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Tuesday, 13 August 2024

Sports: Obasa’s Cup 2023 Talent, Ganiu Olaniyan Makes History with Moldovan Club CSF Spartani Sportul

By Yomi Durojaye 

In a groundbreaking move, an 18-year-old Nigerian midfielder, Ganiu Olaniyan, one of the talents discovered at the maiden edition of the Obasa’s Cup, has been signed in by Moldovan Club CSF Spartani Sportul on a three-year deal. 



This remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone in the young player's career and highlights the success of grassroots football initiatives in Nigeria as perfectly showcased by Kings Sport International during the Obasa’s Cup.


Ganiu's journey to stardom began at the maiden edition Obasa’s Cup in 2023, a prestigious grassroots football tournament organized by Kings Sports International in honour of Rt Honourable Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Dr. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa. 


During the tournament, Ganiu displayed exceptional talent and skills that caught the attention of spectators and the foreign scouts present, leading to his signing with CSF Spartani Sportul.


Over the weekend, Ganiu debuted for his new club in a match against FC Sheriff, demonstrating his readiness for top-level competition. This achievement is a testament to the effectiveness of Kings Sports International in discovering and nurturing young talented players in Nigeria.


"Ganiu's signing in is a success for Kings Sports International, Agege, Lagos, and Nigeria as a whole,” said Abdu-Ganiyu Vinod Obasa, head of Kings Sports International.  He added, "We are committed to providing a platform for young Nigerian players to showcase their talents and compete favourably at international levels."


Ganiu's three-year contract with CSF Spartani Sportul is a significant step forward in his career, and he is expected to make a lasting impact in Moldovan football.


Congratulations to Ganiu Olaniyan on this remarkable achievement.

Monday, 12 August 2024

Tomato, pepper prices fall in Lagos

 By Yomi Durojaye 


The prices of baskets of tomato and pepper have dropped in Lagos amid the new harvest and is expected to stabilise until the end of the year.

Tomato, pepper prices fall in Lagos


A check on the prices of food items showed that a big basket of tomato, which cost N150,000 a few months ago, now sells for about N55,000 to N60,000 at Ketu Market.


TheCable reports that a trader at Ketu Market also said that a crate of tomato that previously cost

N55,000 is now being sold for N30,000.


According to the trader, a large basket of habanero pepper (rodo) now costs an average of N25,000, compared to N55,000 at the peak of the price surge.


"It is the season. Hausa tomatoes and peppers are already coming out," the trader said, giving reasons for the decline.


According to another trader at Ketu Market, a small basket of tomato now costs between

N20,000 and N25,000, lower than the previous price range of N30,000 to N34,000.


She also said a small sack of pepper currently sells for about N15,000 to N20,000, compared to the previous amount of N50,000.


The trader added that the prices are expected to stabilise from now until the end of August and continue into October and November, making tomatoes more affordable for Nigerians.


#GreaterLagosRising 


Guardian Newspaper

LASG EMPHASIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD SANITATION PRACTICES

 By Yomi Durojaye 


........As the weekly sanitation Advocacy  Campaign train moves to Bariga LCDA.

The Lagos State Government on Sunday emphasized the importance of good sanitation practices amongst all residents in order to ensure a clean, flood free, safe  and sustainable environment across the state.
LASG EMPHASIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD SANITATION PRACTICES



The emphasis was made  by the  Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab during the Weekly Community Based Environmental Sanitation Advocacy campaign held at Omobokun Street, Ekimogun Underbridge Iyana Oworo, Bariga Local Council Development Area adding that all residents must make good sanitation practices a daily affair.

He said the Weekly Community Based Environmental Sanitation Advocacy campaign was introduced to promote good sanitation practices amongst residents before the formal commencement of the monthly Sanitation Exercise.

"What we are trying to do is to ramp up sensitization and advocacy before the formal commencement of the monthly environmental Sanitation which will soon be announced by the Governor," he said.

He mentioned that some houses in the area have been investigated and  were found to  have channelled their septic tanks into the drainages  and some have built their fences on the drainage channels adding that these houses will soon be sealed by the appropriate Agency.

He implored residents to support Government effort through regular cleaning of the drainages in front of their houses and desist from the unwholesome act of illegal waste disposal saying it is expedient for everyone to take ownership of all infrastructure provided by the government.

On the issue of flooding experienced in the area, Wahab said government will reassess the claims by the community members that  the sandfilling carried out at Oworo end is responsible for the flooding incidents encountered in the Ekimogun area, adding that  government  is determined to proffer a lasting solution to flooding in the area.

