The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Lagos State government

  • Electrician arraigned over theft of motorcycle

    A 22-year-old electrician, Lateef Sanni, who allegedly stole a motorcycle valued at N115,000 in the wee-hours from where it was parked,  was on Wednesday brought before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court.

    Sanni is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

    The accused, a resident of No. 5, Olorunfemi St., Igando, a Lagos suburb, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    The prosecutor, Sgt. Donjor Perezi, had earlier told the court that the accused committed the offences with others still at large at about 3.30 a.m. on Feb. 25 in Ayobo area of Lagos.

    Perezi alleged that the electrician stole a motorcycle marked WDE 791 VH, property of the complainant, Matthew Rabiu.

    According to him, the accused was apprehended by security guards who saw him riding the motorcycle in the early hours of the day.

    “Landlords in the area had raised alarm that robbers had invaded the area which alerted the security guards.

    “The accused was eventually arrested while his accomplices escaped,” he said.

    The offences contravened Sections 285 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 285 prescribes three years imprisonment for stealing, while Section 409 provides two years for conspiracy.

    In her ruling, the Chief Magistrate, Mrs. O.A. Layinka, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

    Layinka said the sureties should provide evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government and adjourned the case until May 2 for mention.

     

  • Lagos places embargo on approval for filling stations

    …Insists On Relocating Ikeja Computer Village, Okobaba Sawmill, Mile 12 Market

    The Lagos State Government has placed embargo on approval for construction of filling stations in all parts of the State till further notice, while a definite action will soon be taken on indiscriminate construction of event centres across the State, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Wasiu Anifowose has said.

    Anifowose, who said this on Tuesday at the ongoing Ministerial Press briefing in Alausa as part of activities marking the second-year anniversary of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration, said government had already resolved not to grant construction permit for filling stations pending the inventory of existing ones.

    Responding to issue of oil spillage in Alimosho, Anifowose said the decision of government was necessary in view of the need to take proper inventory of the existing filling stations with the view to determining those that should be removed, all in a bid to ensure public safety.

    According to him, “What happened in Alimosho was because of pipeline vandalism. If people have not been greedy to vandalize pipeline, we will not be seeing what is happening. But be rest assured that no permit for filling station in Lagos State till further notice. I have told the General Manager of the concerned agency; the management team of the agency has taken a decision and we will not grant any approval until we take inventory and see what we have.”

    He said the State Government was also working with the Federal Government to relocate Tank Farms in residential areas in Apapa, adding that a definite pronouncement would be made in that in regard in due course.

    The Commissioner also warned owners of structures under high tension cables to relocate in their best interest as government would spare no effort in removing such illegal structures, adding that Event Centres illegally located would also be demolished.

    He said: “When this government came on board, what we did was that we set up a Committee and they are going round the State to take inventory of Event Centres. I like to state categorically that any development that does not comply with the Master Plan of the area of location will be removed. So, our agency is already working on it and they should be able to give us report in the next three to four weeks.”

    Speaking on activities of the Ministry in the last one year, Anifowose said due to proactive steps and reforms initiated, the State Government, in the period under review, achieved considerable reduction in building collapse, and reiterated that it was still an offence in the State for any physical developments including renovation, fencing, demolition and so on to be embarked upon without approval.

    “I must urge all Lagosians to partner with the State Government in reporting illegal developments and developers or owners of buildings who cut corners and use substandard materials in construction work. Furthermore, it is considered a necessity that prospective buyers or tenants should demand for the Planning Permit or Layout Approval of a building or estate respectively before down payments are made, to deter developers or owners from circumventing the law,” Anifowose said.

    Besides, Anifowose said during the period under review, a total of 5,499 structures were served with Contravention and Stop Work Notices, while between May 2016 and February 2017, a total of 2,340 plans were submitted and out of which 1,078 were granted Planning Permits. Also, 242 applications for Planning Information were received; 174 approved, while others were being processed.

    In the last 23 months, the Commissioner said 30 provisional layout approvals were granted and 28 final layouts, while government embarked on preparation of development guide plans in Igborosun Excised village in Badagry, Ikola-Odunsi in Alimosho and 13 Excised villages were granted Approval-in-Principle within Ikorodu, Ibeju-Lekki and Eti-Osa.

    He said aside the fact that government has paid compensation on properties demolished for right of way for major projects, efforts are also ongoing to relocate Computer Village in Ikeja to world class ICT Park, Katangowa in Agbado/Oke-Odo, while efforts are in top gear to relocate Mile 12 Market to Imota and Okobaba Sawmill to Agbowa.

