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Tag: Lagos State

  • Lagos APC has no preferred candidate for national chairman, says Olusi

    The Lagos State Chapter of the APC said on Wednesday that it had no preferred candidate for the party’s national chairmanship position.

    A member of the chapter’s Elder’s Forum, Mr Tajudeen Olusi, made the statement in an interview with the newsmen in Lagos.

    He said the chapter had not settled for anyone yet, pointing out however, that the chapter was watching developments keenly before taking a position.

    Olusi said that leadership quality, ability to unite the party, among other qualities were what the chapter would be looking at in supporting a candidate during the national convention of the party, slated for June.

    “We don’t have a chairmanship candidate yet. We are studying the whole scenario carefully. We will take a position at the appropriate time.

    “However, we will support only the best candidate. A candidate who will unite the party and galvanise it to greater heights.

    “A candidate with the right leadership qualities to solve challenges and give everyone a sense of belonging. That is the kind of candidate we will back, “he said.

    On speculations that a former governor of Edo, Mr Adams Oshiomhole, was being tacitly supported by the chapter for chairman, Olusi gave no definite response.

    “On that, when we get to the bridge, we shall know how to cross it,” the party chieftain stated.

    He said that the party was stepping up arrangements to hold ward, council and state congresses, assuring that the exercise would be free and fair.

    Read Also: APC lifts 260 indigent members

    The National Working Committee of the APC had fixed the national convention of the party for June after back-pedaling on tenure elongation for all its executives.

    The decision to allow congresses, followed appeals by President Muhammadu Buhari, who had described the extension as a breach of the party’s constitution.

    Oshiomhole, who is also a former labour leader, was recently endorsed by the South South zone of the party for the chairmanship position.

    The incumbent, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, who is from the same state as Oshiomhole has not made any pronouncement on whether he would be seeking re-election.

    Apart from the two men, who have been in public glare, no other prominent member of the party has indicated interest in the chairmanship race.

    NAN

  • 2019: Opposition parties in Lagos form alliance to challenge APC

    Fourteen opposition parties in Lagos State have formed an alliance to challenge the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) in the 2019 elections.

    The Chairman of Alliance for Democracy ( AD ) in the state, Mr Kola Ajayi, made the disclosure on Saturday in an interview with the newsmen in Lagos.

    He said that the “Star Alliance “was recently formed with the objective of providing what he called a credible alternative to the APC.

    Ajayi, the Chairman of the alliance, listed some of the parties in the coalition as AD, MEGA, Action Alliance and New Nigeria People’s Party.

    According to him, the others include People’s Progressive Party ( PPP ), People’s Redemption Party ( PRP ), Democratic Alternative and Accord.

    Ajayi said that the People’s Party of Nigeria, People ‘s Alliance for National Development and Liberty, People’s Democratic Movement and Legacy Party of Nigeria were also part of the alliance.

    He claimed that APC had yet to meet the aspirations of Lagos residents, hence, the need for a credible alternative.

    “We formed this coalition to provide a credible platform on which to deliver good governance to the real people at the grassroots.

    “We think Lagos residents deserve better and we should come together and give them the kind of government they want,’’ he said.

    He urged the residents to embrace the coalition which, he said, was formed for the masses.

    The coalition chairman said that the parties in the alliance had been meeting regularly on the strategy to employ to win Lagos in 2019.

    Read Also: APC announces new dates for congresses

    He said that the coalition would soon reach out to residents especially those at the grassroots on its development agenda.

    The state Chairman of NNPP, Malam Shakirudeen Olofin, also told the newsmen that the alliance was formed to give residents a `better deal’.

    He said that the coalition was the `Lagos Third Force’ with the intention to bring real governance to the state.

    Also confirming the alliance, the state Chairman of MEGA Party, Mr Oladele Idowu, said that the coalition was formed to deliver `real’ change to the state in the interest of residents.

    Lagos State Chairman of Action Alliance, Mr Shola Omojola, also told the newsmen that the opposition parties were discussing strongly in the alliance to give the state residents a better deal.

    NAN

  • Police nab suspects, seize over N9m worth of Indian hemp in Lagos

    The Lagos State Police Command has recovered over N9m worth of weed suspected to be Indian hemp from criminal hideouts at Majidun and Ajegunle area of the state.

