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Tag: lagos

  • Lagos budgets N852.317b for 2019

    AN Appropriation Bill of N852.317 billion to the House of Assembly for consideration and approval has been sent by Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, it was learnt last night.

    The estimate is N194b less to  last year’s N1.046 trillion.

    The Commissioner for Budget & Economic Planning, Mr. Olusegun Banjo, who confirmed the development, said the bill was intended to be read before the 40-member legislature House on December 24, last year.

    In a statement, Banjo said the governor had sent a verbal information of his intension to present the budget proposal on Monday, December 24, 2018 after the State Executive Council approval on December 19, 2018.

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    He, however, said that the presentation was shelved because the “House was on recess and thereby could not form a quorum.”

    The statement reads: “In order to meet the traditional presentation, a formal letter was sent to the House on Friday, December 28, 2018, forwarding the contents of the budget.

    “It is expected that when the House reconvenes, the Speaker would inform members of the content of the Budget proposal sent by the Governor and take necessary action.

    “The commissioner said the size of the 2019 budget proposal forwarded by the Governor to the House is N852.317 billion.”

  • Police arrest two robbery suspects, recover gun in Lagos

    The Police Command in Lagos state says it has arrested two robbery suspects and recovered a gun with some ammunition.

    CSP Dolapo Badmos, Police Public Relations Officer of Zone 2, said this on Wednesday while addressing newsmen at the headquarters of the command in Lagos.

    Badmos said the arrest was made through operatives from Zonal Intervention squad.

    The PPRO said the suspects are Oseni Uman 34, and Taiwo Orwgbemi, 46years.

    According to Badmos, on Dec. 31, 2018, at about 09:30hours, the command operatives while on visibility policing around Ogere Remo, Ogun State, intercepted a Toyota Sienna Bus, brown in colour with two occupants.

    “On flagging down the vehicle the suspects attempted to escape but the policemen were able to nab them due to their alertness.

    “On searching the vehicle, a locally made cut to size gun, with three live cartridges were recovered and consequently they were moved to police base for investigation,” she said.

    Badmos said the suspects, during interrogation, confessed to have robbed residents of Akobo area of Ibadan, in Oyo state, where they stole goods worth millions of naira.

    “They stated further that part of their loots like phones; laptops and other gadgets have been sold to some receivers in Oyo state while the sienna bus was being taken to Lagos for a ready buyer.

    “The suspects confessed to have formed a gang while serving their jail term in Agodi Prison, Ibadan, as they further revealed that their operational base is in Ibadan.

    “The operational strategy the command put in place for the yuletide actually paid off,” she said.

    She stated further that the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2, AIG Lawal Shehu,had directed the operatives to fish out other suspects involved in the crime.

    “This will assist in ensuring due prosecution of the case,” she said.

  • Celebrating ‘king of the farm’

    The Igbo in Isolo, Lagos has held its New Yam Festival at Okota. The event attracted both Igbo and non-Igbo, and many members of the All Peoples Congress (APC) .

    The New Year festival held by Igbo of Isolo, Lagos was unique in many ways. It had the touch of modernity, Christianity and politics.

    The event, which held penultimate Saturday, drew guests from within and outside Isolo to Okota, the venue. Many of them strolled in. But not so the Eze Igbo of Isolo, Dr Ajagu Nworgu, who he came with an entourage. He was heralded by a male dancer accompanied by drummers. His stylistic steps, which responded to the rhythm of the music without a song, were a beautiful sight to behold, especially as he danced his heart out. There was a reason for this

    Chairman of the occasion, High Chief Cletus Okeke, who described the day as great, explained that the event had three objectives: to thank God for the Eze, who recovered from a long illness, for the Igbo in Isolo for 2018 and for the good yields in the new year.

    Okeke said the event was organised by the Eze Igbo and his council of chiefs, in conjunction with the Igbo Speaking Community, Isolo branch.

    Eze Nworgu explained that the new yam festival was an old tradition among the Ibo, adding that they cherished it. When reminded that many Igbo in Lagos had no farm and so there was no need for the event, he said it did not matter as the event afforded them the opportunity to give thanks to God.

    Specifically, he said he should thank God for healing him. He was hospitalised, he said, at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) for over a year, adding that many people had given up on him.

    Chief Okeke, however, claimed to have a farm with a large barn of yam.

