LASG TRAINS OFFICERS ON FOOD SECURITY, CLIMATE CHANGE

By Yomi Durojaye 

As part of a strategy to enhance the capacity of officers in the State Civil Service, the Ministry of Establishments and Training has commenced a two-day training programme for Environmental and Agricultural officers.

 LASG TRAINS OFFICERS ON FOOD SECURITY, CLIMATE CHANGE

The training programme, with the theme: “Food Security and Climate Change” held recently at the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry complex in Lagos.

While declaring the training programme open, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishments and Training, Mrs. Olubusola Abidakun noted that the training was apt and timely due to climate change as one of the factors causing food shortage in Nigeria.

According to her, the training was meant to equip officers with the knowledge and skills needed to develop and implement effective strategies that will protect the State’s food security systems and ensure a sustainable future.

Abidakun urged participants to embrace subsistence farming and be its advocate. This practice, she said, would help participants to have access to fresh farm produce thereby enabling a healthy lifestyle and ensuring an increase in supply of food in the state.

The importance of the training was exemplified by the presence of the facilitator, the Commissioner for Environment in Ogun State, Mr. Ola Oresanya, a former General Manager of Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), whose knowledge and expertise in the field of climate change would be a valuable advantage to the participants.

100 participants drawn from the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment and Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency are attending the programme.

German, Bruno Labbadia, becomes 37th Head Coach of the Super Eagles

By Ayodele Ifasakin 

 

The Nigeria Football Federation has announced that it has reached an agreement with German tactician, Bruno Labbadia, to become the Head Coach of Nigeria’s Senior Men National Team, Super Eagles.

 

NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said in the early hours of Tuesday: “The NFF Executive Committee has approved the recommendation of its Technical and Development Sub-Committee to appoint Mr. Bruno Labbadia as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles. The appointment is with immediate effect.”

 

 German, Bruno Labbadia, becomes 37th Head Coach of the Super Eagles

Born in Darmstadt, Germany on 8th February 1966, Labbadia, who won two caps for Die Mannschaft in his playing career that took him through clubs such as home-town team Darmstadt 98, Hamburger SV, FC Kaiserslautern, Bayern Munich, FC Cologne, Werder Bremen, Armenia Bielefeld and Karlsruher SC, triumphed in the German Bundesliga with Bayern Munich as a player in 1994. He coached famous names Hertha Berlin and VfB Stuttgart this decade, and previously, VfL Wolfsburg, Hamburger SV, Bayer Leverkusen, among others, and holds a UEFA Pro License.

 

He is only the sixth German, after Karl-Heinz Marotzke (who had two stints between 1970 and 1974), Gottlieb Göller (1981), Manfred Höner (1988-1989), Berti Vogts (2007-2008) and Gernot Rohr (2016-2021) to lead the Super Eagles. Höner led the Eagles to runner-up position at the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations, while Rohr qualified and led Nigeria to the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals in Russia.

 

Labbadi’s immediate challenge is to take charge of the three-time African champions for two 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Benin Republic (Saturday 7th September in Uyo) and Rwanda (Tuesday, 10th September in Kigali), with four other matches to conclude the qualifying race following in the months of October and November.

 

LIST OF SUPER EAGLES’ COACHES IN HISTORY

 

John Finch (England) – 1949

Daniel Anyiam (Nigeria) – 1954-1956; 1964-1965

Les Courtier (England) – 1956-1960

Moshe Beit Halevi (Israel) – 1960-1961

George Vardar (Hungary) – 1961-1963

Joey Blackwell (England) – 1963 – 1964

József Ember (Hungary) – 1965-1968

Sabino Barinaga (Spain) – 1968-1969

Peter ‘Eto’ Amaechina (Nigeria) – 1969-1970

Karl-Heinz Marotzke (Germany) – 1970-1971; 1974

Jorge Penna (Brazil) – 1972-1973

Jelisavčić ‘Father Tiko’ Tihomir (Yugoslavia) – 1974-1978

Otto Glória (Brazil) – 1979-1982

Gottlieb Göller (Germany) – 1981

Adegboye Onigbinde (Nigeria) – 1983-1984; 2002

Chris Udemezue (Nigeria) – 1984-1986

Patrick Ekeji (Nigeria) – 1985

Paul Hamilton (Nigeria) – 1987; 1989

Manfred Höner (Germany) – 1988-1989

Clemens Westerhof (Netherlands) – 1989-1994

Amodu Shaibu (Nigeria) – 1994-1995; 1996-1997; 2001-2002; 2008-2010

Johannes Bonfrere (Netherlands) – 1995-1996; 1999-2001

Philippe Troussier (France) – 1997

Monday Sinclair (Nigeria) – 1997-1998

Bora Milutinović (Yugoslavia) – 1998

Thijs Libregts (Netherlands) – 1999

Christian Chukwu (Nigeria) – 2002-2005

Augustine Eguavoen (Nigeria) – 2005-2007; 2010; 2022

Berti Vogts (Germany) – 2007-2008

Lars Lagerbäck (Sweden) – 2010

Samson Siasia (Nigeria) – 2010-2011; 2016

Stephen Keshi (Nigeria) – 2011-2014; 2015

Sunday Oliseh (Nigeria) – 2015-2016

Gernot Rohr (Germany) – 2016-2021

José Peseiro (Portugal) – 2022-2024

Finidi George (Nigeria) – 2024

Bruno Labbadia (Germany) – 2024-?

Bobrisky Narrates How He Fed Over 2500 Inmate

By Ayodele Ifasakin 

 

Bobrisky Narrates How He Fed Over 2500 Inmate

fed over 2,500 people in the maximum prison Kirikiri. The situation I met them was heartbreaking”- Bobrisky

 

Bobrisky Narrates How He Fed Over 2500 Inmate

Crossdresser, Bobrisky has claimed that while he was in prison, he fed over 2500 inmates.

In a post shared on Instagram on Sunday August 25, Bobrisky said the situation he met the inmates in prison left him heartbroken.

’I will always be proud of myself . I fed over 2,500 people in maximum prison Kirikiri. The situation i met them was heartbroken. I order 5 giant cows, 10 bag of rice, 5 full basket of tomatoes so i could feed them all and i also gave them money.

Nigerian Girls As Young As 13 Trafficked To Ivory Coast As Sex Workers

By Ayodele Ifasakin 

Nigerian Girls As Young As 13 Trafficked To Ivory Coast As Sex Workers 

A new report has revealed how girls as young as 13 from Nigeria are trafficked to Ivory Coast under the guise of selling 'body cream' only to be forced to undergo prostitution.

According to a new report by the Guardian UK, thousands of Nigerian girls were tricked with promises of work by agents taking advantage of the high unemployment level in the country.

Once they arrive in the city of Bouaké, the first words they are taught are “Alors baiser” and “c’est douce” which they use to initiate sexual activity and then to fake pleasure during the act.