    In an operation which was carried out by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad and Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS), 26 suspected cultists and kidnappers were also arrested.

    The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Edgal Imohimi, who briefed the press, said that the arrests were carried out on April 24 and April 26.

    “In our effort to ensure that we fight those using Lagos for hard drugs peddling and taking over our neighborhoods, a Toyota Sienna bus carrying five bales of suspected weed was accosted on April 24.

    “Similarly, a bus carrying 34 bags of suspected weed was also intercepted during police patrol. The occupants of the vehicles were arrested and the owner of the exhibits has also been arrested.

    “The suspected weed, valued at N9m, has been impounded and will be destroyed as soon as possible.

    “On April 26, between the hours of 11pm and 3am, the creeks of Itowolo, Majidun and Ajegunle areas were raided by the operatives of Anti-Kdnapping Squad of the Lagos State Police Command.

    “Assisted by operatives of FSARS Ipakodo, 26 suspected cultists and kidnappers were arrested and two bags of weed suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered from a makeshift structure at the Creek of Ajegunle.

    “The owner of the structure and the weeds was not arrested because he was not seen. In a similar vein, at 2pm, on April 27 at Itowolo Creek close to the waters, a man with a gun in his hand sighted us and ran.

    “When he was pursued, he dropped the gun and jumped into the waters. One double barrel gun was recovered.  Meanwhile, effort is on to arrest him,” he said.

    In another development, a notorious cultist was arrested at Oworonshoki on April 17 by the operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad.

    According to the CP, the officer-in-charge, Anti-Cultism, received credible information that a wanted dreaded cultist and leader of the Aiye Confraternity, who had been terrorising Oworonshoki community was sighted.

    Based on the information, the O/C Anti-Cultism mobilized his operatives, went after the suspect and arrested him. Investigation is in progress and effort is on to arrest other fleeing members of his gang,” he said.

    NAN

  • Lagos lawmaker empowers residents

    Mr Nurudeen Saka-Solaja,  a  Lagos State lawmaker,  on Friday empowered several artisans, traders and other residents of Ikorodu constituency  with trade tools worth millions of naira.

    Saka-Solaja, the Acting Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Science and Technology, organised the empowerment on the platform of Bibire Mega Empowerment Programme.

    The lawmaker, who represents Ikorodu Constituency II at the Assembly, donated sewing machines, grinding machines, dryers, and fishing nets to some residents.

    Other items donated include barbing tools and power generating plants, vulcanising machines, farming tools, crates of soft drinks as well as coolers, food items and money.

    Saka-Solaja said: “I am happy to support my constituents who reposed confidence in me to represent them, and I would do my best to ensure that their welfare is protected.

    “We are giving out these materials, not because they are poor, but because we all have needs, and the degree of our needs vary.

    “Our people must be empowered for them to be resourceful, and by so doing, our society will be a good place to live in.

    ”It is an annual event, but this year’s edition is different as it focuses more on adults.

    “I have been empowering youth for computer training and distribution of free GCE and UTME forms to indigent students to help them in their education.

    “Artisans must be empowered too, and we are also empowering those who have not acquired any skill so that they can start petty trading.’

    Read Also: Lagos Island Rotary to build hospital

    The lawmaker said his determination to assist all categories of people informed the donation of crate of soft drinks to many unskilled persons to startup businesses.

    One of the beneficiaries, Mr Afolarin Lateef, who got a generating set and clippers, commended the lawmaker for the gesture, saying it would help his work as a trained barber.

    Also, Mr Adesanya Tejumola, who received a vulcanising machine, said: “Since I finished training, I have not been able to stand on my own because of lack of fund to buy the equipment.

    “I am very grateful to God and the lawmaker. I am happy today.” Miss Adijat Odusanya, a fashion designer, said that the sewing machine would take her work to higher ground.

    According to her, the gesture will help her to do more jobs and train more people.

    NAN

  • Fake lawyer docked in Ikorodu Magistrates’ Court

    Three years after allegedly acting as a counsel, the law has finally caught up with a fake lawyer, Samson Obu, at an Ikorodu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State.

    The 43-year-old, residing at No. 5, Imam St., Owutu, Agric in Ikorodu, near Lagos, was docked on a count charge of impersonation, following suspicion raised by some lawyers.

