoted tweet to counteract the interests of half a billion West Africans. A message that at whatever level we exist, we take our destiny seriously and we are not to be trifled with.

Last week, I received an N800,000 offer from an international NGO called Dialogue Earth (formerly known as China Dialogue Trust) to write an article essentially saying that Dangote Refinery is terrible for the environment because something something "Environmental Concerns," something something "Climate Change," something something "Energy Transition Policy," something something "COP 28."

The (unstated but clearly implied) thrust of the brief was for a prominent local voice to put their name on an article that is an argument or a premise for the Nigerian government to kill the refinery based on its "energy transition commitments" and "environmental policy." This conclusion wasn't immediately apparent when they reached out to me, but I suspected where it was heading, and I quickly accepted the offer so that I could see the brief and obtain hard evidence. I've attached screenshots from the brief below.

Basically, this London-based NGO is headed by Sam Geall, an Oxford professor and is funded by several American intelligence fronts such as Ford Foundation and ClimateWorks (which is blacklisted in India for funding organisations working against India's national interest). For whatever reason, it is now quietly mobilising a resistance campaign against what it describes as "Nigeria's first refinery." Apparently, the status quo of Africa's largest oil producer having no functioning oil refinery to beneficiate its own oil was not a problem for Dialogue Earth and the American CIA fronts who fund it.

The human poverty caused by exporting this raw material and importing refined fuel was not bad for the environment. Also, the fact of European refiners regularly blending West African fuel cargoes with toxic waste and sulphur content 200 times the European legal limit (leading to asthma, bronchitis and eye infections in West Africa) was also not bad for the environment. But Nigeria having a refinery that will wean West Africa off import dependency on those European refiners (and allow West Africa control the sulphur content of its own fuels) is where Dialogue Earth and its funders draw the line. That one is bad for the environment, and David Hundeyin should write an article calling for the refinery to be shut down or limited.

I'm putting this out there publicly so that nobody will henceforth use the term "conspiracy theory" when it is pointed out for the umpteenth time, that there are American and European state and private interests that are heavily invested in keeping Africa exactly as poor as it is, and that they regularly push levers most of us do not even know exist, to make sure that this status quo is protected. These people believe that Africans should not exist or have nice things in this world. Apparently, the sole purpose of our existence is to enhance their experience of the planet and all that it has to offer.

It is because of them that I have to make a public spectacle out of this, even though I know that doing this is probably going to cost someone their job. The message needs to be passed that as poor as we are, you cannot convince us to campaign for the elongation of our own poverty by commissioning $500 hack jobs in the hope that we will be greedy enough to only see the money and ignore the bigger picture of what we can clearly see you trying to do.

I will reiterate something I have said multiple times - I am not a believer in the religious faith called Climate Change/Saving The Environment. I care exactly as much about the environment as do the rich white men who destroyed it to begin with. I firmly believe that if what it takes for Africa to industrialise is for it to burn so much fossil fuel that snow stops falling in Wisconsin and it starts raining concentrated sulphuric acid in Doncaster, it is not too big a price for Europe and North America to pay - it is certainly not bigger than the price Africa had to pay for Europe and North America to develop.

It is and will continue to be 100% OUR prerogative to determine what to do with our hydrocarbons. It is not the rich white men hiding behind these "Climate Advocacy NGOs" who will tell us what to do with our energy reserves, and by what means we are allowed to escape the poverty that they engineered for us.

I might not be a fan of Aliko Dangote or his monopolistic business practices - as is well known - but I'm also smart enough to know when rich white men in DC, Houston, Rotterdam and London and trying to use me as a marionette in their 400 year-old coloniser games. If you are reading this and you are one of the rich white men whose economic interests are threatened by Nigeria refining its own oil, you should come out and fight Aliko Dangote by yourself.

Or at least go find a much stupider African to do your dirty job - there's plenty of those.

It will never be me.

Nairaland

Idle Ajaokuta steel workers got N38.9 billion salaries in 10 years without producing one steel - Investigation reveals

By Ayodele Ifasakin 

The Federal Government has paid workers of the moribund Ajaokuta Steel Company the total sum of N38.9bn as salaries and allowances in 10 years, Saturday PUNCH reports.

Idle Ajaokuta steel workers got N38.9 billion salaries in 10 years without producing one steel - Investigation reveals 

This is despite the inability of the company to produce a single sheet of steel since its inception.

The Ajaokuta Integrated Steel Complex, conceived in 1979, was developed to establish a Metallurgical Process Plant alongside an Engineering Complex and various auxiliary facilities.

The complex is meant to generate important upstream and downstream industrial and economic activities that are critical to the diversification of the economy into an industrial one.

On its website, the company said it directly employed about 10,000 workers at the first phase of commissioning while the upstream and downstream industries that would evolve all over the nation would engage no fewer than 500,000 employees.

Ajaokuta Steel Plant, aptly known as the Bedrock of Nigeria’s industrialisation, is more than just a rolling mill—it’s an Integrated Iron and Steel Plant.

It boasts four distinct rolling mills: the Billet Mill, the Light Section Mill, the Wire Rod Mill, and the Medium Section and Structural Mill.

Four Die In Multiple Road Crashes Along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

 By Ayodele Ifasakin 

Four Die In Multiple Road Crashes Along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

At least four persons have been reported dead and one injured in a multiple road crash that occurred around Kara Bridge on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The crash, which happened at about 7:35 p.m. on Thursday, involved an Isuzu mini truck with registration number T1079L, a Toyota Camry with registration number EPE200GK, a Honda Accord, and a BUA trailer with no registration number.

