The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ikorodu

  • FRSC collaborates with stakeholders to launch zero death on highways

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it has partnered with other stakeholders to sensitise the motoring public on safe driving to reduce death on the highways during the festive period.

    Mr John Meheux, the FRSC Zonal Commanding Officer, in charge of both Ogun and Lagos States, spoke at the safety rally campaign to sensitise commercial drivers at Ikorodu Motor Parks.

    Meheux, also the Assistant Corps Marshal, said that it has become a tradition in FRSC to intensify patrol operations and public enlightenment as the year draws to an end.

    He said that the yearly ember months operations of FRSC was aimed at pre-crashes and traffic gridlocks as there used to be increase in vehicular movements on the roads.

    “FRSC has identified certain negative human elements that are road crash in tendencies such as speeding, dangerous driving, impatience, use of cellphone while driving and use of second hand tyres.

    “Information from the crash investigations disposal have indicated that these negative human factors have continued to dominate the habits of most road users.

    “In fact, speeding, dangerous overtaking, use of cellphone while driving, driving under the influence of alcohol/drug and impatience, have been found to be responsible for high per cent of the causes of road traffic crashes attributable to human factors.

    “Our target this year is to achieve zero fatality on the highways,” he said.

    The FRSC chief said that the zone was paying very close attention to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Lagos-Ijebu-Ode and other corridors, especially the road construction areas at Mowe route.

    According to him, FRSC will be strict with the motorists in route violation on all the identified corridors during the period.

    Commenting, Mr Hyginus Omeje, the FRSC Lagos State Sector Commander, said that the 2018 ember months patrol focussed on zero fatality on the road.

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    “That is why we are partnering other stakeholders to enlighten the motoring public on the effect of disobeying the traffic rules and regulations.

    “Using second hand tyres, drunk driving and other human factors contribute to frequent crashes on the road.

    “We urge the drivers to adhere to these frequent awareness and public sensitisation by the corps and create safer road,” he said.

    Also, the Ayangbunren of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Adewale, urged the drivers to drive safely to avoid untimely deaths during the festivities.

    The monarch, represented by Otunba Ayodele Elesho, appealed to commercial drivers to embark on regular checkup on their vehicles before embarking on a journey.
    “I urge the drivers to drive carefully to rejoice and celebrate peacefully with their families and love ones.

    In his remarks, Mrs Feyisola Adiyelogun, the Sales Manager, Montana Industries Nigeria Ltd., also advised the drivers to purchase original tyres instead of going for fairly used tyres.

    Adeyelogun said that most of the fairly used tyres were not good for Nigeria weather.

    Commenting, Mr Gbeminiyi Animashaun, the Chairman, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) Majekodunmi Park, Ikorodu, thanked the organiser of the rally, saying that his members would benefit more on the awareness.

    Animashaun also advised his members to ensure they make use of the opportunity to enhance safer road during the festive period.

    FRSC and Guinness Nig. Plc had also partnered to sensitise and educate the motoring public on drunk and reckless driving to avoid crashes during the yuletide.

    They had on Tuesday organised a public enlightenment and sensitisation rally for the commercial drivers at the Kogi Motor Park Mangoro Agege, Lagos.

     

    (NAN)

  • One kidnapper killed, one other arrested in Lagos

    The Police in Lagos, on Sunday said they had gunned down a suspected kidnapper and arrested one other during exchange of gunfire with the syndicate.

    The Lagos Police spokesman, CSP Chike Oti, confirmed the arrest in a statement, stressing that the incident happened at Agbowa area of Ikorodu, a suburb of Lagos State.

    Oti said the two suspects belong to a kidnapping syndicate terrorising some parts of the state, particularly Ikorodu area, stressing that two other suspects escaped with bullet wounds after exchanged of gunfire.

    According to him, the Anti-kidnapping Squad of the State Command, acted on the directive of the Command’s Commissioner of Police, CP Edgal Imohimi, on Friday, at about 11 a.m.

    He said that the command received two separate reports on Nov. 13 and 16 from one Suleiman Eniola Ajumobi and one Veronica Ewuru about the kidnapping of their daughter and husband respectively.

    “While Suleiman Eniola Ajumobi reported that his 7-year-old daughter was kidnapped from his house in his presence.

