The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ikeja

  • My legislative agenda for Ikeja, by Mohammed

    My legislative agenda for Ikeja, by Mohammed

    A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Folajimi Mohammed, has urged members of his constituency to communicate effectively with him through emails and messages,  instead of telephone conversations.

    He also urged them to get their petitions across to him through the social media.

    “Effective communication in  this present age is tantamount to good governance. It helps the masses and even those in rural areas to air their views and petitions. It also brings governance closer to the people. The masses can now speak for themselves”, Mohammed said.

    The legislator spoke at the Ikeja Constituency Town Hall meeting held at the Lagos Country Club, Ikeja.

    He said messages and emails are more effective than telephone conversations, adding that he may not be able to respond to the high number of calls daily.

    Mohammed, however explained that he is not complaining about the number of calls, but for the communication to be more effective, written form of communication is better.

    He urged the people clamoring for social amenities, including borehole, market and transformers, to be patient, promising to try his possible best to actualize them.

    The former Chairman of Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Francis Oke commended the stakeholders, meeting as a laudable project that ought to be encouraged and emulated because  it helps the representatives hear from the masses directly .

    “This is a very good development as those who are representing us can now come back to the us to seek for our opinion and counsel. Through this medium, we are carried along directly md this would speed up the development process”, Oke said.

    The Southwest Women Leader, Mrs Kemi Nelson, commended the stakeholders and urged Hon.Mohammed to act on their different petitions.

    The meeting was witnessed by monarchs, representatives of wards, market women, artisans, religious leaders, ethnic group leaders, politicians and well wishers.

  • Eight nabbed for meter bypass in Ikeja

    Eight persons have been arrested for allegedly tampering with meters installed by Ikeja Electric at its Abule-Egba and Ikorodu Business Units.

    The suspects arrested for ‘meter bypass,’ were said to have deliberately manipulated meters installed in their residences to circumvent appropriate payment for energy consumed. The suspects who reside at No. 8, Ibrahim Adejare Street, Ajuwon, Abule-Egba, Block 7 Flat 5, Block 50 Flat 1, Block 10 Bungalow, Block 2 Flat 5 and Block 1 Flat 6 of Tinubu Estate, Odonla Ikorodu- Lagos, were apprehended by officials of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Mobile Policemen on October 6 and 9, 2015, following a complaint by Ikeja Electric.

    According to a statement issued by Ikeja Electric, investigations are ongoing to ensure the suspects are made to face the wrath of the law, along with possible collaborators who are believed to be part of a notorious syndicate.

    The management said the company has been grappling with the menace of individuals who deliberately destroy the firm’s equipment and installations across its business units. The Managing Director, Abiodun Ajifowobaje said the company has within the last 18 months spent over N11million to malicious damage to its transformers, installations and upgrade equipment. The company has also lost revenue through meter bypass involving over 75,000 customers who have not paid their electricity bills in the last couple of months.

    He urged customers to be part of continuing efforts aimed at safeguarding equipment in their neighbourhood by reporting the activities of vandals and saboteurs to law enforcement agencies and/or Ikeja Electric business offices.

    The company has received the backing of various security agencies who have vowed to check the menace of vandals and energy thieves through prosecution. Ikeja Electric is currently installing advanced prepaid meters across its network in line with its commitment to service excellence.

    The company stated that the advanced meters, meter application forms as well as installation services are free and as such customers are advised not to pay adding that customers its helplines on 01-4483900, 0700-0-2255-453 and 01-7000250 or send an email to Customercare@ikejaelectric for help and clarifications.

  • Ikeja Electric rolls out programmes for efficient service delivery

    Ikeja Electric rolls out programmes for efficient service delivery

    The Ikeja Electric has begun the roll out of two vital programmes – Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) and Customer Enumeration, Technical Audit and Asset Mapping (CETAAM), aimed at ensuring that customers are metered, and get quality service.

    The Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) targets the metering of all customers with smart meters and the Company targets installation of 300,000 meters in the next three years.

    Chief Executive officer, Ikeja Electric, Mr. Abiodun Ajifowobaje said the roll out of the smart meters, which started last month, represents a remarkable step in the company’s quest for redefining service delivery in the sector. This development resonates with our new spirit, new drive and new energy identity, as we strive to create value for our customers, he added

    Ajifowobaje told reporters in Lagos that the meter roll out started in September with the installation of 6000 meters after the successful completion of the pilot scheme of the advanced meter installation phase which began in June this year. The Ikeja Electric is set to commence with the second phase of the project; the mass roll out of the meters. These meters are designed to enhance efficient energy usage and transparent billing in real time, he added

    According to him, the company aims to install 10,000 meters this month, and will be able to attain the peak monthly installation of 15,000 meters by December. He said the scope of the metering project is to deploy approximately 300,000 electric meters for Ikeja Electric’s residential, commercial and industrial customers between September 2015 and December 2016 in mapped out areas in all the Business Units of the Company.

