The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ebute Metta

  • NRC to pull down more houses for modern train stations

    NRC to pull down more houses for modern train stations

    Houses pencilled down for demolition between Ebute Metta to Agege for the expansion of the Lagos-Ibadan Standard gauge line would be pulled down anytime soon,  investigation has revealed.

    It was gathered that about 150 houses occupied by staff of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), are also affected by the impending exercise. This also includes the railway district headquarters at Ebute Metta, in the Yaba area of Lagos.

    Between Ebute Metta and Agege no fewer than 200 houses occupying the right of way of the new rail line are being pulled down. At the district head office, an international train station is coming to replace the decrepit structure being presently used as the district head office. Similar ultra modern stations are being pencilled down for Oshodi, Ikeja, Agege, Agbado and Ijoko stations, where the decrepit structures housing the narrow gauge train stations had once stood.

    It was gathered that some Agege residents gathered on Thursday to discuss the impending demolition.

    The proposed Agege rail station it was gathered is a mere 20 metres away from the ongoing Agege Flyover Bridge, being constructed by the Lagos State Government.

    A very reliable source at the Nigerian Railway Corporation’s Headquarters in Oyingbo, who does not want to be mentioned, said already, NRC workers affected by the exercise have been given a three months deadline to relocate in order not to affect the contractor’s work flow.

    Also, the Federal Ministry of Transportation is said to be paying full compensation to owners of all affected structures along the project’s right of way, in order to reduce the pains of those whose only source of livelihood are being affected in the exercise.

    “The Federal Government has ensured that full compensation was paid directly to those whose houses were being pulled down. This is to reduce the pain and assuage for the loss of their sources of livelihood, while staffs affected by the demolition have been told to look out for alternative accommodations,” the source said.

    The source added that Nigerians would come to appreciate the beautiful stations that would replace these old edifices once they spring up at the designated railway stations.

    The source also spoke about the influx of illegal traders on the rail tracks at Oyingbo, following their eviction from the market by the state government.

    “Now, the NRC is at a dilemma whether to chase these illegal squatters away from the rail lines, which they presently occupy knowing that their trading activity puts food on their table on a daily basis around that axis.

    “If we chase them away, just like the Lagos State Government did, would it not be seen as an act of wickedness? Yet, we must ensure they do not encroach on the rail tracks as that is a highway to suicide,” he further added.

     

  • Adams holds thanksgiving at Ijo Orunmila

    Adams holds thanksgiving at Ijo Orunmila

    The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, Otunba Gani Adams has held a thanksgiving service at the Ijo Orunmila Ato (Indigene Faith of Orunmila) in Ebute Metta, Lagos. Amid celebration and prayers, Adams, who is also Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) National Coordinator, said he was fulfilling the instructions given him during his rite of installation, to respect all, especially traditional religion.

    The Aare Ona Kakanfo (Generalissimo) of Yoruba land, Otunba Gani Adams, is said to have been told by Ifa, the Yoruba god of divination, to constantly put Eledumare, (God Almighty) first in everything he does as his faith in God has brought him this far, even as it was said to have added that Adams’ grass-to-grace story has been attributed to his tenacity, determination and humility in taking advice from elders.

    The instruction was given to Adams during the thanksgiving service he held at the Ijo Orunmila Ato (Indigene Faith of Orunmila) in Ebute Metta, Lagos.

    The event held at the Ifa’s temple had in attendance many Ifa adherents, including friends and guests of the OPC leader.

    Amid singing, wining and dining, a prayer session for Adams was led by the Akoda (chief priest) of Ijo Orunmila Chief Demola Fabunmi and his Aseda (assistant chief priest) Chief Awodiran Agboola.

    Barely two weeks ago, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi conferred on Adams the title of Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, in a historic event at the Durbar Stadium Oyo town, Oyo State.

    Incidentally, Adams emerged 20 years after the death of former holder of the title and acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 Presidential election, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola (MKO).