Confirming the incident to DAILY POST on Friday, the spokesperson of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Ogun Sector Command, Florence Okpe, said the total number of people involved was yet to be ascertained.

Okpe attributed the cause of the crash to brake failure, which led to a loss of control and caused the vehicle to ram into a car from behind while in motion.

She stated, “The crash occurred at about 19:35 hours around Kara Bridge on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, involving four vehicles. The number of people involved has not yet been ascertained, but one person (a male adult) was injured, while four persons (one male adult and three female adults) were reported dead in the multiple crashes.”

Okpe disclosed that the injured victim was taken to AZ Zonecare Hospital, Magboro. The body of one of the deceased was deposited at Real Divine Hospital morgue in Ibafo, while the other three bodies were taken away by their families.

Sector Commander Akinwumi Fasakin expressed sympathy to the families of the deceased and cautioned motorists to avoid speeding, pay more attention to vehicle routine checks, and correct defects.

Breaking News: Obasanjo Warns FG: Listen to Youths' Demands or Face Dire Consequences

 By Ayodele Ifasakin 

Breaking News: Obasanjo Warns FG: Listen to Youths' Demands or Face Dire Consequences

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has cautioned the Federal Government to heed the concerns of Nigerian youths, who have been protesting nationwide for better governance, economic opportunities, and an end to corruption. Obasanjo's warning came during a meeting with six members of the House of Representatives, led by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, at his Abeokuta residence.

The former President emphasized that failure to address the youths' demands could lead to dire consequences, given their frustration, desperation, anger, and unemployment. He stressed that Nigeria's progress depends on its ability to address the youths' demands and called for a change in mentality among those in governance.

The meeting also discussed a bill seeking a single six-year term for the presidency and rotation between the North and the South. Obasanjo expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of a single term, citing the need for a trustworthy system and independent electoral commission.

Hon. Ugochinyere and other lawmakers present at the meeting advocated for a single six-year term and rotational mechanism for governance between the North and the South.

Will the Federal Government heed Obasanjo's warning and address the youths' demands? Stay with Lagos Reporters for updates on this developing story.

EFCC Questions Ogun Accountant General, 4 Others Over Alleged LG Funds Diversion

 The Ibadan Zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has invited several officials from the Ogun State government for questioning related to an ongoing investigation.

Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity at the EFCC, confirmed the development in a phone interview with newsmen on Wednesday.

Oyewale said, ”I just called our Ibadan Zonal office, and it was confirmed that some officials of the state government were invited for a chat in respect of an ongoing investigation, and they have since gone back to their state. Nobody was detained”.

Asked to confirm the status of those that were invited by the anti-graft agency, Oyewale said, “I can only tell you that they were officials of Ogun State government, and it was in connection of an ongoing investigation, it’s not more than that”.

Meanwhile, it was reliably gathered from a reliable source that those invited were the State Accountant General, Mr Tunde Aregbesola, and four other officials of the government.

The invitation was said to be in connection with a petition written by the former Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government, Wale Adedayo, last August alleging Governor Dapo Abiodun of diverting about N10.8 billion meant for the 20 local governments in the state.

The top government official said, “It is true that the Accountant General and some officials of the state government were invited by the EFCC on Tuesday. I learnt it was about the finances of the state government, but I don’t know which of them”.

Recall that Adedayo had written what was supposed to be a private letter to a former governor of the state, Chief Olusegun Osoba, last August, accusing Governor Abiodun of diverting about N10.8bn meant for the development of the council areas.

Adedayo had also forwarded a petition to the EFCC calling for investigation of the state government for this financial infraction.

The letter, however, found its way into the media, becoming a matter of public discourse.

The state government, however, denied the accusation, explaining that it rather augment the monthly federal government allocations sent to the local governments, or else many of them would have found it impossible to fulfil their financial obligations, like payment of salaries, among others.

Adedayo, after his reported allegations against the state government, was later impeached, and he is currently standing trial before an Abeokuta Magistrate Court for raising false allegations and character defamation against Governor Abiodun.

Speaking with our correspondent on Wednesday, Adedayo said, “Yes, I heard about it on Tuesday. I am sure it is about the petition I sent to the EFCC. Lie can travel a thousand miles, but truth will catch up with it within a few seconds.

“A friend told me that the Accountant General was granted administrative bail so he could return with some documents, which he claimed would exonerate him. But others are still there. That’s all I know”.

Sports: Paris2024: Why We Couldn't Produce A Bike For Ese Ukpeseraye - Owan Enoh

 By Ayodele Ifasakin 

My attention has been called to a post on social media by Ese Ukpeseraye. After reading the post and some follow up comments i swung into action. Ese's post seems to have been grossly misunderstood, perhaps also because it didn't seem to give proper context to the matter in perspective. It is important I make some clarifications.

Paris2024: Why We Couldn't Produce A Bike For Ese Ukpeseraye - Owan Enoh

Abinitio, Team Nigeria qualified for one road race in cycling and prepared for it in terms of training and the appropriate competition equipment. Team Nigeria was fully prepared for this road race until two weeks ago after the Cycling team with the rest of Team Nigeria had already left for the Olympics, that a communication from the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) was received reallocating additional slots to the Cyclist Federation of Nigeria (Kerin and individual sprint).

