The Nation Newspaper

Tag: lagos

  • LAGOS WELCOMES NEW FUN SPOT

    FUN-LOVING Nigerians resident in one of the nation’s commercial nerve centres, Lagos, are in for a treat, as Allied Thrust and Systems Nigeria Limited has unveiled its latest offering, Funplex Park and Rides.

    Situated at the Centre for Management Development (CMD), Magodo, the centre provides breath-taking atmosphere, safety and a thrilling experience for the whole family.

    Welcoming guests to the unveiling of the complex, Chief Operating Officer of Funplex, Vivian Nwasike, said that the games at the park is capable of developing the IQ of children and increasing their mental alertness.

    “We guaranty fun and entertainment to our customers as we specialize in creating exciting and exhilarating moments for kids, families, schools and more. Fun, in its own peculiar way, boosts the confidence of children. And so I advise parents to always take their kids out. Some of our rides are thrilling so they give kids the drive to be adventurous. Most families don’t have that bonding time; they don’t have places to go to and have a good time, so basically, this park caters for the need of everyone. It is a getaway spot for all,” she said.

    Part of activities the amusement park hosts include: Pirate Ship, Carousel, Frog Jumping, Ocean Wave Flying Chair, Bumper cars and Bouncing Castle.

    “We have invested over three billion in the complex and other aligning businesses to create an integrated entertainment complex since we won the bid as the concessionaire of the Centre for Management Development,” she added.

  • Navy nab three suspected stowaways in Lagos

    Navy nab three suspected stowaways in Lagos

    Three Nigerians who boarded a Europe bound Merchant Vessel have been arrested by operatives of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT.

    The suspects, Okechukwu Obi, 17; Joseph Tunji, 29, and Ismaila Olaniyi, 28, who were caught onboard MT TORM MARINS were Thursday handed over to the police for prosecution.

    They were said to have boarded the vessel through the rudder trunk and accessed manhole while the ship berthed at the National Oil Jetty (NOJ), Apapa, to discharge petroleum product.

    Handing over the suspects to the police, Commander, NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Abraham Adaji said that investigation revealed that the suspects illegally boarded the vessel, with intent to travel abroad.

    He said they were discovered by the ship company while the merchant vessel was carrying out routine maintenance.

    Adaji who decried the spate of Nigerians travelling abroad illegally, noted that the suspects might have been thrown overboard if the vessel had left Nigerian waters.

    He warned Nigerians to desist from the act, noting that it was the third time Obi has been arrested for the same offence.

    Adaji said: “This would be the third time Okechukwo Obi would be arrested by naval operatives from BEECROFT. He was arrested in December but because the ship he illegally boarded had concluded her transaction in Nigeria and was about leaving, there wasn’t sufficient evidence to prosecute him and so, he was warned and released.

    “Surprisingly, two weeks after that incident he was arrested again, during our investigation, it was discovered that this would be the third time he has been arrested while trying to travel onboard a ship illegally.

    “We are appealing to the Police to diligently prosecute the suspects as their actions show that they would do all within their means to board another ship illegally.

    “They may not be so lucky next time  as the ship’s crew might throw them overboard for fishes to eat while at sea,” he said.

    But the suspects seemed undeterred in their quest to travel as they told The Nation that they must leave Nigeria.

    Obi who was paraded last year by the Navy and handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) alongside seven others said he would rather die trying than continue to suffer in Nigeria.

    “If God says I should die, then I die. All those people that were arrested with me last year have all travelled. All of them are in Brazil and they are always calling me.

    “I must make it because I am tired of this life. Anytime you go out to look for job, they will ask you to go and bring surety. Where will I get surety? I only have my grandmother who is in the village in Imo State.

    “I went to learn how to repair generator and I was told to bring surety. I don’t have a house. I sleep inside bus where I work as conductor and get N500 or N700 daily. How will I survive?

    “I have made up my mind that I must go to Brazil like my firends. We bought two bags of pure water, gala and garri that was supposes to last us 20 days on the journey. But we have finished them here. I will keep trying until I succeed,” he said.

    Similarly, Olaniyi who claimed his father was a retired soldier said he was fade up with the hardship on Nigeria, adding that police usually clamped down on them because they have nothing doing.

    “I used to work as a labourer at Ogombo in Ajah, but now, there is no job. I am from Ondo state. I am a street boy, but I am not a criminal. And it is because I do not want to become a criminal that I want to go out there and hustle,” he said.

  • Lagos RRS choppers locate crashed helicopters

    The quick location and rescue of the Bristow Group helicopter which crashed while heading to Lagos from Port Harcourt on Wednesday was aided the three helicopters of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) recently purchased by the state government.

    The RRS helicopters are part of the security equipment purchased at a cost of N4.7billion by the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration with the aim of beefing up security as well as aid in emergency rescue operations.