A girl known as Sara reportedly said her mother’s best friend had told her she was going to the Ivorian city to sell body lotion. Instead, an older woman – a “madam” who had paid for her travel without her knowledge sent her to brothels in the city every night.

Sara (not her real name) says she is paid between 3,000–5,000 Central African Francs (CFA) – between £3.90 and £6.50 (N8,000-13,000 )– for every man she sleeps with for a “short time” and 25,000 CFA for an overnight stay. The money is split three ways between the brothel, Sara and the madam.

Three months after arriving in Bouaké, Sara is still waiting to earn enough to pay off debts of 2.5m CFA to the madam for travel, clothes, sustenance and bribes paid to agents, and return to Nigeria.

“She [the madam] took my Nigerian sim card when I came here, so I couldn’t call my people at home for the first month,” says Sara, who now goes by the name of Sugar and refused to give her real age.

Across Nigeria, recruiting agents go into rural communities or post in jobseekers’ groups on Facebook, talking ambiguously about hustles that yield plenty of rewards and sending photographs of girls and women they have recruited to known madams.

They coach recruits to tell immigration officials, who are sometimes aware of what is happening or simply don’t care enough to carry out proper scrutiny, that they are crossing the border to go to the nearby market in Cotonou, an auxiliary port for Nigeria.

Many recruits say, agents, who have been known to be a relative, do not accompany them on the journey but pass their numbers to other agents who guide them across the porous borders. With no means of identification, they gain access by paying bribes of 1,000-2,000 CFA, sometimes paid ahead to the driver by the agents.'' the report read

According to the paper, its reporters spoke to at least two dozen girls and women in the forest, some as young as 15. Some of them said they had been starved for refusing to work or beaten up by angry men who came to them for sex.

The report says many of the girls barely speak French and say they don’t know the country well enough to be able to escape.

Nigerian immigration officials who have managed to repatriate girls trapped as sex workers say they have seen girls as young as 13 that were trafficked.

“A lot of the girls we found claim to be over 18 and doing sex work of their own free will, but most of the time from their physical appearance, you know they are not,” says the former Nigerian official. “Tests to determine their age, such as scanning a wisdom tooth, cost about 50,000 CFA so you have to talk to them, but if they are insistent, you let them go back.”

The report concludes;

For Sara, the wait to return home goes on. She was in junior secondary school in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, before dropping out to travel to Ivory Coast. These days she is learning how to barter condoms for other items.

“I really don’t like the work I’m doing here. I miss my people at home,” she says.

Health: Why Resident Doctors Embarked On Nationwide Strike

By Ayodele Ifasakin 

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared a nationwide 7-day warning strike, commencing on Monday, August 26, 2024, at 12 am.

Health: Resident Doctors Embarked On Nationwide Strike 

The strike is in response to the abduction of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a registrar in the Department of Ophthalmology at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna.

Dr. Dele Abdullahi, President of NARD, announced the strike during an emergency meeting of the National Executive Council.

“The strike is total, and there will be no concessions or emergency care during this period,” he said.

Dr. Popoola was kidnapped on December 27, 2023, along with her husband and nephew. Although her husband was released in March, Dr. Popoola and her nephew remain in captivity after eight months.

Recall that NARD members protested against Dr. Popoola’s abduction on Thursday, August 15, in Lagos. The demonstration was organized by resident doctors of Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Metta.

Nigerians’ Hope For Lower Cement Price Dims

 By Ayodele Ifasakin 

Speaking to Financial Vanguard on condition of anonymity, a top official of Lafarge Africa Plc, makers of Elephant Cement stated that the operating environment has not been favourable to the cement industry as input costs continue to soar daily. The source noted that the cost for the importation of the machine and its parts for maintenance have been rising due to exchange rate volatility.

Nigerians’ Hope For Lower Cement Price Dims

The source emphasised that the rise in inflation is also a concern to the industry, urging the government to quickly address the problem.

Another factor for the rise in the price of cement is the rising cost of energy. “The machines that are used in the cement industry consume gas and electricity supply is erratic and cannot be relied upon,” the source added.

Concerning the threat by the government to lift the importation of cement, Lafarge source said: “It is not the best option; the government should tackle the causes for inflation and provide the necessary infrastructure for production.”

Commenting on the cost of inputs used by the cement manufacturers, Kabiru Rabiu, Group Executive Director, BUA Cement, said: “If you look at production costs the mining cost is probably not more than 30% and that is the only local thing, but for instance, the energy cost is about 40 to 50% and is index to dollars.

“The price of gas that used to operate the cement plant went up a little bit, but it was not even the price that was the problem, it is more about the exchange rate, even though we pay in naira for the energy for the gas. What happened was that this gas was indexed to the US dollar.

For example, last year we paid gas at N418 and then it jumped up to N750 and today the last invoice was priced at N1500 “Also we all import our gypsum, yes in Sokoto, we use local gypsum, but we do import our gypsum which is also priced in US dollar and you clear it using the dollar as a benchmark and then you transport it to your site. The bag in which we put cement also is in dollars because we import polypropylene as well; as the exchange rate of dollars continues to rise, this price will continue to go up.

So it is a perception that has been created that 90% of cement is local. The reality is even though you could say so, but the reality is that everything is indexed to dollars.

The more the naira gets weaker the higher you see some of these input costs in our operation and unfortunately somebody has to bear the price.”

Dangote Cement to key into CNG by 2025

Meanwhile, as part of measures to tackle the rising cost of transportation, Dangote Cement has assured that it will key into the Federal Government’s agenda, to run all cement trucks on Compressed Natural Gas, CNG.

The Chairman Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, also disclosed the company’s ongoing efforts at ramping up production with the ongoing construction of a new plant of 6 million metric tonnes per annum at Itori, in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State, to spur the supply of cement which would have some positive effect on price in the long run.

Breaking: Lagos State Police acquires, assigned permanent phone numbers to DPOs

By Ayodele Ifasakin 

 Lagos State Police acquired and assigned permanent phone numbers to the Offices of Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and other strategic officers.