This reallocation to Nigeria was due to the disqualification of a country, leaving Nigeria as the next eligible to make the list of qualified countries to compete. Unfortunately, this additional slot required the use of a different competition equipment in terms of biking.

For this track race reallocated to Team Nigeria, a very special equipment (approved specifically for the Olympic track game) is used. It'll take months to have it delivered after ordering and making payment. To therefore get Ese to compete, the Federation through Ese's Club in Europe and working with a German owned Company, got a ‘Track Bike’ for our cycler Ese.

Todah the 9th of August 2024, Ese will race in an individual sprint, the race she originally qualified for.

$20bn Dangote Refinery Will Disrupt Europe’s Oil & Gas Industry – OPEC

 By Ayodele Ifasakin 

The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has said supplies from Nigeria-based world’s largest single-train Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals will put pressure on the performance of Europe’s oil industry, especially the Northwest Europe (NWE) Gasoil.

$20bn Dangote Refinery Will Disrupt Europe’s Oil & Gas Industry – OPEC

OPEC in its newly released monthly Oil Market Report for June 2024 listed Dangote Refinery among the top Diesel and jet Fuel suppliers that will disrupt Europe’s oil & gas Industry, a development experts forecasted will positively impact the Nigerian economy.

Recall that Standard & Poor Global quoting trading and the ship tracking sources had earlier predicted that Nigeria’s $20 billion Dangote refinery would shake up international crude flows when it reaches full capacity, having already made an impact since coming online in January, trading sources and ship tracking data show.

The OPEC report revealed that “Upside potential for higher production levels from Nigeria’s Dangote refinery, coupled with strong flows from the Middle East and new supplies from the Mexican Olmeca refinery, will likely exert pressure on NWE gasoil performance in the mid-term.”

It stated further “Europe is one of the world’s largest purchasers of refined petroleum products and relied on imports from Asia and the US after the European Union banned the use of Russian diesel in the bloc.

However, the 650,000bpd capacity refinery which is owned by the Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, is eyeing the wider European market after International Oil Companies stopped supplying its crude oil.

Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin announced the company had earlier exported its first jet fuel cargo to Europe as it rapidly scales production.

The refinery is said to have exported 90 percent of its 3.5 billion litres of jet fuel and diesel to Europe over alleged lack of support from the Nigerian government.

“It is good to note that from the start of production, more than 3.5 billion litres, which represents 90 percent of our production, have been exported,” Edwin said

BP is currently transporting its first jet fuel cargo to Rotterdam from Dangote, after being awarded part of a 120,000 metric tonnes tender offered for the end of May, according to S&P Global.

OPEC stated that, “In June, the jet/kerosene crack spread in Rotterdam against Brent showed a slight decline, influenced by supply-side dynamics. Despite signs of improving air travel activities, subdued jet fuel demand from the aviation sector weighed on the product market

“Going forward, European jet/kerosene demand is expected to see upward pressure as consumption levels from the aviation sector continue to pick up in the coming months.”

S&P had noted that Dangote Refinery in its first six months, scaled to 400,000 b/d and delivered diesel, jet fuel, naphtha, and fuel oil to both domestic and export markets, with Gasoline, Nigeria’s primary fuel type, being expected to be produced from mid-August

Notwithstanding, the refinery has already affected crude flows, with dozens of Nigerian cargoes remaining in-country and US WTI Midland, a comparable light, sweet grade, being imported

The mega-refinery could therefore tighten the light, sweet crude market. “Its diet is WTI and the lighter Nigerian [crudes] so if you were chasing those barrels you’d probably feel it quite keenly,” a West African crude trader told Commodity Insights. “Once they get to 650,000 b/d without any WTI Midland, ‘severely disrupted’ [will be] the headline

Capacity Building: Orile Agege LCDA Organises Training For Staff

By Ayodele Ifasakin 

The Chairman of Orile-Agege LCDA, Hon Johnson Sunday Babatunde organised a one day training tagged *Clinical Aspect of SPADEV/Capacity Building* for the workforce of Orile-Agege LCDA today, Thursday, August 8, 2024 at the LCDA 's secretariat.

Capacity Building: Orile Agege LCDA Organised Training For Staff

The facilitators of the training, Mr Okedara and Mrs Seriki from the Office of Transformation, Creativity and Innovation (OTCI) enlightened those in attendance on how to set SMART(Specific Measurable, Achievable, Reliable/Relevant and Time bound) goals and how to make sure that such goals are achieved within the time frame.

Capacity Building: Orile Agege LCDA Organised Training For Staff

They also spoke on the need for the top line officers to give specific and detailed duties to the down line officers putting into consideration the strength and weaknesses of such officers.

The facilitators also opined that the down line officers too should tell the top line officers the difficulties they are facing, which might delay or prevent them from  achieving task(s) given/set for them.

They also emphasised that each member of staff must have specific job roles so that there would be accountability and feedbacks.

The facilitators further spoke on how the Staff Performance Appraisal Development (SPADEV) forms should be filled. 

They said “SPADEV is not just meant for the purpose of promotion as erroneously believed, but should reflect the true assessment of each member of staff as this would give room for encouragement or improvement where needed.”

The Chairman in his address to members of staff towards the end of the training programme assured that trainings and seminars would continuously be organised for the workforce to improve the quality of service delivery in Orile-Agege LCDA and Lagos state in general.

The Human Resource Director,Mr Jubril Olusegun Aliu appreciated the Executive Chairman for his continued support towards staff welfare and assured him of staff’s unalloyed commitment to the development of Orile Agege LCDA.

