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Tag: Apapa

  • ‘Why Apapa, Tin Can, Warri, other ports are expensive’

    ‘Why Apapa, Tin Can, Warri, other ports are expensive’

    Why are the country’s ports considered the most expensive in West Africa? It is because of the multiple import charges, according to investigations.

    These charges are hindering the government’s trade facilitation programme. But, other sub-regional port, such as that of Cotonou, are thriving.

    Besides, tracing capability and speed, poor yard planning and spacing, online accessibility of pricing and quick debt note reconciliation, among others, also make the ports expensive.

    Others include low level of automation and integration of handling process by government agencies with major stakeholders, such as terminal operators, importers, truck drivers and clearing agents; poor infrastructure investment profile by the government; unstreamlined movement of containers per crane, per hour from ships to stacking position and the trucks.

    Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) president, Prince Olayiwola Shitu blamed the high cost of cargo processing at the ports on these factors.

    Importers, he said, clear many charges before taking their goods out of the ports, urging the government to address the problem and reduce the cost of doing business at the ports.

    Importers pay Customs duties and levies that are not uniform in most of the nation’s sea ports. Other tariff that make the ports expensive are the seven per cent development levy; one per cent comprehensive import supervision scheme; 0.5 per cent  ECOWAS Trade Liberation Scheme (ETLS); NIMASA/NPA Sea Protection Levy (SPL); haulage cost – transportation per TEU and terminal operator progressive stage charges.

    Importers also pay terminal operator documentation; terminal operator examination; terminal operator scan fee; terminal operator scan loading fee; terminal operator delivery; terminal operator terminal handling and terminal operator labour fees.

    They also pay shipping line demurrage; shipping line agency; shipping line documentation; shipping lines telex release; Shipping line, container; shipping line container deposit fees; terminal operators two weeks additional advance rating period; shipping line two weeks additional advance rating period; shipping line minimum of one month grace for container deposit refund; freight forwarders professional fee – unstreamilined; and several inconsiderate charges at the bounded terminals, among others.

    The President, Lagos Shippers Association, Mr Jonathan Nicol, said the five per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) and the one per cent Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) charge were some of the charges.

    The others are the 35 per cent Automobile Levy and the Common External Tariff Levy.

    According to him, the combined charges on one consignment affect shipper’s profit.

    He urged the Federal Government to address industrialists’ cry to reduce the charges.

    According to him, the Federal Ministry of Finance should provide leadership in managing the problems of the shipping community.

    The shippers’ boss said the government should think about the huge investments in building the seaports and maritime prospects in the next 20 years to attract more cargoes.

    Nicol also suggested that plans must be made to secure and promote local industries, the manufacturing sector and the shippers.

    He noted that it was the duty of the government to encourage private entrepreneurs to contribute to the economy’s growth.

    “When you add the costs of generating power in a factory with salaries, these costs cannot be by-passed whether you like it or not.

    “You must provide power for your factory and you must pay staff salaries,” he said.

    Nicol said the bottlenecks at the ports were largely the reasons behind government’s appointment of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council as the economic regulator.

    He condemned the government’s inability to enforce the Coastal and Inland Shipping Act 2003 (Cabotage Act) to enable indigenous ship owners participate in crude oil lifting.

    He said the government should implement the law to allow indigenous shipping companies participate in oil business.

    A maritime lawyer, Mr Dipo Alaka, berated the government for not streamlining the charges.

    “To make matters worse, importers and clearing agents are compelled to pay demurrage on containers for the numbers of days containers remain at the port, even when there is system breakdown caused by the service providers.

    “Importers used to pay for terminal handling charges, container cleaning charges, manifest amendment upon request by an importer, container deposit (refundable) and container demurrage,” he said.

  • Filmhouse opens 2015 model cinema in Apapa

    FILM exhibition and distribution expert, Kene Mkparu, through his Filmhouse Cinemas, has unveiled the first of his company’s promise of 15 new cinema outlets, in additional to the existing four.

    The project is the second phase of a long term project that promises to deliver 25 cinemas in Nigeria by 2018.