He maintained that the environmental advocacy campaign has been effective as the communities earlier visited at the commencement of
the advocacy programme  have been revisited and these communities have sustained the clean up and the communities are cleaner and healthier.

Wahab encouraged residents to embrace Good Environmental Habits  stressing that this would reduce the burden on the health sector and ensure the effects are positive  on the infrastructure provided by government.

The Chairman of Bariga Local Council Development Area, Honourable Kolade Alabi while speaking, said that Governor Sanwo-Olu commissioned the Ekimogun Road but it was disheartening that the road is in a sorry state because of the unsanitary attitude of residents.

"We the residents of Bariga must therefore stop littering our roads and canals with wastes, we must bag our wastes in our respective homes and always patronise the PSP" he said.

He said the government is determined to ensure the Environment is always Clean and as such every house in Bariga must own a bin which would be made available by the government at a reasonable amount.

The Managing Director Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) informed that  Bariga Local Government has been identified as one of the Local Council Development Areas that will accommodate a recycling facility adding that the Waste to Wealth  facility will reduce illegal waste disposal in the area.

He enjoined all residents to collaborate with the government to ensure that Lagos is free of garbage saying that waste bins will soon be made available to tenements in Bariga.

In her response, the Senior Special Assistant on Environmental Health, Bariga Local Government, Hon. Suliat Oguns pledged the support of people of the Bariga Community saying the community residents would ensure that waste is properly disposed and infrastructure provided by the State Government will be effectively utilised.

Why I Tear-Up My Husband Passport- Wife Who Teared Her Husband Passport

By Ayodele Ifasakin 

Why I Tear-Up My Husband Passport- Wife Who Teared Her Husband Passport


A Nigerian woman named Favour Igiebor, who tore up her husband’s passport at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, could face a jail term as punishment for her actions if found guilty, according to the Nigeria Immigration Service Act of 2015 (as amended).


The NIS had on Monday revealed that it had launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the destruction of a man’s passport by his wife, identified as Favour Igiebor, stating that she had been summoned for questioning.


In a statement, the spokesperson for the NIS, Kenneth Udo, described Igiebor’s action as a violation of Nigerian law.


The investigation was prompted by a viral video showing Igiebor destroying a Nigerian Standard Passport, reportedly belonging to her husband, at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos.


The NIS statement partly read, “The Nigeria Immigration Service has launched a formal investigation following the circulation of a video on social media showing a female traveller destroying a Nigerian Standard Passport at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.


“The Nigeria Immigration Service remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the provisions of the Immigration Act in the interest of national security and to preserving the dignity and integrity of the nation’s legal instruments.”


Amid the widespread condemnation of her action, Igiebor, in another viral video seen by our correspondent, explained that her action was due to the stress her husband had put her through.


She said, “You have to ask what happened; don’t just look at the action alone. I am not a mad woman who would just come and act like that. I have my reasons; I have gone through many things.


“When it gets to your neck, you have to act. I didn’t want to make him go through a lot of stress; that’s why I waited till we got to Nigeria to do it rather than in Europe, where I could have done it. Don’t make comments without knowing what happened. I have gone through a lot of family issues here and there.”


In response to his wife’s recent video, the man who didn’t disclose his name, said he chose to remain silent because he believed the issue could be resolved “as a family.”


“My wife has posted something this morning. I don’t want to say anything, but I will leave you to watch the video. It is on various social media sites. I have the full clips.


“She didn’t know that I had someone with my phone because my friend and I came down here to do some things. I will post the full clip. I never expected that she would come out and say what she said. These are some things that we can resolve as a family,” he said.


However, findings by PUNCH Metro indicate that according to Section 49 of the NIS 2015 Act (as amended), a person found guilty of changing or altering a passport may face imprisonment or a fine. However, there is no section for punishment in case of destruction in the act.


The section reads, “A person who alters or assists another in altering a travel document, or who produces or reproduces or assists in the production or reproduction of any travel document without lawful authority commits an offence under Section 59 of the Act and is liable on-conviction to a- term of five years imprisonment or to a fine of one million naira or both.”


In an interview with our correspondent on Monday, a human rights lawyer, Collins Aigbogun, stated that there is no section of the Act that explicitly outlines sanctions for passport destruction, emphasising that Section 49 of the Act only specifies punishment for alteration.


He, however, noted that the wife had violated her husband’s constitutional right to freedom of movement.