    “Veronica Ewuru stated that her husband, one DSP Patrick Ewuru, a police officer attached to Force Headquarters annex, Obalende, was kidnapped from their house in the night when the victim came out to check on the Power Generating Set that suddenly stopped working.

    “The kidnappers demanded for ransom of N25 million from Mr Suleiman and N10 million from the family of DSP Patrick Ewuru but later settled for N500, 000 for both families.

    “At this point, the CP directed operatives handling the matter to play along with the kidnappers in the interest of the victims, who were still in captivity,” he said.

    The spokesman said that as soon as the release of the two victims was secured, the kidnappers hideout at Agbowa was busted, where one Festus Abama was killed and Austin Ebimiyenwei surrendered.

    Oti said that the arrested suspect confessed to the crime, while the victim had identified them as those who kidnapped them.

    He said that concerted effort was being made to arrest those on the run, while the suspect already in police custody would be charged to court. (NAN)

  • Ikorodu LG to rehabilitate public schools

    The Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government Council, Lagos State, Mr Wasiu Adeshina, on Thursday said the council would build and rehabilitate public schools in the local government area.

    Adeshina disclosed this when he received the Outstanding Award of Excellence from the Centre for Ethics and Self Value Orientation, at the secretariat in Ikorodu.

    The Centre for Ethics and Self Value Orientation is a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) based in Lokoja, Kogi.

    The NGO conducts secret investigations to discover criminality and expose corruption, they have whistle blowers in every local government in the country.

    The council boss highlighted some of the projects executed and completed since he took over the mantle of leadership of the council, adding that building of classrooms and schools would be the next phase.

    “We have constructed some roads, culverts, repair of bad roads, surfacing with asphalt and fixing of street lights in different wards.

    “Now we want to embark on construction of toilets in schools, building of additional classrooms, rehabilitation of major markets and installing 350KVA generator to power the market as well as construction of boreholes across all wards,” Adeshina said.

    However, due to the mandate of the administration to Improve economic and commercial activities of the council, he said plans were ongoing to bring Shoprite, a chain of grocery stores, to boost the economy of Ikorodu community.

    Read Also: Ikorodu council, CDAs to partner on projects

    He commended the councillors and the principal staff of  the council for their support in ensuring the council was acknowledged for its performance, “Ikorodu deserves the honour”.

    Mr Salih Yakubu, Executive Director of the centre, said that the organisation conducted its research without the consent of the management of the council, to avoid being induced.

    Yakubu said the aftermath of their findings culminated in the emergence of the council being listed among the top 120 local government councils that were ethically responsible in the country.

    According to him, free 100 slots has been earmarked for staff training on management skills as the organisation’s contribution to the chairman for providing ethical leadership, which enabled the council to wax strong.

    “After the opinion poll, sessions held with residents, visitation to project sites and all concept of evaluation, this council is the first to be given the award in Lagos State by this NGO.

    It was reported  that Ikorodu LG was the second best among the 774 local government councils in the country and second among the 57 LG and LCDA’s in Lagos.

  • Man docked over alleged theft, malicious damage

    A 35-year-old unemployed man, Dapo Samuel, was on Thursday docked before an Ijede Magistrates’ Court in Ikorodu, Lagos, over alleged stealing and malicious damage.

    The Prosecutor, Inspector Aminu Isaac, said that the accused, whose address was not provided, stole a sub-massive water pumping machine valued at N40, 000.

    Isaac also said that Samuel damaged a pumping machine water pipe worth N25, 000.

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    He said that the property belonged to Mr Fatai Aluko of 40, Dada St., Itunpate area of Ikorodu.

    Isaac told the court that the accused committed the offences on Oct. 20 at Noble Professional Estate, Ikorodu.

    He said that the offences contravened Sections 287 and 350 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    The Chief Magistrate, Mrs A. Oshodi Makanju, granted the accused bail of N30, 000 with one surety in like sum.

    Makanju adjourned the case until November 1 for hearing.

  • Ijede residents appeal to LASG to repair bad road

    The council of chiefs and residents of Ijede, have appealed to the Lagos State Government to repair all the bad roads in the community.

    They made the appeal in an interview with our reporter, on Thursday at Ijede Palace in Lagos.