    Speaking during the opening of the Apapa outfit, Wednesday, an excited Mkparu noted that “setting up a cinema is quite an arduous task. So, seeing this brand new cinema, and more importantly seeing our guests happy to get their own local cinema makes me give thanks to God for making this possible. In addition, this cinema will also contribute to the all-important distribution outlets that Nollywood film producers need to realise more revenue from their films.”

    Ever since he relocated from London, having worked at the popular Odion Cinemas in the UK, Mkparu has been at the forefront establishing a cinema chain, which he considers pivotal to the affordable leisure needed by Nigerians even in the remotest parts and an expansion needed by Nollywood filmmakers to recoup their investment.

    But beyond the basics, being community cinemas, the CEO of Filmhouse, is by his new outlets, establishing digital outlets that are compliant with current and future technologies.

    The new outlet in Apapa, located within the Apapa Mall, boasts of 5 digital screens, out of which two are equipped with 3D features. All screens have 7.1 surround sound, High Frame Rate (HFR) and stadium luxury seating.

    The lobby design is simply unique and beautiful to behold, complete with a mezzanine lounge from where guests can sit and enjoy the ambiance of this masterpiece.

    Another key feature of the 2015 model cinema is the Combo Tills, which enables guests to purchase their cinema tickets, alongside refreshments, at the same point, without having to queue twice.

    Interestingly, the Point Road-Apapa Mall, is also modern mall-type, with choice leisure and shopping spots, including Shoprite, Mr Price, Bheerhugs café lounge, PEP Store and Health Plus among others.

    In support of his company’s policy of affordable cinema leisure, Mkparu, announced that Filmhouse outlets is introducing what it calls Everything Na N100. “Every day between 10am and 12noon, everything at Filmhouse cinemas, including Apapa is priced N100. This includes cinema ticket N100, popcorn N100, drink N100, groundnut N100 and ice cream N100.”

    According to Mkparu, “Cinema is no longer just for a select class of the population. We aim to ensure that every Nigerian adult and child, living within a 5 miles radius of a Filmhouse cinema will visit the cinema at least three times a year. With the ‘N100 Everything’ offer, everyone in our neighbourhood can now enjoy our cinemas non-stop.”

    The company which began operations in December 2012 has entered a new deal with African Capital Alliance (ACA) to deliver the 15 outlets by this year, and then about four outlets yearly from 2016.

    ACA is currently investing out of its third fund (CAPE III), a $400 million private equity fund.

  • Apapa Mall: a tourists’ haven

    Apapa Mall: a tourists’ haven

    In less than a year, the Apapa Mall, one of Nigeria’s newest shopping malls in Lagos, has become a centre of attraction for shoppers. The mall is competing with the South African retail giant and the mall’s anchor tenant, Shoprite, reports TONIA ‘DIYAN. 

    A few years ago, shopping for grocery could only be done in the local markets, but the introduction of western styled shopping malls has redefined not just grocery shopping, but every other facet of shopping.

    With the addition of another mall  on Park Lane, Apapa, Lagos, tagged: Apapa Mall,  adjudged as one of the world’s largest shopping malls, shopping has bcome a serious aspect of human endeavours.

    Walking into Apapa mall premises,  you will easily notice  names of various international brands inscribed on the building housing the mall. The front, side and the top of the one-storey building are marked as car parks.

    Apapa mall boasts of bringing one of the world’s largest shopping stores to Nigeria with the main entrance heavily decorated with colourful lightings and the name of the mall boldly inscribed in block letters.

    The front view and the expansive car park boldly announce its various tenants. Some tenants pitched their tents on the walk way of the mall, displaying their products to willing consumers while others have their representatives distribute flyers to people as they walked into the mall.

    One of such is a liquid washing soap retailer, called Rita, who said the mall is a good channel for displaying her product  for all classes of people to see.

    According to her, the items needed to be displayed in a reputable place that would be conducive to buyers.

    On display on the first floor of the one-storey building are Lifemate (a furniture merchant); Beerhugz (a bar); film house (a cinema); Montaigne (seller of designers wrist watches); Twice as Nice (a clothing store) and  Samsung (stock all kinds of electronics) among others.

    In all, the mall houses 40 tenants with Shoprite, Filmhouse, Lifemate as anchor tenants. Others include Cash N carry (stocks household items); PEP and MRP (sell clothing); Daviva (sells colourful fabrics); Health Plus and Med Plus (attend to people’s health) and Essenza (stocks perfumes). Others are; Airtel, Kobis, Homely, Evoke, Image, souls and others.

