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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TheNation Newspaper

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We have our aims and objectives as highlighted below:

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

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

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

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

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

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

...Qualifies Team for Europe Competition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Conditional Cash Transfer Kicks Off in Lagos | AgegePulse Magazine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Education: Sen. Tinubu Praises Sanwo-Olu on Education Reform, as Lawmaker Donates 10,000 Dictionaries to Lagos Schools

 AgegePulse Magazine

•Governor: ‘New Era Project Has Left Lasting Footprints In Lagos’

The Spelling Bee Competition held yearly for secondary school pupils across Lagos State has left lasting legacy and positive footprints on education in the State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said on Wednesday.

The Governor said the competition, since inception in 2000, had promoted access to quality learning which offered secondary school pupils from humble backgrounds an opportunity to be on the same education pedestal with their mates from rich homes. 

He said the English language competition had come of age, transforming lives through revolutionary changes it brought to public speaking and vocabulary spelling.

Sanwo-Olu spoke at the official handover of 10,000 units of Spelling Bee dictionaries freely distributed to public schools across the State by New Era Foundation - the organiser of the Spelling Bee Contest.

The Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), is the pet project of the former First Lady of the State, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, who is now a third-term lawmaker representing Lagos Central in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly.

The Governor and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, personally took delivery of the education materials from Sen. Tinubu at an event held at the State House in Alausa.

Sanwo-Olu said: “The story of the New Era Foundation has been revolutionary in the education sector since its inception. I have personally been part of the New Era Foundation family for decades and I’m opportune to witness how this simple seed germinated to transform the lives of young people through education and value reorientation.

“The Foundation has trained and mentored several young people who have excelled excellently in various fields of knowledge. There have been several First Class graduates that have been produced from this simple intervention of the Spelling Bee Competition, giving them opportunity to showcase their knowledge in different parts of the world. 

“Through this project, many young people from various humble backgrounds have had opportunity to transform their lives and business environment. We will continue to appreciate the progress this novel idea that our mother has brought to us in education in the last 20 years.”

Sanwo-Olu described the Senator as “a caring mother” in Lagos education family, reiterating his administration’s commitment to working with the Foundation to further initiate actions that will help the Government to solve challenges bedeviling education in the State.

He said the State Government would continue to create development opportunities for public school pupils, adding that public speaking and diction tasks would be bolstered across schools to imbue confidence in students in Government schools.

Sanwo-Olu praised the former First Lady for the donation of the dictionaries, saying English learning remained a strong tool that could define what students become in future.

He said: “The donation is simple but historic. This is another demonstration of Sen. Tinubu’s love for our children and education system. We will see the footprints of this intervention both in primary and secondary schools, because English learning is a strong tool that can define what students become in future.”

Sen. Tinubu gave a pass mark to the Sanwo-Olu administration on teachers’ training and retraining, saying the effort had improved the delivery of quality education in Lagos.

The lawmaker said the Spelling Bee contest was not the Foundation’s only intervention initiated in education in Lagos. She said the NGO had supported Lagos Government in school renovation, and provision of learning materials and laboratory equipment.

She said: “I must commend the administration under the leadership of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the stride achieved in education within a short period. It is worthy of mention that the training and retraining of teachers has boosted morale and improve service delivery. This effort and many other interventions by successive administrations have improved academic rating of our public schools.”

Sen. Tinubu urged the Government to beam a special focus on education to prevent the Coronavirus pandemic to erode the progress recorded since 1999. 

The timing of the dictionaries’ donation, the lawmaker said, coincided with the 20th anniversary of the Foundation and the Spelling Bee Competition, pointing out that the NGO has been nurturing young people to lead social change and achieve their potential through targeted education and leisure activities.

She said: “Today, we are donating 10,000 copies of the Spelling Bee Dictionary to the State Government. The dictionary contains all words used in the Spelling Bee competition from its inception to date. It is our hope that it will help improve vocabularies and dictions of the public school children.”

Sen. Tinubu urged wealthy citizens and corporate organisation to partner with the Government to ensure essential requirements needed in the education sector are provided, stressing that the responsibility of educating the society must not be left to the Government alone.

Miss Boluwatife Tijani, a student of Vetland Senior Grammar School in Agege, expressed words of appreciation to Senator Tinubu on behalf of the public school children in the State.

The dictionaries comprise words being used in primary and secondary classes.

Other top Government officials at the event included the Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folashade Adefisayo, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, Special Adviser on Education, Hon. Tokunbo Wahab, and chairman of State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Hon. Wahab Alawiye-King, among others.

SS3, TEC3 STUDENTS IN LAGOS STATE TO RESUME ON MONDAY 3RD AUGUST –ADEFISAYO AFFIRMS

...Boarding activities included

...Government Officials to monitor protocol compliance

AgegePulse Magazine

In line with the Federal Government’s pronouncement, directing students in exit classes across the country to resume on Tuesday, 4th of August, 2020 for revision classes ahead of their forthcoming examinations, the Lagos State Government has directed all the SS3 and Technical Studies (TEC3) Students in both day and boarding schools in the State to resume on Monday, 3rd of August, 2020.

 

This disclosure was made by the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Mrs Folasade Adefisayo on Tuesday in her office at the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja. 

