The Nation Newspaper

Tag: lagos

  • Aworis: Merge us with Lagos State

    The Aworis have expressed willingness to join Lagos State.

    They alleged that the Egbas and Owus in Ogun State have refused to recognise them, leading to backwardness of the area and discrimination in employments.

    The Secretary of The Awori Consultative Council, High Chief Bangboye Osunlabu, said his kinsmen will be glad to be part of Lagos State.

    He said: ‘’We believe if we are merged with Lagos State, we will derive more benefits and have rapid development in terms of relative peace among us unlike what we are having now with the Owus and the Egbas.

    “The Egbas are encroaching on our land and are  expanding their own territory claiming that they had one battle with us  in 1882 and won.”

    Osunlabu decried the discrimination of Awori indigenes, saying no one from the race has risen to the top in the state.

    According to him: “In terms of employment if  you look at the census figure of the  civil servants  in Ogun state hardly will you see  an Awori man at the top and apart from that we don’t enjoy anything.”

  • Lagos to prosecute motorcyclists for vandalising public properties

    Lagos to prosecute motorcyclists for vandalising public properties

    The Lagos State Government said it will prosecute all persons who were allegedly involved in the vandalism of some of its properties during the October 24 protest by commercial motorcycle operators.

    The state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye made this known on Wednesday in a chat with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos.

    Ipaye said some BRT buses and other government assets were vandalised by some of the commercial motorcycle operators, who were protesting their being restricted from plying 475 roads in the state.

    “I cannot tell you the number, I was just getting the reports that arrests were made, some have already been taken to court.

    “But I can assure you that we are determined to ensure that those people face proper legal procedure that should follow such a very, very criminal vandalism of public assets,” he told NAN.

    He said it was wrong for the protesters to take the law into their hands to express their grievances against a government policy.

    The attorney general debunked the allegations that the police and other law enforcement agencies were arbitrarily arresting commercial motorcyclists who were plying side streets.

    Ipaye said a list of the prohibited areas was compiled by the government before the law came into effect, stressing that the agencies were working with that directive.

    “The issue whether you are where you should be or not, must be determined by reference to the list.

    “And when you are in doubt, you should consult that list. It has been variously publicised, printed by the ministry of information.

    “When you are in doubt and you are an operator, in fact, I expect all the unions in that industry to have that list and to circulate it among their members,” the attorney general said.

    Ipaye also faulted those criticising the policy on the basis that the government had failed to provide an alternative means of livelihood for the commercial motorcycle operators before implementing the restriction.

    He said their operations were only being restricted on 475 roads out of over 9,000 roads, adding also that there were other available employment opportunities in Lagos State.

     

  • Lagos NUJ tasks media owners on medical checks

    •Mourns photo journalist

     

    Owners of media houses in the country have been urged to carry out routine medical checks on practising journalists in their employment

    The Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), which made the call in Ikeja, also asked media owners to institute insurance policies for workers under their employment.

    This call is coming on the heels of reported cases of sudden deaths of practising journalists in the country, especially in Lagos.

    A few weeks ago, the Entertainment Editor of Vanguard Newspapers, Mr Amadi Ogbonna, died. This was followed by that on Sunday of a Sport Photo journalist with the same media organisation, Mr Sylva Eleanya, who reportedly slumped and died   in his Isolo, Lagos residence.

    In a condolence message to the management of Vanguard Newspapers by the Council and signed by its Chairman, Comrade Deji Elumoye and Secretary, Comrade Sylva Okereke, the Council said it was disheartening to note that within two months, the Council had lost two of its members from the Vanguard Media to the cold hand of death.

    It, however, described the late Sylva as a hard working journalist who put in his best in the profession.

    According to the statement, Eleanya apart from being an active member of the NUJ at the chapel level where he was the Vice-Chairman, was also  a sport journalist, who had excelled in the coverage of the World Cup , Olympics and the Commonwealth Games for Vanguard Newspapers for over two decades

    The statement, however, noted with displeasure that journalists do not have time to go for medical check ups to ascertain their state of health, describing such negligence as very unfortunate.

    Noting the rising waves of sudden deaths of journalists in the country, the statement, therefore, urged media houses, to start as a matter of urgency, the immediate medical checks for journalists under their employment.

