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Tag: lagos

  • Ambode’s new Lagos takes shape

    Ambode’s new Lagos takes shape

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has been busy the last six months. From the health sector to road infrastructure as well as the educational sector, he has had a lot to do. The good news is: the results of his busy schedule are beginning to show.

    On Monday, December 21,  he inspected projects across the state. He was accompanied by top government officials. That day he inaugurated the Ayobo-Ipaja and Ikotun-Ejigbo roads, which were done by the administration.

    At Ipaja, where he inspected and inaugurated the just-completed Ayobo-Ipaja Road, Governor Ambode promised to commence construction works on Ishefun-Ayetoro Road, just as he assured residents that Alimosho would soon become the new Victoria Island.

    He said: “Three months ago, you will all recall that we came to this particular road and we promised the people of Mosan-Okunola that we will deliver the Ayobo-Ipaja Road before Christmas, and it is on the strength of that promise that we are here today. Thank God, we have seen to the completion of this road; it has street lights beginning from Ipaja Round About to the end.

    “As much as we have kept our promise and delivered even before the projected day, the residents should also maintain good use of this road and cooperate with the government as we extend development to this neighbourhood. I just want to assure the people of Alimosho axis that this government is right behind you and we would do everything possible to turn Alimosho to Victoria Island.”

    While in Ikotun to inaugurate the newly constructed Ikotun-Ejigbo Road, the LSPWC General Manager, Ayo Sodeinde, explained that Ambode learnt about the road and ordered the immediate fixing of the road some months back.

    Sodeinde said: “During an inspection tour few months back, Governor Ambode passed through this road and asked whether it was part of Lagos, we told him yes, the road is part of Lagos. He was like Lagos road should not be that bad; he immediately ordered that we should move in and fix the road after the last Muslim festival and when we moved in, we were supposed actually to do it from Ikotun to the Ori-Oke bridge, but it was with the same money that we used to do the entire stretch of the road and it took us four months.”

    Corroborating Sodeinde’s statement, the Executive Secretary of Ejigbo, Barrister Jaiye Alabi recalled the Governor’s unscheduled visit to the road and because he was displeased with the state of the road, he immediately made a public pronouncement that work should commence on the road within seven days.

    He said: “The result of that pronouncement is what we have come here today to commission. I have already conveyed the appreciation of the people of Ejigbo to the Governor but I like to also use this opportunity to thank His Excellency for a promise kept and for a job well done.”

    Responding, Ambode said: “We have come here again today as part of the promise we made to the people. Four months ago, I came here and I was totally displeased about the status of this particular road. I am happy to note today that the Ikotun-Ejigbo-Isolo road has been fully completed and people are beginning to enjoy it. We don’t need any ceremonial commissioning; this is more or less like an official opening of this road that we are doing this afternoon.

    “The other promise I also want to publicly make today is that we are going to put street lights from Ikotun Roundabout up to the Lagos Polytechnic campus at Isolo and I promise that we will deliver that within the next three months.”

    The declaration by the governor drew commendation and cheers from the large crowd that had thronged the area to see the number one citizen in the State.

    An old woman simply identified as Mama Taiwo sang praises of the governor, and prayed God to continue to guide and guard him to take the right decisions at all times.

    “This is the real change that we want in Lagos. This is a governor that promised to fix our road within four months and he has kept to that promise. I will never forget him because this road was very bad, but today, it is now very good and motorable,” she said.

    An elated vulcaniser, Muritala Ajala, said the governor has brought joy and hapiness to most of the artisans in that area since the completion of the road. “We are so happy now that the road has been completed, may God bless our hardworking governor,” Ajala said.

    The governor also inspected the on-going construction work in the popular Brown Street in Oshodi where he was briefed by Mr Baha, the project Manager for Lobrics Construction Company.

    The governor said the project which commenced about six weeks ago, is now over 40 per cent completed, and expressed optimism that the residents in the area would enjoy the benefits of the new road when completed.

    After being briefed by the Executive Secretary of Oshodi Local Government Area, Adeola Olajobi Dawood, on the challenges of the adjourning Igbehinadun and Inasa Streets, the governor ordered the Public Works Corporation to rehabilitate both streets within the next seven days.