    Ajifowobaje noted that Ikeja Electric’s Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) is a state-of-the-art technology that enables utilities to read, disconnect and connect meters remotely and to detect individual customer outages quickly using a wireless communications network. The metering project will replace today’s meters with “next generation” electronic meter technology that improves customer service and enables customers to proactively manage their energy use and save money by giving them the power to control how much electricity they use against how much electricity they pay for.

    According to the Ikeja Electric chief, the scope of the metering project is to deploy approximately 300,000 electric meters for Ikeja Electric’s residential, commercial and industrial customers between September 2015 and December 2016 with installation of about 12,000 meters monthly in already mapped out areas in all the Business Units of the Company. With the metering project, the issue of estimation will be totally eradicated through improved billing. The customers will also be able to track the usage of electricity and eliminate energy wastage, he said.

    To also improve quality of service, Ikeja Electric has started Customer Enumeration, Technical Audit and Asset Mapping (CETAAM) project across its network .The project is slated to run from October 2015 to April, 2016.

    The project will involve mapping the location of each of the electrical network entities from the 132KV/33KV and 11KV systems to the distribution transformers and poles.  Ajifowobaje said: “It is going to be a thorough project that will ensure a solid foundation for efficient, equitable and transparent power supply to the esteemed customers of Ikeja Electric.

  • Photo: Ambode hosts Hollywood actor, movie cast, crew

    Photo: Ambode hosts Hollywood actor, movie cast, crew

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd right) presenting a state plaque to Veteran Hollywood Film Producer, Mr. Danny Glover (2nd left), the Producer/Director of the movie 93Days, a film on Ebola Virus, Mr. Sleve Gukas (right) and his Co-producer, 93days & the Director, Dusable Museum USA, Mr. Pemon Rami (left) during a courtesy visit to the Governor by the Cast and Crew of the film 93Days, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Wednesday
    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd right) presenting a state plaque to Veteran Hollywood Film Producer, Mr. Danny Glover (2nd left), the Producer/Director of the movie 93Days, a film on Ebola Virus, Mr. Sleve Gukas (right) and his Co-producer, 93days & the Director, Dusable Museum USA, Mr. Pemon Rami (left) during a courtesy visit to the Governor by the Cast and Crew of the film 93Days, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Wednesday
    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (right) presenting a frame to Veteran Hollywood Film Producer, Mr. Danny Glover during a courtesy visit to the Governor by the Cast and Crew of the film 93Days, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Wednesday
    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (right) presenting a frame to Veteran Hollywood Film Producer, Mr. Danny Glover during a courtesy visit to the Governor by the Cast and Crew of the film 93Days, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Wednesday
    L-R: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode presenting an eyo plaque to Hollywood actor, Mr. Alastair Mackenzie while Veteran Hollywood Film Producer, Mr. Danny Glover watches during a courtesy visit to the Governor by the Cast and Crew of the film 93Days, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Wednesday
    L-R: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode presenting an eyo plaque to Hollywood actor, Mr. Alastair Mackenzie while Veteran Hollywood Film Producer, Mr. Danny Glover watches during a courtesy visit to the Governor by the Cast and Crew of the film 93Days, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Wednesday
  • Nexus opens shop in Ikeja

    Nexus opens shop in Ikeja

    Maker of home appliances, Nexus, has opened its first shop in Lagos as part of its plan to expand consumer touch points in the country and reaffirm its commitment to delivering quality customer service.

    The shop, which provides consumers with an exciting avenue to experience and interact with firm’ line-up of products is strategically located on the Allen Avenue, Ikeja.

    The launch witnessed a lot of fanfare, tour of the showroom, product trials and notable faces from the music and movie industry.

    Its Head, Brands and Corporate Communications, Deekay Group, Damilola Owolabi, said: “We are thrilled to unveil our first Nexus brand shop in Nigeria. Nexus is a dynamic brand that has over the years enjoyed a vibrant relationship with its customers and will not stop at brand shops to engage, but will initiate several consumer friendly activities and communications going forward to constantly thrill and delight its consumers. One of such initiative is the “Life has just begun” campaign with the sole objective of making home appliances a necessity for all. So, we are asking consumers to get ready for a journey with Nexus which will bring comfort, style, and pleasure to different homes across Nigeria.”