    Shoppers were seen driving in and out, with some making purchases inside the store. It showed that the new mall, which opened in May last year, is gradually warming itself to the hearts of shoppers.

    Some of the customers, who spoke with The Nation Shopping, said they have tried Apapa mall and are ready to remain there. “The mall has just been opened. Yes! It has all I expected to see and for convenience, I love this concept,” said a young woman, Stella Okoro, who was loading the goods she purchased into her car. “It is a welcome development in this neighbouhood,” she added.

    Another shopper, Mr Akin Akinyemi, was seen buying apples from Shoprite. He said: “This is my first time of coming here. It looks good to me, and the prices are fair. I wish we could get more. If this kind of development is stretched to other strategic places within Lagos, it would be nice.”

    Speaking on the status of the mall, its Project Manager and Chairman, Top Services Limited, builders of the Apapa Mall, Chief Tokumbo Omisore said: “Apapa Mall is a one-stop-shopping mall, offering shoppers from Apapa and its immediate environs a unique opportunity to carry out all their shopping activities, relax and entertain themselves.

    “This ultra modern retail centre offers its tenants an ideal platform to showcase their products to shoppers, create awareness for their brands, and take advantage of the tenant mix to compete with international brands now settling in Nigeria markets.”

    Concerning tenant mix in the mall  Omisore said: “The idea behind the tenant mix is not only to offer quality, taste, and variety, but to give room for affordability within the same mall.”

    To achieve this, he said, all known local brands, having a successful experience in existing shopping malls in Nigeria, are allowed to cohabit with bigger brands of international standards within a reasonable let-table area.

    To realise the vision of combining shopping and leisure, the mall came with a restaurant where shoppers can also have good time after shopping, thus making the art of shopping more attractive and eventful.

    It is, therefore, not an accident that Apapa mall has continued to receive wide spread commendation and applause from Lagosians and Nigerians across social and religious divide. They have commended Omisore for his steadfastness and the architectural designs, as well as for his entrepreneurial drive.

    Also, the mall has become a Mecca of some sort to the high and mighty.

    It is against this background that many Lagosians applaud the mall for setting a new standard in the art of shopping and giving people a sense of leisure and shopping.

    Some shoppers, who spoke to The Nation Shopping, applauded the quality of products on offer, even as they lauded its security and serenity.

    Wale Ikuomola, a lawyer, said he bought most of his family needs from the mall because he believed in the quality of the products and for the inviting ambience the mall has.

    “I make it a point of duty to always buy from Apapa Mall on way home from the office because I trust the quality of their products and the inviting ambience here.

    “I also come here every weekend to stock my home with various products. I have been doing so in the last six months and all I get is quality and good customer service. Everybody at the mall is friendly. In fact, my week is not complete without shopping here,” Ikuomola said..

    For Linda Aguocha, a banker, Apapa Mall is more than just a shopping mall. It is a leisure destination that combines ambience, serenity with security.

    “Apapa Mall is more than just a shopping mall. It is a leisure destination, where you can shop under a secured and serene atmosphere and enjoy some level of comfort.  It is a place I go to shop and relax with my friends every weekend. I love the place, it is home away from home,” she affirmed.

    Linda’s friend, Helen, described the mall as a preferred shoppers’ destination. “Apapa mall is a place I always want to be again and again. I just cannot stop shopping at the mall. I like the quality of their products and the ambience of the place is alluring. I always want to be here every day and I do not get tired. Each shopping is an experience. It is my choice place for both shopping and leisure,” she said.

    The completion of the mall came in two folds: when it was inaugurated in June/July last year and when the Shoprite, its major tenant, started business. After these every other businesses started running.

    Beyond the products is the fact that the mall is replete with security gadgets of various specifications and standards, which make both doing business and leisure at the mall attractive.

    According to the mall management, the reason customers besiege the place is that apart from selling goods that meet the requirements of the Standard Organisation Of  Nigeria (SON), they also have taken  into cognisance the essence of security and convenience.