Here is a list of dedicated phone numbers of police area commands and divisions in Lagos State:

*Area A*

– Area A: 09168627507

– Victoria Island: 09168630904

– Adeniji Adele: 09168572033

– Ebute-Ero: 09168629299

– Ikoyi: 09168628970

– L/Building: 09168628965

– Dolphin: 09168628982

– Onikan: 09168627519

*Area B*

– Area B: 09168630921

– Trinity: 09168630907

– Layeni: 09168627509

– Kirikiri: 09168628948

– Tolu: 09168628960

– Ajegunle: 09168628940

– Ijora-Badia: 09168628964

*Area C*

– Area C: 09168627513

– Iponri: 09168553406

– Aguda: 09168566217

– Orile: 09168628972

– Bode Thomas: 09168628951

– Denton: 09168630933

– Yaba: 09168627995

– Surulere: 09168628984

– Sabo: 09168628937

*Area D*

– Area D: 09168628979

– Isolo: 09168629298

– Ajao Estate: 09168627505

– Ago Okota: 09168629297

– Ejigbo: 09168630916

– Alakara: 09168630923

– Ijeshatedo: 09168628956

– Aswani: 09168620774

– Mushin: 09168628969

– Itire: 091686228980

– Ilasamaja: 09168628938

*Area E*

– Area E: 09168630939

– Ojo: 09168628926

– Okokomaiko: 09168628997

– Satellite: 09168628955

– Onireke: 09168628979

– FESTAC: 09168628988

– Trade Fair: 09168627515

– Iba: 09168630918

*Area F*

– Area F: 09168628963

– Ikeja: 09168630930

– Alausa: 09168628945

– Akinpelu: 09168628959

– Mosafejo: 09168567306

– Shogunle: 09168628937

– Makinde: 09168627520

– Ojodu: 09168630911

– Man-Centre: 09168628981

– Ilupeju: 09168628961

*Area G*

– Area G: 09168630968

– Dopemu: 09168630906

– Abattior: 09168628993

– Elere: 09168628994

– Isokoko: 09168628992

– Oko-Oba: 09168628407

– Alakuko: 09168605713

– Ijaiye-Ojokoro: 09168628941

– Pen-Cinema: 09168630914

*Area H*

– Area H: 09168628983

– Shomolu: 09168629245

– Ogudu: 09168630912

– Ketu: 09168627508

– Isheri: 09168628971

– Anthony: 09168628954

– Alapere: 09168630940

– Alade: 09168629281

– Oworoshoki: 09168628949

– Bariga: 09168629395

– Onipanu: 09168627506

– Ifako: 09168627506

*Area J*

– Area J: 09168628973

– Maroko: 09168630931

– Epe: 09168628995

– Ogombo: 09168630922

– Elemoro: 09168628968

– Langbasa: 09168628947

– Akodo: 09168628943

– Ajah: 09168627314

– Odo-Noforija: 09168627516

– LFTZ: 09168628959

– Ilasan: 09168628976

*Area K*

– Area K: 09168628985

– Badagry: 091686230917

– Ijanikin: 09168628998

– Seme: 09168628998

– Morogbo: 09168627511

– Ishashi: 09168627993

– Ilemba-Hausa: 09168568189

*Area L*

– Area L: 09168628962

– Ibese: 09168628944

– Takwa Bay: 09168628939

– Ilashe: 09168627512

– Igboologun: 09168630938

– Osolu Kingdom: 09168627517

*Area M*

– Area M: 09168630924

– Ikotun: 09168688099

– Igando: 09168630919

– Shasha: 09168628967

– Gowon-Estate: 09168627514

– Idimu: 09168628953

– Isheri-Oshun: 09168627994

*Area N*

– Area N: 09168627996

– Shagamu Rd: 09168630909

– Owutu: 09168630905

– Ipakodo: 09168628942

– Ikorodu: 09168628942

– Imota: 091686230910

– Ijede: 09168628990

– Ketu-Ereyun: 09168627510

– Owode-Onirin: 09168628977

– Agbowa: 09168630915

*Area P*

– Area P: 09168629392

– Ipaja: 09168628975

– Oke-Odo: 09168630937

– Alagbado: 09168630920

– Meiran: 09168628946

-Ayobo:09168627518.

#lagos #lagosnigeria #lagosbusiness #nigeria #LagosResidents #nigerians

Demola Oladimeji

I’d Love To Return To Prison, I Will Still Spray Money – Bobrisky

Controversial cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, has said he would love to go back to Kirikiri Correctional Centre.

DAILY POST recalls that Bobrisky was released on Monday, August 5, 2024, after serving six months imprisonment for abusing the naira by spraying it at parties.

He was sentenced to six months imprisonment on April 12, 2024, without the option of a fine by Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court, Lagos.

Appearing on the ‘Curiosity Made Me Ask’ show, hosted by content creator Bae U Barbie, Bobrisky said he would love to go back to jail

“I see my jail term as a vacation. You know, on vacation, you go and rest. I’ve been working so hard, and I think their decision was okay for me,” Bobrisky said.

“The decision was to break me, but sadly, nothing happened to Mummy of Lagos. I’m still fine, I’m still good, and I will continue to be fine and good.”

The host, Bae U, asked, “Prison fit you o! Would you like to go again?”

Bobrisky replied, “I would love to go, maybe for a short term like that again. Short term, not long-term.

“The reason why I would love to go again is that these people really want to break me. I have never seen anywhere you are going to sentence someone to prison for spraying money.

“It’s funny to me. Everything happened like a movie. Spraying of money? It’s my money. I’m not owing anybody money. I did not steal money. I did not kidnap, I did not rape. I did not kill anybody. I spent my own hard-earned money, and I was sentenced to where we have a lot of criminals.

“But like I always say, I’m a very strong person. If I have chosen this lifestyle to be who I wanna be, then I should be ready for the worst. And the worst that has happened is sending me to prison because, obviously, I did not do anything, I did not kill anybody.”

“I’m not an ex-convict because I can’t be convicted for spraying money. So I won’t accept it,” he said.

Bobrisky said he would now spray only dollars at events.

He said, “I am still going to spray money but I will only spray dollars not naira.

He added that he is not an ex convict because he cannot be convicted for spraying money.

I’d Love To Return To Prison, I Will Still Spray Money – Bobrisky

SANWO LISTENS’: LASG DISBURSES CHEQUES TO ANOTHER 150 BENEFICIARIES"

 By Yomi Durojaye 

The Lagos State Government, through the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, has presented cheques to another 150 beneficiaries of the Sanwo-Olu Cares Social Intervention programme, an initiative aimed at addressing the needs of Lagosians.

SANWO LISTENS’: LASG DISBURSES CHEQUES TO ANOTHER 150 BENEFICIARIES

In his remarks at the event held at the Conference Room of the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement recently, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr. Tajudeen Afolabi emphasised that the social intervention programme is one of the various efforts the administration is undertaking to improve the lives of vulnerable residents and provide adequate economic empowerment, especially with the ongoing hardship in the country.

Afolabi said:  “Every eligible and vulnerable citizen has a right to receive the support they need to overcome financial challenges and contribute to the State’s economic growth. Hence today’s event symbolises Mr. Governor’s dedication to his No One Will Be Left Behind philosophy. This is just the beginning of our commitment to ensuring that every Lagosian has the opportunity to thrive. Sanwo-Olu will continue to listen, understand, and respond to the needs of Lagosians”.

Explaining the application and selection process, Dr. Afolabi clarified that there is no form of discrimination in the selection process of the beneficiaries, noting that all recipients were selected based on their application, with detailed financial needs and how they planned to expend the funds, each beneficiary will be receiving a cheque of varying amounts, tailored to their individual need.

