The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ikeja

  • Fire engulfs Overland aircraft at Lagos Airport hangar 

    Fire engulfed a propeller aircraft – ATR 42 belonging to Overland Airways at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos on Friday.

    The source of the fire that burnt the aircraft is yet to be verified.

    Read Also:Overland Airways undergoes IATA Safety Audit

    Sources hinted that the fire damaged the engine of the aircraft and spread to other aircraft at the hangar.

    Spokesperson of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu confirmed the incident.

    She said fire fighters belonging to the authority have contained the inferno as the situation has been brought under control.

    Officials of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) are already investigating the fire incident.

    Management of Overland Airways will issue a statement shortly.

    Details later…

     

     

  • Okey Bakassi to host catholic dinner

    As part of measures to raise funds for its 2018 Harvest, the Catholic Church of The Ascension, Murtala Muhammed International, Airport, Ikeja, Lagos is set to organise a fund raising dinner.

    The event which is themed ‘Giving back to our society – lifting our youth’ will hold on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at the Legend Lagos Hotel, Quis Aviation Free Services Trade Zone, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

    It will be hosted by frontline comedian Okey Bakassi.

    Recently, the comedian frowned against some clergymen who complained comedians cracked jokes about Christianity than other religions.

    And on Monday, Okey Bakassi who celebrated 25 years in the comic industry this year took to Instagram to wax philosophical about time.

    “Time is an important factor in everything you do….the most important currency,” he had posted.

    “You may have a lot of money but you don’t have a lot of time.”

  • Court convicts fleeing doctor for cocaine trafficking

    The Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday convicted a medical doctor, Dennis Konyeaso, for cocaine trafficking.

    The court, however, could not pass a sentence because the doctor is on the run.

    Justice Mohammed Idris discharged and acquitted Konyeaso’s wife Chidi, who was charged along with him by the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

    They were arraigned in 2012 on four-count charge of conspiracy, unlawful dealing and storing of 3.3 kilograms of cocaine.

    NDLEA alleged that the couple, in July 2007, conspired to export 3.3 kilograms of cocaine with the aid of an ex-convict Victor Keyamo.

    They were also alleged to have stored the banned substance at their Plot 729 Atere, Omole Estate, Ikeja, Lagos home without lawful authority.

    Prosecuting counsel Mrs. Obiageri Iwuchukwu said the alleged offence contravenes sections 14(b), 19 and 12 of the NDLEA Act of 2004.

    Mrs Konyeaso said her husband abandoned her and their three children for several years after he learnt that the NDLEA operatives invaded their house in search of the banned substance.

    Read Also: Omo-Agege says Saraki must quit Senate Presidency

    She said she never knew that her husband was into drug trafficking.

    According to her, she got to know when the officials searched their house and found parcels of cocaine.

    The case was slated for judgment on Monday, but Mr Konyeaso, who is on bail, was absent.

    The wife said she did not know his whereabouts.

    Justice Idris convicted him in absentia but cleared the wife of all the counts.

    The judge adjourned sentencing until when the convict is arrested.

  • Man, 57, in court for assaulting police officer

    A 57-year-old man, Mark Ijesha, who allegedly assaulted a police officer on lawful duty, on Friday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

    Ijesha, whose address was not provided, is being tried on a four-count charge of assault, obstruction of official duty, conspiracy and breach of public peace.

    Ijesha who pleaded not guilty, was said to have thrown a stone which hit the policeman on the neck.

    The prosecutor, Sgt. Mike Unah, told the court that Ijesha and others still at large, committed the offences on Sept. 10, at No 82, Giwa St., Aboru Oke-Odo, Lagos.

    Read Also: Police smash child sale syndicate

    He said that the accused assaulted Insp. Idowu David while performing his lawful duty.

    “Ijesha deliberately threw a stone at the officer and hit him on his neck and caused breach of public peace by his conduct,” Unah told the court.

    The offences contravened Sections 174 (a) 246 (a) (b), 411, 350 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

    The Magistrate, Mr A.A Fashola, granted Ijesha bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum.

    He adjourned the case till Nov. 28, for trial.

  • TAMBO mobile to disrupt Nigeria’s phone market

    TAMBO, a global leader in mobile phone technology, has officially launched the TAMBO brand in Nigeria.

    TAMBO is an innovative mobile phone brand backed by a forward-thinking, bold and daring company. Its products are designed to be ahead of the curve and the consumers are always its priority. TAMBO aims to redefine technology and disrupt the mobile market in a positive and rewarding way by adding value to the customers, staff and business partners.

