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Tag: lagos

  • 1,000 undergo free medical service in Lagos

    No fewer than 1000 residents have benefited from free medical screening organised by Lagos Mainland Local Government in conjunction with Med-Synapse.

    The residents were screened for Hepatitis B Virus, Breast cancer, High Blood Pressure among others.

    At the end of the two-day exercise, 221 were referred to general hospitals and Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) for further treatment.

    The residents thanked the council boss for the initiative.

    According to them, such gesture should be a continuous exercise.

    “We cannot thank the chairperson enough for this medical screening. She actually understands our needs and working towards it. This health programme is good,” a resident, Kunle Adewale said.

    Another resident, Bimbo Salami urged the council boss to come up with more people-oriented programme.

    “The event is apt considering the stress people face daily in search for means of livelihood. How many of the people here go for regular medical check-up? I for one can’t recollect the last time I visited hospital. We thank the council for this initiative,” she said.

    Earlier in her address, the council chief, Mrs Omolola Essien urged the residents to take advantage of the exercise by coming out for screening.

    “It is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss. We have brought many medical experts in different fields for examination and treatment of various diseases. Paying  hospitals bills for some of these ailments could be expensive; that’s why we decided to initiate this programme,” Mrs Essien said.

  • Lagos sensitises pupils over domestic violence

    The Lagos State Government has commenced engagement of 5,000 Primary and Secondary school pupils on Child Rights and Child Abuse as well as all forms of sexual and domestic violence.

    The initiative is also geared towards empowering them with their roles and responsibilities in handling and preventing such issues.

    Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) Coordinator Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi in a statement said the sensitisation was hinged on their rights, child abuse, victim of sexual abuse, self-defence tips, and preservation of evidence when physically or sexually assaulted.

    She said DSVRT has also commenced the Smart Teens Advocacy Initiative (STAI), which is targeted at secondary school pupils.

    “STAI is one of the strategies deployed to fight the increasing rape cases in Secondary Schools. We believe this would go a long way in curbing incidents of Domestic violence, Child Abuse and Sexual Abuse amongst teens,” she said.

    The pupils were also equipped with relevant materials, textbooks and posters which can be displayed conspicuously in the school premises to serve as a reminder.

  • Power Uti charged with wife’s murder 

    Power Uti charged with wife’s murder 

    The State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) Panti-Yaba, Lagos, has charged a former Nigerian wrestler, Power Uti, with the murder of his wife, Toyin.

    Power Uti, whose real name is John Eke Uti, was arraigned before Mrs. B. O. Folarin Williams of an Ebute-Meta Chief Magistrate’s Court, Lagos.

    He is standing trial on two counts of murder.

    Uti, who reigned in the wrestling world in the 80s and early 90s, was accused of beating Toyin to death and abandoning her corpse in their 17, Oremeji Street, Ilupeju, residence.

    According to the police, the incident occurred on October 10, 2017.

    The charge reads: “That you John Eke Uti, on the 10th day of October, 2017, at about 10:25am, at 17, Oremeji Street, Ilupeju, Lagos, did unlawfully kill one Toyin Uti, aged 38, by beating her to death and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 222 and punishable under Section 223 Cap C17, Vol. 3 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.

    “That you John Eke Uti, at the same date, time and place, did disrespect the corpse of one Toyin Uti, aged 38, by abandoning the corpse in a room to decompose and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 165(a) Cap C17, Vol. 3 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015”.

    However, Uti’s plea was not taken.

    Prosecuting Sergeant Jimah Ishegele moved an application seeking the defendant’s remand in prison custody for 30 days, pending advice on the case from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

    This was opposed by Uti’s counsel, I. E. Mkoemekor, who urged the court to admit him to bail on “very liberal terms”.

    Mkoemekor, relying on Section 224 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State, 2015, urged the court to peruse the case file, where, according to him, it would be found that nothing linked his client with the deceased’s death.

    Upholding Mkoemekor’s oral application, Chief Magistrate Williams examined the case file.

    In a bench ruling, she declined the prosecution’s application, citing Section 224(5) of the ACJL.

    Chief Magistrate Williams said: “I have read the case file, and none of the witnesses listed said that the defendant killed his wife.

    “Even, the Investigative Police Officer (IPO) could not establish that the defendant killed the deceased.