According to the Commissioner, “This is to allow for revision classes and adequate preparation ahead of their forthcoming West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).”

Adefisayo stated that this directive became imperative due to the newly announced date by West African Examination Council (WAEC) for the 2020 WASSCE which is scheduled to commence on the 17th of August, 2020. “Only SS3 and Technical Study Three (TEC3) students are permitted to resume at day and boarding Schools on the 3rd of August, for revision classes and examinations,” she noted. She therefore enjoined all schools in the State to follow the required public health guidelines and protocols for re-opening of schools for this category of students.

She stressed that while students in SS3 and TEC 3 will have the privilege of sitting for their examinations, the state government is considering the option of using first and second term exams performance or continuous assessment to promote students in other exit classes. 

The Commissioner revealed that various meetings have been held with the stakeholders in the education, health and safety sectors in a bid to ensure that adequate precautionary measures were put in place to ensure the safety of the students before resumption. “The Office of Education Quality Assurance will be going round all the schools across the State to monitor the level of safety and protocol compliance expected to be put in place by both private and public schools.” 

Small Doctor, Pasuma, Others To Serenade Lagosians On Sallah Day | AgegePulse

Agege Born-Hip Hop Super Star, Alhaji Temitope Adekunke, Small Doctor, Alabi Pasuma and others are set to serenade the good people of Lagos on a Two-Day Virtual Sallah Celebration.

Some A-list Musicians and Comedians including Kenny Black, Gbenga Adeyinka, Omobaba, Small Doctor, Pasuma, Humblesmith, as well as some popular Islamic musicians such as Alawiye and Iya 'N Ghana, among several others, have been slated to entertain Lagosians during the forthcoming Ileya Celebrations.

The event, which is an initiative of the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, has been designed to provide virtual entertainment for all residents of the State.

According to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Solomon Bonu, the event would be aired live on Lagos Television, Lagos State Government Facebook Page and YouTube channel on Friday 31st of July and Saturday 1st of August, 2020.

He said, "The Lagos State Government is already known to lead other States when it comes to Arts, Tourism and Entertainment; that is why we planned to hold this concert to celebrate this year's Eid-El-Kabir celebration in view of the restriction placed on large gatherings due to COVID-19 pandemic".

The Special Adviser added that the two-day event scheduled to hold between 5pm and 9 pm daily, promises to be fun-packed and engaging with special performances from some disc jockeys, dancers and will also feature some Nollywood Stars. 

While noting that the event would be held amidst strict adherence to all safety protocols, Bonu explained that the State Government is making efforts to address the yearnings of residents of the State, while also being mindful of not neglecting any aspect of the society. 

He, however, urged Lagosians to be very vigilant as they celebrate and ensure strict adherence to all medical and safety protocols that will ensure that the war against the pandemic is won in earnest. 

"I want Lagosians to celebrate in their homes, avoid large gathering, enjoy the fun from their phones and television sets and be very moderate throughout the holiday period and Eid-El-Kabir celebrations", the Special Adviser pleaded.

#LASG

#ForAGreaterLagos

Our system has cleared Apapa gridlock – Opeifa

AgegePulse Magazine

The Presidential Task Team (PTT) on the enforcement of discipline in Apapa, on Tuesday, insisted that the system it developed has rid the ports and community in the area of gridlock. 

Executive Vice Chairman of the team, Comrade Kayode Opeifa, said what was required to restore full normalcy in the area was total commitment of all stakeholders, especially government agencies. APM Trminals, NRC restore rail service at Apapa Port My companies lost N25bn to Apapa ports road gridlock — Dangote Speaking after taking journalists around the Wharf and Tin Can Port areas in Apapa, Lagos, Opeifa said enthronement of best practices and the introduction of electronic call-up system would bring the desired normalcy to the traffic pattern in the Apapa Ports and access roads. 

He stated that the team, which was set up last year by President Muhammadu Buhari under the chairmanship of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to clear Apapa of gridlock, has succeeded in instilling discipline and improving the traffic situation in Apapa. Opeifa, who stated that the PTT has achieved the objective of its establishment since October last year, said unlike before, the traffic situation has greatly improved. 

According to him, truck and tank drivers that have genuine business were now able to access the ports within a week unlike before when they spent weeks.

 He said trucks that have no businesses were the ones messing up Apapa, adding that if the system developed by the PTT is sustained, the two ports should be able to process the volume of trailers approaching it to transact official business without delay. “All the terminal operators combined have the capacity to attend to 1000 trailers and from what we see, the daily inflow of trailers approaching the ports is just slightly more than this daily. 

Opeifa noted that terminal operators should be able to engage their clients and customers rather than allowing them to storm the road thereby congesting the access roads. “The PTT has been able to clear Apapa of the cartel profiteering from the confusion in the Apapa areas and the port. That is why we would continue to challenge anyone who still claims he gives anyone bribe to come out and name those who received it from them. “We have removed the circumstances that make bribes attractive,” he added.

DailyTrust

Ileya: FG declares Thursday, Friday public holidays

AgegePulse Magazine

 

The Federal Government has declared Thursday 30 and Friday 31 July, as public holidays to mark 2020 year’s Eid-el-Kabir. The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, through a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, ministry of Interior, Mrs Georgina Ehuriah, on Tuesday in Abuja. 

