The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Task force employs 10 Awawa boys

    Ten members of a cult, Awawa Boys, are now working with Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit (Task Force), Chairman Olayinka Egbeyemi said on Tuesday.

    Egbeyemi, a Chief Superindendent of Police (CSP), told the visiting Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu that he had reduced the gang’s activities in Agege, where it is based.

    He added: “After raids and the arrest of members, they invited me, seeking amnesty.”

    Egbeyemi said he met with the boys in mufti, and they told him that joblessness pushed them into crimes. They said that if the government gave them jobs, they would shun crimes, he added.

    Egbeyemi went on: “The Awawa boys are willing to work, what they need is employment. Once this is done, their criminal activities will end.”

    Read Also: ‘Awawa boys’ leader, two others arrested

    He, however, said the boys were still all over the state perpetrating crimes.

    Egbeyemi urged the government to create a reformatory home to engage them, as they are willing to work.

    If the boys are employed, they will shun crimes, he said, stressing: “They need to be rehabilitated.”

    Egbeyemi said the task force tackled cultists, kidnappers, miscreants, hoodlums and even robbers.

    He said the agency had crushed 7,000 motorcycles so far, adding that about 4,200 others were in its store.

    Egbeyemi said the agency needed more operational vehicles, including Black Maria, to tackle insecurity in Lekki, Victoria Island and Ikoyi.

  • Sanwo-Olu to RRS, others: make Lagos unsafe for criminals

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday urged security agencies to key into his administration’s plan to secure the metropolis.

    He spoke when he visited the Safety Arena at Oshodi, which houses the agencies.

    The governor said: “We are going round our security formations, our agencies that interface with the public.”

    Among the agencies are: Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit (Task Force), Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), Fire Service, Legionnaires and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

    Sanwo-Olu also visited Lagos State Environmental Management Agency (LASEMA) Response Unit (LRU) at Cappa and Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and Revenue House at Alausa, Ikeja.

    Addressing RRS officials, he enjoined them to make Lagos unsafe for criminals.

    “Lagos must not be a safe haven for criminals, you must maintain constant security surveillance across the state and flush out hoodlums from their hideouts,” the governor said.

    Addressing the personnel at Safety Arena, Sanwo-Olu said government alone could not provide the conducive environment and security needed.

    Read Also: Fire guts over 20 vehicles, shops in Lagos market

    “This is why all of you are here at the Safety Arena to help support us to achieve that purpose.

    “We are all here to serve Lagosians in one form or the other. You are here to serve the entire citizens of Lagos State and in doing that we must live up to our responsibilities at all times. Do your work with professionalism, humility, be civil and do it with a human face.”

    He warned them against extorting money from the public, saying: “I will not want to hear issues concerning extorting money from people because you are carrying out your responsibility; it is a crime because you will be abusing the authority of the government given to you by so doing.

    “Let Lagosians feel the positive impact of what you are doing, let the citizens feel us and know that corrective governance is what we are all about.”

    Sanwo-Olu promised to address the agencies’ problems.

    “We will repair few vehicles, buy few vehicles, provide few offices and properly equip offices. We will do all in our power to make your working environment conducive and of course take care of your welfare.

    “We know you are here doing a good job, continue to do the good job, but let Lagosians feel the positive effect of what you are doing. We will continue to live up to your expectations from us, we will continue to discharge our responsibilities to you as when due, but we also want the same from all of you as well,” the governor said.

    He was accompanied by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Folashade Jaji, Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Gboyega Soyannwo and Lagos Security Trust Fund (LSTF) Executive Secretary Mr. Abdul-Rasaq Balogun.

  • Sanwo-Olu advised to build on past legacies

    Lagos State Health Service Commission (LSHSC) Chairman Bayo Aderuye, has called for the development of the health sector to meet global standard.

    He spoke on Sunday during the 33rd thanksgiving anniversary of the Christian Fellowship Chaplaincy of LSHSC held at Ifako Ijaiye General Hospital.

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s wife, Dr Ibijoke, urged LSHSC workers to serve as ambassadors for the scheme.

    She hailed the chaplaincy for touching patients’ lives.

    Read Also: Meet Sanwo-Olu’s Commissioner-designates

    The chaplaincy’s Chairman, Aiyepola Ajibola, appealed to the government for land on the hospital premises to build a chapel.

    Pastor Johnson Kalejaiye, of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) called for prayer for the country to overcome its challenges.

    Speaking on the theme: “Covenant thanksgiving”, Kalejaiye enjoined LSHSC workers to thank God every time.

  • Suspected transformer vandals face N10.5m theft charge

    Two men, Noah Aka and Abdulahi Haruna, were on Tuesday brought before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court for allegedly damaging a 500KVA transformer and stealing electric wires worth N10.5 million.

    Aka, 26, pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge of wilful damage, stealing and receiving stolen property before Magistrate A. O. Alogba.

    Prosecuting Inspector Ingobo Emby alleged that the defendants committed the offences between July 15 and July 27, at Iroko-Awe, Ilasan New Road, Lekki, Lagos.

