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Tag: lagos

  • Honour for Lagos lawmaker

    Apostles of Peace Society, St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Isolo, has given a Peace Award to the Deputy Chief Whip of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Omotayo Odutan. She is hence admitted into the League of Awardees of the church.

    The initiator and National President of the society, Siyanbola Oladapo described Odutan, who is the 2016 recipient of the award as a friendly, free-minded and peace-loving woman who, according to him, is a sister and friend to the church. He added that the Deputy Chief Whip beat six other equally important and very influential nominees to bag this year’s award.

    “By this award ma, even as you continue to champion the cause of peace, God shall look mercifully upon you and promote you beyond your expectation such that you shall also serve the nation at the federal level,” he said.

    In his address delivered during the 18th Anniversary Dinner in Lagos, Oladapo said the apostles of peace was a society that champions the course of peace both at homes, the nation and the world in general.

    He said the society was made up of philanthropic professionals.

    He noted that Nigeria and the world at large needed peace at this moment of turbulence, religious intolerance, insurgency, ISIS devilish penetration and dominance, terrorism, Boko Haram nuances, unemployment-induced crimes, religious organisations being influenced by the worldly things instead of things of the spirit, economic catastrophe and other phenomena that point to the emergence of anti-Christ.

    According to him, the society has not folded its hands, adding that apart from spiritual efforts; the national body had set up a committee to organise a peace lecture that would feature a leading Muslim organisation founder and another influential Christian cleric where we shall attempt to proffer solutions to religious intolerance and encourage harmonious living among people of this nation and the world.

    “The Hausa of Mile 12, the Ijaws, the road transport union, politicians, civil organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), religious leaders and student union leaders, among others, shall air their views at the event. Everyone should support the initiative which would come up soon,” he said.

    He said the society was committed to facilitating conflict resolution and it’s guided by what he described as the church’s five way test; which include: will it glory God, is it Christ like, will it bring peace to the body of Christ, will it contribute to the growth of the church and will it bring peace to the body of Christ?

    He said the church undertakes programmes that would cater for the well-being of all retired men of God, ensures food bank for the less-privileged people on monthly basis, life-touching projects for communities, including water.

    Others were medical screening and treatment, peace grant/scholarship to indigent but poor students, tracts and sponsorship of religious pragrammes, care for the elderly, economic empowerment, worship sanctuary projects, peace club; deliberate stabilising initiatives in churches where we have chapters, youth development and write-ups on conflict resolution.

    Responding, Hon. Odutan said she would appreciate award that would bring about the enhancement of God’s work, adding that every award had its significance.

    “I don’t receive award anyhow, but I always appreciate any award that would bring about the enhancement of God’s work. I have been coming for their anniversaries though quietly. Out of the six of us nominated, I emerged the winner. The award is a very significant one, and I really appreciate it,” she said.

    “It gives me joy to give to people and enhance their well-being. Each and every one of us has a role to play too. My own role is to help people and identify with the church it her philanthropic projects,” she said.

    She said she would want to be remembered as somebody that put smiles on the faces of so many people. It is not how many houses you built but when you contribute to the well-being of fellow humankind, the legacy you leave behind lives after you.

    She challenged other women who are interested to join politics, adding that they would be mentored.

    “Women must first of all evaluate themselves to know if they can do it, do I want to do it and am I capable of doing it?” she said.

  • Lagos family urges Police Commission to probe DCP, others

    The Okunu Eleku family of Oko-Olomi in Ibeju Lekki Local Government Area (LGA) of Lagos State has  asked the Police Service Commission (PSC) to probe the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) OPS, Commander MOPOL 49 and OC Anti-Kidnapping of the Zonal headquarters, Zone 2, for allegedly being used by a land speculator to execute a court ruling by Justice Mufutau Olokoba on July 6, 2015 on their village.

    The family also urged the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and other human rights groups to  probe the alleged violation of the rights of the people of Oko-Olomi without a warrant when the land speculator visited on April 16 and 17, 2016, with the police.

    Justice Olokoba granted the order of possession sought by the claimant, Toll System Development Company Limited “for a parcel of land measuring 1,561.20 hectare covered by a Certificate of Occupancy registered as no 17, page 17 in Vol.  2003T situate at Lakowe Village, Ibeju Lekki, Lagos State from any person who occupies same without the consent or permission of the claimant”.

