The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Lagos State

  • Lagos okays 145 traffic assessment applications

    THE Lagos State Government has approved about 145 Transport Impact Assessment (TIA) applications in its bid to transform the sector, ensure safety of lives and improve service delivery.

    Commercial, residential buildings, places of worship,  recreational and institutional centres are to obtain the TIA report, which will determine the traffic impact of their land use and plan for mitigating same.

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Dr. Taiwo Olufemi Salaam, told reporters yesterday at Alausa, Ikeja that “this is part of the holistic measures put in place by the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode administration to tackle transportation planning and give Lagosians a new transportation experience.”

    Read also: Lagos set for new bus experience

    He said since the population was growing 10 times faster than those of New York, Los Angeles and 32 African countries combined, the growth rate plus the chaotic character of the urban transport system led to the TIA study, especially for commercial, residential buildings, particularly high rise with more than five floors, event centres, petrol/gas stations and worship centres.

    Salaam said TIA would aid the generation of data for transport planning policy and implementation, as well as traffic volume count, road safety audit review and origin and destination survey.

    He said 188 applications were received out of which the 145 were processed and approved.

  • Olumakaiye to Sanwo-Olu: remember the downtrodden

    Diocesan Bishop of Lagos Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion Rt. Revd Humphrey Olumakaiye has advised Lagos Governor-elect Babajide Sanwo-Olu to tackle unfavourable economic situation impacting heavily on the downtrodden.

    He asked Sanwo-Olu to alleviate their sufferings to earn the favour of men and God.

    Olumakaiye the charge at the thanksgiving service for the governor-elect and his wife, Ibijoke at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Okepopo, Lagos.

    Also at the service were immediate Bishop of Lagos and Dean, Church of Nigeria Emeritus Most Revd. Adebola Ademowo, Deputy-governor, elect, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and his wife, Oluremi.

    He also advised the governor- elect to tackle traffic congestion situation, which he described as annoying and disturbing with its negative impact on the economy.

    While assuring Sanwo-Olu of the church’s continued prayer and support for the incoming administration, he urged him to serve the people of Lagos State diligently, selflessly and with total dedication.

    This, he said, would also make the people to follow and honour him.

    “During his campaign, he came for prayers and today, he has come to give thanks to God that saw him through the period of elections and my counsel to him is that he should not forget the good Lord Who made it possible.

    “I have known him to be a committed child of God in God’s vineyard and this virtue must have led to his being given this opportunity by God to lead his people in the State and my counsel is that he should serve the people with integrity of heart, carry the party members along in all his programmes as a tree cannot make a forest and to know the fact that good leadership commands absolute followership.”

    Olumakaiye told Sannwo-Olu to respect everyone under his leadership and not to forget those that helped him to get to power.

    To be successful, the cleric said the governor-elect must do the right things, moment by moment, day by day and distance himself politicians after self- interests.

    Olumakaiye charged Sanwo-Olu to be strong and courageous, obey all the laws of God, respect the Word of God by reading it and make it his guide as well as cultivating a life of praying.

    The governor-elect coveted prayers of Christians in the state for the incoming administration, saying he knows that to whom much is given, much is expected.

  • Save us from flooding, community begs Ambode

    Residents of Akowonjo area of Lagos State on Frirday urged Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to rescue them from flooding caused by channelization, following construction work in the area.

    The residents said the diversion of drainage water to the area is causing  serious flooding and untold hardship with negative effects on lives and property.

    Affected are Jimoh Akinremi, Lambe and Ogunbiyi Streets among others.

    A number of community leaders who spoke with The Nation urged the state government to rescue them from the situation.

    They said the blocked drainage had caused untoward hardship for human and vehicular movement after water that should have passed through the drainage flooded the road.

    One of the landlords in the community, Elder Durotoye said: ’’ We have nowhere to go . The channelization is giving us a nightmare especially when it rains here. Several houses and properties have been ravaged by flood.

