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Tag: Ketu

  • ‘Ketu Special Children’s Centre for renovation’

    ‘Ketu Special Children’s Centre for renovation’

    Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, has reiterated the commitment of the government to support People Living with Disabilities (PWDs) and ensure Ketu Special Children’s Centre and other initiatives serving the community are not abandoned.

    This was in reaction to a report published in a national newspaper on December 1, headlined:  “Inside Lagos Abandoned Children’s Centre Where Reptiles, Dogs Thrive”.

    Ogunlende explained that rather than keep the children in dangerous conditions, the government relocated them to another facility within the Children’s Correctional Centre for Junior Boys, Yaba Complex, where they continue to receive specialised care and support.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s administration committed to development of area councils – Wike

    He said the decision to close the centre temporarily was based on a thorough evaluation of the facility, which necessitated urgent renovation for safety and functionality.

    He said plans were underway for its upgrading and restructuring.

    “Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of the children. The decision to relocate them was made in their best interest to ensure they are protected, while necessary work is done at the permanent site in Ketu.

    ‘’We are committed to doing things the right way, to avoid putting the children at risk. This approach reflects the values and principles of this administration, which prioritises the safety and well-being of its citizens,” he said.

  • FG launch TraderMoni in three additional markets in Lagos

    Federal Government of Nigeria yesterday launched the special enterprise and empowerment programme otherwise known as TraderMoni in three additional markets in Lagos, namely Ketu, Bariga and Oshodi markets.

    FG also assured that the scheme would be extended to two million beneficiaries across the country by next month.

    The TraderMoni scheme, which is a collateral and interest-free loan for petty traders, had earlier been launched in some markets in Lagos, while three additional markets in the State – Ketu, Bariga and Oshodi were added to the scheme by Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), accompanied by Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode and the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship candidate in the State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    The trio, while inspecting implementation of the scheme, took time to interact with petty traders in the markets, assuring that government would continue to come up with innovative initiatives to benefit the critical mass of the population.  

    Giving details, Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Mr Laolu Akande, said close to 800,000 petty traders had so far benefited from the scheme, adding that the programme had been structured for traders to borrow up to N50,000 and repay back seamlessly.

    “The TraderMoni scheme is part of the socio-investment programme of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration and the plan is to ensure that between September and December this year, two million petty traders receive the first payment of N10,000. Once they are able to return it within six months, they get additional N15,000 and when they return that, they get another N20,000 until they get as much as N50,000.

    “The whole idea is that the President wants to ensure that traders that are at the bottom of the ladder; people whose wares and businesses are just about N3000, N5000 and so on; people who normally don’t get any kind of financial assistance; people that the banks do not give any kind of credit because they have no collateral are not left out in what they are doing in our micro credit scheme.

    “This was what informed the TraderMoni Programme and today, it has gone to several states and the Vice President is in Lagos today to see what is happening in three additional markets. The VP is here to see what is happening and to interact with the traders, as well as to assure all Nigerians as a matter of fact that this is going to go round,” Akande said.

    He added that at the end of the first batch, the government would take it further to ensure that more traders benefit from the scheme.

     “In the first batch of the scheme, we will be doing two million traders and after that, we will even take it further. Between now and December, we would have given to two million petty traders. Already, we have close to 800,000 petty traders out of the two million. We have enumerated all the two million traders and so we know who they are and so it is a question of time,” he said.

  • Photos: Osinbajo, Ambode, Sanwo-Olu bring ‘Tradermoni’ to Lagos

    The Federal Government on Monday launched the special enterprise and empowerment programme,TraderMoni in three additional markets in Lagos.

    The markets are Ketu, Bariga and Oshodi.

    The scheme is a collateral and interest-free loan for traders.

    Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (2nd right); Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd left); APC Governorship Candidate, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (right) and Executive Director, Micro Enterprises Bank of Industry, Mrs. Toyin Adeniji (left) during the launch of the TraderMoni Scheme in Ketu, Bariga and Oshodi Markets in Lagos, on Monday

     

    Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (middle); Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (left) and APC Governorship Candidate, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (right) interacting with Traders during the launch of the TraderMoni Scheme in Ketu, Bariga and Oshodi Markets in Lagos, on Monday.

    Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (2nd right); Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd left); APC Governorship Candidate, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (right) and Executive Director, Micro Enterprises Bank of Industry, Mrs. Toyin Adeniji (left) during the launch of the TraderMoni Scheme in Ketu, Bariga and Oshodi Markets in Lagos, on Monday.

    Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (2nd right); Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd left); APC Governorship Candidate, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (right) and Executive Director, Micro Enterprises Bank of Industry, Mrs. Toyin Adeniji (left) during the launch of the TraderMoni Scheme in Ketu, Bariga and Oshodi Markets in Lagos, on Monday

     

     

     

     

     

  • One feared killed as ‘cultists’ clash in Lagos

    Police arrest 15

    One person was on Tuesday feared killed after suspected cultists protested in Ketu, Lagos.

    The young men numbering over 50 were said to have blocked the Ketu/Mile 12 Market axis to protest the arrest of some of their members allegedly smoking Marijuana in the market.

    It was alleged that the deceased whose identity was yet to be ascertained, was hit by stray bullet from policemen sent to disperse the crowd.

    The rampaging youths were said to have vandalised people’s vehicles, smashing windscreens and looting properties.

    Unconfirmed reports indicated that several persons sustained injuries in the melee.

    According to a trader, Mohammed Garba, policemen from Ketu Division who arrived the scene opened fire which accidentally hit one of the protesters.

    Garba said the victim died on the spot, adding that the youths carried the corpse and danced round the neighborhood.

    “As a result of the death of their colleague, the dared the police to shoot them and became violent. The problem actually started on Monday night and continued yetetsay morning.

    “It was on Monday morning that the young man was killed. The police were shooting in the air but bullet hit the victim.”

    Another witness, Aisha Ahmed said: “They were out as early as 6:30am. They grounded business and other activities. Before we knew what was happening, they took over the gate and started harassing both traders and those who came to the market to  buy goods.

    “The leadership of the market tried to stop them from going ahead with the planned protest but they were adamant. The crowd kept increasing and they were smoking weed as well. It was the leadership of the market that invited the police.”

    Another trader Chioma Nze blamed the protesters for the crisis, noting that the young men usually terrorised traders.

    Read Also: Suspected cultists kill 23 year-old in Ondo

    She said: “We are tired of the constant threat from hoodlums who only come to the market to smoke Marijuana. In fact, their activities are a threat to residents as well as traders.

    “This hoodlums have been operating, smoking Marijuana and causing problems. The trouble today started with them. They attacked policemen and almost destroyed a patrol vehicle”

    Police spokesman Chike Oti, a Chief Superintendent (CSP) denied anyone was killed in the clash, adding that clam had returned to the area.

    Oti said the cultists got information on the movement of their arrested member from the station to court, and attempted to disrupt the process.

    He said: “The group came out and blocked the road to be used by the police prosecutor. When passersby saw them, they fled for fear of a possible attack.

    “Policemen from Ketu were immediately moved to the area to disperse the hooums.

    “As we speak, about 15 suspects have been arrested. They have heen moved to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Panti, Yaba for further investigation.

    “No casualty was recorded throughout the operation and normalcy have also been returned  to the place.”

  • How five men robbed me in Ketu, by victim

    How five men robbed me in Ketu, by victim

    A woman  has narrated to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS)  how five men robbed her in Ketu, Lagos, on New Year’s eve.

    According to the woman, simply identified as Alhaja, she was surrounded by five young men wielding knives and daggers after alighting from a tricycle, otherwise called Keke Marwa.

    The RRS  has since arrested the suspects on Ikosi Road, Ketu.

    Shola Oyedele, Adejuwon Adeniyi, Alex Ikoku, Salau Damilola and Mohammed Muritala were said to have robbed the 58-year-old woman of her hand bag containing foreign and local currencies and other personal effects

    The suspects were alleged to have accosted their victim around Ketu Bus Stop after alighting from a tricycle, at about 9p.m., and dispossessed her of $800, 400 Qatari Riyal, N45,000, America Visa card, pouch containing gold trinkets valued at N110,000, a purse with unspecified amount and an Hawaii phone.

    According to Alhaja, “I boarded a ‘keke’ (tricycle) going to Ketu Bus Stop after crossing from Motorways. I was going to Ikorodu after visiting my children.

    ‘’I got down close to Ketu Bridge on Ikorodu Road. I was the only one alighting as other passengers had gotten down before reaching the bus stop.

    ‘I was surrounded by five young men wielding knife and daggers. They collected my phone and hand bag containing $800, 400 Qatari Riyal, N45,000, America Visa card, pouch containing gold trinkets valued at N110,000 and a purse with unspecified amount.

