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Tag: lagos

  • Lagos ’ll be AIDS-free in 2030, says agency

    The Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA) is set to make the state AIDS free by 2030.

    According to the agency,  there will be no case of the disease in the state by then and anybody living with HIV will not be able to transmit same.

    This assurance came in the spirit of the celebration the golden jubilee of the creation of Lagos State.

    According to LSACA’s Chief Executive  Officer (CEO), Dr Oluseyi Temowo, the agency was celebrating its achievements and the successful passage of HIV discrimination and stigmatisation law in the state, which invariably allowed people living with the virus to seek treatment unashamedly.

    Temowo said: “The rate and prevalence of HIV has reduced in the state, it dropped from 4.1 in 2014 to a current survey of most at risk- transporters, cyclists and tri-cyclists of less than four per cent. The road map for 2030 is to abide by the 90-90-90 initiative.

    “A global initiative from United AIDS that all nations, governments to re-educate people on HIV/AIDS, so that it can be eradicated by 2030. 90 per cent of everybody living with HIV/AIDS must know their status. Of this 90 per cent must be getting drugs, of this 90 per cent must have viral suppression, so that it will not infect anybody again.”

    “So if you are positive, and you are using your drugs the viral load will come down and won’t infect your wife. That is the vision for 20:20, which will launch us into 2030. The governor has given us the fund to start this campaign, especially in hard to reach areas of the state. Mother-to-child transmission is part of it. We are looking forward to an AIDS free generation. That a mother is positive does not mean her child should. We are carrying traditional birth attendants along, so that they can do a quick referral to the hospital of any positive patient, which will afford us to take positive action on the patient and proper monitoring.

    “The governor is the chairman of the agency. He listens and takes action on anything on HIV and AIDS so we are good to go on any step to curtail HIV spread in the state,” explained Temowo.

    He said part of the way forward was the stakeholders’ meeting with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in order to best increase Human Immune Virus (HIV) testing among Lagos State residents as one of the measures to control the spread of the virus.

    Evans Enwefah, convener of HIV Counselling and Testing Services, LSACA, said the agency with the USAID is providing massive medical personnel for testing and counseling in all health centres to eradicate HIV.

    “There is the need for people to be encouraged and go out en-mass for HIV test so as to ensure that Lagos State is free from HIV/AIDS. I will encourage all expectant women in the state to go for HIV test which is the first direction to eradicate HIV positive babies being born in Lagos, irrespective of the HIV status of their parents. Lagos State Aid Control Agency is celebrating Lagos State at 50 years by letting the world know the effort the state has made to reduce HIV and how gradually we are winning the war against HIV in state,” he said.

    Ebenezer Omejalile of IEC-BCCWORKGROUP convener, also appreciated the Lagos State governor, the Agency and its partners for their efforts to make Lagos HIV free state and pleaded with people to stop stigmatising  those living with HIV, stressing that they can also live a normal life.

    The agency stressed the need for more free HIV testing services in the state while also commending free health outreaches organised by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the Four Square Church in Yaba market, Tejuosho and Ilasamaja, Oshodi-Isolo.

    Temowo said the agency would further engage an audience assessment exercise to measure the influence of the campaign and the perception of Lagosians towards the campaign. This, in turn, would solve the challenge of assessing the success of the campaign.

    “LSACA has experienced difficulty in assessing reports. Last month, LSACA commenced jingles in LAGBUS and T and M buses plying CMS-Ajah and some other routes, commuters are encouraged on listening and giving feedbacks to the agency,’’ he said.

  • Court to hear suit challenging marriage registration June 8

    Court to hear suit challenging marriage registration June 8

    A Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday fixed June 8 to hear a suit challenging the registration of marriages by the Federal Ministry of Interior.

    The suit, marked FHC/L/CS/1760/16, was filed before Justice Chuka Obiozor by four local government areas in the country.

    They are: Egor in Edo, Eti-Osa in Lagos, Owerri Municipal in Imo and Port Harcourt in Rivers States.

    The plaintiffs are asking the court to declare that it is the local government areas that have the exclusive right to conduct and register marriages.