    “I’m not going to grant the remand application, I will grant bail to the defendant, and send the case file to the DPP for advice.

    “Consequently, I hereby admit bail to defendant in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties. The sureties must be gainfully employed in reputable companies.”

    She ordered that the addresses of the sureties must be verified by the prosecutors, and that the sureties must have paid three years tax to Lagos State government.

    The magistrate, however, directed that the former wrestling champion be held in prison custody pending when he meets the bail conditions.

    The matter was adjourned till November 15, for the DPP’s advice.

  • Police sanction 20 personnel for corruption

    Police sanction 20 personnel for corruption

    The Nigeria Police Force, says it has sanctioned 20 personnel involved in corruption between Jan. 2016 and Jun. 2017 in four states.

    A report obtained from the Public Complaints Rapid Response Unit indicated that those sanctioned served in Enugu, Abuja, Ogun and Lagos commands.

    It indicated that 10 policemen were dismissed during the period, one given severe reprimand, one demoted, and eight given other forms of punishment.

    The report showed that 4, 342 complaints were received by the unit during the period under review, out of which 3,602 were amicably resolved and 318 pending.

    It added that 422 complaints received by the unit were discovered to be false.

    Read also: Police to conduct autopsy on Kogi’s Soje

    According to the report, the 106 distress calls received by the unit during the period under review were not part of the complaints captured in the report.

    The unit was established in November 2015 to receive and resolve cases of professional misconduct brought against police personnel.

    NAN

     

     

  • Court charges man with attempted murder

    Court charges man with attempted murder

    A 32-year-old man, who allegedly attempted to kill a woman with broken bottle, was on Monday brought before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

    The accused, David Abel, is facing a three-count charge bordering on attempted murder and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.

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

    The Prosecutor, Insp. Babatope Julius, had told the court that the accused committed the offences on Oct. 8, at noon at No. 3, Ago-Owu St., Shogunle, Oshodi, Lagos.

    Julius said the accused tortured a woman, Mrs Funke Giwa, with broken bottles over a false allegation that she killed one Rasaq Bello.

    “Abel had tortured Giwa because she was accused of killing one Rasaq Bello which eventually proved to be false. His act also caused fear in the neighbourhood, leading to the alert of the police,” he said.

    The offences contravened Sections 44(4), 230(b) and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015(Revised).

    The Chief Magistrate, Mrs M.O. Olajuwon, granted the accused N100,000 bail with two sureties in like sum.
    Further hearing in the case has been fixed for Nov. 13.

    NAN

  • Police arrest man for allegedly killing commercial sex worker

    Police arrest man for allegedly killing commercial sex worker

    The police in Enugu State have arrested a man who allegedly stabbed a commercial sex worker to death on Sunday, following a disagreement he had with the woman.

    The Police Public Relations Officer ( PPRO ) SP Ebere Amaraizu, in a statement he issued on Monday, said that the incident happened at about 3:30 a.m. at Onuato Street, Enugu.

    Amaraizu said that the victim accompanied the suspect to his apartment where they had a disagreement which resulted in a scuffle that led to her death.

    He said that the suspect, who picked up the sex worker at Rangers Avenue on Oct. 22, had agreed with her that he would pay her N4,000 after passing the night with him.

    The PPRO quoted the suspect as disclosing that he had drunk to his fill and that on arrival, because it was already getting late, he demanded that they had sex immediately.

    “His request did not influence anything as the deceased allegedly requested to finish what she was inhaling in order to be in the mood for the business of the day.

    “The accused maintained that after several hours of pressuring her and without any answer, he slept off and woke up before 3 a.m.,” Amarizu stated.

    The police spokesman said that the accused immediately ordered the sex wrker to leave the apartment since the aim of bringing her appeared to have been defeated.

    “The accused said that the deceased resisted the order and allegedly warned him to beware as she would not succumb to any person’s threat whatsoever.

    “She later headed for a kitchen knife that was seen in the kitchen spot of the suspect’s room after allegedly biting him.

    “The accused further revealed that a fight suddenly broke out between them and as the deceased tried to stab him to death with the kitchen knife, he overpowered her,” he said.

    Amarizu quoted the suspect as saying that the kitchen knife went straight to the stomach of the deceased and he finally stabbed her on the neck region and she died.