    According to Lagos NUJ, “The high death rate in media houses in the country is very disturbing and calls for urgent action to stem the tide. In the last few weeks, we have witnessed death of two of our members in  sudden circumstances.

    ‘’We, therefore, call for immediate medical checks on our members. All the media houses should also institute insurance policies for practicing journalists in the country. They can also buy into the Insurance scheme of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.’’

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Jazz masters to grace Lagos festival

    Jazz masters to grace Lagos festival

    ORGANISERS of the Lagos Jazz Series have concluded plans for this year’s festival, which will bring together the masters of jazz, African and emerging acts on an international stage. Billed for November 15 to 18, it will hold in five stages in Lagos, and will feature different music forms, including soul and hip hop.

    For this year’s event, the Jazz group, Fourplay, featuring Bob James, Roy Hargrove, Lura and a host of other fantastic international acts will be performing. The music of Nigerian pop acts such as 9ice and Waje will be re-presented in a Jazz style. A Jazz artiste, Kaline, will also be performing.

    The organisers said the Lagos Jazz Series will feature top-notch music performances at The Oriental Hotel, in the beautiful Muri Okunola Park, and in the serene gardens of the Federal Palace Hotel and Casino.

    The series’ founder, Oti Bazunu said: “The Oriental Hotel and Federal Palace Hotel and Casino will feature exclusive performances targeted at the most august of our guests; business executives, the international community and senior government figures.

    “Muri Okunola Park will feature more populist performances and bring in larger audiences, giving Lagos a broadened cultural scene while also bringing some exciting music to the general populace.

    “Three years ago, our first founding motive was to cool down the hectic city life in Lagos with a staple Jazz Festival in November. This season spans from smaller, intimate events from early October and leads up to the Lagos Jazz Series proper in late November

    “Our second objective in creating the Lagos Jazz Series was to make Lagos an international destination once more. Lagos Jazz Series has placed Lagos on the map as a choice destination city for Jazz.

    “Over three years the likes of Hugh Masakela, Morrie Louden, Jimmy Dludlu, Sésu Tilley-Gyado have graced our stages at venues such as Federal Palace Hotel, Oriental and the Muri Okunola Park.

    “Despite our aim to promote Lagos internationally, for Lagos Jazz Series, charity begins at home. We are making Jazz more accessible to fans of Nigerian popular music.

    Last year, we hosted Tiwa Savage, Omawumi and Bez on our stage.

    “This year, we will place Lagos ‘Under the Influence of Jazz’ with collaborations from Nigerian pop music acts such as 9ice, and Waje and re-present their music in a Jazz style.

    “We hope you enjoy our Jazz season and we look forward to receiving you and placing you ‘Under the influence of Jazz’ at the grand finale.”

  • 21-day hand hygiene campaign for Lagos schools

    Pupils of Ire Akari Model Nursery and Primary School, Isolo Lagos, joined about three million school-aged children that Reckitt Benckiser Nigeria Limited, makers of Dettol anti-germs soap, has educated about hand hygiene in the past four years.

    Many more are billed to join in what remains of the 21-day hand washing campaign flagged off last Monday – on the Global Handwashing Day (GHD).

    The organisation employed the fun method to attract the pupils’ attention in learning the six steps of handwashing.

    After Project Manager for Touch Point Ms Omowunmi Mumuni addressed the pupils about the significance of handwashing, another facilitator, who introduced herself as Ms Ronke to the pupils, and a cartoon character modelled after Dettol soap, taught the pupils when to wash their hands and the techniques to use.

    Some pupils were selected to demonstrate the techniques.

    Communications Consultant to Reckitt Benckiser Mr Israel Opayemi said care was at the heart of the school hand hygiene initiative. He said since 2009 when the company started the hand hygiene education, millions of children, families as well as teachers have been availed the right knowledge which they need to know to be free from germs and diseases.

    “To increase participation of kids and families and make the habit of hand washing a way of life, Dettol encourages children to wash their hands regularly and keep good hygiene to prevent illnesses that can stop them from being active,’’ he said.

    Commenting on the initiative, Head Teacher of the school, Mrs. Victoria Oluropo, praised Reckitt Benckiser for teaching the pupils to imbibe a good habit in an interesting way.

    She said: ‘‘We love the fun-filled initiative that we have seen here today because it makes hand washing a fun that kids will love to practice.’’

