The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • When Amosun went round to feel the pulse of Ogun people

    When Amosun went round to feel the pulse of Ogun people

    Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State took time off his busy schedule at Oke Imosan in Abeokuta to go round the state for an assessment of the impact his administration has made on the people in the last three and half years. ERNEST NWOKOLO was on his entourage.

    Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s first major tour of communities and towns in the Gateway State  was in 2011 during his electioneering campaigns to solicit the people’s votes. The second was for an inspection of some projects, particularly the roads and model schools being built in each of the state’s 20 Local government councils.

    Barely seven months to the expiration of his four years tenure, Amosun has returned to the people on whose mandate he governs the state, this time not to kick-start a campaign for his re – election bid, but to feel their pulse and establish how his programmes and policies have impacted on them.

    It is understandable why he embarked upon this facts finding mission. Of recent, there appears to be a curious paradigm shift in how people conceive governance and development.

    The concept of “stomach infrastructure” – Amala and Gbegiri politics, seems to be gaining currency in the camp of the unwary as opposed to focus on infrastructural development that would drive investments, creativity, employment and income to the citizenry.

    The loss of Ekiti State by Governor Kayode Fayemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to Ayodele Fayose of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)  serms to accentuate this concept and tends to suggest that the easiest route to win the heart of the people and also make a huge electoral capital is to pander to their immediate needs.

    Besides, in the last one or two years, Amosun has also been contending with stiff opposition not so much from the outside but within his political party – APC, fuelling concerns that the Governor would lose a huge swathe of supporters across the state ahead of 2015 elections.

    Amosun once admitted that no politician worth his onion would want to go into any general elections with a divided house, and did promise to do everything possible to bring about genuine reconciliation and unity among the aggrieved members, elders and interest groups within the APC in Ogun State. But it does appear the feuding parties are not in a hurry to sheath their daggers.

    Again, some of the policies of the administration especially the on – going massive roads and bridges construction across the state did not only leave many in a momentary and biting hardship as residential buildings, shops, worship centres and even burial sites were compelled to give way to road expansion projects, but also serves as veritable tools in the hand of the opposition politicians to launch scathing criticisms against the administration, sometimes unconstructively.

    So when the Governor set forth to tour the state two weeks ago beginning with Imeko – Afon Local Government Council in Ogun West,  Odeda, Ogun Waterside, Remo North, Ipokia, Ijebu – Igbo, Ikenne and Ewekoro councils respectively, it was a kind of popularity test for him.

    But contrary to what traducers, critics and opposition politicians would want the public to believe, Amosun and his administration are not only manifestly popular with the people but also lauded for the bold achievements recorded as the Governor was showered with affection in whatever direction he turned.

    In Imeko- Afon Local government, his first port of call, he was received by a massive crowd, including the masquerades. The traditional rulers and opinion leaders from the area rooted for the continuation of his “rebuilding mission” in the state.

    The monarchs and leaders of thoughts including the renowned historian, Prof. Anthony Asiwaju, said the governor is providing the courage and leadership required to reposition the state on the path of greatness.

    The traditional rulers which include the Onimeko of Imeko, Oba Benjamin Oyekan, the Ooye of Iwoye – Ketu, Oba Joel Alaye, Onidofa of Idofa, Oba David Adeyanju, Oloola of Ilaraland, Oba Samuel Adeluyi, Obaladi of Afonland, Oba Busari Adetona, the Council’s 40 Baales, said Amosun and his administration would continue to enjoy their support.

    Oba Oyekan, for example, assured the governor that Imeko – Afon is fertile and opened to him and his administration to transform and develop via his rebuilding mission and infrastructural development for the benefits of residents and private business operators.

    Oyekan said:” although, Imeko – Afon is known to be a virgin land but for how long would a maiden remain a virgin? For any virgin, matured and of the right age, she needs to be de flowered.

    “Imeko – Afon wants your administration to marry and de flower her. For how long the land would remain a virgin land? Our land is ready for a manly administration like yours to come.”

    Prof. Asiwaju in his remarks scored Amosun high, saying he has recorded “phenomenal and unprecedented achievements particularly in the areas of infrastructural development and urban renewal projects.”

    The historian lauded the Governor for turning their hitherto over 100 rural communities and villages into towns; making them accessible and interlinked through building over 100km Ilara – Ijoun roads networks in Ogun West Senatorial district.

    He said: “he has turned bushes into towns, he changes things from good to better and from better to best. He has all our support. We can only ask for more from him and also appeal to him to finish the dualization of Imeko – Ilara and to reconstruct Imeko road to Owode via Atapele.”

    The popularity and acceptance of the governor in Imeko is particularly strategic and significant not only because it is the headquarters of the Local government or of the large size of its population but also the fact that the place is also believed to be the home town of former boss of the Gateway Holdings – the economic wing of the then Gbenga Daniel’s administration, and Amosun’s opponent during the 2011 governorship election, Mr Gboyega Nasiru Isiaka (GNI).

    GNI who contested the 2011 polls on the platform of the Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) but lost to Amosun, is still aspiring to slug it out again with the governor in 2015 if given the ticket by the Labour Party(LP) or any political party that is in alliance with LP.

    The experience of popular acceptance was the same all the way in Ipokia, Ewekoro, Odeda, Ikenne, Remo North, Ogun Waterside and Ijebu – Igbo.

    Residents and many interest groups trooped out to welcome him, pledging support for his second term bid, and also anchoring their action on the relative peace, clean and safe environment, security of lives and properties among other things that have returned to the state.

