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Tag: lagos

Supreme Court affirms death sentence for murder accuse

The Supreme Court on Friday upheld the judgment of a Lagos High Court sentencing a man, Nonso Okeke to death for murder of one Chinwe Ofomatu on October 28, 2004.

The Appeal Court according to a statement by the state Deputy Director, Public Affairs in the Ministry of Justice, Bola Akingbade had earlier affirmed the judgment of the lower court.

Okeke was convicted by the Lagos High Court on April 13, 2010 for the offence of conspiracy to commit murder and murder of Ofomatu at her residence in House 18, A Close, Road 403, Festac Town.

He was found guilty of the allegations, convicted and sentenced to death by the Court.

Specifically, Okeke was convicted and sentenced to death by the trial court for conspiracy and murder contrary to Sections 324 and 319(1) of the Criminal Code Act Cap 17, Laws of Lagos State, 2003.

Dissatisfied, Okeke approached the Court of Appeal in Lagos and asked that the judgment of the lower court be upturned.

But the appeal failed as the appellate court dismissed the application.

Again, Okeke took his case before the Supreme Court in Abuja and asked that the judgments of the lower courts be upturned.

While arguing the case before the apex court, the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem had urged the court to dismiss the appeal and uphold the judgments of the lower courts.

Kazeem, who was represented by the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution, Mrs. Idowu Alakija and Mr Justin Jacobs had argued that the appeal was devoid of merit, and ought to be dismissed.

In its judgment, the apex court upheld the arguments canvassed by the State Government, and held that the appeal of Nonso Okeke lacked merit.

The court, in the lead judgment delivered by Justice Musa Dattijo Muhammed thereafter dismissed the appeal and upheld the decision of the lower courts.
In its judgment, the apex court upheld the arguments canvassed by the State Government, and held that the appeal of Nonso Okeke lacked merit.

The court, in the lead judgment delivered by Justice Musa Dattijo Muhammed thereafter dismissed the appeal and upheld the decision of the lower courts.

January 23, 2016
Lagos implements new education policy

To promote functional and qualitative education in public schools, Lagos State government yesterday disclosed plans to implement a new policy called 3600Education.

The state government said the policy is in fulfilment of its campaign promise to improve infrastructure renewal in public schools to make teaching and learning environment more conducive for better performance.

The new policy was revealed by the Deputy Governor; Dr Idiat Adebule at a two-day retreat held at Golden Tulip Hotel, Festac Town, Lagos.

The retreat was organised by the Department for International Development (DFID) and Education Sector Support Programme in Nigeria (ESSPIN) to review the state’s education development agenda and opportunities.

Dr Adebule said the new model schools will be fully equipped with the state of the art learning facilities that will attract children to learn.

The deputy governor who supervises the state ministry of education added that the newly approved school building under the new policy would provide spaces for visual and literary arts, sciences, visual and expressive school history, library and media centres, sports/common space, ICT unit and other facilities necessary for quality teaching and learning.

Adebule, who disclosed that the State Executive Council at its last meeting approved the new policy for the state, added that government would ensure a significant improvement in teaching methods and staff quality including the introduction of technology based instructional tools to achieve better performance outcomes in all public schools in the state.

January 23, 2016
Royal family tasks Lagos govt

We have not chosen any candidate to succeed the late Oba Yinusa Ayeni, the Onisiwo Royal Family in Lagos Island has told the state government.

Addressing newsmen, Alhaji Oduwole, the overall head of the Onisiwo Royal Family said: “For the past 39 years, the Onisiwo Royal Family has been disorganised. Our being silent since the departure of Oba Yinusa Ayeni was not that we are ignorant and irresponsible. The family has been busy doing re-organisation and rehabilitation assignments.

”The issue of installing a successor to the late Oba Yinusa Ayeni is not a priority and it is still an ongoing process which should not be done in a hurry. This is to ensure that the fit and proper son of Onisiwo Royal Family is selected for the Onisiwo royal throne. Once again, I would like to inform His Excellency, governor Akinwumi Ambode, the Honourable Commissioner of Local Government Affairs, Sanuth Abdul Jabar Babatunde, the entire class of Idejo, HRM Oba of Lagos and his chiefs, the general public and the press that the issue at hand now is that of re-organisation of the Onisiwo Royal Family.