    The police spokesman said that the accused later wrapped her body and hurriedly arranged to travel to Lagos.

    According to him, the suspect was nabbed, following a tip off from members of a local vigilante.

    He said that the body was recovered from the apartment and deposited at the mortuary of the Eastern Nigeria Medical Centre, Enugu, as investigations into the incident had commenced.

    NAN

  • Fiscal Index: Rivers, Lagos, Ogun, Kano lead ranking

    Fiscal Index: Rivers, Lagos, Ogun, Kano lead ranking

    •Says only Kano, Katsina, Rivers and Lagos can pay salaries without borrowing

    Many of the 36 states will have to rev up their internally generated income and cut expenditure and debt to survive over the next few years, according to a newly published Fiscal Sustainability Index.

    The index is the brainchild of BudgIT Nigeria,   a budget transparency advocacy group.

    ‘State of the States’ as the report is branded lists Rivers, Lagos, Ogun and Kano as leaders in revenue generation.

    Ekiti, Osun, Gombe and Plateau are ranked the worst in terms of revenue generation.

    Rivers is ahead of Lagos because of its healthier financial profile: lower debt, increase in IGR and ability to pay its bills.

    Although Lagos State leads the rest in IGR, accounting for 37 per cent of all the money collected by the states, it is also bogged down by huge debt, over N734 billion as at December 2016, the report said. The debt burden is more than 25 per cent of the entire debt owed by the 35 states, which now stands at N3.89trillion as at December last year.

    A sign of the debt pressure on Lagos State manifested in the first six months of this year, where the state only got N491million on the average from the Federal Government, as it has signed off the bulk of its dues to creditors and bond holders.

    “State governments are confronted by rapidly rising budget deficits as they struggle to pay salaries and meet contractual obligations and overheads due to a dip in oil price from its peak price of about $140 per barrel to about $56 per barrel”, the report said..

    “Over the last few months, state governments have been devising policy changes with strong focus on improving internally generated revenue and reining in expenditure.

    Some highlights of the report: Internally Generated Revenue:

    In 2016, Lagos State accounted for approximately 37% of total internally generated revenue collected by states. Lagos, Ogun and Rivers states lead in terms of Internally Generated Revenue uptake per capita.

    Collection efficiency in Kano is abysmal; despite its huge market size, it could only collect N2,367 per head, which is approximately 9.8% of Lagos collection per head. On average, IGR uptake at state is N3,395 per head across the states; it is only in 10 states that collection efficiency is higher than the state wide average.

    The least performing states include Borno, Jigawa, Kebbi and Katsina. It is important for state governments to design innovative policies around tax collection, especially around collection efficiency.

    Value Added Tax

    Due to its market size, Lagos State tops in terms of VAT revenue in the first six months of 2017. Lagos VAT revenue receipts between January and July 2017 averaged N6.38bn monthly, significantly higher than Kano’s.

    Ekiti, Ebonyi, Bayelsa and Nasarawa trail the pack. Oyo’s monthly VAT averaged N1.3bn monthly between January and July 2017 but IGR continued to trail, reflecting huge problems with tax collection efficiency at state level when compared with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

    It is evident in our analysis that many states lack the formal structures that pay VAT.

    Thirty out of 36 states get an average of 700-900m monthly, despite huge differential in population.

    Bonds issued by the states are usually assisted by Irrevocable Standing Payment Orders (ISPOs), which legally empower the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) to withdraw sums due to debt holders from state governments’ revenue accounts with the federal government, including interest and capital repayments.

    As about 83% of states’ revenues are collected by the Federal Government, what accrues to states’ coffers is the balance left after obligations to debt-holders are deducted from each state’s share of revenue. The effect of huge debt supported by ISPOs is already eating deep into the account of Lagos, Cross River and Osun states.

    Osun’s net allocation is even in the negative terrain, which invariably puts more pressure on future revenue. The monthly net allocation of oil-producing states Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta average N10.69bn, N7.64bn. N7.21bn and N6.22bn respectively.

     

     

    Debt Stock

    State governments are indebted to Nigeria’s banks and investors, shackled by huge repayment debts borrowed against higher oil prices. Presently, the intersecting consequences of lending between banks and governments remain a pressing concern. The first indicators came when at least two-thirds of Nigeria’s 36 governors demanded a federal government relief package, due to the inability of many states to pay salaries and pension benefits of civil servants for months – even more than a year in some cases.

