The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Lagos State government

  • LASG commended on digital library initiatives

    LASG commended on digital library initiatives

    Mr. Simeon Fowowe, the Head of Department, Early Childhood Care Education (ECCE), Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED) has commended the Lagos state government for initiating digital library.

    Fowowe made the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

    While commending Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode for the initiative, Fowowe, however, called for inclusion of ECCE in the project implementation.

    He observed that the library lacked instructional and research materials on early childhood care education.

    “As equipped as the digital library is, there are no instructional materials for early childhood caregivers or professionals to assess the development.

    “Gov. Ambode Akinwunmi recently blazed the trail in the digital library project when he unveiled the first of its kind via an online portal.

    “But as beautiful and laudable as the library project is, there is no provision for early childhood education for repository contents where caregivers and the trainers of the teacher can access materials for professional development,’’ he said.

    According to him, the digital library should provide repository contents for primary, secondary students and even for vocational and entrepreneurship trainees.

    Fowowe, therefore, appealed to the state government to consolidate the existing structure such as pre–schools, where the foundation of formal education begins.

    He urged the government to give priority to the recruitment of right professionals, the inclusion of early childhood education in the digital library project and the online portal.

    The Don said that with two colleges of education in the state, Lagos had overcome the challenge of scarcity of ECCE professionals and caregivers.

    “It is the teaching and stimulation from these professionals in ECCE that can guarantee effective teaching and learning at these levels,’’

    NAN reports that Ambode had on April 28 launched a digital library to provide access to educational materials through a collection of digital contents via the online portal.

    The library will provide a repository of contents that include 2,000 study aids on core subjects for primary and secondary school curriculum.

    It will also provide instructional videos and selected e-books for all classes from primary to SS3.

    The library resources also include texts on the brief history of Lagos State, online forum podcasts, ‘exam-mate’ like past questions papers.

  • Businesswoman faces N1.2m fraud charge

    Businesswoman faces N1.2m fraud charge

    A businesswoman, Chidinma Okoro, who allegedly defrauded two men of N1.2 million, was on Wednesday arraigned in an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.

    The accused, 44, who resides at No. 2, Church St., Ogundare Estate, Aminkanle area of Alagbado in Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of fraud and stealing.

    The Police Prosecutor, Insp. Peter Nwangwu, told the court that the accused committed the offences between Feb. 2 and Aug. 30, 2014, at his residence.

    He alleged that the accused fraudulently obtained the cash sum of N1.2million from the complainants, Mr Emenike Daniel and Mr Utoh Chijioke.

    “The accused collected the said amount from the complainants on the pretext of supplying them goods from the U.S and U.K, as agreed upon,” he said.

    Nwangwu alleged that the complainants paid the sum of N1.2million into the Access Bank and Zenith Bank accounts of the accused.

    He told the court that Okoro reneged on the agreement and refused to refund the money to the complainants.

    “The accused absconded and relocated to an unknown destination until she was recently apprehended by the police,” Nwangwu said

    The offences contravened Sections 285 and 313 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 313 prescribes a 15-year jail term for offenders, while Section 285 stipulates three years imprisonment.

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

    The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Y.O. Aje-Afunwa, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000, with two sureties in like sum.

    She said the sureties must show evidence of three years tax payment to the Lagos State Government and adjourned the case until June 17,  for hearing.

     

  • Brothers arraigned for conspiracy, threat to uncle’s life

    Brothers arraigned for conspiracy, threat to uncle’s life

    Two brothers, Ekeh Chinedu and Ekeh Uzoma, who allegedly conspired and threatened to kill their uncle, were on Wednesday brought before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

    The accused, Chinedu, 31, a youth corps member in Ogun and Uzoma, 27, a university graduate, resides at 5th Avenue, Block 2, Flat 4, Festac Town, Lagos.

    The accused are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, threat to life and breach of peace, to which they pleaded not guilty.

    Police prosecutor Peter Nwangwu alleged that the accused conspired and threatened the life of the complainant, Ekeh John, who is also their uncle.

    Nwangwu said the offences were committed on Feb. 17 at about 1.30 p.m. at the residence of the accused.

    He told the court that the complainant reported the case against the accused, who had been threatening his life.

    Nwangwu said that the complainant, who recently returned to Nigeria after 30 years abroad, demanded that the accused and his family vacate the flat they occupied, which belonged to him.

    The prosecutor alleged that the complainant had earlier given the flat to his younger brother to stay temporarily, when he had some financial and accommodation problems.

    He said that on the uncle’s return, he asked the accused to pack out, while presenting them with the original documents of the house.