Appreciating the Lagos State Government, one of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Esther Akinbamire noted that the financial aid will be used for the medical expenses of her son, who is in dire need of urgent medical surgery.

She also appreciated the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Civic Engagement, Hon. Ruth Lijrin for promptly coming to her aid and contributing her quota towards the wellbeing of her ailing son.

Speaking in a similar vein, another beneficiary, Mrs. Naomi Onigbanjo, said the assistance came at a time she needed it most and she is incredibly grateful to be selected among many applicants.

Mr. Gani Dada, a retiree who is also one of the beneficiaries, expressed his gratitude for the financial relief, stating that it will help him sort out his medical bills and purchase the drugs needed for his ailment”.

Dignitaries present at the event include the Permanent Secretary, Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Ms. Sholabomi Shasore; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Civic Engagement, Hon. Ruth Lijrin; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Political and Legislative, Hon. Saidi Balogun as well as Directors and Staff of the Office.

"Resume Healthy with Academic Excellence”, As Dr. Sola Pitan Holds Medical Outreach For 2500 School children In Lagos

 

By Yomi Durojaye 

Orile Agege General Hospital (OAGH) has organized Y2024 Back-to-School Medical Outreach 2024/2025 academic session resumption for 2500 school children in Lagos 

CEO/MD, Orile Agege General Hospital, Dr. Sola Pitan

 

The Medical Director/CEO of OAGH.  Dr. Sola Pitan disclosed this during the commencement of the week-long Back-To-school Medical Outreach held recently at the facility, stressing that the programme was initiated to meet the school-health needs of children within the Orile Agege community ahead of the school resumption. The initiative is the third edition and is themed: “Resume Healthy: Academic Excellence”, with a target of 2500 school children.

 “The programme was designed to ensure a healthy life that enhances children’s learning between ages five and 15 during the school year. The children will go through pediatrics, evaluation, eye, ear, dental checks, nutrition/diabetes and social welfare services. The various screening will help detect potential health problems and improve the overall health of the children", he stated.

The programme, he said, started in 2022 and it has been increasing by the year with the number of children and partners as more people in the community now trust the government hospitals with their health care, as such they come along with their children.

The Medical Director added that the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led government recognised OAGH’s growth and designated the hospital as one of the government-owned facilities to start training medical house officers.

He said, “We have got accommodation for them; we are ready and waiting for the visit of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) to come and accredit us. We thank the Governor for helping us to achieve that status. Our theatre used to be two but it’s now a four-suite theatre; we have also been able to expand the hospital services", Pitan said. 

This, according to him, is a testament to the good works that Governor Sanwo-Olu and all the health care providers are doing. All the training, capacity development, and every other tool and support are instrumental to the hospital's achievements as well as the support of the community. 

Dr. Pitan said OAGH is giving its best to the community to achieve the state government's desire to increase further access to healthcare delivery within and outside Orile Agege.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Hospital Service Commission (HSC), Dr. Benjamin Eniayewun lauded the hospital for championing the well-being of children in the state through its health initiative.

He said:  “What we have on ground is best described with ‘The fact speaks for itself’, I can only say that this is the way to go. Prevention is sometimes better than cure; health promotion is the way to go, and there is so much we can do in this space before people fall sick, they’ll toe the wellness line”.

Also speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government, Hon. Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi ably represented by his vice Chairman, Hon. Oluwagbenga Abiola Agbelebu, said schools pupils are wonderful children of God that nothing is too much for the quality upbring of those children.

Hon. Abiola who hailed Dr. Pitan for the first of His kinds initiative to ensure School pupils enjoyed quality medical services that sharpened their knowledge and academic excellence.

As a government, "we will ensure the prioritization of excellent service delivery to our school pupils to enhance their quality performance in their academic and curricular activities". Abiola concluded.

Many Injured As BRT Bus Tumbles At Iyana Ipaja, Lagos

 

By Ayodele Ifasakin 

A fully loaded high-capacity Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) vehicle overturned inside the dedicated BRT lane at Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, resulting in injuries to 10 passengers.

 Many Injured A BRT Bus Tumbles At Iyana Ipaja, Lagos

According to an update from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the accident occurred shortly after the bus had departed from the BRT park at Iyana Ipaja.

While giving an update on social media, the agency said the bus ran into an abandoned pedestrian bridge foot immediately after the Iyana Ipaja bridge, causing it to tip over onto its side.

The authorities have confirmed that all 10 victims have received necessary medical attention.

LASTMA officials were quickly on the scene to manage the situation and ensure that the victims were promptly taken care of.

The accident has caused significant disruption to traffic in the area, with efforts underway to clear the lane and restore normal traffic flow.

Motorists and commuters are advised to exercise caution and follow traffic directives as authorities work to resolve the situation

Corruption: EFCC Declares Yahaya Bello A Fugitive, Orders Arrest On Sight

 By Ayodele Ifasakin 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said the former governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello must be made to face the law as he is currently charged with money laundering, breach of trust, and the misappropriation of N80.2 billion, during his time as governor.

Corruption:  EFCC Declares Yahaya Bello A Fugitive, Orders Arrest On Sight

The anti graft agency made this known on Thursday, during an interview on News Central TV.

Speaking at the interview, Spokesman for EFCC, Dele Oyewale said they had declared Bello wanted after multiple attempts to arrest him were unsuccessful and are unaware of his current location.

THE WHISTLER had reported that the Court of Appeal, Abuja on August 20, 2024, ordered Bello to appear before it for arraignment on corruption charges brought against him by the EFCC.

Reacting to the judgement, Oyewale said “the court of appeal is just to amplify the position of the commission and also to establish the fact that we are focused concerning his matter”.

“We are collaborating with both local and international law enforcement agencies to ensure Bello’s arrest.

“As it is now, Yahaya Bello cannot come into the open. He cannot make himself available anywhere because he has become a fugitive, and we all know the instruments of the law.

Anywhere he is sighted, he would be arrested,” Oyewale said.

He attributed delays in some cases brought before the commission to procedural issues and the commission’s “strict” adherence to the rule of law.

Profile Of The 23rd Chief Justice Of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun

By Ayodele Ifasakin 

Hon. Mr. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo KEKERE-EKUN CFR was born in London, the United Kingdom on 7th May 1958.

 Profile Of The 23rd Chief Justice Of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun

Her parents are both indigenes of Lagos State, Nigeria. She is the eldest of eleven siblings from both parents. Her father, Alhaji Senator Hassan Adisa Babatunde Fasinro, OFR, LL.D, was a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and fervent Muslim, a legal practitioner, an author, a very dedicated family man of noble lineage and one of the founding fathers of Lagos. He died at 99 years old in March 2019.

