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Lagos reopens Ladipo, other shut markets

The Lagos Waste Management Authority, (LAWMA) has announced the re-opening of Ladipo, Oyingbo, Alamutu Ologede and Ile-Epo markets, recently sealed for filth and gross environmental abuse.

The Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, who announced the re-opening in Lagos, noted the importance of stringent compliance measures in safeguarding public health and shielding residents against future health crises.

Gbadegesin said that the re-opening of the markets followed full compliance with requisite conditions.

“Following extensive renovations and compliance measures including, the implementation of stringent conditions and a written mandatory undertaking for reopening, Ladipo Market, Oyingbo Market, Alamutu Ologede Market, and Ile-Epo Oke Odo Market, have been reopened today for business transactions,” Gbadegesin said.

The LAWMA CEO emphasised that the re-opened markets had to comply with a set of mandatory conditions listed for them prior to resuming operations.

“These conditions include providing a designated waste point; installation of block work fence and platforms for the placement of double dino bins; procurement of double dino bins for waste containerisation; commitment to putting in place sustainable market waste policing to guarantee constant cleanliness of the market environment

“Enforce proper waste disposal regulations; engagement of bin keepers; collaboration with accredited PSP operators for timely evacuation.

“Prompt payment of waste bills, as well as dislodging Street traders from road medians and setbacks and preventing unauthorised vending,” Gbadegesin said.

According to him, a filthy market is a breeding ground for terrible diseases like cholera, typhoid, Lassa fever, ebola, malaria and others.

He stressed that the state cannot stand by and watch some markets expose the people of Lagos State to such conditions which are clearly avoidable if they do the right things.

“We want to make it abundantly clear, that any future violations will attract stiffer sanctions, including the permanent closure of the offending market,” Gbadegesin said.

He implored the executive members of markets in the state to live up to their responsibilities, urging traders to be public-minded by being hygienic in their trading activities, as that would be usually beneficial to them and their customers.

He added that, local government authorities would be entrusted with the responsibility of monitoring market operations’ adherence to set conditions.

Read Also: Four die, three injured in predawn crash on Lagos – Ibadan expressway

He urged members of the public to play a pivotal role in this process by promptly reporting any observed lapses in sanitation to LAWMA.

He reminded markets around the state that LAWMA’s zero tolerance policy for reckless waste dumping in markets was still on course, warning that defaulting markets risked closure and heavy fine.

For waste management related issues in your area, call LAWMA toll-free number: 07080601020 and 617.

NAN reports that LAWMA on Sept. 30, Wahab ordered immediate closure of Ladipo Market, Mushin, for several environmental offences including, reckless waste disposal, unhygienic premises, and non payment of waste bills, among others.

(NAN)

October 9, 2023
Four die, three injured in predawn crash on Lagos – Ibadan expressway

A predawn auto accident has claimed four lives all male adults-on Monday at the Kara stretch of Lagos – Ibadan expressway.

It also left three other persons with injuries.

The accident, which involved a luxury bus marked ACA533ZP and a nondescript vehicle occured around 45 minutes after 12 midnight..

It was caused by excess speed, loss of control and possible poor visibility, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Public Education Officer for the Sector Commander, FRSC Ogun Sector Command, Chief Route Commander Florence Okpe said.

“The fatal crash occurred at the early hours this morning 0045 hrs claiming 04 lives.

“The total number of persons involved were 21 which comprised of 13 male adult and 08 female adult. People injured were 03, 01 male and 02 female.

“Number killed 04 and all male adult.

02 vehicles were involved with registration number LUXURY BUS and the second vehicle with no registration number on it.

Read Also: Lagos-Ibadan expressway to be ready next month

“The suspected cause of the crash was excessive speed which led to lose of control. The injured victims were taken to Famobis Hospital for medical attention while the corpses were deposited at Idera morgue,” she stated.

Okpe quoted the Sector Commander, CC Anthony Uga, as describinh the accident as one that could be have been avoided if some necessary caution were taken and simple rules were obeyed.

According to her, Uga reiterated the need for motorists to observe safe speed limit among motorists and he advised to apply common sense speed limit especially at night when visibility is poor .

He also sympathised with the family of the victims over the loss of their loved ones in the accident and also enjoined them to contact FRSC Mowe unit Command for more information about it.

October 9, 2023
Nigerians react as ‘Alien Spaceship’ spotted in Lagos

Many people were stunned last week when they spotted an unidentified flying object hovering around the sky early in the night in areas like Surulere and Maryland in Lagos.

Passersby at the Leisure Mall in Surulere had mixed reactions when they spotted a spaceship-looking object flying over different buildings and leaving a large shadow of bright purple light in the sky.

“Abi dem don come for us ni”, “Wetin be dis one like this” were some of the expressions of confusion and curiosity of eyewitnesses at the locations where the UFO was sighted. UFOs are usually reported as being sighted mostly in America but never in Nigeria so of course, it had people wondering and talking on social media and blogs in no time.

Read Also: Four die, three injured in predawn crash on Lagos – Ibadan expressway

The so-called “Purple Beings” also announced their arrival with a 3D Video on LED billboards around Lagos that shows their spaceship flying over Nigerian monuments like the Abuja City Gate, Dolphin Estate and Ikoyi Bridge before finally hovering over the Atlantic Ocean and opening its spaceship door to see purple looking creatures quickly descend and disappear into the ocean. Scary!!!