    The Igbo Speaking Community, Isolo Branch Chairman, Chief Joshua U. M. Kalu, said they used the opportunity provided by the feast “to keep our wives and children abreast of our cultures and tradition as it is practised in our various communities’’. He added: ‘’We also use the Iri-ji festival to foster unity among the Igbo.’’ He noted that ‘’yam as king of the farm is the mainstay of the family’’.

    The highlight of the event was the cutting of the yam. Three big tubers of roast yam were placed on a table with some ugba to garnish them. Eze Nworgu, surrounded by his counterparts from parts of Lagos and some members of his cabinet, offered Christian prayers, raised a knife and cut the yam. Others also cut. Later the yams were cut into pieces, passed round for all to eat.

    Wife of the state House of Assembly member Mrs Roseline Idimogu and the Divisional Police Officer Isolo CPS Francis were among personalities who attended the event. Mrs Idimogu urged all to vote for her husband who is returning to the House while the DPO asked them to attend the stakeholders meeting regularly to proffer solution to the security problems in the area.

     

  • Lagos Lawyer asks court to stop “Operation Python Dance”

     

    A Lagos-based Rights Campaingner, Chief Malcom Omirhobo, on Wednesday asked a Federal High Court in Abuja declare as unlawful and unconstitutional, the declaration of “Operation Python Dance” across the nation.

    The applicants in the suit labelled FHC/ABJ/CS/01/2019, are Omirhobo and Board of Incorporated Trustees of Malcom Omirhobo Foundation.

    Joined as respondents are the Attorney General of the Federation, The National Assembly, the Inspector General of Police, the Nigeria Police Council, Police Affairs Commission as well as the various Nigerian Service Chiefs.

    The applicant is seeking the court’s declaration that the commencement of a nationwide “Operation Python Dance” with effect from Jan. 1 to Feb. 28, with the military to tackle internal security challenges during the conduct of the country’s general elections is illegal and undemocratic.

    According to him, it violates the fundamental rights of the applicant, as well as those of the Nigerian public, to life, dignity of human person, personal liberty, family and private life, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, and freedom of movement.

    The applicant wants the court to declare that it is the primary responsibility of the police force to tackle internal security challenges such as kidnapping, terrorism, millitancy and proliferation of arms, and not that of the Armed Forces or military.

    He seeks a declaration that the use of the military to perform the functions of the Police in the conduct of the 2019 elections is illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional.

    The applicant, is therefore, seeking a court’s order, compelling the respondents to respect the fundamental rights of the applicant as well as those of Nigerians, by allowing the Police Force to perform its statutory role of enforcement and maintenance of law and order.

    He seeks an order that the respondent clears off the military from the public spheres and stops forthwith, the use of “Operation Python Dance” in the conduct of the 2019 general elections.

    Omirhobo also wants an order compelling the police to take charge of the enforcement and maintenance of law and order in their various commands, before, during, and even after the general elections.

    Besides, the applicant seeks an order of perpetual injunction, restraining the respondents from using the military to perform the duties of the police, in the enforcement and maintenance of law and order, before, during, and after the conduct of the 2019 general elections.

    He seeks an order, for the enforcement of his fundamental rights, and those of the Nigerian public, to life, dignity of human person, personal liberty, as well as private and family life.

    No date has been fixed for hearing of the suit.

  • Power Para-lifting: Oyema targets new record in World championships in Lagos

    Esther Oyema, world record holder in para power lifting, said her target is to set  another record in the forthcoming World Championships in Lagos slated for January 28 to 30.

    The indoor event is scheduled to take place at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos.

    Oyema broke her standing record of 141.6 lift in women’s lightweight at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia in April 2018.

    She, however, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that she was optimistic of further breaking the record, adding that she was preparing hard for the tournament.

    The Edo-born para-power lifter, who won silver at the 19th National Sports Festival (NSF), 2018 in Abuja, said many people expected her to win gold medal at the festival.

    She, however, said she was not under pressure to contest for the gold medal in Lagos next month but promised to do her best.

    “I am happy about the silver medal, though a lot of people expected me to win the gold medal at the NSF.

    “I am not putting myself under any pressure; I will definitely do my best at the world championship, as my target is to set a new record.

