The Nation Newspaper

Tag: lagos

  • Lagos to divert traffic for Pen Cinema bridge work

    TO accelerate work on the Pen Cinema flyover in Agege, there will be partial restriction of vehicular movement  from Thursday, the Lagos State Government said yesterday.

    The restriction is to prepare way for the ‘’complete closure’’ of roads in the axis during the construction,  Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure Mr Olujimi Hotonu said in a statement.

    Hotonu said traffic diversion routes had been created to ensure ease of movement along the corridor.

    He said motorists coming from Ogba/Oba Ogunji, except articulated vehicles, were expected to come in through Ijaiye Low Cost Housing Estate to link Iju Road.

    Articulated vehicles and other vehicles have the option of either turning right toward Iju Road at the Pen Cinema intersection or turning left towards Moshalashi Alhaja, Hotonu added.

    He said: “Similarly, vehicles coming from Iju Road should go toward Moshalashi Alhaja or turn toward Oba Ogunji/ Ogba, as the turning towards the right to the railway crossing will remain closed.

    “There will be a complete closure of the road for vehicles coming from Moshalashi Alhaja toward the railway crossing, while vehicles coming from Moshalashi Alhaja axis will be expected to either move towards Iju Road or turn right towards Oba Ogunji/Ogba Road.

    “All vehicles coming from old Abeokuta Motor Road are enjoined to go straight towards Agege Motor Road or turn right towards Alfa Nla/Oke Koto Roads, while vehicles coming from Agege Motor Road are enjoined to go straight towards old Abeokuta Motor Road or turn into Alfa Nla/Oke Koto roads.

    “No vehicle from this axis will be allowed to pass through the Pen Cinema intersection.”

    Hotonu said arrangements had been made to mitigate the impact of the closure on motorists and residents.

    The restriction, he said, was expected to last  between three and six months.

    This, he said, would enable the contractor take  advantage of the weather and space to deliver seamlessly, the critical aspect of the flyover construction that falls within the Pen Cinema roundabout and railway crossing at the old Abeokuta Road junction.

  • ‘Lagos to record landmark achievements’

    ‘Lagos to record landmark achievements’

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has assured residents that the state will record landmark achievements in major sectors  this year.

    In a statement yesterday in Ikeja, the capital, by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Habib Aruna, the governor noted that the state witnessed a massive leap in infrastructural development in 2017.

    He said the reforms in key sectors of the economy would take full flight from the beginning of 2018.

    Ambode said: “We have good reasons to be very optimistic about what 2018 holds in stock for our state and every Lagosian.

    “The commencement and realisation of some of our reform programmes, especially in the public transport, environment, tourism and health sectors, will transform the landscape of the state and improve the quality of lives of all Lagosians.”

    The governor said his administration would continue to up the ante on infrastructural renewal.

    He said the 2018 budget of N1 trillion, currently at the House of Assembly for approval, would be dedicated to completing some ongoing critical projects as well as some new ones.

    Ambode listed some of the key projects as the Oshodi Transport Interchange, reconstruction of the Oshodi International Airport Road, Pen Cinema flyover, 181 local government roads and other network of roads.

    He added: “Given the fact that 2018 will be last full fiscal year of this administration’s four-year tenure, our major focus will be the completion of most of the ongoing projects.

    “We will also pursue the objective of strengthening the financial base of our state through various measures aimed at boosting the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

    “We believe very strongly that this is achievable without necessarily increasing taxes but by widening the tax base and ensuring that all revenues due to the state are collected through technologically driven tax collection and management system.”

    The governor urged residents to continue to support his administration’s quest to transform the state by voluntarily paying their taxes as and when due.

    He said: “The dream of a new Lagos, which we all desire, is unfolding; we all have a role to play in this project.

    “Our government is open to new ideas and partnerships. We will welcome suggestions for better ways to do things and improve on service delivery to the people.

    “We will continue to provide responsible and responsive leadership, which is the hallmark of sustainable development in modern, functional and liveable cosmopolitan city like Lagos.”

  • Robbers chase blogger to death in Lagos

    A Woman described as a blogger was crushed by a vehicle early yesterday while trying to escape from two suspected robbers at Anthony bus stop.

