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Tag: lagos

  • Lagos trains workers on new strategies to curb terminal diseases

    Lagos State government has begun training for commissioners, special advisers and civil servants on new strategies to prevent diseases, especially terminal ones.

    It expressed concerns that a large percent of workers do not know their health status and a healthy workforce is a productive one.

    Senior Special Assistant to the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Health Matters, Dr. Shola Pitan, in a chat with newsmen at the health engagement campaign, disclosed that Governor  Ambode believed that the best solution to have a healthy workforce was to ensure that workers are aware of their health status.

    He said: “The Body of Permanent Secretaries was the first group and the following week, we continued with state Executive Council. After that, we moved to the civil servants of different grade levels. The activity will also be extended to the security officials.”

    The Special Assistant stressed that beyond training on diabetes, cancer and other terminal diseases, workers would be trained on how best to provide first aid treatment to colleagues, who suffer injuries or heart attack at work before rescue health workers arrive the scene.

    “For one to have people working in a place, we know that accident happens, and beyond that, we know that people can have one challenge or the other, which they aren’t aware off. And if that health challenge comes up, someone should be enlightened enough to assist before they call on the doctor or ambulance.

    “Research has shown that if someone has heart attack, before the doctor arrives, it takes some time. There will be need for people within that location to intervene by giving that person cardio-pulmonary resuscitation by using the machine called defibrillator, which sends electronic signals to the heart. If that is done within first two minutes, that person will have at least 60 per cent chance of survival,” he added.

    He continued:“In order to achieve this, considering the huge workforce,  government has decided to appoint health captains, who will provide first aid treatment whenever the unforeseen health issue occurs.

    “Beyond that, if one sustains injury at work, how can someone within that location assist immediately? The workforce is a community and there is need to cater for them.

    “We will have health captains in each office, such person must have undergone first aid training. And the reason is that if anything happens, such person can assist immediately.”

  • 33 Japanese firms for Lagos fair

    33 Japanese firms for Lagos fair

    Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), a Japanese government-related organisation that promotes mutual trade and investment between Japan and other nations, on Wednesday announced that the Japanese Pavilion at next week’s Lagos International Trade Fair 2017 will feature 33 Japanese brands.

    The 10-day Lagos International Trade Fair kicks off on Friday, November 3, 2017. And from the Japanese Pavilion, which is one of the biggest at the fair, the 33 Japanese firms will be showcasing their products and technologies to Nigerian businesses and individuals. It is JETRO’s fourth year of participation since 2014.

    Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, Trade Commissioner and Managing Director of JETRO Lagos, Taku Miyazaki, said many Japanese companies are keen to enter and expand their businesses in Africa’s biggest market, as Nigeria sees the sign of recovery from economic recession.

    The recession was responsible for the decline in trade between Japan and Nigeria. 2015 and 2016 saw decrease in both import and export. For instance, in 2016, Nigeria’s import from Japan decreased by 9.0 per cent to $326.1 million, while her export declined by 70.0 per cent to $849.6 million

    Although, Miyazaki attributed the decline to the continued lower gas price (for Japan’s import) and forex scarcity (Japan’s export), he said despite the decline, the number of Japanese affiliated companies in Nigeria increased by four in 2106.

    “This shows nothing has changed on the huge potential of Nigeria and how strongly Japanese companies are eager to tap into this lucrative market,” Miyazaki said.

    He listed Suntory Food and Beverage Nigeria as one of the four new Japanese companies, which will be bringing their locally produced soft drinks, ‘Lucozade’ and Ribena’ to the Japan Pavilion at the forthcoming trade fair.

    He also announced that Honda Manufacturing (Nigeria), which has a long history of manufacturing motorcycles in Nigeria since 1979, will use this year’s trade fair as the first appearance of their new motorbike model “Ace 110”.

    “Nigerians know our quality. But the challenge has always been comparatively higher price. So, we made our new model to be more affordable, which I would like many people to see at the trade fair”, he added.

    Other exhibitors include Canon Central and North Africa, Brother International, CFAO Yamaha Motor Nigeria, Suzuki Motor, Koncept Autocentre(partner of Isuzu Motors), Massilia Motors (partner of Mitsubishi Motors), Sims Nigeria (partner of Panasonic Marketing & Services Nigeria), and R.T. Briscoe Nigeria (distributors of Toyota’s trucks, forklift, etc.).

    The Trade Commissioner added that Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs) producing high quality products and companies with new type of businesses will also be participating in the fair.

    He said, for instance, that Heiwa Foods Industry will be bringing their ‘Japanese Curry’ to Nigerians’ dinner tables, together with their Nigerian partner, Green Diamond.