“A passport is essential for cross-border travel. Possessing a Nigerian passport is not a privilege but a fundamental aspect of the right to freedom of movement.


“When someone destroys a passport, it infringes on the ancillary right to freedom of movement granted to her husband by the constitution. In essence, she has put that right on hold,” he said.

Sports: Vinod FA Edges Out Fasker FC 2-1 in Thrilling Friendly Match

 By Ayodele Ifasakin 


In an intense and action-packed friendly match, Vinod Football Academy emerged victorious against Fasker FC with a 2-1 win on Monday, August 12, 2024, at the Anwarul Islam Model College football pitch in Agege.
Sports: Vinod FA Edges Out Fasker FC 2-1 in Thrilling Friendly Match



The match showcased exceptional skills from both teams, with Vinod FA ultimately securing the win. Tijani Haruna, Vinod FA's right forward, opened the scoring with a brilliant goal in the 40th minute of the first half. Sanni Muhammed doubled the lead with a second goal for Vinod FA, solidifying their dominance.

Fasker FC managed to score their only goal through a penalty kick after the referee spotted an infringement against Vinod FA. Despite the setback, Vinod FA maintained their composure and held on to their lead until the final whistle.

In a display of sportsmanship, the Fasker FC management praised Vinod FA for their outstanding performance and encouraged their management to continue improving the team for optimal results.

The match was a testament to the talent and dedication of both teams, and Vinod FA's victory was well-deserved.

Congratulations to Vinod FA on their win.

@agegevoice Media, 

SANWO-OLU FLAGS OFF Y2024 MATERNAL, NEWBORN, CHILD, ADOLESCENT HEALTH PLUS WEEK IN LAGOS

 By Yomi Durojaye 


… Says Over Five Million Children to Benefit from Free Child Health Services

SANWO-OLU FLAGS OFF Y2024 MATERNAL, NEWBORN, CHILD, ADOLESCENT HEALTH PLUS WEEK IN LAGOS


Wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, today officially flagged off the Y2024 Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health Plus Nutrition (MNCAH+N) Week at the Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area.


The MNCAH+N Week is an initiative dedicated to promoting the well-being and survival of women and children, emphasising the importance of practising good health-seeking behaviours.


Speaking at the event, Dr. (Mrs.) Sanwo-Olu explained that the MNCAH+N Week remains a symbolic event in Lagos State, serving as a reminder that good health practices are essential to longevity and that the survival of a child is closely tied to adequate nutrition.


"We are all aware that a baby’s survival is closely tied to adequate nutrition, which must begin at birth and continue with the introduction of complementary foods from six months until 2 years. After this period, the child will transition to adult meals", she said.


She disclosed that the week, scheduled to run from Monday, 12th August to Friday, 16th August 2024, offers an opportunity for caregivers to update all essential life-saving services that may have been missed for various reasons. She added that the week is targeted at reaching over five million children under the age of five with essential services, including Routine Immunisation, Vitamin A supplementation, Deworming, Growth Monitoring, Malnutrition Screening, and the management of malnourished children, among others.


While reiterating the commitment of the present administration to reducing maternal and child mortality in the state, the wife of the Governor further noted that the State government has graciously declared free antenatal, delivery, and postnatal services for all pregnant women in state public hospitals.


She emphasised that the state government has zero tolerance for sexual and domestic violence, adding that adolescents and youths in the state remain a priority during the week-long event.


She warned all perpetrators of sexual and domestic violence to desist from such acts before the law catches up with them. She also urged survivors of domestic violence in the state to use the toll-free line (08000-333-333) to report any incident for appropriate intervention.


"Let me reiterate that the State Government has zero tolerance for sexual and domestic violence. I strongly advise perpetrators of these heinous acts to cease before the law catches up with them. Our adolescents and youths remain a priority during this week-long event, along with all survivors of sexual molestation and abuse by those who should be their protectors such as fathers, uncles, stepfathers, brothers, neighbours, and teachers", she said.


Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi restated the commitment of the present administration to attaining universal health coverage. She disclosed that during the last MNCAH+N Week, the state government was able to reach about 82% of children between the ages of six to 59 months with Vitamin A supplements, and about 74% of children between the ages of 12 to 59 months were dewormed.


Dr. Ogunyemi explained further that the Y2024 Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health Week is primarily targeted at creating more awareness about healthy living for mothers, preventing maternal and infant mortality, emphasising the importance of antenatal and postnatal care as well as educating women on proper family planning procedures.


"This is the Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health Week. Basically, we just want to create more awareness about healthy living for our mothers. We are also trying to push mothers to realise the importance of antenatal care, family planning, and routine immunisation when they deliver their babies", she said.