Others in attendance were the Vice Chairman,Council Manager,Management team and member of staff.

DigitalSkills: OYA Convener, Hon. Gbenga Abiola Secures Slots For Agege Youths

 By Yomi Durojaye 

The Vice Chairman of Agege Local Government and Convener Obasa Youth Alliance (OYA) Hon. Gbenga Abiola (Agbelebu), has secured slots for Agege and Lagos Youth in the ongoing Skills Acquisition at HoneyTreat Academy to study digital skills.

 DigitalSkills: OYA Convener, Hon. Gbenga Abiola Secure Slots For Agege Youths

Speaking with AgegePulse Magazine in a brief interview, Hon. Abiola urged Lagos Youth, Agege in particular to  explore new horizons and have the freedom to make their own rightful decisions in life and take advantage of trending new market of programming.

He said, 'The Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), in partnership with Honey Treat Academy (HTA), is offering digital skills training in courses such as Digital Marketing, Data Analysis, Software Engineering, and Photography. Hon. Gbenga Abiola (Agbelebu), the convener of Obasa Youth Alliance (OYA) and Vice Chairman of Agege, has successfully secured slots for youths from Agege to benefit from this opportunity.

"Participants who complete the training will also have the chance to engage in industrial training, receiving a 30,000 naira monthly stipend, along with a 2,000 naira daily stipend during the training period of 3 months.

"This initiative is designed to equip youths with essential digital skills and provide financial support during their learning journey.

"Congratulations to you all in the new journey to be a data scientists and other problems solving skills in the world.

Civil servants buy 50kg rice at N40,000, resell at N85,000 – Rewane

By Ayodele Ifasakin 

Bismarck Rewane, a popular economist and the Executive Director of Financial Derivatives has alleged that some civil servants bought 50kg bags of rice at N40,000 and resold it at N85,000.

Rewane

Rewane disclosed this on Thursday in an interview with Channels Television

According to him, the price of rice which he described as a ‘Parallel market’ increased by 3.62 percent to N85,000 from 83,000 despite the government’s subsidized price of N40,000.

Our team went into the market Yesterday(Wednesday),… The price of rice coincidently went up by 3.62 percent to N85,000. This is happening at the time the federal government is selling rice to public servants at N40,000 per 50-kilogram bag. While in what I can now describe as the parallel market for rice stood at N85,000. What happens is that the civil servant will buy at N40,000 per bag and sell at N85,000, that is inefficient”, he said.

This comes as the federal government on Thursday announced the suspension of the sale of 50kg bags of rice to civil servants at N40,000.

DailyPost 

LASEMA's Report On Fire Outbreak At Mobil Filling Station In Ikeja

LASEMA's Report On Fire Outbreak At Mobil Filling Station In Ikeja

By Ayodele Ifasakin

 *PRELIMINARY REPORT REGARDING THE FIRE OUTBREAK AT MOBIL FILLING STATION, OPPOSITE AIRPORT HOTEL, ALLEN JUNCTION*

LASEMA's Report On Fire Outbreak At Mobil Filling Station In Ikeja

In response to distress calls received by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, through the 767/112 Toll-Free Emergency lines at 1108hrs, the Agency activated it's Tiger Response Team from the Command and Control Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.

Upon arrival of the Tiger Team at the incident scene, it was observed that the Mobil filling station at the aforementioned location was engulfed in flames. 

On further investigations conducted at the incident scene, the fire was attributed to explosion of a 12 ton gas truck, registration number  unknown, which impacted several cars within the filling station and portions of a nearby building. 

*CAUSE OF FIRE*

● Cause of the incident is  currently under investigations.

● Immediate and remote cause of the 12 ton gas truck explosion had not been ascertained as at time of writing the Preliminary Report.

*DAMAGE REPORT*

● 6 cars, (both commercial and private vehicles) were impacted. 

● The second floor of a two storey building beside the gas station was also affected. 

*CASUALTY REPORT*

● There were no fatalities as a result of the incidence.

● Two adult males suffered severe burns, while others sustained minor injuries.

● The injured individuals were promptly rescued and given immediate medical attention by the Agency's Pre-Hospital Care Team in collaboration with LASAMBUS before being transferred to LASUTH for further medical treatment.

*ACTION TAKEN:*

●Safety Measures were activated at the incident as part of measures to safeguard responders at the scene while the operation lasts. 

●LRT is coordinating the Rescue Operation which is being conducted in collaboration with other first responders.

●All responders are working fervently to ensure a quick and successful operation to restore normalcy to the environment. 

*STATUS:*

●The fire has been brought under control and quickly contained by the Agency's LRT and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service preventing it from spreading further to surrounding buildings. 

● Operation is ongoing.

● Updates to follow. 

*IN ATTENDANCE:* LASEMA Response Team, LASEMA Pre-Hospital Care Unit, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, NEMA and Officials of the Nigerian Police Force.

Nosa Okunbor 

Head, Public Affairs Unit-LASEMA 

8th August, 2024

Liverpool's Muslims shocked by UK riots.

By Ayodele Ifasakin

Most entrances have been blocked, men in high-vis jackets have been taking turns to patrol and a handful of worshippers have been sleeping inside at night — all necessary precautions, say officials at the Al-Rahma Mosque, during the UK's worst riots in years.

Liverpool's Muslims shocked by UK riots.

The increased vigilance comes as some Muslims and ethnic minorities in Liverpool say they feel unsafe amid widespread violent, racist protests targeting mosques, immigration centres and hotels that haven't spared the famously left-leaning city in the north of England.

