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Lagos to evacuate 5,000 tonnes of refuse daily to new Epe landfill

Refuse dotting Lagos roads and in the city centre will soon be a thing of the past as the state government is set to evacuate 5,000 metric tonnes of waste daily to its new landfill in Epe.

The state is set to carry out the exercise under a public/private partnership involving Visionscape Sanitation Solutions, under the Cleaner Lagos Initiative (CLI).

Thomas Forgacs, Chief Operations Officer, Visionscape Sanitation Solutions, told newsmen of the plan during a media facility tour of the firm’s new refuse transfer loading station in Tapa, Lagos.

The firm is working under the supervision of Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) which serves as a regulator for refuse management in the state.

Forgacs said that refuse management would take a new dimension under the CLI where about 100 automated vehicles would be distributed within the next two weeks to various work teams to begin operation across the state.

While making a demonstration of operations of the refuse collection trucks, he said that the equipment were all automated to guarantee speed and to track the activities of workmen in order to ensure efficiency of field operations.

He said that some roads in the state were inaccessible, and as such, arrangements were on to distribute over 1,000 refuse bags next week for effective collection of refuse in both residential and commercial areas.

“We want to distribute 20,000 galvanised bins in two months, starting from Agege,” Forgacs said.

During demonstrations on how some equipment work, the CEO said that refuse could be fed both manually or through automation to the 41 compactors to reduce the size by six times before transfer to the Epe landfill.

“The compaction ratio is 6:1 which means that the refuse is reduced by six times.

“We can lift and tip at the same time; this will lead to transportation of more waste,” he said.

Forgacs said that all loading operations in both Tapa and Epe were automated for efficiency.

According to him, an initial investment of 50 million dollars has been made into the project.

He explained that operational vehicle fleet would be increased to 500 trucks in subsequent phases of the project.

Forgacs said that Visionscape Sanitation Solutions has consignment of 100 new waste management fleet embedded with cutting-edge technology.

“The Visionscape trucks are fully equipped and embedded with cutting-edge features, which include a Global Positioning System (GPS), radio-frequency identification (RFID), and automotive Controller Area Network (CAN bus) system.

“These innovative features are designed to meet the operational needs facing waste,” he said.

Forgacs said Visionscape holds the residential waste collection contract for the State and the management of three operating waste transfer loading stations, which are currently being renovated, under LAWMA.

He said Visionscape was also constructing West Africa’s first engineered landfill in Epe.

“To-date, the company has successfully cleared over 1,000 litter black spots and illegal dumpsites across Lagos State, as part of their pre-operational phase,” he told news men.

Earlier, Mr Abiodun Bamgbose, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment said that the state government would not derail in its vision of mass job creation and provision of healthy environment under the CLI for residents of Lagos.

NAN reports that sweeping machines which are said to have started operation in the state were also on display.

Also, three gangs of workmen (teams of construction or field workers) differentiated by the colours of their uniforms, who had been trained for refuse collection and disposal, were on parade.

The CLI was established to address, enforce and regulate the challenges in the solid waste management systems in Lagos. (NAN)

January 10, 2018
Three women in court over theft of lace materials worth N10.2m

A 55-year-old businesswoman, Kuburat Sheu, and two others, were on Wednesday brought before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, over alleged stealing of lace materials valued at N10.2 million.

Others facing trial along with the businesswoman are Husseini Isiaka, 32 and Mutairu Abdullahi, 27, both sales representatives.

They are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and receiving stolen goods.

The prosecutor, Peter Nwangwu, told the court that the accused committed the offences with others still at large on November 13, 2017 at No.11, Ereko St., Idumota, Lagos.

Nwangwu said that the sales representatives, who worked for Alhaja Remi Bakinson, stole three hundred bundles of assorted lace materials from the complainant’s warehouse.

“The sales representatives later sold 80 bundles of the materials to Sheu at N2.7million,’’ he said.

According to the prosecutor, the offences contravened Sections 287, 328 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Section 287 stipulates three years jail term for the offenders.

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

In her ruling, the Magistrate, Mrs Aje Afunwa, granted the trio bail of N900, 000 each with two responsible sureties in like sum.

Afunwa said that one of the sureties should be a blood relation of the accused.

She said that the sureties should be gainfully employed and show evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

She adjourned the case until March 19 for mention.

NAN

January 10, 2018
Akeredolu expresses commitment to South West integration

Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State says his administration is committed to the integration and socioeconomic growth of the South West Zone.

Akeredolu made this known at a Youth Regional Integration Summit in Osogbo on Wednesday.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Agboola Ajayi, said one of the cardinal programmes of his administration was job creation for the youths and women through sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship.