    He said Aka wilfully damaged a 500KVA transformer valued at N8 million.

    Read Also: Electricity cable, transformer theft to attract 10-year jail term

    “The first defendant unlawfully interfered with the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) property by stealing 60 metres of armoured cable valued at N2.1 million.

    “He also stole a 150mm 4 core cable valued at N300, 000 and a 20-metre earth wire valued at N100,000.

    “The total value of the items damaged and stolen was N10.5 million, belonging to EEDC”, Emby said.

    According to the prosecutor, Haruna received the items with knowledge that they were stolen.

    Alogba granted them N200,000 bail with two sureties each in the like sum.

    The case continues on August 19.

  • Fire destroys 20 vehicles, 10 shops at Owode Onirin market 

    Fire swept through Owode Onirin, the auto parts market near Ikorodu, on Monday night, destroying over 20 vehicles, 10 shops and belongings worth millions of naira.

    Destroyed were buses, bonnets, vehicle engines and cash kept in some shops.

    The Nation learnt that the inferno, which destroyed Line M of the market, started around 9:30pm.

    Some residents said they saw flames and heard sounds, which forced them to run for safety.

    They said they later got water to put out the fire.

    A business owner in the market, Mr. Wasiu Bello, alleged that the fire was caused by the carelessness of a food seller, who left a burning coal in her shop.

    Read Also: Ijegun residents demand security patrol, fire station

    Bello lost his shop and belongings to the inferno. He alleged that the fire started from the food seller’s shop.

    He said he lost some vehicles to the fire, a bonnet worth N1.2 million that had  been sold, but yet to be taken away by the buyer.

    Another victim, Olamilekan Semiu, alleged that the night guards had not been performing their duties efficiently. “If they are efficient, they ought to have noticed the fire before it became wild,” he added.

    Semiu urged the community’s leaders to take steps to prevent a recurrence.

    “New guards should be employed and a security house built close to the line to ensure observation of the vicinity. We will enact a rule that no food seller will be allowed to own shops in the market, because nothing else could have wreaked this havoc if not for their fire,” he said.

    An eyewitness accused the Lagos State Fire Service of late response to the emergency call.

    “They put out the fire at about 11:30pm after using a full water tank,” he said.

  • DJ accused of stealing N615,000 goods

    A 39-year-old disc jockey (DJ), Anthony Eze, on Tuesday appeared before an Ogudu Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing goods worth N615,000.

    He pleaded not guilty

    Prosecuting Inspector Donjour Perezi said the defendant committed the offence between December 2018 and April at 90, Victoria Street, Ojota.

    He alleged that the defendant, who is also a personal taxi driver to the complainant, Mrs. Chidinma Amaechi, had been stealing goods from her fairly used goods’ store unnoticed.

    The prosecutor alleged that the defendant stole five Dell laptops worth N75, 000, 30 cartons of chandeliers worth N300, 000, 15 fire extinguishers worth N45, 000 and a Toyota Sienna headlight valued at N15,000.

    Read Also: 32-year-old charged with stealing bags of rice

    He added that the defendant also stole a 2006 Toyota Corolla model radiator and a fan valued at N20, 000, a compressor worth N30, 000, a kick starter valued at N5, 000 and a brain box worth N25, 000.

    Perezi said Eze stole two alloy rims with tyres worth N40, 000 and three batteries worth N60, 000, totalling N615, 000.

    He said the complainant’s longtime suspicions were proved right when the defendant was caught stealing an item.

    “Efforts to recover the items were unsuccessful, as they had been sold,” the prosecutor said.

    Magistrate Bukola Mogaji granted him N100, 000 bail with two sureties in the like sum.

    The case was adjourned till August 23.

  • Entrepreneurship conference for young leaders in Lagos

    The third annual Young Leaders Entrepreneurship conference (YOLEC) for young leaders by producers of Sparklight Entrepreneurship Show holds on Saturday, 3rd August, 2019 at the Afe Babalola Hall, University of Lagos by 9am.

    The theme of the event is: An entrepreneurial mindset: A Solution to the high Unemployment Rate in Nigeria.

    A statement by the convener, Tosin Adesile, said the keynote address will be delivered by Engr. Obed Ikem, a petroleum engineer with Exxon-mobil.

    Read Also: Five things every entrepreneur need to know

    Governor Babajide Sanwo–Olu is expected to deliver a distinguished address and plans for entrepreneur in Lagos.

    Other speakers Mr. Etop Ikpe, CEO Car 45; Mrs. Temitope Olagbegi, MD Sixth Sense Ltd; Dr. Reuben Abati, Dr. Sunday Adebisi- Director, Unilag Entrepreneurship Centre, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Engr. (Mrs) Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Mrs Bamidele  Abiodun (Mother of the day) while Otunba Gbenga Daniel is expected to chair the occasion.

    Participants which include students, corps member and unemployed graduates will enjoy several opportunities such as CV review, mentoring session and would also learn digital skills and technologies like Data science and Analytics, Cyber-security, cloud computing, block chain and more

  • UNILAG student-activist demands reinstatement after seven semesters ‘suspension’

    Olorunfemi Adeyeye, a suspended 400-level student of the University of Lagos has demanded for re-activation of his student portal after spending the 4-semester suspension melted against him.