Both mosque officials and other Muslims in Liverpool described feeling shocked, after two mosques further north in England were targeted by violent mobs and hundreds of anti-immigration protesters and counterprotesters clashed in central Liverpool. Shops were looted and some police were injured.

A second mosque in Liverpool, the Abdullah Quilliam, which describes itself as Britain's first, has temporarily closed due to the violence, which was fuelled by a false narrative spread online that the killer of three girls in nearby Southport last week was an Islamist migrant.

Protests turn violent in Sunderland as UK unrest spreads after Southport killings

Northumbria Police said its officers had been "subjected to serious violence" and they were continuing to deal with ongoing disorder.

“I was born here, I was raised here. So seeing this, it just doesn't feel like home,” said Abdulwase Sufian, a 20-year-old student who helps at the Al-Rahma, referring to himself as a “Scouser”, the colloquial term for someone from Liverpool.

“Seeing what's happened, it's got me scared, not just for myself, but for the future,” he said, the yellow dome and pink-and-yellow minarets of the Al-Rahma behind him as dozens of men finished afternoon prayers and left.

Sufian added that the separate female entrance for the mosque, which serves a wide range of Muslims from ethnic Yemeni to Pakistani, had been closed to discourage women from visiting in the evenings, out of safety concerns.

He himself hasn't stepped outside his immediate neighbourhood out of fears for his safety, Sufian said, a sentiment echoed by others in the community.

Saba Ahmed, a community worker and another Liverpudlian Muslim, said she had felt “terrified” in recent days, and her 15-year-old son was preferring to spend his summer holidays indoors on his PlayStation.

Still, many of Ahmed's white English friends had been supportive, she said, with some neighbours offering to do the grocery shopping for her so she could remain safe at home.

“That's our people in Liverpool, that's our fellow neighbours here,” she said.

Others have been less fortunate.

Farmanullah Nasiri, a taxi driver, described being assaulted after picking up two passengers from Aigburth Road, Liverpool, in the early hours of Tuesday.

One of them, a woman, punched him on the face and broke his dashcam as she left his silver Ford Focus, after starting an argument over the fare and after abusing him once she learnt he was an ethnic Afghan, Nasiri said.

A 17-year-old male already in custody has been charged with murder for the deaths of three young girls.

Nairaland

Employment: FG To Revamp Moribond Textile Industries, Sanwo-Olu, Uzodimma To Lead

 The Federal Government is mulling a revamp of the textile industries in Nigeria to leverage on its job creation potentials.

Uzodinma and Sanwo-Olu 

To this end, the Vice President, Kashim Shettima hosted a number of stakeholders at the Presidential Villa Abuja on Tuesday, which included the governors of Lagos and Imo State to draw ideas on how best to go about revamping the moribond industries.

Recall that Nigeria was a net producer of cotton used in the production of textiles, with major industrial hubs located in Lagos and Kaduna States.

Over the years, the sector dwindled in production leading to mass retrenchment of workers, partly attributed to government policies and neglect of the sector.

Imo Governor, Hope Uzodinma said it was germane for those in the helm of affairs to do everything within its power to stimulate the Nigerian economy, hence the buy-in of governors to the project.

He said, “Like the United Nations Cotton Manufacturing, the entire production chain of cotton is up to 10 sides and the whole idea is to leverage on this opportunity to revamp the industries in Nigeria, which many of them are now moribond, particularly in the cotton and textile sector.

“This is a new opportunity that is creating a new partnership for us to cross pollinate ideas with experts, to bring new skills, new ideas and new innovations into revamping the industries in Nigeria, and that will create jobs and engage our young men and women that are currently roaming the streets.

“So for me, I am very excited to be part of this conversation that will now revamp the economy of the country. Is a new partnership which we will leverage on.

“Before this time, you will agree with me, in Lagos State, Isolo area to be precise, you see so many textile industries. Kaduna was famous as a centre for cotton production and textile mills. In the northern areas the land was very fertile for growing cotton and then processing cotton. So I think we need to stimulate the economy. We need to create more jobs, we need to redefine Nigeria. We need to engage our young men and women, and then align properly with the new digital age for production and economic stimulation”.

Corroborating Uzodinma, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu urged Nigerians to patronise made in Nigeria textiles because of the impact it would have on the economy.

He said the textile industries have the potential of engaging over 15 to 20 million Nigerians hence the critical nature of the sector.

“If we are growing cotton, are we ready to patronize the ones we are producing locally? Because that’s one issue the textile manufacturers raised, that when they manufacture fabrics many persons prefer the ones from Italy?

” So I think the explanation has been made. Part of the things that you see with our garment manufacturer, is actually polyester, not cotton. And polyester happens to be cheaper than cotton. You know, cotton is a higher grade to sew as against using polyester if our refineries were working for what we’ve also been made to understand now is actually supposed to be one of the byproducts coming out from the refinery.

N100m Empowerment: Why I Gave N100k To 5-Visually Impaired Persons- Johnson Babatunde

By Ayodele Awosika 

Hon. Johnson Babatunde yesterday presented One Hundred Thousand Naira Empowerment form to Five visually impaired people in Orile-Agege LCDA.

 N100m Empowerment: Johnson Babatunde Presents N100k To 5-Visually Impaired Persons

Yesterday, the Executive Chairman, Orile-Agege LCDA, Hon. Johnson Babatunde presented 100-thousand Empowerment program forms to Five visually impaired people in Orile-Agege LCDA.