Aregbesola congratulated 

The Federal Government has declared Thursday 30 and Friday 31 July, as public holidays to mark 2020 year’s Eid-el-Kabir.

The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, through a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, ministry of Interior, Mrs Georgina Ehuriah, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Aregbesola congratulated Muslim faithful and all Nigerians both at home and abroad on the occasion.

He called on Muslims to continue to imbibe the spirit of love, peace, kindness and sacrifice, as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him).

The minister also called on Muslims to use the period to pray for peace, unity, prosperity and the stability of the country especially as the world is witnessing global health challenges caused by Covid-19 pandemic.

Aregbosola assured that the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari was fully committed to battling the scourge with the cooperation of all Nigerians.

The minister emphasised that government would continue to foster peaceful coexistence, national cohesion and stability in its march towards actualising  the full potentials of the country.

He called on all Nigerians to join hands with the Administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in its avowed determination to build a peaceful, harmonious and prosperous country, where the rights of every citizen, were protected and guaranteed, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Aregbesola advised Nigerians to take responsibility against the spread of the COVID-19 virus and also to stay safe by observing physical and social distancing, personal and respiratory hygiene, as well as other regulations issued by relevant authorities.

The minister wished all Muslims a happy Eid –el- Kabir celebration.

Edited By: Sadiya Hamza (NAN)

Akpabio Names Lawmakers On NDDC Contracts' List

AgegePulse Magazine

Sahara Reporters

Akpabio also linked the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi (Delta-North), with 53 projects, Senator Matthew Urhoghide (Edo-South), six; James Manager (Delta-South), six.

The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, has linked some members of the National Assembly to some contracts awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission, The PUNCH reports.

Akpabio, however, did not state if the lawmakers were directly awarded the contracts or they nominated the projects under their Zonal Intervention Projects, also known as constituency projects.

The former Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on the NDDC, Mr Nicholas Mutu, who represents the Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency of Delta State, is among those linked by the minister with contracts.

The minister listed Mutu's name against 74 projects, including various emergency road projects in Delta, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Rivers states.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had on February 3, 2020, arraigned Mutu before Justice Folashade Giwa-Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court in Abuja for alleged abuse of office and fraud involving about N320m.

Akpabio also linked the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi (Delta-North), with 53 projects, which included emergency repairs of Asue Street, Owa Phase 2; ldumuogbe Road via Ojemaye; Otolokpo College Road, Otolokpo; and the Police lshu Ani Ukwu Road, Issele Uku.

Other lawmakers that Akpabio listed projects against are Senator Matthew Urhoghide (Edo-South), six; James Manager (Delta-South), six; Samuel Anyanwu (Imo-West, 8th Senate), 19; and others simply identified as Ondo and Edo Reps.

The minister, however, did not provide the cost of the projects listed against the lawmakers' names, while the value of contracts given to non-lawmakers had costs of various projects attached to them.

PUNCH also observed that contracts listed against the names of the lawmakers were not up to 60 per cent of the 266 on the list provided by Akpabio.

Non-National Assembly members are also on the list.

It was further observed that the minister copied the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN).

The House had on Thursday resolved to sue Akpabio for alleged perjury and defamation of the parliament.

Akpabio had on Monday, while appearing before the House Committee on the NDDC during an investigative hearing on the alleged illegal spending and mismanagement of funds, claimed that the commission awarded members of the National Assembly 60 percent of contracts.

Traffic 'll now Improve around Allen Avenue, Maryland, Ikotun Axes, Sanwo-Olu assures Commuters

 AgegePulse Magazine

...Gov Excited At New Designs In Six Gridlock-Prone Junctions

..Says 10 More To Be Completed Soon

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, spent an ample time, weekend, at the popular Allen Junction on Obafemi Awolowo Way in Ikeja, monitoring flow of vehicular traffic at the newly re-designed junction.

The Governor expressed satisfaction with the new layout of the ever-busy junction, following the removal of a broad roundabout to create seamless flow of traffic. 

The Allen Junction is one of the vulnerable spots across the metropolis notorious for vehicular logjam due to the roundabout, which was identified as an impediment to free flow of traffic.

In line with his administration’s traffic management agenda, Sanwo-Olu awarded contracts for the re-designing and construction of the identified traffic-prone spots across the State. Sixteen highways are currently undergoing re-construction and junction improvements.

Three of the six junctions captured in the first phase of road improvement programme have been completed. They are Allen Junction, Ikotun Roundabout, and Maryland Junction. Work is almost completed on three roundabouts in Lekki and Ajah of Eti-Osa area of the State.

Sanwo-Olu said the State Government considered the road improvement programme as one that would relieve commuters of burden of heavy traffic, stressing that the aim was to reduce journey time and increase productivity.

He said: “I am particularly excited that the famous Allen Roundabout is a lot more befitting now, with the new design and road furniture we have put in place. This project is now completed and there is no need for a formal handover because the junction is ever busy. What is now required of those plying the road is maintenance of the road furniture, because it is a new better experience for the road users.