    The Regent of Ijede, Chief Aliu Musediku, said the deplorable state of the road had adversely affected economic activities in the community, especially the only road that connects the community to the city.

    According to the Regent, the condition of the road has also led to the rising rate of auto crashes experienced by commuters coming and going out of the community.

    “We want the state government to help us repair the roads, if you want to go from here to the metropolis you will spend at least three hours on the road due to its deplorable condition.

    “Sometimes, while the drivers are trying to avoid potholes, accidents are caused in the process.

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    “When the present government led by Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode, came into power, we wrote to him concerning the road and he promised to repair it, up till now nothing has been done to alleviate the sufferings of our people, ” the Regent said.

    Chief Musediku explained that the deplorable state of roads had also discouraged some of the residents from doing business and some had relocated from the community to other areas.

    Mr Taiwo Oredoyin, a resident of the community, commended the state government for its efforts on road construct but urged them to prioritise major roads linking one community to the other.

    Mr Wasiu Ogundeyin, a commercial driver, said that the deplorable condition of the road had damaged their vehicles; a development he noted which made the drivers to spend unnecessary money in the repair of their vehicles.

    He added that the bad roads were the major cause of traffic gridlock in the area, and there was an urgent need to address the problem, while commending the state government for work done so far.

    “Ambode has performed but we urge him to do more because that is the only way the people can enjoy the dividends of democracy,” he said.

  • Woman ‘steals’ boss’ five-month-old baby

    I have been married for three years now and have not been able to have my own child. I love having children around me and it was that love that pushed me to steal my madam’s baby.

    Those were the words of 22-year-old Sulyiat Badmus arrested by the police in Lagos for child theft.

    Badmus told detectives she stole the toddler at 1, Adeyiga Street, Odoguyan, in Ikorodu where she applied as an apprentice with the child’s mother Shukurat Opeoluwadu.

    According to her, a native doctor had told her she will never conceive and that led to her being desperate to have a child.

    The suspect, a resident of Sabo, Ikorodu, said she whisked the baby away from her crib when she noticed a neighbour her mother left her with was distracted.

    Parading the suspect on Wednesday, Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal said the case of the missing child was reported on September 27, adding that he mandated the anti-kidnapping unit to find the toddler and the suspect.

    Edgal said the baby’s mother left her in the care of a neighbour Oluwakemi Amosun, 50 in order to go and hawk her local herbs.

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    “Sensing that Amosun was busy outside her room, the suspect sneaked in and stole the baby. She absconded thereafter.

    “After directing the anti-kidnapping squad to take charge of the matter, investigation led to the arrest of the suspect at Sabo in Ikorodu.

    “The baby was rescued from her and has been reunited with her parents. The suspect has confessed to the crime and on conclusion of investigation, all persons involved in this dastardly act will be prosecuted.“

  • Two suspected cultists face robbery, theft charge

    Two men — Kamorudeen Odusanya and Oyenuga Taofik –who allegedly robbed a man ofN265, 000, were on Monday charged before an Ikorodu Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State.

    Odusanya, 43, and Taofik, 30, are facing a three-count charge of robbery, conspiracy and membership of an unlawful society.

    The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail in the sum of N100,000 each.

    Read Aslo: Two remanded for robbery

    The Chief Magistrate, Mr W.B. Balogun, who gave the ruling, also granted the accused two sureties each in like sum.

    In addition, the sureties should show evidence of tax payments to the Lagos State Government.

    Earlier, Police Prosecutor Mary Ajiteru told the court that the accused committed the offences at 2.00 p.m. at Liadi Village near Ikorodu.

    She said the duo conspired with others as members of Eiye Confraternity, mobilised and attacked a man, Akeem Oladipupo, with some dangerous weapons and robbed him of the money.

    The offences contravened Sections 42(a), 294 and 297 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    The case was adjourned until Oct. 25 for mention

  • Independence Day: 300 athletes for marathon

    Of the 420 students of public and private schools in Ikorodu Division of Lagos state who applied to participate in this year’s edition of Oba Kabir Shotobi Independence Day Mini Marathon, sponsored by the Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, two hundred and seventy student runners and an addition of about thirty guest athletes, have been cleared by the screening committee to run in the race scheduled to take place in Ikorodu town on Monday, 1st October.