Babatunde said, the One thousand Naira will help the beneficiaries for the upkeep of the lives and promised to continue his support to make live better for them.

"Their challenges as visually Impaired requires all time check on them as live can be more miserable when we leave them on cater for".

The forms were received by Mr. Wale of 6, Hassan Adejobi Street in Papa-Ashafa, Orile-Agege, on behalf of his colleagues.

While receiving the forms yesterday, Mr Wale thanked the Chairman for his large heart and said the Chairman has proven beyond doubt that he’s truly a Man of the People. He thanked the Chairman for deeming them worthy enough to come to their Residents to Present them the Empowerment forms.

LAGOS STRENGTHENS EFFORTS TO COMBAT HEPATITIS AMID RISING PREVALENCE

 By Ayodele Awosika 

...Marks Y2024 World Hepatitis Day with Symposium

...Tasks Residents on Preventive Measures

...Screens and Vaccinates Over 5,000 Residents

The Lagos State Government has taken significant strides in the fight against Hepatitis, launching comprehensive initiatives to curb the spread of the virus. At a symposium marking World Hepatitis Day in Lagos today, the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, outlined the state's efforts, including subsidized Hepatitis C testing, vaccination of residents, and extensive community outreach programs aimed at reducing the disease's impact on the population.

Speaking at the symposium held at Folarin Coker Staff Clinic, Alausa, Ikeja, Dr. Ogboye emphasized that the fight against viral Hepatitis must be intensified in order to address the 2024 World Health Organization (WHO) Global Hepatitis report, which indicates that deaths resulting from viral Hepatitis have become the second leading cause of death, with about 1.3 million deaths annually, globally, 100 times more than HIV/AIDS.

Dr. Ogboye highlighted that a baseline report showed a higher prevalence of Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) in Lagos compared to the national average. He stated, "In 2016, a baseline assessment conducted with support from the Lagos State Government showed a higher prevalence of HBV and HCV (5% and 1%) when compared to the national average. These figures suggest that an estimated 2 million and 200,000 Lagosians are chronically infected with Hepatitis B & C, all of whom are at risk of developing cirrhosis and primary liver cancer if left untreated."

Explaining the significant steps taken by the state government towards mitigating Hepatitis, the Permanent Secretary said the state launched the Hepatitis Control Program in 2017 with a dedicated budget line. Dr. Ogboye disclosed that the state government has provided access to Hepatitis C viral load testing at subsidized prices, stressing that 435 Hepatitis C viral load tests have been performed in two diagnostic facilities in collaboration with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI). He added that the state government has also screened and vaccinated about 5,000 individuals, primarily health workers, across the state.

"The state government has provided access to Hepatitis C Viral Load testing at subsidized prices. About 435 Hepatitis C Viral Load tests have been performed thus far in two diagnostic facilities in collaboration with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI). Recently, the state has also provided screening and vaccination for over 5,000 persons, mainly healthcare workers, complemented by extensive community outreach programs," he said.

Reaffirming the commitment of the current administration to the fight against viral Hepatitis, Dr. Ogboye commended stakeholders for supporting the state government in this effort. He assured that the government would continue to engage relevant stakeholders and citizens in the prevention and control of the disease while implementing strategies to eliminate the scourge of infections in the state.

Earlier in his remarks, the Director of Disease Control in the State Ministry of Health, Dr. Rotimi Agbolagorite, explained that Hepatitis viral infection causes liver inflammation and damage and remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases, accounting for over 1.3 million deaths yearly. He further stated that the Y2024 World Hepatitis Day Celebration, themed "It is time for Action," aims to raise public awareness of Hepatitis's devastating effects and to upscale efforts to end the global scourge.

"We gather on this crucial day to mark World Hepatitis Day to raise public awareness about the devastating effect of Hepatitis on health and to scale-up efforts to end the global scourge," he said.

Speaking in the same vein, the Lagos State Viral Hepatitis Control Program Coordinator, Dr. Mazeedat Erinosho, explained that beyond the World Hepatitis Day celebration, the State Ministry of Health has been consistently conducting community awareness campaigns. "These campaigns aim to inform citizens about the government's prevention and control strategies and provide basic information on where and when to seek medical intervention against the deadly disease," she said.

Dr. Erinosho commended the commitment of the Lagos State government toward the prevention, care, increased awareness, and treatment of Viral Hepatitis. She assured that the government is intensifying efforts to reduce mortality rates due to the disease by 95% and 65% respectively by 2030.

The symposium lecturer, a Consultant Gastroenterologist at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Dr. Rufina Igetei, explained that about 90 to 95% of Nigerians acquire the infection in childhood, either through the placenta from an infected mother or childhood spread. Dr. Rufina urged residents to take precautions against the deadly disease by getting tested and vaccinated, maintaining good personal and environmental hygiene, and avoiding the sharing of sharp objects.

Egbin Power Bags Triple ISO Certifications, Reinforces Commitment to Operational Excellence

  By Ayodele Awosika 

Underscoring its unwavering commitment to high operational standards and quality management systems, Egbin Power Plc, Nigeria’s largest power generation company, has been certified to three ISO standards.

Chief Operating Officer, Envirowatch, Oyenike Shobowale; Chief Technical Officer (CTO), Egbin Power, Sikiru Gbadamosi; CEO, Egbin Power, Mokhtar Bounour and Head of QHSE, Egbin Power, Julius Akpong during the presentation of ISO 45001:2018, 14001:2015 and 9001:2015 Certificates to Egbin Power in Ikorodu, Lagos.