    Its management said apart from adequate security, one of the facilities that  has been put in place to ensure customer satisfaction is the multi–million naira parking lot, which has made shopping fun, unlike what is obtained in some shopping malls in the country.

    Apapa Mall is believed to have changed the face of shopping in Nigeria when it emerged on the scene last year, creating the shoppers’ destination in the country and setting new standards in shopping.

    It immediately caught the attraction  majority of Nigerians, who thronged the place day and night to buy from the best on offer.

    An Apapa resident, Emeka, who  had lived in the area since he was a child confessed that Apapa Mall is the ideal place for shoppers, particularly those who reside in Apapa and its environs. To his wife, Ann, an accountant, the mall is more of a tourist centre. “This is a beautiful tourists’ attraction and I give kudos to the Project Manager and Chairman, Top Services Limited, builders of the Apapa mall, Chief Tokunbo Omisore who thought of this,” she said.

    Both Emeka and Ann are right. Right from the three entrances of the straddling edifice, legs and cars competed for space. Strategically placed within the neat premises were trolleys waiting to be used to convey items to consumers’ cars.

    Besides security agents, managers of the commodious car park were on hand for serious business, as cars were parked without paying to anyone, unlike what obtains in other malls.

    From the exterior of the imposing emporium, various sizes of sign posts welcome prospective customers into both the building and its compartments.

    A stroll past the two main entrances leading into the structure and a stand-by parking kiosk brings a visitor to Shoprite, which directly faces the main entrance, there is the cinema and restaurant in the one-story structure’s belly.

    The electronic stair-cases conveying visitors to the upper chamber of the edifice was a spectacle to behold. As many mounted them for genuine shopping, some others stood transfixed to behold the delight.

    Parading neatly dressed, sprightly-looking attendants, all the tenant-companies transacting business there appeared to have keyed into the seemingly inviolate culture of cleanliness in the market.

    Shoppers need not burden themselves with loads of cash from their homes as Standard Chartered Bank and other banks have made available functional ATM services at some locations.

    While many window-shopped, others were busy with genuine transactions with  attention from the company’s polite sales persons.

    Also, an entertainment centre 

    what does the mall have to offer shoppers and its tenants?

    Apapa Mall is one-stop shopping Mall, offering shoppers from Apapa and its immediate environs a unique opportunity to carry out all their shopping activities, relax and entertain themselves. This ultra modern retail center offers its tenants an ideal platform to showcase their products to shoppers, create awareness for their brands, and take advantage of the tenant mix to compete with international brands now settling in Nigeria Markets.

    How did you mix the tenants such that one compliments the other to benefit the shopper?

    The idea behind the tenant mix is to offer quality, taste, and variety, but to also give a room for affordability within the same Mall. To achieve this, we allowed known local brands having a successful experience in existing shopping Malls in Nigeria to cohabit with bigger brands of international standards within a reasonable lettable area.

    Why should an Apapa resident remain in the environment when he wants to shop?

    We believe the reason shoppers are going out is to provide for their basic or social needs or simply to entertain themselves. Apapa residents will have the opportunity to do just that with the new mall, where they can shop affordably for their groceries, pastries, drinks or household items, eat out with family and friends, make their hair at the Evoke salon, watch a movie or simply take a drink at the Bheerghugs VIP lounge.

     Does the mall have all the shoppers’ desires? 

    As far as food, health, entertainment, clothing and household items, internet and telecommunication are concerned the shoppers’ desires will be greatly met, with the variety of brands available on ground.

    Does the mall house international brands? Who are they?

    The Mall houses International brands i.e Shoprite, MRP (formerly known as Mr. Price), PEP, Cash N Carry, Samsung and Lifemate

    What does a shopper have to gain from these international brands?

    Quality for a good price, variety, creativity, fashion.

    What would be the shoppers experience when he visits Apapa mall?

    Good ambiance, fun, relaxation, good prices, good quality, multi choice, beautiful environment.

    What will the mall give back to the society in form of CSR?

    The Mall for now is giving free Car Park to the end users as its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

    The Mall will promote entertainment events, almost quarterly, for Apapa residents and the immediate environs

    What is the mall’s statistics?

    Footfall during the week is on the average of 2,000 visitors/shoppers daily. Weekends increases for now to almost 3000 and more atimes when the month ends on a weekend. With the Cinema commencing operations this week more are expected from the coming week.