    The Minister of Interior; and the Attorney General of the Federation are joined as respondents in the suit.

    The local government areas, through their lawyer, Mr Michael Roger, are contending that by virtue of Section 1(5) of the 1999 Constitution, the Federal Ministry of Interior, an agency of the Federal Government, has no business registering marriages as it currently does.

    Roger had exhibited before the court an earlier judgment of the Federal High Court declaring that only local government areas had powers to register marriages by virtue of Section 30 (1) of the Marriage Act and Section 7(5) of the 1999 Constitution.

    However, in the said judgment delivered on June 8, 2002, Justice Oyindamola Olomojobi, clarified that other lawful authorities could, “celebrate or contract marriages.”

    Relying on Justice Olomojobi’s judgment, the local government areas are urging Justice Obiozor to declare that the minister of interior has no power to register marriages.

    Besides, the plaintiffs also alleged a misinterpretation of May 15, 2017, judgment of Justice I.O. Harrison of the Lagos State High Court that the judge did not declare local governments’ marriage certificate illegal.

    In the said judgment, the court declined the prayer to perpetually restrain the Registered Trustees of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), and their agents from further issuing the Local Government Unified Marriage Certificate.

    Meanwhile, in response to the plaintiff’s instant suit, the AGF filed a preliminary objection and urged Justice Obiozor to dismiss the plaintiffs’ suit for being an abuse of court processes.
    The AGF argued that the issue raised by the plaintiffs had been settled by the judgment delivered on June 8, 2002, by Justice Olomojobi.

    In a five-paragraph affidavit, a lawyer from the AGF’s chamber, Mr Lawrence Ilop, said Justice Olomojobi, “has settled, once and for all, the question of who can contract marriages and did not vest that right solely in the local government councils.”

    He said that the marriage registries, as contemplated in the Marriage Act, “are designated places of the celebration of marriages and not strictly for keeping registers of marriages.’’

    He urged Justice Obiozor to dismiss the suit, adding that the plaintiffs were forum shopping and abusing the processes of court.|

    Justice Obiozor adjourned hearing in the case until June 8.

  • Gang kills pregnant woman, four others in Lagos

    Gang kills pregnant woman, four others in Lagos

    A murderous gang, known as Badoo has struck again in Ikorodu, Lagos, killing a family of five, including a pregnant woman.

    There is outrage in the community as angry youths are set to expose sponsors of the gang.

    The Police is already on the trail of the killers.

    The gang has been terrorizing residents of Ikorodu and environs with many people killed.

    Details later.

  • Huawei donates skills centre to Lagos

    Huawei donates skills centre to Lagos

    Huawei Technologies Co. Nigeria Limited has donated a skills acquisition and devlopment centre to Lagos State government in support of the government’s drive to reduce unemployment and poverty in the state.

    Named: Funmilayo Mobolaji Johnson Skill Acquisition and Development Centre Eti-Osa, Lagos, the projected was inaugurated yseterday  by Huawei and Fortis Projects Services.

    The official commissioning was performed by the first lady of Lagos, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode. Other dignitaries in attendance include the Sole Administrator of Eti-Osa East LCDA – Prince Babatunde Ayo Ayeni, the Managing Director, Huawei – Mr. Frank Li, Director Fortis Group – Mr. Richard Dotun Adebayo, Deputy Managing Director, Huawei – Mr. Leo Li, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation – Mrs. Lola Akande, Chinese Consul to Nigeria – Chao Xiaoliang and others.

    The centre was designed as an alternative to white collar jobs, impart knowledge in various fields ranging from catering, hat and bead making, hairdressing, fashion designing, photography, fridge and air conditioner maintenance, leather works, wood and carpentry, adult literacy and computer studies.

    Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Ambode enjoined members of the community to put the facilities to good use so as to enjoy the place for a long time to come.

    The Managing Director, Huawei Technologies, Mr. Frank Li said he was motivated to build the centre by his experience with a young girl and her mother who lacked access to skill acquisition. He said the episode continues to motivate him to help children and teenagers in the community at every opportunity.