“I, Alhaji Sikiru Akanni Oduwole have not announced or raised up any candidate’s hand for the position of Oba Onisiwo of Itomaro, Abagbo, and its environs.

“In view of the above, I am using this medium to implore those that are parading contestants or thinking candidates on the royal family of Onisiwo to desist henceforth.”

January 23, 2016
Lagos begins implementation of 3600 policy

Lagos State government Friday disclosed plans to implement new educational policy initiatives – 3600Education – to promote the growth of functional and qualitative education across the state.

The state government said the policy is in fulfillment of its campaign promise to improved infrastructure renewal in public schools to make teaching/learning environment more conducive for better performance.

Deputy Governor Dr Idiat Adebule said this at a Two-Day Retreat held at Golden Tulip Hotel, Festac Town, Lagos.

The retreat was organised by the Department for International Development (DFID) and Education Sector Support Programme in Nigeria (ESSPIN) to review the state educational development agenda and opportunities.

Dr. Adebule said the new model schools will be fully equipped with the state of the art learning facilities that will attract children to learn

The deputy governor who also doubles as the supervisor of education in the state, added that the newly approved school building under the new policy would provide spaces for visual and literary arts, sciences, visual and expressive school history, library and media centres, sports/common space, ICT unit and other facilities necessary for quality teaching and learning.

Adebule, who disclosed that the State Executive Council at its last meeting approved the new policy for the state, added that government would ensure a significant improvement in teaching methods and staff quality including the introduction of technology based instructional tools to achieve better performance outcomes in all public schools in the state.

While expressing confidence that the new 3600Education policy is an initiative that will raise the standard of education, she assured that the state government will not relent in partnering with notable quality education support organisations around the world to ensure success of its educational policies.

The deputy governor while calling on all stakeholders in the education sector to double their efforts to achieve government desire for success in the sector, urged members and leaders of various Community Development Associations (CDAs) to join hands and support government initiatives by ensuring adequate protection for schools infrastructure in their areas so that government huge investment in education will not be a waste.

Earlier in her opening remarks, DFID South / West Acting Regional Coordinator, Mrs. Margaret Fagboyo said the retreat was to help the state to achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in education.

She said her organisation will continue to support the state government in the planning and implementation of its policies in education because of its important position as a role model state in the country.

January 22, 2016
British Council, FirstBank announce Lagos Theatre Festival 2016

The British Council has, for three years, been working on a theatre programme to stimulate innovation in theatre practice in Nigeria. The council sought to offer opportunities for professional exchange between Nigerian and British theatre makers and this birthed the Lagos Theatre Festival in 2012.

This year, Lagos Theatre Festival returns bigger and better than ever as part of UK/Nigeria 2015 –16; a major season of arts in Nigeria aimed at building new audiences, creating new collaborations and strengthening relationships between the UK and Nigeria. First Bank of Nigeria Limited is a major promoter of the British Council Lagos Theatre Festival 2016 as part of its First@arts initiative.

In preparing for the UK/Nigeria 2015–16 season of Arts, the British Council desired to engage New Voices in Theatre and requested the submission of scripts for the Lagos Theatre Festival from emerging playwrights who were asked to reflect the experiences of young people living in Lagos today. A record number of 64 applications were received over a four week period and four plays were shortlisted by a panel of writers for a creative writing workshop and script development.

The plays are: Every Single Day by Olubunmi Familoni, The Wait by Bode Asiyanbi, Barcode Dialogue by AtinukeAweda and Dialing Love by Paul Ugbede. The winning playwrights have been awarded a cash prize of #100,000 each with an option of producing their plays at the Lagos Theatre Festival scheduled for February 23 – 28 2016.

First Bank of Nigeria Limited is a prime promoter of the creative arts industry in Nigeria is supporting the arts under the auspices of the First@arts initiative which is driven by the quest to promote the arts and preserve cultural heritage. Through First@arts, FirstBank has encouraged home-grown human capacity development and enhanced the creation of employment opportunities within the arts industry, thereby creating a sustainable value chain and contributing to the growth and development of an evolving art economy in Nigeria. The Bank is pleased to support the Lagos Theatre Festival even as it promotes new talents in the creative arts industry. FirstBank believes that promoting the arts and preserving contemporary culture is essential for our generation and the future generations.

The Lagos Theatre Festival 2016 will take place at several venues on Lagos Island and the mainland with a curated programme running alongside a fringe strand ofaffiliated performances allowing a greater than ever number of artists and audiences to take part.