    While urging the contractor to ensure the completion of Brown Street by the end of February 2016, the governor also urged the residents to continue to cooperate with the contractor so as to deliver the projects within the stipulated time frame.

    Like Brown Street, he also gave the contractor handling the reconstruction of Ago Palace Way in Okota, Isolo, February deadline to complete the work on the road to ease vehicular movement in the area.

    Ambode was displeased by the pace of work, prompting him to give a charge to the contractor to work day and night in order to deliver the road in the next two months.

    Okota Road was not left out. Ambode, obviously moved by the hardship motorists’ encounter, gave an assurance that the work on the road currently being done by the Public Works Corporation will be sped up.

    The story is however different for residents of Alfa Nla-Oke Koto as the rehabilitation work on the road has been completed. For the governor, it was an election promise kept.

    He said: “You remember that during the campaign, I came here and I said if you vote for me, I will fix this road which is Alfa Nla-Oke Koto road. I said I will come back to do it and I did promised that before Christmas, this road will be motorable.

    “In fulfillment of our promise, we are here today inspecting the completion of this road. What I want to tell you as part of the Christmas gift to you is that we are going to put street lights on this road.”

    With Alfa Nla Road completed, Ambode was quick to announce that resurfacing work on the adjoining Capitol Road will commence in the first week of January 2016.

    At the Oshodi Resettlement Market, Ambode, after being conducted round the market, ordered the Public Works Corporation to resurface the car park in the market in preparation for the reopening of the market.

    Ambode, who met with the developer of the market, the leaders of the market association and top executives of Oshodi Local Government, expressed the need for the developer of the market to consider a rent-to-own modality for acquisition of the shops.

    The governor said it was highly important for a monthly payment plan to be developed so as to prevent a situation whereby the shops would be hijacked by businessmen who can afford to pay for more than two or three years, and then let it out to the real traders at exorbitant prices.

    Besides, Ambode directed the developer to ensure that traders are not allowed to display their market on the road within the market so as to allow easy movement within the market, thereby encouraging people to come in and do business in the market.

    During the tour, which also took him to the Island, Ambode, made a stop-over at the stretch of land overlooking the lagoon, adjacent to the Adekunle axis of the Third Mainland Bridge. There  he intimated residents of his plans to transform Ebute-Meta into a tourist haven by establishing a big recreation centre on the piece of land. Another plan for the land include a jetty, where people can park their cars and ride on a boat to their respective destinations without much stress. When this is done,  the place will seize to be an eye sore. The governor plans to turn the place around by the end of May 2017 when Lagos State will be 50.

    Ambode took time to talk to the auto mechanics under the bridge and explained to them through their Chairman, Wahab Jimoh, the need to vacate the land and allow development work to begin in earnest.

    He gave them seven days to vacate the land, and also ordered traders in the area to move to the special site prepared for them in Agbowa by January 2016.

    The tour is also coming on the heels of the recent disclosure that the State Executive Council has approved the construction of flyover bridges for two of the state’s high-density traffic zones – Ajah round about and Abule Egba junction.

    The projects, according to the State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, will be completed within 16 months.

    There is also the rehabilitation of Freedom Road in Lekki to ease traffic considerably for vehicles using the Third Roundabout to connect Lekki through Admiralty Way.

    The Ajah flyover bridge is expected to have a solar-powered signalised intersection to improve traffic.

    The construction of the reinforced concrete dual-carriage flyover bridge at Abule Egba junction will equally bring joy and relief to millions of commuters that use the Lagos -Abeokuta Expressway in Ifako-Ijaye Local Government Area daily.

    Like the Ajah project, Ayorinde said the Abule Egba flyover bridge will also have signalised intersection under it to service Oko-Oba and other link roads within the axis.

    As the  New Year beckons, Lagosians hope the N662,588b 2016 budget will help the governor unfold more of the new face of Lagos.

  • Deceased killer cop to be dismissed posthumously – Lagos CP

    Deceased killer cop to be dismissed posthumously – Lagos CP

    A police Sergeant, Stephen James who shot himself after killing three men at the weekend in Lagos would be dismissed posthumously.