    The defendant in the suit no LD/4320/2014 filed by the company is “unknown Person”.

    At a press conference in Lagos last week, the family through their lawyer, Bamidele Ogundele, also asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate  the genuiness of the Certificate of Occupancy purportedly issued on the village.

    He said during the invasion, the alleged land speculator, leading other hoodlums with active participation of the Police, “pump action rifles, dane guns, cutlasses and axes were freely used to chase our clients and indigenes of Oko-Olomi from their ancestral home at Oko-Olomi”.

    Ogundele alleged that aside that the ruling said to have been obtained by a senior lawyer was stale, it was wrongly executed on Oko-Olomi community instead of a parcel of land situated at Lakowe within same Ibeju-Lekki LGA.

    Ogundele said the said ruling, which copy was certified by Principal Administrative Officer, High Court of Lagos State, Epe, A. E. Adewuyi on April 14, 2016 “was invalid, stale and enforceable after three months life span in view of Order 53 Rule 7” adding the ruling was obtained on Julu 6, 2015 and the expiring date was October 5, 2015″.

    He said Justice Olokoba did not issue any warrant on the land in Oko-Olomi village, the execution was carried out without sheriffs in accordance with the provisions of Civil Process Act and judgement Enforcement Rules, Laws of the Federation, 2004 and done on a Saturday and Sunday.

    Police spokesperson, Zone 2, Adebowale Lawal, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), however, denied that policemen were used to molest the Oko-Olomi community.

    He said the Police went to the village based on a court order.

    He said: ”There was no any form of molestation, unleashing of terror on the people. The Police is a responsible organisation and would not engage in such things nor act illegally.”

     

  • 850 pupils march for clean Lagos campaign

    850 pupils march for clean Lagos campaign

    Eight Hundred and fifty secondary school pupils from Ilupeju and environs, and Corps members trooped out to support an enlightenment campaign on environmental sanitation.

    The campaign, organised by Brand Phase Empowerment Initiative in collaboration with the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the Lagos State Ministry of Education.

    The ‘environmentalists’, bearing a banner with the inscription “Project Clean up: One Community at a time, marched round Ilupeju with waste bags picking up litter on the streets and in the drains.

    They were led by the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District VI, Mrs Anifowoshe Amidat, Mrs Funmi Fadiji, District Counsellor, Mr Odeyemi Joshua, Principal, Ilupeju Junior Grammar School, and Mrs Bola Olufowobi, among others.

    Mrs Anifowoshe said the exercise was aimed at keeping the environment clean and inculcating in pupils the importance of sanitation to prevent diseases.

    “Encouraging the young ones to know the importance of cleaning the environment will help reduce the rate of sickness in the country and also hospitals will have fewer patients to attend to and it will also prevent the Ebola and Lassa fever diseases in the country,” she said.

    Mr Moses Emorinken, coordinator of Brand Phase Empowerment Initiative, said he hoped that through the project youngsters would start disposing their waste properly and not in undesignated public places.

    “The common thing people do is that when they finish with a drink they just discard on the ground and such behaviour is not good for the environment, so this project is to persuade the people to keep away from such acts and to let them know such acts can endanger their health,” he said.

    Mrs Fadiji described the project as good for the pupils.  If trained, she said, they could be relied upon to pass on the lessons to others.

  • Lagos asks IGP to take over probe of Disu’s death

    Lagos asks IGP to take over probe of Disu’s death

    •White Paper on LFTZ out

    The Lagos State Government has asked Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Solomon Arase to take over investigation into the death of former Lekki Worldwide Limited Alhaji Tajudeen Disu last October 12 at the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ).

    In a White Paper on the recommendation of the tribunal, which probed the October 12, 2015 disturbance at LFTZ, the government said it was imperative that Arase took over the case because of the conflict over Disu’s death.

    Leaders of the Okunraye community where Disu died on October 12, 2015 had claimed that the late Disu was killed by a stray bullet from mobile policemen attached to the area, but the police denied the allegation.

    The government reiterated its commitment to granting investors access at the zone.

    It directed the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives to ensure that outstanding compensation issues were resolved forthwith.

    A statement by Commissioner for Information and Strategy Mr Steve Ayorinde said the ministry was also directed to ensure that the Resettlement Committee is reconstituted in line with the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enable it perform.

    The government directed that “a LFTZ Peace and Security Committee comprising the police and representatives of investors of the affected villages be constituted to receive complaints. It will also resolve issues referred to it, as spelt out in the MoU”.