     

     

     

    Total debt stock of Nigerian states has increased significantly from the 2012 level of N1.79tn to N2.12tn in 2014. With increased inability to meet recurrent expenditure obligations and increased pressure, most states resort to more debt uptake.

    Total debt profile of the states in 2015 and 2016 was N3.03tn and N3.89tn respectively.

    Lagos State’s total debt stock rose from the 2014 level of N500.8bn to N734.7bn in 2016 – accounting for 24.2% of the total debt stock of state governments.

    Delta, Kebbi, Gombe and Ebonyi states’ total debt fell by 22.56%, 52.18%, 2.29% and 2.78% respectively, while that of Oyo and Yobe rose by 127.56% and 126.03% respectively. Overall, the total debt profile of states increased by 28.45%. Average growth rate of states’ debt between 2012 and 2016 remains elevated at 22.16%, while average growth rate of internally generated revenue is 9.04%.

    Clearly, the sustainable part for states is to rein in debt uptake and focus more on improving internally generated revenue. Fiscal Sustainability Index Rivers State tops the fiscal sustainability index due to its strong revenue profile, powered by crude oil, its relatively improving internally generated revenue profile and a manageable recurrent expenditure profile. Rivers’ Debt profile stood at N157.2bn at the end of 2016.

    Lagos’ massive debt and expansive recurrent expenditure profile weighed down on its internally generated revenue performance.

    Ogun state, despite running a recurrent budget deficit, is up on the fiscal sustainability index due to the rapid growth in its internally generated revenue. However, Ogun’s debt profile is equally increasing, which could weigh in on its performance in future. The index looks at the ability of states to meet their recurrent expenditure obligations with their VAT revenue, internally generated revenue and advantage income, including the 13% derivation. Equally important is states’ ability to meet their recurrent expenditure obligation with all revenue source – a test of prudent fiscal management.

    Kano, Katsina, Rivers and Lagos top that portion of the index. In effect, only four states could meet their recurrent expenditure obligation without resorting to borrowing or tapping donor funds and other extra-budgetary revenue sources.

    Also, the index looks at the ability of states to sustainably manage their debt profiles. The Index tries to see the extent to which today’s revenue can service outstanding debts. Anambra and Yobe top the index, reflecting the low debt-to-revenue ratio of the state.

    Osun trails the overall index. The state’s inability to meet its recurrent expenditure obligations, its heavy debt profile and inefficiency in the collection of internally generated revenue weighed seriously on the state.

    Kwara’s rapid improvement in its internally generated revenue helps the state’s performance on the index. Also noticeable is the 22.56%, 52.18%, 2.29% and 2.78% fall in the debt profile of Delta, Kebbi, Gombe and Ebonyi states, respectively.

    State governments, therefore, need to tremendously embrace a high level of transparency and accountability, develop workable economic plans, take haircuts – especially on overheads – expand their internally generated revenue (IGR) base, and cut down on debt accumulation without a concrete repayment plan.

    Opportunities

    The state needs to look beyond rhetoric and commit to a reduction in its operating costs, including significantly slashing its unreasonable overheads bill while freeing up more spending for social infrastructure.

    States will need to link future borrowing to sustainable projects, which can pay back the capital cost of its current loans and improve the overall income profile of the state.

    Economic planners will need to lift states from a perpetual cycle of borrowing, work to improve tax collection efficiencies and realign budgeting with state wide plans.

    Significant investment is needed to improve the overall economic performance at state level, which invariably could create jobs that feed into states’ internally generated revenue. Improve spending is also critical for value-added tax revenue. Opportunities in aquaculture, agriculture, manufacturing, trade, logistics and tourism abound across states but it seems states lack the rigour and foresight to explore them.

    The report also says only Kano, Katsina, Rivers and Lagos can pay salaries without resorting to lending.

    “Important is states’ ability to meet their recurrent expenditure obligation with all revenue source – a test of prudent fiscal management. Kano, Katsina, Rivers and Lagos top that portion of the index.

    “In effect, only four states could meet their recurrent expenditure obligation without resorting to borrowing or tapping donor funds and other extra-budgetary revenue sources.”