He also said his administration was committed to achieving the vision by creating an enabling environment that would attract investors to the state and across other south west states.

Read also: Akeredolu approves committee on first year anniversary

The governor revealed that his administration had taken practical steps to make the dream a reality by signing an MoU with the NDDC for the construction of the road linking the southern senatorial district to Epe-Ibeju Lekki in Lagos State.

“Other roads connecting our states to our neighbours in Ogun, Lagos and Edo States are receiving considerable attention,” he said.

Akeredolu stressed that he had also put in place measures to ensure that the state did not become a haven for miscreants and other deviants.

He noted that the fresh amnesty programme had yielded positive result by reducing the rate of crime in the coastal areas of Ogun, Lagos and Ondo.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, which began on Tuesday, ends on Wednesday.

Dignitaries at the event organised by the Osun government included Vice-President Yemi Osibanjo, Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State as well as representatives of Lagos, Ogun and Ekiti governors.

NAN

January 10, 2018
NFVCB seizes pirated films worth N200m

The National Film and Video Censors Board ( NFVCB ) said it seized uncensored, unclassified and pirated films worth about N200 million and arrested 12 suspected pirates between March and December, 2017.

Mr Adedayo Thomas, the Executive Director of NFVCB made the disclosure in an interview in Lagos on Wednesday.

Thomas said that pirated items were confiscated at Alaba International Market, Lagos, Kubwa, Banex Plaza and Wuse Market in Abuja, as well as Benin City in Edo and Kaduna.

He explained that the seized items include; DVD’s, CD’s, Production equipment and copies of several pirated films.

“The board has scaled up its enforcement activities for the New Year and are intensifying efforts to make this evil business of pirates becomes unbearable for those that have seen it as a means of making quick money.

“The board will ensure total sanity and get rid of pirates in the industry, while the right owners of works enjoy the fruit of their hard labour,” he said.

According to him, the 12 suspects arrested in Lagos and Abuja would soon be charged to court for prosecution.

Thomas said that such action would serve as deterrent to others thinking of going into such business and prevent such illegal products from selling in the market at the expense of genuine ones.

The Executive Director added that the action was part of the board’s enforcement operations in sanitising the Nigerian market of illegal films.

He explained that the board had lined up nationwide raid against uncensored, unclassified and pirated films to ensure that such products were completely removed from the movie market.

The NFVCB boss noted that the motion picture industry was not all about entertainment, but a big business that must be encouraged and protected to grow and bring profit to its investors.

Thomas said that the creative industry was acclaimed to have contributed 1.4 per cent to Nigeria’s GDP and can do more.

He commended the Bank of Industry ( BoI ) and Tonye Princewill, the executive producer of film “79 for supporting the board to discharge its mandate effectively.

Also Read: NFVCB confiscates pirated materials worth N150m at Alaba Market

“Bank of industry (BoI) support the Censors Board with the sum of N500,000 and three powerful motorcycles, while Tonye Princewill gives the board N500,000 to repair its abandoned operational vehicle used for raiding of pirates on the street.

“BoI and Tonye Prince will have been supporting any drive that would enhance the commercial viability of the films and creative industry.

“Recently, BoI gives two powerful motorcycles to the board as part of machinery needed to carry out its work smoothly.

“I am indeed grateful and happy towards their gesture, and I appeal to other stakeholders, individuals and philanthropists to support and partner with the board to be effective and efficient in discharging its mandate, ” he said.

Thomas said that BoI was a major financier of the creative sector, having invested heavily in the development of infrastructure and movie production in the country.

NAN

January 10, 2018
Lagos gets Safety Arena for speedy response to emergencies

TO facilitate response to emergencies, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday inaugurated the Lagos State Safety Arena at Bolade Oshodi.

Ambode said the arena comprised all the departments and agencies responsible for safety and emergency management under one roof.

He said: “By providing the safety arena, we are not only institutionalising inter-agency cooperation and collaboration but we are moving our emergency response mechanism to a new level with a more robust approach to emergency rescue through improved coordination and faster response time.

“With the movement of these agencies into the safety arena, we will experience better synergy among them and a significant improvement in the response time to most safety and emergency issues.’’

The complex houses the Fire Service Department; Environmental Health Department; Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASMBUS); State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU), Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA); Safety Commission; Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA); Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), and the Nigerian Legion.

The governor restated his resolve to create institutions that would serve the people always.

He charged the Ministry of Environment ministry and related agencies to continue working on improving the responsibility of managing safety and emergencies.

“Members of the public must not be treated inhumanly at any time your duties are being performed. We will not tolerate any professional misconduct or behaviour from our officers in this arena,’’ he said.