    Shops in operation 82%

    Total number of Shops is 93%

    How many tenant stores are in the mall and who are they?

    40 tenants are in the Mall:

    Anchor tenants (Shoprite, Filmhouse, Lifemate) other tenants (Cash N carry, PEP, MRP, Daviva, Health Plus, Med Plus, Montaigne, Essenza, Samsung, Airtel, Kobis, Homely, Twice as Nice, Evoke, Image & souls, etc).

    How secured is the mall? What are the security measures put in place ?

    The Mall is well secured with Police presence; Professional and trained security guards with body scanners and vehicle scanners; CCTV .

  • Relief comes to Apapa general hospital 

    Relief comes to Apapa general hospital 

    It was a day of joy  for the management, staff and patients at the Apapa General Hospital when a block of six toilets was commissioned for their use. OZIEGBE OKOEKI was there.

    For the Management of Apapa General Hospital it was relief at last when a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Apapa 1 constituency, Hon. Mufutau Egberongbe renovated and commissioned the public toilet in the hospital penultimate Wednesday. Before then the hospital had been battling with the problem of lack of toilet facility for general use.

    According to the chairman of Randle Community Development Association (CDA) in Apapa, Engr. Bolaji Ayinla, the public toilet at the hospital had been “in a terrible state” for some time until Egberongbe came to the rescue when he accepted the community’s plea for assistance towards renovating the facility.

    Speaking at the commissioning, Ayinla who disclosed that the community has always benefited from the poverty alleviation programmes of Egberongbe said the issue of the toilet was brought to the notice of the lawmaker because of its terrible state and because it was constituting health hazard to the community. “When we presented the case to Egberongbe, he promised to renovate the toilet and today we can see that he has delivered on the promise.

    Egberongbe also made donations of some hospital equipment at the event ranging from hospital beds for adults and babies, industrial fans, fridge, satellite dish as well as DSTV decoder.

    The lawmaker who disclosed that before he was elected into the Assembly, he was an executive member of Kofo Abayomi  CDA as well as the Community Development Committee (CDC) in Apapa, said he undertook the renovation of the toilet as part of his resolve to “continue to serve my people in my own little way, service is the watchword, a cause I have been so well identified with”.

    He stressed that “inadequate sanitation is a major cause of disease worldwide and improving sanitation is known to have a significant beneficial impact on health both in households and across communities. The absence of toilet facilities wherever they are needed has major consequences on human existence. Today I have reason to thank God and you all for making this dream a reality and with this toilet we now have a well structured general hospital”, Egberongbe said.

    He also promised to assist the hospital in tackling another major challenge confronting it which is provision of electricity generator. He said, “I am reaching out to companies around Apapa as regards the issue of generator and I am using this medium to call on them to continue to live up to their corporate social responsibility; although some of them have been trying including some individuals”.

    While thanking Egberongbe for renovating the hospital toilet, Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. (Mrs.) Olanike Oduwole said the hospital is known for excellence and has been given several awards; we have dedicated members of staff and we foresee a future as a world class hospital”.

    Commending the lawmaker, a director in the state Ministry of Rural Development who represented the commissioner, Mr. E. O. Awoderu called on other residents to assist in developing the community like Egberongbe. “As big as America is, the country still believes in assistance from well meaning people”, he said, adding that the government is aware of the challenges facing the hospital “but it cannot do everything once, that is why the privileged are always encouraged to assist”.

    The representative of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. O. O. Enigbokan thanked Egberongbe for his contributions to the success of the local government. “We should realise that government cannot do it alone, synergy is important, we all need to contribute our effort. The renovation and donation of equipment will further strengthen healthcare services in Apapa and help humanity”, Enigbokan said.

    The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Tunde Balogun said, “it is heartwarming that a member of our party is doing this, Egberongbe has always been helping our community. He has always taken issues concerning Apapa seriously and I hope others will emulate him”. And the Apapa local governemnt chairman, Hon. Ayodeji Joseph said, “Egberongbe has served us very well, he has done very well with this project; a project like this in this Ebola ravaged season is well appreciated”, he said.