    The event, according to Hon. Agunbiade, who is also the Opomulero of Ikorodu, is meant to commemorate the annual Independence Day as well as discover sporting talents in Ikorodu Division.

    The event which was firstly staged in 2015 and since then had been a yearly competition, with this year’s edition

    According to the organisers of the race, this year’s event will span about 7.3km. Committee chairman, Akeem Bello said since it started in 2015, the event has been moving from strength to strength. He revealed that most of those disqualified were excused from the race on health grounds. He said the screening exercise also helped some students and parents to discover and treat some life threatening health challenges hitherto unknown to them.

    Bello added that the marathon is aimed at creating healthy rivalries among students of private and public schools in Ikorodu division, contributing to the development of sports in Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole, discovering and developing athletes that will represent Lagos State and Nigeria in national and international long distance races in future as well as commemorate Independence Day celebration in the division.

    The DG of Team SOB, Kabir Ajalogun said the 4th edition of the race was unveiled on Tuesday, September 18, 2018, by His Royal Majesty, Oba Engr. Kabir Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu Kingdom at his palace to kickstart this year’s event.

    “For four years now, the Independence Day celebration is marked in Ikorodu with the Oba Shotobi Independence day Mini Marathon. The people have come to know and appreciate the race as the main event of the day in our division. Apart from the runners, people come from far and near to watch the marathoners as they run through major areas of our towns.

    “Seventy athletes took part in the race when we started in 2015, but of the Four Hundred and Twenty applicants that were screened medically by medical personnel from Lagos State Sports Commission this year, Two Hundred and seventy athletes will be taking part in the competition.

    “This is an indication that the competition is waxing stronger by the year. Also, past Winners like Olayinka Boluwatife, won Bronze in Ibile games, are being groomed to reach great heights in sports.”

    He further revealed that the list of qualified athletes will be published. “The officials drawn from Body of games master of primary and secondary schools in the Division and the State Sports commission will be briefed on Friday, September 28, 2018, on route alongside with the athletes on the rules of the competition.

    CityScenes gathered at on Sunday September, His Royal Majesty, Oba Sotobi will light the torch of the race and hand it over to a team of past winners who run all the way through the route to the finishing line at Igbogbo road police barracks.

    The route for this year’s marathon is; Ayangburen palace -Living stone college – Etunrenren street – Late Ayangburen Residence – Water Works Station – Lagos Road – Round About – Sabo Market – Kokoro Abu Street – Ikorodu Grammar School along Awolowo Road – Ota On a – Oriwu Road -Ita Elewa – Ireshe Road – Sheriff Junction – Finish point at Police Barracks Ikorodu.

    “The race will be flagged off by 7:00am at the palace of the Ayangburen of Ikorodu by the Oba himself assisted by other eminent personalities.

    For their efforts, the winners in both male and female categories, will win trophies and medals for their respective schools and cash gifts of fifty thousand naira. Also, thirty thousand naira and twenty thousand naira in addition to trophies are available for first and second runner up in both categories respectively. Similarly, contestants up to the 20th position in both categories will go home with consolation prizes.

  • Downpour: Three communities cut off in Lagos

    Some communities in Ikorodu area of Lagos State have been cut off following early morning three-hour downpour which had rendered the road leading to the area impassable.

    Motorists plying the Agric-Isawo-Arepo Road had difficulty either coming out or going into the three communities of Isawo, Igbo Olomu and Arepo because of the flooded road.

    Commuters using tricyles and motorcycles were forced to disembark and wade through the water to board vehicles at the other end to get their destinations.

    Commercial motorcyclists and those who help commuters and residents to cross made brisk businesses.

    “If you are coming to Isawo in a commercial bus or motorcycle from Agric Bus Stop, they will drop you at Oke Afa junction, then you will have to take another bus or motorcycle to continue with the journey.

    “People pay between N100 and N150 for assistance to carry them on their back across the water especially pregnant women,’’ the Acting Baale of Isawo, Mr Bada Bakare, said.

    He, however, appealed to the Lagos State Government to construct a bridge at Oke Afa on the Agric-Isawo Road for easy passage.