    TAMBO has two product series – the Superphones and Powerphones. With this two distinct but value-driven ranges, TAMBO plans to change the game in the market by putting the power to get the best out of mobile devices without breaking the bank.

    Its values are entrenched in its DNA and aims to stick to them. The core of our business philosophy is transparency, humility, honesty and care.

    Speaking during the launch at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos,  Roy Jiang, Managing Director of TAMBO Mobile Telecom Nigeria said: “With our Superphone and Powerphone categories, we will deliver value to the Nigerian mobile market with innovative products delivered with a best-in-class customer service proposition.

    Read Also: New entrant, Tambo promises jobs

    “We also want to build a business ecosystem with our dealers and partners that will create jobs, add to the Nigerian economy and promote sustainability in the social and business environment.

    “In the next few months, TAMBO Mobile products and services will take Nigeria by storm, we are delighted to finally start the journey in building a brand that Nigeria at home and abroad can be proud of.”

    The brand aims to put the customer at the heart of its operations with the introduction of customer-oriented after-sales service and proposition such as the 100 days after sales support for all TAMBO mobile devices purchased from its accredited dealers and retailers.

    “Our customer care lines are also open and reachable 24/7, 365 days,” Jiang said.

     

  •  Air Peace claims loss of N60m as NLC strike disrupts operations

    Air Peace said yesterday that its flight operations were disrupted by members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) at the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos for more than four hours

    The airline, according to its Chairman, Allen Onyema, lost more than N60 million as revenue that would have accrued from the disrupted flights.

    Onyema said although the NLC and its members have the right to agitate for minimum wage, it was wrong to hide under such guise to damage the airline’s property at the terminal and disrupt the movement of passengers going about their normal business.

    He said it was wrong for the protesting unions to single out the carrier while others were allegedly allowed to fly.

    He said the negative impact of such action would spill over and affect the flight rotations of the carrier.

    Speaking in an interview in Lagos, Onyema said: “In the early hours of Friday, the NLC led their troop to the GAT and disrupted our flight operations for four hours.

    “This led to thousands of passengers being stranded and resulting in the loss of revenue running into over N60 million.

    “We think this was a selective action. They pushed down our computers and started fighting our staff. This is not good for the health of the industry. “

    He however called on government to support indigenous carriers by providing operational infrastructure to eliminate flight delays because of limited screening and scanning machines at the terminals.

    “If many airports have air field lighting, airlines could operate into them any time of the day. Through this, the aircraft would be in the skies with the assurance that it could land at any airport any time of the day with the right landing aids.”

    Onyema said government should be conscious of the fact that good airports assist to drive hub status, and not the wrongly held view that it is airlines that develop hubs.

    He berated aviation authorities for not allocating space to Air Peace for lounges at airports preparatory to its international operations.

    “The airport authority will not allocate space to us at the airports for passengers lounge, but it is giving such out to foreign carriers. Is this how to support Nigerian carriers?” he queried.

  • ‘Ikeja needs better representation’

    Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka is aspiring to represent Ikeja Federal Constituency, Lagos at the National Assembly on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). In this interview with MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE, she explains the challenges the constituency has been facing in the last three years and why she should be elected.

    Why are you contesting?

    I am contesting to correct some anomalies observed in the system. There are some issues that should be brought to the front-burners. I believe that Ikeja Federal Constituency should show the way for others, in term of good example on how things should be done. These things bothered on Lagos being the commercial capital of Nigeria, the most populous state in the country, whether you want to compare it to Kano or not. With 37 local council development areas (LCDA) and 20 local governments (LG), I believe Lagos represents Nigeria’s diversity. What is the reason for the 37 LCDAs? It is to bring down governance closer to the people. And which other way do we impress it upon the authorities to have it recognised by the constitution. Right now, Lagos is being threatened, in my opinion, because it deserves more than what it is receiving at the moment from the Federation Account. The state collects revenue for only 20 local governments from the Federation Account. Sixty-five per cent of the revenue that accrues to the account is derived from Lagos. I am also interested in tackling the issue of the girl-child education and the marginalisation of women in our society.

    You will be contesting against the incumbent lawmaker. How prepared are you for the race?