Her mother, Mrs. Winifred Layiwola Ogundimu (née Savage), is a devout Christian. She studied nursing in the UK, where she qualified as a Public Health Nurse before returning to Nigeria in December 1965. Upon her return to Nigeria, she built her career in the civil service of Lagos State and retired years later, at the age of 60.

KMO Kekere-Ekun attended private primary schools before proceeding in 1970 to Queen’s College, Lagos, the best Federal Government College for girls in the country at the time. She studied Law at the University of Lagos, Nigeria, from 1977 to 1980 and obtained her LL.B in 1980.

She subsequently attended the Nigerian Law School from 1980 to 1981 and was called to the Nigerian Bar on 10th July 1981. From 1981 to 1982, she was engaged in the compulsory NYSC at the Ministry of Justice, Benin City, Bendel State (now Edo State). Afterwards, she proceeded to the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) where she obtained a master’s degree in law in 1983.

After qualifying as a lawyer and obtaining a Master’s degree in law from LSE, she worked in private law practice for a few years. As a result of the toll of the demands of private practice on her domestic responsibilities, she decided to join the bench to be able to enjoy more predictable work hours. She applied and was appointed by the Lagos State Judiciary as a Senior Magistrate Grade II in December 1989. This marked the beginning of her career on the bench. She was subsequently appointed a Judge of the High Court of Lagos State on 19th July 1996.

On 22nd September 2004, she was elevated to the Court of Appeal. As a Justice of the Court of Appeal, she served in five different Divisions across the country. She was the pioneer Presiding Justice of the Makurdi Division of the Court of Appeal, and also served as the Presiding Justice of the Akure Division of the Court of Appeal before her elevation to the Supreme Court on 8th July 2013. She is the 5th female to be promoted to the Apex Court after Aloma Mukhtar, Clara Bata Ogunbiyi, Olufunlola Adekeye and Mary Ukaego Peter-Odili.

-Justice Kekere-Ekun served as Chairman of the Robbery and Firearms Tribunal, Zone II, Ikeja, Lagos, from November 1996 till May 1999, when the Tribunals were abolished.

-She was one of 3 Judges of the Lagos State High Court first selected to try offences relating to financial crimes and money laundering under the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Establishment Act, 2004 and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

-In 2003, she served as a member of the Ethics Curriculum Planning Committee of the National Center for State Courts (NCSC), in collaboration with the Department for International Development (DFID) and UNODC. This committee produced the Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees.

-From February 2003-July 2004, she chaired the Public Complaints and Training Committee that was part of the UNODC pilot project on strengthening judicial integrity and capacity in Lagos State. This Committee investigated complaints against magistrates in the performance of their official duties.

-She served as a member of the committee that drafted the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2004 from April 2002 till December 2002.

-From December 2001 till December 2004, she served as a member of the Steering Committee of the Lagos State Multi-Door Court House, the first court-connected Alternative Dispute Resolution center in Africa.

-After her elevation to the Appeal Court, she served on the Information Technology Committee, which was to facilitate the computerization of the Court.

She is a recipient of many awards and belongs to several professional associations and groups, such as the:-

.National Association of Women Judges .International Association of Women Judges

.Body of Benchers

.Life Bencher W.E.F.

.Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (Fellow)

.International Dispute Resolution Institute (Fellow)

She is also a member of the Ikoyi Club 1938 and married to Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun, OFR (a former Managing Director of the now defunct Habib Bank Nigeria Plc) since December 1983. Their union is blessed with three children.

From Fuel Costs To Passport Fees, Food Price Hike, Nigerians Struggle Under Price Hikes - see more lists

 By Ayodele Ifasakin 

Since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, Nigeria has seen significant increases in the prices of various essential goods and services, affecting the cost of living for millions.

These hikes, attributed by the government to necessary economic reforms, have sparked widespread debate and concern.

From Fuel Costs To Passport Fees, Food Price Hike, Nigerians Struggle Under Price Hikes - see more list

While the government argues that these increases are necessary for economic reforms and sustainability, they have undeniably contributed to the rising cost of living.

PUNCH Online highlights a list of major items and services that have seen price hikes during Tinubu’s administration.

1.⁠ ⁠Fuel price surge

One of the most significant and controversial price hikes has been in fuel. Following the removal of the fuel subsidy in May 2023, the price of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol, soared. The pump price jumped from around ₦185 per litre to over ₦500 per litre, with reports of prices reaching ₦700 per litre in some areas. This surge has had a ripple effect on transportation costs, food prices, and overall inflation.

2.⁠ ⁠Electricity tariffs increase

Electricity tariffs also saw a sharp rise. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission approved a tariff increase for Distribution Companies (DisCos), raising the tariff for Band A customers from ₦68/kWh to ₦225/kWh, a staggering 240% increase. According to the government, this move, which took effect in April 2024, aims to save the government ₦1.5 trillion by removing subsidies on electricity for this customer category. However, the hike has significantly added pressure on household expenses.

3.⁠ ⁠Passport fee hike

The Federal Government approved an upward review of passport fees, effective from September 1, 2024. According to a statement by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the cost of a 32-page passport booklet with five-year validity increased from ₦35,000 to ₦50,000, while the 64-page booklet with ten-year validity rose from ₦70,000 to ₦100,000. The NIS stated that the hike was necessary to maintain the quality and integrity of the Nigerian passport.

4.⁠ ⁠Rising cooking gas prices

Cooking gas prices have continued to climb. As of March 2024, the average cost to refill a 5kg cylinder of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) increased by 7.10% from February, reaching ₦6,591.62. Year-on-year, this marks a 42.97% increase from ₦4,610.48 in March 2023. The National Bureau of Statistics attributed this rise to various economic factors, including higher import costs.

5.⁠ ⁠Higher transportation costs

Transportation costs have significantly increased, largely driven by the fuel price hike. Public transportation fares in cities like Lagos and Abuja have doubled or even tripled. For example, the average bus fare from Berger to Mowe increased from ₦300 in March 2023 to ₦500 by August 2024. This surge has made commuting and intercity travel considerably more expensive for Nigerians.

6.⁠ ⁠Food price inflation

Food prices, already on the rise due to inflation and insecurity, have been further exacerbated by the removal of the fuel subsidy. The increased transportation costs have directly impacted the prices of staples such as rice, beans, and maize, placing additional strain on household budgets across the country.

7.⁠ ⁠Tuition fee increase

Tuition fees in several federal universities have also been hiked. For instance, the University of Lagos raised its tuition fees from around ₦19,000 to ₦190,250 for medical students and ₦140,250 for other courses. This substantial increase, announced in July 2023, has sparked protests among students and concerns over access to affordable education.

Why Chinese Firm Seized Another Nigerian Jet In Canada

 By Ayodele Ifasakin 

Chinese company, Zhongshang Fucheng Industrial Investment Ltd, has completed the repossession of a luxury jet owned by Nigeria in Canada, as part of its ongoing confiscation of Nigerian assets globally.