The governor urged residents to partner with the government in areas of effective and functional emergency response.

“It is not the responsibility of only the government but of every individual in the state. We, therefore, recognise the need to continue to advocate and promote community participation in emergency management.

“All citizens must continue to conduct themselves responsibly for us to serve you better,’’ he said.

Earlier, Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations Oluseye Oladejo, said the complex was strategically located at Oshodi to satisfy the people’s yearnings and to ensure continued improvement on response time.

Oladejo said the second phase of the project would accommodate the Lagos Command of the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, Vehicle Inspection Service, Vehicle Maintenance Workshop and a fuel dump.

January 10, 2018
Lagos conducts training for workers

Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has conducted 120 local and international training sessions for its workers since the beginning of his administration, the Commissioner, Ministry of Establishments, Training, and Pensions, Dr. Akintola, Benson has said.

He spoke at the first training session in 2018 for senior civil servants with the topic: “Fundamental Leadership Principles For Senior Civil Servants in Lagos State”.

He said the state has been able to achieve this feat when other states are grappling with non payment of salaries.

He stated that the trainings has enhanced workers productivity level that has in turn impacted on the state

He stressed that the maximisation of efficiency and the achievement of organisational goals are the top priorities of the Governor Ambode’s administration for the state civil service.

This according to him, explains why trainings have been given primacy and also underlines the other numerous trainings tailored to inculcate, improve, and amplify the leadership abilities and skills of senior officers in the civil service.

Benson said the governor believes the state will make rapid progress and experience exponential growth only when its units and teams and departments are staffed by persons who understand what leadership means and who have developed their leadership potentials and have enhanced their performance skills.

He noted that states or any organisation with such exposure will have no problem that is too complicated, no task too herculean and no challenge too huge.

He urge the workers to tap from the governor’s vision for the state public service of which they are an integral part.

He further challenged them to join the present administration in dreaming the dream of a civil service where every officer has fully developed leadership potentials and is ready and willing to take on responsibilities for the greater good of the citizens of the State.

He aid: “This is the first training in year 2018 and it is instructive that the focus is on what is perhaps the most important element for success in any organisation. Leadership is that element that helps organizations to maximise efficiency and achieve organizational goals.

“With such trainings, civil servants are better equipped to effectively discharge their roles as leaders in the different departments and units of the State”, he added.

January 10, 2018
Lagos gets ‘Outstanding Hajj Performance’ award

•Commissioner: Ambode deserves second term

THE Lagos State Government has received an award for its ‘’Outstanding Hajj Performance’’.

The award was presented by UNILAG Muslim Community Chairman Prof Lai Olurode to the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef, at the Annual Media Conference organised by the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Lagos Chapter.

Olurode said the honour was deserved because of the state’s superb handling of the Hajj operation in 2017.

The don thanked Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for providing the facilities that made it possible for the state to achieve the feat.

Dr AbdulLateef thanked media practitioners for projecting and documenting Ambode’s achievements.

He urged the media and other segment of the society to continue to support the governor to protect his good legacies

The commissioner called on Lagosians to re-elect Ambode to sustain the legacy of continuity in the state.

The administration, he said, would complete all the projects it initiated, adding that the governor would not be distracted from implementing the social contract he has with the people.

According to him, it would be suicidal for another person to take over and halt most of the projects the governor has started.

He said: “For instance, the plan of the governor to build an Independent Power Project that would generate 3000 megawatts would take three years, hence the governor must be re-elected to complete the project. The governor is committed to the completion of all ongoing projects because Lagosians are the most enlightened, most resourceful and well informed people who are witnesses to the unprecedented infrastructural renewal in the state.

“It is better for the projects and the programmes to campaign for the governor than for the governor to leave what he is doing and start reacting to those I called political Lilliputians.

“And Lagosians are expected to own most of these projects. The ongoing projects at Oshodi, the Light Industrial Park at Imota and Igbonla; the BRT lane from Oshodi to Abule Egba, the 10-lane Oshodi-International Airport road meant to be completed in 15 months and so many other projects.

“Most politicians today do not understand the benefits of continuity. What Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu started which Fashola built on is what Ambode is consolidating on. So, most of the projects that Governor Ambode has initiated, we must give him the opportunity of completing them.”

Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr Idiat Adebule, who was represented by a Director in the Education ministry, Mrs Folashade Lediju, also thanked media practitioners for supporting Ambode’s administration.

January 9, 2018
‘Lagos to experience milestones this year’

•Ambode, others attend 2018 annual thanksgiving service

Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has said the state will experience development milestones this year.

The governor spoke on Sunday at this year’s annual thanksgiving service at the Lagos House in Ikeja, the capital.