    Speaking in a similar vein, when the Dettol team reached Queensland Academy, Okota, Mrs. Iyabo Olopade, affirmed that health education was integral to grooming children.

    Therefore, this hand hygiene programme by Reckitt Benckiser is in line with our commitment to making our pupils live healthy. Dettol’s presence here today reinforces our message that good health is indeed in our hands.’’

     

  • Lagos, British Council partner on capacity building

    The final workshop in the “School Leadership Mentoring Programme” aimed at building and improving the capacity of headteachers and education authorities on school leadership and creating a system of mentorship and coaching on school leadership and development was held last week in Lagos.

    Speaking at the occasion, the Commissioner for Education, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye, said the workshop was a partnership between the British Council and the Ministry of Education; it will assist in improving teaching and learning in Lagos public schools.

    She said the school system would be aligned with new trends in entrenching ICT into the teaching methodology to enhance performance and promote administrative efficiency, thereby. bringing Lagos schools to world standard.

    She added that the state government in its quest to promote ICT education has provided facilities in 110 schools, while 35 secondary schools were provided with e-tutor software in addition to other necessary infrastructure such as furniture, laboratories and books for the rapid development.

    Earlier in her address, the Executive Chairman of Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, Mrs. Gbolahan Khadijat Daodu, appreciated the British Council for its continuous efforts towards the development of education and enjoined the beneficiary school principals and Head teachers to rededicate themselves and show more commitment in their leadership styles in their day to day activities.

    Both Mr. Alan Curry, Regional Director, British Council, Sub-Sahara Africa and Mr. David Higgs, Country Director, said the School Leadership Mentoring Programme started with a gathering of relevant stakeholders and policy makers to discuss school leadership..

     

  • Lagos targets 80% budget performance

    Lagos targets 80% budget performance

    The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Bayo Sodade has said that government would achieve over 80 per cent budget performance by end of 2012.

    Sodade said this at a workshop organised by the Ministry of Local Government Affairs in Lagos on Tuesday.

    According to him, the state’s budget performance currently stands at 72 per cent.

    The permanent secretary said the allocation to the various sectors in the 2013 budget reflected government’s priorities in sustaining past trends.

    He said that the highest priority went to the economic affairs sector in line with the policy thrust of the state government, adding that the economic sector was driven by infrastructure.

    The permanent secretary said that health and education sectors were also being gradually nurtured to meet international benchmark.

    On the reforms in the Lagos State Public Finance System, Sodade said that the state intended to grow its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 10 per cent by 2020, up from the current 7.5 per cent.

    He listed some of the challenges confronting the state to include resource inadequacy, huge infrastructure gap, influx of people from neighbouring states, high crime rate and unemployment.

    He gave an assurance that there would be efficient allocation of resources across all sectors in the 2013 budget.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that at the end of the workshop, the participants called for continuous capacity building for council officials to improve efficiency and productivity.

     

  • Doctor Bello comes to Lagos

    Doctor Bello comes to Lagos

    PLANS are in top gear for filmmaker Tony Abulu to bring his latest effort, Doctor Bello, to Nigeria. Slated for November 25, at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, the premiere is expected to attract stars from both Hollywood and Nollywood, especially those featured in the movie.

    Asides top celebrities and stakeholders in the showbiz industry billed for the evening, delectable Nollywood queens, Genevieve Nnaji and Stephanie Okereke-Linus, who were present at the Washington premiere, will be attending the Lagos event, alongside other leading stars such as Isaiah Washington, Vivica A. Fox, Jimmy Jean Louis, Victor Browne, Ebby Bassey, Bern Cohen and others.

    Sponsored by MTN, with AfricaMagic as partner, the movie, which was produced through a NEXIM Bank loan, also got support from Sovereign Trust Insurance.

    According to Tony Abulu, it is high time Nigerian filmmakers moved away from the era of churning out films on a daily basis and focus more on making movies that would stand the test of time, especially the production quality.

    Brilliant cancer specialist Dr. Michael Durant is emotionally troubled, wrestling with the traumatic loss of his 10-year-old daughter from cancer. Immersing himself in his work in the hospital, away from his wife who blames him for their child’s death, he forms an unlikely bond with a sick, loving, but rambunctious seven-year old boy Sam, the son of a rich Jewish couple, who are major contributors to the hospital’s Cancer Research Fund.