    Executive Director at Fortis Group, Mr. Richard Dotun Adebayo,  said  the completion of the project marked the beginning of a new dawn for the young men and women of the local community.

    “The project is here to empower you become all that you hope to become in life. You have the opportunities to break boundaries, cross the line and reach new heights,” he said.

    Mrs. Akande  said she was honoured to be part of the commissioning of the skill centre named after the wife of the first Military Governor of the state. She said the project will complement the investment of the state in women empowerment and skills acquisition, adding that it will enable the women contribute to the economic development of the nation.

    She commended Huawei for partnership with Fortis  for the centre, and used the opportunity to urge all private organisations to follow suit.

    Mr. Xiaoliang described the centre as a bountiful blessing to the people, and another monument of the friendship between Nigeria and China.

    Prince Ayeni said  the centre represents an alternative means of livelihood for the people of the community.

  • Child security tops Lagos agenda

    The Lagos State government has promised to bring back the four abducted pupils and two teachers of Igbonla Model College in Epe. They were abducted by gunmen on the school’s assembly ground on Thursday, last week.

    The four students: Isaac Adebisi, Okonkwo Emmanuel, Abu, and Jeremiah, were abducted alongside, their Vice Principal, A.O Oyesola, and English/Civic Education teacher, Lukman Oyerinde.

    Although the abductors have since called some of the parents to demand undisclosed ransom, government said it would not negotiate, adding that both the military and police as well as local vigilance groups are on the trail of the abductors,

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, who addressed Lagosians during the 2017 Children’s Day celebration at the Agege Stadium, last week, assured that no amount of threat and intimidation would distract the state from attaining the best of physical and mental development of the children.

    “The abductors are disgruntled elements bent on distracting this government. These children  would be rescued and brought back in no distant time. The military and police forces are working round the clock to ensure that they are rescued hale and hearty,” Ambode was quoted in a speech delivered by his deputy, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule

    According to Ambode, the need to ensure adequate security for school children informed the government’s issuance of an executive order to all Lagos schools, both private and public, child centred institutions and orphanages.

    “Our administration’s belief in the protection of those who will protect our tomorrow informed our implementation of the Executive Order of December 16, 2016 which established the Lagos State Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy,” Ambode added.

    According to him, the theme of this year’s International Children’s Day: ‘Children of today, our keepers tomorrow’, was apt and in tandem with the policy thrust of the state on education.

    He urged the children to be good ambassadors and agents of change, warning them to steer clear of unwholesome attitudes

    Earlier in her address, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr Adesina Odeyemi, who delivered Adebule’s address, noted that the education sector has undergone tremendous transformation since the creation of the state. she recalled that from 55 secondary schools comprising 19, 538 pupils in 1968, the number of public secondary schools have surged to 679 spreading across 316, 419 for junior secondary school and 248, 339 for senior secondary schools respectively. While primary schools, which also stood at 402 with 207, 126 children in 1969, now boasts of 1010 schools and with about 497, 318 pupils.

    The state, according to her, also has 18 public and private Tertiary Institutions, 5 Technical Colleges and least 18,000 private nursery/primary and secondary schools, which render educational services in the state today.

    Adebule noted that it was not an accident that the state’s budgetary allocations for 2016 and 2017   amounted to over N205.8 billion; rather it was because of the need assessment and the commitment of the government to education growth.

     

  • Businesswoman faces N1.2m fraud charge

    Businesswoman faces N1.2m fraud charge

    A businesswoman, Chidinma Okoro, who allegedly defrauded two men of N1.2 million, was on Wednesday arraigned in an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.

    The accused, 44, who resides at No. 2, Church St., Ogundare Estate, Aminkanle area of Alagbado in Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of fraud and stealing.

    The Police Prosecutor, Insp. Peter Nwangwu, told the court that the accused committed the offences between Feb. 2 and Aug. 30, 2014, at his residence.

    He alleged that the accused fraudulently obtained the cash sum of N1.2million from the complainants, Mr Emenike Daniel and Mr Utoh Chijioke.

    “The accused collected the said amount from the complainants on the pretext of supplying them goods from the U.S and U.K, as agreed upon,” he said.

