Author: The Nation

By Oyebola Owolabi

Lagos State Government has retrieved about N50 million from mediation between landlords, estate agents and tenants in one year.

Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Housing Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka said the government will ensure that Lagosians get value for their money.

She said the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) mediated about 55 of 150 petitions/complaints between property developers, landlords, potential tenants and tenants.

Benson-Awoyinka said: “Fifty cases were adjourned for further mediation, while 40 were referred to appropriate agencies with five cases in courts at Ketu, Ajah, Ikorodu, Gbagada and Yaba. Over N50,130,000 was recovered for the parties involved.

“The judiciary, in collaboration with LASRERA, promises to expedite court matters/issues to ensure justice for defrauded persons.”

The state also read riot act to real estate agents who exploit and defraud residents.

Benson-Awoyinka said:  “The Executive Council has approved two critical bills as part of efforts to sanitise and rebuild the industry. The bills are Mortgage Foreclosure Law and Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority’s Bill 2021.

“The proposed bills have been forwarded to the House of Assembly and are awaiting governor’s signature.”

By Oyebola Owolabi

Lagos State has promised to deliver the ongoing 21 housing schemes on schedule, to bridge the housing deficit and provide affordable houses for residents.

Commissioner for Housing Moruf Akinderu-Fatai addressed reporters yesterday as part of activities to mark Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second year in office.

He said the projects were being done through budgetary allocation and joint ventures in parts of the state, adding that four are ready for opening at Odo Onosa Ayandelu Agbowa, Magodo/Omole, Gbagada and Ibeshe.

The commissioner said the homes were being provided for low and high income earners to ensure the government’s decision to provide affordable and accessible homes for all.

He said: “Based on the all-inclusive stance of the Sanwo-Olu administration, there are completed and ongoing projects in all parts of the state, and all categories of residents have the opportunity of accessing the housing provision.”

Akinderu-Fatai said 14 housing schemes had been completed and delivered in two years.

He listed some of the schemes to include Lateef Jakande Gardens (Igando), Lagos State Affordable Public Housing Scheme (Idale Badagry), LAGOSHOMS (Lekki Phase 2), Babatunde Raji Fashola Estate, Courtland Villas (Igbokushu), among others.

He said four are waiting to be opened at Odo Onosa Ayandelu, Agbowa, Magodo/Omole, Gbagada and Ibeshe.

On the strategies to tackle the deficit, Akinderu-Fatai said the state is engaging multinational development partners for the construction of mass housing estates.

He appealed to the private sector developers to partner the government in the provision of more homes for the residents.

“The task of bridging the housing gap in Lagos is great, hence the private sector’s participation is required to reduce the hardship faced by the people in their quest for decent shelter,” the commissioner added.

To further enhance accessibility and affordability of the homes, Akinderu-Fatai said the Lagos Mortgage Board has strengthened the ‘Rent to Own’ policy by ensuring that many residents are on the home ownership ladder.

He said the scheme, which targets first time home owners, has made it possible for many Lagosians to achieve their dream of home ownership.

Added he: “It gladdens the heart that there are intense construction activities at many housing schemes all over the state, revitalising the housing delivery value chain. The fact that the construction sites are active means economic engagement for hundreds of workers, artisans, suppliers and contractors. This brings a vibrancy that increases the economic resilience of the people.”

Kwara State Police Command yesterday raised the alarm that some disgruntled elements have perfected plans to foment trouble during the Eid-el-Fitr, using the Eid praying ground in Ilorin.

It has banned the use of sachet (pure) water in and around the Eid praying ground.

Commissioner Mohammed Bagega said in a statement: “Information at my disposal shows that some subversive and disgruntled elements have perfected plans to disrupt the peace and harmony in existence in the state, using the Eid praying ground as a venue.”  He, however, assured the people of a peaceful and hitch-free Eid-el-Fitr.

Said he: “Security arrangements have been put in place across the length and breadth of the state. People are advised to go about their lawful activities.”

Bagega enjoined Muslim faithful to enjoy the holidays without fear of molestation.

He said: “Turning the Eid praying ground to a political rally will not be tolerated. Anybody found in possession of arms and ammunition will be treated as a criminal. No sachet water is allowed on the praying ground, as enough water has been provided for ablutions. There should be no chanting of party slogan. Praise-singing of VIPs on the praying ground will also not be allowed. Automobile operators are advised to respect the rights of other road users, as acts of irresponsibility will be met with stiff legal consequences.”

Bagega urged the public to inform the police of any suspicious act in their area, using the following phone numbers: 08126275046 and 07032069501.”

By Toba Adedeji, Osogbo

Osun State Government yesterday shut Inisha Town Central Mosque in Odo-Otin Local Government over the crisis surrounding the installation of an Imam.

It said it has banned activities and central congregation at the mosque for Eid prayers.

The Nation reports that the Eesa of Inisha, Chief Enoch Ajiboso, slumped and died last December 20 at the palace while settling a dispute  between two parties, who were contending to be the Chief Imam of the community.

A statement by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Adeyanju Binuyo, said the decision was reached following the  inability of the Muslim community to peacefully install an Imam for the mosque.

The statement said: “Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, as part of efforts to ensure the security of lives and property in that area, directed that the Central Mosque be shut indefinitely to forestall further religious or communal crisis. The mosque has recorded the death of two Imams in quick succession.

Security operatives have been deployed in the town to enforce the closure and ban on Eid prayers.

“This directive will be in place until the reconciliatory process towards amicable resolution is concluded. The public are advised to be guided by this directive.”

By Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq yesterday swore in 10 commissioners and one special adviser.

He urged them to be “exemplary, prudent, creative and to be team players.”

The governor immediately assigned portfolios to the Executive Council (EXCO) members.

They are Senior Ibrahim Suleiman from Ilorin West Local Government (Tertiary Education), Arinola Fatimoh Lawal from Ilorin East (Enterprise), Aliyu Kora Sabo from Baruten (Energy), Aliyu Mohammed Saifudeen from Kaiama (Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs), Suleiman Rotimi Iliasu from Moro (Works and Transport), Mariam Ahmed Hassana from Patigi (Special Duties) and Raji Razaq from Ekiti (Health).

Others are Wahab Femi Agbaje from Offa (Water Resources), Remilekun Oluwatobi Banigbe from Isin (Environment) and Deborah Aremu from Irepodun (Women Affairs and Social Development).

AbdulRazaq also swore in Mallam Attahiru Ibrahim (Patigi) as Special Adviser on Youths and Sports.

He urged the EXCO members to key into the administration’s commitment to serve the people of Kwara State, “who expect so much from us and want a clean break from the past.”

The governor added: “We have achieved so much in the past two years across sectors. No local government is without government’s presence. But we can do a lot more with increased commitment, focus and collaboration as a team.

”You will be criticised. I urge you to take (such) criticisms in good faith and do your best to work on areas of public concerns without losing focus in the process. As representatives of our people, we are to constantly engage with the citizens and stakeholders. We are to tell our stories to avoid misrepresentations.”

Secretary to the State Government Prof. Mamman Saba Jibril enjoined the appointees to see their emergence as an opportunity to serve the people and to justify the confidence reposed in them.

“I advise you to work very hard, prove your worth and make the state, the governor and your constituency proud of you,” he added.