The certifications are ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health & Safety Management System), ISO 14001:2015 (Environment Management System), and ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System). According to the Genco, the certifications further endorsed the management’s dedication to exceptional operations and processes.  

The Chief Executive Officer of Egbin Power, Mokhtar Bounour, described the certification as a pivotal achievement for Egbin Power, as it further strengthens its position as a responsible corporate organisation and demonstrates the company’s commitment to creating a safe and healthy work environment, implementing environmentally friendly initiatives, and delivering best-in-class service in the power sector.

“This certification is a testament to our robust compliance with global best practices, as we implement and adhere to the highest standards in our operations, and also establish a comprehensive framework for managing occupational health and safety, environmental impacts, and quality processes,” Bounour said.

Speaking further, he reaffirmed that Egbin Power remains steadfast in its pursuit of excellence and will continue to invest in initiatives that enhance its performance in the power sector, noting that the company is committed to leveraging these certifications to drive continuous improvement and create sustainable value for all stakeholders.

According to the Genco, the ISO 45001:2018 certification validates Egbin Power’s robust occupational health and safety management system, ensuring the well-being of its employees and contractors. The ISO 14001:2015 certification recognizes the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices, while the ISO 9001:2015 certification underscores Egbin Power’s dedication to delivering consistent, high-quality services.

The company’s Head of Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE), Egbin Power, Julius Akpong, said the company has a deeply entrenched safety culture and effective management system that guide employees and the company’s operations, thereby ensuring excellence at all times.

“At Egbin Power, we have instituted a structured approach to occupational safety management over the years, while upholding workplace safety not just as a priority but as part of our core value, which affirms our Safety culture, Professionalism, Integrity & Discipline as well as  Commitment to Stakeholders, Environmental Consciousness and Sustainability).

“We continuously standardise our processes and procedures as part of the effort towards strengthening operational safety and ensuring due diligence. Our focus has been the safety of people, equipment, environment, and materials, thereby leading to improved governance, enhanced operational excellence, and sustainability,” Akpong explained.

Egbin Power Plc is Nigeria’s largest power generation company, committed to providing reliable and sustainable electricity to the nation. With a focus on operational excellence and environmental responsibility, the company is driving the country’s power sector towards a brighter future.

Court Sentences two persons to Prison over IE Transformer Vandalism

By Ayodele Awosika:

The Lagos State Magistrate Court in Ejigbo has handed down sentences to two individuals for vandalizing transformers belonging to Ikeja Electric Plc.

Abubakar Alido received a one-year sentence for vandalizing a 500KVA transformer on Michael Aladesuyi Street, Egbeda, under the Omo Osho 11KV Feeder, while Ishola Olatunji was sentenced to six months for attempting to vandalize a transformer on Karimu Laka Street, Egbeda, under the Orelope 11KV Feeder. Alido was apprehended by a security guard and handed over to the police. The incident occurred when Alido was found tampering with the transformer cables.

 Court Sentences two persons to Prison over IE Transformer Vandalism

Upon investigation, the police arraigned Alido at the Magistrate Court 1, Ejigbo, on June 14, 2024. He was charged with wilful damage of transformer cables, contrary to Section 339 and punishable under Section 350 of the Lagos State Criminal Law of 2015. Alido pleaded guilty when the charges were read to him. The case was adjourned to July 2, 2024, for sentencing.

On the adjourned date, the prosecutor summarized the facts, and Alido admitted them as true. His statement to the police was tendered and admitted as Exhibit A. Consequently, the court sentenced him to one-year imprisonment, effective from his arraignment date. The court highlighted the importance of this sentence as a deterrent to other vandals, given the rising incidence of such crimes in the area.

In a similar case, Ishola Olatunji was caught by members of the Karimu Laka community attempting to vandalize a 500KVA transformer. The community members, vigilant and proactive, handed Olatunji over to the police. Following an investigation, the police arraigned Olatunji at the Magistrate Court 1, Ejigbo, on March 11, 2024. He was charged with the attempted theft of transformer cables, punishable under Section 287 of the Lagos State Criminal Law of 2015.

Olatunji initially pleaded not guilty and was granted bail, with an order for remand at the Kiri-Kiri Correctional Facility pending the perfection of his bail conditions. However, he later opted to change his plea to guilty. During the hearing, the prosecutor summarized the case facts, which Olatunji admitted to. His statement to the police was also tendered and accepted as Exhibit A. The court then sentenced him to six-month imprisonment, counting from his arraignment date.

Speaking on the judgments, the Business Manager of Akowonjo Business Unit, Engr. Abayomi Bolorunde expressed satisfaction and hope that these sentences would serve as a strong deterrent to other potential vandals. He reiterated Ikeja Electric's commitment to curtailing the vandalism of its assets, emphasizing the significant damage such activities cause to the company's operations and the inconvenience they bring to customers. He urged communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, as vandals continue to devise new methods to disrupt electricity supply and plunge customers into darkness.

Ikeja Electric's spokesman and Head of Corporate Communications, Mr Kingsley Okotie commended the joint efforts of both the Security and Legal teams at Ikeja Electric, as well as other external stakeholders and thanked them for their dedication while ensuring that the cases were pursued to a logical conclusion. He lamented the adverse impact of vandalism on Ikeja Electric's business and assured that the company would continually leverage its relationships with the police and other community stakeholders to get the vandals out of business.