    This disclosure was made by the state Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, while condemning the actions of the cop.

    It was gathered that James at about 4pm on Saturday in the Ketu area of the state, ambushed and killed three men, including two siblings for admonishing him to behave appropriately at a drinking spot.

    The deceased twin (only children of their bereft mother),Taiwo and Kehinde Oyesunle, as well as their their friend identified as Jeje, were said to have admonished the drunken officer, who entered the premises of Paulson Hotel on Anibaba Street, and harassed customers to buy drinks for him.

    James, a Sergeant with force number 217884, attached to MOPOL 22, Oduduwa, GRA, Ikeja, was said to have threatened to shoot anyone who refuses to buy alcohol for him at the hotel bar.

    Aside being drunk, the cop was also said to have been a chronic Indian hemp smoker and was probably high on narcotics that fateful evening.

    An eyewitnesses said the policeman ambushed and killed the three young men, who were in their early 30s, as they stepped outside the hotel premises where they had gone to celebrate Jeje’s birthday.

    It was gathered that when he realized the implications of his action, the policeman allegedly shot himself on the chest.

    The incident threw the entire neighborhood and its environs into confusion with passers-by and residents running for safety, it was learnt.

    An angry mob, The Nation gathered, attempted to raze the hotel as well as burn the corpse of the cop but for the swift intervention of police officers attached to Ketu division.

    The mob was said to have thrown bottles and stones at the hotel, prompting lodgers to flee their rooms with their luggage.

    Reacting to the misfortune, Owoseni said the cop will be tried and dismissed in death, adding that the Sergeant can no longer be a member of the force following his callous behaviour.

    “ We would try him even in death and dismiss him for his actions. We want to use this medium to sympathize with the families of the deceased and we apologize for the irrational actions of the policeman who also took his life,” said Owoseni.

  • Breaking: Police sergeant kills three, self in Ketu

    Breaking: Police sergeant kills three, self in Ketu

    A police sergeant Saturday killed three persons including himself in Ketu area of Lagos.

    Details shortly…

  • Lagos may make health insurance compulsory

    Lagosians may be forced to  take the health insurance policy in the new year.

    Commissioner for Health Dr. Jide Idris gave the indication during his maiden briefing on the activities of the Ministry in the outgoing year and its plan for next year.

    He said: ‘The state government is considering making health insurance mandatory for residents by the second quarter of the new year. We intend to target specific diseases and emergencies.’’

    Idris said health facilities across the state are overstretched by patients who come from within and outside  the state. ‘’So, we are considering running double schedules in a day,” he said.

    “We can assure that all health projects started by the past government in Lagos would be completed by the new government and upgrade others to meet the demand of the growing population.”

    The focus would be the Primary healthcare and the completion of Ayinke House – the Gynaecological/Obstetrics Department of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

    “The contract of Ayinke House has been terminated and awarded to a new contactor, who has assured of completion in another nine months. TB/HIV and other communicable diseases will be aggressively adressed through campaigns and public awareness,” he added.

    He listed challenges facing the ministry to include, “influx of patients from other states, finance, inadequate workforce, old structure, equipment breakdown, attitude of some bad eggs among others. All these are being addressed to ensure lagosians get the best healthcare delivery without wasting their time.”

  • Lagos public schools shine in chemistry contest

    Lagos public schools shine in chemistry contest

    Though a private school lifted this year’s PZ Cussons Chemistry Challenge (PZCCC) trophy last weekend, it was a good outing for Lagos State public schools as two of its pupils emerged second and third.

    The two pupils were from the same school, Abibatu Mogaji Millennium Secondary School in Iloro, Agege.

    Two other public school pupils, Eze Emeka Loveday of Cardoso Senior High School, Ajegunle, and Mohammed Mubarak of Sanngo Senior Secondary School, Agege, were among the top 10 finalists bringing the total to four public schools in the final of the competition.

    This is the first time in the history of the three-year-old competition that public schools would be among the top three.  Last year, Jeremiah Onu of FESTAC Senior College came fourth.

