The Nation Newspaper

Tag: lagos

  • Lagos to give 580 retirees bond certificates

    Lagos to give 580 retirees bond certificates

    Five hundred and eighty-five workers who retired from the Lagos State Public Service under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) will receive their Retirement Bond Certificates on Friday.

    Director-General, Lagos State Pension Commission, Mr. Rotimi Adekunle Hussain, who made this known in Lagos, said Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) will present the Retirement Bond Certificates at the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association’s (NECA) secretariat.

    He said the ceremony, which is the ninth, is consistent with the tradition of Fashola’s administration to appreciate its retirees for serving the state meritoriously.

    He said before now, the government had paid accrued pension rights of over N18.9 billion into the Retirement Savings Account (RSA) of 3,489 retirees.

    He said the retirement bond, which represents pension obligations made up of actuarially determined gratuity and pension benefits up to March 31, 2007 under the Pay As You Go scheme, will be credited into the RSA of each retiree before the bond certificates presentation ceremony.

    He assured employees that the Lagos State Pension Reform Act 2007 was aimed at protecting the retirement benefits of workers.

    It is also meant to promote good pension administration and reduceto the barest minimum the risk associated with the previous pension laws, he added.

    The Acting Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, said many states have benefited from the funds generated by the CPS through the development bonds.

    As at June, this year, the value of pension funds investment in state government bonds was N169.73 billion. Most of the states have used proceeds from these investments to provide vital infrastructure for their citizens.

  • Fivedead, many injured in Lagos building collapse

    Fivedead, many injured in Lagos building collapse

    No fewer than five persons were confirmed dead and more than 30 injured yesterday, following the collapse of a twin four-storey building in Lagos.

    The building, which is located beside the Iru-Victoria Island Local Council Development Area (LCDA), was still under construction.

    Eyewitnesses claimed that the building caved in around 3pm, trapping about 50 workers.

    Unofficial sources said about 10 bodies had been evacuated from the collapsed structure said to be a shopping mall.

    Officials of the Red Cross, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said five bodies were recovered. But, officials of the LCDA said only two people died.

    Eyewitnesses blamed the death recorded on the delay of rescue operations, as well as the unavailability of adequate equipment.

    At the time of visit, (6:45pm), The Nation observed that crude tools were being used to gain access to the building.

    “Those who died would not have if rescue agencies had got here early. They did not get here until we had rescued about 20 bodies. We also recovered two corpses before the officials got here.

    “You can see that we are using manual labour because no equipment are available. Moreover, the building is congested, such that there is hardly a space for a crane to be brought in,” said one of the sources.

    A crane and caterpillar were brought in at about 8:30pm, and have not been used at the time of filing this report.

    The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, put the dead toll at three with about five in critical condition, who have been moved to the Accident and Emergency Trauma Centre, Seven Up Toll Gate.

    LASEMA’s General Manager, Femi Oke-Osayintolu when contacted on telephone, said: “A twin four-storey building located at 1-7 Muri Okunola Street, VI collasped partially and completely respectively.

    “15 persons have been rescued so far while three bodies have been recovered. Rescue operations are still on-going.”

    According to officials at a Medical Doctor at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), where rescued victims were taken to for first aid, about 35 injured victims had been transferred to another hospital, with five victims still at the hospital.

    Joseph, a security guard in the building, told The Nation that he was inside his apartment when he heard a loud sound.

    “I was inside this place (pointing at the security room) when I heard a heavy noise. But before that noise, the building has been shaking in the afternoon.

    “While the workers were casting, I realised that the building was shaking and around 3pm, it just sank.

    “About 50 workers are in this premises, though, not all of them were trapped under. Some were able to run out, but several others could not.

    “So far, about 10 dead people have been removed and many others have serious injuries, I do not know if they will survive,” he said.

    When asked who the owner of the building is, he said:” I do not know oga’s name. It is not long I started working with them but I know thebuilding is a shopping complex.”

    One of the survivors, Adeola Akinpelu, told The Nation that two of his brothers (from Ibadan) were still trapped in the building.

    He said: “Two of my brothers are still under the debris. I was working on the other side and stepped out to buy water. So, when I got back, I saw that the building had collapsed with my brothers and friends trapped inside.”