    Miyazaki also said cookpad, a cooking recipe sharing social media, which is one of the most popular cooking websites among Japanese people, has launched its Nigerian page in March. They are eager to promote the brand at the trade fair to fascinate Nigerians.

    According to him, the activities of Japanese companies in Nigeria are contributing to Nigeruia’s economic development. “They create jobs, educate staff, transfer technology and share values of Japanese craftsmanship, which is the key agenda of the Federal Government and its Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP)”, Miyazaki said.A

  • LASPEC urges NAICOM, PenCom to eliminate hindrances to insurance

    LASPEC urges NAICOM, PenCom to eliminate hindrances to insurance

    The Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC) has urged the National Insurance Commission ( NAICOM ) and National Pension Commission (PenCom) to eliminate practices militating against the growth of the industry.

    Director-General of LASPEC, Mrs Folashade Onanuga made the call at the ongoing Insurance and Pension Conference organised by National Association of Insurance and Pension Correspondents (NAIPCO) in Lagos on Thursday.

    She said that eliminating the challenges would bring sanity to the industry and attract more Nigerians into the insurance net.

    The D-G said the theme of the conference: Legislation of Pensions and Insurance, Intrigues, Interest, Governance and the People’ would enable experts suggest solutions to enhance the sectors’ contributions to economic growth.

    According to her, annuity providers need to know how to do legitimate business while marketing a product and not behaving like fraudsters.

    “Some insurance agents now stand by the roadside as if they are waiting for a prey, unfortunately, there are too many  frauds in the system.

    “The competition between life insurers and Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) needed to be healthier otherwise the ultimate consumers will lose confidence in them.

    “Such competition contravene the transparency the 2004 Pension Reform Act (PRA) advocated for as human thinking will suggest that the fighting is to gain market share.

    “This means the product is more to the benefit of the operator more than consumers,’’ she said.

    The LASPEC boss expressed dismay that some life insurance companies invited retirees to programme using the name LASPEC.

    “Sometimes, agents will pose as relatives of retirees to programmes to exit discussion between retirees and PFAs,’’ she said.

    The Commissioner for Insurance (CFI), Alhaji Mohammed Kari, said that the commission had widened its regulatory and supervisory roles on insurance entities.

    Kari, represented by Mr Pius Popoola, the Head of Authorisation and Policy, said the roles were aimed at building the confidence of policy holders.

    The commissioner said the roles would also eradicate abominable ethics and promote the safety and soundness of the insurance industry.

    He said that the commission would work closely with the industry and other stakeholders, especially co-regulators in the financial services sector.

    “This would promote a healthy insurance industry within the existing legislation,’’ he said

    NAN

  • UNESCO, CBAAC to celebrate 40th anniversary of FESTAC 77

    UNESCO, CBAAC to celebrate 40th anniversary of FESTAC 77

    UNESCO in partnership with the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC) would mark the 40th anniversary of FESTAC 77 to push for the preservation of images captured across the globe for posterity.

    This is contained in a statement by Mr Olushola Macaulay, UNESCO’s National Information and Programme Officer in Abuja, to mark the World Day for Audio Visual Heritage.

    He said that the event would come up in Lagos from Nov. 6 to Nov.11.

    FESTAC 77, also known as the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture, was held in Lagos from Jan. 15 to Feb. 12, 1977.

    It was a celebration of African culture, music, fine art, literature, drama, dance, and religion.

    FESTAC 77 placed audio visuals in the spotlight, and UNESCO, at its 21st General Conference on Oct. 27, 1980, agreed to safeguard and preserve the images and consequently initiated the World Day for Audio Visual Heritage.

    According to Olushola, people still capture moving images across the world, but lack the ability to preserve them.

    “Everyday, all over the world, people capture moving images to record all facets of life, from science to culture or to education.

    “Some of the images depicting different events and situations of life are lost due to inappropriate preservation.

    “The World Day for Audio visual Heritage, therefore, provides a platform for preserving and promoting our heritage.

    “Not only does it provide a platform for highlighting audio visual preservation, it also provides an avenue for building dialogue around it.

    “As conserved material, audio visual archives form a cornerstone for the memory of the world and preserve recordings for future generations.

    “UNESCO in collaboration with CBAAC celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the Second World African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC 77), holding in Lagos from Nov. 6 to Nov.11,” he said.

    “FESTAC 77, places in the spotlight, the role of audio visual preservation in ensuring that the memory of FESTAC 77 is kept for future generations to see,” he said.

    He added that the celebration would feature panel discussion with the theme “The Histori-cultural Importance of Audio Visual Preservation and the presentation of the Archive Digitisation Project.’’