    In his brief sermon, Fabunmi noted that Adams deserve to be grateful to Eledumare and nature that have been kind to him.

    Drawing extensively from Ifa oracle- Ogbe Otura, Fabunmi went into the myth of the oracle which conferred special blessing of Ope (palm tree) on the third child of Orunmila for keeping his father’s secrets.

    “According to Ogbe Otura, Gani Adams represents Ope (palm) tree which is the third child of Orunmila. Ope had two elder siblings- agbon (coconut) and Okun (thread). Three of them had been warned to always keep their father’s secret.

    “However, on a certain day, Orunmila broke the two key taboos -taking palm wine and eating dog meat, actions which were against Eledumare’s instructions.

    “While coconut and thread exposed and made jest of their father that he was a drunk, the palm tree only whispered into his father’s ear that he had broken his instructions. He covered his father’s nakedness as a result of his drunkenness.  He chose not to share the information with anyone.

    “When Orunmila woke up, and saw what happened, he called Ope aside and prayed that he would be a father of many generations. At the same time, he cursed his two other siblings. Gani Adams is that Ope Orunmila specially blessed,” Fabunmi said.

    Chief Agboola said the sermon emphasised the myth of ori (destiny), in Ifa mythology, adding that it is Adams’ destiny that has propelled him to greatness.

    “The secret of Yoruba is now in his (Adams) hands because of his new title as the Aare Ona Kakanfo,” Agboola added.

    “Gani has been omo odo agba (a child that learned wise counsel from elders). Aside, he has always been in the right place at the right time. His ori has worked well for him; therefore anybody that antagonises him will be dealt with by Eledumare.”

    One of Adams’ well-wishers at the event, the Eze Ndigbo of Mushin, Dr George Chukwudi, told Southwest Report that his presence was to identify with Adams.

    According to him, Adams’ choice as the Aare Ona Kakanfo could not have come at a better time than now when Nigeria suffers insecurity and needless deaths.

    He said: “His (Adams) choice is very appropriate and timely so that he can use his good offices to unite Yoruba leaders and extend olive branch to other parts of the country.

    “I am sure he (Adams) did not push for this title. It is destiny that bestows it on him. So, I will advise him to continue to exercise that humility he was known for before becoming the Aare Ona Kakanfo.”

    Chief Chukwudi, who is also the Mayor of Ladipo Market in Lagos, advised the Federal Government to do more in securing lives and property, adding that the unity of Nigeria lies in her ability to co-exist peacefully.

    In his thanksgiving message, Adams said he was complying with instructions given to him during his rites of installation as Aare.

    “Remember that I went into seclusion ahead of my installation. I was briefed (during the seclusion) by leaders of the three religions to honour and respect Christianity, Islam and traditional religions.

    “I will continue to express my gratitude to God and my coming here is one of it. About 80,000 people across all walks of life came for my installation. It was a big success for me. Just yesterday, (Friday) I had a thanksgiving service at the FESTAC Central Mosque and tomorrow, (Sunday) I shall also be attending another thanksgiving service in church so that I can complete the cycle of the three religions,” he said.

    Adams reiterated his desire to use his new office to unite Yoruba leaders regardless of individual’s religion and political leanings.

     

  • School introduces ‘LearnPad’ computer

    School introduces ‘LearnPad’ computer

    A school in Lagos, St. Saviours, Ebute Metta, has introduced an e-learning computer tablet called: ‘LearnPad’.

    The device, the school said, will make classroom exercises more effective, result-oriented, aid learning and ease teaching.

    It will also offer a whole new experience for pupils who until now, were used to conventional learning techniques.

    Wife of the Lagos State governor, Mrs Abimbola Fashola, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Education, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye, said technology is already revolutionising teaching and learning in the state.

    She, however, assured that the state would buy into the school’s model.

    “I think it (Learnpad) should be replicated in our schools. The state would look inwards during the next budget to make provision for similar project to be replicated in public primary schools,” she said.