    Commander of the RRS, Olatunji Disu, said that immediately the command was alerted of the crash on Wednesday morning, the three helicopters were immediately deployed to commence a search for its possible location.

    “We knew they just took off at the airport. Everybody thought the helicopter crashed in their air field. But we immediately deployed the three RRS helicopters into the air and started the search.

    “After some time the crashed helicopter was located 68 nautical miles out of Lagos on the ocean and we were able to communicate with the company”.

    He said Shell, Agip and Mobil oil companies provided speed boats, while the RRS Marine Boat was also deployed to join the search and rescue operations.

    “LASEMA, Airport Police and others and the Fire Service were at the airport waiting, because they had thought that the crash occurred at the airport, but the RRS helicopters acting on information hovered around the air until the location of the crash was identified in the ocean”, Disu said.

    He said all the 11 persons on board the crashed helicopter; nine passengers and the two crew members were rescued alive, attributing it to the adherence of safety measures by the passengers and the timely intervention of rescue operations.

    “The joint effort of the rescue team spearheaded by the RRS in collaboration with Shell, Agip and Mobil oil companies went a long way to save the lives of those on board. Only the pilot sustained injuries”, he said.

  • Lagos gives illegal abattoir operators two weeks to shut down

    Lagos gives illegal abattoir operators two weeks to shut down

    THE Lagos State Government yesterday gave unauthorised abattoirs operators two weeks to shut down.

    Commissioner for Agriculture Toyin Suarau said the measure was to guarantee wholesomeness in meat processing.

    He said there was need to monitor meat processing from the animal markets to the abattoir, and transportation.

    The government, he said, was significantly handling distribution by introducing the Eko Refrigerated Meat Van which is now used to transport meat.

    “Government will continue to close down illegal abattoir and slaughter Slabs which are not hygienic and not in compliant with the relevant laws governing meat slaughtering in the state,’’ Suarau said.

    He said animal slaughtering was still a big issue because a lot of animals must be inspected before and after slaughtering according to the meat inspection law.

    “The danger with unrecognised abattoir is that the animals slaughtered there are not inspected by veterinary professionals to detect the one that has diseases or pregnant ones because it is illegal to slaughter pregnant animals,’’ he added.

    According to him, operators of illegal abattoirs located within military cantonments and barracks in the state, where veterinary officers are denied access are to close down within two weeks, stressing that government can no longer tolerate such illegal practice.

    “We have veterinary officers deployed to all recognised abattoir in the state to inspect and certify the meat hygienic for human consumption and that is why we are advocating that all illegal abattoirs in the state should be shut down,” he said.

    The authorised abattoir, according to Suarau, are Abattoir and Lairage Complex in Agege, Achakpo Mechanised Abattoir in Ajegunle, Ologe Mechanised Abattoir Badagry (under construction), Matori Slaughter Slab, Itire Slaughter Slab, Ilaje Slaughter Slab, Ikorodu Slaughter Slab, Badagry Slaughter Slab and Epe Slaughter Slab.

  • Lagos fuel tanker fire leaves more than 30 homeless

    Lagos fuel tanker fire leaves more than 30 homeless

    • Residents, business operators count losses

    For years, Patrick Mbeh lived in fear of a fire disaster. His house, number 122, Lawanson Road in Lagos, is located beside a filling station. In the evening of Thursday, January 29, 2016, Mike’s fears were confirmed when the MRS filling station along the popular Lawanson road went up in flames after a fuel tanker exploded while discharging its contents.

    Speaking with The Nation, Mbeh, who claimed that he lost everything to the fire, said he was in the Ajah area of Lagos when he was called that his house was on fire. “I have lived here for around 30 years. Since I started living here, I always had the fear that one day, there might be fire outbreak. Unfortunately, my fears were confirmed on Thursday when the filling station went up in flames and spread to our house. i lost everything because my family could not rescue anything. I just thank God that nobody was killed.”

    A visibly distraught Mbeh said the residents of the building have been made homeless by the fire, calling on good-spirited Nigerians and the government to come their aid. “As you can see, we have all been made homeless. Aside from losing all our property to the fire, we presently don’t have where to lay our heads. I want to appeal to Nigerians and the government to please come to our assistance. They should help us so that we can have where to sleep.”

    Ironically, one of the offices in the destroyed building sold fire extinguishers. The company, Profile Ventures, was completely destroyed by the fire. A friend of the owner of the company, John Okhimhe, said the workers in the company were unable to evacuate the goods in the shop, as the rampaging fire quickly spread through the building.

    The fire, which eyewitnesses said started at about 5pm, destroyed everything in its path, including a residential building located beside the filling station, the fuel tanker and two cars parked inside the fuel station at the time.