    ‘’The situation is becoming unbearable considering the fact that the rainy days are just around the corner. We therefore appeal to the state government to save us from the negative consequences of this man-made flooding.’’

  • Employees accused of stealing

    Lagos State Police Command on Thursday, at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, arraigned six employees, who allegedly stole raw pharmaceutical materials worth N30 million from a company.

    The police charged Ezekiel Effiong, 33, Olufemi Michael, 21, Tunde Olayiwola, 32, Lambo Kayode, 31, Blessing Balogun, 38 and Josephine Godwin, 38, with two counts of conspiracy and stealing.

    They pleaded not guilty.

    Prosecuting Inspector Aondohemba Koti said the defendants committed the offence in January at Ladipo, Mushin, Lagos.

    Read Also: Ogun Police burst child-stealing syndicate

    He alleged that the defendants stole the raw materials belonging to Daily Need Industrial Group of Companies.

    Koti added that the management detected the theft following a tip-off.

    He said when the defendants were questioned, they did not denied it and they were handed over to the police.

    Magistrate M.O. Tanimola admitted the defendants to N200,000 bail each with two sureties each in the like sum.

    Tanimola said the sureties must be employed and show evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

    The case continues on May 8.

  • Lagos retirees lament delay in payment of entitlements

    Thousands of retirees in Lagos State are worried over  the delay in the payment of their gratuities and pensions.

    Speaking with The Nation, Chairman of the Lagos State Association of Retirees and Pensioners Mr Omisande Micheal appealed to the government to respond urgently to the demands of the retirees. He added that theywe re disappointed because after serving their fatherland meritoriously for over three decades, they have to wait endlessly to get their entitlement.

    He said the delay in the payment of their gratuities and pensions had affected them to the extent that some of them had to borrow money to maintain themselves.

    “Even when some of us  go for medical checkup, they cannot get money to take care of their health because government has no programme to assist the retirees in getting urgent medical attention.

    In addition to the delay, he said  the government had also not kept its promise of upward review of gratuities and pensions anytime there was increase in salaries and allowances in the civil service.

    Omisande Micheal said  some of those who retired in 2015 had been paid.

    His words: “We can deduce that from the payment of 137 retirees in January, the monthly allocation released for the payment of pensions  is grossly inadequate.

    “Out of the meagre sum released, 95 per cent was for payment of State Universal Basic Education (SUBEB) and local government while five percent was used to pay mainstream and secondary school retirees. How many people do you think five per cent can cater for”.

    Omisande urged Lagos State government to fulfill its promise on the  health insurance scheme for retirees.

    He also urged the government not to reduce the 25 per cent  being paid to the retirees in their lump sum.

    He appealed to Governor Ambode to increase allocation to Lagos State Pension Commission ( LASPEC), to accelerate the  payment of retirees’ entitlement and clear the back log of 2015 and 2016 pension and gratuities within the next two months on compassionate grounds.

    Mrs. Ogunkoya Josephine Funke, a civil servant at Lagos State Ministry of Education, District 3, Eti Osa, for 32 years and retired in October 2016 said:  “Since two years ago when I retired, I have been suffering due to the delay in payment of my gratuities and pensions.  I  have been having difficulty in getting needed medical attention because government has no concrete programme to assist retirees having serious health challenges.

    She said what madethe situation worst was that those in authority such as the permanent secretaries, commissioners, governors, deputy governors, got their entitlements within six months after leaving office with access to quality medical attention, while  many of them have served for shorter period when compared with an average civil servant.

    Mrs. Ayodele Abibat Okaah, a civil servants in Lagos said: “ It is unfair for government to treat us like this. We have been turned to beggars, yet, this is our country and we are asking for our rights.

    Mr. Olagbaye Johnson who retired as Director at SUBEB said he cannot understand why retirees are been shabbily treated.

    “It is discriminatory, It is apartheid, and we are not happy, we are calling on Lagos State government to expedite action and ensure that our entitlements are paid without further delay, “ he said.