    “Whenever it rains, commuters, motorists and residents find it difficult to ply the road because of flood.

    Bakare also appealed to the government to direct the contractor handling the road– Hitech Construction Company Ltd — to create a temporary bridge on the road.

    A resident, Mr Apini Olanrewaju,, also lamented the hardship com muters experience on the road, saying the fares have been increased by more than 100 per cent because of the condition of the road.

    “I spend not less than N750 as fares when it rains which used to cost N200.”

    In his reaction,  Chairman, Committee on Agric-Isawo Road Project, Alhaji Owolabi Adisa, urged the government to intervene without further delay.

    Adisa said the slow pace of work on the road was affecting socio-economic activities in the area and also causing security problems.

    “We appreciate the good work of Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode in awarding the reconstruction of the road but there is need for a bridge on the road,” he also told NAN.

    Mr Adeola Alonge, the Secretary, Road Transport Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Agric-Owutu Branch, commended the state government for embarking on the rehabilitation of the road but called for its speedy completion alleviate the sufferings of the people.

    According to him, some of their members whose buses are old cannot put them on the road until the rainy season is over.

    Also, the Chairman, Tricycle Association of Nigeria, Owutu Isawo Unit, urged the government to prevail on the contractor to speed up work on the road.

  • Task force boss free seized vehicles in Ikorodu

    ***over allegation of touting against his men

     

    Chairman of Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit ( TaskForce ) Mr. Olayinka Egbeyemi, a Chief Superintendent of Police, has ordered immediate release of vehicles impounded at the Agency’s traffic yard in Ikorodu.

    Subsequent to the order, no fewer than seven vehicles were released to their respective owners on Tuesday, while others were informed to report at the unit office for proper identification and other processes.

    The chairman gave the order when he paid an unscheduled working visit to the traffic park yard at Ikorodu on Tuesday.

    The vehicles which were impounded over various traffic offenses were ordered to be released following allegations of touting reported by members of the public against the unit.

    Although they committed various traffic offenses ranging from driving against traffic, driving on BRT Lane to obstructions among others, they all however pleaded for mercy and admitted their wrong doings.

    Egbeyemi said his decision to release the vehicles was to prove that the Lagos State Government is not interested in creating hardship in the state but it would also not tolerate lawlessness from members of the public.

    He explained that the action was also to inform Lagosians that the state government does not encourage touting or bribery and that the Agency would take action against any of its officer found guilty of such crime.

    Egbeyemi reiterated his commitment of ensuring adequate discipline among his men even as he disclosed that any taskforce member caught collecting bribe or extortion from members of the public will face the wrath of the Law.

    He noted that they will continue to adhere to zero tolerance for driving against traffic to make recalcitrant motorists to be law-abiding.

    “It is not that we are anti-mases. We fight those people that are adamant and defiant. We are not in a state of anarchy, we are in an orderly society where there must be law and order. We take offenders to court, and once anyone is pronounced guilty, such ends in prison.

    “How can a sane driver drive against another vehicle coming with speed: this is how innocent people are killed”, the Chairman said.

    Egbeyemi charged members of the taskforce to desist from any act that can dent the image of the unit, pointing out that it would be difficult to enforce law once they engage in corrupt act.

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    “Am appealing to Lagosians to abide with the law and regulations that guide road use. Be a good citizen and don’t offer members of the taskforce bribe and in case any of them demand please kindly report.

    Egbeyemi said the unit understands the plight of the masses. But that laws must be respected so as to make the State livable for people. These are things we do but people don’t understand. It is my duty to raid when people are doing illegality”

    One of the vehicle owner blamed his wrong on passengers and vowed not to succumb to pressure in the future.

    Besides, one Segun Olusoga, a private taxi driver, claimed that a passenger he had in his vehicle pleaded with him to manoeuvre traffic that she was late for appointment.

    “I drive Toyota Corolla car with registration number AGL 136 BH, in the process of trying to satisfy my client, I maneuver traffic and was caught but to my surprise the passenger eventually left me with my problem”

    The case of Akinpelu Atanda with plate number KSF 10 FB was similar as he admitted to wrong doing also pleaded not to repeat it again “I don’t know why I was in a hurry, now that I was arrested where i’m rushing to, I can’t go again”, he promised.