  • Queens College: Lagos okays resumption of academic activities

    Queens College: Lagos okays resumption of academic activities

    The Lagos State Government has recommended the resumption of students for academic activities at the Queens College, Yaba following satisfactory results from analysis of water samples from all water delivery points in the school.

    State’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris who disclosed Monday while giving an update on the outbreak of gastroenteritis in the School noted that the school authority in collaboration with the Parents Teachers Association (PTA), Old Girls Association and the Federal Ministry of Education had successfully addressed identified areas of lapses by instituting various control measures.

    According to him, the control measures included decommissioning of the multiple contaminated water sources, deployment of a single water source with water treatment, renovation of the dining hall, decontamination of the hostels and overhauling of the sewage system and clearance of the septic tanks. He added that the periodic testing and retesting of water sources will still go on in line with international best practices.

    Idris recalled that while he was giving update weeks back, he mentioned that water samples from one of the multiple water delivery points in the College posed safety and portability concern.

    He however disclosed that this has been addressed as new pipes have been laid.

    He said, “I am delighted to inform you that based on the results of the analysis of the latest water samples collected on Tuesday, April 11, 2017, all water delivery points have been certified to conform to official specifications and I hereby recommend to the School Authority resumption of Students of Queens College, Yaba, Lagos.”

    While restating the commitment of the State Government to guarantee good health of the citizenry irrespective of gender, religious or ethnic affiliations, Idris emphasized the need for the School Authority and appropriate Federal Agencies to supervise continuous screening, follow up and monitoring of all students and staff of the school because of the polymicrobial nature of the outbreak.

    The Commissioner who also revealed that four out of the 25 infected kitchen staff that were treated and retested still harbor some bacteria recommended that the four kitchen staff be made to undergo further treatment, be prevented from handling food and redeployed from the kitchen area.

    He disclosed that since the outbreak of the disease in the school, 40 cases were admitted in various public and private hospitals in the State. He added that 37 cases were discharged after full recovery while the remaining three were unfortunately lost to the disease.

    The Commissioner noted that though no new case of the disease has been reported since the last case was discharged on the 18th of April, 2017, he warned that sporadic cases may still occur due to multi-microbial nature of the disease occurrence.

    Idris however restated the need for the school authority as well as proprietors of schools in the State to ensure strict compliance to personal and environmental hygiene by ensuring provision of safe water, appropriate refuse disposal, conduct of food handlers’ test for kitchen staff and food vendors biannually and continuous monitoring of water and sewage treatment plants and encourage students and all to imbibe the culture of regular hand washing with soap and water.

    “Other pertinent recommendations are contained in report forwarded to the Federal Ministry of Health and the authority of the Queens College”, he noted.

    He also urged them to report unusual disease occurrence to the nearest public health facility or the Ministry of Health.

    While reiterating the regret of the Lagos State Government on the unfortunate incident especially the deaths recorded, Idris commiserated with the families and management of the school on the sad occurrence.

    The Commissioner thanked Lagosians for their support, calmness and understanding during the period urging them to report suspected cases of any disease of public health importance to the nearest public health facility or notify the Ministry of Health on the following numbers: 08037170614, 09087106072, 08023169485, 08052817243, and 08026441681.

     

  • Lagos denies demolishing Berger retail market

    The Lagos State Government on Friday debunked media reports linking it to the demolition of Berger retail market, saying that the allegation was far from the truth.

    In a statement by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl. Wasiu Anifowose, the State Government described the media reports as figment of imagination of the authors.

    The demolition exercise was carried out on Wednesday and most traders denied being served contravention notices.

    While clarifying the position of the State Government, Anifowose said it was not the norm of the government to act in such manner, adding that before any demolition is carried out, all statutory notices are served.

    “As a State Government, we like to categorically deny involvement in the demolition exercise as alleged in some national dailies.

    “While the reports in one breath claimed that the State Government was responsible for the demolition, it was also said that it was in compliance with a court judgment.

    “The same report also alleged that an unnamed former Governor was behind the exercise, while still claiming that the land on which the retail market was located had been under global acquisition for years.

    “Our story is that some of the market women came to my office yesterday saying that their market was being demolished, and after finding out from relevant agencies because I have not given any directive on demolition and having confirmed that our agencies were not involved, I told the market people that the demolition never came from us.

    “We don’t demolish without organising a stakeholder meeting with the concerned people and we also ensure that we give them enough notice,” Anifowose said.

    He added that the last time the State Government carried out a demolition exercise was in January when lay-by was being constructed.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the Lagos State Government hereby categorically deny involvement in the demoilition exercise,” Anifowose said.