    It directed the Lands Bureau to prioritise the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy of excised land.

    According to the White Paper, the government accepted the tribunal’s recommendation that cash payments, no matter how meagre, should no longer be received. All payments should be by cheque, duly receipted by the payee in a format that carries the said payee’s name, picture and signature, it said.

  • Lagos trains cattle rearers on zero grazing technology

    Lagos trains cattle rearers on zero grazing technology

    To arrest herdsmen and farmers rift, the Lagos State government on Saturday held a training on zero grazing technology for cattle rearers.

    At the workshop held at the state secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja, Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs Mr Muslim Folami said its objective was to foster peaceful co-existence between livestock and crop farmers and encourage food production.

    He said: “We want to establish and sustain cordial relationship among the cattle rearers and the crop farmers, as well as, ensure that food security status of the state is improved in peaceful and rancour free communities.

    “You will recall that in recent times, there have been incessant conflicts among the cattle herdsmen and the famers due to the encroachment on farms by the cattle. The vagaries of weather have led to shortage of pastures and grasses to the herds, especially in the northern parts of the country, which may be one of the reasons for the southward movement of the herdsmen in the country – Lagos State inclusive.

    “This is supported by increase in number of reported cases of indiscriminate grazing by the herdsmen in the state in recent time. Indiscriminate grazing means cattle are being fed on free range which usually leads to the destruction of crops which usually leads to farmers-pastoralists conflicts. Thus, farmers-pastoralists conflicts are becoming rampant in many parts of the country with attendant loss of lives and properties.”

  • RRS nab suspected phones, jewellery robbers

    RRS nab suspected phones, jewellery robbers

    The Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS) has arrested eight suspected robbers who ambush their victims at night around Ojota, Ketu and Mile 12.
    The suspects are John Obinna; Sunday Ugwu; Dapo Simeon, 27;
    Chinonso Onnogo; Chuka Eze; Kadir Afolabi; Segun Pascal and David Bassey.
    Their arrests were sequel to the attack on two women last Wednesday at MKO Gardens near Ojota.
    The women were said to have alerted RRS operatives stationed in the area on Thursday, prompting the officers to comb the area.
    Having followed the victims to the crime scene, the operatives, it was gathered, met Obinna and Ugwu and after searching them found phones and unused simcards on them, which was later traced to its original owner, Adebayo Ogunleye.
    Confessing to the crime, Simeon who claimed to have lost count of the number of people he had robbed, stated that he graduated into robbery from pickpocketing.
    According to the bricklayer turned ‘robber’, he has been stealing for over three years.
    “I can’t remember the number of phones I have stolen and collected from passersby in Ojota, Ketu and Mile 12. I was trained by Olasege and later Femi. Both of them are my bosses.
    “They live in Mushin, Idioro area. They taught me the job. I usually sell all the phones I steal to Baba Iyabo. He comes to Down Blow area in Mile 12 to collect the phones and jewellery very early in the morning,” he stated.
    Ogunleye who was invited to RRS headquarters stated that he was ambushed between Ojota and Mile 12 and his two phones collected.
    He disclosed that his attacker had injured him on the head with a machete because he was refused to surrender his Microsoft Lumia 535 andTecno T5; as well as his wallet containing Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, among others.

  • 17,000 bags of rice for IDPs saved in Lagos fire

    The Federal Operation Unit, Zone ‘A’ Ikeja, of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at the weekend saved 17,000 of the 18,000 bags of rice stored at the unit’s warehouse for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

    But NCS, it was gathered, could not determine the cause of the fire, which burnt goods estimated at billions of naira, at the time of this report last night.

    Some of the burnt items included expensive imported textiles materials, shoes, bags, new and used clothes and used tyres (tokunboh).

    The items, it was learnt, contributed to the big damage done to the training school and the warehouse.

    The unit’s Public Relation Officer (PRO), Mr Uche Ejesieme, told our reporter that the NCS was awaiting the preliminary report from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).

    As of 9.30 am yesterday, officials of the Lagos State Fire Service and LASEMA were still battling to contain the fire from extending to other parts of the compound and the generator house.

    Half of the training school building had collapsed.

    The fire, the spokesman said, started on Friday after Customs officers from the unit moved over 90 per cent bags of rice in the North.