    In my letter of intent, which I will make available to the media in due course, I listed some of the burning issues that necessitated my vying for the seat. The truth is that we have an incumbent who had been in Kogi State since 2015. In my view, he is not representing Ikeja right now, because Kogi is part of the Northcentral, while Lagos belongs to the Southwest. It is not possible for you to be politicking in Kogi and at the same time politicking in Lagos. Having moved to Kogi State since 2015, the incumbent is no longer qualified to represent Ikeja Federal Constituency, which he abandoned in the last three and half years. I think such abnormality is an issue that needs to be dealt with in our constitution and laws. We had the issue raised during the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) meeting recently, on how someone can move from one part of Nigeria to another in the course of politicking. We have diversity of culture, diversity of economy; it is immoral, illogical and it is absurd for you to have a candidate in Ikeja in 2015 moved to Kogi in 2016 and then back to Ikeja in 2018. So, our laws need to be reviewed to deal with such absurdity. Right now, there is no occupant for the Ikeja seat at the House of Representatives. That is one of the issues that should be addressed. It is to the detriment of every one of us in Ikeja that we do not have someone representing our interests in the last three and half years. The issue has not been given much attention, because of distraction. A few days ago, he came around and said he was doing poverty alleviation; donating cars in an age where we need to engage our youths. When we should tackle unemployment and increase vocation for the people. What will the Uber car scheme do for 18 people in the whole of Ikeja? How does that give representation to the people of Ikeja? We have the ‘Empower programme’; if I were in his shoe, I will have keyed into it. I will make sure that all the schemes that come from the Federal Government are brought to Lagos. Honestly, Lagos contributes too much to the centre and gets nothing back.

    How will you deal with the issues of special status for Lagos State?         

    I do believe in special status for Lagos State. This is one of the things in my letter of intent. Lagos is the commercial nerve-centre of Nigeria; when Lagos coughs, Nigeria will catch cold. Lagos is too diverse; that is why the issue of special status should be brought into resource control that I spoke about. We need to have a convergence of ideas on how to promote Lagos as a special entity within Nigeria. We used to have the Protectorate of Lagos, so you cannot take away that special interest accorded Lagos right from time. Obviously, Lagos should be recognised as a special state. The resources and revenue infrastructure in Lagos is overstretched and it is probably the most indebted state in the Nigeria. The infrastructure is dilapidated; the major roads are being overworked, because of the movement of goods and services. Take the issue of Apapa/Oshodi Expressway, as long as I can remember everything that comes into Nigeria comes through Apapa ports and from there, they are moved to the rest of Nigeria. I think we lack vision about addressing the issue of Lagos State. Lagos as a special entity should not be debated.

    Women don’t support themselves. How are you going to enlist their support?

    The greatest challenge I have is having women on our side each time a woman is aspiring. When we have women supporting men against women, it becomes an issue the party should wade into. My greatest challenger is also a woman. But, I am being encouraged by the feat already achieved by Senator Oluremi Tinubu. She has been encouraging me and other women alike; telling me that I can do it. She urges me to fight for my right; that I can do it. She is actually an advocate for women legislators; she believes women can do it and break the barrier. She believes politics is not for the lily-livered. Yet, there is this woman who is trying to discourage me in my constituency. She says something like: Toke, it is not yet your turn.

    So, how are you going to achieve your ambition?

    Well, I will get the men who are cheering me on to continue. I will ignore the woman and my advice to women is that they should take the bull by the horns. There is nothing you will do in life that is not challenging; you want to start a business or venture into anything resourceful, the challenge is always there. The incumbent has been in government for 17 years. I will spend my hard-earned resource to galvanize and encourage people to vote for me. I think I will get the support of the people.

  • 200 compete at Juvenile Athletics Tournament

    Over 200 Primary and secondary school students, all over the federation have been engaged in fierce battles for honours at the Juvenile Athletics competition in conjunction with Craig Academy Limited, held at the Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, Ikeja from Aug 31st to Sep 1.

    More than 200 students registered for the event which has drawn pupils from all parts of the federation, with many of them keen on claiming titles for their schools at the end of the two-day programme.

    The events competed in include the Boys’ and Girls’ 4x100m, 4x200m, 4x400m and 4x800m.

    The athletes focused on the heats of the 4x100m and 4x400m on Day 1 of the championship, as well as the quarterfinals of the sprint relays.

    They then competed in the heats of the 4x200m, and semis of the 4x100m and 4x400m on Day 2 of the competition, setting up mouth-watering clashes ahead of the finals on Saturday.

    In the boys’ category, Oshiyemi Praise and Adeyemi Ayomide, ran the overall fastest time to win final of the Boys’ 4x100m, with Kehinde Ramat and  Ezema Chizom and Samantha Edethanlem ran overall fastest time to win final of the Girls’ respectively.