    Meanwhile, the retirees have embarking on a one day prayer and fasting.

  • Breaking: Communal clash at Fadeyi

    Details shortly…

  • Ambode hails Lagosians for remaining steadfast with APC

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi  Ambode  has inaugurated the state transition committee to ensure a seamless transition to the next administration on May 29.

    Ambode lauded Lagosians for remaining steadfast and committed to the progressive ideals, which the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC), has sustained in the last two decades and still continuing.

    The governor, who spoke through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tunji Bello, at the ceremony at the Cabinet Office Conference Room,  Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, added that a smooth transition to the next administration was imperative to ensure that the machinery of government continues to roll smoothly.

    He described Lagos as a delicate state with very significant importance in the economic importance in the economic and social stability of the nation.

    The governor said in about seven-week time, the tenure of this administration would come to an end with a new administration under the leadership of the Governor-elect Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    He added that the gathering was to formally inaugurate the members and kick start the process.

    The governor expressed his profound appreciation to Lagosians for the rare privilege to serve them and  keeping faith with his administration. “Government is not a spirit or a short distance race.  It is an unending race in which every successive administration builds upon the achievement of the past administration.

    “For us in Lagos State, it has been a progressive race in which every successive administration build upon the achievement of the past administration,” Ambode said.

    He urged the committee jointly to be  chaired by the Deputy Governor-elect Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and Secretary to the State Government and members of the committee to accord the assignment the diligent and commitment it deserves.

    Read Also: Ambode lauds NYSC for election role

    The Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, stated that putting in place the committee members was important for  continuity.

    He added that the members would put in their best to achieve the best results.

    Also speaking, Hamzat noted that a seamless transition is very necessary between the present administration and the incoming one, adding that it is in the best interest of the state.

    He gave a commitment that the committee members would hit the ground running and would work hand in hand for the progress of the Centre of Excellence.

    The 20-member transition committee also include: Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem as the Dep,  Co-Chairman,  the Head of Service as Dep. Co- Chairman,  Commissioner for Finance  Mr.  Akinyemi Ashade – member,  Commissioner for Works,  Ade Adesanya – member, Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr. Fela Bank-Olemoh – member,  Special Adviser to the Governor on Urban Development, Mrs. Yetunde Onabule – member and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure Olujimi Hotonu  – member.

    Others are: Permanent Secretary State Treasury Office/Accountant General  Mrs.  Abimbola Umar – member,  Permanent  Secretary Ministry of Economic Planning  and  Budget  Mr. Yomi Kadiri – member, Mr. Ayo Gbeleyi -member, Mr..  Sam Egube – member, Dr.  Muyiwa Gbadegesin – member,  Tayo Bamgbose-Martins – member, Mr. Bayo Sodade  – member,  Mrs. Solape Hammond – member, Mrs. Bunmi Fabanwo – member, Mrs. Bukola Odoe -member and  Mrs. Toke Benson -Awoyinka, member.

  • Lagos Assembly seeks passage of Electricity Reform Act by National Assembly

    Lagos State House of Assembly has urged the National Assembly to expedite action on the passage of the Electricity Reform Act 2018.

    It also called on the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, to order Eko and Ikeja Distribution Companies (DISCOs) to phase out metering system and provide pre-paid meters to Lagos residents.

    This followed a motion moved by some lawmakers in the Assembly at plenary on Tuesday.

    The motion reads: “The House resolves to call on the National Assembly to amend the schedule two of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to allow states and local governments to generate electricity.

    “The National Assembly should expedite action on the Electricity Reform Act 2018.

    Read Also: Buhari beats Atiku in Lagos State

    “The House calls on the Minister of Power and the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to call on Eko and Ikeja DISCOs to desist from taking transformers away from consumers over nonpayment of bills.

    “The minister and NERC should ensure the distribution of prepaid meters to consumers and the Consumer Protection Agency should ensure that the rights of consumers in Lagos State are protected.”