Why Chinese Firm Seized Another Nigerian Jet In Canada

The aircraft, a Bombardier 6000 type BD-700-1A10, was handed over to Zhongshang following a recent change of custodian paperwork finalized by Canadian authorities in Montreal, according to sources familiar with the mattermatter told News360 Nigeria

This development follows a Canadian court ruling earlier this year, which empowered Zhongshang to seize the jet from Nigeria.

Despite attempts by Nigeria to retain ownership, Judge David Collier of the Superior Court of Quebec dismissed the country’s arguments on March 21, 2024.

The jet, purchased for $57 million by fugitive Dan Etete with proceeds from the controversial OPL 245 oil field sale, had been seized by Nigeria in 2016 and was held in Dubai before being flown to Canada in 2020.

Zhongshang’s seizure of the aircraft is part of its broader efforts to enforce arbitration awards amounting to over $70 million against Nigeria, following a failed free trade zone contract in Ogun State.

The Chinese firm has already seized Nigerian assets in the UK, France, and Canada, with further confiscations anticipated in Belgium and the United States.

Despite Nigeria’s repeated legal challenges across five countries, the nation has been unsuccessful in preventing these seizures and continues to deny any wrongdoing in the case.

Meanwhile, efforts to resolve the dispute through negotiations with Zhongshang have made little progress. The latest development has not yet been addressed by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

LASUSBAS CONDUCTS SEAMLESS JUPEB 2024 FINAL EXAMINATION

 By Ayodele Ifasakin 

...External Supervisor Rate School High In Examination Conduct

The Lagos State University School of Basic and Advanced Studies (LASUSBAS) has received rave reviews on the smooth conduct of the ongoing Joint Universities Preliminary Examination Board (JUPEB) 2024 final examination. 

LASUSBAS CONDUCTS SEAMLESS JUPEB 2024 FINAL EXAMINATION

The chief examination supervisor, Prof. Solomon Akinboye, from the University of Lagos, gave accolades to the School for putting relevant mechanisms in place to ensure the smooth conduct of the examination, while giving a pass mark on the conduct of the students. 

Prof. Akinboye, spoke on Wednesday, 21st August 2024, when a correspondent from the Centre for Information and Public Relations, visited the LASUSBAS Campus in Topo, Badagry to cover the Chemistry Practical examination scheduled for that day. He said, "..the exam has been running seamlessly and we are impressed. Apart from some teething problems, which are normal, everything has been seamless so far." 

His assertion was corroborated by the Director of the School, Prof. Yunus Adeleke Dauda who expressed enthusiasm that judging by the level of preparation that the students have been put through, they would perform excellently in the exams. The professor of Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management, said, "We have put in the highest level of preparation for the exam, thanks to the university management who has done so much by giving us all we need to ensure the success of the process." 

He also added that "..we have done our best to prepare our students for the exams. We have one of the largest number of students that we have recorded in this programme so far, and we have taken care of all they need to make sure that they are successful. The students are also very prepared and based on that, and with the support of the management, I believe our students will be highly successful."

Prof. Dauda was on ground to oversee the examination alongside the Deputy Director, Dr Ronke Saibu and Assistant Director, Dr Waheed Akingbade. 

In the outgoing session, about 733 students were admitted for the LASUSBAS JUPEB programme, 476 of which took Chemistry Practical examination on Wednesday. 

The examination held under a controlled and secured environment with students subjected to series of security checks and biometric clearance before being allowed into the hall. 

Meanwhile, registration  has opened for admission into the LASUSBAS JUPEB programme for the 2024/2025. Prospective students can obtain their form via www.lasu.edu.ng/foundation.

The 2023/2024 final examinations commenced on Monday, 19th August 2024, is scheduled to conclude on Friday, 30th August, 2024.

We are LASU, We are Great!

Police Arrest Couple For Allegedly Assaulting Their 8-Year-Old Maid

  By Ayodele Ifasakin 

The Edo State Police Command has arrested a couple for allegedly assaulting their eight-year-old maid, simply identified as Precious in Ikpoba Hill near Benin City in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of the state.

Police Arrest Couple For Allegedly Assaulting Their 8-Year-Old Maid

The suspects were alleged to have inflicted injuries on the maid’s body who happened to be a niece to the wife identified simply as Mummy Gabriel.

It was gathered that the couple was later arrested by the police after some people reported the matter at the Oregbeni Police Division, Ikpoba Hill.

The spokesman of the command, Moses Joel Yamu, confirmed the arrest.

“The command is in receipt of this incident. The victim is currently undergoing treatment while the investigation continues," he said.

See the Current Fees for 32, 64 Pages As FG hikes Passport Fees

By Yomi Durojaye 

See the Current Fees for 32, 64 Pages As FG hikes Passport Fees 

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT APPROVES AN UPWARD REVIEW OF NIGERIANPASSPORT FEES TO ENSURE QUALITY AND INTEGRITY

See the Current Fees for 32, 64 Pages As FG hikes Passport Fees 

As part of its efforts to maintain the quality and integrity of theNigerian Standard Passport, the Federal Government has approved anupward review of the fees for the Passport effective from 1st September, 2024.

2. Based on the review, 32-page Passport booklet with 5 year validity previously charged at Thirty-five Thousand Naira (N35,000.00) will now be Fifty Thousand Naira (N50,000.00) only; while 64-page Passport booklet with 10 year validity which was Seventy Thousand Naira (N70,000.00) will be One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000.00) only.

However, the fees remain unchanged in Diaspora.

3. While the Nigeria Immigration Service regrets any inconvenience this increase might cause prospective applicants; it assures Nigerians of unwavering commitment to transparency and quality service delivery at all times.

e-Signed

DCI KT Udo

Service Public Relations Officer

Service Headquarters, Abuja

21st August, 2024.

Sports: Learn From My Mistakes, Etim Esin Tells Osimhen

 By Yomi Durojaye 

Ex-Nigeria international Etim Esin has weighed in on the lingering transfer of Napoli Striker, Victor Osimhen, attributing the delay to off-field issues, especially the player’s outburst against former Super Eagles coach Finidi George.

Osimhen, who slammed Finidi during a live video in June over comments regarding his absence from the national team, has been a subject of transfer even before the start of the summer transfer window, but with 10 days left for business, the former Italian champions are still seeking suitable offers for the player valued at €130m.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, PSG and Manchester United have all been linked with a move for the reigning African Footballer of The Year but nothing has materialised with the Blues remaining as the only viable option.

In an interview with Elegbete TV, Esin, who is regarded as one of the most gifted Nigerian players, feels the transfer of the 25-year-old ought not to take too long, given his pedigree as the best player in Africa.

“A coach can make or mar you in terms of indiscipline, and I think one of my pitfalls was indiscipline,” Esin told Elegbete TV.

“You haven’t played the World Cup. You haven’t won AFCON; you just won the African Footballer of The Year, and you are ranting like this.