Also, speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, stressed that the event, which is being flagged off in Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area, is a state-wide programme that will extend beyond the week in the provision of sustainable healthcare delivery to residents.


Dr. Ogboye urged all women to take advantage of the medical intervention as quality healthcare delivery will be provided at the doorsteps of residents at no cost. He, however, stressed that the provision of sustainable healthcare delivery extends beyond the week-long event.


"My advice to everyone is to take advantage of the free services being offered this week, as it is a state-wide event. These services will continue in our health facilities and primary healthcare centres beyond the week," he said.


Chairman of Lagos Island East Local Council Development, Hon. Muibi Alade Folawiyo commended the Lagos State Government's commitment to providing sustainable healthcare delivery in the state. He assured that the local council, which is at the grassroots level, will not relent in its efforts to support government policies.


#AGreaterLagosRising 

#LASG

Orile Agege NYCN Announces Her Weeklong Celebration.

 

IYD 2024: WE ARE GETTING STARTED 


Orile Agege NYCN Nycn Orile-Agege   20 Million Naira Funds Raising and Investiture in commemoration of the International Youth Day 2024.



We are excited to inform you about the PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS for the record-breaking *20 Million Fundraising and Investiture Commemoration* in honor of International Youth Day 2024! 🎉


This momentous event is dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers in Orile Agege. 


As we gather to raise funds and recognize outstanding Leaders and youth contributions, we are reminded of the immense potential that lies within our young people.


Join us as we celebrate their achievements and invest in the future that they will shape.


 Together, we can create lasting impact and drive positive change in our communities and beyond.


This event shall also feature honouring and decorating of our Advisory Council Executives.


The events schedule goes thus: 


13th August - Voluntary Youth Organisations day 


14th August - The cultural will be done at the Oba's palace


16th August - Investiture/fundraising 


20th August - Interactive session with the councilors 


 21st August- Leadership seminar/health talk


22nd August - Community service 


23rd August - Jumat service 


24th August - Novelty Match 


25th August - Thanksgiving at First Baptist church Orile Agege


Let's come together to support and celebrate our youth, making this International Youth Day truly unforgettable!


Build the Youths.... Build the Nation.


Approved by.

Lion Omo'ba Adetunji Owokalade 

Coordinator, Orile Agege NYCN 


Announcer,

Walex Adeleye 

PRO, Orile Agege NYCN 


#YouthEmpowerment #InternationalYouthDay2024 #InvestInYouth


@highlight 


Babajide Sanwo-Olu 

Johnson Babatunde 

Mobolaji Ogunlende 

LAGOS MYSD Events 

Mudashiru Obasa 

The Lagos State Government 

Fatai Olagoke Ajibola 

Hon Jubreel Ayodeji Abdulkareem 

Wale Ahmed 

Hon Taofeek Adaranijo Mhr 

 Abiodun Olanrewaju Adedoyin 

Afolabi Ayantayo 

Prince Amosu Tomi 

Adigun Olalekan Ibrahim

WAEC Releases 2024 WASSEC result, See how to Check Result

 By Ayodele Ifasakin 


The post read, “The West African Examinations Council is pleased to inform candidates who sat WASSCE for school candidates, 2024 that the result has officially been released today, Monday, August 12, 2024.”




For the students who will be checking results, here are steps to follow:

Checking WAEC Results 2024 Online

  1. Visit the WAEC official results checker website: WAEC result checker. (www.waecdirect.org)
  2. Enter your 10-digit WAEC Examination Number in the designated field.
  3. Enter the 4 digits of your Examination Year eg. 2024
  4. Select the Type of Examination
  5. Enter the e-PIN Voucher Number
  6. Enter the Personal Identification Number (PIN) on your e-PIN
  7. Click Submit and wait for the results window to come up

Checking WAEC result 2024 via SMS

Step 1: Type WAECExaminationnumberPIN*Examyear through your phone (there should not be a space in between).


Step 2: Send to 32327


Step 3: You will receive a message instantly containing your WAEC statement of result.


It should be noted that only MTN, Glo, and Airtel subscribers can actually check their WAEC results using this SMS method.

Students can repeat the step if they do not receive your WAEC result via SMS, kindly repeat this step again.


SMS charges will be applied when checking your WASSCE result using text messages.

Sunday, 11 August 2024

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.


Saturday, 10 August 2024

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.


Friday, 9 August 2024

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.



Thursday, 8 August 2024

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