    For earning a perfect score of 60 per cent in the quiz segment; and 28.8 (out of 40) in the practical, Ekene Ike-Okoro took the star prize of N700,000, a laptop and gold medal. His teacher smiled home with N100,000, while his school, Topgrade Secondary School, Surulere, got N100,000 worth of Chemistry textbooks.

    Second placed, Wajul Kareem of Abibatu Mogaji Senior Secondary School, Agege, who scored 45 points in Quiz and 30.4 in practical, got N500,000, a laptop and silver medal; while third placed Joseph Samuel from the same school, got N400,000, a laptop and bronze medal.

    Their school got N150,000 worth of chemistry texts, courtesy of both pupils.

    Their Chemistry teacher, Joseph Odusanya, a national finalist for the Maltina Teacher of the Year award, also won N150,000 for producing both winners.

    Director-General, Office of Education Quality Assurance, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mrs Ronke Soyombo, said she was delighted at the pupils’ performance, which she described as a testament that public schools are improving.

    “It tells the whole community that we should not just linger on what is not good about Lagos State schools.  We should look at what is good.  Our children are doing extremely well; our children are making us proud,” she said.

    She added that the performance was a demonstration of the state’s policies that all schools, irrespective of status, should offer quality education.

    “What we are looking in Lagos State is not just for schools to become highbrow schools but to give good teaching and learning,” she said.

    On his part, Odusanya said that he picked up the challenge to prepare pupils to excel in the competition since last year.

    “We had a plan last year that we wanted to win PZCCC.  I took the courage upon me because I have been winning project exhibition and I asked myself what happened that we don’t win in written examination.  I thought, if I am to win, the children must be very good; then I went on planning since last year.  Even the boy that came third is in SS2.  I started grooming and testing them until I picked my best two and my best really paved way for me,” he said.

    Fourth placed Chineke Nnaemeka Jude of Great Esteem Secondary School, Surulere, was rewarded with N400,000.  His teacher got N60,000; while his school got N60,000 worth of chemistry books.

    The remaining six finalists were rewarded with N50,000 each.

     

  • Killing Lagos softly

    Some weeks ago I was in Lagos for an urgent business and I was shocked by the totally degraded environment of the city. This was at the height of a Saharan dust blowing across the whole of West Africa but it appeared more serious in Lagos because it was compounded by the smog hanging over the city. This smog was created by the exhaust from articulated trucks and petrol tankers evacuating petrol from the ports. The horrendous traffic snarl on the roads did not help. Vehicles remained on one spot for hours spewing carbon monoxide into the air. Added to this is the heavy human traffic in the town.

    These people have to be fed hence God knows how many pots were on open fire heating up the putrid air in the city and adding to the warming the city of 20milllion operating without the technological know how that would have been available to a city of this size in  a more civilized environment. While this was going on, many cities in China were faced with the same problem and city dwellers were shown covering their mouths and noses with protective gears. Of course in our own city of Lagos, people were breathing in this unsafe air totally oblivious of its consequences. There was no warning from government agencies and only God knows how many people suffering from respiratory diseases would have died.

    I can understand the bad smog in China with its 1.3billion people and its cities like Beijing and Shanghai of millions of people. But we should not be faced in Lagos with this kind of a killer of a smog I witnessed. This is the time when the federal government should insist that all vehicles plying the roads in our country must have catalytic converters to handle vehicular gas emission to at least purify the exhaust spewing out of the trucks, trailers and automobiles. The population movement to Lagos may have reached a tipping point when a solution would have to be found. Why can’t other ports be developed to diversify the ocean trade of Nigeria so that we do not put all our eggs in one basket? Between Lagos and Calabar are several ports crying to be developed to relieve Lagos of the unbearable and killing burden it is bearing. We must not ride a willing horse to death.

    It is unfortunate that all the plans to revive the railways in the past were clever plots to loot the national treasury, including as we are now told, loans taken from China which were deliberately diverted to other use to benefit the money-picking hands of political big-wigs in the recently defeated government of Goodluck Jonathan. If the railways were usable, the thousands of tankers and trucks on our roads and at the ports of Lagos would not have been necessary because heavy haulage in all civilized countries is done by rail. Imagine if we did not have the trucks and tankers on Lagos roads and ports, the place would have been saner.