“Apart from re-designing the junction, there are light traffic cameras installed on this junction from where we can remotely monitor what is happening on this axis any time of the day. These are parts of the improvement we have brought on this road and others we are re-designing. This is one of the promises we made to residents, that we would make travel time better and rewarding. From my observation so far, I can see the improvement in journey time.”

It was not only the roundabout that was removed at the Allen Junction, the Government also widened the junction with the creation of pedestrian walkways, zebra crossing, setbacks and laybys for commercial buses to carry and drop passengers.

The junction perimeter has also been adorned with lawns to reinforce the aesthetics of the area.

“Now, the junction has a better ambience. What it means is that, people don’t need to get to the Allen Junction to make a detour. We have resolved the conflict and we will ensure the installed traffic signals keep working every time,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The Governor expressed satisfaction on the re-designing of the Ikotun roundabout, which, he said, has led to improvement of traffic flow in the area. He also visited Maryland Junction on Mobolaji Bank-Anthony Way where an improvement had made to diffuse traffic gridlock. 

While assessing ongoing re-designing of roundabouts at Lekki, Sanwo-Olu promised road users that the project would be completed in the next two weeks.

COVID-19: Poor Ghanaians to enjoy free electricity for three months

AgegePulse Magazine

The Ghanaian government has extended free electricity to poor citizens for another three months due to the economic hardship caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, made the announcement on Thursday, adding that all citizens irrespective of social status would enjoy free water supply for the next three months.

The period for free water, which ended in May 2020, would be extended for an additional three months while the free electricity would be enjoyed by lifeline consumers that consume less than 50kWh per month.

President Nana Addo Akufo-Addo, in a compassionate move during the lockdown, announced three months of free electricity for lifeline consumers and 50 per cent rebate for consumers, who went beyond the lifeline threshold

.Additionally, water bills for all Ghanaians for April, May, and June were taken up by the government, following complaints of lack of potable drinking water in communities affected by the lockdown.

The minister announced the extension of the packages in the mid-year budget review presented on the authority of the President to the nation through Parliament, in Accra.

“That is also why we further reduced electricity prices by half and completely provided potable water for free for everybody since March this year. And we will extend it for another three months.

“It takes a caring government to be for the people and for business, large and small, to choose to subsidise electricity consumption by 50 per cent to 4,086,286 households and 686,522 businesses at a cost of ¢1.02bn ($176m) in three months.

Punch Newspaper

Pen Cinema Bridge Gets October Completion Date As Sanwo-Olu Inspects Work on Third Mainland Bridge

...Urges Motorists on Patience

•600 Mass Transit Buses Coming In August - Gov

AgegePulse Magazine

Patience - that is all motorists plying the partially shut Third Mainland Bridge need to bear while meandering through the carriageways, as the Federal Government repairs the failed segments of the bridge.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made the appeal to commuters on Saturday, while on an inspection of the bridge and alternative routes rehabilitated by the State Government.

The Governor also toured various highways where junctions and roundabouts have been redesigned to diffuse traffic, including Allen Junction, Maryland Junction, and Lekki’s first and second roundabouts, among others.

Sanwo-Olu said the bridge’s repair was long overdue and could no longer be postponed as it would portend danger to the residents. The Governor urged motorists to be patient and cooperate with traffic management personnel deployed on the routes, while assuring that the Government would ensure speedy work on the bridge.

Besides, Sanwo-Olu urged commuters to explore the option of waterways as faster alternative. He said the State Government has strengthened the capacity of the ferry services and currently building six additional jetties across the State.

The Governor said: “I am here to supervise the repair activities and to monitor the effect of the closure of the bridge on the vehicular movement, with the aim to enable us focus on where improvement could be made. However, what we need to communicate to the road users is patience. Our traffic management officers are on ground to make their journey hitch-free.

“The contractor handling the repair work will be fully on site by Monday. In the next three months, repair work would have been completed on the first lane, while they will move to the other lane. While we urge road users for patience, we also advise them to look at the option of waterways transportation in commuting to and from the Island. We have just opened the Ilaje jetty for public use and we are delivering additional six jetties across the State to ease movement.”

While inspecting the newly designed Allen Junction on Obafemi Awolowo Way, the Governor said he was satisfied with the project, expressing optimism that the new layout would relieve the highway of gridlock.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the State Government, by August, would roll out 600 buses to ply various routes, including Ikorodu, Abule Egba-Oshodi, and Ikeja.

“We are rolling out 600 buses in high and medium capacity. The buses will be deployed next month and they will be seen across busy roads. The medium capacity buses will be plying Obafemi Awolowo Way. Oshodi inward Abule Egba will be priority. We will also be increasing bus capacity from Ikorodu to Tafawa Balewa Square,” he said.

The Governor used the opportunity to explain the slow pace of work on some ongoing capital projects, including the Pen Cinema Bridge in Agege, which, he said, was disrupted by Coronavirus pandemic.

The Pen Cinema Bridge, he said, would now be delivered in October.

The Governor was accompanied on the long-hour tour by some cabinet members, including the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, his Transportation counterpart, Dr. Fredric Oladehinde, Special Adviser on Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Aramide Adeyoye, and Special Adviser on Transport, Hon. Toyin Fayinka.