    The Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, emphasised the need for the Federal Government to allow states or local governments that can generate electricity to do so.

    Obasa added that concentrating electricity generation in the hands of the Federal Government, when there are no resources to do so, was wrong.

    He then ordered the Clerk of the House, Mr. Azeez Sanni, to write the National Assembly and the Minister of Power, Works and Housing on the resolution of the House on the matter.

  • Ambode sets up 20-man transition committee

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday inaugurated a 20-member Transition Committee that would be saddled with the responsibility of ensuring a seamless transition to the next administration on May 29.

    Inaugurating the Committee, Ambode, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, said a smooth transition to the next administration was imperative to ensure that the machinery of government continues to run smoothly without any hitch, considering the economic importance of Lagos to Nigeria.

    “In about seven weeks from now, the tenure of this administration will come to an end and a new administration will commence under the leadership of His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    “A smooth transition to the next administration is imperative to ensure that the machinery of government continues to run smoothly. Our State is a delicate one with very significant importance in the economic and social stability to our nation.

    “To maintain this stability, build on the solid status of our State and give the next administration a smooth take-off, it is imperative to quickly put in place a transition committee whose major responsibility will be to ensure a seamless transition to the next administration come May 29, 2019,” he said.

    Ambode commended Lagosians for keeping faith with the progressive ideals of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last two decades and also his administration, expressing optimism that the incoming administration would build on the achievements recorded so far.

    Read Also: Ambode sets up 20-man transition committee

    ‘Let me use this opportunity to once again express my profound appreciation to all Lagosians for keeping faith with this administration and the rare privilege to serve. Government is not a sprint or a short distance race. It is an unending race.

    “For us in Lagos State, it has been a progressive race in which every successive administration builds upon the achievement of the past administration.

    He charged the Committee, which would be co-chaired by the Deputy Governor-elect, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello to accord the assignment the diligence and commitment it deserves.

    Members of the committee include the Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem; Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akinyemi Ashade; Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Ade Akinsanya, Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr. Obafela Bank-Olemoh and Special Adviser on Urban Development, Mrs. Yetunde Onabule.

    Other members include Permanent Secretary, Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Jimi Hotonu; Accountant General and Permanent Secretary Treasury Office, Mr. Abimbola Umar; Permanent Secretary, Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Abayomi Kadiri, Ayo Gbeleyi; Sam Ngube; Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin; Engr. Tayo Bamgbose-Martins; Mr. Bayo Sotade; Solape Hammond; Mrs. Bunmi Fabanwo; Mrs. Bukola Odoe and Mrs. Toke Benson Awoyinka.

    In his vote of charge, the Deputy Governor-elect assured that the Committee would immediately commence its work and ensure that everything done is in the interest of the State, adding that it would be a transition of the same government as the incoming administration would build on the existing template to move the State forward.

    “Lagos State has always been a pace setter in everything and that’s exactly what we would do here. Everyone on this table is a prominent Lagosian and everything would be in the interest of the State; it’s the same government and it should be pretty straightforward,” he said.

     

  • Hajj: Lagos kicks off weekend lectures

    The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (LSMPWB) has fixed Sunday for the inaugural lecture for intending pilgrims at the Old Secretariat Central Mosque GRA, Ikeja.

    Secretary of the Board, Mr. Ishola Rahman made this known on Tuesday while briefing the staff on the hajj exercise.

    Ishola said intending pilgrims across the 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas of the state have been invited to the lecture.

    This, he said, is to acquaint them with the dos and don’ts of hajj and to enrich them with the required knowledge that will enable them to performed acceptable hajj.

    Read Also: Hajj: Lagos kicks off weekend lectures

    Ishola said the lecture is compulsory for all Lagos State intending pilgrims.

    According to him, the lecture will provide the opportunity for the pilgrims to meet their coordinators and other travellers for the purpose of networking and chatting the way forward for the exercise.

    The Board Secretary appealed to intending pilgrims to complete their payments and submit their forms for processing as Biometric capturing will begin soon.