    With only a few days for Sam to live, Dr. Durant becomes desperate, willing to risk anything to save the child’s life. A Nigerian nurse convinces him to seek the help of an uncertified Nigerian Doctor, known in the Brooklyn-African underground as a miracle worker, Dr. Bello.

  • Lagos to establish wildlife park

    Lagos to establish wildlife park

    The Lagos State Government on Friday said it had concluded plan to establish a wildlife park in Tekunle Island, Lekki.

    The Commissioner for Tourism and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr. Disun Holloway, disclosed this in a chat with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ikeja.

    Holloway said the wildlife park would be inaugurated in 2013.

    According to him, the park would consist of gorillas, tigers, monkeys, elephants and other animals.

    The commissioner said the ministry had initiated discussions with some South African experts on how the animals would be transported to Lagos.

    “The ministry is talking with hoteliers in South African in order to have adequate knowledge about the running and maintenance of the resort,’’ he said.

    Holloway said the park, when completed, would boost the tourism in the state.

    “The government is also rehabilitating old tourist sites in the state and developing new tourist destinations,’’ he said.

     

  • Lagos community gets market stalls

    Lagos community gets market stalls

    The Odoragunshin community of Eredo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Epe, a Lagos suburb, celebrated in grand style on September 7, when BHL Investment and Technology Ltd handed over 12 market lock-up stalls to the community at an event attended by Vice Chairman, Eredo LCDA, Chief (Mrs) Olayinka Olusanya, Board member and founder of Pro Natura-International (PNI) a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), Mr. Phill Hall (OBE), representative of BHL Investment and Technology Ltd, Mr. Guus Hak, The Aladegunsebi of Odoragunshin, Oba Olawale Olagoke Ogunsanya and members of the Odoragunshin community.

    Speaking at the event, PNI’s Acting Executive Director, Mrs. Nike Olaoye, noted that the handing over of the market lock-up stalls in Odoragunshin is one of many community development projects being implemented by PNI in six communities in the Eredo LCDA.

    “These projects were selected as a result of the needs assessment carried out in the area. It was based on the felt needs of the people after holding a series of forums and discussions with various groups.PNI is implementing these projects through the Eredo Community Development Foundation (ErCDF). The ErCDF is a Community Based Foundation that was set-up by PNI in 2010 with the full participation and cooperation from the six communities namely: Odoragunshin; Ibonwon; Ilara; Ijih; Igbonla and Odoshiwola. This was done with the financial and moral support of BHL Investment and Technology Ltd as part of the company’s CSR strategy as it prepares to kick off a bus assembly plant in the Eredo area in 2013,” Mrs. Olaoye said.

    In his remark, Mr. Phill Hall (OBE) commended the Odoragunshin community in accepting to partner with PNI through the ErCDF. He expressed his organisation’s gratitude to Oba Ogunsanya for his cooperation and support for the project which resulted in the lock-up market stalls. He thanked the management of BHL Investment & Technology Ltd for their philanthropist role in the development of rural communities in Eredo LCDA.

    Mr. Guus Hak while responding expressed joy seeing the completion of the stalls. He expressed his gratitude to the people of Odoragunshin for their warm reception and entertainment. He also informed the community on the impending BHL Bus Assembly Plant to be located in Ilara community where the company has acquired land from government. He solicited for their support and explained that it was BHL’s intention to build the capacity and train members of the community to work on the assembly plant once it takes off.

    The Chairman of Eredo LCDA, Honourable S. Adelaja represented by his Vice , Chief (Mrs) Olayinka Olusanya commended the efforts of market leaders for the tireless support given to the PNI and ErCDF staff during the construction of the lock up stalls. She advised Odoragunshin youths to desist from acts of destroying of community development projects. She expressed gratitude to PNI, ErCDF and BHL staff, promising that the community would continue to give more support and co-operation.

    The members of the community expressed their gratitude to all stakeholders of the project, adding that they were originally cynical about the project coming to fruition after the needs assessment exercise was carried out.

    Oba Ogunsanya while declaring the stalls open, praised the management of BHL Investment & Technology Ltd, PNI and ErCDF for their effort in implementing the project as well as promoting peace and harmony among his people. He urged the community to keep the market clean and welcome non indigenes (Hausa’s, Igbo’s, Urobo’s) to join them in the market in order to expand the level of patronage.