    NAN

  • VAIDS: Lagos, Osun, FCT to provide data on hidden assets, income

    The governments of Lagos, Osun and Kaduna states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have promised to provide all transaction data required to identify tax defaulters at the expiration of the first phase of the tax amnesty programme in March.

    The Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration (VAIDS) office in the Federal Ministry of Finance which stated ths in a statement yesterday, said states that provide the required information will get enhanced Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

    This is because the obtained data will lead to considerable recovery of otherwise lost revenues and yield reliable information on eligible taxpayers.

    The VAIDS office said at the beginning of this month that it has commenced the collection of data on the income and assets of high net-worth individuals and companies in the country.

    According to VAIDS office, useful data of all payments and receipts of over N100millionhad been obtained from the Nigerian Customs Service. Also, data on all beneficiaries of payments above N100million were obtained from the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Nigeria Export-Import Bank Over.

    Vital information has also been received from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and land registries.

    The VAIDS office is also looking to derive more data from treasury bills, Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and payment platforms such as Remitta.

    “This is the first step in collecting intelligence that will provide information on corporate entities and individuals who may refuse to take advantage of VAIDS. The data being collected is on individual and corporate liquid as well as fixed assets and income over the last five years, both within and outside Nigeria. Data collected will be profiled against tax payments made by such individuals and corporate entities,” said the VAIDS office.

    VAIDS, an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Finance, provides a time-limited opportunity for taxpayers with liabilities to regularize their tax status by truthfully declaring previously undisclosed assets and income. Taxpayers who take advantage of the window will avoid penalties and interest on taxes owed, tax audits and prosecution for tax offences.

    The Federal Government expects through the implementation of VAIDS to generate $1 billion, raise the country’s tax-to-GDP ratio from a meagre 6 per cent, one of the lowest in the world, to 15 per cent by 2020 and provide improved tax education to boost voluntary tax compliance.

  • Lagos gives new lease of life to Epe roads

    Lagos gives new lease of life to Epe roads

    The Lagos State Government has begun the rehabilitation and upgrade of the second segment of the arterial/inner roads in Epe Local Government Area of the state.

    At a stakeholders’ meeting at the Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, Naforija, Epe, last week, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Abiola Anifowoshe, said road is an integral part of the infrastructure development vision of the state government. He said with Epe Town and environs witnessing high influx of people and increased traffic as a result of industrial and commercial growth, the need for upgrading infrastructure in the area became inevitable. Already, marking of buildings that fall on the right of way and serving of statutory notices to such property owners had begun.

    According to Anifowoshe, the roads on completion, will improve road connectivity and cater for the expected traffic increase arising from industrial and commercial activities, adding that it will also eliminate potential traffic gridlock as well as enhance property value. He also revealed that the area would provide aesthetically pleasing environment that could make the area become a major transportation hub within the state as well as the adjoining states.

    “The project is in fulfilment of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s promise of rehabilitating all road networks in the state and ensuring even development across the state. I just want to implore our people to cooperate with the contractors and at the end, we will all enjoy the dividends of democracy,” he explained.

    Anifowoshe revealed that the ministry will establish a temporary office at Eredo area to receive any complaints from the residents. He, therefore, called on affected property owners who have titles such as building approval, certificate of occupancy or survey as well as a photograph of the affected building, to come forward with same for compensation.

    The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Olujimi Hotonu, said the scope of the project to include dual carriage road with a length of 13,000m and an average width of 19m, beginning from Ottin-Odomola – Poka- Mojoda (Boundary of Lagos/Ogun State) road. This segment would also include completion of the rehabilitation /upgrading of the 1,040m Prof Agbalajobi Road; Phase 1 of Aiyetoro Garage to Ita Opo Central Mosque. This will comprise asphalt surfacing with provision of drains, street lights service ducts.

    Hotonu, who was represented by an engineer in the ministry, Mr. Olanrewaju Daodu, further disclosed that the second segment would include rehabilitation of roads from Oke-Osho through Araga to Poka Junction on Epe – Ijebu Ode Road,  a dual carriageway with a length of 600m and an average width of 19m.

    The Aladesoyin of Naforija, Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja, while thanking the government for the project, advised residents and landowners to cooperate with the contractors and report any grievances to him personally, assuring that he will transmit same to the appropriate quarters. He charged the contractor to employ the residents and people in the area for the construction job.

    The Chairman, Eredo Local Council Development Area, Saliu Adeniyi, agreed with the Oba’s position and assured of the full cooperation of his administration on the project.

    The Epe roads project is being handled by Craneburg Construction Company Limited.