    While Senator Muniru Muse who was chairman of the occasion thanked Egberongbe for his effort “and for coming to the aid of the hospital, reminded all present  that “this hospital requires help from all of us and the companies should make donations to improve the hospital. Let us emulate Egberongbe to improve the standard of the hospital; let us contribute our widow’s mite to improve the hospital”.  He also commended the medical director who he said has contributed a lot to the hospital.

    And a community leader, Alhaji Moshood Tijanni said he as well as the community is proud of Egberongbe, “he has set a record, we are happy that we produced him here. Let other elected representatives emulate him, he has shown good example and inspired many”, he said.

    The CDA chairman, Ayinla appealed to the hospital management and staff to take good care and make proper use of the toilet.

  • Photo: Fashola in Apapa

    Photo: Fashola in Apapa

  • Apapa’s inexcusable neglect

    Apapa’s inexcusable neglect

    •The Federal Government should step in urgently to free the most important port

    As a result of its clement climate, expansive beach and unique topography, Apapa was, once upon a time, one of the most serene and liveable parts of Lagos. Today, the story has turned tragic. Apapa has degenerated into a pitiable sight of perennial traffic congestion, environmental pollution, security vulnerability and abysmal infrastructural decay through inexcusable neglect, especially by the Federal Government. Apapa is one of the major reasons why Lagos is the industrial hub, commercial nerve-centre and economic capital of Nigeria.

    It is so easy to see why Apapa is a key pillar of the Nigerian economy. This area is one of the country’s most prominent industrial districts. It hosts the economically critical and strategic Apapa Quay as well as Tin Can Island Ports. As a result of its sea port, Apapa is an important centre for naval activities critical to the security of the nation. Major Federal Government establishments, including the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigerian Maritime Safety Agency (NIMASA) and military installations are located in Apapa.

    The NPA, NIMASA and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) generate billions of Naira to the national treasury from the Apapa ports. It is estimated, for instance, that the NCS alone contributes no less than N35 billion monthly to the national coffers from the ports at Apapa. Imported petroleum products are lifted and distributed to all parts of the country from Apapa. Similarly, goods are imported and transported to all parts of the country and even neighbouring African countries through the Apapa ports.

    Given its importance to the country’s economic well- being, we find it difficult to understand why, despite several unfulfilled promises, the Federal Government has completely neglected the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, which is the major route to Apapa. As a result of the deplorable condition of the road, living or working in Apapa has become a veritable hell.

    Several man hours are lost to daily protracted traffic congestions on this route, with damaging implications for the economy. This diminishes national productivity considerably. Exhaust fumes from vehicles trapped for hours in traffic gridlock worsen the challenge of environmental pollution. Of course, this inevitably impacts negatively on the health of the citizenry. Apart from inhaling polluted air, spending several frustrating hours in traffic will increase the stress levels of commuters with serious implications for their life span. The difficulty in accessing Apapa is a disincentive to working or living there. Inevitably, many businesses have relocated from Apapa to more conducive environments, the productivity and profitability of industries operating in the area is badly affected and the value of real estate has depreciated.

    The problem of Apapa is compounded by the indiscriminate issuance of tank farm licences to oil firms reportedly without consultation either with the Lagos State government or the Apapa Local Government. These tank farms increase the population pressure on Apapa and have created the menace of hundreds of petrol tankers parking indiscriminately on and blocking the highway as they await their turn to lift petroleum products to different parts of the country. These trucks conveying highly inflammable products make Apapa vulnerable to major fire disasters in a country with a poor record of effective response to emergencies.

    Again, the heavy traffic of thousands of articulated trucks and petroleum tankers moving to and from the Apapa ports takes a heavy toll on Lagos roads. We call on the Federal Government to urgently live up to its responsibility of fixing the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway as well as sanitising the licensing and functioning of tank farms in Apapa. Beyond this, since the Federal Government reaps such huge revenues from Lagos, particularly the Apapa ports, it is only just that the state be paid a reasonable percentage as derivation compensation to enable her effectively maintain the infrastructure and services from which the entire nation benefits.