At the service, with the theme: Ceaseless Praise, Ambode noted that despite several economic and security challenges in some parts of the country, Lagos had continued to experience peace and prosperity.

He attributed the steady progress to divine intervention and the grace of God.

The governor hoped that the state would record more landmark achievements this year.

Ambode said: “Since the inception of this administration, we have been calling on God at the beginning of each year and our prayers have been prophetic as He always granted our desires beyond our expectations. At a time when the nation was in recession, our state was experiencing economic growth, and while there was insecurity in other places, Lagos remains calm and peaceful. This is not as a result of what the government has done but by the special grace of God. And all we need to do is continue to give Him praise and thanksgiving and He will continue to bless and provide for us as Lagosians and a state.

“In this New Year, we submit to Him again. I am confident that irrespective of whatever is happening elsewhere, our state and all our people will continue to excel in peace, good health, prosperity, love and joy. God will continue to shower His blessings on us as a state and our families, and homes will experience new and wonderful milestones by His grace.”

According to him, the annual thanksgiving presents an opportunity to commit the state to God by acknowledging His supreme power.

Ambode said: “It is my prayer that as we come to His gates and courts with thanksgiving and with praises today, He will release His blessings upon us, guide and direct our path and lead us through the year successfully.”

The governor expressed appreciation to the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, and his wife, Pastor Folu, as well as other religious leaders for their prayers and support for the state since inception of his administration.

He said: “I offer my sincere gratitude to all our religious leaders for your presence and continued support for the peace and progress of Nigeria and Lagos in particular. God bless you all.”

Pastor Adeboye urged Nigerians to draw closer to God.

The cleric assured them that when they do so, they will continue to enjoy special favour and blessings from God.

Other dignitaries at the service include the governor’s wife, Bolanle; first civilian Governor, Alhaji Lateef Jakande; his wife, Abimbola and Chief Judge of Lagos, Justice Opeyemi Oke.

Others are: Chief Rasak Okoya, Prof Pat Utomi, Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Pastor Paul Adefarasin, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, Pastor Ituah Ighodola, Rev Adebola Ademowo and Bishop Mike Okonkwo.

January 9, 2018
Lagos Assembly sets January deadline to pass budget

The Lagos State House of Assembly is to pass the state’s 2018 Budget Bill before the end of January.

The Acting Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy and Publicity, Mr Tunde Braimoh, gave the assurance in an interview in Lagos on Monday.

“We are working round the clock; we have denied ourselves holidays, even weekends, to see that we bring to bear our impact on the budget for quick passage.

“We are, however, embarking on careful scrutiny, consideration, repositioning and re-aligning of the budget where necessary.

“We want to see that we consider every kobo in the budget for the benefit of Lagos residents.

Read also: Expert advises govt on early passage of 2018 budget

“We are going to be assiduous, meticulous and circumspect to ensure that the budget is adapted for the betterment of Lagosians,’’ he said.

The lawmaker also said that the assembly would break new grounds in 2018 to bring more dividends of democracy to Lagos residents.

He said that the House would show greater understanding with the execute arm to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

Reports say that the House had on Dec.18 set up a seven-man committee to scrutinize the state’s N1.046 trillion budget proposal.

Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode presented the proposed `Budget of Progress and Development’ to the Assembly on December 11.

The budget size, which represents a 28.67 per cent increase over the state’s 2017 Budget of N812 billion, had a capital expenditure of N699 billion and a recurrent expenditure of N347billion.

NAN

January 8, 2018
NNPC restores Escravos-Lagos pipeline, resumes gas supply

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation ( NNPC ) on Monday said the Escravos-Lagos Pipeline ( ELP ), which got burnt by a fire, had been restored.

A statement in Abuja by the NNPC spokesman, Mr Ndu Ughamadu, said that gas supply to customers on the line, including power generating companies, had resumed.

A section of the ELP at Abakila in Ondo State blew up in flames on January 2 due to bush fire.

The incident affected gas supply to customers in Ondo, Ogun and Lagos states with subsequent shutdown of a number of power plants.

”With the restoration of the ELP and resumption of gas supply, the affected power plants, with a combined generating capacity of 1,143MW, would resume power generation.

”The plants include Egbin in Lagos State; Olorunshogo Power Plant, PEL Olorunshogo and Paras Power Plant in Ogun and Omotosho Plant in Ondo State.

”The 36-inch Escravos to Lagos Pipeline System ( ELPS ) is a natural gas pipeline built in 1989 to supply gas from Escravos in the Niger Delta to various consumption utilisation areas.

It supplies gas to power plants in the South-West and feeds the West African Gas Pipeline System.

NAN

January 8, 2018