    Nwangwu alleged that the complainants paid the sum of N1.2million into the Access Bank and Zenith Bank accounts of the accused.

    He told the court that Okoro reneged on the agreement and refused to refund the money to the complainants.

    “The accused absconded and relocated to an unknown destination until she was recently apprehended by the police,” Nwangwu said

    The offences contravened Sections 285 and 313 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 313 prescribes a 15-year jail term for offenders, while Section 285 stipulates three years imprisonment.

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

    The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Y.O. Aje-Afunwa, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000, with two sureties in like sum.

    She said the sureties must show evidence of three years tax payment to the Lagos State Government and adjourned the case until June 17,  for hearing.

     

  • Ndigbo celebrate Lagos at 50

    Ndigbo celebrate Lagos at 50

    The Igbo Community in Lagos, held a solidarity celebration of Lagos at 50. The event, which was held at the VIP Lounge, Entrance A, National Arts Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos brought together personalities and policymakers from all the states of the federation. NNEKA NWANERI reports

    As part of activities lined up for the month-long celebration of Lagos at 50, the Igbo Community in Lagos (Ndigbo), under the leadership of Eze Ndigbo of Lagos State, Christian Uchechukwu Nwachukwu held a solidarity festivity to commemorate the 50 years of the existence of the state as a geographical entity.

    The event was also a showcase for the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo Community.

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tunji Bello who appreciated the gesture of the outstanding achievements of Ndigbo to the state and urged that they continue to maintain harmonious co-existence

    Describing Lagos as a mini-Nigeria, the SSG called on citizens to remain law-abiding and faithfully discharge their civic responsibilities that have made the state the benchmark of good governance and a place where opportunities are created for everyone to realise their full potential.

    One of the hosts and member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon (Sir) Jude Emeka Idimogu (KSM), who represents Oshodi/Isolo State Constituency II, said Lagos is gradually tilting towards being a mega city that can be likened to Johannesburg in South Africa and Cairo in Egypt. He also added that Lagos is the first place that comes in mind to anyone who says he is coming to a South-western state.

    “Lagos is a land of great opportunity. We are celebrating not just because Lagos is 50, we are celebrating good roads, flyover bridges, good transport system, maximum security and street lights, to mention but a few.

    “Apart from the cosmopolitan nature of the state, Lagos is the safest place for the Igbo man outside his home land and provides the best opportunity for Ndigbo to do their legitimate businesses; in an atmosphere conducive enough to prosperity and making the best out of these great opportunities provided by the state.

    High point of the event was the presentation of award plaques and special recognition to Governor Ambode and Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha. Governor Okorocha was represented by the Imo State Liaison Officer, Nze Steve Asimobi.

    Others who received awards were Hon. Idimogu and former Inspector-General of Police, Sir Mike Okiro, among others.

    Also at the event was the Iyaloja-General, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo (who also received a prestigeous award); Lagos All Progressives Congress spokesperson Joe Igbokwe and Hon Desmond Elliot of the Surulere Constituency.

    A book, entitled: Ndigbo: A Factor in Lagos State Development, written by Chief Geoffrey Umeh was unveiled and launched.

    The book chronicles the existing cordial relationship between Igbo and Yoruba as well as the contributions of Igbo sons and daughters to the development of Lagos in the past 50 years.

    A lecture was delivered by Dr Fredrick Nzeako, a lawyer and development economist on the theme: “Lagos Cosmopolitanism, Democracy and Governance: The Challenges of non-indigenes (Ndigbo) in the Development Process of Lagos State.”

    Another Member of House of Assembly, Hon Layi Olawale said the Igbo asking for a special status means asking for too much since Lagos State Government has always been recognising them as part and parcel of the economy of the state.

    “In terms of representation, they are in the cabinet and in the party structure too even at the national level. So, asking for a special status will call for other ethnic bodies to be asking for their own quota and so will like them to have equal distribution of wealth, which is being manifest in Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s programmes without discrimination.

    “All ethic geo-political zones have always been carried along under this administration. Why then are they asking for recognition? Olawale asked.