    In Ijebu – Igbo, home town of the late Afenifere leader, Senator Abraham Adesanya, the enthusiastic crowd of supporters was phenomenal.

    And despite the fact that it is equally the home town of the billionaire hotelier and Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) financier in the state, Prince Buruji Kashamu,  as well as that of Senator Gbenga Kaka(APC), whose relationship with the Governor is less than cordial, Amosun commands not a small following there.

    The residents were particularly enamoured by the commencement of work at the ever busy station junction for the construction of the first fly -over bridge in the ancient and populous town in Ijebu North Local government.

    Although, construction of the Ijebu – Igbo fly – over ought to have began about a year earlier but people of opposing interest at the time, it was learnt, prevailed on individuals whose properties would be affected by the project not to allow any demolition on their structures until government compensates them.

    And  Amosun who was humbled by the overwhelming reception accorded him in the places toured so far, pledged his commitment to further development, assuring the people he would not take their support for granted even as he noted that his visit was not to kick -start 2015 campaign but to assess the impacts of his government on them.

    Amosun said: “I have come to assess all we have been able to do since you voted us in as Governor and all my other people you voted in, whether at the National Assembly, state level and even at the ward level, you are our masters, you sent us on an errand.

    “And you have the opportunity, if you send somebody on errand and he is not doing well, you have the power on your hands, you can send away bad government by your votes.

    “There’s something we must do and this is not for APC alone but for all the parties in Ogun State, we don’t want violence, nobody should fight, if you’re running for any office, 50 people can come out but it is the person destined by God that will get the position.

    “I am saying this not for APC alone but I am saying it for all our parties, whether you are for this party or that party, but for us in APC, we will ensure that we must not do anything that will bring violence to our people, nobody benefits in an atmosphere of violence, nobody benefits in an atmosphere that is devoid of peace.

    “It is when you have peace that we can have development, it is when you have peace that we can achieve huge success, it is when you have peace that you can assist government.”

    But the PDP in the state said the tour is a subtle way of kick – starting of 2015 electioneering campaign by the Governor, hoping he would use the opportunity to recover lost ground ahead of time.

    The Party’s state Secretary, Mr Semiu Sodipo, said the crowd that converged to welcome him in each of the Local governments so far visited did not show up in those places on their own volition.

    Sodipo specifically accused Amosun of “forcing and mandating” the state’s civil servants to join him in the tour whereas, they ought to be “non partisan.”

    According to him, the governor should know that the game is up and that the people of the state are thinking a different thing about him and his administration.

    Also, aide to ex – governor Gbenga Daniel, Mr Ayo Giwa, said the governor should be bothered by the fact that he is touring local governments without projects to commission there, three and half years after he was sworn into office.

    Giwa reasoned that Amosun is jittery because the election time is  near and  instead of pointing out what he has done, the governor, elected to be cursing one person after another like he did in Odeda Local government as if that is what the people deserved now.

    Giwan said: “he stalled Olokola project. Why can’t he revive it? A refinery should have been established there by Dangote. As far I know, he has done only one project and that is Totoro road to Owu. Others are not completed yet.

    “The model schools are not ready after he promised to deliver them by 2012. He even promised to put students there by September this year but that is not feasible. Is that the kind of leader the people want?”

     

  • Ajimobi to deliver N5b market in December

    Ajimobi to deliver N5b market in December

    •Traders to get 1,450 shops in first phase

    Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, is to inaugurate another neighbourhood market in Ibadan, the state capital in December.

    The market, whose construction costs N5.5 billion, is located near the old airport at Sango area of the city.

    The facility, dubbed Samonda Business Complex, is a modern neighbourhood market coming after the first one located at Scout Camp, Molete area of the city.

    The project, which is aimed at meeting the needs of the huge number of traders in the city, is being undertaken as a joint project between WEMABOD TAHC and the state government.

    Located at a prime location in the city, the government plans to deliver about 4,000 shops in three phases with social amenities including a modern clinic, police and fire stations, banks, a mini shopping mall, small parks and play area for children, green areas and warehouse.

    Speaking during a visit to assess progress of work at the site recently, the Chairman of WEMABOD Estates Limited, Erelu Angela Adebayo, expressed satisfaction with the extent of work done on the project and assured that inauguration of the first phase would be done in December with 1,450 shops available for traders.

    The shops include blocks of open stalls and locked-up shops ranging from N500, 000 to N1,500,000 each.

    The Managing Director of the partnering firm, WEMABOD TAHC Limited, Mr Kayode Adeleke, lauded the Oyo State Government for embarking on the project, saying it would be one of the largest markets in the country when completed.

    He said the government embarked on the project to provide decent shops for the teeming traders who are warned against trading on the road,

    According to him, the shops would be bought off by owners with immediate issuance of deeds of assignment by the state government.

    He said the second phase would commence next year.

     

  • Amosun gives hope to community dwellers

    Amosun gives hope to community dwellers

    After about nine years of self help in the development of their community, residents of Christ Embassy Unity Estate, Aseese, Ogun State have been formally recognized by the government and may soon have basic municipal amenities extended to them.

    Amidst verve, feasting and praises the community under the auspices of Christ Embassy Unity Estate Community Development Area was recently presented with the certificate of community recognition by the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

    Before the presentation, the community had no formal platform through which it could approach the government for any municipal amenity thereby shouldering on its own, acquisition of basic infrastructure through cooperation of community members.