    “Though training has not been easy due to lack of facilities in Edo, but I am doing the best I can and hopefully, it will turn out right in the end,” she said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oyema lifted 133 kg to erase 126 kg in the 65kg weight class she set previously at the 2015 African Games in Congo Brazzaville.

    NAN

  • Star Lager Beer celebrates iconic Lagos heritage

    The three white cap chiefs originally positioned at the point of entry of Lagos State to welcome visitors has now been branded by Star Lager Beer.
    The sculpture now wears novel artistic material.made of create. And it is painted in gold colour.
    The sculptures now in Epe is rich in meaning as the three chiefs represent cultural heritages and the three major traditional greetings on Lagos Island.
    As gathered, the brand re-built the statue which was originally sculpted by Biodun Shodeinde in 1991 to align with the One Lagos call, just as the 2018 edition of the annual One Lagos Fiesta which officially kicked off on the eve of Christmas at five designated locations in the state gets underway.

    The open air fiesta is said to usher in the new year with loads of live concerts by Wizkid, Davido, Pasuma, Olamide, Sunny Ade, Mr Real, Slimcase, Mr P, Teni and a host of others.

    The One Lagos Fiesta will feature support from Star Lager in five locations – Agege stadium Agege, Bar Beach, Epe, Ikorodu, Badagry and Victoria Island, culminating in a grand finale at Eko Atlantic City and the national premium beer brand will provide refreshments for consumers as they partake in exciting games and experiences at the Star Corner.

    Speaking about Star’s support of the event, the Marketing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Emmanuel Oriakhi, declared,

    “Star Lager is committed to providing the best entertainment offering to consumers as we continue our support of One Lagos Fiesta. We take pride in this partnership and our goal is to continually upgrade experiences for our consumers as we promise bigger and better experiences in the future”.

    Star Lager in previous years, has been present and supportive of the annual year end felicitations. The Portfolio Manager, National Premium Brands, Nigerian Breweries Plc., Sarah Agha expressed the brand’s commitment to extending the excitement by saying,

    “Star Lager has always been a proud supporter of the iconic Lagos heritage and this year we have something special planned and we can’t wait to unveil it”.

    Star Lager, an iconic national premium product, brewed by Nigerian Breweries Plc, a Heineken Company, will also be hosting a series of exclusive events in 2019. With a long history of supporting the consumers’ passion, Star continues to create premium experiences as it is doing this December with Wizkid VIP Experience, Olamide Live In Concert, Burna Live, Uli Music Festival and Warri Again.

  • Student docked for breaking into Redeem Church

    A 23-year-old student, Ademola Asaolu, on Monday appeared in an Ikeja Magistrates ‘ Court for allegedly breaking into Solution Centre Redeem Church, Lagos State with intent to steal.

    Asaolu, whose address was not provided, is charged with two counts of breach of peace and breaking into a church.

    The Police prosecutor, Insp Rachael Williams, said that the accused, unlawfully gained entry into the Church, without the permission of the church authorities.

    Williams said the accused committed the offence on Dec. 13 at 8 p. m. at Animashahun Street, Baruwa-Ipaja, a Lagos suburb.

    The offence, she said contravened te provisions of sections 168 and 308 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015, (Revised).

    The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Section 308 stipulates three years for house-breaking while Section 168 provides six months for breach of peace.

    The Magistrate, Mrs O. O. Akingbetese, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N50, 000 with one responsible surety in like sum.

    Akingbetese ordered that the surety must be gainfully employed with evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government and have his address verified by the court.

    The magistrate adjourned the case until Jan. 14 for mention.

  • God will not allow any other party in Lagos except APC – Oba Akiolu

    The Oba of Lagos, Oba Akiolu 1, has said that God will not allow any other party to take over governance in the state in the forthcoming general elections apart from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Oba Akiolu stated this in his remark yesterday at the 11th Annual Hijrah Lecture and inauguration of the new House of Assembly Mosque at the Assembly complex yesterday.

    The new mosque, he said, is unique especially as it is built inside the Assembly complex where bills are passed into laws.

    The Oba also pointed out that it is not enough to build mosque but that the custodians of the mosque should be properly taken care of.

    He also advised the custodians not to do or be involved in anything that would tarnish the image of the religion.

    Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, commended the congregation for donating fund for the rebuilding of the mosque.

    He described a mosque as a holy place to worship Allah and supplicate to Him, adding that the custodians should do everything to ensure that it serves the purpose for which it was built.