    One of the hoodlums was wounded in the accident, which happened at midnight.

    The late Oluwafeyidara Adekoya was returning from church when the motorcycle riding hoodlums pounced on her.

    The Nation gathered that they attempted to dispossess her of her bag and phones but she raised the alarm and took to her heels.

    The hoodlums chased her before an oncoming vehicle ran them over.

    The rider escaped, but the hit-and-run driver ran over  his accomplice and Adekoya.

    A witness, who gave his name as Uche,  said: “She died on the spot. The other robber was unconscious but he was stabilised by the Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS), that came to the scene with officials from LASEMA.

    “She was waiting to take a bus and a bike with a passenger appeared. They struggled to rob her and she raised the alarm. A vehicle later came and ran into them. While the rider rode away, the lady and one of the robbers were hit. The lady died while the guy was critically injured.

    “The suspect was moved to the hospital. I did not get his name but the lady was said to be a journalist with In-Situ Media.”

    LASEMA General Manager Adesina Tiamiyu said the injured suspect had been handed over to the police.

    He said: “Yes there was an accident involving a young woman and a man. They were knocked down by a vehicle. The woman died on the spot. We found the man unconscious and resuscitated him. He was taken to Gbagada General Hospital.

    “We were told the man was a robbery suspect and that he and his accomplice had attempted to rob the lady before they were knocked down by a vehicle. So, we handed over the man to the police for further action.”

    But police spokesman Chike Oti, a Superintendent of Police (SP), said the police were investigating a hit-and-run case and not robbery.

    Oti said: “I confirm there was an accident. A woman was killed and a young man sustained injury. There was no robbery. We are investigating a case of hit-and-run because the driver fled.”

  • Again, Badoo attacks, injures family in Lagos

    Again, Badoo attacks, injures family in Lagos

    Suspected members of ritual gang, Badoo again on Sunday morning attacked a family at Lajo in Ibeshe, Ikorodu, a Lagos district.
    The attack, which was said to have occurred around 3am, left the man identified as Shakiru, his wife and six-month-old baby critically injured.
    It was gathered that alarm raised by Shakiru’s neigubour attracted the attention of other community residents, who surrounded the area that night in search of the suspects.
    According to a resident, the family was attacked by two men, who gained entry into their home by smashing one of their windows.
    The resident told The Nation that the community elders immediately notified the local vigilantes and the victims were rushed to the hospital.
    He said: “The attack occurred around 3am. The man’s name is Shakiru but he’s popularly called Shakur. The two Badoo members attacked his family. They were rushed to the hospital but we later heard the man died.
    “His wife and child are in the hospital. We could not sleep anymore.  People were shouting Badoo Badoo and that was how everyone came out to hunt them.
    “They were two men. One of them fled into a thick bush. The other one was not lucky as he was caught. People descended on him and asked him to mention names of their sponsors.
    “He started talking. He mentioned one Baba Noah. But when angry youths went to look for the man, he has fled. They wanted to lynch the suspect but the police came to the scene and said they were called by the Baale to take the suspect.
    “The police took him away. The mob injured the suspect on the leg. There was tension in the area because the people do not have confidence in the police.
    Contacted, police spokesman, Chike Oti, a Superintendent (SP) confirmed the incident but denied the attack was carried out by Badoo.
    He said: “We are aware of the situation. We intervened and were able to make some arrests. It was not a Badoo killing. Already, we have raided the home of one of the persons mentioned but he has fled.”
  • Court remands man for murder of friend’s wife

    Court remands man for murder of friend’s wife

    An Ebute-Metta Chief Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, has remanded 27-year-old Opeyemi Zachaeus, for alleged conspiracy and murder of his friend’s wife, Adejoke Kalejaiye, 25.

    Zacheaus is standing trial on a two-count charge of conspiracy and murder.

    The Prosecutor, Sgt. Kehinde Olatunde, had told the court that the accused committed the offences on Dec. 14 at about 2.00 p.m. at Agemuwo in Badagry area of Lagos State.

    Olatunde alleged that the accused had helped the husband of the deceased, Mr Kalejaiye, to conceal her remains and to dispose of her phone and other valuables.