He reiterated that proactive measures taken by Ikeja Electric and the collaboration with local communities highlight the ongoing battle against infrastructure vandalism, ensuring that perpetrators face the full wrath of the law while safeguarding essential services for the public.

I Will Expose the Truth When the Time Comes – NNPC Boss Kyari Speaks on Sabotaging Economy

AgegePulse Magazine 

  – NNPC Boss Kyari

The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has declared that he will reveal the truth about the company’s operations when the time is right.

Kyari made this assertion on Wednesday while testifying before a Senate ad-hoc committee investigating alleged economic sabotage in the petroleum industry.

Led by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the committee is probing the oil firm’s activities amidst controversy and public scrutiny.

Kyari denied any involvement in the importation of sub-standard products, stating that NNPCL is committed to transparency and honesty.

The CEO expressed frustration over unfair media attacks, which he believes are aimed at tarnishing the company’s reputation and creating the impression of economic sabotage.

“We are not criminals, we are not thieves,” Kyari said. “We will protect our dignity so we can serve this country.”

Kyari also revealed that the oil and gas industry is bleeding, hinting at undisclosed issues which “they” knew that cannot be made public “until the time comes.”

Native Reporters

Nationwide Protest: Lagos Speaker, Obasa, Dr. Wale Ahmed, Agege Leaders Engage Residents

...Say Agege enjoying democratic dividends

- religious leaders, traditional rulers say no to protest

AgegePulse Magazine 

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, and other leaders in the Agege area of Lagos met on Wednesday emphasising the need for unity, resilience and patience as the country anticipates a nationwide protest.

The leaders also met with various youth groups in the area reminding them that President Bola Tinubu is working to resolve the challenges facing Nigeria.

The 10-day protest is expected to commence on Thursday, August 1, 2024, but Dr. Obasa said Agege is a special part of Lagos where residents have experienced democratic dividends, especially in the area of infrastructure which has boosted businesses.

The Speaker urged the leaders to advise and plead with their children and other residents against engaging in any activity that could incite violence in the state.

"We are enjoying the dividends of democracy in Agege especially and our governor is trying for us. There are a lot of developmental projects ongoing in Agege. If the government is doing all these, why would any of us want to be combative against the government?

"The world is just coming out of COVID-19 and there are global crises and wars. So it is not just about Nigeria. If you go to Sudan, close to us here, landlords have forgone their homes. Libya was once like a European country, go there today. We all need to be patient.

"Our pastors and Imams here, we should teach messages of peace, unity and patience every time we preach especially at this time. 

"Inflation is a general issue, it is not isolated. The President is seriously working on it. He is just one year in office and this is too short to resolve all the problems," Obasa told the stakeholders including religious and traditional leaders, heads of markets, civil society groups, artisans and community development associations.

On his part, Wale Ahmed, a member of the House of Representatives, emphasised the unity in Agege while expressing optimism that the youth would not be part of a protest that has a tendency to escalate into violence.

"Even if those participating in the protest try to provoke you, just ignore," he told the gathering.

The chairmen of the two local government councils in the area, Chief Ganiyu Egunjobi and Johnson Babatunde, reiterated the need for the residents to protect government infrastructure adding that this can be done with their non-participation in the protest.

Egunjobi recalled the last EndSARS protest that resulted in the burning of vehicles and other infrastructures.

"Police stations were set ablaze and the guns were taken away.

"So, let us all speak to ourselves and understand ourselves. The President is just a year in office," he said.

The Alaige of Agege, Oba Ambaliu Agbedeyi, who spoke on behalf of traditional rulers, said Agege is lucky to have good political leaders who have the interests of the residents at heart.

He prayed against any evil plots against their domains.

Also in attendance are Agege LG chairman, Hon. Ganiyu Egunjobi, Orile Agege LCDA Chair, Johnson Babatunde , Hon Taofeek Adaranijo Mhr , Ab Aileru , Oluwagbenga Abiola Omaco , Hon Jubreel Ayodeji Abdulkareem , Dr. Wale Ahmed , Fatai Olagoke Ajibola amongst others.

Hunger Protest: Agege youths urged to embrace dialogue

 AgegePulse Magazine 

In a bid to maintain peace and stability in Agege, a grassroots mobilizer and founder of Taiwo Olasunkanmi Samuel Campaign Organisation (TOSCO), has appealed to youths in the community to reject the proposed nationwide hunger protest.

Hunger Protest: Agege youths urged to embrace dialogue

In a statement released by TOSCO's publicity secretary, Adebola Kazeem, Olasunkanmi emphasized the need for youths to be patient with the current administration, led by President Tinubu, who he believes is committed to addressing the country's challenges.

Olasunkanmi urged protesters to seek alternative, peaceful channels for communication with the government, such as the Ministry of Youths and other youth agencies, to ensure a better Nigeria.

As calls for nationwide protests gain momentum, Olasunkanmi warned against any form of violence, citing the devastating consequences of the 2020 EndSARS protests.

 He appealed to protesters to conduct themselves peacefully and avoid actions that could lead to violence, while also urging security agencies to identify potential hotspots and secure protesters.

The appeal comes as concerns grow about the potential for unrest and violence in the face of rising hunger and discontent among Nigerians. By urging youths to shun the protest and embrace peaceful dialogue, Olasunkanmi hopes to prevent a repeat of past conflicts and promote a more constructive approach to addressing the country's challenges".