January 21, 2016
Ambode welcomes admission of Lagos into Odua group

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Wednesday expressed joy and enthusiasm on the admission of the state as the sixth member of the Odu’a Group.

Ambode, in a statement by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Steve Ayorinde, described it as a major landmark in the effort of the South-Western states of Nigeria toward regional integration.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the decision to admit the state to Odu’a Group was taken at the end of a meeting of the five governors of Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Osun and Ekiti States in Ibadan on Tuesday.

Ambode said he believed that the drive toward regionally integrating the region could not be effectively pursued if all the states in the region did not combine their resources and maximise their comparative advantages.

According to him, this will help to build a strong regional infrastructural and social link amongst the states.

“Lagos joining the Odu’a Group is a priority for this administration,” he said.

According to him, the state, with its huge population and vibrant economic base, is uniquely placed to contribute to the development and growth of the Odu’a Investment Company Limited.

He said that the state was poised to contribute to the investment arm of the group and the integration of the region.

The governor expressed his gratitude to the group for the decision and looked forward to his government working with other states toward the betterment and development of the region and its people.

January 20, 2016
Odu’a admits Lagos as sixth owner

•To raise capital to N20b

Lagos State was yesterday admitted into the fold of owners of Odu’a Investments Company Limited.

Odu’a Group is the investments business group of the five Southwest states of Osun, Oyo, Ondo, Ogun and Ekiti.

The decision ended four years of debates among the previous five owner-states over consideration that Lagos State should be admitted into the fold because it is a Yoruba state like the others.

The announcement was made yesterday after a marathon meeting of governors of the five states at the Cocoa House, Ibadan headquarters of the conglomerate.

At the meeting were Governors Rauf Aregbesola (Osun); Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun); Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo); Oyo State Deputy Governor Moses Alake-Adeyemo and his Ekiti State counterpart Olusola Kolapo.

Mimiko, who read the communiqué after the meeting, said the governors and board members took far-reaching decisions at the meeting- two most important of which were the approval of a five-year strategic plan for raise the company’s revenue from its current N4 billion to N20 billion and agreement to admit Lagos as the sixth owner-state.

Mimiko said: “We took some far-reaching decisions. We have taken the decision to reposition Odu’a Investment as the engine room of economic growth and development of the Southwest. We have just approved a five-year strategic plan to grow the revenue base of the company from N4billion to N20billion by 2019.

“We have also agreed in principle to admit Lagos State as part of the Odu’a Group. Based on this renewed interest in Odu’a Group, as the engine room of the economic growth in the Southwest, as governors and proprietors, we have also decided that we will now meet with the board and management quarterly.”

The Ondo governor also emphasised the determination of owner-states to reposition the conglomerate because of its strategic advantage to drive economic growth in the Southwest.

The Chairman, Board of Directors, Chief Isaac Akintade, reminded the governor’s of the payment of N167 million dividend to the five states last October as part of the first major steps in repositioning the company. The payment came after a six-year drought in dividend payment.

Akintade said the five-year strategic growth plan was generated with inputs from shareholders, stressing that the board and management of the company was committed to the plan.

Also at the meeting were Secretaries to the State Government (SSGs) of the five states.

January 20, 2016
Beyond blood premieres in Lagos

The much anticipated star-studded movie, Beyond Blood, premiered at the Silverbird Galleria Victoria Island, Lagos, last Thursday.

The movie reflects on the life of a young lady who, after series of uncontrollable events, decides to run away from her fears and gets caught in a cycle of unpleasant circumstances.

Speaking at the premiere, the director of the movie, Greg Odutayo, revealed that it took five years to come up with such brilliantly written and captivating story

“It took us a long time to come up with this movie,” he said.

“We’ve been working on it for five years now and we worked continuously so we can get a good result. We don’t want to look at it as a social movie. We want people to look at it as a movie that entertains and one that has social issues being dealt with. We don’t want anyone tagging it and saying it’s about prostitution or human trafficking.

“What we aimed for essentially was a bloody good story that will entertain our audience, keep them glued and at the same time push up that message and that is what we went for and I am happy we achieved it.”

Actor Joseph Benjamin, who played a major role in the movie, also spoke at the premiere, saying: “This movie is totally different, it’s something that I see in a different light and there is a lot more it demanded from me, and that was what drew me to it.”