  • ‘House is working to make Lagos better’

    ‘House is working to make Lagos better’

    Lagos State House of Assembly Deputy Speaker Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni, in this interview with MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE, explains why the House is collaborating with the executive to make the state better.

    How will you score the eight Lagos State House of Assembly since inception?

    The achievement of the Lagos State House of Assembly is quite obvious. The House has been doing its work, with the people of the state as the focal point. We have worked on not less than 35 bills. We have reflected on many motions on the floor, treating each on its merit. The budget was passed in record time. The budget was done with the speed that would enable the government to hit the ground running. We have been supportive and collaborating with the government for the purpose of ensuring that the state is better. We have taken the burden to intervene on the welfare of the people. I think we have been doing our best; there is no doubt about that. We will continue to serve the people as lawmakers and ensure that there is not gap between governance and lawmaking, as far as Lagosians are concerned.

    Lagos State Government said it would no longer restrict movement on sanitation, are there laws to support this position? 

    I think it is still an idea that the executive is tinkering with. But, when they are ready, they will talk to us and I believe the House will handle the matter on its merit. I believe the government wants us to understand that there are other better ways of achieving cleanliness in the state than restricting people to their houses. If the bill is brought to us, we will look at it whether it is in tandem with the aspiration of the state. The state may have identified problem with the old ways and it is seeking to look for an alternative to it. May be, the idea of keeping people indoor during such exercises might be counter-productive. The state definitely has reason for any policy or prgramme it wants to embark on, when it is brought to the floor, we will look at the matter and act in accordance to the law.

    How are you combining your position as Deputy Speaker and representing your constituency?

    The job of a legislature is synonymous with providing collective service to everybody. What you do in the House is a collective responsibility. The motion that you move, would have to be supported by others. You do not have to look at your constituency alone, when you are moving the motion. Others have to support your ideas or proposals. They need to back you up before your bills will see the light of the day. You do not just look at things beneficial to your constituency alone, but across the board. That is the only way you can have the input and support of the others. So, whatever we have done is for the benefit of Lagosians. For me as a representative of Lagos Island, I have been doing what I was elected to do. I have been contributing to motions; personally I have four bills that had passed through first reading. So far, that is the highest any member has sponsored. I have the one on Local Government Service Commission, the one public finance, the one internal committee for local government/council development areas which have passed through first reading.

    President Muhammadu Buhari has declined to assent the budget passed by the Senate. do you think he suspects foul play?

    Is it no sensible for him to re-examine what he sent? It was in the news that when the bill was sent to them, we heard different stories concerning budget padding and others new developments. The money budgeted for the elderly was taken out of the budget which was in the budget initially. I think it is only reasonable to reflect on what he sent to them, whether it was the same thing he got back.

    Your constituency is expecting much from you, what do you really have for them?   

    Lagos Island has always been lucky, no matter who is representing them or the person serving as governor of the state. Lagos Island on its own has lot to offer the state and I know that plans are there to turn the Race Course into tourist centre. We learnt that the light rail commencing from the Island will be completed this year. It is very obvious that Lagos Island is the commercial nerve centre of Lagos. I know that what Lagos State is to Nigeria that is what Lagos Island is to Lagos State.  You still have most of the bank headquarters in Lagos Island even though the federal capital is now Abuja. We have WEMA Bank, Union Bank, UBA and First Bank on Marina, Lagos. Each day over three million people do business on Lagos Island. If you want to verify this, just step on the top of Eko Bridge and take a look on the Island. You will see the huge vehicular movement, the sea of human heads; this is a pointer to it that Lagos Island is the hub of commercial in the state. If you want Lagos State to move, then Lagos Island must move. When I was there as council chairman, we embarked on Lagos Island transportation system. The project was almost 100 per cent completed during my tenure. Lagos Island will soon have its transportation system that will complement the BRT. It will be known as Lagos Island Traffic Authority formerly known as Lagos Municipal Transport Authority. The World Bank bought into the idea and funded the project.

    The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Timi Frank said your party is divided, what do make of this?

    The statements of the Deputy National Publicity Secretary and the National Publicity Secretary are entitled to their views. A political party is an aggregation of various interest groups. It is all about conflicts and conflicts resolution. That is democracy in the real sense of the word. Just as the majority has their ways, the minority must also be heard. For me, I don’t see any conflict in the party. People always have different opinions, but them the majority must rule. The deputy publicity secretary may have reasons why he said what he said. But, I must say this is not the era of politicking, this is the era of governance. The party has worked very hard for the enthronement of the APC at the centre. The government that has been voted into power must work for the people.