    Special guest of honour was Governor Akinwunmi Ambode who was represented by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. AbdulHakeem Abdulateef, who is the Chief Imam of the House of Assembly Mosque, while the chairman of the occasion was Oba of Lagos & permanent chairman, Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs, HRM Alaiyeluwa Oba Rilwan Osuolale Akiolu 1.

    In his speech, the chairman of the Muslim community of the Assembly, Hon. Sikiru Osinowo, thanked God Almighty for the completion of the mosque.

    “We started the mosque project so that we could fulfil the purpose of our coming here. We have seen Muslim speakers, and God made it possible for us to build the new mosque during the time of the current Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa,” he said.

    Two clerics delivered lecture on the theme and title of the lecture, ‘The place of the mosque in human civilisation’.

    The first guest lecturer was the Director, Islamic Affairs, Nigeria Air Force Base, Ikeja, Lagos State, Wing Commander Abdullahi Hassan Inuwa, and second lecturer was Shaykh Abdur Rasheed Mayaleke, chairman, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Ogun State.

     

    Mayaleke describes a mosque as the “first house God provided for man. It is a place of learning, meeting, judgment, worship, a place where we meet on how to defeat our enemies.”

     

    And that praying in the mosques for men is more acceptable than to pray at home, and that all Muslims must be given an opportunity to pray in the mosque.

     

  • Lagos tackles domestic violence against women

    In commemoration of this year’s 16 days of activism to end violence against women, Lagos State government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has organised a 2018 WAPA connect conference tagged Fostering Harmonious living through reforms; Strengthening of social services and substantive equality among women and Yoruba girls.

    Speaking at the conference held at Agidingbi, Lagos,

    the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Lola Akande, said the conference was aimed at the advancement of women’s right, fostering domestic harmony and tackling the menace of gender-based violence among other burning issues among women.

    While lamenting that the root of most of the hostilities leading to dishonouring and violence in homes are the two challenges of gender discrimination and poor access of women and young girls opportunities that bring out the best in them, Akande pointed out that the current administration through the ministry has made significant impact through critical intervention programmes to end violence against women. “Some of these actions include marital dispute mediations forceful (teen) child marriage reserve and disruption of buttered women, among others,” she said.

     

  • Lagos community enjoys yuletide charity

    As a symbol of love, a Non-Governmental Organisation, “The Clothe Me Project” has extended hands of support to the less-privileged by giving surprise Christmas packages to residents of Oke-Eri, Oworonsoki, Lagos.

    The event which was tagged “Christmas Charity Outreach” hosted men, women and children from the community and no fewer than 500 persons were given Clothes, shoes, bags, toys, Spaghetti packs, Soap and toothpaste.

    Founder of the NGO, Joy Abara, in a statement, said the project was put together to create fun memories for kids and adults during the festive period.

    She said “ The whole idea behind our charity programmes has been to reach people living in underserved communities.

    “Having realised the amount of injustice and neglect that goes on in these less privileged areas, we thought it needful to organise our programs there. The Christmas charity outreach happens to be one of such. We all know the frenzy and excitement that comes with getting a Christmas gift, especially with children.

    “We wanted to do something special for Christmas with the people. We were looking to create fun memories for their kids and adults as well, hence the reason we had our Christmas outreach in the slum.”

    According to her, the community was selected after an assessment of environments.

    “We chose Oke-Eri after one of our team members visited the place. He did a report on the condition of living in the area and sent us pictures as evidence.

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    “Based on what we saw, it seemed like the perfect fit for our Christmas outreach.

    “They had lots of beautiful children and families who clearly needed some form of support. We connected with a local church in the area, that’s how we were able to work together to make it happen.”

    Abara noted that the “Christmas charity outreach was the last for the year adding that the project had earlier organised two other outreaches in the year 2018.

    “We were able to successfully organise three outreaches. The first one was the Children’s day outreach we had in partnership with Jakin NGO. The second was our Back to School Charity Drive and this Christmas Charity Outreach is the last for the year.” She said.

    Describing the event as a success and an impactful one, she said “It was a successful event. The fact that we were able to give people Christmas presents when they weren’t expecting, is amazing.

    “It turned out impactful, the smile we saw on the kids’ faces was priceless. We met and catered for people who ordinarily wouldn’t go to church. They couldn’t miss out of the fun, they had to join in.”