    He, however, praised Ndigbo for their hard work and entrepreneurial spirit.

    He said: “I appreciate their resilience and hard work and entrepreneurship nature of an Igbo man. This they should keep up because no other ethnic group can be successful in another town. Despite the intimidation and problems, they are very dogged and other ethnic groups should take a cue from them.”

    Director-General for Black and African Art Civilisation (CBAAC), Dr Ferdinand Aniekwe said “Igbo have contributed in several factors of economic integration and are the only ethnic group that will build houses and be relaxed; a feat they are yet to achieve in Igbo land.

    “They are everywhere in African countries and even beyond the continent. They always form communities where the serve selflessly for the development of such places. They should be given honour and their pride of place because it is clear that they have not been given the political position they have been looking for. It is clear to see that they have been marginalised.

    There is a fault in the population of Igbo. In Lagos, they are the second largest to the indigenes; in Ogun, they are the second and even in Kastina. Thus, they should be given chances based on their population; not just in Nigeria, but also in international communities.

  • Osoko and Lagos @ 65

    Osoko Ekiti Kete, Ayodele Fayose, was reported to have growled, in one of his involuntary jabbering: what the hell is all the noise about Lagos at 50?  Is it the only state, he reportedly queried, that was turning 50?

    One would have thought Fayose, from his antediluvian yammering (don’t dignify those with ‘policies’), who would soon be known as the father of Stone Age Ekiti, would give Lagos at 50, or any of its commemorative events, a wide berth.

    Not Osoko, the self-named Ebora (demon) that gobbles Jollof rice!  Bang at the Lagos at 50 commemorative dinner, he appeared, prim-and-proper, delicately installing himself.

    Pray, was it the overwhelming aroma of super-Jollof rice, which might just put to shame the Wollof of Senegal, the native owners of that cuisine-turned-famous Nigerian delicacy, that pulled Osoko from Ado Ekiti, his stomach infrastructure headquarters?

    Even then, how did the high and polite company, among whom the Osoko strutted and preened, compare with the paraga rabble, he holds at thrall in Ekiti?  Did he think that after him, with his Stone Age governance, anyone would gather in Ado Ekiti, to celebrate Ekiti at 50, when eventually the state turns one, and the Fayose craved “”continuity” — of stomach infrastructure, of reckless abuse, of talking before thinking — continues after him?

    Well Osoko, that’s the big deal of Lagos at 50!  Lagos State, from Mobolaji Johnson to Akinwunmi Ambode, has always been lucky with leaders.  Even during military rule, with the possible exception of one case, Lagos had benefited from above-par leaders.

    Of course, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Baba Kekere among the many Awolowo followers and action governor of the 2nd Republic, made a national impression, among the progressives giants of that republic (1979-1983).

    Even then, by 1999, despite the brave efforts of Buba Marwa, Lagos’ last military administrator under Sani Abacha, Lagos was decaying and grounding to a halt.

    Then came Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and his movement of the past 18 years — Tinubu himself, Babatunde Fashola, SAN and now Akinwunmi Ambode — and Lagos has become a national reference in excellence.  That is continuity.  That is worth celebrating.  And that’s the big deal about Lagos at 50!

    But Osoko’s Ekiti?  A diametric opposite — and Fayose stands legitimately accused of contributing more than anyone, living or dead, to Ekiti’s almost assured future backwardness.

    Fayose’s first coming (2003-2006) ended in fiasco and disgrace.  He exited in a gale of impeachment, with everywhere filled with odium.  With the way he has carried on in the first three years out of four, he seems headed for perhaps a worse disgrace in 2018 than 2006.

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo said something about being better to learn from history than from experience.  Fayose, as two-time governor, has learnt from neither, even if learning from experience, as Prof. Osinbajo quipped, was the harder way.  Either way, Fayose is none the wiser.  Shame!

    Well, perhaps his experience at Lagos at 50 will eventually turn him from Saul to Paul — who knows?  For Ekiti’s sake not a few would pray.  But frankly, the omens are not too good.

    Still, it is good the Osoko must have seen governance and development is far more than gubernatorial rascality of the crudest and rudest hue, for which Fayose has an undisputed patent, firing his nationwide notoriety!

