The Nation Newspaper

Tag: lagos

  • Why we founded first ‘Special Children’s school in Lagos

    Executive Director MD Nursery and Primary School, Ikeja Lagos, Omolara Adedugbe, has said the school has been able to achieve its vision over the last 30 years of its existence.

    According to her, the school which caters for students with special needs, was founded to challenge doubting thomases that children with disabilities could also live normal lives.

    Adedugbe, who founded the school with her late husband Dr. Anthony Bamidele Adedugbe 30 years ago, said the school could sing a song of victory, despite many challenges.

    Adedugbe, spoke at a briefing to celebrate three decades’ anniversary and thanksgiving of the school at its Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos State complex,

    Going down memory lane, she recalled how her husband, a specialist doctor in dealing with children with disabilities, conceived the idea to convince parents that they do not have to keep their special needs children away said some of the special needs children have grown to become prominent members of the society, with one teaching in the school, having obtained a National Certificate of Education.

    “The whole idea was to erase the stigma associated with being a special child,: Adedugbe said.

    “We were the first in Lagos, but after the success we recorded, many others have also followed suit.

    “We initially had challenges with parents who had regular children allowing them to mix with the special children.

    “I must say the journey in 30 years has been challenging, but with lots of successes. One special child is now a teacher in the school here; many are professionals in different fields.”

    Adedugbe advised parents with special children not to keep them at home; rather, they should give them the opportunity to develop their God-given talents.

    “If they mix with regular kids, they will overcome their challenges,” she added.

    She continued: “We are happy that a lot of parents are now coming out with their special children; and those with regular children have seen that being a special child does not come with anything contagious.”

    She said for the school to be thriving after the death of her husband shows that structures have been put in place to sustain the initiative.

    “With or without me, the school can go on,” she added.

    “The vision is now being run by others; I started the school with my husband who had the vision. He died 10 years ago and 20 years after, we are still standing.”

     

  • Lagos signs $300 million MoU on women empowerment

    Lagos signs $300 million MoU on women empowerment

    LAGOS State Government has signed $300 million Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with African Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum(AWIEF) for improvement of businesses own by women.
    Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget Mr. Akinyemi Ashade, who, addressed reporters at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre described the $300 million as a women’s Economic Empowerment Fund set aside by theAfrican Development Bank (AFDB) to empower women entrepreneurs.
    He said: “Lagos Women Economic Empowerment Initiative (LAGOSWEEIN) is an initiative designed for the women of Lagos state for the purpose of ensuring entrepreneurial capacity building, business skills upgrade and preparedness as well as to facilitate access to finance and other services within the framework of affirmative Finance Action.
    “Today’s signing of partnership agreement is a milestone between Lagos State and AWIEF and all women in the state. This partnership is reaching a major step in line with Governor Ambode agenda for women in the state, towards their strategic economical empowerment.”
    Ashade listed other partnership with the organisation to include training, business coaching and technology transfer of women through a detailed standard operating procedure.
    He said the government would honour its own part of the agreement which is to pay as when due invoices presented by AWIEF based on mutually agreed budget.
    AWIEF founder Irene Ochem hailed the government for partnering with her organisation to empower women.
    According to her, the biggest challenge women entrepreneur faces is access to fund, which informed why AFDB came up with opportunities for women to have access to finance.
    “We are very passionate about women empowerment and partnering with Lagos with the largest business women is a worthy one.”
    Ochem said the fund is for every businesswoman with no restriction on sectors, adding that the partnership is important as it would be about training and capacity building.

  • Lagos Assembly re-orders 2016 Budget by N44.9b

    Lagos State House of Assembly yesterday re-ordered the 2016 budget by N44.9billion at the instance of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

    Details shows that re-ordering from Capital Expenditure is N21.9 billion, that of Recurrent Expenditure is N23b, totalling N44.9billion.

    Re-ordering were drawn from some Ministries, Department and Agencies MDAs, and pumped into other MDAs that needed funds for critical projects

    The total Capital Expenditure for the budget is now N404.3billion, Recurrent Expenditure, N258.2billion. bringing the total to N662.6 billion

    Ambode’s letter to the Assembly, requesting for the re-ordering was read  on September 6, It was passed to the House Committee on Economic Planning and Budget for scrutiny.

    In his letter, Ambode said  the re-ordering is to “enhance efficient delivery of services and world class infrastructure to the people of the state”.

    The objectives of the re-ordering as contained in the commitee’s report which was adopted by the House include: rehabilitation of hospitals; relocation of the Milke 12 Market; continuous delivery of light-up Lagos initiative; up-scaling of road construction and rehabilitation to ensure connectivity; maintaining fiscal strategy and sustaining expenditure profiles, improving capital expenditure ratio to 61:39 from from its present 50:50, completion of the first phase re-modelling of the Emergency Response System an upgrading of facilities at Cappa and Ikeja Command centres.