    According to the Prosecutor, Sgt. John Iberedem, the accused had appeared in the court on April 5 to represent an accused.

    “He announced his appearance for an accused and quoted a wrong section, which was what aroused the suspicion of other lawyers, including Mr Adetayo Ladega.

    “Ladega, the Vice-President of the Ikorodu Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association and other lawyers challenged Obu and he was interrogated and arrested by the police.

    Read Also: Court orders Kogi to pay civil servant’s salary

    “The accused has been appearing as a lawyer for the past three years,” the prosecutor said. Iberedem said the offence contravened Section 78 of the Lagos State Criminal Code, 2015. Obu, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge against him.

    The Chief Magistrate, Mrs F. A. Azeez, granted him bail in the sum of N250, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

    Azeez said the sureties must show evidence of three years tax payment and must make deposits of N25, 000 each.

    She adjourned the case until May 10 for mention.

    NAN

  • PVC: Lagos emphasises need for collection

    The Lagos State Government on Friday emphasised the need for residents to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration ( CVR ) to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards ( PVC ).

    The Special Adviser on Civic Engagement, Mr Benjamin Olabinjo, at the ongoing Ministerial briefing on Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode’s third year in office in Alausa, also decried the number of uncollected PVCs in the state.

    The newsmen reports that Lagos State has the highest number of uncollected PVCs, with no fewer than 1.4 million yet to be collected by residents.
    “Let me emphasise here that to remain apathetic to this exercise is a self-denial of the inalienable right to vote for candidates of your choice when it is time to do so.

    “I want to seize this opportunity to enjoin those who have yet to register to take advantage of the ongoing exercise to do so now.
    “It is important for all adults of voting age to participate in the political process that will produce those that will be at the helm of affairs in the polity,” Olabinjo said.

    He said that the office would continue to intensify efforts at enlightening residents to seize the opportunity of the ongoing CVR to obtain their PVCs.
    According to him, the enlightenment would particularly be for those who have attained voting age and others who have relocated from their previous abode.
    He also said that in the course of the year, the office wouldensureenlightenment of residents on the need for peaceful electioneering in the state.

    Olabinjo said that in the last three years, the office had engendered cordial working relationship between the legislative and the executive arms of government. The special adviser said that 27 bills passed by the House Assembly were assented to by Gov. Ambode during the period under review.

    Read Also: 2019: Lagos lawmakers rally support for Gbajabiamila

    He said the office simplified and translated eight laws into Pidgin, Yoruba and Egun languages, to facilitate easy understanding and voluntary compliance.
    Olabinjo, who said the office was in the process of embarking on sensitising residents on more laws of the state, promised that other bills would also be looked into for translation and simplification.

    “Let me use this opportunity to enjoin all to always respect public laws so as to maintain peace and order in the state,” he said.
    Olabinjo said the office attended to 119 issues arising from petitions and complaints from individuals, groups and communities.
    In support of the needy, Olabinjo said that N254.750 million was disbursed to 2,046 beneficiaries by the office in the last three years.
    He said that 108 communities were engaged while their requests include provision of facilities such as roads,street lights, drainage, health centres and schools.

    NAN

  • Man docked for alleged fake vision, obtaining N400,000 to avert death

    A 36-year-old man, Temitope Adeite was on Friday arraigned in a Badagry Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos State for allegedly obtaining N400, 000 from one Mrs Emmanuella Obafemi over fake vision.

    Adeite, whose address was not provided, was alleged to have collected the money from his victim to appease the gods over a vision he saw that the woman would die.

    The accused was charged with obtaining under false pretenses contravening Section 322 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

    The Police Prosecutor, Insp. Akpan Ikem told the court that the accused committed the offence sometime in March at Ikoga area of Badagry.

    “The accused collected the money from the complainant, Mrs Emmanuella Obafemi, to appease the gods over a vision he saw that the woman would die.

     Read Also: Alleged escape bid: Court sends senator’s brother, others to prison

    “He converted the money to his personal use and went on a spending spree but later ran away when he realises that the police were after him.

    “He was later arrested, brought for questioning and charged before this court,” he said.

    The accused person pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    In a ruling, Chief Magistrate, Jimoh Adefioye granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

    Adefioye said the sureties should show evidence of tax payments to the Lagos State Government.

    He adjourned the case until May 23 for mention.