    According to Rufus Olowoyeye, a taxi driver, whose parking lot is located adjacent to the filling station, the tanker was discharging fuel when it caught fire. “I was outside here when suddenly we heard a loud noise. When I looked, I saw that the filling station was on fire. All efforts to put out the fire were futile, as it quickly spread to the building beside the filling station. It was a very scary experience, as everybody ran for their lives.”

    The owner of the filling station, Reverend Boniface Williams, would not speak on the incident when The Nation called his phone number. The man of God, probably still in shock, simply refused to speak, saying: ‘’I don’t want to say anything for now.”

    The filling station was completely destroyed, leaving the carcass of the fuel tanker and two cars.

    But, aside Reverend Williams, the biggest loser to the fire is Celestine Elom, the owner of two different supermarkets located in the destroyed building. One of the shops sold wine and other sophisticated drinks, while the other sold general goods.

    Elom’s brother, who spoke with The Nation, said the fire caught the people by surprise. “We could not rescue anything from the shops. The fire started suddenly, and what anybody could think of at the time was safety. We just stocked the shops before this fire. It is a very big loss for us.”

    Mrs Adegbite’s shop is located a little distance away from the entrance of the filling station. In the last 10 years since she started her business, she had improved her business, selling assorted drinks and food. “I have been here for about 10 years now. I sold drinks and food, and it is from the proceeds from this business that I assist my family to make sure that our children receive good education.”

    But the fire has left the Adegbites inconsolable and unsure of what the future has in stock for their family. “I don’t know what to say for now,” she said amid tears. “As you can see, I was not able to take anything from the shop. The fire has destroyed us and we don’t even know what to do for now,” she added.

    53-year-old Mike Mbeh was at work when the fire that consumed his home started. His efforts to get back home to rescue some of his property ended in futility, as the house was completely destroyed by the time he got home. Mike said he is left with the only dress he had on before the fire.

    “I was not home when the fire started. It had destroyed everything before I rushed back home. For now, I don’t have any cloth to wear. The cloth I am wearing is the only one that I have left.”

  • Lagos lights up Third Mainland Bridge

    In line with the ongoing statewide “Operation Light up Lagos” project, the Lagos State government has completed the illumination of the Third Mainland Bridge.

    The project begins from the Ojodu Berger section of the bridge and covers the entire sections of the bridge.

    A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Steve Ayorinde, says:” The Third Mainland Bridge constitutes an important segment of the road network in the state, as such, the state government cannot overlook its importance as it also serves as a connecting point to the high brow economic pot of the state.

    He further explained that the effort is to fulfill the 24/7 economy promised by the state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, during his electioneering campaign period.

    “The economy of Lagos has gone beyond the day driven transactions, as such, the night economy component should be fully developed.

    “Every businessman wants to invest in a safe and secured environment. Once an investor is assured that the operating environment is safe and secured; the assurance of more investment is guaranteed,” Ayorinde said.

    Other reason for this project, the statement said, is geared towards promoting further collaboration with the Federal Government, which is expected to go a long way to cement a good working relationship as well as boost the economy of the state and Nigeria.

    Some other areas that have been lit up under this project include, Ikorodu to Lagos Island, Ikeja, Oshodi, Victoria Island and Ikoyi, Eko Bridge, among others.

  • Ndlea arrests 18 suspects in Lagos drug raid, recovers 216.8kg of cannabis

    Ndlea arrests 18 suspects in Lagos drug raid, recovers 216.8kg of cannabis

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended eighteen suspected drug peddlers during a comprehensive raid operation in Lagos.

    Suspected dried weeds that tested positive for cannabis with a total weight of 216.8kgs were also seized during the assignment.

    Some of the places covered during the operation included Obalende, Alaba Rago, Lagos Island, Isheri Idimu and Bolade Market.

    NDLEA Lagos State commander, Aliyu Sule, who described the raid as successful said that three suspected drug dealers among those arrested shall be prosecuted, while others found to be users of drug are undergoing counselling.

    “The command has embarked on a routine raid across Lagos metropolis. Eighteen suspected drug peddlers were apprehended and cannabis weighing 216.8kg, including 119.3kg of abandoned cannabis at Lagos Island, was seized. Fifteen of the suspects found to be problem users had been placed on counselling while three suspected dealers are under investigation and will soon be charged to court”.

    Those under investigation are Iyanda Muri Amoo, 40, caught with 77kg at Gambari Street Lagos Island; Idris Dalhat, 55, arrested with 16.6kg at Alaba Rago and Ibrahim Daneyo, 32, found in possession of 3.9kg of cannabis behind Dodan Barracks Obalende, Lagos. The suspected dried weeds were weighed in the presence of arresting officers, the suspects and other witnesses.