    Nwangwu said this led to serious altercations between the complainant and the two accused, who then resorted to threatening to kill the former, claiming that they were cultists.

    The prosecutor alleged that the accused kept calling the complainant with strange numbers on phone, threatening to deal with him and kill him.

    He said the offences contravened Sections 56, 166 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Section 56 provides for 14 years imprisonment for threat to life, while Section 409 stipulates two years.

    The Chief Magistrate, Y.O. Aje-Afunwa, granted the accused N100,000 bail each and two sureties each in like sum.

    Aje-Afunwa said the sureties, who should be gainfully employed, should also show evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government, as part of the bail condition.

    The case was adjourned to June 21, for mention.

     

  • Lagos begins CBT entrance examination

    Lagos begins CBT entrance examination

    The Lagos State Government Wednesday commenced its Computer Based Test (CBT) for admission into its junior model colleges/upgraded schools.

    The three-day examination with a total of 79 candidates is been done at the state Examination Board, Iyana Ipaja.

    The examination which is designed into two versions will hold the Paper and Pencil Test (PPT) on Saturday, 3rd of June at 39 designated centers across the state.

    Speaking at the centre, the Director of the Board, Mr. Oluwafemi Hassan said over 10,000 pupils registered for the examination, out of which 79 pupils opted for CBT.

    He said the results are produced immediately when the candidates are done and sent via text message to their parents.

    He noted that since the inception of CTB in 2015, the turnout of pupils is increasing yearly.

    “In 2015 we started with 17, in 2016 we had 54 candidates and this year we have 79 candidates that subscribed for it. Since the administration of the Governor Akinwumi Ambode, the scope has expanded.

    “Unlike other years it was done once but this year we are using three days because the coast is expanding. Before 2018, the government has the plan to take the exam to five division of the state so that every candidate can sit for the test in his or her centre. The world is a global village and Nigeria needs not to be left out, that is why Lagos has adopted this method of examination” he said.

    For a hitch-free examination, he explained the government has procured more computers, air-conditioned the centre and has earlier made a lot of sensitization on the use of the computers, also each of the candidates were given a CD to train them at their various homes on how to use the computer, added that the exam has been structured  to suit the age bracket of the pupils.

    Hassan noted that Lagos is the only state in the country that has adopted the use of CBT for primary six pupils and is committed to moving the state forward and setting the pace for other states.

    Candidates expressed their satisfaction Goodluck fagbai said “i prefer the CBT because it easier and faster. It saves time because the questions are already typed and all I need to do is to choose the correct answers. I thank the Lagos State Governor for introducing this CBT and it should be continued.

    “I am used to computer and I practice it at home, so I am well set for the examination. It should be adopted by other states” said Ademola Harris.

  • KSA, Obey, Olamide, others to perform at Lagos @ 50 grand finale

    KSA, Obey, Olamide, others to perform at Lagos @ 50 grand finale

    The Lagos State Government on Friday said it has concluded plans to climax the Lagos@50 celebrations with a spectacular display of fireworks.

    The Government, in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, said the fireworks would be on display at midnight of Sunday, May 28 on the water of Eko Atlantic.

    ”This is inform the public that there will be a display of fireworks as part of the music and fashion show to round off the 50thAnniversary Celebrations of the State. The fireworks will be on display at exactly 12 midnight at the Eko Atlantic City during the Golden Concert. Residents do not need to panic or nurse any fear whatsoever when they hear the sound of the fireworks as it is only just a symbolic way to draw the curtains of what has been a very splendid and successful celebration of our golden State.”

    “Residents who cannot attend the concert can also catch it live on Television as it promises to be a historic and exciting night of fun and maximum entertainment”, Ayorinde said.

    The Commissioner also expressed the gratitude of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to the sponsors of the fireworks, Eko Atlantic Nigeria Limited.

    The Lagos@50 Celebration, which began on May 27, 2016, has featured series of events and activities to showcase the cultural essence of the State, including Jazz Meets Runway, International Conferences, Arts Exhibition, Film Shows, among others.

    50 top artistes who have ruled the Lagos music scene over the years are expected to perform at the concert.

    Some of the artistes billed to perform include juju music maestros – King Sunny Ade and Evangelist Ebenezer Obey as well as the legendry Highlife Patriarch, Sir Victor Olaiya.

    Other superstars on board are Davido, Phyno, Olamide, Humble Smith, Adekunle Gold, Lil Kesh, Partoranking, ‘Mr Capable’ Banky W, Runtown, Vanessa, MI, Eedris Abdulkareem, Mr. Eazi, DJ Spinall and Waka Music star, Queen Salawa Abeni.