Sanwo-Olu also inspected drainage at Eric Moore Road, Eko Bridge and Lekki-Epe Expressway.

Why Federal Bureau Prison Released Hushpuppi On Monday – Lawyer Clears The Air Again

AgegePulse Magazine

The case of a suspected Nigerian swindler, RAMON OLORUNWA ABBAS also known has Hushpuppi, has drawn several interests across the globe and it is largely monitored by Financial Crime Agents in different countries where he allegedly swindled several citizens. A lot of Cyber forensic and security professionals, and individuals are also keeping tabs on every development of the case since the time the suspected fraudster was arrested in Dubai.

Hushpuppi and accomplice, Olalekan Jacon Ponle a.k.a Mr Woodberry were extradited to the United States after their arrest in Dubai. He arrived in Chicago on Thursday evening, July 2, and made his initial U.S. court appearance on Friday morning in Chicago and he was later confirmed as an inmate of Federal Bureau Prisons in Chicago with registration number 54313-424.

Despite been denied bail recently by a Chicago court which ordered that he remains in detention till his next trial date later in the year, speculations about his release have gone viral after a search via Inmate Locator Information on Federal Bureau Prisons’ website indicated that the suspected fraudster has been released on Monday, 20th July 2020.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) accused Hushpuppi of funding his extravagant lifestyle from “hundreds of millions of dollars” from business email compromise frauds and other scams. Such a ‘grand fraud case’ cannot miss the media and press after 48 hours of release if the suspect has been granted a total freedom.

Hushpuppi may have been released from Federal Prison custody on Monday but transferred to a State Prison custody since his case was transferred to California. Justice Gilbert who presided over his case in Chicago was quoted saying;

Accordingly, Defendant is ordered removed to the Central District of California in the custody of the U.S. Marshal forthwith. As provided by 18 U.S.C. § 3142(f), Defendant is remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal and shall remain in custody until further order of the Court.

The suspected Nigerian fraudster was reportedly moved to California on Tuesday July 14, as confirmed by transfer documents signed by Thomas G. Bruton, the Clerk of the U.S Court in Chicago.

However, Hushpuppi is still missing in Califonia Prison according to CDCRInmate Locator, Public inmate locator system. The CDCR Inmate locator, unlike the Federal Inmate Locator allows you to search for inmates with their first names and other names. Results after searching for every name in Hushppupi’s real names (RAMON OLORUNWA ABBAS) provided no match.

punchNews.com

Education District 1 Distributes Mobile Phones, Radio Devices for Virtual Learning

AgegePulse Magazine

In a bid to ensure that students benefit from the online and media classes initiated by the State Government, the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Education District 1, Mrs. Titilayo Solarin on Monday distributed mobile phones and radio devices to indigent students of the District. 

Solarin explained that the gesture was to further enhance the teaching and learning experience of the students as well as expand the reach of the virtual classroom lessons that had been ongoing since the school closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

According to her, “The Telephone and Radio devices were donated by First Bank Nigeria through the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials, COWLSO, to the Lagos State Government”. 

“Some of the beneficiaries included students of Iju Senior Grammar School, Ifako-Ijaiye; Abibat Mogaji Millennium Senior School, Agege; Agege Junior College, Agege; Orisunbare Senior High School, Alimosho and Akesan Community Junior Grammar School, Alimosho”, she added.

The Permanent Secretary informed that the District had observed that some of the students do not have access to either phones or radio devices in their localities, hence the decision to give them the phone and radio devices for participation in the online classes for easy monitoring and evaluation. 

During the distribution exercise held at Iju Senior Grammar School, Ifako-Ijaiye, the Tutor-General thanked the State Government for the initiative as well as the provision of conducive learning atmosphere, saying that despite the pandemic, the supply of furniture had been going on across schools within the District.

She also disclosed that many schools are undergoing rehabilitation, upgrading of libraries and renovation of laboratories at this crucial period, thus affirming the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's administration to the Education sector. 

The Tutor-General, however, urged the students to be serious-minded and face their studies whole-heartedly, stressing that they must reciprocate the government's efforts of providing a conducive learning atmosphere as well as necessary tools make learning more meaningful and impactful. 

While assuring the donors of the devices that the gadgets would be used judiciously for the intended purposes, she called on parents to monitor the movement and attitude of their children, especially now that they are learning outside the school environment, in order to avoid abuse of the use of social media. 

In her words, "This is the time for parents to be more sensitive to the needs and yearnings of their wards, they should cultivate a cordial relationship with their children rather than entrusting them to the care of relatives, neighbours and friends because the rate of all forms of abuses in the society is alarming".

The Director of School Administration, Mr. Oluyemi Adeshina, said that it was expedient for both parents and teachers to work together to save the future of the children by being alive to their specific roles and by not reneging from their responsibilities. 

The event was attended by the representative of the Honorable Commissioner of Education, Mrs. Olufunke Oyetola, the District Directors, ANCOPSS Chairperson and Principal of Iju Grammar School, Mrs. Dorcas Adegboye, NUT representatives and Parents Forum members, among others.