  • Let the light shine in Lagos

    It is apparent that the government of Akinwunmi Ambode is geared towards creating and ensuring that a new face of Lagos state is felt by all.  Lagosians must be thankful and grateful that most streets and communities in and around the state are beginning to show that the governor and his team are fully prepared to let electricity light illuminate all the nooks and crannies of the state.

    The state wears a new look at night, that most people, in fact, many families now want to take a stroll at night to wear off the stress of the day.  Only last week, Governor Ambode inaugurated an electricity light project for 67 communities.  These communities are within the Ibeju-Lekki axis of the state and the governor made it clear that the communities would be linked to the national grid.

    It is a clear attempt to ensure that everywhere and every facet of the state is made habitable in order to reduce the insecurity problem and other attendant consequences.  In order that this project is made plausible and very effective, the state government also promised to continue to pay the bills of the residents until the installation of meters in all homes in the 67 communities.

    Today’s Lagos is no longer the Lagos of yesteryears when darkness hounded most corners and hoodlums had easy access to most areas to perpetuate crime.  This Light Up Lagos project in the view of what the governor has to do is to build on tripod of community electrification, strengthen the usefulness of street lighting and ensure that the state is always safe and secure.

    This initiative has indeed seen the light of the day in some areas of the state.  With the full involvement of both private and public sectors, key stakeholders and an advisory committee set up by the government, it is clearly obvious that progress has been made in some key roads and streets and communities in the state.  It is not only that the lights show up continuously at night to encourage people to move about with much ease,  it is equally clear that the state government is genuinely committed to the well-being of the people.

    Just a few weeks ago, a friend of mine had a serious mechanical problem with his car on Third Mainland Bridge.  This was late in the night and there was no one in sight to render help.  However, with the help of one or two people, he was able to push the car to safety before a towing van finally came to the rescue.  This scenario played out well simply because the street lights were fully on and it was impossible for miscreants to operate in such a wonderful setting.  In those days when pitch darkness was the lot of Third Mainland Bridge and other areas, armed robbers, mischief-makers and rapists harassed people with impunity and reckless abandon.

    Governor Ambode promptly amplified his objective for this project when he stressed the fact that his administration has seen the plight of the people of the state.  To him, light symbolizes civilization and hope.  When God said at creation let there be light, He knew that with light and brightness man can exhibit love and cheerfulness.  Cheerfulness has become the sing-song of most residents now, particularly those who work late.  The level of fear of insecurity has reduced to its barest minimum.

    Go to Ikorodu area of the state and see how people walk leisurely in the evenings to savour the beauty provided by the street lights.  With the expansion of the roads and the introduction of the new BRT buses, street light have become a norm.  From 7p.m when the lights are on, till 6.30a.m when they are switched off, many people sit around the corners to either chat or stroll or busy themselves drinking and brooding over life.  There is hardly any fear of molestation.  In fact, the difference between night and day is now a bit difficult to decipher.

    Light is life and Ambode is truly giving life to the people.  One could imagine the joy and sense of Eldorado in the hearts of the residents of these 67 communities who did not see or experience light for five years.  Then suddenly there was light, a well-assured one provided by the leader of the state himself.  This is the sort of situation only leaders with deep sense of humanity can provide.  It is so heartwarming and also reinforces people’s confidence in the ability of the governor to deliver on the dividends of democracy.

    The most binding aspect of the needs of the people must always be identified by a leader who is serious about development.  Governor Ambode has fully demonstrated his readiness to carry his people along in order to continuously perfect the ingredients of development.  This was why he said: “today, we are delighted to say that these 67 communities have been connected to the national grid.  After a due assessment of the situation, we commenced work last year October.  Today it is no longer a promise; it has been realized.  It is a dream come true and these areas can feel the beauty of the government of the state.”

    To make this project come true, the government has adequately provided 33kvA high-tension lines just to serve this primary purpose.  The lines were laid from Ajah sub-station through Lekki to Eleko junction.  And from there also, a high-tension network covering over 131 kilometres spreading to the 67 communities was rehabilitated, with the provision of 86 transformers.  The cost of these have been put at N600 million.  All these were done with the singular hope that the residents themselves and other concerned people do not turn these installations into their personal property.  Hoodlums must not be seen to be the ones tampering with these meters in an attempt to sabotage government projects.