  • Photo: Traffic on Apapa road, Lagos

    Photo: Traffic on Apapa road, Lagos

    TRAFFIC ON APAPA ROAD IN LAGOS ON WEDNESDAY (9/7/14) Photo: NAN
    TRAFFIC ON APAPA ROAD IN LAGOS ON WEDNESDAY (9/7/14) Photo: NAN

  • Driver crushes own conductor to death

    A trailer driver yesterday crushed his own conductor in Apapa area of Lagos State, trying to reverse the vehicle.

    The Nation gathered that the driver was driving towards Tin-can Island area through Liverpool bridge when he noticed a traffic gridlock on the bridge.

    He asked his conductor identified as Saidu to alight from the vehicle and watch the back of the long trailer so he could reverse the vehicle and take an alternative route.

    Eye witnesses said as the conductor went behind the vehicle, the driver did not know that he was backing the vehicle and suddenly reversed, crushing him in the process.

    Police sources in Apapa police station said immediately the accident occurred in the morning, traffic policemen on duty at the place arrested the driver.

    He is currently being detained at the police station and may be charged for manslaughter.

    Meanwhile, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the station, Usman Ndanbabo, a Chief Superintendent (CSP) , has directed that the corpse be removed to a general hospital mortuary.

    Investigation is currently ongoing, while the said truck has been impounded.

  • Day Apapa gave Ijora new primary school, road

    Day Apapa gave Ijora new primary school, road

    For the people of Ijora, the opening of Lawal Akapo Road and Ijora Oloye Primary School by the Apapa Local Government was a dream come true, writes Adeyinka Aderibigbe

    What used to be classrooms for the pupils of Ijora Oloye Nursery and Primary School in the Apapa Local Government Area before now was a derelict structure. Just a two wing bungalow of six classrooms each occupied the premises. The classrooms were bare of any windows, doors, desks and chairs.

    What was more, the structure was grossly inadequate for the number of pupils that throng the school to learn. This leaves pupils of the primary section, who are barely five year-olds, to sit on bare floor, putting their exercise books on their laps as they write their notes during lessons.

    Many of the pupils, who are children from poor homes, could barely afford uniforms and where they had; there are usually no accompaniments like socks and sandals. Many of them could barely afford notebooks and writing materials were a rarity for a large number.

    Studying was hellish even at that young age and for the teachers, teaching was more like going to a war zone: Teaching in over-crowded, stuffy, run-down classrooms was never a tea party. Many of them bear with it because there was practically nothing they could do to change the situation.

    This forces many of them to avoid teaching at noon thereby escaping the heat generated by the scorching sun.This leaves the pupils holding the short end of the stick as regards learning.

    Opposite the old school structure, was an open field overgrown with weeds. That same place, abandoned for ages, was where the Chairman of Apapa Local Government Area, Hon. Ayodeji Joseph, turned his gaze to, to solve the challenge of over-crowded classrooms.

    Last Wednesday, Joseph pulled dignitaries that included the Ojora of Ijora Oba Fatai Aromire and other notable party chieftains from the ruling App Progressives Congress (APC) to witness the opening of a new one storey 12-classroom structure fully fitted with nursery desks and chairs and other learning aids by the wife of the Lagos State Governor Dame Abimbola Fashola.

    Joseph not only provided the structure, he equipped the school with games like swings, merry-go-round, ladder and slide and others; rehabilitated and painted the old school, fenced the entire premises and gave the pupils a new sense of belonging.

    All the pupils in the eight primary schools in the council were also provided with school bags, rain coat, uniforms, white socks, notebooks and writing kits. This is besides providing two 36-seater Toyota Coaster buses, to the number of scholars’ shuttle buses that the council under his watch has bought to carry public school pupils from home to school free.

    Joseph said his intervention in the sector was part of his commitment to make teaching and learning more convenient for the pupils. He said: “Each of these classrooms is well ventilated, furnished and conducive to learning. A sick bay has been established to address the health needs of the pupils and a crèche with learning aids has been provided here to make learning appealing to babies. Facilities provided include electricity, a playground, good toilet facility, a generating set to complement PHCN and a good source of water supply.”

    Joseph who praised Governor Babatunde Fashola who he described as his inspiration, said he is committed to transforming Apapa, just as his mentor’s giant strides is changing the face of Lagos.