#LASG

#ForAGreaterLagos

Arotile’s Killer had no valid driver’s licence – Channels TV

By orijoadmin

AgegePulse Magazine

Report has emerged that the driver, who caused the death of Flying Officer, Tolulope Arotile, has no valid driver’s licence.

This was gathered by Channels Television from an unnamed military source who told the news medium’s website that the suspect is equally a civilian.

The report said the civilian driver, accompanied by his friends, visited his relations at the Airforce base located in Mando area of Kaduna metropolis on that fateful day and decided to drop off the late Airforce Pilot whom he spotted on the road inside the base and in the process of reversing the car knocked down the history making flying officer.

According to the source’s account, consequently, both the driver and the other occupants of the car were taken into the custody of the Air police for questioning, where it was discovered that the driver of the car has no valid driver’s license.

LAGOS URGES CITIZENS TO DISREGARD FAKE COVID19 JOB VACANCY ADVERT

AgegePulse Magazine

The attention of the Lagos State Government has been drawn to an advert making the rounds especially on social media about job vacancies at COVID19Lagos Isolation Centres.

We wish to categorically state that this vacancy advert did not emanate from the Lagos State Government, the Ministry of Health or the COVID19Lagos Incident Command System.

We believe this is the work of fraudsters and mischief makers who are bent on exploting the COVID19 pandemic situation to swindle unsuspecting citizens who are willing to volunteer in the war against the global pandemic of their hard earned resources.

Citizens are therefore advised to disregard this job vacancy advert in its entirety and rely only on official communication channels of the Lagos State Government and the Ministry of Health for news and information on COVID19Lagos Response.

We are also currently investigating the source of the unsolicited advert and we assure citizens that the Lagos State Government will do all in its power to apprehend the authors and bring them to book.

Citizens are encouraged to desist from sharing any suspicious or unverified news or information on COVID19Lagos and bring same to the notice of the State Government for necessary action.

Let's continue to take responsibility towards #ACOVID19FreeLagos.

LASG rescues 3 trafficked children, seals 4 estates, 22 high-rise buildings

AgegePulse Magazine

By Grace Alegba

The Lagos State Government ( LASG) on Thursday rescued three trafficked children serving as  workers in a construction  site in Lekki axis  of  Lagos State .

The Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory (LSMTL) that effected the rescue also sealed  22 high-rise buildings and four estates for non compliance to quality assurance in the area.

Dr Afolabi Abiodun,  the General Manager of LSMTL during the enforcement warned developers against child labour, stating that defaulters would be prosecuted.

It was reports that the minors, who were  from Benin Republic were rescued during enforcement visit to the construction sites by LSMTL.

AgegePulse Magazine learnt that LSMTL sealed four estates and 22 houses in the Lekki axis during the exercise while it collected  water samples  from the sealed construction sites for analysis.

Abiodun stressed the need for safe water during  construction.

The general manager reacting to the rescued children serving as labourers  said, “It is child abuse, developers should not use children for construction.

“Look at the children, if we estimate, they are less than 10 years old. What will a 10-year- old be doing  on a construction site,” the LMSTI boss said.

He said that the enforcement was necessary to assess  the structural integrity of buildings, to stem the tide of building collapses, in line with Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s  zero tolerance for building collapse  in the state.

He called on owners of completed high-rise buildings to carry out non destructive tests every five years, to ensure the  structural stability of their  buildings.

Abiodun advised construction companies, developers, estate agents, builders and other stakeholders in the built environment to comply with the directive for testing their construction materials.

He said that such tests should be for ongoing and completed buildings to avert  the danger of building collapse in the state.

The general manager said that some estates had in the past refused officials of the LSMTL to carry out tests on their building materials and also ignored notices served on them to submit samples for testing.

He told  the workers on a site near the popular 1,004 Estate,  along the Ozumba Mbadiwe Way,  that it was on record that the place had been served notices.

“What we have done here is partial sealing because we understand that you must go in and out.

“Tell your engineer to bring evidence of all tests conducted to the  Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory”, he said.

Abiodun also  said that  his team discovered  that on some of the sealed sites, the engineers used 10mm iron rods for columns of buildings where the least thickness required was 16mm.

He decried the wrong foundations being laid for buildings on the axis which are mostly wetlands, adding that, the LSMTL was going to carry out urgent tests on some of the foundations to avert risks of collapse.
.
Property owners who did not ascertain the structural stability of their buildings risk sanctions,” the general manager said.

He noted that using the right materials and carrying out the required soil tests would prevent construction failure.

Abiodun urged the public to patronise the LSTML to ensure that they test their construction materials for quality to guarantee structural integrity to avert building collapse.

However, some of the trafficked children working as construction workers told journalists they were working as brick layers and painters on site.

They said their daily wages of N400.00  per child were usually paid to their masters while they remained on site to work.

 (NAN)

Aare Gani Adams calls for proper investigation on Arotile's deaths says death suspicious

AgegePulse Magazine

Gani Adams, Tolulope Arotile

Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams,has urged  the Federal Government to properly investigate the gruesome murder of Nigeria's first female combat Helicopter Pilot,Totulope Arotile, saying the death was suspicious.

Adams, in a statement on Thursday, by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Aderemi, described the late Arotile's death as a personal loss, especially, to the Yorubas.