    Akinpelu was, however, stopped from speaking with by other survivors, who claimed they had been warned not to speak on the issue.

    The Nation observed that men of the Maroko Police Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, Johnson Akinola and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) controlled the crowd and cordoned off the building.

    At the time of filing this story (9:14pm), more persons were still trapped in the rubble and rescue operations were still ongoing.

     

  • Lagos distribute free gas cylinders to residents

    Lagos distribute free gas cylinders to residents

    There was excitement yesterday on the faces of many residents of Ginti Ewu Elepe’ in Ikorodu, Lagos State.

    They will no longer cook with firewood and kerosine stoves courtesy of Governor Babatunde fashola, who gave them 3 kg gas cylunders.

    It was all at the launch of the 33,000 Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Skid Plant in Ikorodu. Fashola said the development was part of the government’s effort in phasing out kerosene stove in the state.

    The governor who was represented by his deputy, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, reiterated government’s commitment to shoreing up gas infrastructure in the state, saying this would ensure that large percentage of Nigerians use cooking gas.

    He said Nigeria is the highest producer of Liquefied Natural Gas in Africa yet the lowest when it comes to per capital consumption.

    Fashola explained that cooking gas represents clean and efficient burning of fuel, adding that the state is partnering with Oando and Banner Gas to ensure that the 3kilogram gas cylinders are made available to all residents in all the 57 local governments and local council development areas.

    He noted that with the flag-off, residents of the area can now buy cooking gas for as low as N100, adding that cooking gas is not as dangerous as many have portrayed it. It promotes cleaner environment, he said.

    The governor called on businessmen who may be interested in investing to look at possibilities of setting similar plants which could be in smaller capacity across the state.

    Earlier, Managing Director Banner Gas, Mr. Nuhu Yakubu, said the project was the second in the series of projects outlined by the state for October, which has been classified as Energy Month.

    He said the Lagos state government pioneered the use of gas to light up selected streets through the Lagos State Electricity Distribution Board.

    The Skid Plant is fitted with automated dispensing meter, a 33,000 tank and other accessories.

  • Lagos urges residents to fight cholera

    Lagos urges residents to fight cholera

    The Lagos State government has urged residents to maintain a high standard of personal hygiene and keep their environment clean.

    This is to curb the spread of cholera, which has killed three people in various parts of the state, with several others hospitalised.

    In a statement yesterday, Commissioner for Information and Strategy Lateef Ibirogba said the government was on top of the situation.

    He said the ministries of Health, Environment and Information; the Waste Management Authority and the State Water Corporation were working together to assess the health and environmental status of communities prone to cholera.

    Ibirogba said Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) committees at the local government and state levels had been sensitised on how to respond to cholera cases.

    He said the government had distributed cholera treatment drugs to all health centres.

    To prevent the disease, Ibirogba urged residents to wash their hands frequently with soap and water; boil water before drinking it if the source was in doubt; wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating; cook food thoroughly before eating; dispose waste items properly and keep water containers clean.

    He said: “Cholera is contracted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water and can be transmitted through direct or indirect contact of food or water with the faeces of infected persons. The disease should be suspected in any person who develops diarrheoa with or without vomiting, weakness, excessive loss of body fluid (dehydration), restlessness, irritability or dies from frequent stooling.”

  • Lagos pupil wins in PZ Cussons Chemistry challenge

    Lagos pupil wins in PZ Cussons Chemistry challenge

    Sixteen-year-old Emmanuel Ejiogu Onyekachi of Miketoy College, Ikotun, Lagos State, made history as he emerged winner of the maiden edition of PZ Cussons Chemistry Challenge (PZCCC).

    The SS3 pupil beat off competition from three others at the grand finale held in Lagos last weekend.

    He came first in each stage of the competition which had 1,270 candidates in stage one, 97 in stage two and four finalists; garnering a cumulative score of 83.5 per cent.

    For his feat, Emmanuel was rewarded with N700, 000, a laptop, a trophy and gold medal, while his chemistry teacher, Mr Jossy Ogunniyi got N100, 000, Chemistry books worth N100, 000 were also presented to his school.