    NAN

  • 2019: Lagos lawmakers rally support for Gbajabiamila

    Some members of the House of Representatives from Lagos State have commended the leadership of the Leader of House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila at national, state and constituency levels since his election into the house in 2003 .

    The All Progressives Congress ( APC ) lawmakers spoke in turns at the “Surulere General Assembly’’ on Thursday night.

    They said that they would support his bid to seek re-election to serve his people through quality representation.

    They appealed to residents of Gbajabiamila’s constituency to also support him in his bid to seek re-election.

    The newsmen reports that Gbajabiamila has been representing Surulere 1 Federal Constituency in the green chamber of the National Assembly since 2003.

    The lawmakers are: Messrs Jide Jimoh ( Yaba Fed. Constituency ), Ayo Joseph ( Apapa ), Rotimi Agunsoye ( Kosofe ) Yusuf Ayinla ( Mushin 2 ), and Olaitan Nurudeen ( Ifako-Ijaiye ).

    Mr JIde Jimoh described Gbajabiamila as an asset to the House of Representatives, who he said, had acquitted himself remarkably well as a legislator.

    He said the House Leader had initiated many development-oriented bills in the house and contributed robustly to debates in its sessions.

    Jimoh said Gbajabiamila served his people selflessly, urging residents of Surulere to unite and support him for another term.

    “We are here today to thank Surulere for giving to the house an impactful legislator like Hon.Gbajabiamila.

    “He has been an asset to the house with his great presentation of issues and robust contributions to sessions.

    “We are proud of him and we want you, his constituents to unite and support his bid to seek re-election,” he said.
    Jimoh said that Gbajabiamila was already a principal officer of the house and that replacing him with someone else at this point would not give much benefit to the constituency and the state.

    Also speaking, Hon, Ayo Joseph said lawmaking was about experience, passion and service.

    He said that Gbajabiamila’s wealth of experience as a member of the House was a great asset not only to the National Assembly but also to the nation.

    He urged residents of Surulere to speak with one voice and support the House Leader for another term to “continue the good work he has been doing”.

    Mr Rotimi Agunsoye said the hallmark of leadership was to lead well and see what others could not see.

    He said Gbajabiamila had demonstrated exemplary leadership and had impacted positively on his constituents.

    Agunsoye said the House Leader was a legislator per excellence who commanded the respect of house members with his erudite presentation of issues.

    “When Gbajabiamila speaks others listen. Every one of us loves to listen to him in the house.

    “He is a selfless leader and a legislator per excellence. I want the residents of Surulere to re-nominate this gentleman to keep the flag flying,” he said.

    Also, Mr Olaitan Nurudeen said Gbajabiamila was a rallying point for Lagos lawmakers in the house.

    He added that the lawmaker was a blessing not only to Surulere but to the state, urging his constituent members to support him for another term.

    Similarly, Mr Yusuf Ayinla also commended Gbajabiamila for what he called his achievements in the house, saying he deserved another term for his great performance.

    The Secretary of APC in the state, Mr Hakeem Bamgbala described Gbajabiamila as a great party man who had not only made the state proud but also the party.

    Bamgbala represented by the Vice-Chairman, Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area, Mr Gbenga Oyebode, said Gbajabiamila had demonstrated exemplary leadership.

    Read Also: Lagos Island Rotary to build hospital

    Also, Mr Desmond Elliot; a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly ( LAHA ), said Gbajabiamila had touched the lives of many constituents.

    He said that he had empowered many residents through so many initiatives and represented the area well at the House of Representatives.

    He urged the residents of Surulere to give the House Leader all the support in his bid for another term.

    A resident and chieftain of the APC, Mr Adeseye Amigos, praised Gbajabiamila for his contributions to the development of Surulere.

    He said that the residents were pleased with him and would support his bid for another term.

    The newsmen reports that other constituents took turns to commend Gbajabiamila at the assembly, pledging support for him.

    NAN

  • Lagos receives $43 billion investment proposals in 3years

    The Lagos State Government on Thursday said the state received over $43 billion worth of investment proposals in the last three years.

    Prof. Ademola Abass, the Special Adviser, Office of Overseas Affairs and Investment, disclosed this at Alausa, during the agency’s Ministerial briefing to mark the third year in office of Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode.

    Abass listed areas investors had shown interest to include transportation, health, food security, power, housing, manufacturing and tourism, among others.