    Corroborating this point, the community chairman, Kendrick Agbi said, “With this cooperation, the community has been able to erect electricity poles with service wire and construction of security house among others”

    While presenting the certificate of community recognition with words of hope on developmental projects, the Deputy Director, Ministry of Community Development and Cooperative, Ogun State, Mrs. Fadimu Seye, who represented Governor Amosun remarked that with the certificate, the community now has a formal record with the government in terms of development and could now approach the government formally for any obvious municipal need.

    Fadimu who as well represented the Commissioner of the Ministry, Chief Samuel Durojaiye Aiyedogbon thanked the community for partnering with the state government in community development, adding “that no government can successfully carry out community development without the deliberate involvement of the citizenry.”

    In a message to similar communities in the state she said “start it on your own, do it your own way then invite the government.”

    She also called on the community members to “jointly identify common problems and proffer solutions to them as the fourth tier of government.”

    Meanwhile Agbi, who mentioned that the community was ready to partner with Ogun State Vigilante Group called on the government to assist them with the “provision of 500KVA electricity transformer and upgrading of the major road into the community.”

     

  • Excitement as Aleshinloye market traders get N10million lift

    Excitement as Aleshinloye market traders get N10million lift

    Traders at the popular Aleshinloye Market, Ibadan, part of which got burnt a few weeks ago were full of joy when Oyo State Governor,  Senator Abiola Ajimobi, distributed cheques worth N10million to the victims of the fire, in fulfillment of his promise to assist the distraught traders. OSEHEYE OKWUOFU witnessed the event.

    When in August Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State visited the popular Aleshinloye Market in Ibadan to commiserate with the traders whose shops and stalls were burnt in an overnight fire few hours earlier and pledged to assist the victims get back on their feet, not a few among the traders thought it was one of those promises by politicians.

    So, immediately the rubble from the over 200 shops burnt to ashes by the fire was cleared, the traders mobilized resources and started rebuilding their shops without waiting for government assistance, and within a week they were back in business.

    But to their surprise, Governor Ajimobi came back to the market few weeks after, not for shopping, but to distribute cheques to the traders in fulfillment of the vow he made to them during his visit few hours after the fire incident. Many shops were abandoned while other traders decided to close down business on the fateful day to witness the ground breaking event which some traders found difficult to believe.

    It was a mammoth crowd that greeted the occasion. Leading the traders to the occasion was the Chairman, Aleshinloye Market Traders Association, Alhaji Fatai Amubikaun in company with some elders of the market.

    Top government officials and political bigwigs present at the event were the secretary to the state government, Alhaji Ismail Olalekan Alli, Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Lady (Princess) Oyefunke Oworu and her counterpart in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Honourable Fatai Buhari.

    The Caretaker Committee Chairman of the Ibadan South West Local Government, Alhaji Toareed Adeleke, the chief host, also led high ranking officials of the local government to witness the distribution of the cheques.

    There was drumming and dancing, while traders sang songs praising the governor to show their debt of gratitude for the love and concern shown to their plight. Some of the affected traders recounted their ordeal in the aftermath of the fire disaster, which many said stripped them of all they had labored for.

    Sixty-four-year old Adijatu Oke said the unfortunate fire disaster caused her much heart ache because the money she used for trading was sourced from a Cooperative Society, but suddenly everything was reduced to ashes, leaving her in much debt and bitterness.

    Another trader, Abosede Ige who sells jewelries said she lost over N400, 000 worth of goods to the inferno, but expressed thanks to Governor Ajimobi for the kind gesture ,adding that “half bread is better that none”.

    Mrs Ige who has returned to her newly constructed shop with new stock enjoined the government to provide functional fire station with modern facility to avert future fire disaster in the market.

    “I don’t think we should be here today collecting cheques from the governor if the market fire station was well equipped to fight and put away the fire before it caused havoc. I know the governor had tried his best, but what can be done to prevent this kind of disaster tomorrow. That should be our utmost concern now. The market needs modern fire station with good boreholes and modern facilities so that we don’t have to come here in ten years time to collect (another) cheques “, she said.

    A total of 198 traders affected by the fire outbreak got a N50, 000 cheque each.

    In their separate remarks, some of the beneficiaries, including Mr. Friday Eze, Mrs. Abimbola Ajayi as well as the Chairman of the Market, Alhaji Fatai Amubikaun, commended Governor Ajimobi for the gesture.

    “We are very grateful to Governor Ajimobi. He is a caring leader who always fulfils his promises. In 2004, something like this happened, the then government promised to assist us but no help came. Today, we are highly excited that the governor did not only give us money, he came personally to distribute the cheques to us. God will continue to strengthen him”, Amubikaun said.

    The market Youth Leader, Alhaji Basiru Aikore who came to the event with scores of his members in a show of appreciation eulogised Governor Ajimobi and pledged continuous support to him in his quest for better Oyo state.

    He described the distribution of the cheques by the governor himself as a mark of good leadership.

    “Many governors have come to sympathise with the traders in times of need and pledged to assist us, but they never came back.  But as we can see within a very short time the governor came, promised and he has fulfilled his promise. Yes, it is true the money he gave to each trader cannot be compared with the amount lost , but what we are saying is that the token came in at the right time and we shall ever remain grateful to him for identifying with our grieve”, he stated.

    While presenting the cheques to the traders, Governor Ajimobi said that the gesture was in fulfillment of his earlier promise to assist the affected traders to cushion the effect of the losses they suffered during the inferno.

    He commended the traders for their immense contributions to the socio-economic development of the state, adding that his administration would not relent in its efforts at ensuring improved living condition for the people of the state.