    Ibrahim Danejo, who hails from Taraba State, said that he started the illicit trade some months ago because of joblessness.

    “It is not in my mind to sell hemp, but I am doing it to sustain myself pending when I will get a job. I used to buy hemp on Lagos Island and sell behind the barracks at the Obalende area. If I buy hemp worth N1,500, I can sell it for N3,000. Unfortunately for me, I was arrested with 3.9kg of hemp by NDLEA officers,” Ibrahim stated.

    The agency urged members of the public to provide information on the activities of drug peddlers in their neighborhood.

    It also assured of swift and professional response aimed at eradicating illicit drugs from our society.

  • Lagos partners FG on job creation

    Lagos State government yesterday disclosed plans by the Federal Government to assist in provision of jobs for unemployed youths in the state.

    The decision followed an official visit by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Princess Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, to Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Solomon Dalong, in Abuja.

    Speaking on Thursday in Lagos, Princess Akinbile-Yussuff, disclosed that all plans have been concluded by the Federal Government towards assisting the state in the area of job creation youths who are not gainfully employed in Lagos State.

    She said: “The meeting has just begun to yield positive results. The minister has promised to work in tandem with Lagos State government in alleviating poverty and more importantly, providing jobs for teeming Lagos youths through creation of more job opportunities and empowerment programmes.

    “In addition to the efforts by our amiable governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode in job creation, we also need to solicit for support of the federal government for lasting solutions to unemployment in our society.

  • KekeAds unveils new product for Smes, berths in Lagos

    An answer to the constant struggle by the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria to grow their businesses is now available through a new option, the ‘KekeAds Find Us Noticeboard Advertising’.

    The advantage and higher recall rates of transit media are high compared to any traditional media. A focused research was carried out to highlight the effectiveness for small businesses wishing to reach various segments of the Nigerians.

    After developing the Keke Display system advertising media for big brands, where there is an option of advertising on the inside and outside placed panels, they have moved to developing the concept for the SMEs. The Find Us Noticeboard service allows a number of companies to share the passenger facing panels inside the tricycles. Up to 10 SMEs can optimally use a panel and have enough space to display their messages, addresses and contact numbers to passenger while they commute. The service is very cost effective and from as low as N500 per month, a company can reach an attentive audience.

    The benefits of this advertising, apart from the obvious attention that this media attracts, are many, and as up to 18,000 passenger interactions in a month can be encountered by a  Keke; it has a very low cost per eyeball ratio. It moves with the crowd, catering to a captive audience that has the time to digest and note the numbers of any business they find interesting. The media has immense potential of be used as an innovative form of classifieds advertising.

    The most common myth that many advertisers had with this media is the proof of its effectiveness.

    Head Marketing, Rikies Cakes, Mr. Sam Akubuine, says, ‘the management, apart from being averse to advertising on this media, doubted it would reach its target audience. For this, we tested this media with only 20 Kekes to do a sample study, to our surprise there were numerous calls from interested people which lead to an increase in our sales of birthday and wedding cakes. Such reach to the audience from such a low number of Kekes was totally unexpected and delightful at the same time‘.

    Facing the steep challenge of convincing the advertisers for this new media and its effectiveness, KekeAds has expanded its operations across all the state capitals through strategic alliances with franchise operators and agencies. The national roll-out, which kicked off in November, last year, is offering a special introductory offer to brands wishing to test the system. The Lagos leg of the roll-out will comes up next month.

    Marketing Manager, Mr. I. G. Nwachukwu, said: ‘’Nigeria is a vast market with millions of consumers on the road each day, most of the time stuck in traffic. Many times during the day, these consumers would be inside a Keke for long periods and would then be the best example of a captive, wide demographic audience who have no choice but to absorb the messages displayed in the backs of the Kekes.’’

  • Lagos, Access Bank, partner on CSR

    The Lagos State Government has partnered with Access Bank’ Corporate Operations Division to carry out Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) works. Both institutions have rebuilt Keke Nursery and Primary School Agege, Lagos state.

    The exquisitely built school was handed over to the Executive Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Dr. Ganiu Oluremi Shopeyin, who was represented by Mrs. Adaramosu H.I.

    Access Bank’s Executive Director Operations and I, Ojini Olaghere, who was  as represented by the Head Corporate Operations Division, Banjo Adegbohungbe praised the Lagos State Government for giving the bank the opportunity to share in the welfare of Nigerian pupils.

    “Access Bank is very concerned about the welfare of students in Nigeria, we believe that creating a great environment for learning will greatly improve the standard of education in Nigeria. We decided to rebuild Keke Nursery and Primary School because we understand that the future of our country is hinged on our children and educating them is the responsibility of all. Access Bank takes CSR seriously and we at the Corporate Operations arm are at the fore front of the Bank’s drive,” he said.