    And like Ambode clearly stated at that occasion: “Beyond fulfilling our promise to these communities, we have also demonstrated our commitment to run an all-inclusive government of which no one will be left behind.  Therefore it is expected that this project will boost the socio-economic activities in this area having suffered untold setback for over five years.”

    He went on to reiterate his readiness to look into similar problems in other areas of the state.  “I am aware that there are other places like this.  Beyond these 67 communities, we have about 34 other communities in Badagry alone with similar challenges.  And today, we are facing these problems with total commitment and resolve.”  And as it is now, before this year runs out this problem in these 34 communities will be a thing of the past.

    The infrastructure of government is gradually resurfacing in these areas to boost people’s confidence in government.  Ambode is a champion in this regard.  His love for what is good; what is pleasant to the eyes; what will give the populace a new glow and more has been his foremost forte.  This shows the mark of commitment only a committed cexecutive can display.  He knows it is time to work; it is time to push aside gimmicks and reach out to the masses.  It is time to move on with the times and then let light and brightness rule the lives of the people.

    This is what Governor Ambode has come to manifest, demonstrating it in ways only his calibre of person can really do.  Therefore let the Light Up Lagos project be allowed and encouraged to prosper for the good of all, after all, light and darkness can never meet – light is synonymous with progress.

  • Lagos sets July 14 as tree planting day

    The Lagos State Government has set aside July 14 as its yearly Tree Planting Day.

    Environment Commissioner Dr Samuel Adejare, who spoke at the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARKS) seminar for the informal sector, said it is part of a wider programme of the government to rehabilitate the environment and address global warming.

    With the theme Impact of Tree Planting on Human Existence, it was held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, earlier in the week.

    He highlighted the important role the informal sector plays in championing tree planting in the state and urged them to support the government on it.

    Adejare said: “It is worthy to note satisfactorily, the significant roles the informal sector played in championing the tree planting course. The members of the Taxi Drivers Association of Nigeria; CDAs (Community Development Authorities); CDCs (Community Development Councils); NGOs (non-governmental organisations); market men and women have really impressed me with the adorning of their parks across the state. They have played significant roles to ensure the success of Tree Planting initiatives across the state.”

    He noted that their support for the state’s tree planting programmes was yielding results, as “other states are now coming to find out how they can replicate this innovation in their respective states with the support of their informal sector”.

    Stressing the need for tree planting, the commissioner said: “Trees contribute to the environment by providing oxygen, improving air quality, climate amelioration, conserving water, preserving soil and supporting wildlife… the main reason we need trees is because they are beautiful gift as nature is and act as natural filters. No two trees are ever alike… Even individual trees vary in appearance throughout the course of the year as the season changes. Most of us react to the presence of trees with a pleasant, relaxed and comfortable feeling. In fact, many plant trees as a living memorial of life changing events.

    “It is for this and several other reasons to enhance human existence that the Lagos State government has set aside a day, specifically July 14th of every year, for the commemoration of tree planting day.”

    Adejare appealed to stakeholders to partner government in its quest to realise its dream of enhancing human existence through a green environment.

    Welcoming participants to the seminar, LASPARKS General Manager Mrs. Abimbola Jijoho-Ogun stressed the place of trees in a thriving environment.

    She listed the benefits of trees to human existence to include prevention of urban heat and climate regulation; pollution control from industrial activities; chemical substances; exhaust fumes. Noise pollution in overcrowded cities are reduced by the number of trees planted as the trees serve as sound breakers; and increase property value, as greenery, which make for aesthetically pleasing areas, attract investors.

    One of the guest lecturers at the seminar, Dr. Saka Jimoh of the Department of Forest Resources Management, University of Ibadan, explained why trees should not be harmed in a short poem.

    He said if trees could speak, they would say: “Ye, who would pass and raise your hand against me, hearken ere you harm me; I am the heat of your heart on the cold winter nights; the friendly shade screening you from the summer sun; and my fruits are refreshing draughts; quenching your thirst as you journey on; I am the beam that holds your house; the board of your table, the bed on which you lie; and the timber that builds your boats; I am the handle of your hoe and the door of your homestead; the wood of your cradle and the shell of your coffin; I am the gift of God and the friend of Man; Ye who pass by, listen to my prayer; Harm Me Not!”