    Read also: Court remands Mother for pouring hot water on son

    He said that the offences contravened Sections 223 and 233 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    The plea of the accused was denied.

    The Chief Magistrate, Kofo Ariyo, ordered the remand of the accused at the Ikoyi Prisons, pending legal advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP’s).

    The case was adjourned until February 7, 2018 for legal advice.

    NAN

  • Police arraign two men over theft of chapman drink

    Police arraign two men over theft of chapman drink

    The police in Lagos on Friday arraigned two men, Eddy Francis and Julius Onipede in an Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court over theft
    of two packs of Smoove chapman drink worth N2,600.

    Francis, 30 and Onipede, 35, are facing two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

    The prosecutor, Sgt. Jimah Iseghede, told the court that the two committed the offences on December 23 at Lacasera Company, Amuwo Odpfin by Apapa Oshodi Expressway in Lagos State.

    Iseghede explained that a CCTV camera in the premises of the company showed the duo stealing two packs of the drink.

    Read also: Police arrest soldier for hijacking fuel-laden truck in Oyo

    He added that the offences contravened sections 287 and 411 of the Criminal law of Lagos State, 2015.

    However, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges and the Magistrate, Mrs Kofo Ariyo, granted them bail in the sum of N10,000 each with two sureties in like sum.

    She adjourned the matter until January 15, 2018 for mention.

    NAN

  • Man in court for beating girl who refused to go out with him

    Man in court for beating girl who refused to go out with him

    The Police on Friday arraigned a 25 -year-old motor  man, Isiaka Abiodun, who allegedly beat up a girl to pulp for refusing to go out with him before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

    The accused was arraigned before the Magistrate, Mrs O.I Raji, on a charge of assault.

    Abiodun, who resides at Agbede, Ibadan in Oyo State, pleaded not guilty and was admitted to bail in the sum of  N100,000 with two sureties.

    Raji ordered that the sureties should be gainfully employed and show evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

    According to the prosecutor, Sgt. Yomi Egunjobi, the accused committed the offence on December 14 at Ikeja, Lagos.

    He said that the accused beat up Miss Success Enebe for refusing his proposal.

    “The accused asked Miss Enebe out but she refused his proposal. Few days later, the accused attacked her  using a plank and injured her on the head.

    “After the attack, the accused ran away, leaving Miss Enebe bleeding from her injuries.” Egunjobi  said.

    He said the offence contravened Section 173 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015(Revised).

    The section stipulates three years imprisonment for assault.

    The case was adjourned until January 9 for mention.

    NAN

  • ‘HIV, AIDS cases drop in Lagos’

    ‘HIV, AIDS cases drop in Lagos’

    Lagos has recorded a drop in HIV/AIDS prevalence, the  Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Oluseyi Temowo, has said.

    He stated this at the World AIDS Day, which had as theme: Right to health: Making it happen.

    He said: “We know that there is a drop of 1.7 percent, and the screening done among communities the prevalence rate is 0.3 percent, whereby 576, 406 were screened at different health facilities, and 29, 010 were screened at communities.

    ‘’The figure on positive expectant mothers at antenatal in 2014 is four percent but now, we have 1.4 percent.’’

    He said there are about 217, 658 positive people in the state, and about 64, 554 who are on Anti-retroviral (ARV).

    Temowo said the state was planning to screen physically challenged people living with for HIV, starting with the deaf and the blind.

    “This set of people were neglected before but the decision to enlist them is to ensure nobody is left behind in ensuring that the state captured everybody for an HIV/AIDS state,” he said.

    Temowo urged non- governmental organisations to collaborate with the state on HIV/AIDS to focus on villages, communities and rural areas to achieve the set target of  eradicating the virus by 2030.

    The agency held a talk at Ipodo Market in Ikeja. This was followed by a walk, which started from Obafemi Awolowo Way, passed through Allen Roundabout, and ended at the Office of the President-General of Nigeria Market Men and Women Association, Mrs Folasade Tinubu-Ojo.

    Temowo said the agency would screen for HIV in some markets at Ikorodu and Epe divisions, and in some parts of Ikeja and Alimosho divisions.