  • Driver ‘absconds with N25m Chivita goods, trucks’

    Driver ‘absconds with N25m Chivita goods, trucks’

    The Federal Special Anti-robbery Squad, (FSARS), Adeniji-Adele, Lagos, has charged a driver, Garuba Lawal, with the theft of Chivita products and a truck, all valued at N25,000,000.

    Garuba, 36, of Olorunsogo Area in Kwara State, was arraigned before Mrs Abimbola Komolafe of an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, Lagos on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

    According to Prosecuting Sergeant Friday Mameh, Garuba, an employee of a haulage firm, was asked to convey a truck laden with Chivita juices and beverages from Lagos to Benin, Edo State.

    The defendant left Lagos on May 4, 2016 but allegedly diverted and sold the goods and truck.

    Read: Driver docked for impregnating step-daughter

    The haulage firm allegedly tracked the truck on its tracking device to Kwara State. It reported the incident to FSARS which allegedly traced the defendant to his home town.

    Mameh said the goods were worth N12million while the Renault truck with Registration Number DKA 354XG was valued at N13, 000,000.

    The offences, Mameh added, contravened sections 287(5)(a)(b)&(c) and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    Garuba pleaded not guilty.

    Magistrate Komolafe granted him N5million bail with two sureties in the like sum.

    The case continues on November 13.

    Read Also: ‘Obey traffic rules’

  • Man in court over alleged sexual assault on step daughters

    Man in court over alleged sexual assault on step daughters

    A 50-year-old step father, David Ekong, who allegedly had carnal knowledge of two of his step daughters was on Wednesday charged before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court.

    The accused, a brick layer, who resides at 30 Abule Oki St., Iyana Ipaja, a suburb of Lagos, is being tried for defilement, rape and assault.

    The Prosecutor, Insp. Clifford Ogu told the court that the offences were committed on Sept. 2 and 4 at the accused residence.

    Ogu said that the accused, who married the mother of the two girls, raped the first girl, 16, and defiled the second girl,12, on different days.

    “The accused threatened to kill them if they tell their mother,” the prosecutor said.

    Ogu said that when the first girl resisted his advance some weeks after he raped her, the accused beat her to stupor.

    “It is then that the girl told her mother what the accused had been doing with her and her younger sister.

    “The mother reported the matter at the police station and the accused was arrested,” he said.

    The offences contravened Sections 135, 171 and 259 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

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

    The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Taiwo Akanni committed the accused to a bail of N250,000 with two sureties in like sum.

    Akanni adjourned the case till Nov. 21, for mention.

    NAN

  • Three men in court for alleged assault

    Three men in court for alleged assault

    Three men who allegedly injured one Bamigbade Kamoru, by hitting him on the head with planks were on Wednesday arraigned in an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court .

    The defendants – Nwazufu Francis, 25; Nwode Ogechi, 20, and Ndubueze Egbara, 27, of no fixed addresses, are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and assault.
    ‎
    The Prosecutor, Insp. Eruada Victor, told the court that the defendants committed the offences on Sept. 20 at Ajegunle Market, Alagbado, Lagos.

    Victor said that the defendants conspired and assaulted the complainant by using planks to inflict injuries on his head over an argument. ‎

    “Kamoru has been treating his injuries at the hospital and was present in the court,’’ he told the court.
    ‎
    The offences contravened Sections 173 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).‎

    The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    The Magistrate, Mrs G. O. Anifowoshe, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties each in like sum and adjourned the case until Nov. 7 for mention.

    NAN

  • Police arraign carpenter for alleged attempt to defile neighbour’s daughter

    Police arraign carpenter for alleged attempt to defile neighbour’s daughter

    The Police in Lagos have arraigned a carpenter, Jimoh Oribamise, 24, before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for alleged attempt to defile his neighbour’s 8-year-old daughter .

    The accused, who resides at 9, Owonikoko St., Ayobo, a suburb of Lagos is also accused of causing breach of the peace.

    The prosecutor, Insp. Clifford Ogu told the court that the offences were committed on Sept. 16, at the residence of the defendant.

    Ogu said that the accused called the victim into his room on the pretext of sending her on an errand.

    “The accused gave the girl N30 and was about defiling the girl when one of the neighbours who heard the girl cry peeped through the window.

    “The accused ran away from the house immediately and the case was reported at the police station,” he said.

    Ogu added that the accused was later sighted at a different location and was arrested.

    The offences contravene sections 168(d) and 406(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

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

    The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Taiwo Akanni, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.

    Akanni adjourned the case till Nov. 13, for mention.

    NAN