    Head, Sales Deekay Group, Christy Augustine, added: “With the opening of the brand shop, our customers can see our various range of affordable products. Consumers are also assured of genuine Nexus products and every purchase is backed up with a two year warranty and after sales service. This masterpiece is expected to foster a deeper and more meaningful connection between customers and the Nexus brand.”

    Nexus, a part of an ever-growing brand portfolio of Deekay Group; a premier mixed trading and manufacturing company with over 40 years’ rich legacy of launching business in the market, conceived the Nexus Home Appliances brand over two decades ago to demonstrate its belief in the seamless fusion of style, functionality and durability into the home appliances industry.

    Since the opening of the Nexus brand shop  in Ikeja, the store has become a hive of activities as lovers of quality from various parts of the Lagos metropolis have continued to throng the shop to purchase their household items.

    Brand Shop Manager, Mr. Oladosu Olalekan  said the patronage from customers have been wonderful since the shop was opened to the public few weeks ago.

    “Our customers have been coming to buy their favorite items. Some have been coming to make enquiries about the latest product from the Nexus range of quality products. So far, the responses are encouraging,” he said.

    He also enjoined customers to take advantage of the 15 per cent discount on all products. This special discount, however, will end by this month end.

    The well-stocked store parades the best in home appliances ranging from fridges of all sizes with elegant designs to meet the taste of its customers. Also in large quantities are: gas cookers, chest freezers, water dispenser, industrial fan, table top microwave, inverters and stabilisers.

    On display at the spacious showroom are: cookers – deep fryer, rice cooker, pressure cooker as well as ovens of various sizes and designs.

    With the opening of the brand shop, customers can seevarious ranges of affordable products. Consumers are also assured of genuine Nexus products and every purchase is backed up with a two year warranty and after sales service.

  • Arrested Ikoyi armed robbers narrate operations

    Arrested Ikoyi armed robbers narrate operations

    FOUR of the 11-man gang that killed three policemen and two civilians in the March 12 Lekki, Lagos bank robbery have been arrested by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

    Duke Odogbo, 38; Lawrence Kingsley, 31; Ebi Tosan, 20, and Ekelemo Kuete, 30, were paraded in Ikeja yesterday by Police Commissioner Kayode Aderanti with the exhibits recovered from them. Among the exhibits are a Honda Accord 2008 Model (Evil Spirit), one white blackberry Z10 phone, one white Apple I5, one military cap and 130 expended ammunitions.

    The casualties were Inspector Bethel Agbola, Sergeant Odehohwo George, Corporal Imosisiu Ikechukwu, Mr Sowemimo Kabiru and Sarah Ibikunle, 15, fish seller around the area.

    Odogbo who hails from Warri North in Delta State, said: “We are 11 in number. We came with two boats but one had problem, so we used only one. We came with seven rifles. The extra three rifles that brought our total rifles to 10 belonged to the three policemen killed by my gang. They were not posted to the bank. My members saw them on road patrol. They interfered and they shot them dead and took their three rifles.

    “I was the first to fire a warning shot when we entered the bank, a branch of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) located on Admiralty Way. We collected N15million from the bank’s vault. We sprayed out the money from ATM machine.

    They gave me N500,000 as my own share. I was arrested in my house in Warri.”

    Aderanti said after the movie-like action, he convened a meeting of all commanders of combat units including Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Operatives, Department of Investigation, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), SARS, Special Investigation Bureau (SIB), Marine and Police Mobile Force (PMF), mandating them that the perpetrators must be fished out.

    Aderanti said based on intelligence, six Decoy SARS teams were dispatched to Delta, Ogun, Ondo states and Ikorodu, Lagos under his supervision.

    These efforts, he said, paid off on March 20 when Odogbo, the gang’s leader was picked up in Warri, Delta State. Kuete, who drove one of the speed boats, was picked up in Majidun, Ikorodu; Kingsley and Tosan were later arrested.

    The suspects, he said, had confessed, adding that efforts were being intensified to arrest their fleeing accomplices.

  • Ikeja NBA holds seminar

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja Branch will  hold a seminar on May 5 and 6.

    Organised by the Continuous Legal Education Committee, the event, which  has as theme: Sustaining the tempo of cutting edge professionalism, will hold at the  Adetiloye Hall of Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathederal  Church, Ikeja.

    Chairman of the committee, Mr. Victor Okpara, said no fewer than 30 justices of the Federal Court of Appeal, Federal and Lagos High Courts and senior members of the bar are expected to attend.