“Look at all the transfer saga going on. Now, they are looking for a swap deal, making your life difficult. Which African Footballer of the Year has been involved in a swap deal? Yekini, Amuneke, Ikpeba and co, signed them straight up.

“I think Osimhen should sit down and even come and ask someone like me what indiscipline has cost me in football. Thank God it hasn’t cost my life.

He also noted that the player should turn his attention to the more needy aspects of the residents of the area in which he grew up in Lagos.

“Go to where you are from and build an academy. Raise another star, if they can’t play football, give them scholarships. That’s what his team should advise him to do. I’m not coming here showing off with music stars. I used to do that, but it would derail him.

“By now, his deal should have been closed. The window is almost over.”

Osimhen was signed from Lille in 2020 for a fee of around €75m and the Nigeria international has gone on to establish himself as one of the most exciting strikers in world football. He scored 25 league goals in the 2022/23 season to help Napoli win the Serie A for the first time in 33 years, emerged as the league’s top scorer and won the APOTY award in December 2023.

SANWO-OLU UNVEILS BLOCK OF SIX CLASSROOMS, OFFICES AT OKEGUN-ODOFIN

 By Yomi Durojaye 

… Commends Nigerian Breweries Plc for Collaboration 

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has commissioned and officially handed over the first Okegun-Odofin Community Junior Secondary School, constructed and donated by Nigerian Breweries Plc to the Lagos State Government under the "One Community At a Time" (OCAAT) initiative.

SANWO-OLU UNVEILS BLOCK OF SIX CLASSROOMS, OFFICES AT  OKEGUN-ODOFIN

The event took place on Tuesday at Okegun-Odofin Ajeniya Village, Ibeju-Lekki, with Governor Sanwo-Olu represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin.

The Governor commended Nigerian Breweries Plc for supporting the Lagos State Government’s "Education and Technology" pillar of the THEMES Plus Developmental Agenda. He emphasised that the donation of the school is a lifetime legacy, as educating a child is tantamount to educating a nation.

His words, “Education is central to our administration’s developmental agenda because we recognise that the future of Lagos State is closely linked to the quality of education we provide for our children. It is therefore encouraging to see Nigerian Breweries Plc actively embracing their role as stakeholders in advancing education in our society through the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund”.

The Governor highlighted that this partnership showcases the power of Public-Private Partnerships, which have been crucial in driving progress and development across various sectors in Lagos State. He noted that the establishment of the school would enable parents to send their children to a nearby secondary school, eliminating the need for long commutes and ensuring access to quality education in a conducive environment. 

Sanwo-Olu also praised the immediate past Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs. Folashade Sherifat Jaji for initiating and securing approval from the State Executive Council for the implementation of the OCAAT programme during her tenure.

The OCAAT initiative, the Governor explained, is an integrated, inter-sectoral, community-based programme focusing on sanitation, health, education, and recreation, aiming to sustainably improve the lives of people in underserved communities across the state.

He added that, beyond the Okegun-Odofin intervention, the initiative has positively impacted other communities as well. He urged community leaders and residents to ensure the school is protected, emphasising that the security of the school and its infrastructure is a collective responsibility.

Speaking earlier, the Corporate Affairs Director of Nigerian Breweries, Mrs. Shola Morgan stated that the project is part of the company’s ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts to enhance quality education in Nigeria. 

She expressed pride in partnering with the Lagos State Government’s OCAAT initiative to create better learning environments for the country’s future leaders, highlighting the company's educational CSR initiatives across various parts of the Federation.

In her remarks, former SSG and OCAAT initiator, Mrs. Folashade Jaji expressed her happiness at the completion of the Okegun-Odofin Junior High School. She extended her gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu, Nigerian Breweries Plc, and the local community, particularly Baale Okegun-Odofin, Chief Ismaila Ogunkoya, who donated the land for the project.

The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Tolani Alli-Balogun assured that preparations to get the school operational are well underway, with recruitment for teaching staff from within the community set to begin immediately.

The Baale of Okegun-Odofin, Chief Ismaila Ogunkoya, and other community leaders also expressed their appreciation to the Governor, Mrs. Jaji, and Nigerian Breweries, pledging to take ownership of and protect the school.

The new school facility includes six classrooms, a principal’s office, staff rooms, and separate toilet facilities for boys and girls.

In attendance at the event were Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office, Mr. Kehinde Farouk Gbajumo; Permanent Secretary, Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Abayomi Abolaji; Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Engr. Sesan Olowa; traditional rulers, chiefs, and the Education Secretary for the district.

#AGreaterLagosRising 

#LASG

LAGOS JOINS OTHER SOUTHWEST STATES TO CELEBRATE ISESE DAY

By Ayodele Ifasakin  

… Reiterates Commitment to Promote Indigenous Tradition, Heritage

In a bid to promote and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the state, Lagos State joined other South-West states in celebrating Isese Day, observed on August 20th, in line with the United Nations' World Traditional Religion Day.

Isese Day is a significant celebration of the Yoruba religion, which encompasses the traditional spiritual beliefs and practices of the Yoruba people, predominantly found in southwestern Nigeria, including Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Kwara, and parts of Kogi State.

To commemorate this occasion, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe led a delegation from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, along with the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture, to visit Obas and traditional leaders across the state.

During the visit, Mr. Aregbe congratulated the Obas and urged them to use the occasion to pray for peace, unity, and stability in the state and the country at large. He emphasised the importance of preserving cultural heritage and promoting indigenous traditions, highlighting the government's commitment to supporting traditional institutions.

Aregbe said that the state government also enjoined the traditional worshippers to celebrate in moderation and respect the rights of others, ensuring that the culture of religious tolerance in the state is upheld.

As part of the festivities, the Special Adviser joined celebrations at the Palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos. 

The revered Monarch shared words of wisdom with adherents who gathered at the palace to celebrate with him, urging everyone to embrace truth and patience and to pray for divine guidance for our leaders. He emphasised the importance of respect, understanding, and spiritual growth, advocating for prayers and support for leaders to foster a more harmonious and progressive society.

Mr. Aregbe’s visit to the palace was a significant moment in the Isese Day celebrations, highlighting the collaboration and mutual respect between traditional institutions and the government.

The Special Adviser also visited the palace of the Oniru of Iru Land, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, who commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for approving Isese Day as a public holiday, allowing workers to celebrate Yoruba culture and heritage. Oba Lawal pledged that traditional rulers would continue educating the youth about Lagos' culture and heritage and presented a publication on the history of Iru Land, along with a Quarterly Gazette, to the Special Adviser.

Oba Lawal also noted that the Iru Kingdom had begun consultations and appeasement of the gods, particularly Olokun Aje at the beachside, for peace, progress, and unity in the community, Lagos State, and Nigeria earlier in the day.