    Those of us who grew up in Lagos remember how lovely Apapa  reservation area was in the old days being the other high-brow area apart from Ikoyi. This was before Victoria Island and of course Lekki. I know an in-law of mine who after working for many years in Saudi Arabia returned home and bought a property in Apapa. He is now regretting it because he is cut off  from all friends and relatives because no one in his correct sense will embark on a journey to visit anybody in Apapa no matter how much love one has for  such a relation. The vehicular madness in Lagos has made Apapa a no-go area. In December, most of Lagos roads are clogged with vehicles ostensibly those shopping for Christmas and the new year.

    The unloveable situation in Lagos is compounded by high rate of crime. The urchins known as area boys and those hawking all kinds of goods on the roads ranging from Asian junks to life chickens and other food stuffs use whatever they are hawking as a camouflage for robbery when it is dark after six o’clock in the evening. This has further reduced life in Lagos to hell on earth. The unavailability of electricity most of the time has led to everybody turning himself to power generating bodies. Virtually everybody generates his or her own power creating a nuisance in terms of noise and carbon emission.

    On top of this comes the religious houses of  some Christian and Muslim sects who compete with each other on who can make the loudest noise by the volume of their loud speakers. As soon as the Muslims finish their evening prayers, some Christian sects will drum through out the night and hand over to the Muslims who will wake  everybody up for their morning prayers.  Some of the Lagos people live in Ogun State but work in Lagos and even some who live in the outskirts of Lagos wake up as early as 4 a.m to hit the roads so that they can get to their offices at 8 a.m. The same people will not reach their homes until 11 p.m. It is a miracle that people do not go berserk and  kill others. The hardship in Lagos leads to  infidelity on  the part of husband and wife and lack of care and proper up bringing of children.

    Why does anybody subject himself or herself to this hell on earth? The answer is that there is no alternative. All the jobs are in Lagos. Rather than be jobless, up country people come to Lagos to die. I remember attending a conference of world cities when I was living in Germany. I proudly announced that I was from Lagos and that the city had over 10 million people. The mayor of Karlsruhe, a beautiful German city in the south of the country before I finished my introduction told me no African country can handle a city of that magnitude. I did not agree then but I now agree. The multitude of people in Lagos on the margin of society will help themselves and the Lagos government by returning home to their states where they will live a better life. When conditions for life in Lagos becomes impossible, the Lagos government supported by the federal government may do something drastic and dramatic before people kill Lagos .

  • Lagos to ensure execution of capital projects

    Lagos to ensure execution of capital projects

    The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment towards ensuring the execution of all projects by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in compliance with Pre-Payment Inspection (PPI).

    Economic Planning and Budget Commissioner Mr Akinyemi Ashade made this known at a Stakeholders Interactive Session on Project Implementation Challenges in Alausa.

    According to him, all capital projects valued at N500, 000 and above executed by MDAs require PPI to be issued by the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget to ensure that they are implemented in accordance with the contracts’ terms and conditions.

    The commissioner explained that the PPI would also be used to ascertain that the amount presented for payment certification was correct to ensure due-process and value-for-money.

    “Unlike what used to be the practice of abandoned projects, with PPI, it’s almost impossible as it ensures project payments grouping into; Progress/Stage Payment, Final Payment and Retention Payment.

    “In addition to the aforementioned criteria for final payment, strategic pictures are taken before, during and after the execution and effective supervision of projects by relevant professionals,” he said.

    Some of the requirements for PPI, he said, were Pre-Payment Certificate in approved format, letter of Contract Award, letter of variation of contract sum, BOQ /BEME Specification and compliance to extant circular on the amount of Advance Payment received, vis-à-vis the minimum percentage of Project completion required to qualify for processing of Interim certificate.

    The commissioner explained that if contractors are given 20 percent of the mobilisation fee, government expects 30 percent work value on the project, if 40 percent, 55 percent work value is expected and if 70 percent, 100 percent work value is expected.