    “The market HIV intervention will continue after the World AIDS Day on December 1.We are targeting the market because it is an all-inclusive thing to achieve 90:90:90,” he said.

    At the events, participants were given branded pouches. According to Temowo, the message of the day, is to encourage consumers to screen voluntarily so Lagos could be HIV and AIDS free.

    The market men and women  expressed happiness with the walk. They promised to comply with the agency’s requirements.

     

  • Man bags six months for stealing car battery

    Man bags six months for stealing car battery

    A 26-year-old unemployed, Alex Godwin, is to spend the next six months in prison for stealing a car battery, an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, has ruled.

    The Magistrate, Mrs O.J. Awope, pronounced the verdict after the accused pleaded guilty to a charge of stealing on Thursday.

    Awope, who sentenced Godwin without an option of fine, said the convict should serve the sentence with hard labour.

    “You are hereby sentenced to six months imprisonment with hard labour and without an option of fine.

    “The sentence would serve as a deterrent to others who might want to engage in similar acts,” she said.

    Godwin, a resident of Alagbado in Ogun, had at his arraignment on December 4 pleaded guilty to the offence and was remanded in prison.

    Read also: Court remands farmer, 55, for defiling a boy

    When the case was called up for fact and sentence, he still admitted guilt but pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy in sentencing him.

    Earlier, the Prosecutor, ASP Ezekiel Ayorinde, had told the court that the accused committed the offence on November 27 at Iju Road, Agege, Lagos.

    He said that the accused stole a motor battery whose value and owner yet unknown.

    “The accused was caught with the battery by security guards on the street.

    “When he was questioned, he confessed that he removed the battery inside a commercial bus parked along the road,” he said.

    The offence contravened Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).

    NAN

  • ‘We’ll build Lagos that works for all’

    ‘We’ll build Lagos that works for all’

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has hailed residents for the support extended to his administration in 2017.

    He said this made achievements recorded in key sectors possible.

    The governor assured them that more projects would be implemented to make life comfortable for them in 2018.

    Ambode spoke yesterday at a special Christmas party organised by the government simultaneously in the 20 local government areas.

    The governor said the Lagos Project was on, adding that his administration is gradually and steadily building a state that works for all.

    He said: “I want to use this opportunity to once again express this administration’s profound gratitude to you all for your support, which is the cornerstone of the modest achievements we have recorded in the outgoing year. I want to assure you that our Lagos Project is on course and we are gradually and steadily moving towards actualising the dream of building a state that works for all.

    “As a government, we are moving into the New Year with more vigour and determination to move our state to a higher level, particularly in the critical sectors, including transportation, sustainable and healthy environment, social and physical infrastructural development, power, housing, tourism, education, among others.

    “Together we can and we will achieve more landmark successes in 2018. I look forward to your continued support in the performance of your civic obligations, obedience to rules and regulations and ensuring peace and harmony in all our communities.”

    The governor said he was delighted to join the celebration of Christmas in a special way, being the first time it was held simultaneously in all 20 councils.

    He added that the season brought to the fore the need to remind one another of the essence of love, kindness, tolerance, piety and humility, which Jesus Christ personifies.

    Ambode said Christmas would be  more meaningful only if the people imbibed such fine qualities and allowed them to manifest in their lives.

    He said: “In the newness and rebirth that the season symbolises, let us remember our less privileged brothers and sisters and to gladly share our blessings and as well give with love and humility.

    “As we merry, let us remember that this is a time for special supplications and sharing of love; a time to showcase our unity and a time to seek for more favour and mercies for our State and our nation.”

    At one of the centres for the celebration at Epe, the governor’s wife, Mrs Bolanle Ambode, advised residents to embrace love and tolerance for peaceful co-existence.

    Mrs. Ambode, who noted that the governor’s Christmas party was designed to bring Yuletide festivities closer to the grassroots, identified love and tolerance as the strongest basis for harmonious living, among people of different ethnic and religious affiliations.

    She said: “The simple message of this season is love. When we love, we will share. When we love, we will not hurt the feelings and sensibilities of one another. When we love, we will help the weak and the vulnerable. When we love, we will put the interest of others first. When we love, we will live together in peace and harmony.”