    “After collecting all I had on me. They were still using my line to call my husband that I should bring N25,000 to collect my phone and all they took from me. At a point, I had to block the line when the harassment was getting too much for me. I reported the case at Ketu Police Station. I learnt it was referred to RRS. It was there that I was invited to come and identify them. I saw one of them, who gave his name as Shola’’.

    Shola was said to have told the police that the operation was led by Sikiru known as Hauwa, who is said to be  on the run.

    Shola, according to sources, was said to have sold the victim’s phone to  Michael Ogunnaike who took the police to the suspect’s hideout in Ketu.

    About 13 suspects were reported to have been arrested in the hideout but five were said to have been indicted by Shola in the robbery.

    Lagos Police Public Relations Officer,  Chike Oti, a Superintendent (SP),  said Commissioner Imohimi Edgal had ordered that the case be transferred to Federal Special Anti-robbery Squad (FSARS).

  • Church to inaugurate water project, others at 20th anniversary

    Christ Redemption Bible Church, in Christ Redemption Avenue, Ketu,  Lagos State, will inaugurate its  water project next month.

    The project is one of the programmes the church will carry out to celebrate its 20th annual convention which will run from 10 to 15. The theme is: “Bread of Life”.

    The host, Pastor John Oluwadare, who spoke with journalists in the church premises, said the water project was necessary because the community where the church is located lacks water. This, he said would bring relief to residents in the community.

    He listed other activities to mark the anniversary to include a family summit, 20 hours of praise and worship, ordination ceremony, thanksgiving service, revival service/crusade, ministers and workers conference.

    Pastor Oluwadare explained that the church has been of great impact in people’s lives, saying some roads have been repaired in the community and they would still do more before the convention.

    He urged Nigerians not to lose hope in the country, saying God has interest in this country and it would be a better place in few years to come. He assured Nigerians that whatever challenge or recession the country is going through will be over.

    Pastor Oluwadare called for a genuine national prayer declared by the president, noting that Nigeria would be better than any nations of the world, if we all go back to God in prayers.

    According to him; “Nigeria was one, there was love and there was no tribal difference. What our leaders need to do, to correct this is to return back to God as a nation. We must take over our community for Christ and everybody must be identified with Christ. Our leaders should rise up and have the fear of God.”

    He said: “The theme for the convention is centered to win souls, populate the kingdom of God and depopulate the kingdom of satan which has become predominant in our land,” he said.

    The anniversary planning committee chairman, Olaluwoye Sunday, said, with the convention, the church aims to impact the life of others.

    He said they are into empowerment programmes, adding that the family summit which would hold at the convention would help discuss various issues in a family. “We have men of God to speak on solutions to family issues and many other things at the conference and crusade sessions.”

    The water project, he said is their way to give back to the society.

    Pastor Martha Oluwadare said the convention is special, noting that 20 years has been a long journey.

    She said the revival aims to win souls and populate Gods kingdom.

    “Ministers will be taught the way to build the church. This would enable them to know their calling and understand how to carry out God’s work.  Leaders are to serve the people and church leaders are to serve Gods people. The conference will teach leaders to have excellent servant hood to carry out the work of God. Nigerians would be taught how to survive in the face of the global economic turbulence,” she said.

  • Ketu to get layby, near flyover

    Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode has approved the construction of three-lane layby at Ketu bus stop to decongest traffic gridlock on Ikorodu road.
    Acting Commissioner for Transportation Anofiu Elegushi, told stakeholders yesterday in Ketu that the government also plans to construct another pedestrian bridge there to reduce pressure on the existing one.
    The layby, he said, would have a modern car park to ease traffic flow and create jobs for people in the area.
    The commissioner said: “Government is committed to freeing all traffic gridlock areas, we started with Oworo Layby to Ogudu and last week we were at Alapere with another project that will also address the traffic situation in that axis,” he said.
    He said the layby would be for picking and dropping passengers, urging the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) leadership to corporate with the government to enforce compliance.
    He expressed displeasure over the handling of the yet to be commissioned layby at Berger bus stop, saying NURTW members have converted it to a park
    “The Idea of the layby here in Ketu is fantastic. What we plan for Ketu is a bigger version of what we have in Oworo; we will continue to free traffic prone areas such that from Obalende to Ikorodu will take like 45minutes, Elegushi said.”
    The project, he said, would be to the advantage of transporters, adding; “We need your support and we want you to work with us because there will be dedicated lane for yellow buses to operate.”
    On the planned pedestrian bridge, he said the government opened the barricade on the road for crossing following public complaints that the bridge was vibrating “too much pressure”. “We decided to open the barricade and allow people cross the road while others use the bridge, but we plan to construct a new pedestrian bridge to meet up with the needs of the area.”
    Oba Isiaka Olufemiloye of Ketu hailed the government for the gesture which he said would reduce residents’ hardship.
    A representative of Lekki Concession Company (LCC), which is handling the project, Mr Deola Agbola, said it would be constructed in three phases to ease traffic burden.