    “Investors have shown considerable interest in tapping into the investment opportunities in Lagos because of the government’s vigorous pursuit of measures geared toward enhancing the ease of doing business.

    “Lagos State as an emerging market is becoming the financial hub and a preferred investment destination in Africa,” Abass said.

    He said that the agency had assisted some businesses to establish partnerships with the State Government.

    According to him, the agency also helped existing investors by providing aftercare services and ensuring the provision of necessary business support services.

    He said it also resolved issues relating to taxes, such as tax reduction, multiple taxation, environmental issues, local government and land ownership rights, infrastructure and partnerships.

    Read Also: FEC okays N64.108b for Lagos-Ibadan road project

    The Special Adviser said the agency organised various international engagements for the state.

    It also performed general duties which focused mainly on facilitating visa procurement for visiting foreign dignitaries as well as state officials travelling abroad for official duties.

    Abass said the agency would soon unveil the “Lagos to the World” campaign in furtherance of its desire to continue to strategically position the state as a leader in investment promotion in Nigeria.

    He said that the campaign was a multifaceted initiative aimed at using various cutting edge strategic tools in projecting and effectively communicating the investment opportunities in the state to the world.

    NAN

  • Osinbajo decries religious killings

    Deeper Life Bible Church inaugutrates new auditorium

     

    The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has decried killings of clerics and bombings of Mosques and Churches, saying it was the highest level of wickedness.

    He spoke on Tuesday at the inauguration of the new auditorium of the Deeper Life Bible Church Headquarters in Gbagada, Lagos state.

    The Church also unveiled its new logo. The event was witnessed by dignitaries across all walks of life; clerics from Nigeria, Africa, Europe and the United States also stood to be counted.

    The ultra-modern auditorium, with about 30,000-seat capacity, has a big main bowl consisting of a four-story amphitheater with central air conditioning units, chiller farm and air handling units, among other things.

    According to Osinbajo,, the right to freedom of worship is also a right to build the church.

    He said it is devilish for anyone to kill in a place of worship, noting that all the killings going on in the name of herdsmen or Boko Haram were a ploy by the devil to cause religious war in Nigeria.

    He urged the Christians must not lose focus, but do more in propagating the gospel of Jesus Christ.

    “Nobody can stop the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Lord is building His church and the gate of hell cannot prevail against the church.

    He urged the church to pray for the nation and the government, saying that running a government is like a spiritual warfare.

    “It is the duty of the Church, as we are to pray for those in government because governance is a spiritual warfare. If anyone does not know that, I know. I ask the Church to pray for every one of us in the position of authority in this land.

    “We are called to bring men and women to salvation, even those who kill. The enemy wants us to stand on our pulpits and preach hate but we will obey the Lord Jesus Christ, who said we must love our enemy and pray even for those who persecute us. There is no person born or yet to be born that can stop the gospel of Jesus Christ.

    “I see this great place being dedicated for the propagation of the gospel of Jesus Christ and worship of the saints. There will be peace in this place. The time for the return of Jesus Christ is near and we must propagate the gospel.”

    Osinbajo commended the Deeper Life Bible Church, for the new auditorium, describing it as a building with modern technology and well equipped facilities.

    He noted that the surroundings were investments in the community with the connecting bridge, street lights and greatly improved access roads.

    He also commended the General Superintendent of the Church, Pastor William Kumuyi, for his humility and commitment to spread the undiluted gospel of Jesus Christ.

    Lagos state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Lola Akande, described the project as an achievement, a labour of sacrifice over the years, adding that it is one to be proud of.

    He commended the Church for the multi-level car park and bridge constructed in the community, adding that the church has  impacted positively on the state as a mega city.

    “Let me reassure every one of our commitment to ensure  harmonious relationship among all residents in the state. We will continue to uphold and respect the rights of every citizen to freedom of worship and ensure that other people’s rights are not infringed upon.”

    Kumuyi, who said the edifice was due to many sacrifices of the Church members within and outside the country, prayed God to continue to reward and bless His people.

    He commended the Lagos State Government and residents of Gbagada for their support, adding that the Church was mindful of its social responsibilities to the community.

    He urged the gathering that as Christ lives in them, they should also express the Christ in them.

    “The ways of God are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts. He will build his Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.”