    Also expected are star Fuji artistes like Adewale Ayuba, Abass Akande Obesere and Wasiu Alabi (Pasuma Wonder).

    The Concert would also feature a fashion show to depict the evolution of fashion in Lagos state.

     

  • Lagos set to review Newspaper law

    Lagos set to review Newspaper law

     

    Lagos State Government has said it has concluded plans to review the existing Newspaper Law in the state to effectively regulate their activities.

    State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, disclosed this Tuesday while briefing journalists in Alausa.

    He said the exiting Newspapers law in the state has become obsolete, adding that the review was necessitated by the need to make the law more effective and in tune with modern day reality.

    According to him, ” In views of the realization that the State Newspaper Cap Law is obsolete, the State Government has commenced the process of reviewing existing  Newspaper Law Cap No2 of 2003 with a view to making it more effective and in tune with modern reality.

    “The review attempt is not to stifle the media. The idea is to move with the trends and development of the time. It is for the good of the journalism profession.”

    He assured that once the review is completed, media stakeholders would be invited to a meeting in order to intimate them with the provisions of the law and their obligations before enactment.

    “You can’t operate as a print and not be registered with the ministry. The media space has been going through transformation and the review is in line with the changes in the media space.

    The commissioner explained that the unavailability of the true figure of the publishing media houses that operate in the state is a great challenge in term of documentation and billings.

    He said the review is about how the ministry can be empowered to register online media, tract who is who and from where they are operating.

    While claiming that 90 percent of the online media are based in Lagos, Ayorinde enjoined online media publishers to come forward to identify themselves with a location.

    He said the review is being looked at from the point of the media and the law.

    In order to sustain the current tempo of development in the Lagos Television station, Ayorinde said plans are afoot in the coming year to purchase new transmitter as a stop gap measure for the station before the completion of Digital Transmission switchover.

    The commissioner said the state government has repositioned its printing corporation, saying the Lagos State Governor Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode recently unveiled a new state of the art printing press for Lagos Printing Corporation.

  • Lagos terminates N844 billion fourth mainland bridge contracts

    Lagos terminates N844 billion fourth mainland bridge contracts

    Lagos State Government has said it has terminated the earlier contract with investors for the construction of proposed N844 billion fourth mainland bridge projects.

    This was disclosed Monday by the Commissioner for Waterfront and Infrastructure Development, Engr. Adebowale Akinsanya, while addressing journalists in Alausa.

    He said government is presently considering various proposals from foreign investors such as United States of America, Britain, in order to accelerate commencement of the project.

    Akinsanya said the government had to dump the former contractors which include Africa financial corporation, AFC and other investors, due to continued delay in the commencement of multi billion naira project.

    Other investors dumped by the Government a year after signing Memorandum of Understanding, MOU for the 38 kilometer bridge and road project includes; Visible Assets Limited and Access Bank Plc.

    According to him, “the reason why we terminated the contract of former investors was mainly due to slow pace of work. We are now looking at many investors, though, interest is very high. We have such investors from South Korea, Europe, and America, among few others. What we are doing now is vetting the proposals we don’t want to waste any further time. So works are in top progress on the 4th Mainland Bridge.”

    The commissioner assured residents that the state government would ensure that appropriate investors would be named soon for the project considering its importance.

    Also, permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Temidayo Erinle, who spoke on the planed airport road project said, “We are yet to get Federal Government’s approval on the Airport road project. We want to assure residents that whenever there is approval you will see engineers move to site.

    “Though, we are still collaborating with FG to get things resolved. The road is not in good condition; hence, we need to move fast. Also Apapa Road, same issue as Airport Road, it’s a federal road, we are collaborating with FG on it too.”

    Erinle added that efforts by Ambode administration’s to carry out a total reconstruction of the International Airport Road from Oshodi as at press time was yet to be approved by the Federal Ministry of Works.

    According to him, the state government, presently, has a design for the reconstruction of the road as well as the funds to embark on the project but “the Federal Government is yet to grant approval. Though, we are still talking on it.

    “On the proposed 188 roads, we have received over 1,000 proposals from contractors. We are currently in a vetting stage. We are studying the technical aspect because it’s very important. We are looking at the application. Not only the costs are we considering, we have to look at the background, years of experience, expertise too. We are paying more attention to technical aspect.”

    Erile added that in maintaining the existing roads in the state, the Public Works Corporation, LSPWC, worked on 807 roads within the state, while it delivered over 532 roads and agency currently working on over 275 other roads.

     

  • LASG evicts abattoir shanty dwellers, demolish structures

    LASG evicts abattoir shanty dwellers, demolish structures

    The Lagos State Government on Sunday evicted shanty dwellers, demolishing illegal structures at the Agege abattoir after series of stakeholders meeting.