    Mrs Fashola, who described the technology as “a wonderful innovation” worthy of commendation, added that the government has always been supportive of laudable technological initiatives to enhance learning.

    She said the state has a robust plan for incorporating Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to be incorporated in all schools in the state.

    “We have about 200 schools that are ICT-compliant and we are developing them in phases. Each term, more schools are added. It is an ongoing process and cannot be done in a day,” she added.

    Chairman, Board of Management of the school, Mr. Tom Ogboi, said the introduction of the learning aid is in line with the vision of the founding fathers towards maintaining high standards for which the school is known, stressing that the school’s the academic records are “unbeatable”.

    According to him, what makes the technology unique is the inventors, who are educationists, have an understanding of what pupils and classroom requirements are before coming up with their design.

    Ogboi said:  “Most ICT devices developed by scientists do not have classroom environment requirement.

    “The tablet computer is a touch-sensitive technology that provides a safe and simple way to access a vast range of e-learning content, including applications, websites and flash-based activities, as well as videos, music, e-books, documents and other digital curriculum content, even as it is internet enabled.”

    The school’s headteacher Mrs. Alisa Griffiths, said the technology comes with many benefits such as access to elaborate or worldwide teaching resources, language laboratory, continuous updates in latest teaching and learning materials, e-library capability, link with interactive white boards in the classrooms, complete teacher classroom control and pupils monitoring and total inaccessibility to unauthorised sites, among others.

  • Iddo, Ebute Metta, seven other train stations for remodelling

    President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the remodelling and redevelopment of nine major railway stations.

    The Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, disclosed this in Abuja.

    He said the project, which will involve Public Private Partnership (PPP), will commence soon.

    According to him, the railways stations to be remodelled include Iddo terminal station, Lagos; Ebute Metta junction station, Lagos; Ilorin station; Kaduna junction station; Kano station; Port Harcourt station; Enugu, Jos and Gombe stations.

    He added that feasibility studies have been carried out on new railway routes for 300 kilometres standard gauge line on East-West rail line including Lagos – Shagamu-Ijebu Ode-Benin City.

    The consulting firm is Team Nigeria Ltd with consultancy fee of N165,310,275.

    Other standard gauge lines are 615 Km Lagos-Ibadan-Oshogbo-Baro-Abuja High Speed gauge awarded to CPCS Transcom at N284,562,603.

    Umar also mentioned the 533Km Ajaokuta (Eganyi)-Obajana-Jakura-Baro-Abjua with additional line from Ajaokuta to Otukpo to be handled by Siraj Nigeria Ltd at N443, 154,907.11.

    There is also the 520Km Zari-Kaura Namoda-Sokoto-Illela-Benin Koni (Niger Republic) by Team Nigeria Ltd for N214, 560,920.00 as well as the 500Km Benin-Agbo-Onitsha-Nnewi-Owerri-Aba with additional lines from Onitsha-Enugu-Abakil iki by Team Nigeria Ltd at N226, 816,661.63.

    Others, according to the minister, are the 280Km Eganyi (Near Ajaokuta)-Lokoja-Abaji-Abuja by CrestHill Engineering Ltd at N144,003,024.00 and 673 Km Niger Delta Region (Benin-Sapele, Warri-Yenagoa, PH-Aba-Uyo-Calabar-Akampa-Ikom-Obudu Cattle Ranch) by CPCS Transcom at N334,016,907.84.

    On concession of freight and passenger services, Umar said an Outline Business Cases (OBC) has been concluded by the Nigerian Railway Corporation and is awaiting approval for processing to the next stage.

    According to him, transaction advisers would subsequently be appointed after which investors would be invited to bid for the concessioning of railways operations including procurement of rolling stocks on the Western and Eastern lines.

    To enhance safety on the water ways, Umar said about 25 boats including 13 armored boats and 12 conventional boats have been provided.

    He added that three additional armored boats are expected in the next few months.