    Commissioner for Education, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye who was represented by the Director of Private Education and Special Programmes, Mrs Sewanu Amosu, lauded PZ Cussons for rekindling the passion for sciences in secondary schools.

    “Lagos State Government appreciates PZ Cussons for starting this off in Lagos. It shows that all is not lost in Nigeria. We still have hope; all we need to do is to continue to groom the children and have the right teachers who conscientious and committed. I am also happy that they remembered the teachers. They were also rewarded as the saying goes that teachers’ rewards are not only in heaven,” she said.

    Mrs Amosu implored students to do more in terms of their academic activities.

    “Once you are in school, learn and pay attention to what the teacher is saying. You should read outside the syllabus. Not just go on the Internet to surf all these social media alone. You can gain a lot from the Internet; like you have people solving Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology and other subjects problem now on the Internet,” she said.

    Chief Nike Akande, a Director, PZ Industries and former Minister of Industries, said she was happy with the outcome of the competition, especially with the winner, Emmanuel.

    “This award today is to encourage students to have interest in Chemistry. And you can see that some of the students are very intelligent. One was coming top all the time; there were many schools in Lagos State that put in for the competition and one student was consistently coming first. This is a great achievement for our country. There is hope,” she assured.

    Obi Uchenna David of Barachel College, Ifako-Agege, the first runner-up with 62.2 per cent, was presented with a cheque of N500, 000, a laptop and silver medal, while his chemistry teacher, Mr Ojo Sunday also went home with N60, 000. His school also had chemistry books worth N50, 000.

    With a cumulative score of 56 per cent, Mgbemena Thankgod of Leeland International College, Oregun-Ikeja, finished as second runner-up and got N400,000 cash prize, a laptop and bronze medal. His chemistry teacher, Mr Ugwoke Johnson Ikenna, won N40,000 while his school received N50,000 worth of chemistry books.

    Third runner-up Victor Ike-Okoro of Top Grade Secondary School, Surulere pulled a total of 44 per cent and had a cash prize of N300, 000, a laptop and a consolation medal while his chemistry teacher, Mr Odinibe John Nnani got N20, 000 and his school had N50,000 worth of chemistry books.

    Relieved at the end of the rigorous final stage, which included a practical session, Emmanuel expressed gratitude to God, his parents, teachers and the organisers, as well as the other finalists who he said provided him stiff competition.

    He admitted that the practical session was the most challenging: “I was shivering during the practical. While mixing the chemicals, I did something that would have messed everything up but I quickly made up for it.”

    The first child in a family of seven, Emmanuel said he would like to study chemical engineering and would strive to win more competitions.

    He urged PZ Cussons Foundation to incorporate other science subjects into the competition and also organise it on a national scale.

     

  • Breaking News: Cholera hits Lagos, three dead

    The Lagos State Government has confirmed the outbreak of Cholera in the state.

    The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris who confirmed the development in Lagos on Wednesday that out of the 13 cases reported, three persons have died.

    Worst affected places are, Ajeromi, Apapa, Lagos Island, Oshodi and Surulere.

    The commissioner attributed the epidemic to contaminated wells, local food and non-washing of hands.

    He urged residents of the state to report any known case to the nearest health centre.


  • Lagos boxers talk tough

    HE Lagos State contingent to London for the Invitational Boxing Tournament against boxers from the London Boxing Association (LBA) has arrived at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, Lancaster Gate, venue of the competition.

    The eight boxers travelled aboard a 10am Virgin Atlantic flight from Lagos yesterday, and will be engaging their London counterparts in different weight categories.

    National Champion in the 64kg weight category, Olaide Fijabi, promised that nothing but total victory will be accepted for the commitment of the Lagos State Government and the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame (LBHF), to the development of boxing in the country in recent times.

    He said: “We are battle-ready. This is what we do for a living so competitions of this magnitude are not new to us. We will give it our best shot and expect to get a good result,” he said.

    But for multi-talented Taiwo Agbaje, it will be just another opportunity to garner more support for boxing in Nigeria.

    He said he intends to remain focused and ensure he wins his bout so as to enhance the team’s chances of winning overall.