    He also called on the university management to improve the welfare conditions on campus and lift the suspension placed on the students’ union.

    The management of the institution rusticated Olorunfemi for four semesters after being accused of criticising the management over a Facebook post titled ‘The Senate of UNILAG: A conglomeration of academic ignorami” was believed to have earned rustication for four semesters- approximately two academic sessions

    He berated university authorities in private and public institutions across the country for suspending student leaders unjustly, repressing holders of critical opinions and clamping down on activities of students’ union on campuses, alleging it ‘is gradually becoming a culture in Nigeria’.

    While expressing his displeasure over his inability to access his portal after sending series of appeal letters for intervention and review, Adeyeye in his statement said: “I was invited to a panel and thereafter suspended unjustly for four Semesters for writing an article on my Facebook timeline.

    Read Also: UNIBEN recalls five rusticated students

    “Till this moment, my student portal remains under lock and key and there has not been any hope towards activating it from those in charge due to reasons unknown to both me and members of the Public who have been following the whole sage.

    “A belated letter of re-admission after serving more than 4 semesters was addressed to me. This letter should have been sent since the beginning of the 2nd Semester in June 2018 but was sent 3 days to the end of the Semester”.

    He further said: “Let it be in best interest that the issuance of this statement isn’t construed as a Save My Soul signal but a call to save the future for collective good. Staring us at the face are issues of under-funding of the Education sector and misappropriation of the paltry allocated.

    “Till this moment, students still live in fear and lack on their own campuses – from issues of insecurity to poor welfare. The issues raised remain unattended to by the Authorities.

    “What needs to be saved is the Nigerian educational system that has been led by characters who are bereft of ideas on administration, management, conflict resolution and even scholarship.

    “These deficiencies, inadequacies and inabilities have had a lot of effects on the total build-up of young people of my generation. Or what regard could one say has been accorded scholarship when the appointment of a Vice-Chancellor and Principal Officers is based on political, ethnic and religious affiliations?”

    He however disclosed August will be another phase of civic engagement and intense civil disobedience of all forms until the stated demands are met.

  • Rotary offers free medical services to Iju-Ishaga residents

    Rotary Club of Omole Golden in District 9110, at the weekend, offered free medical services to residents of Iju-Ishaga and its environs in Lagos State.

    Former President Mrs. Ibironke Alaba, and President Mr. Babajimi Ajibola, with members conducted free hepatitis tests, administered injections, and gave out  drugs.

    Ajibola, addressed as ‘the united president’, noted that the exercise was tagged Hepatitis Zero World Eradication Project, saying it was meant to educate people on the causes of hepatitis, its cure and prevention.

    He said: “The aim …is to let people know about finding those with Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and saving lives. We want to eradicate the disease.

    Read Also: ‘Afe Babalola’s hospital solution to Nigerians’ appetite for medical tourism abroad’

    “Many people are not aware of hepatitis. This disease is as deadly as HIV/AIDS. We want to create awareness … We are determined to ensure a healthy society.”

    Ajibola said during his tenure, the club would touch people’s lives in education, health and others.

    He said it would continue to provide humanitarian services to address peace and conflict resolution, as well as disease prevention.

    He also noted that the club would ensure access to potable water and sanitation.

    Beneficiaries of the free health services hailed the Rotary Club of Omole Golden for its kind gesture.

    They said it showed it was determined “to make our society a safe place to live.”

    The exercise was held at Balogun market, Iju-Ishaga.

  • Don urges govt to drop auto policy

    A senior lecturer at Covenant University, Ota in Ogun State, Dr Oscar Odiboh, has urged the Federal Government to  drop the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) Bill.

    Odiboh said the policy was not working.

    He said N2.5 trillion might be lost following the Federal Government’s non-assent to the bill.

    NAIDP is Federal Government’s initiative to stimulate investment in local vehicle production unveiled in October 2013.

    Odiboh, lamenting that two successive governments rejected their own auto bills, insisted the Federal Government should drop the policy.

    The lecturer, who is an automotive communication consultant, spoke at the weekend at Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) workshop in Lagos.

    Read Also: Oduduwa university holds 4th Sijuwade memorial lecture

    He said non-assent to the bill had proven anti-policy agitators right and put a question mark on the consistency of our patriotism.

    He said: “Even stakeholders are not comfortable with the policy and there have been too much ado in doing nothing. Nothing is working.

    “Let the industry move on. Revolution is not by force. It starts with evolution. We must evolve to revolve. Let our auto industry evolve, then it can revolve.”

    Odiboh said the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) should restrict itself to design, development of infrastructure and campaigns on patriotic patronage of made-in-Nigeria vehicles.

    He advised that “Customs should increase tariff on used imported vehicles from 30 per cent to 80 per cent. Reduce tariff on brand new imported vehicles from 70 per cent to 30 per cent and introduce zero per cent tariff on locally CKD assembled vehicles.”