  • Ikeja blast victims’ families allege neglect

    Thirteen year after the Ikeja bomb blast, some victims families alleged yesterday that they have been reflected.

    Describing themselves as “84 genuine families”, they claimed that they are yet to be compensated.

    They have cried out to Governor Babatunde Fashola to come to their aid.

    In a statement, chairman of the 2002 Ikeja Bomb Blast Victims’ Families Comrade Nurudeen Oyegbemi said it had been 13 years since families of 70 victims were given N250,000 each.

    He said: “We appreciate the fact that the government has fulfilled some of these promises through monetary payment of N250,000 each to 70 families, construction of a cenotaph in memory of the victims and construction of the January 27 link bridge at Oke-Afa. However, despite the several letters written to the state government on the development, we are yet to receive any positive response.

    “The government said the amounts given to the families of the 70 identified victims were on compassionate grounds. What then happened to the huge sums of money and materials collected from international and local donors on behalf of the bomb blast victims so far?

    “The then secretary of Lagos Explosion Disaster Relief Fund (LEDRF) promised that the Federal Government would pay adequate compensation to the victims. After waiting fruitlessly, we consulted Femi Falana’s law firm, who wrote to the Ministry of Defence and copied other relevant government agencies, but there was no response. We feel neglected because it seems the matter has been swept under the carpet completely. The remaining 84 families are yet to know their fate because another commemoration is approaching.”

  • Ikeja mall fetes orphan at Xmas

    For two years, Ikeja City mall has gotten  involved in series of CSR that has to do with  giving back to the society and one of them is the ‘Gift an Orphan’ initiative, which comes up during the Christmas season.

    This year, the scope is broadened with the mall’s decision to affect more kids and put smiles on their faces. Over 30 kids were hosted from three orphanages to the mall for a fun fulfilled day of excitement. Amongst the series of engagement for the kids included movie, face painting, games, music and dance. Customised gifts were given to the kids as they were taken back to their various orphanages.

    Shoppers were also not left out as the mall created a platform to reward those who purchased items worth five thousand naira (N5,000) and above in any of the shops. Special vouchers were provided by Lacoste, Spur, Max, Mr. Price, Shoprite and Blackup.

    The mall’s Marketing Manager, Eniola Ositelu, said Ikeja City Mall is committed to giving back to the community and has therefore, pledged that it would not stop rendering the good services it is known for. Ositelu told press men at the event that the management of the mall has made the Christmas party for orphans a tradition every Christmas period, with the aim to fete them, show them love and give them hope to live.

    He said: “We have been able to give these kids the experience of Christmas as enjoyed by their privileged counterparts. We did same last year for the first time and we don’t intend to stop the act. The event is a huge success for the management of this mall and we are happy that the kids had a jolly good time. They all parted with gifts, they will have good memories of this year’s yuletide season,” he said.

    In her words, the Account Director at EXP Marketing, Cynthia Nwagboniwe: “This Christmas is about orphans and we are hoping that they really have a wonderful time to end the year. We are remembering those who do not have and have decided to give to them using the season of sharing.”

  • Ikeja City Mall celebrates Nigeria at 54

    Ikeja City Mall celebrates Nigeria at 54

    In celebration of  Nigeria’s 54years of Independence , Ikeja City Mall in collaboration with City FM and the mall tenant stores treated Lagosians to a funfair. People were given opportunity to send well wishes on City FM live and sign their goodwill messages to Nigeria on a supersized flag strategically positioned inside the mall.

    The Marketing Manager of the mall, Eniola Ositelu, said the aim for this year’s independence show just like every other year, was to change the negative perception people have of the country. “This event is mainly to promote the interest of Nigeria positively in the hearts of our customers and Lagosians as a whole. It is to reaffirm the ‘belieF in Nigeria’ and ‘belief in ICM’ theme.”

    He added that people’s turn-out on a special day as Independence, sends the right signal about the subject. Eniola appreciated the support of the tenant stores and Lagosians who came out en masse to  make the event a great success  saying, there are fantastic prizes to be given out in a draw when people make single receipt purchase(s) of over N25, 000 in any store within the mall. They stand chances of winning cash prizes ranging from N50, 000, to N150, 000.

    Other side attractions include; dance competitions, fashion parades, spot the flag (a game), snap shots with the Independence cake and the highlight of the day, cutting the beautifully decorated Nigerian green and white cake.

    Ikeja City Mall comprises of a perfect mix of retailers trading quality products and services of renowned local and international brands. The mall recently listed as one of the top 25 Facebook check-in locations around the world, has become choice location for people to shop, converge to unwind, network and socialise with friends physically and via social media platforms.