The celebration is a testament to the Lagos State Government's dedication to promoting, propagating, and preserving the state's rich cultural heritage. It featured various cultural parades by different traditional groups, prayers, music, and dance.

By joining other South-West states in observing Isese Day, the Lagos State Government aims to foster a sense of unity and shared identity among the Yoruba people and other traditional communities, enhancing the preservation of cultural heritage.

#AGreaterLagosRising 

#LASG

Nigerian Army Officer Arrested With 485 Rounds Of Ammunition Hidden In Cartons Of Dry Fish

By Ayodele Ifasakin 

Nigerian Army Officer Arrested With 485 Rounds Of Ammunition Hidden In Cartons Of Dry Fish

 Nigerian Army Officer Arrested With 485 Rounds Of Ammunition Hidden In Cartons Of Dry Fish

ANigerian soldier, Sergeant Saad Adamu with service number 05NA/56/385 has been arrested for alleged possession of illegal ammunition in Borno State, SaharaReporters can report.

Adamu was reportedly found with 485 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and 2 magazines concealed in cartons of dry fish. 

According to a military signal seen by SaharaReporters, the soldier was arrested at Njimtilo, along Damaturu/Maiduguri Road. 

Native Reporters

Rain, Lightning, Thunderstorms Caused Petrol Scarcity: NNPC

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd. has blamed the fuel scarcity that has led to long queues in filling stations nationwide due to recent rains, lightning, and thunderstorms.

Rain, Lightning, Thunderstorms Caused Petrol Scarcity: NNPC 

NNPCL’s vice-president (downstream), Dapo Segun, disclosed this at a press conference at the NNPC towers in Abuja.

Fuel queues have resurfaced in filling stations across the country, with car owners spending long hours in queues and black markets having a field day with fuel now being sold for as much as over N1,000.

Apologising to Nigerians for the queues springing up across the country and noting that the NNPC will not like to make excuses, Mr Segun, on Tuesday, said the recent weather conditions hampering the sufficient distribution of fuel across the country is beyond the control of the corporation, but assured that all will be done to manage the situation.

“We’ll like to apologise to Nigerians for the queues we’ve been seeing springing up. A number of the causes are outside of our control but we’ll do our best to manage. We do not like to make excuses,” Mr Segun stated. “For example, since the rains began, the Estragos channel has been difficult to navigate through. We have vessel after vessel going around there because of siltation, and that has really hindered our ability to bring petroleum products, particularly PMS, up country.”

The NNPCL executive added, “We also understand that with the rains also, situations where to discharge petroleum products where there is lightning, thunderstorms, you have to suspend, not just the discharge of petroleum products onshore but also, the evacuation from the tankers. We’ve had situations that have occurred in recent times.

“We’ve also had issues with the road network. That also gives challenges in bringing these products upcountry. The tightness you see in Lagos currently was due to a very short supply gap, which has since been redressed. Vessels are in Lagos now, offloading and discharging as I speak. So, that is definitely short-lived.”

Mr Segun vowed that despite the number of factors creating the nightmarish situations, no stone will be left unturned in ensuring that petroleum products get to all nooks and crannies in the country.

LAGOS TASKFORCE RIDS MILE 2 - OKE OF ROADSIDE PETROLEUM DEALERS, SHANTIES..… Confiscates Over 2000 Litres Of Petroleum Products.

… Confiscates Over 2000 Litres Of Petroleum Products

By Ayodele Ifasakin 

 LAGOS TASKFORCE RIDS MILE 2 - OKE OF ROADSIDE PETROLEUM DEALERS, SHANTIES

Lagos State Task Force has taken critical steps to curb the escalating challenges posed by roadside vendors and the proliferation of shanties along Mile 2 - Oke on the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway. This swift action is part of the planned programmes of the Chairman of the Agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele to protect and preserve the environment in line with the THEMES Plus Agenda of the State Government. 

In recent months, the stretch of road along Mile 2 - Oke has been plagued by illegal roadside activities that have contributed to severe traffic congestion, an alarming rise in traffic-related robberies, and an overall degradation of the environment. The spread of shanties has not only affected the free flow of traffic on that route but has also become a breeding ground for criminal activities, putting the lives and properties of motorists and commuters at risk.

The Lagos State Taskforce, acting on the directives of the State Government and Lagos Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade has moved swiftly to dismantle these illegal structures and clear the area of vendors selling goods by the roadside. 

The Chairman disclosed that the roadside vendors who set up tents on the kerbs are also known to deal illegally in petroleum products, adding that “Among the most pressing issues addressed was the illegal sale of petrol and diesel by the roadside where over 2000 litres of petroleum products were seized. This is a highly dangerous practice that poses a significant risk of fire hazards and explosions. We will ensure that such activities that endanger the lives of these illegal merchants and other road users are brought to a complete halt”.

He further assured that the Lagos State Task Force remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents, and this operation is a testament to that commitment, stressing that the Agency will continue to monitor the area to prevent the resurgence of illegal activities and to ensure that the roads remain clear for safe and smooth transportation.

Residents and business owners in the Mile 2 area are urged to cooperate with the authorities and adhere to the Environmental Laws of the Lagos State Government to maintain the safety and serenity that has been recorded over time.

CSP Akerele disclosed that four suspects were arrested and several items were confiscated during the raid. The arrested suspects will be charged to court and items confiscated will be forfeited to the State Government through the court. 

#AGreaterLagosRising 

#LASG

SANWO-OLU LIGHTS UP LNSC 57 COMMANDS WITH SOLAR ENERGY

 AgegePulse Magazine 

The Lagos State Government has provided solar power for the Command Offices of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA)across the 57 Local Governments and Local Development Council Authorities.

SANWO-OLU LIGHTS UP LNSC 57 COMMANDS WITH SOLAR ENERGY

The solar panels and their accessories were fitted to ensure uninterrupted power supply round the clock to enhance efficiency in service delivery. The various commands were also provided with additional scooters for mobility and more protective gear to boost their morale. 

Speaking at the commissioning of the equipment, the General Manager of LNSA, Prince (Dr,) Ifalade Oyekan said the purpose of these solar systems is to enhance the work output of operatives and reduce their delivery time which often used to be longer due to power outages. 

Oyekan admonished the officers to take ownership and handle the solar equipment like all government properties under their purview with care and use them like their personal properties. 

Prince Ifalade Oyekan thanked Mr. Governor for his visionary leadership and constant provision of conducive working environments for the Agency and its various structures.

"This equipment, like your salaries, is provided with the taxpayers' money and requires your utmost devotion at all times. Your service delivery must show your appreciation for Mr. Governor's unwavering dedication to the safety and security of Lagos residents",  Ifalade advised.

Engr. Adebola Anofi, Lead Consultant of the Company that supplied the technology trained the Corps officers on the proper handling of the solar panels and accessories to ensure they last long and serve at optimal levels.

#AGreaterLagosRising 

#LASG