  • Lagos demolishes 102 shanties

    Lagos demolishes 102 shanties

    The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Task Force), yesterday demolished off-shore shanties at Ilubirin in Lagos Island Local Government.

    The demolition was led by the task force’s Chairman, Olayinka Egbeyemi, a Superintendent of Police.

    A statement by the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Adebayo Taofiq, said the exercise would create a crime-free environment and ensure  drainage and canals flowed freely.

    It said more than 102 illegal shanties were demolished at Ilubirin off-shore, adding that people living there were served seven days quit notice  which expired last Sunday.

    The task force cautioned against allocating land indiscriminately to people to build illegal shanties/structures.

    The statement said the Bale of Ilubirin, Mr Sumonu Atojinu, thanked the government for giving them adequate notice before the demolition, adding: “Atojinu confirmed that his people are from Badagry and that they first settled at Jankara off-shore for many years doing their fishing business before their illegal shanties were demolished about 28 years ago.

    “He stated that it was when the government demolished their illegal shanties at Jankara that they relocated to Ilubirin”.

    It was gathered that people have been staying at Ilubirin off-shore for more than 23 years. Their main occupation is fishing.

    The community’s youth leader,  Leone Bonu, who said he marked his 30th birthday last month, claimed that he was brought to Ilubirin off-shore by his mother when he was seven years old.

    Bonu appealed to the government to consider them and relocate them to another area where they would continue their fishing business.

  • Why Lagos attracts investors, tourists, by Ambode

    Why Lagos attracts investors, tourists, by Ambode

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday attributed the significant influx of investors and tourists to ongoing aggressive upgrade of infrastructure, especially road construction and rehabilitation.

    Ambode, who spoke in Somolu Local Government at the climax of the inauguration of 114 roads constructed across the 20 Local Government Areas (LGs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), said the infrastructure provided has further improved the status of Lagos locally and internationally.

    The governor, who was represented by Commissioner for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Folarin Coker, said  the infrastructure has further improved confidence of tourists and investors in the state.

    According to him: “Construction of 114 roads not only gives access but further boosts the state’s economy, social welfare, creates employment and provides other benefits within the state.”

    In Isolo LCDA, Ambode inaugurated Panada/Lafenwa Road off Mushin Road in a ceremony attended by the Oba of Isolo, Oba Kabiru Adelaja; Lagos All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman, Chief Henry Ajomale and party chieftains.

    Represented by APC South West Women Leader, Mrs. Kemi Nelson, the governor said that the construction of the roads across the 57 councils has made the Lagos economy the most viable in the country.

    He assured that no effort would be spared to make life more comfortable for residents.

    Sole Administrator of the council, Abimbola Osikoya, thanked the governor for the promise kept by the construction of the road, which she said would improve the economical pursuit of the residents of the area, especially because of its proximity to the popular Aswani Market.

    In Ikeja Local Government, Ambode who inaugurated Onilekere Street, where he was represented by Iyaloja- General, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, said Lagosians should expect nothing but a better and safer Lagos in the next three years.

     

  • Lagos hosts international festival

    Lagos hosts international festival

    Lagos International food and drink festival, the largest celebration of music and culture in Africa, holds from October 14-16 at Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island.

    The festival coincides with the World food day celebrations.

    The festival director, Ike Steve, said: “Nigeria resonates with international audiences well beyond its actual square footage – our music, our creativity and our food all continue to grab global attention.

    “The festival was inspired by audacious, pervasive cultural energy that has translated into the bold flavours of our cuisine and the pungent, heady sensibilities of our spirits.”

    Over 80 corporate organisation and 10,000 visitors are expected to grace the three-day festival.

     

  • Lagos to host Tourism Day celebration

    Lagos to host Tourism Day celebration

    Lagos State will on September 27 host the 2016 World Tourism Day (WTD). The event will take place in Badagry. The Minister of Culture and Information , Alhaji Lai Mohammed, will lead the Federal Government’s delegation to the celebration.

    The theme for this year’s celebration is Tourism for All – Promoting universal accessibility.  World Tourism Day is celebrated on September 27 to foster awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value.

    In a message to the world on the day, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation Secretary General, Mr. Talib Rifai, said: “Tourism has experienced a revolution in the past 50 years. In 1950, there were 25 million international tourists; today there are around 1.2 billion people travelling the world. Travelling has become a huge part of many lives.