     

     

  • Lagos begins rehabilitation/upgrading of roads in Epe LG

    Lagos begins rehabilitation/upgrading of roads in Epe LG

    …assures building owners of compensation

    The Lagos State Government  has  restated its commitment towards improving the standards of living and well-being of the entire residents of the state, just as it commenced immediate rehabilitation and upgrade of the second segment of the arterial/inner roads in Epe Local Government Area.

    Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting, yesterday, at Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, Naforija, Epe, the state’s Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Abiola Anifowoshe, said the road construction was part of the infrastructure development vision of the state government.

    He said Epe town and environs was currently witnessing an influx of people and increased traffic volume as a result of industrial and commercial growth arising from various developments like Dangote Oil Refinery, air and sea ports, as well as industries within the Lekki Free Trade Zone.

    The commissioner added that the road when completed will improve road connectivity and accommodate the expected increased traffic volume arising from industrial and commercial growth, while adding that it will also eliminate potential traffic gridlock as well as enhancing property value.

    According to him, “The project is in fulfillment 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 all come to enjoy the dividends of democracy.”

     

  • I will not die young as Aare Ona Kakanfo- Gani Adams

    I will not die young as Aare Ona Kakanfo- Gani Adams

    Chief Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo-designate of Yorubaland, on Saturday dismissed superstitious belief that taking the title may lead to his early death.

    Adams, the National Coordinator of the Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC), told newsmen in Lagos that not all those who held the position in the past had died young as is being speculated.

    Adams will become the 15th Aare Ona Kankanfo of Yorubaland, when installed.

    “Let me say that death belongs to God. Only God can decide and determine when anyone can die and until God decides, I will not die young as the defender of my people.

    “Aare title is highly spiritual and I have handed over my destiny and tenure to God.

    “The position in the past meant that you have to continually fight wars to protect your people, and may be killed in the process, but that was before Nigeria became a sovereign nation.

    “The job in the modern era is limited in terms of physical defense because there are security apparatus to settle disputes.

    “However, it has become a position to unify the Yoruba race, defend their interest and believe in their cause, “ Adams said.

    The 47 year-old leader of the OPC also put to rest speculations that he would dump the group following his new status, saying he would continue to oversee its activities.

    “The OPC is my sweat. I will delegate some powers to some members to continue to run it while I oversee it.

    “The OPC gave birth to the Oodua Progressive Union which I have established in 78 countries to cater for the interest of Yoruba people in Diaspora.

    “I will continue to have a stake not only in the OPC, but in all groups in Yorubaland.

    “I intend to use my position to unify and strengthen all factionalised pressure and cultural groups in Yoruba land,” he said.

    Adams added that in spite of his elevation to a higher office, he would continue to render selfless service to all Nigerians based on fairness and justice.

    The Aare Ona Kakanfo to be said that the title was not too big a shoe for him to fit into.

    “I have managed millions of people in Yorubaland. I began to fight for my people at a tender age of 29 years since 1999. I have never been in government. I have always fought for the Yorubas.

    “I know the terrain of all Yoruba people and their culture. I only ask God for wisdom to unify my people more, and see that there is unity, justice and fairness for and among my people.

    “This title is a reward from my people on the basis of honour and not salary, “ he added.

    On the issue of the true federalism, the OPC coordinator said that the difference between true federalism and restructuring was semantics.

    “I totally support either restructuring or true federalism because it would ensure equity and fairness for all Nigerians.

    “We will continue to agitate for a more prosperous Nigeria,” he added. (NAN)

  • Lagos revokes NBC, NSE water treatment licenses

    Lagos revokes NBC, NSE water treatment licenses

    The Lagos State government has revoked the licenses of water and wastewater treatment plants of Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Plc, Agidingbi, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), WEMA Bank Plc, Awolowo Way, Ikoyi and Ocean Parade Tower, Banana Island, Ikoyi.

    The Executive Secretary, Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission, Ahmed Kabiru Abdullahi, made this known during an endorsement to some of the service providers.

    Abdullahi said the licenses were revoked following the non-compliance with the state water law, nothing that the rate at which untreated wastewater was being discharged into the drains and water bodies in the state must be brought under control.

    He said: “A situation where service providers will refuse to comply with regulations and continually operate boreholes illegally without boreholes permits, abstract water without relevant licenses and discharge untreated wastewater without certified wastewater facilities, would no longer be tolerated.