Beyond Blood also has the likes of Kehinde Bankole, Shan George, Ijeoma Grace Agu, Wole Ojo, Deyemi Okanlawon, Carol King and a host of others as cast members.

January 19, 2016
LAGOS UNVEILS LOWEST EMPOWERMENT RATE IN WEST AFRICA

Lagos State government has made goood its promise to create N25 billion Empowerment Trust Fund aimed at granting soft loans to young entrepreurs in the state within the next four years with the interest rate of about one percent administrative charges on the loan is unrivalled all across the country and the whole of West Africa.

The State Government also promise to make the loan accessible to every qualified Lagosian who has convincing business ideas and innovations regardless of status, loc-ations, beliefs or political affiliations, saying that the newly constituted board members in charge of the Trust Fund were compositions of impeccable individuals mainly from the private sector with just two government officials.

Speaking in Lagos on Monday in an interview session with the Job show Africa, the State Commissioner for Wea-lth Creation and Employment, Hon. Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti expressed the belief that rate of unemployment across the State would have been reduced drastically before the expiration of the four year term of the Employment Trust Fund.

The Commissioner said that it is not loan that basically prosper the business of an entrepreneur but the enabling environment provided by government would assist in making other job areas attractive through provision of good environment for business activities to thrive rather than allowing the populace concentrate on the few available job areas like the multinationals, oil companies, banking sectors and the civil service.

Explaining how the issue of unemployment gained prominence in the country, Hon. Durosinmi-Etti traced the history of the skyrocketed rate of unemployment to non inclusive school curriculums in area of skills acquisition which according to him forms part of cognitive value that had gone into extinction.

“When examining the issues of unemployment, it is pertinent to study it from the indices perspective. There is disaggregated unemployment, underemployment and structural unemployment. This implies that there are graduates seeking for employment where their expertise is not needed but are bent on having such jobs because of the monetary turnovers” the Commissioner explained, advocating renewed value reorientation among job seekers and young entrepreneurs.

He said that with the determination of the present administration in the State to address the skill gap deficiency in the State through investment in skills acquisition centres to meet up with present day’s needs and demands, the influx of foreign artisans into the country would become a history.

He described the situation where the jobs that could be undertaken by Nigerian artisans are given to artisans from neighbouring countries as worrisome, stressing that the trend could be reversed if the home-based artisans are equipped with qualitative skills that would be more attractive to the private sector.

“Presently, about sixty to seventy per cent of skilled jobs in our country is being handled by foreign artisans, the Lekki Free Trade Zone as of today, has the deficit skill gap of almost 2,000 technicians that they couldn’t get among our artisans, contractors handling construction works in the country comes into Nigeria with their workers because they don’t have confidence in our artisans so I kept wondering that can’t we have Nigerians who have those vocational skills who could also bridge the gap of the over fifty percent unemployment rate in the State?” said the Commissioner.

The Wealth Creation boss, however pleaded with Lagosians to give the change mantra in the State a chance, trust the present administration in the State and be progressive partners towards the attainment of a Lagos that will be the cynosure of all eyes in eradication of unemployment.

January 18, 2016
Countdown to Access Bank Lagos City Marathon: 70,000 runners indicate interest

• As organizers hope to hit hundred thousand marathoners

Eighteen days to the much talked about athletics event meant to kick start the athletics calendar in the country, organisers of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon have stated that 70,000 runners have picked up forms to take part in the maiden edition of the 42km race.

In a chat with the media officer of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Kayode Thomas, he noted that 51 foreign athletes and 50 athletes were set to take part in the race slated for February 6.

He said: “We are expecting more foreign athletes to show interest. We already have 51 foreign athletes and 50 elite athletes who have shown interest. We have also exhausted about 70,000 forms for participants and we are expecting to reach our target of 100,000 partipants in the next few days. The media accreditation is ongoing and also volunteers are expected to come in for accreditation.”

Meanwhile, about N92 million is up for grabs for marathoners who can run from the Old Lagos (National Stadium Surulere) to New Lagos (Eko Atlantic City), a distance of 42.195 kilometres, in less than three hours, Lagos City Marathon is indeed a sure bet cash cow for those who earn their living running road races and marathons around the world.

Its prize money of $50,000 each, for the first male and female winners, makes it one of the two most lucrative marathons in Africa, the other being the Comrades Marathon in Durban, South Africa. It also ranks among the world’s best.

January 18, 2016