    “When travelling, we come across new people, new sights and new ideas. Often, our perception of the world changes as we see more of it. However, we must not forget that for many, travelling can be quite a difficult process.

    “15 per cent  of the world’s population is estimated to live with some form of disability. That is 1 billion people around the world who may be unable to enjoy the privilege of knowing other cultures, experience nature at its fullest and experience the thrill of embarking on a journey to explore new sights.

    “Accessibility for all should be at the centre of tourism policies and business strategies not only as a human right, but also as a great market opportunity.

    “With the world’s population ageing, all of us will benefit sooner or later from universal accessibility in tourism.

    “As we celebrate World Tourism Day, let us recall that all of the world’s citizens have the right to experience the incredible diversity this planet has to offer.”

  • ADUNNI ADE COMMENDS LAGOS STATE’S FREE LEGAL SERVICES

    ADUNNI ADE COMMENDS LAGOS STATE’S FREE LEGAL SERVICES

    A-LIST Nigerian celebrities have come out to support Lagos State Government’s programme aimed at defending the public.

    In that light, the Lagos State’s Ministry of Justice, Office of the Public Defender has held a programme at its Epe Secretariat in a bid to sensitise the public on societal reforms, which saw some Nigerian entertainers lending their voice out to the grassroots.

    Speaking to The Nation, Nollywood actress, Adunni Ade commended the Lagos State government for bringing free justice to the grassroots and campaigning against societal menace.

    “Creating awareness for more people in Lagos State, especially those in the Epe Area is a testimony that the government has the plight of the people at heart. This concept is very good for the litigation of the society,” she said.

    Actor Yemi Shodinmu who was also there to lend out his voice expressed enthusiasm about the government’s commitment to social justice.

    He said; “There is something I have always been interested in, and it is fighting against oppression. When I got the opportunity to come and do what I enjoy doing from the office of the public defender, I didn’t hesitate because this is something that concerns everyone and it is of societal norms.”

    The director, Office of Public Defender, Salami Olubukola made known the significance of the programme.

    “Today’s event is all about justice. What Lagos State government is saying is that irrespective of your age or religion, you have a right to justice. We want to provide free legal services to the people of this locality.

    “What we have done today is that we have brought justice to the grassroots’ level of the society. We have a high court located in this locality as we speak now, we even have the toll-free line which people can call and they will be attended to.”

  • Car dealer jailed five years for stealing N9.5m

    Car dealer jailed five years for stealing N9.5m

    An Ikeja High Court, Lagos Thursday sentenced a car salesman, Michael Ugochukwu Nkwocha, to five years in prison for stealing N9, 500,000 from his uncle, Mr. Patrick Ekeh, resident in the United States of America (USA).

    Justice Kudirat Jose found Nkwocha guilty on a count of stealing contrary to Section 39 of the Criminal Code Law of Lagos State, 2011, following over two years of trial.

    Nkwocha was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on December 13, 2013 on charge No. ID/435C/13.

    The commission said sometime in January 2011, he converted the N9.5m, property of Ekeh, with intent to defraud.

    Nkwocha pleaded not guilty and was granted N2,000,000 bail.

    During trial, EFCC witness, Mrs. Francisca Okorafo, testified that she was the complainant’s elder sister and that he shipped cars to her in Nigeria from the US.

    Okorafo said because of an educational programme she was running at the time, she handed over the car sales business to their cousin, Nkwocha.

    The court heard that between 2008 and 2010, Ekeh shipped over 28 vehicles to Nkwocha in Lagos.

    After an audit in 2010, Nkwocha could not account for four vehicles: two Honda Accord cars, one Infinity and a Toyota Land Cruiser Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV).

    Another EFCC witness, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Sunday Afolayan told the court that during interogation, Nkwocha admitted selling the four vehicles for N10, 500,000 out of which he reportedly gave someone N3, 500,000 without Ekeh’s permission.

    Mrs. Anita Imo was prosecution counsel while Mr. G. T. Agbaeren represented the defendant.

  • Lagos community gets kits for indigent pupils

    Ponle Golden Lions Club, Ipaja, Lagos has a vision for the indigent pupils and out-of-school children in the seedy Ipaja area of Lagos.

    Lion (Prince) Adeyemi Aderemi, revealed this after his official presentation to the public as the President of the Ponle Golden Club penultimate Saturday by the District Governor, Waheed Kadiri, at the Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

    The colourful event was chaired by Senator Gbenga Kaka.

    The four-year-old Club, Aderemi said, would take improvement of the condition of school pupils in Ipaja seriously, even as he said that in the next one year, efforts would be made to complement the efforts of the state and local governments to improve education standard.