    The boys’ category 2x200m was dominated by Timileyin Omotara, Kelechi Ugwuzonba and Oshiyemi Praise, while the female category 2x200m was dominated by Kehinde Ramat, Ariyo Racheal and Damattah Edethanley respectively. Joining them in the 4x400m were Olokun Iyanu, George Evans, Kelechi Ugwuesumba, Ojo Kehinde and Eze Awusa.

    The boys’ 4x800m was dominated by Edoke Samson, Ugbong Alex, and Attah Mark, while the girls’ category was dominated by Olowookere Omowunmi and Duwaniya Joy.

    For some of the athletes, competing in the Juvenile Athletics competition Lagos has been a worthwhile experience. Edoke Samson who competes for Dowen College Lagos in the Girls’ 4x800m says he’s looking forward to the next edition. He said:  “It’s been fun because I’ve seen new competitors that I don’t usually see on a normal day. I didn’t feel intimidated because my coach always tells me to come prepared to win irrespective of who my opponent is. I feel relieved that we qualified for the final because I performed very well, and I am happy that I made it to final.”

    Coach Adenuga Adegboyega, the Sports Director for the event disclosed that the event will become a permanent feature on the state’s calendar. He said

    “What we are trying to do is to bring a bit of excitement into Track and Field, and create variety as well. In the last couple of weeks, I have been attending a lot of sports competitions and the highlights are the invitational relay and I’ve seen a lot of talent, so we said to ourselves, “Why don’t we do something about relays?”

    Tony Adebanjo is the publicity manager of the event. He said “The relays are fast-paced and there’s a lot of excitement, and if the IAAF are doing World Relays, why can’t we bring it back home for the children? It’s an additional event for the schools to look forward to and we are seeing an amazing talent; that’s where the future is. So let’s look at the future preparing”

     

  • Man smashes bus windscreens over illegal N200 fee

    A student, Ogechukwu Okafor, who allegedly smashed the windscreens and windows of a commercial bus following the driver’s refusal to pay an illegal N200 parking fee, was on Thursday brought before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

    Okafor, 21, of Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos, was arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy and wilful damage before Mrs F.F George.

    Prosecuting Sergeant Godwin Awase alleged that Okafor and an unnamed accomplice committed the offence on August 30 at Alade Close, Ikeja.

    Awase said they destroyed the front, back windscreens and all the side windows of a vehicle belonging to Mr Stanley Ajiboye because of his failure to give the defendant N200 for parking on their street.

    Awase said: “When the complainant parked his bus on the street, the defendant approached him and demanded for N200 as parking fee. The complainant refused to give him and drove out of the street to the express road. “But the defendant followed him and insisted on collecting the money.

    He tried to deflate the bus’ tyres but the complainant prevented him following which a scuffle broke out.

    Read Also: Man, 34, remanded in prison over rape of girl

    “The complainant was beaten, his vehicle damaged and his phone stolen.”

    The court heard that the police were invited and they arrested the defendant, while his accomplice escaped.

    According to the prosecutor, the value of the property stolen and destroyed was N113, 000.

    The offences contravened Sections 350 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, Awase added.
    Okafir pleaded not guilty.

    Magistrate George granted him N50, 000 bail with two sureties in the like sum and adjourned till September 27.

  • Dangote, Otedola, others meet Theresa May in Lagos

    British Prime Minister, Theresa May, has arrived at FMDQ Security Exchange building, Victoria Island, Lagos, for a meeting with the Nigerian business community.

    The prime minister, accompanied by members of her trade delegation, arrived the venue at 6.30 p.m. on Wednesday.

    Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Mr Femi Otedola and Mr Tony Elumelu, among others, had earlier assembled at the venue.

    The meeting, expected to last for 40 minutes, would provide an opportunity for forging more bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

    May had earlier on Wednesday afternoon arrived the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Ikeja, in Lagos after meeting President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja.

    Read Also: Buhari, Theresa May meet in Aso Rock

    She is billed to spend time with victims of modern slavery during her brief stay in the nation’s commercial hub.

    The prime minister’s visit to Lagos comes barely eight weeks after the French President, Mr Emmanuel Macron, visited the African Shrine in Ikeja, Lagos.

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, accompanied by his deputy, among other state officials, received the prime minister at the airport.

    After the reception, May was driven out of the airport to attend to her engagements in the state.

    After May’s meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja, Nigeria and Britain signed agreements on Defence and Security partnership, among others.

    May’s visit to Nigeria is part of her tour of three African countries.