  • Ketu to get new look

    Ketu to get new look

    KETU, a popular community in Lagos, is to wear a new look under a regeneration plan by the Lagos State Government.
    Commissioner for Transportation Mr. Anofiu Elegushi, at a stakeholder forum held in Agboyi Ketu Local Council Development Area, said the plan involved the rehabilitation of the second phase of Ketu Alapere road to tackle gridlock.
    Elegushi said the 1.150 kilometer road would have street lights and walkways in order to improve the economic standard of the area.
    The road from Kazeem Junction by Alapere Estate up to the Roundabout, he said, would be dualised and upgraded.
    He reiterated the government’s commitment to the people’s well-being.
    The commissioner sought property owners’ cooperation, stressing that the rehabilitation is not likely to affect buildings but fences which the government will rebuild.
    Elegushi said government would consider cases that require compensation.
    Oba Isiaka Oyero-Balogun of Ketu thanked the government for the project and sought compensation for affected property owners with or without proper documentation.
    The Oba said the compensation was necessary because the owners are old, with many of them depending on their properties to survive.
    Agboyi Ketu LCDA Sole Administrator Adetunji Ilelaboye, praised the government for considering the council for the project.
    He said the road when completed would ease the challenges of gridlock in the axis.

  • Breaking: Police sergeant kills three, self in Ketu

    Breaking: Police sergeant kills three, self in Ketu

    A police sergeant Saturday killed three persons including himself in Ketu area of Lagos.

    Details shortly…

  • The fire finished us, say plank merchants

    The fire finished us, say plank merchants

    Two months after it was burnt, traders at Ketu Plank Market are still counting their losses, TAIBAT IDOWU writes.

    TRADERS at the burnt Ketu Plank Market in Lagos are facing hard times. Some of the traders say they have become poor and are now living from hand to month.

    They told The Nation Shopping that many of them have returned to their villages because the “suffering is too much.”

    To alleviate the traders’ suffering, the Ifelodun Plank Market Committee is urging the government to hasten up its plan to rebuild the market.

    Its chairman, Alhaji Aliu Bello said the government had been given the total cost of goods burnt, adding: “we were told to follow some procedures before the government can fulfil promise to renovate the market.”

    The procedures are filling a registration form with their photographs attached; presentation of photographs of lost properties and an estimate of lost properties.

    Alhaji Musa Akinbo, who is also a member of the committee, said after the fire incident, accommodation and financial constraints has been the major problem they are facing. “Traders no longer have places to stay,” he said

    Mr Olagoke Akala, one of the displaced said: “We have become enemies to our families because we can no longer meet their needs the way we used to. Most of us now live in poverty and some of us have returned to the village.”

    “We are hungry, men have suddenly become women in their own houses because they can no longer live up to their responsibilities, those that refuse to become women in their houses, resolved to returning to their villages and others chose street trading as an alternative.

    “People who patronise the market are waiting for the renovation as well. Many of them check to see if the market has come back to life.”

    Mrs Olajumoke Odetoye, a building materials seller, said she believes the crisis will definitely come to an end. She said she used to own a big shop, but she now uses a small table to display her wares because there is no space and money. “We thank God for our lives. Thousands of us are victims of the fire and the market executives are really helping us. They are trying to provide alternatives for us in the little way they can.”

    Mr Saliu Sanusi is an old man who said he has been managing after the fire incident and that he used to buy in bulk, but he now buys in small quantity and the initial capital which he used in starting the business was a loan and till now, he has not been able to pay back. “I used to buy in bulk before but now I have turned to somebody that buys in small quantity. I am now using a small shop and using N10,000 to transact business. I am still on loan, I haven’t paid back. The government should help, so that everything can be balanced.”

    The chairman of the committee, Alhaji Aliu Bello praised the Lagos State government for supporting the market so far and pleaded that promises made to renovate their market be effected as soon as possible.”