     

  • Rainfall: Lagos caution residents against dumping refuse in drainages

    Rainfall: Lagos caution residents against dumping refuse in drainages

    As the 2017 rainy season gathers momentum, the Lagos State Government has allayed the fears of residents over the torrential rainfall witnessed in the State on Thursday, saying that necessary steps had been taken to avert any incidence of flood disaster in the State.

    The State Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, in a statement said that the State Government had in recent times carried out intensive tour of some flood prone communities in the State to clear up blocked drainages and canals.

    The commissioner wondered why any right thinking person would be dumping refuse on water courses and drainages created for free flow of storm water, saying the numerous campaigns against such practice was for the interest of the residents.

    “Canal is a storm water channel for the conveyance of storm runoffs, they are God’s natural protection for holding water during massive flood and it is not a place for anybody to build a house or dump refuse. Those in the habit of doing such must stop henceforth,” Adejare said.

    Allaying fears of teeming Lagosians apprehensive of the rain, the Commissioner said that indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the gutters had caused a lot of environmental disasters, warning that the government would no longer tolerate the building of illegal structures along channel right of ways in the state.

    To this end, he said the government had since begun demolishing illegal structures and shanties erected on the drains especially in flood prone areas.

    Adejare, however, urged residents living on wetlands and flood prone areas to be cautious and careful, urging them to limit their movement if possible and to move to higher ground if need be.

    He explained that it is their responsibility as a government to protect lives and property, appealing for the cooperation of all Lagosians in their quest to avert any flood mishap in the state.

     

  • Human rights abuse: Lagos pledges collaboration with Army

    Human rights abuse: Lagos pledges collaboration with Army

    The Lagos State Government on Wednesday pledged its commitment to the efforts of the Nigeria Army to frontally address incessant cases of human rights abuse by military officers in the war against insurgency and internal security operations in the country.

    The Army, in recent times, has had its image battered in the public owing to violation of human rights by military personnel, a development which compelled the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Tukur Buratai to set up a Special Board of Enquiry to investigate all cases of human rights violation levelled against personnel of Nigerian Army.

    Addressing journalists at Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja after a meeting with Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, President of the Nigerian Army Special Board of Enquiry, Major General Ahmed Tijani Jubrin (Rtd), said the Army was determined to address the issue once and for all and restore the confidence of the public.

    Jibrin said the meeting with the Governor was part of the strategic engagement of the Board to carry along critical stakeholders on efforts being made by the Nigerian Army to stem the tide of human rights abuse by military personnel.

    He said: “This Board of Enquiry was set up by the Chief of Army Staff to investigate all cases of human rights violation levelled against personnel of Nigerian Army in their war against insurgents in the North East and in their internal security operation in the South East.

    “We are here to brief Governor Ambode on what effort the Army headquarters is making on the allegation making rounds in the media that the Army, in their operations, have committed gross violation of human rights and arising from that, the COAS set up this Board and the committee is made up of retired officers, activists from the legal sector and human rights groups, as well as some serving personnel.

    “Our mission here is to brief the people and government of Lagos State on what the COAS is doing in his response to this allegation. I think from the composition of the Special Board of Enquiry, people can see that this time the Army headquarters is determined to get it right by getting a broader representation so that whatever the result of the enquiry is, will be known to the public,” Jibrin said.

    He added that the findings of the Board would be made public at the end of interaction with all the necessary stakeholders and concerned actors.

    On his part, Secretary to Lagos State Government (SSG), Mr Tunji Bello said the members of the Board were at the Lagos House to brief the Governor on their activities so far.

    “They (members of the Board) are here in Lagos to hear the Governor out and explain to him what they have been doing. Like the Governor promised during the meeting, we as a State Government are willing to support them in whatever way we can as we have always done,” Bello said.

  • Dealer faces N1.8m car theft charge

    A 32-year-old dealer, Ibrahim Garba , who allegedly stole a car valued at N1.8 million,  was on Wednesday released on N500,000 bail on the orders of an Apapa Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

    The Chief Magistrate, Mr Titus Abolarinwa , who gave the ruling, granted the accused two sureties.

    He said the sureties must be gainfully employed and should also show evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

    The accused had pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp. Tony Elibeh told the court that the accused, who resides at Ajegunle area of Apapa, committed the offences on Aug. 29, 2016 at Esado Street, Olodi-Apapa.

    He alleged that the accused stole a car valued at N1.8 million belonging to the complainant, Mr Isaac Nwogu.

    “The complainant said that he gave his car to Garba to look for a buyer, but to  Nwogu’s surprise the accused sold the car and converted the money to personal use.”

    The offence contravened Sections 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the section prescribes three years imprisonment for offenders.

    The case was adjourned until April 26 for mention.