    He said: “Apart from cutting the tape to open this school, here today, our mother and wife of the governor Dame Abimbola Fashola would also be opening (commission) two 36-seater Toyota Coaster air-conditioned bus meant for the transportation of our pupils to school and back home daily; distribution of 24,000 pieces of exercise books to ease the burden of parents.

    “Others,” he said, would be the “distribution of school uniforms to all our pupils, distribution of school bags with writing materials, distribution of rain coats and the launching of a big scholar’s boat for the benefit of our pupils in the riverine areas.”

    He said his government would continue to work towards achieving the best for the future of the pupils. “It is what we owe these children. They are our future, they are our hope. If the future is not taken care of today, it will become a bleak future,” Joseph said.

    He said beside the intervention in education, Mrs. Fashola would also be opening Lawal Akapo Road in Ijora Oloba, that was constructed by his government. Joseph said the Ijora Oloye Nursery School miracle is being replicated by his administration at the Arakan Barracks and at Methodist Primary School, both of which would be handed over to the community by the first quarter of next year.

    The chairman said his administration decided to give special focus to education because it remains the most potent weapon against “oppression, ignorance and underdevelopment.

    “Education is a great liberator, which makes a man easy to lead but difficult to cheat. It facilitates and accentuates progress and development of any community and makes the difference in all facets,” Joseph said.

    He commended the support his administration has enjoyed from some corporate organisations that supported the council’s drive for a new lease of life in the area and especially sponsored some facilities in the new school.

    Dame Fashola, commended Joseph for the road, even as she expressed appreciation for the council’s projects on education that saw the provision of good classrooms, a well equipped games section, the distribution of free bags, notebooks, uniforms, raincoat and white socks to all primary school pupils in the council.

    She urged residents to support the government by protecting all the projects being provided knowing that they were embarked upon with tax payer’s money. Mrs Fashola who said she was impressed by the level of commitment by the council chairman to impacting positively on the lives of the people cited the Akapo road as one project that must have cost/ the government a huge sum of money.

    In her comments moments after going round all the classrooms, toilets and other facilities provided by the council for the school, Mrs. Fashola gave kudos to the council chairman for what she described as his good works, adding that Lagos State is at the forefront in its commitment to alleviating the suffering of all her citizens.

    She urged other council chairmen to emulate Joseph in Apapa and initiate projects that would add value to their communities and their political party.

    “On behalf of my husband the governor and the good people of this state, I appreciate these projects and I dare say that if other council chairmen are doing these kind of things in their areas, very soon Lagos State would be peerless among other states in the country” she said.

    Mrs. Fashola described as gigantic the rehabilitation of the hitherto swampy Lawal Akapo Street, and urged residents to continue to support the administration by paying their taxes to enable government get the funds needed to embark on more projects that would affect the lives of all residents.

    Among dignitaries at the event are the Vice Chairman Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Alhaji Mutiu Are, representative of the APC state Chairman Chief Funso Ologunde, council’s vice chairman Hon. Bolaji Dada, former Commissioner for Home Affairs Mr Tunde Balogun, Ojora of Ojora, Oba fatai Aromire, management staff of the council, representatives of teachers and pupils of all the eighth public primary schools in the council area.

     

     

  • Apapa port celebrates week

    The Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, for the first time joined the global community in celebrating this year’s Customer Service Week (CSW).

    This year’s celebration with the theme, Think service, which started on Monday, will end on Friday.

    Lagos Port Complex port Manager, Mr Nasir Anas Mohammed, made this known when he paid a courtesy call on the Chairman, Apapa Local Government, Lagos State, Mr Joseph Ayodeji.

    He said the port has earmarked some activities to celebrate the week and recognised its employees, esteemed customers, partners and clients for services rendered, steadfastness, loyalty and patronage.

    He said the activities lined up for the event include breakfast with the port’s employees and stakeholders to show appreciation for their hard work, commitment and loyalty; direct servicing of customers by the Port Manager and management staff and a raffle draw and free gifts.

    Other activities, Mohammed said, include community service, presentation of gifts to schools; visit to motherless babies home within Apapa and a cocktail dinner/award scheduled for Friday.

    The Apapa Local Council chair commended the port management for maintaining a harmonious working relationship with the Council.

    He also commended the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) management for supporting the Council as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), especially in donating vehicles and constructing a new sports field for the Council, promising to participate in the event.