  • WFM 91.7 makes its debut in Lagos

    WFM 91.7 makes its debut in Lagos

    FM 91.7, the female-centric radio station, which also caters for men and the family, was formally presented to the public last Friday at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The launch was attended by top celebrities across various strata of society, led by the wife of Nigeria’s president, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, graced the occasion.

    The grand event, with the theme: Using Radio as a Tool for Women Development, has been described as epoch-making in the history of radio broadcasting in Nigeria. The proceedings of the event were transmitted live and the world listened and contributed from Africa, United States and the United Kingdom. ý

    Mrs. Folorunso Alakija, an oil tycoon, fashion designer and philanthropist who was the keynote speaker at the event, challenged women on the issues of development in the 21st century. Alakija noted that WFM has started a movement to inspire and unite women for development in Nigeria and Africa. She emphasised that women cannot be ignored in the process of development of nations and therefore urged government and society to remove all forms of ýdiscrimination against women.

    Mrs. Buhari who was represented by  Abike Dabiri-Erewa, a former legislator and broadcaster described the promoters of WFM as a team of missionaries on a journey to emancipate women and their families.

    ýDirector General of National  Broadcasting Commission,(NBC) Emeka Mba,, who was represented by Mrs. Bunmi Cole, Director of Lagos Zone, maintained that the Nigerian society will be better with the launch of the station. He noted that more specialised radio stations like WFM will allow for more creativity in the broadcasting industry.

    Dele Momodu,  publisher of Ovation magazine enjoined the promoters of the station to sustain the noble ideas behind the project. The celebrity journalist, who wrote his M.Sc thesis on the oppression of women in Africa, described WFM as the voice of women in Nigeria and Africa.

    Toun Okewale Sonaiya the CEO of WFM 91.7 said women are key to finding solutions to the global problems of insecurityý and poverty and promised that WFM91.7 will be part of the global march to provide security and prosperity.

    When WFM91.7 hits the airwaves on Monday, November 16, 2015, the radio station, primed to be a reliable, leading and trusted source of all information and matters of interests for women and their families, has engaged in issues of local, national and international importance to all.

    Personalities who graced the event included the Lagos deputy governor, Mrs Oluranti Adebule, who was represented by the Head of Service, Mrs. Olabowale Ademola, Dr Olatunde Ayeni, Chief Mrs Sade Okoya, Oloris Olabisi & Yetunde Tejuoso, Joke Silva, Tara Fela-Durotoye, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi, Funmi Ajila, Seun Olagunju, Shy Shy who flew in from UK, Ambrose Somide amongst other dignitaries.

  • Lagos launches pilgrims depository scheme

    Lagos launches pilgrims depository scheme

    LAGOS State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday launched a contributory scheme for Hajj and Jerusalem pilgrimage.

    The scheme, Ambode said, was to make everyone participate in the holy pilgrimage irrespective of the financial status and class.

    Speaking after the launch of the scheme tagged Pay Small Small, Ambode said petty traders and other low income earners can now fulfil their religious obligations in a more convenient way.

    The Governor, who described the scheme as one of his administration’s strategies to create an enabling environment for Lagosians, promised that more things are underway to make life better for the citizens irrespective of tribe, religion and other differences.

    He said that the scheme would put an end to unnecessary artificial scarcity of forms and other fraudulent activities.

    Represented by Home Affairs Commissioner Dr AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef, Ambode said: “It is a contributory scheme for all pilgrimages. Whether it for Jerusalem or Mecca. The police is meant to carry along even the less privileged in the society to ensure that even with N50,000, you can begin to pay for your pilgrimage to Mecca, Medina, Rome and Jerusalem.

    “We have partnered with a micro finance firm that will allow people to choose either three or two years payment depending on the ability of such person. In fact, there is a package of N1,500 daily contribution scheme for the pilgrimage. The government wants to ensure that people are carried along and they are able to discharge their religious duties without stress. So, to the ordinary trader, it is avenue to fulfil their obligations. One way of alleviating poverty is to carried the people along and assure them of place in the heart of government.”

    AbdulLateef later told newsmen that the forms would be made available in the five divisions of the state and to religious leaders.