While condoling with the family of the deceased, Iba Gani Adams also urged the International Community, the United Nation,European Union, United States and Britain to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of the young and promising girl.

 "Nigeria has lost one of  its best brains in the military in such a suspicious circumstances. The late Tolulope Arotile's short span in life was remarkable with a track record of being the first female combat helicopter pilot. The best we can do as a nation is to get to the root of the circumstances culminating in her death"

"As far as I am concerned, reports of her death still remained suspicious to me because her death has raised many questions"

"How would such a promising, young girl be killed by a reversing car within the premises of the barrack? Who drove the car? What was his or her name? Where was the suspected killer at the moment? And what is the present situation? We will like to know, and that is why I am charging the International Community to investigate and look into the circumstances surrounding her death"

Adams, however,said the death of such a promising, young girl has exposed the nation as a country that never values the lives of its citizens, especially, the best and exceptional citizens"

"I take an exception to believe the story surrounding her gruesome murder. Her achievements speak volumes and many in the system may see her rising profile as a threat to the establishment,mostly with her passion towards ending the threats of the dreaded Boko Haram and bandits terrorising the North-west and the rest of the country"

" I feel the pain of a father whose daughter's shining light went dim unexpectedly.The sadness of losing a promising girl like Totulope was eternal to her family, because of her talents and dedication to duty, so it should not go the usual way, where our best brains died without any investigation being carried out"

"Tolu's father said he spoke with his daughter, by 1pm and by 5pm, a  few hours later she was reportedly killed by a reversing car and was in the mortuary.That story needs to be investigated because her case is one out of the many deaths of great Nigerians that made positive impacts toward making Nigeria great, and that is one of the reasons people of excellent and exceptional brains find it difficult to serve the country,and they are all over the world doing great"

" I have traveled across the world,and I see many  Nigerians doing wonderfully well in their respective disciplines, but they always feel reluctant to come back home,because of the way we treat our best brains, I think this is too bad for the development of our nation. More so, I share in the grief of the family as I pray God to give the family the fortitude to bear the loss". He said.

Online

Father Of Late Pilot: What My Daughter Told Me Hours Before She Died

AgegePulse Magazine

Akintude Arotile, father of Tolulope, the late first female combat helicopter pilot of the Nigerian Air Force, has narrated how he spoke to her few hours before she died.

Speaking with NAN on Wednesday, Arotile said being devastated “is an understatement,” recalling how the late Tolulope aspired to have an air service career as a child.

The late NAF officer died in a freak accident at the Kaduna air force base on Tuesday.

A former classmate of hers was said to have unknowingly knocked her down during which she sustained head injuries.

Arotile recalled how he had told his daughter to “return home on time” when they spoke hours to her demise, not knowing she was never going to be home again.

“Just yesterday,at about 1 pm, I called her because she just came back from an operation against the bandits in Katsina (and) they gave them one week to rest,” he said.

“So, she was sleeping and told me she was in bed resting. She said she will later go out to make some photocopies and I told her not to be long and to return home on time because she was staying with my first daughter in Kaduna.

“Around 5:30 pm, somebody called me and asked if I had called her today and I said yes. Then the person told me to call her which I did, but no response, so I called her colleagues, and they were all crying on phone.

“I asked what happened, they were just crying, so I  called one of her bosses who told me that she is in the mortuary and I said, ‘this is somebody I spoke with four hours ago and by 5pm she was in the mortuary’.”

He also recalled how his late daughter dreamt about flying an aircraft, saying “she had not just been brilliant but wonderful.”

“One day when she was very small, she pointed to one small aircraft packed on the field and said, ‘dad, one day, I am going to fly that aircraft’ and I said Amen,” he recalled, adding that she started working towards actualising the dream from that day.

“Right from day one she had been very very intelligent. Sometimes, I  wonder what type of IQ she had, she also combined intelligence with hard-work. I just thank God that she was able to achieve her dreams as a baby before her death,” Arotile said.

TheCable

COVID-19: Sanwo-Olu Commissions 48-Chamber Morgue in Yaba Isolation Centre

AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday commissioned a 48-Chamber morgue facility at the Infectious Diseases Hospital, Yaba in Lagos.

Speaking at the commissioning of the state-of-the-art morgue facility, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the new morgue, donated by IHS Towers to the Lagos State Government will be available to serve the entire Lagos State and not just the Infectious Diseases Hospital.

He said: “Death is not something we pray for, but we also fully accept its inevitability. And we know that when it happens, it is absolutely necessary for the departed to be treated with care and dignity, until it is time to commit them to mother earth. This is why we have morgues, and why we will never shy away from expanding our morgue capacity. Not because death is palatable but because it is inevitable.

“I recall that in April, we experienced a congestion in mortuary capacity in Lagos State. The fact that the COVID-19 lockdown coincided with the end of Lent that month deprived many families of the chance to bury their loved ones. And we had to open a special window for funerals to take place, so as to decongest the mortuaries.