    As for Ekiti Kete, it’s a grim lesson — use your vote wisely.  Otherwise you might be landed with life-regressing folly, of which Fayose is rich evidence!

  • Lagos to partner trade groups to reduce fire outbreaks

    The Lagos State Government has said it will partner  trade associations to curtail incidence of fire outbreaks in the markets, which results in losses for artisans and tradesmen across the state.

    Speaking with The Nation, the  Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment,Mr. BabatundeDurosimi-Etti, said the state was ready to work with trade associations on enlightenment campaigns.

    He stressed the need for businesses to examine their operations and take safety precautions mitigate the impacts and losses caused by fire outbreaks.

    The Commissioner said the government hasd made tremendous progress with  the  compulsory Health Insurance Scheme for residents to ensure adequate healthcare services, which artisans and tradesmen will benefit from

    The scheme would enroll a family of six including the mother, father and four children. The premium will be paid in monthly installments. The family is expected to pay N40, 000 yearly as premium,  N3, 333 monthly.

    However, there are allowances for single or unit enrolments. The premium for single enrolment is N8, 500 per annum, which is N708 premium monthly. Payment platforms will be multi-media and can be made through the phone, community and banks.

    Durosimi-Etti explained that artisans were expected to be residents of the state and must have Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) cards to benefit from this scheme.

  • Lagos at 50: Wole Soyinka, others grace Jide Kosoko’s ‘Ogun Ahoyaya’

    Lagos at 50: Wole Soyinka, others grace Jide Kosoko’s ‘Ogun Ahoyaya’

    As part of the ongoing Lagos at 50 celebrations, a stage play, Ogun Ahoyaya (The Boiling Battle) opened to guests last Tuesday at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.

    A reenactment of the 18th century Lagos, Ogun Ahoyaya follows the life of the traditional ruler of Eko Kingdom, Oba Akintoye (played by Jide Kosoko) and his warring uncle, Kosoko.

    The presentation opened with a rendition of birthday songs to Lagos at 50. Song after song explored the beauty of Lagos as a commercial hub, a land of plenty, occupied by good people.

    Ogun Ahoyaya highlights the richness of the lifestyle and culture of the Awori people, their mannerisms and peculiarities.

    In that era, Prince Akintoye is the rightful heir to the Lagos throne. Legend has it that the passage of his father and elder brother in quick succession leave a vacuum to be filled.

    However, as portrayed in Ogun Ahoyaya, the conniving Eletu Odibo (the Prime Minister), schemes his way towards making sure that Kosoko is crowned the Oba of Eko.

    Akintoye is sacked from his palace and quickly goes into hiding. However, to get back to his rightful throne, he signs a treaty with the visiting explorers from the Queen’s land.

    They agree to abolish slave trade, bring an end to human sacrifice, and that the white man would be allowed to propagate his religion. On these terms only will the explorers support Akintoye’s claim to the throne.

    In the first battle, the foreign invaders were pushed back under the warrior, Oshodi’s command. However, they regrouped and came back with a superior firepower. The shelling that followed left many dead in their wake and ensured the sacking of Oba Kosoko.

    This in turn paves the way for a new era, leading to the birth of what has come to be known as Lagos to this day.

    Laced with a high dose of humor, Ogun Ahoyaya depicts Lagos as a heritage that has survived the dynamics of change.

    The humor in the drama further makes for an interesting watch. For instance upon arrival, the Queen’s representative speaks with Prince Akintoye through an interpreter. He tells him that they have four issues to discuss and the interpreter, in his wisdom, tells Akintoye that the white man is demanding for isu merin, which translates to four yams.

    Interestingly, some of the cultural practices in 18th century Eko still hold sway in modern day Lagos.

    Present at the stage presentation were Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, filmmaker of repute, Fred Amata and a host of others.

    Among other popular actors in Yoruba theatre and film sector featured in the play are Yinka Quadri, Segun Remi (kanran), Fatai Odua, Yemi Solade, Bidemi Kosoko and Taiwo Hassan who are the play’s lead characters.