    The governor said that his administration had earmarked the sum of N300 million as interest-loans to assist traders in the state, while modern markets have been provided for the traders who were removed from the streets.

    He called on politicians in the state to desist from engaging in campaign of calumny, politics of deceit, character assassination and violence.

    Governor Ajimobi urged the traders to continue to support the urban renewal programme of his administration and to continue to sustain the existing peace in the state, reminding them that meaningful development could only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace.

    Alhaji Taoreed Bolaji Adeleke, Caretaker Chairman, Ibadan South-West Local Government in his address  appreciated the Governor whose concern did not stop at mere sympathy alone but has empathised with the people by matching his words with actions in acceding to the yearnings of the traders to re-construct their burnt stalls and alleviate their suffering.

    He went further to say that Governor Ajimobi had, before that day, distributed cheques worth N100million to traders at Lekan Salami Stadium aside the N20million given to traders at Scout Camp, Molete, Ibadan and called on the people to reciprocate the government’s gesture by supporting its programmes in their totality and voting to re-elect Governor Ajimobi at the 2015 general election.

    He further assured the affected traders of a conducive trading atmosphere at the Phase 2 of Aleshinloye Neighbourhood Market that has motorised bore-hole and VIP toilet facilities.

     

  • Lagos rewards taxpayers with affordable ‘Homs’

    Lagos rewards taxpayers with affordable ‘Homs’

    With an estimated four million housing shortage out of a national total of 17 million, Lagos faces a daunting challenge providing accommodation for its growing population believed to be in the region of 20 million. But the state government through its Lagos HOMS programme is determined to correct this short`age by providing decent, affordable housing units to its emerging middle and lower income earners. SEUN AKIOYE reports

    Not many people are more optimistic about the capacity of Lagos State Government to deliver what it called “decent and affordable homes” to the city residents than Akinola Kojo-Sagoe. Since February 2014, when the Lagos Mortgage Board (LMB) was inaugurated and he was appointed as the Executive Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sagoe has consistently been engaged in selling the mortgage scheme to Lagosians.

    So far he has succeeded, at least to the degree to which his “products” have been available. Since the Board was inaugurated, it has been given the mandate to administer the allocation of what is now known as the Lagos Home Ownership Mortgage Schemes (LAGOS HOMS).

    The vision

    Lagos state has a rising profile as West Africa’s commercial capital and an alarming profile as consisting of one of the worlds dreaded slums. Though the smallest in landmass out of the 36 states in Nigeria, Lagos is the most densely populated with immigrants coming from all over the country, in pursuit of happiness and living thereby putting pressure on public infrastructure, especially housing.

    The result was predictable, mass slums emerged with residents living in sub human conditions. Housing price also rose with homeowners charging between two and three years rent in advance.  Real estate agents also cashed on the jamboree charging exorbitant amount for their services which are usually “compulsory”.

    The World Bank says Nigeria has a housing deficit of 17million and Lagos alone accounts for 4 million of that figure. Amnesty International was less charitable describing at least70 percent of Lagos residents as living in slums and unhygienic conditions.

    The Lagos state government tried to address some of these concerns with the promulgation of the Lagos Tenancy Law in 2011 which restricted the number of years a homeowner can collect from a prospective tenant in the state. But the law seems ‘too little too late’ as it failed to address the issue of housing shortage. One landlord was quoted as saying: “Government has no right to dictate what I collect from my tenant after all the government didn’t build this house.”  He thereafter advised the government to build its own houses where it can foist its own laws.

    200 Homes every month

    Interestingly that was exactly what the Lagos state government did.  In February, when Governor Babatunde Fashola inaugurated the new Lagos Mortgage Board; he made it clear that the mandate was to provide affordable housing for Lagosians especially the first time owners.

    ”Home ownership has often been regarded as a utopian aspiration for a large majority of our people; a mark of great prosperity and the attainment of significant wealth. As a result, this status brought about by inequality has eluded our people decade after decade.

    “We believe that equalizing opportunities will remain the expectation of every taxpayer from a government under any social democracy for generations to come. It is for this reason that our strong determination to provide better access to capital through affordable access to home ownership remains unshaken,” Fashola said.

    Lagos has since begun the construction of modern houses across the five divisions of the state. The houses which vary between one, two and three bedroom apartments are built with all modern facilities in place and it is available to any Lagos resident who can show evidence of at least five years payment of income tax and with a reasonable steady income.

    There is more good news, the state government, through the LMB will finance the houses for applicants with an irresistible 9.5 percent interest spread over 10 years.

    There is bad news too at least for Lagos moneybags. The Lagos Homs scheme is not available for sale to those who have the cash to buy the houses but for those who will like to explore the mortgage route.

    “Looking at the housing deficit in Lagos which is about four million, if we must bridge this gap we cannot sell the houses outright or the money bags will hijack it. Governor Fashola has said the houses are meant for first time buyers. We also want to build the mortgage culture, with that you will build up your credit and housing can reach those who still need them,” Sagoe said.

    ‘Sagoe is of the opinion that Nigerians have to change the cash based mindset which has held the productivity of the people down. “Mortgage increases productivity because you know you have to work. We are starting something new and we need the help of everyone to succeed,” he said.

    Sagoe said aspiring Lagos residents can become a home owner in five simple steps. Application and submission; pre-qualification; draw; post draw processing and; the closing.  However, the uniqueness of the Lagos Homs is the draw where all eligible applicants who have evidence of tax payment in Lagos for five years will have the opportunity to be picked in a draw that will see them wining a house of their dream.

    “There are three draws and your application entitles you to them, so there is every possibility that if you don’t get picked in one draw you will get picked in the next, so the opportunities are limitless,” a staff told The Nation.

    There are commitments from the applicants too. For instance, one must be able to provide the initial 30 percent equity fund before the LMB approves the loan to cover the balance on the mortgage.  For the houses that have been sold or those that will soon go under the auction, the average price is between N8million and N15million.

    There is also the interest rate which some have described as a “little steep” for a government scheme but Sagoe said: “The interest will come down eventually, there can only be a downward movement. We are starting the equity with 30 percent too, the idea is to start off and see how many people will subscribe to it, and this is still the initial stage.”

    For those who are unable to put up the 30 percent equity fund, there are other options they can explore says Bayowa Foresythe , the Executive Director, Shared Services at LMB. The scheme is called Rent to Own which affords a couple to rent an apartment in one of the schemes and the equity is built into the rent over a five year period. “When you rent one of the houses what we call rent credit is saved from your rent over a five year period and then you are encouraged to apply for the house. This is the new direction Lagos is going and it is the right direction,” he said.

    Currently, there have been seven draws for the allocation of the houses and 443 applicants have won houses with about 273 people fulfilling their obligations and collecting their keys. According to Sagoe, the scheme has delivered 1,400 houses in seven months while contractors are currently working on 23 sites across the five divisions in Lagos. “Our mandate is to deliver 200 houses every month,” Sagoe said.

    He said the mandate is to have between 3,500 and 5000 housing units by the end of 2015. “The model now is to work day and night to achieve this mandate.”

    A home for taxpayers

    It is a fantastic feeling to own a piece of property in Lagos, most residents will agree. Sagoe and Foresythe thought so too. According to them, the scheme which was being funded through taxpayer’s money is a reward for diligent and taxpaying residents of the mega city. “This scheme is being funded by your tax money and only those who pay taxes can have access to it. If more people pay taxes, then we can do more, this is one of the rewards for paying taxes,” Sagoe admitted.

    Recently, officials of the LMB went on a three-day tour of all the schemes in Lagos as part of the preparations for the October draw. In Amuwo Odofin where seven blocks of 12 flats are being proposed, work has just begun with the clearing of about three and half hectares of land. Foresythe said the construction will usually take 12 months and it will include a Laundromat, central sewage system. Amuwo Odofin scheme has also been designated as a research centre for the Lagos Homs.

    In Ajara Badagry, the scheme is about 60 percent completed. Developed by the New Town Development Authority (NTDA), the scheme has 420 units and would be ready by the first quarter of 2015. Apart from the usual facilities of street lights, individual Laundromats, central electricity and sewage system with interlocking brick roads, the scheme also have the advantage of the lagoon at the back of the estate which may serve as a major transport hub for those coming from Lagos.

    But one of the most improved upon is the Igando scheme in Alimosho local government area. Built on the former site of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation camp, the 492 housing unit is a beauty to behold. According to Foresythe, the scheme has in addition to other facilities, a community library, Police post and basketball court.

    The houses here too have been great improvements from the initial conception at Shittu scheme. The blocks were properly demarcated giving that exclusive feeling of a stand-alone.  The blocks have designated colours which Sagoe said is “playing with colours to make it more vibrant.

    “Can you imagine how beautiful this place will be when finally completed?” Foresythe asked lifting his eyes up and spreading a hand around the complex.

    On the Island, the team visited the Sangotedo scheme with its 41 blocks of flats and 492 units where ten blocks will be allocated during the October draw. The scheme is of a different architecture complete with balconies unlike the newer schemes in Igando and Badagry.

    Sangotedo is divided into two phases, while the first has been at least 90 percent completed, work has already started on the second. “We are working night and day to ensure we deliver a standard housing unit, we cannot compromise on standard,” an engineer on the site said.

    There is also the Lekki phase 1 scheme which will have eight blocks of 96 unit houses. Workers are already on site with pilling works beginning. It is estimated to be completed and ready for sale in 12 months. “This is going to be a hot cake when completed,” Sagoe said with excitement.

    But one of the most challenging constructions is currently ongoing at Ilubirin which has been termed as the city beside the sea. An ambitious project not only in size, but also in the sheer velocity which involves the reclaiming of 20 hectares of land from the sea to build a 66 block apartment of 1,254 units. According to engineers at Cyron Investments Ltd who are the contractors, the building works which began this in March this year is expected to last for 18 months.

    “The work is tough because of the 40-metre pipes that we need to use. If it were raft we would have finished construction but we have standards we cannot compromise,” an engineer said.

    Ilubirin is also a wonder of modern engineering. There were cranes lifting heavy metals and trailers discharging cement. It was a sea of workers each deeply involved in different aspects. All around the fresh breeze from the sea provided a soothing relief from the noise of the equipments and to the north is the view of the endless stream of vehicles on the Third Mainland Bridge.

    Handled by the Lagos State Ministry of Housing, Ilubirin may in the future become an engineering tourist attraction when fully developed.

    But the Lagos Homs project is not only providing accommodation for Lagosians. It is also providing what Sagoe called “360 degree effect on wealth creation.”  From the construction to the furnishing of the houses, there has been wealth creation in every sector.

    According to Foresythe: “Jobs are being created on these various construction sites that have benefitted over 134 construction companies, 459 sub-contractors, employing over 1,168 persons, seven consultancy companies, over 5,442 suppliers, artisans, labourers and numerous citizens who are employed in the supply chain of sand, gravel, woods and fittings as well as food vendors and transporters.”

    In October, another draw will hold and several taxpaying applicants will become home owners. This process will be repeated every month until Lagos state is able to cut the housing deficit drastically.

    ”Governor Fashola has said the scheme will outlive him so we have no problem about continuity, but the lesson about the Lagos Homs is to pay your tax consistently, then you can also partake in the rewards,” Sagoe said as he moved to begin a round of inspection at the one block scheme in Omole Ikeja.

     

  • Fashola’s quest to provide potable water for Lagos residents

    Fashola’s quest to provide potable water for Lagos residents

    Though Lagos is almost totally surrounded by water, getting potable water for the residents is a herculean task but the state government is determined to redress this. MIRIAM EKENE-OKORO reports

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) is not leaving any stone unturned to ensure that the challenge of accessing potable water in Lagos by residents becomes a thing of the past.

    Considering that the ever growing population of the state, projected at 29 million by 2020, has also pushed water demand in the state to 733 million gallons per day in a few years time as against the present need of 540 million gallon per day, the challenge looks herculean.

    But the governor is undaunted and has embarked on a bold road map with the implementation of the Lagos Water Corporation Master Plan targeted to produce 745 million gallons per day to exceed required 733 million gallons per day demand by 2020.

    Intensive work is ongoing at the Adiyan phase 2 waterworks to compliment water generation from other waterworks such as Adiyan phase 1, producing about 72 million gallons per day; Iju Waterworks with capacity for 45 million gallons per day and Ishasi Waterworks producing about four million gallons per day.

    Construction work on this project commenced in 2013 and is expected to be completed in 2016 which will inject additional 70 million gallons of potable water per day into the distribution network.

    On a recent visit to the site Fashola said  the project was designed to put an end to scarcity of potable water supply to the residents.

    According to him, “The construction work on the Adiyan Waterworks phase II is in top gear. The contractor has showed that they could work at night and hopefully, this will speed up the construction of the water works.

    “This is the third major waterworks in the state. The first was the Iju Waterworks which was built in1910. There was no major intervention in the state until 1991 when Adiyan Waterworks phase I was constructed. That is a long time and the population continued to grow in the state.

    “The state government has constructed so many mini and micro water works. The reason why this is important was that we started with the micro water works and to resuscitate some of those that were built by my predecessors, and to construct more as a short term measure in the first term.”

    Fashola explained that the long term plan is to have more of such being built in partnership with private sector to deliver more of such projects.

    “This is direct government funding. The long term plan is that we will need more of this to be able to hit the water demands for the residents of the state. The plan is that by 2020, we should be able to meet the (water) plan of the citizens of the state.” He said provision of water alone is never the answer to water scarcity but the conservation of water.

    Managing Director; LWC Mr. Sayo Holloway, further explained that the new waterworks when completed will boost water supply to the western axis of the State which is not being reliably served now.

    He listed such areas to include Ipaja; Agege; Ayobo; Idimu; Ikotun; Isolo, Festac, Owode; Kirikiri; Ajegunle, Apapa;  and parts of Ogun State host community of Adiyan waterworks that will benefit from this intervention.

    Other axis such as Ikorodu township and environ will also be served, while the Lagos Metropolis will witness pressure boost in the water mains for improved service delivery.

    Holloway explained that Adiyan phase 2 coming 23 years after phase one was constructed is expected to serve over 3 million inhabitants of the aforementioned areas.

    He said state of the art technology is being deployed in the new waterworks for improved operational efficiency and environmental compliance.

    He also added that in the master plan for LWC, technical design is also being finalized for the construction of the 50 million gallons per day Yewa water scheme which will be sited in Badagry to serve the Lagos – Badagry axis.

    “It is expected to grow rapidly in tandem with the ongoing Light rail transportation and the dual carriage way infra structure.  This axis is expected to witness an annual population growth above 5 per cent.

    “Work is also ongoing for the development of the Odomola water scheme with an ultimate 210 million gallons water scheme to serve the Epe /Victoria Island corridor.  This will be undertaken in 3 phases”.

    He said the exponential population growth in Lagos over the last few decades has overstretched available infrastructure as evident in housing, transportation, power and potable water, adding that the government has taken up the gauntlet for rapid water infrastructure development to mitigate proliferation of boreholes and water borne diseases.

    Apart from the reliable and wholesome water supply that the project guarantees, an estimated 700 jobs have also been created for the teaming youths through the ongoing construction.

     

  • CDAs gospel of peace among youths at independence

    CDAs gospel of peace among youths at independence

    Nigeria’s 54th Independence anniversary last Wednesday was marked with a difference in Alimoso Local Government Area of Lagos State where two Community Development Associations (CDAs) put up a programme to promote peace among youths in the area. OZIEGBE OKOEKI reports.

    In an era when violence and thuggery have become the past time of youths, two Community Development Associations (CDAs) in Lagos State took the initiative of promoting peace especially among the youth in their area as part of activities marking the October 1, 54th Independence Anniversary of Nigeria.

    Gloryland and Graceland CDAs in Alimoso Local Government Area came up with the initiative in partnership with a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Project for Peace initiative (PFI) aimed at inculcating peaceful co-existence among youths irrespective of religion or ethnic background.

    The event which took place at Goshen Street, Gloryland Estate was attended by youths in the communities as well as their parents as a way of commemorating Nigeria independence in grand style.

    The Chairman of Gloryland CDA, Olumide Adewale who was highly elated about the programme coming up as part of the independence celebration, said he believes the country has the potential of surmounting present challenges confronting the youth and the nation.

    While speaking to newsmen, Adewale expressed joy that the usual barriers associated with youths these days has been broken with the coming together of the youth in the community to preach love to one another as a way of promoting peace which according to him ultimately leads to development.

    “This programme has to do with peace and progress. How do we foster friendship to bring about peace and development? This is the only way Nigeria can move forward,” he noted.

    While giving thanks to the organizer of the event, PFI, Adewale assured that such a laudable programme would have to be repeated in other communities as a way of discouraging violence.

    Also the chairman of Graceland CDA, Olanrewaju John said the youth should be encouraged to partner together in promoting peace.

    The high point of the programme which was the launching of a book written by Ulomachi Naomi James a 12-year old girl titled, ‘The beautiful broken pot’ provided an inspiring thought to the participants.

    The little girl became the centre of attraction, having written such a book at her tender age. She explained that the title of the book came as a result of a mother who lured her daughter into prostitution.

    The author enjoined her peers to also come up with books as a way of developing their talents.

    While soliciting for government support, the organiser and founder of PFI, Mr. Emmanuel Alao said the challenge facing the NGO is sponsorship.

    According to him, “it has become a herculean task trying to get support from government. Godfatherism is the order, if you don’t know somebody that will fight for your cause, it becomes difficult,” he said.

     

  • Ojude-Oba: Day Ijebu celebrated Sallah and paid homage to Awujale

    Ojude-Oba: Day Ijebu celebrated Sallah and paid homage to Awujale

    The third day after Eid-ul-Kabir festival is a special one for the Ijebu people of southwest Nigeria irrespective of their faith as they usually turn out in their best attires to pay homage and pledge loyalty to their paramount ruler, the Awujale of Ijebuland during the annual Ojude-Oba festival. ERNEST NWOKOLO was at the 2014 edition.

    It was all glamour and show of opulence once again last Monday as the Ijebu nation in Nigeria converged on Ijebu – Ode, their capital and the royal home of Awujale of Ijebuland in Ogun state, to celebrate this year’s Ojude – Oba annual festival.

    An estimated 25,000  people beside friends and in-laws of the Ijebu participated in the over 100 years old festival designed to pay homage to the paramount ruler of Ijebu nation, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba 11, who is often referred to as Orisa Ijebu [the god of Ijebu] by his subjects that hold him in reverence.

    As early as 9 :30am, the mini stadium like – arcade newly built by the Ijebu people for the festival had began to  witness massive crowd of Ijebu sons and daughters and enthusiasts  who surged into the venue and spilling into the long stretch Awujale street and the adjoining ones.

    At the epic – centre on one end of the arcade is Oba Adetona, sandwiched by Governor Ibikunle Amosun and General Theophilus Danjuma who was the Special guest of honour. A few metres away sat the duo of Olori Kemi Adetona and Senator Daisy, Danjuma’s wife.

    A further distance away was the first lady of Ogun State, Mrs Olufunso Amosun in her gait and elegance, observing the carnival at a vantage position.

    Wherever one turned, it was the sight and drum beats of people in festive mood one could behold and heard. Freelance local drummers and entertainers in their various groups entertained guests for no fixed price.

    And within the festival arcade, it was a kaleidescope colours as each of the Regberegbes (Age grade groups) seated in different positions – males and females, competed for attention with power dressing that showed off the success, cultural heritage, wealth and enterprising spirit synonymous with the Ijebu.

    The enthralled Danjuma who said he and his wife did not know what to expect of the festival, described it as colourful and unique.

    Senator Amosun who was witnessing the event for the fourth time as a governor, captured the celebration as something that “represents the display (of) real cultural symbol of unity for  the Ijebu and Ogun State.”

    By 10: 30am, the Regberegbes had started to take turn to pay homage to the Awujale, Oba Adetona, who equally poured his highly sought royal blessings upon them without measure.

    No fewer than 22 various age grades, including Egbe  Bobaniyi where Giwa Muftau Oseni is the head, took turn to pay homage to their revered paramount ruler.  They were followed by corporate organisations. Here the Globacom, official sponsor of the yearly event, took the lead followed by First City Monument Bank (FCMB) among others.

    These age grades who adorned different, clean and gorgeous attires to tell one group apart from the other nonetheless, showcased wealth, opulence and success that often follow the industrious and enterprising spirit of the Ijebu.

    Interestingly, the first to perform this rite with rhythmic Ijebu dance steps were the Egbe Mafowokun age grade. This age grade which happened to be Oba Adetona’s group  did not only distinguished themselves from the rest by virtue of age and their  attire, they also have the rare luck of being peopled by great personalities like Senator Biyi Durojaiye, the Olu of Odosenlu – Ijebu, Oba Shafi Sule among others as members. Oba Shafi Sule of Odosenlu kingdom serves as their head.

    The festival peaked by 1pm when the Baloguns and Eleshins – horse riders, began to troop into the festival arena from their various quarters like triumphant soldiers returning from a successful military campaign from a far country.

    The Baloguns are the descendants of the families of the Ijebu war lords, who fought many of the Ijebu ancient battles and secured the area known geographically today as the Ijebuland in Ogun State from external invaders including the colonial soldiers.

    Aside the glamour and equestrian look the Baloguns and horse riders gave to the Ojude – Oba festival, their entrance to the arcade were accompanied by intermittent booming of local hunters’ guns. This year’s edition paraded Balogun families – Kuku, Keregbetu, Josin, Omitogun, Alatishe, Adesoye, Osobe and Odejayi. Others are Baloguns Oreagba, Sarumi, Otubu and Alausa.

    Balogun Kuku family was particularly unique. It is the largest family in Nigeria after that of the Momoh in Auchi, Edo State. Over two dozens of the Kukus rode on horseback into the arcade to pay homage to the paramount ruler and paraded their Olorogun, Sunny Kuku of the famous Eko Hospital, Lagos.

    But beyond the cultural and religious dimension of the festival, this year edition provided another veritable platform for the Ijebu people to drum up support for the creation of Ijebu State by the nation’s National Assembly.

    This much was expressed by Oba Adetona who called on the Federal government and the National Assembly to urgently give effect to the creation of an Ijebu State and 19 others as recommended by the National Conference.

    Adetona who lauded the delegates to the confab for the recommendation, said it is when the federal government and NASS have done everything necessary to “actualise an Ijebu State,” can the Ijebu people be convinced that the justice they have been clamouring for over the years is done.

    The monarch who described the over 100 years old festival, as a unifying force for all sons and daughters of Ijebu extraction regardless of religious differences or creed, adding that they would anything to protect this “unique cultural heritage.”

    According to him, the festival has been courting international attention following the involvement of some corporate organisations like Globacom – a telecoms company (owned by an Ijebu man), among others which has remained a major sponsor of the festival in the last nine years.

    The Special guest of honour for this year Ojude Oba, General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) who graced the event in company with his wife, Senator Daisy Ehanire Danjuma, described the festival as “unique” because of its capacity to pull together, the “cream of the society.”

    Danjuma noted he can’t  remember any traditional ruler of any kingdom in Nigeria that has a tradition that could bring massive crowd of colourfully dressed people together like the Ojude Oba and said there “must be something” Oba Adetona is “doing right” to achieve that feat annually.

    He prayed for God’s blessing and protection upon Adetona to enable him lead his people continually on the right path even as he also described Awujale as one of the “longest surviving Obas and Emirs in Nigeria.”

    For the Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Ojude Oba is the “display of the real cultural symbol of unity for Ijebu and Ogun state.”

    Amosun said the people of the state would continue to pride themselves as the cultural ambassadors of Nigeria while Ojude Oba has also become a major cultural calendar in the country.

    According to the Governor, the festival is the manifest “hard-work, industry and hospitality” of the Ijebu people as their communal spirit of cooperation and development has served to boost the tourism sub-sector of the state.

    Amosun reiterated his administration’s commitment to the development of the state as evidenced in the five – point agenda -all geared to make Ogun state investors haven.

    He revealed that last week, the World bank rated Ogun as the fourth best place to do business in Nigeria and appealed to traditional rulers and citizens to be supportive as government alone can’t perform all the magic.

    The Governor also urged residents particularly politicians and their supporters to shun acts capable of throwing the state into violence before, during or after the forthcoming 2015 general elections.

    Amosun said “violence profits nobody and even hinders genuine development,” urging parents not to allow their wards to be used negatively in respect of the forthcoming polls.

    The Governor noted that it is God that determines what position people occupy in life, even if multitude are running for any particular office. He said that in the spirit of civility and also as a mark honour to the state’s founding fathers, politicians and their supporters should shun violence and other electoral vices.

    According to him, it is only in an atmosphere of peace and harmony that people can prosper in their legitimate businesses.

    Other dignitaries at the festival aside General Danjuma, who was the Special guest of honour, his wife Senator Daisy , the host Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, his wife Olufunso,  are Senator Gbenga Obadara (Ogun Central), Senator Lekan Mustapha, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Mr. Tunji Ayanlaja (SAN), Dr Subomi Balogun, Olori Kemi Adetona, former Governor Gbenga Daniel among others.

     

  • ‘I’ll empower youths’

    A House of Representatives aspirant under the platform of Accord Party, Oludare Adigun Adesina, has promised to make people empowerment his focus and sponsor laws that would better the lives of people if elected.

    Adesina, who wants to represent Ido/Ibarapa Federal Constituency, spoke while declaring his intention at the party secretariat yesterday.

    The lawyer said his mission was to reduce unemployment rate in his constituency.

    “I want to bring to the notice of people in my constituency my intention to contest for the position of member, house of representatives Ido/Ibarapa constituency. I have a new vision, mission and new direction.

    “And I also want to solicit their support. I was The elders and party leaders here are quite aware of my person,” he added.

  • ‘APC encourages internal democracy’

    An aspirant contesting for Oyo state House of Assembly on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Wasiu Olatunbosun Akere has praised the party for encouraging internal democracy compared to some other parties in the state.

    He made this known at a press briefing where he declared his intention to contest for the state assembly in Ibadan Southwest Constituency 1.

    According to him, the internal democracy of APC that allows a level playing ground encouraged him to want to contest for the assembly seat considering his best performance of rendering service to humanity.

    He said part of his service to humanity include associating with market women to improve on their trade and helping youths to get employment among others saying that if he is giving the opportunity he will do better.

    Akere maintained that politics runs in his family as his father had once been a bigwig in the state politics adding that Akere family is well reputed in Orita-Merin in Ibadan and across for Local governments in the state.

    He said if he is voted into the House of Assembly, he will focus on Labour and industrial law to improve standard of the state economy and also to encourage more participants in enhancing a good policies.

    He further enthused that his strong influence in grassroot politics coupled with his reputation of rendering service to humanity will earn him the chance to become a member of Oyo state House of Assembly come 2015.