“Even though those were exceptional circumstances, it was clear from that experience that Lagos could do with an expansion in its morgue capacity. Now IHS has stepped up and very generously donated a state-of-the-art morgue facility to the Infectious Diseases Hospital. It will of course serve not just the IDH; it will be available to serve the entire Lagos State.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu while commending IHS Towers for its good gesture to Lagos State Government, called on other private sector players to emulate the generosity and good corporate citizenship of IHS Towers.

The governor noted that COVID-19 pandemic has brought all hands-on deck, to support the efforts of governments in Nigeria and globally.

“In recent months we have seen first-hand the immense support and generosity of the private sector, especially to the healthcare sector in Lagos State; significant donations of infrastructure, consumables and so on, to help strengthen our medical systems at a time when it is under great strain from the Coronavirus pandemic.

“This pandemic has no doubt brought all hands-on deck, to support the efforts of governments, and not just in Nigeria, but globally as well. I call on other private sector players to emulate the generosity and good corporate citizenship of IHS Towers.

“Here is a company that, over the last two decades, has created a significant business, investment and philanthropic footprint in Nigeria. You have tirelessly implemented philanthropy in education, thought leadership, environmental conservation, and healthcare.

“As your corporate slogan declares, you have consistently been ‘Towers of Strength’ in every sector in which you have intervened with your CSR. We look forward to more partnerships and support in the future.” Sanwo-Olu said.

Sanwo-Olu Applauds Health Workers' Sacrifice, as Lagos Marks Tree-Planting Day

 #AgegePulse Magazine

...Governor Inaugurates 48-Chamber Mortuary At IDH

Actions set out to combat diseases and natural disasters that continually threaten human existence may likely not yield desired results if efforts are not made to restore the aesthetics of the environment, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said.

The Governor said human race has a duty to protect the natural composition of the environment and embrace actions that would discourage degradation of ecosystem.

Sanwo-Olu spoke at an event held at the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), Yaba, in commemoration of the Tree Planting Day. The Governor dedicated the exercise with the theme: “Tree for Life”, to all health and emergency workers on the frontline of the State’s response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The State Government, since 2008, dedicates every July 14 as its tree-planting day as part of its sustainable actions to mitigate the impacts of climate change in line with Goals 13 and 15 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The event also featured the inauguration of a 48-capacity morgue donated by IHS Nigeria Limited – a private telecommunication firm – to support the State Government’s effort in the period of public health crisis.

The Governor said every effort to save the earth from diseases must be met with equal energy to restore the natural environment by planting trees and embarking on activities that will restore environment’s bio-diversity.

He drew parallels between the protective role trees play in the environment, and the roles of the health workers in protecting people from diseases and pandemics.

Sanwo-Olu said although the State had been deploying all resources and manpower required to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, this, he said, should not be an excuse to take away Government’s attention on matters that equally affect the wellbeing of Lagos.

He said: “This year’s Tree Planting Day is in honour of our frontline medical personnel, who toil, day after day, in the most challenging circumstances imaginable, on behalf of the rest of us. However, these are challenging times for cities across the world. The Coronavirus pandemic has drastically altered the way we live our lives and do business. There is a new normal, and it is now becoming clear that we may never return to the old ways of doing things.

“But, even amidst the challenges of COVID-19, one mistake we cannot afford to make is to ignore the existing problems and issues that predated the pandemic. COVID-19 cannot become an excuse for taking our attention away from other issues. One of such is the issue of climate change and environmental sustainability.

“Lagos has seen its own fair share of climate change. As a coastal city, we are at the mercy of rising sea levels. As Africa’s most populated city, we have seen how demographic pressures have stripped the landscape of significant amounts of its forest cover. We are not immune from global warming and the various other climatic challenges experienced around the world.”

Sanwo-Olu said every resident in the State has a role to play in making Lagos a resilient city, stressing that planting of trees remained one of the best actions to mitigate effects of climate change.

He urged people to key into the plan and support the efforts of the Government, just as the world approaches the final decade of the push for the attainment of SDGs as outlined by the United Nations.

He said: “Goal 13 of the SDGs challenges us to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, while Goal 15 seeks to protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.”

“Lagos State will continue to be at the forefront of sustainable climate action in Nigeria and Africa. Everyone has a role to play in contributing strongly to these goals, including individuals, corporate organisations, national governments, as well as sub-national governments like Lagos.”

Sanwo-Olu praised the Ministry of the Environment and Lagos State Parks and Gardens, LASPARK for sustaining the culture and sensitisation of residents on the importance of tree planting.

Commissioner for the Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, said tree planting remained the effective remedial action against erosion, pointing out that the perennial problem of flooding could be solved if residents fully embraced tree planting as new culture.

He said: “The interdependence of man and the environment in which we exist is becoming increasingly clearer. As countries respond to global pandemic, the path ahead presents possibly a once in a lifetime opportunity to shift the global development paradigm towards more sustainable and inclusive policies that will act as foundation for resilient people and societies. This is what informed the choice of ‘Tree for Life’ as the theme of this year’s tree-planting exercise.”

The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, pledged to work collaboratively with the Ministry of the Environment to fight diseases and deforestration.

The highpoint was the planting of a tree by Gov. Sanwo-Olu and the inauguration of the morgue donated by IHS Nigeria Limited.

Tree-planting events were held simultaneously in three other isolation centres across the State by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat.