The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Lagos State

  • Two ‘militants’ nabbed as police foil attack on Lagos community

    Two ‘militants’ nabbed as police foil attack on Lagos community

    The police in Lagos Thursday foiled attempt by suspected militants to invade a community in Igando.

    Although the hoodlums allegedly shot two residence, police operatives attached to Igando Division intervened and arrested two suspects, recovering ammunitions.

    It was gathered that the hoodlums stormed the community from the creeks and opened fire in the area.

    The gunshots were said to have alerted the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) who led his men to confront the militants.

    Upon sighting the police, the hoodlums were said to have fled but two of their members were not so lucky.

    Confirming the incident, the command’s spokesperson, Dolapo Badmos, a Superintendent of Police (SP) said the injured were being treated at an undisclosed hospital.

    “Presently, the command has deployed adequate security personnel and equipment to the area to forestall reoccurrence. We are working on the clue we have so far to unravel the case.

    “The command is also imploring members of the public to promptly alert the police of any strange movement or occurrence within their community,” said Badmos.

     

  • Lagos inaugurates advisory council on prerogative of mercy

    Lagos inaugurates advisory council on prerogative of mercy

    In its bid to ensure justice for all and sundry, the Lagos State Government on Thursday inaugurated a nine-member Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.

    State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem who spoke at the inauguration of the Council at the Conference Room of Ministry of Justice, Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, said that the Council was derived from the Nigeria Constitution which provides for the constitution of an Advisory Council and grants the Governor powers to grant clemency to convicted persons on the advice of the Council.

    Kazeem said: “Prerogative of Mercy is a right recognised under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended); Section 212(2) of the Constitution provides that the powers conferred on the Governor under Section 212(1) shall be exercised by him after consultation with the Advisory Council of the State on the Prerogative of Mercy as may be established by the Law of the State.”

    He affirmed that the Governor has approved the constitution of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy in response to persistent request of the citizenry of the State, to grant pardon to inmates that have been reformed and ready for re-integration into the society.

    The Attorney-General identified the objectives of the State’s justice system to include reform, rehabilitation and re-integration into society of offenders after serving due punishment, adding that members of the Council were appointed based on their individual track records and experience while membership cuts across key sectors of the society.

    The new Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy members include Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo, a legal practitioner as Chairman; Mrs. Tola Akinsanya, Director, Legislative Drafting, as Secretary; Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, Lagos Attorney-General; Mr. Olugbenga Oniyire, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch; Mrs. Bolatumi Animashaun, NBA Lagos Branch; Mr. Adedotun Adebayo Adetunji, NBA, Ikorodu Branch and Mr. Chris Okoye, NBA, Badagry; Mrs. Musili Onasanya, representative of the State Controller-General of Prisons and Sheikh Abdul-Rahman Ahmed, a clergyman.

    The Commissioner said that in accordance with the provisions of the Law, the tenure of the present Council commences from 21st June 2016 and ends on the 28th May, 2019, adding that “however, a member, not being a person employed in the Civil Service of the State, may at any time resign his appointment by writing under his hand addressed to the Governor.”

    He therefore implored members to work tirelessly to achieve the set objectives and most importantly ensure that the most deserving inmates are adequately re-integrated into the society.

    The Chairman of the Council, Prof. Oyewo thanked the Governor for the appointment and opportunity to serve the State, promising that members will discharge their duties with probity and due process.

  • Lagos vows to ensure efficient, safe water transportation system

    Lagos vows to ensure efficient, safe water transportation system

    The Lagos State Government on Sunday restated its commitment to sanitize the water transportation system so as to ensure improved, efficient and safe mode of movement of people and goods on its waterways.

    Managing Director of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Ms Abisola Kamson in a statement said the government had recently embarked on stock taking and repositioning by putting efforts in place to ensure sanity on its waterways that would also prevent mishaps and wanton loss of lives.

    According to her, the current operations on the waterways does not conform to the international standard, which the State Government under Governor Akinwunmi Ambode intends to reposition the water transportation system, saying the process is not limited to the private sector operators alone.

    “Whereas in the quest to sanitize the waterways, government has taken giant steps to start from its home front. It has ordered the Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRIES) whose current fleet is not considered water worthy to dispense of them, and prepare to comply with new Guidelines and Standards as issued jointly by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and the LASWA.

    “Implicitly, the sanitization and reorganization going on in the water transportation subsector is not limited to private operators alone. It is a cleansing that is aimed at ensuring the total safety of our people. Jetties, Terminal, Ferries and other water related infrastructure that is not worthy would not be allowed. The Ambode’s vision of a new prosperous Lagos is to pursue first class agenda and give Lagosians world class standards,” Kamson said.

    Kamson however expressed concerns that in recent times, some non-complaint private operators on the waterways had misconstrued the moves by the State Government as a ploy to harass and intimidate them out of business and had been peddling unwarranted falsehood, claims, counter claims and litigations in the media.

    She said some private operators had also gone further to accuse Government of wrongful takeover of properties and attempts to scuffle business people out of waterways transportation.

    “It is therefore misplaced and self-seeking for any one, organization, or a group of people to masquerade themselves as messiahs in this direction. Where any organization feels shortchanged in this on-going exercise and has genuine claims, they are advised to lay their claims legitimately and through relevant bodies for redress where appropriate. This administration is a listening one that remains extremely committed to private sector participation and collaboration in uplifting the development of water transportation in Lagos State,” she said.

    Explaining some of the painstaking efforts of government to modernize and move water transportation forward, the Government has concluded a Master Plan which has identified 30 routes across the State which according to her, have been earmarked for channelization, dredging, lighting and demarcation specifically for water transportation.

    She listed some of the routes to include Badore – Five Cowries, Badore – Ijede, Baiyeku – Ajah, Baiyeku – Langbasa, Ebute Ojo – Marina, Ijede – Marina/CMS, Ikorodu – Falomo, Mile 2 To Marina, Oworonsoki – Five Cowries, Ikorodu – Oworonshoki, Marina/C.M.S, Oworonshoki To Ebute Ero. These routes have been earmarked for channelization, dredging, lighting and demarcation specifically for water transportation.

    She said the jetties in the State also require upgrade, modernization and addition of new constriction, saying the only solution is for government to be proactive in this direction.

    “Consequently, government is also planning to embark on the rehabilitation and construction of existing and new jetties across the State. This include but not limited to the completion of Ikorodu and Badore Terminals for takeoff, new terminals at Oworonshoki, Ebute Ero/Marina, Five Cowries, construction of new jetties at Ofin Waterfront, Isalu Ajido Waterfront, and the rehabilitation existing jetties at Ijede, Badore East. For the rolling stock (ferries), government is repositioning its operational arm LAGFERRIES to begin the process of actualizing this dream with work in progress,” Kamson said.

    She explained that the magnitude of these activities requires thorough planning and carefulness. As the enormous funding required would come from scarce resources, and therefore must be properly scrutinized, appropriated and provided, hence the seeming delay being perceived by the public.

    “While government is not relenting in the quest to achieve all of this, it would not fold its arms and allow the wanton loss of lives that has been experienced on our waterways owing to negligence, rickety ferries, and unsafe operational equipment and activities to continue unchecked,” she said.

  • Gunmen kill bank customer, cart away money

    Gunmen kill bank customer, cart away money

    Gunmen Thursday killed a bank customer, Kingsley Chukwudi in the Apapa area of Lagos State.

    The incident occurred in the morning while the young man was leaving the bank.

    It was gathered that the gunmen who rode on power bike, allegedly trailed the victim to the bank and shot him.

    The Nation gathered that they also carted away his bag containing laptop, money and other valuables.

    It was learnt that a combined tram of Rapid Response Squad (RRS) operatives and policemen attached to the Apapa Division have been on the lookout for the suspects who fled immediately they shot the victim.

    A source who hinted on the incident said the robbers probably thought that the victim was carrying huge money in the bag.

    “He has entered the bank and was leaving when he was shot. He was a security guard. He was carrying his laptop bag and the robbers thought he was going to deposit money into the bank but the young man was just carrying his laptop bag.

    “His body was taken to Area B Police Command in Apapa, which attracted crowd because he was a very good person,” the source said.

    Efforts to get the state command’s spokesperson, Dolapo Badmos, a Superintendent of Police (SP) to comment on the issue failed as at the time of filing this report.

  • Ambode dedicates birthday to fight against cancer

    Ambode dedicates birthday to fight against cancer

    For the second year in a row, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has concluded plans to dedicate his Birthday on June 14, 2016, towards advancing the fight against cancer, just as he appealed to his family members, friends, political associates and well wishers wishing to place congratulatory messages on his birthday via newspaper adverts or other platforms to instead channel same to the cause.

    In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, the Governor would on Tuesday, June 14, participate in a #GivingTuesday event being pioneered by the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP-Nigeria), a group in the forefront of the war against cancer.

    Governor Ambode had graciously accepted a request by the CECP-Nigeria, being anchored by Dr. Christopher Kolade, to participate in #GivingTuesday to mark his birthday which coincidentally falls on a Tuesday.

    #GivingTuesday is an initiative founded by the United Nations in 2012 as a global way of engendering and celebrating philanthropy and is observed worldwide, supported by business, political and social leaders who jointly champion fund-raising for community development.

    The event would see the Governor raise more awareness towards the quest to raise funds​ ​for a Mobile Cancer Centre in Lagos.

    The Governor urged interested people to send their donations to Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECP-Nigeria); Zenith Bank Account No: 1014594851, Sort Code- 057150013.

    The statement also added that Governor Ambode during the event would be inducted as the Lagos State Patron of CECP.

    Last year, Governor Ambode devoted his birthday to raising funds towards the fight against cancer, a move the CECP said, went a long way to opening the floodgates of support to the cause.

  • Lagos, Kebbi Agric partnership key to food security – Ambode

    Lagos, Kebbi Agric partnership key to food security – Ambode

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Saturday said the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently signed with Kebbi State on agricultural commodity value chain was in line with the agenda of the Federal Government to diversify the economy, just as he said the pact would go a long way in ensuring food security and job opportunities for the people.

    Governor Ambode, who spoke at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State during his official visit to the State as part of further steps to cement the agricultural partnership, said he was totally committed to the success of the relationship as it would not only boost the economy of the two states but would increase Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    He said the two states, with the agreement, which is the first state-to-state relations in the country, have shown leadership, and expressed optimism that other states would soon take a cue from the relationship.

    The Governor, who was given a heroic reception from Birnin Kebbi International Airport down to the Government House, said the partnership was in continuation of the relationship which had always existed between the two states in term of politics, population and strength.

    He said: “This relationship is visionary and it is also a pointer to the fact that the two states have decided to openly support the vision of Mr. President, President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “The change mantra which President Buhari has been preaching is what this whole relationship is all about that we must look inward. We must start to reintegrate our economy in such a manner that we must not continue to import what we can produce and we must create a value chain where we have comparative advantage to do so.

    “Kebbi is one of the major producers of most agricultural products in Nigeria, whereas Lagos State is the major consumer of most of these products and we have the market and the population to take on everything that is being produced and that is why the value chain in which we have tried to embellish is very important to the two states. And so we are committed to doing this for Mr. President.

    “This visitation is a continuation of where we started from. We want to take the next steps and we know that the next steps are steps in the right direction,” the Governor said.

    He added that beyond collaboration on rice production, the Lagos State Government has also decided to create value chain on every other agricultural products from Kebbi State first to the people, which would in turn create jobs for the people and make the economy of Nigeria to become more vibrant thereby increasing the GDP.

    On his part, Kebbi State Governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu described the MoU as an innovative partnership that would lead the way positively for Nigeria.

    He said years of policy distortion had demoralize local producers of rice and other agricultural products from competing with their foreign counterparts, which had in turn affected the economy of Nigeria negatively, but expressed optimism that the partnership between Lagos and Kebbi States will right the wrongs of the past.

    He said: “I am glad that we are on track to address such issues and empower our producers to compete globally. Apart from the fact that the collaboration will bring about significant economic growth and create opportunities, it will also bring our people much closer.

    “We are particularly happy that the partnership enjoys massive public support. The President, at different occasions, has publicly commended what we are doing and that is enough motivation for us to push forward with the agreement” Governor Bagudu said.

    The MoU principally centres on boosting the production of rice, wheat, ground nut, maize, millet, sorghum, sugar cane, cows, among others.

    There is also arrangement with a Mexican firm, San Carlos Group to expand the Rice Mill at Imota in Lagos from production capacity of 2.5 metric tonnes per hour to 22.5 metric tonnes per hour with the active participation of the private sector.

    Governor Ambode, as part of the official visit, also paid courtesy visits to the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Mohammed Iliya Bashar and the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Meira.

    He also inspected the Labana Rice Mill in Kebbi which has the production capacity of 16 metric tonnes per hour and the FADAMA Project Site I Argungu.

  • Nine die, 10 injured in Lagos accident

    Nine die, 10 injured in Lagos accident

    Nine persons including four children were on Friday morning confirmed dead after a commercial bus collided with a truck in Lagos.

    This is just as 10 other occupants of the Toyata Hiace bus from Katsina marked KT 715YG sustained varying injuries and were rushed to the hospital.

    Although the incident occurred at Fadeyi bus stop on Ikorodu road at about 5am, The Nation gathered that it caused heavy traffic congestion on the expressway.

    It was learnt that the bus driver was over speeding and lost control, hitting a covert.

    The vehicle, it was learnt somersaulted and veered to the other side of the road, ramming into a heavy duty truck marked GGE715YG.

    It took the intervention of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the police, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), LASAMBUS, some passersby to rescue some of the victims trapped in the vehicle.

    Confirming the accident, the General Manager LASEMA Michael Akindele said it was caused by carelessness.

    “A total number of nine people lost their lives in the incident. Five adult (four male and a female) and four children (two male, two female).

    10 others sustained injuries and were taken to the Emergency Trauma Centre at the Toll Gate.

    “Drivers should be cautious and avoid over speeding as well as comply with road traffic code to prevent unnecessary accident leading to loss of lives,” he said.

  • Man seeks marriage dissolution over sex starvation

    Man seeks marriage dissolution over sex starvation

    A 64-year-old man, Mustafa Ariori, on Wednesday urged a Lagos Island Customary Court, Lagos State, to dissolve his 32-year-old marriage to his 60-year-old wife, Tawakalitu, over alleged sexual starvation.

    Ariori, who runs a rental service, told the court that his wife had stopped preparing meals for him for over six years and had denied him sex for three years.

    He said that the problem started when his wife followed one of his friends to Oshogbo for his father’s burial for six days.

    “My wife started misbehaving since she followed my friend to Oshogbo in 2010. When she came back and I attempted to make love to her, she refused.

    “Our two children, Yetude, 31 and Bilikisu, 28, who are now married and my club members had on different occasions tried to mediate, but to no avail,” he said.

    His wife, a business woman, told the court that she loved her husband and she had been the breadwinner of the home.

    “I feed and clothe my husband. When I had money to spend there was no problem and complaints.

    “I usually travel to Dubai to buy male and female wears; my business started dwindling because there was no money.

    “This whole problem started because I have no money to spend on my husband again.

    “His friend that I followed to Oshogbo told me that his club members has found him a woman much younger than me who he is presently dating,” she said

    Tawakalitu said that she had been denying her husband sex because she has attained menopause.

    After listening to both parties, the President of the Court, Mr Awos Awosola, adjourned the case till July 12 further hearing.

  • Lagos taskforce convicts 159 traffic offenders in seven days

    Lagos taskforce convicts 159 traffic offenders in seven days

    The Lagos State Mobile Courts sitting across the State in the last seven days has convicted 159 arrested road traffic offenders and impounded 9 vehicles for driving against traffic (one-way).

    Of this number 115 convicted traffic offenders were private car owners/drivers, while others were 30 commercial buses, 10 tricycles and 4 motorcycles for plying restricted routes and causing obstruction on major highways across the State.

    Those 9 impounded vehicles includes 5 private cars, 2 commercial buses, one tricycle and one motorcycle.

    These figures were reeled out to the press by the Public Relation Officer (PRO) of the Agency, Adebayo Taofiq.

    According to him, the traffic offenders were arrested around Ikeja, Ikorodu, Ikoyi, Fagbaa, Mainland, Ikorodu Road and Pen-Cinema.

    “5 mobile courts magistrates who presided over charges and convicted these arrested traffic offenders were Magistrate Nurudeen Layeni, Magistrate Patrick Nwaka, Magistrate Lekan Aka-Bashorun, Magistrate Lateef Owolabi and Magistrate Tosin Ojuromi.

    “While 9 impounded vehicles were convicted to have contravened Section 7 (b) of the Lagos State Traffic Laws of 2012 by driving against upcoming vehicles (one-way) other 159 traffic offenders were all convicted to have contravened Scheduled  (1) item 45 and Scheduled  (1) item 32 of same law by causing traffic obstructions, parking and picking of passengers at illegal parks,  illegal parking on kerbs/walkways etc”, he said.

    According to him, one of the convicted traffic offenders, Mr Fatai Garuba who owns a Lexus Jeep (KRD 505 CX) after paying a fine of N10, 000 to the government said that he was ignorant of the Law that says parking of a vehicle on kerb/walkways is an offence in the State.

    While another convicted commercial driver Mr Ganiyu Isiaka (AKD 930 BL) whose Volkwagen bus was among those impounded vehicles said it was the greatest mistake in his life to have driven against oncoming vehicles (one-way).

    Isiaka who further said it was the devil that convinced him however pleaded for forgiveness as a first offender according to the law.

    Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has donated Ford security/operational vehicles with motorbikes to the Lagos State Task Force to further boosts its security operations across the State.

    SP Saheed Olayinka Egbeyemi Chairman Lagos State Task Force while receiving these donated vehicles and motorbikes on behalf of the Agency thanked the Lagos State Government particularly His Excellency, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode for making security of lives and properties of people in the State most crucial to his government.

    He stated that the Agency is more battle ready in enforcing both the Lagos State Road Traffic Laws of 2012 and Lagos State Environmental Laws across the State.

    The Chairman confirmed further that operations of the Lagos State Mobile Courts would be strengthened to cover more areas across the State.

    He however warned both private and commercial bus owners and drivers including tricyclists and motorcyclists to desist from contravening the Lagos State Road Traffic Laws of 2012 particularly driving against oncoming vehicles (one-way) which will lead to direct forfeiture of any vehicle to the government with no options of fine according to the Law.

  • Ambode’s achievements in one year commendable – Buhari

    Ambode’s achievements in one year commendable – Buhari

    President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari on Monday commissioned series of projects in Lagos State, just as he commended the achievements of the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode administration in one year.

    Buhari who was represented at the events by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, said Lagos under Governor Ambode has continued to maintain its leading role in delivering good governance to the people.

    Speaking at the commissioning of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Response Unit in Cappa area of Oshodi, his first point of call, Buhari described the facility as not only the first of its kind in Nigeria, but one that would go a long way to improve response time during emergency situations.

    He said, “With this special rescue unit, it is evident that we have moved a notch higher. There is no question at all that this facility is a world class facility.” The LASEMA Response Unit boasts of an initial acquisition of 51 equipment including three Forklifts, one Crane, 13 trucks, 10 Paramedic Motorbikes, two Fire Trucks, Ambulances, among others.

    President Buhari, who later commissioned the Ago Palace Way, Okota, described the initiative of the State Government to build the road as a fantastic idea, saying the road was an important economic road that would promote trade and investment and enhance movement along that corridor.

    The Ago Palace Way is a link road that connects about four local governments and providing a viable alternative route for motorists trying to access Festac, Mile 2 and Apapa areas of the State with ease thereby reducing travel time.

    At the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, where he handed over security equipment purchased by the State Government to the tune of N1.85billion, the President said that it was a testament to the premium the administration of Governor Ambode has placed on safety of lives and property of its citizenry.

    Among the equipment commissioned include 140 brand new Ford Ranger Pick-Ups and 335 Power Bikes fitted with communication gadgets, Helmets, Bullet Proof vests and other kits.

    The President said, “I have also seen already so much attention being paid to security and just earlier on we were at the LASEMA rescue operation unit which we just commissioned. Also here, we are about to commission several security equipment donation to the police and security agencies. In fact virtually all the security agencies including immigrations and Customs including NDLEA are to benefit from this latest gift of the Lagos State Government.

    He said the State Government was blazing the trail with several commendable projects, including the two roads being constructed in each of the 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas of the State.

    “I must also say that I am impressed with the fact that the whole effort at security is an integrated one and so we have the Light up Lagos being an important component of that whole effort. I want to say that the Governor of this State deserves our commendation and all of the praise and support that he is getting”

    He assured that the Federal Government would continue to support the State Government to actualise several projects, noting that the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Lagos-Kano and Lagos-Calabar are projects embedded in the 2016 Budget which would benefit the State immensely.

    In his remarks, Governor Ambode said that the LASEMA Response Unit, aside the initial goal to significantly bring down response time by responders, the State Government is working tirelessly to roll out dispatch centres across key areas within the State with the goal of further reducing response times.

    Governor Ambode, who also spoke at the commissioning of the security equipment, said it was in further demonstration of his administration’s resolve to strengthen the capacity of the security agencies.

    He said the vehicles and equipment would be distributed among the 107 Police Stations and 13 Police Area Commands in Lagos State, and all the security agencies would also be beneficiaries of the equipment.
    The Governor said, “These items are critical facilities required to address security and emergency challenges peculiar to modern city States like ours. It is our expectation that all these efforts, in addition to the “Light up Lagos” initiative and the Smart-City project, will guarantee a safer and more secure environment for business and leisure.”

    Governor Ambode also said that aside up scaling the security infrastructure, his administration was also giving attention to the welfare of the security personnel through payment of allowances and provision of insurance facilities to compensate for any unfortunate incident while on active duty.

    “In addition, officers and men who demonstrate bravery, gallantry and high level commitment to duty are being acknowledged and appropriately rewarded,” he said.

    Responding on behalf of all the security agencies, Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase thanked Governor Ambode for the security equipment, and assured that they would be put to optimal use.

    Arase, who recalled that the security equipment was the second donation within six months by Governor Ambode, said the donation has led to the reduction of crime in the State.

    He said, “When you (Governor Ambode) gave us the first set of equipment, I did promise you that to whom much is given, much is expected and the officers and men of the Command have worked tirelessly and assiduously to ensure that the crime rate in Lagos is within tolerable limit that will attract foreign direct investment and other investment in the State.

    “I can’t thank you enough but I can also promise you today that we are not going to rest on our oars. We will continue to work and ensure that the peace and stability of Lagos State is guaranteed.”