    Mr Toyin Suarau Commissioner for Agriculture told newsmen during the exercise that the exercise was carried after series of discussions with the owners of the shanties.

    Suarau also said that government planed to build transit camps in the area among other things.

    He said, “We met with stakeholders about eight times and they all agreed to go along with government.

    “What the state government is doing is for the benefit of those in the abattoir because they are the ones doing their businesses here.

    “Government wants to set standards in the abattoir to attract patronage and we are happy they are ready to work with us.

    “Government is going to build transit camp for them and will also upgrade the abattoir, “ Suarau said.

    The commissioner also said that the ministry would clean up the area place and ensure wastes are evacuated on time.

    According to him, in another six months Lagosians will see the difference at the abattoir and he assured that a place had been created for those affected by the exercise for a temporary house.

  • Lagos plans star-studded concert for golden jubilee celebration

    Lagos plans star-studded concert for golden jubilee celebration

    …Thanks sponsors, media, Lagosians for Support  

     

    The Lagos State Government has concluded plans to host the best of Nigerian traditional and contemporary popular musicians and fashionistas to an anniversary concert to round off the unprecedented year-long activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the creation of the State.

    A statement issued on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, stated that the event tagged ‘Lagos State Golden Concert’ will hold at the Bar-Beach on Sunday, May 28 and is expected to draw thousands of Lagosians from all walks of life to the venue.

    The statement added that the concert which is billed to hold from 2pm will have in attendance the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, Members of the State Executive Council, Members of the State House of Assembly as well as party chieftains and corporate players from the Organized Private Sector.

    According to the statement, some of the confirmed artistes gracing the show include the juju music maestros – King Sunny Ade and Evangelist Ebenezer Obey as well as the legendry Highlife Patriarch, Sir Victor Olaiya.

    Other superstars on board are Davido, Phyno, Olamide, Humble Smith, Adekunle Gold, Lil Kesh, Partoranking, ‘Mr Capable’ Banky W, Runtown, Vanessa, MI, Eedris Abdulkareem, Mr. Eazi, and DJ Spinall.

    Also expected are star Fuji artistes like Adewale Ayuba, Abass Akande Obesere and Wasiu Alabi (Pasuma Wonder).

    According to Ayorinde, the Lagos State Golden Concert will serve as an ecstatic climax for the year-long activities that have been celebrating the cultural essence of the State since May 27, 2016.

    “It will also serve as a bridge between the activities for Lagos @ 50 which will formally come to a close with an anniversary ball on Saturday May 27 and the second year anniversary of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration on Monday May 29th 2017,” he said.

    The Commissioner said the Golden Concert will further attest to the State Government’s commitment to the promotion of tourism, arts, culture and entertainment in the State and how musicians and creative artistes, like fashion designers and models, help in sustaining a vibrant, creative economy that has made Lagos State the cynosure of all eyes in Africa.

    The statement thanked the media and corporate sponsors whose generous contributions have sustained the year-long anniversary as well as every Lagosian whose support, encouragement and enthusiastic participation made the Lagos @ 50 Celebration undoubtedly the most publicized event of the year across Nigeria.

     

  • Lagos earmarks N12.6bn for development of sports facilities

    The Lagos State Government on Friday said it had earmarked N12.6 billion for development of sports facilities this year.

    The Special Adviser to the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Sports, Deji Tinubu, made the assertion at a Ministerial Briefing in Alausa to commemorate the governor’s second year in office.

    Tinubu, also the Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission, said the government had earmarked N9.6 billion for sports facilities to boost sports infrastructure and committed N3 billion for sports development.

    He said that the money was to ensure the state ranked top in sports development, adding that the government was willing to acquire the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

    “There is no money for the bidding,’’ Tinubu said, lamenting the dilapidated nature of the stadium that the government was interested in.

    He said that as soon as the Federal Government gave the go ahead, the government would develop the facility; make it the best in the country and the toast of all.

    According to him, Nigerians will want to see the Super Eagles play at the National Stadium once again.

    Tinubu also said that as soon as the Lagos State Sports Commission Bill was passed into law by the State House of Assembly, the commission would be more professional.

    “It will be more specific, more dedicated, dynamic and able to keep up with the current and evolving sports trends,’’ he said.

    He added that the Lagos State Sports Commission had the vision to engage more schools in organised sports and create a standardised school sports calendar.

    It will also create a database for gifted secondary school athletes in basketball, volleyball, handball, athletics, wrestling, table-tennis and taekwondo.