     

  • Trader docked for beating co-tenant

    A 34-year-old trader, Patricia Osuma, on Wednesday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly beating her neighbor, Princess Rachael, to pulp.

    Osuma, who resides at No.6, Oluwa-Ajani St., Jibowu Estate, Abule-Egba, Lagos, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge of assault preferred against her.

    The Prosecutor, Sgt. Ishola Samuel, told the court that the accused committed the offence on April 1 at her residence.

    Samuel said the assault by the accused on Rachael, her co-tenant, followed an argument between the duos.

    He said the case was reported to the police and the accused was arrested.

    The offence, he added, contravenes Section 171 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sections 171 prescribes three-year jail term for assault.

    The Magistrate, A.R. Onilogbo, granted the accused bail in the sum of N20, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

    He stated that one of the sureties must be gainfully employed and must show evidence of   two-year tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

    Onilogbo adjourned the case till May 2

     

     

     

  • Lagos working on signing death warrant for Rev Kings, others

    Lagos working on signing death warrant for Rev Kings, others

    Lagos State Government has said it is seriously working on signing death warrant, for the execution of the General-Overseer of the Christian Praying Assembly, Rev. Chukwuemeka Ezeugo, popularly called Reverend King as well as other murder convicts in the state.

    It will be recalled that the Supreme Court recently, Okays the judgment on Ezeugo who was convicted and sentenced to death by hanging on January 11, 2007, for the alleged murder of his church member, Ann Uzoh.

    Lagos State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, who disclosed this Tuesday while briefing journalists, at the flag off of the yearly ministerial press conference, said it has become necessary for the government to look at the issues considering that some convicts on death row are beginning to demand for certain rights, since they feel that no action will be taking.

    “This government is very strong on law and order. And the case is one of those that is under review. Like him, many others are on death row. And very soon, residents of Lagos will see the action of the government on it.

    “There are lots of people on death row. There are some states that have been active in enforcing the judgement. I know that many had zeroed on Rev. King. I discussed his issues actively with the prison authority during my recent prison visit and it was on the instruction of the State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode. That showed that it is a sensitive issue.

    “I have given you indication that we are moving towards that direction. The previous governors of this state have not signed (papers) any of those death sentence. But the prison authority had informed that some of the convicts on death row are beginning to think they have some rights. We are going to move in that direction, you will hear from me,” he said.

    The commissioner also informed that the government has re- opened the case of Hamzat Al Mustapha, who was allegedly fingered in the murder of the late Kudirat Abiola.
    He said the government is putting machinery in motion to ensure that justice was done on the matter.

    He said ministry through its directorate of legislative Drafting and the law reform Commission has been involved in the drafting, amendment and reforms of laws and regulations sponsored in collaboration with the House of Assembly and other ministries departments and Agencies.
    He said a total of 14 bills were passed into law while 12 are currently undergoing drafting process.
    Kazeem  listed some of those laws enacted that has  impacted positively in the lives of residence, to include the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund law, 2016, kidnapping law, 2016, State Environmental protection and Management law2017 among others.

    He revealed that a total of 750,000 newly introduced criminal suspect forms was handed over to the state police command in the month of March in order to ease justice delivery, help record keeping and intelligence gathering of criminals in the state.

    He said the government is working on the establishment of a DNA forensic centre adding that the centre will be geared towards enabling proper investigation, prosecution of crimes, adjudication and the administration of justice in the state.

    He also added that the ministry obtained judgment in defilement matters, ranging
    7 years, 10 years, 15 years imprisonment respectively.

  • Easter: LASG urge residents to celebrate with fresh, wholesome local foods

    As Christians globally prepare to celebrate Easter, the Lagos State Government on Thursday urged the state residents to eat fresh, wholesome and delicious foods grown in Nigeria.

    Mr Sanni Okanlawon, the Special Adviser to Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode on Food Security, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the state frowned at consumption of unwholesome imported foods.

    Okanlawon told NAN the state Ministry of Agriculture had begun sale of Lake Rice in the Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

    “It is very important that we give Lagosians the best of healthy and fresh foods, especially a very significant staple crop such as rice.

    “In that regard, for almost a week now, sales of our trail blazing Lake Rice has been on in some centres such as Adeyemi Auditorium in Alausa Secretariat, LTV8, Agriculture Development Authority, Oko-Oba.

    “It is at the Lagos State Agriculture Input Supply Authority, among other places. We want to make sure that Lagosians got the best,’’Okanlawon said.

    The special adviser also told NAN that the LGAs had been coming to receive their consignments which would be sold to buyers.

    Okanlawan added that the ministry wished Lagos residents a hitch-free and peaceful Easter celebration.