    He said that the governor had been proactive as he gave the ministry and its staff an avenue to open new frontiers.

    Medview Airline Managing Director Alhaji Muneer Bankole, who was honoured at the event, hailed the government for the initiative.

    Bankole said: “For the government to think of this scheme, it must have considered the plight of the downtrodden. They struggle to partake in the pilgrimage yearly; some of them contribute to fulfil the religious obligations. For government to have designed a safe window to keep their money from their small scale businesses, it will afford them the opportunities to actualise their dreams.”

  • Wanted: Customary Court of Appeal for Lagos

    Wanted: Customary Court of Appeal for Lagos

    How to improve justice delivery at the grassroots was the thrust of the yearly retreat/workshop for customary court presidents and judges by the Lagos State Judicial Service Commission, reports ADEBISI ONANUGA 

    The need to protect our customs  came to the fore as stakeholders in the justice sector converged on Lagos to re-appraise procedures in the customary courts.

    The occasion was a retreat/workshop by the Lagos State Judicial Service Commission for Presidents and judges of customary courts, which had as theme, “The role of Customary Court Judges in the nation’s judicial system”.

    The participants counselled the  Commission to establish a Customary Court of Appeal to strengthen the system.

    Ondo State President, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice C.T. Adesola-Ikpatt, who delivered the lead paper titled: “Jurisdiction of Customary Courts in Lagos State”, stressed the need for the Commission to develop   customary court laws and preserve it for posterity.

    She advised the Lagos Judiciary to   establish the Customary Court of Appeal to provide access, in a familiar environment, for those dissatisfied with the decisions of the customary courts.

    Justice Adesola-Ikpatt noted that the indigenous system of adjudication of disputes, which the customary courts administer has remained relevant over the years in maintaining peace and social order among a vast majority of the people. She pointed out that those subject to the system, identified with and accepted it as regulating their relationship.

    “The colonialists saw the good in our indigenous laws and system of adjudication; they respected and preserved it. True, times are changing, but the wise must do the needful to protect their customs and ways of life as depicted by our indigenous laws and system of court”, she emphasised.

    Chief Magistrate Y. O. Aje-Afunwa, whose paper dwelt on “Ethics, decorum and comportment” counselled the presidents and judges of the customary courts to be above board. “Judges are expected to rise above common heads in society, not only in our moral and social perfection and behaviour but in our intellectual performance,” she said.

    Aje-Afunwa advised the customary court judges that they and their family members “shall neither ask for nor accept gifts, bequests, favours, or loans on account of anything done or omitted to be done in the discharge of their duties”.

    She urged them to shun nepotism and favouritism, disqualify themselves in a proceeding where their impartiality might reasonably be questioned and requlate their ex-parte judicial activities to minimise the risk of conflict with judicial duties.

    Aje-Afunwa, however, said: “Judicial officers shall be free to join associations of judges or other organisations to represent their interest to promote professional training and protect their judicial independence.”

    The Executive Secretary, Judicial Service Commission, Ayodele Odugbesan,  appealed to the Attorney-General to ensure that the proposed amendments to the Customary Courts Law 2011 are effected as soon as possible.

    “We believe that the amendments will be beneficial to us and spur local government authorities to meet their obligations especially since they requested that these courts be established in their communities,” she said.

    Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Adeniji Kazeem, who delivered the keynote address, promised to review the Customary Court Law 2011 to increase the jurisdiction of the courts in criminal matters.

    Kazeem, who was represented by the Solicitor-General, Funmi Odunlami, gave an indication that the Lagos House of Assembly was reviewing the law.

    He told them that for now, they would have to continue to dispense justice under the  Customary Courts Law  2011, which earlier increased the jurisdiction of the customary courts in respect of administration of estates of persons who died interstate to N500,000, while the jurisdiction of the courts was limited only to contempt of court committed in the face of the court in criminal aspect.

    The Chief Judge of the State, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade, who was represented by Justice Taofikat Oyekan-Abdulai, said the state has been a pacesetter in the administration of justice and urged them to always uphold the truth.

    Justice Atilade advised that the tradition of the people in their locality should guide them when dispensing justice, adding that they should not apply common law in all cases.