    Another boxer, Gabriel Francis who impressed in the last National Open Boxing Championship in Lagos, in the 91kg weight category, was full of praise for Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), for providing him the international exposure. “I am grateful to the governor of Lagos and the Chairman of the Lagos State Boxing Hall of Fame, Mr. Olawale Edun for the support and encouragement.

    “We promise not to disappoint them by putting up a good performance against the London boys. They are not new to us, we had met in Lagos several times and so this will not be an exception. We have trained hard enough to emerge victorious,” he said.

    The competition is organised by the LBA and it’s from October 21- 27 this year starting with the formalities.

  • Seun Kuti, MI join Grammy winning acts for Lagos Jazz Series

    Seun Kuti, MI join Grammy winning acts for Lagos Jazz Series

    FROM November 27 to December 1, the city of Lagos will be entertained by some of the world’s top music acts as the 4th edition of the Lagos Jazz Series kicks off.

    According to the organisers, this year’s edition features Grammy award-winning artistes in outdoor locations in eight events for five consecutive days, four of which will have two simultaneous events at different locations.

    Among artistes expected to perform at the event are two-time Grammy award winner, Marcus Miller; American jazz guitarist, composer and 20-time Grammy award winner, Pat Metheny; 13 nominated and 3 Grammy award-winning Jazz/R&B artiste, Jill Scott; Branford Marsalis, Seun Kuti, Robert Glasper, M.I. Abaga, among others.

    This year’s lineup of artistes, organisers say, is a diversity and fusion of all music genres, each powerful and electrifying in their performance. The event will also bring to Lagosians the “Africa Stage” which will be at the Muri Okunola Park.

  • Lagos to set up electricity metre manufacturing line

    Lagos to set up electricity metre manufacturing line

    Unavailability of electricity metres which has become a major headache of majority of electricity consumers may soon be a thing of the past in Lagos State following the plan by the state government to set up a metre manufacturing line.

    Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN), who made the disclosure on Thursday, during the inauguration of the newly built 10.4MW Alausa Power Plant located within the state secretariat in Ikeja, said the proposed meter assembly line was part of the ongoing efforts by the state government to address all the problems associated with efficient power supply to the residents of the state.

    He stated that the meter assembly has become necessary in order to alleviate the hardship residents faced in the process of acquiring electricity meters while adding that continued production and conservation were very critical factors to ensure the people get basic utilities like water and electricity optimally.

    “We already have a transformer manufacturing plant (El-Sewedy Electric in Badagry) and so we are going ahead to ensure that when the power is ultimately here the components to bring it to peoples’ homes will be available. What we hear before is that well, there is generation but there is no gas, so we don’t what to get to that when the talk would be there is electricity but there is no transformers. So, we are already ahead of the curve and that factory will also be manufacturing meters in the plant”, he said.

    The governor also said that with the new power plant, government institutions comprising 62 buildings, 156 departments and over 4000 offices hitherto connected to the public electric power supply from the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), would now move to the power being generated from the new facility and enjoy 24-hour uninterrupted power supply.

    According to him, apart from the secretariat complex which includes the Government House, Lagos State House of Assembly and public service offices, the plant will also feed the Lagos Television (LTV 8); Lagos State Printing Corporation; Lagos State Council of Arts & Culture; Office of the State Surveyor-General; proposed Multi-Agency Complex, and Staff Quarters I, II and III with power in addition to power street lights on Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja.

  • Lagos partners Caleb varsity on scholarship

    The Lagos State Government is partnering Caleb University, Imota to offer scholarships to candidates of the state who wish to pursue undergraduate degree programmes in the institution.

    Acting Registrar of the university, Mrs. Folake Okor, noted in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Scholarship Board, Mr Sesan Awobadejo, that there are three full scholarships and 50 half-tuition on offer for eligible candidates who apply.

    The statement noted that the scholarships would be awarded into programmes in any of the universities three colleges, namely: Environmental Sciences and Management, Pure and Applied sciences, and College of Social and Management Sciences.

    To apply for the scholarship, Mrs Okor said interested applicants who scored 180 and above in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), are required to obtain application forms from the board’s office in Iyana Ipaja or Caleb Schools, Magodo after paying N2, 000 application fee to a designated bank account.