Many Nigerians became relieved when they saw posts from Instablog9ja, Tunde Ednut and Pulse revealing that “Alien Invasion” was just the wild creation of some creative guys just having fun.

Apparently the “Alien Invasion” was Intense Group; a marketing, media and technology firm’s way of launching “Purple Stardust”, their new Creative Agency into the subconscious of Nigerians. We stan a Genius Marketing Strategy: B Nigerians of course immediately started sharing this video with their friends and family and it has garnered almost 1 million impressions in the last 24 hours.

Intense Group and Purple Stardust CEO – Leye Makanjuola tweeted via X: “We’re here to make statements over and over again and will soon become part and parcel of Nigerian pop culture. We will infuse the much-needed wave of imagination, and entertainment into the creative and media industry and elevate brands’ value beyond the confines of the ordinary.

“It won’t be far-fetched to think that Purple Stardust will go on to create intriguing marketing campaigns for brands that are adventurous enough to try something out of the box.

October 9, 2023
Lagos govt: demolition of shanties, illegal structures continues today

• Oniru pledges support

Demolition of illegal structures and shanties continues today at the Lekki Phase 2 axis of Lagos State.

Illegal squatters at Gedegede community have been given seven-day ultimatum to vacate.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources Tokunbo Wahab gave the order at the weekend after an inspection tour of drainage channels at Dodan Barracks, Obalende, Victoria Island and Lekki Phase 2.

Wahab berated the squatters for building on the canals and blocking the path flow of water.

“But, as always, water will always find its way,” he said.

Read Also: Ooni: Igbo migrated from Ile-Ife, dynasty house still in my palace

The commissioner noted that those committing environmental infractions at Obalende would be served notices so the place could be put in order.

He said: “It is unfortunate that people have forgotten that the environment is a master of man, and it is appalling that people can be so reckless in the name of making money.

“We got the petition that people are building on the canal here at Gedegede community, Lekki II, and as such narrowing the primary channel, so water will pull out and destroy people’s assets. Why are people so reckless in the course of trying to grab land to make money at other people’s expense? Demolition will start on Monday (today) for those who had gotten notices before now, not minding whose ox is gored. And those who will be getting their notices newly have seven days to vacate the areas.

“We were at Dodan Barracks as well to check the path for waste water and the canal which, unfortunately, is blocked. So we will meet with the GOC barracks because the path has to be opened for water to flow into the primary channel. We were also at Obalende and it’s unfortunate that everywhere has become an eyesore. The path created for the Macgregor canal has been blocked. The occupants will be served vacate notices so we can put the place in proper order.”

The Oniru of Iru Kingdom, Oba Gbolahan Lawal, praised the government for taking a bold step to curb the escalating nuisance.

He said the traditional institution would continue to support government policies and programmes to sanitise the environment.

The monarch pledged his readiness to partner the government to establish green parks so that the environment could enjoy more greenery.

He said: “We are all aware of climate change, and conversant with the importance of maintaining a clean environment. We also know that Lagosians need regular advice, so the government should continue on this. Regular engagement of stakeholders is key because when you leave things for too long, it becomes a habit.”

When you keep at this enforcement regularly, it will be in the people’s consciousness that it’s important to keep our environment clean.

“As traditional rulers, community leaders, we will continue to support the Lagos State Government in its pursuit for a livable environment. I know the environment family has the passion and capacity to do the right for Lagosians and they will deliver.

“I have also discussed with the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) on the possibility of establishing green parks within the metropolis because I understand the importance of having a green environment and I have about 15,000 square meters that can be turned from a space to a place. We need to do more.”

October 9, 2023
Speaker sets performance benchmark for Lagos councils

Local government chairmen, vice chairmen, councillors and other top officials of the 57 local governments and local council development areas will henceforth be monitored to meet the people’s yearnings and aspirations, House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa has said.

He berated the council chairmen for not meeting expectations, warning that it would no longer be business as usual, as the Assembly will now ensure strict compliance with serving the people’s interests.

The Speaker, who met with the council officials, frowned at their aloofness. He berated the chairmen for personalising the councils’ allocations while their communities cry for development.

He warned the chairmen, council managers and treasurers against constituting themselves into a power bloc that run the councils without inputs from vice chairmen and councillors.

Read Also: Tinubu’s leadership right for Nigeria, says Sani Musa

He said: “I wonder how you sleep while your council cannot even build and equip a good maternity centre. You can’t justify the fact that in six months, there is no meaningful project done by you in your community.

“Some councils have no single project for over two years, you treat the vice chairmen and councillors like they must be subservient even when you are going astray. Some of your councillors have not received official vehicles up till now.

“Some of your councils do not have legislative chambers, meaning that the councillors have not been holding sittings. How then do you get approvals for the money you spend? We are aware of how some of these councils go ahead to borrow money up to nine-digit figures without approvals or due process, and how they lease council property without caution. We won’t allow these to happen again.

“It is now strictly going to be true governance at the grassroots. If you don’t develop your communities, where would you fall back to when you leave office? How would the people see you?”

Obasa said having a well-equipped maternity centre in every ward of the local governments for residents to easily access health care is not impossible.

He enjoined the chairmen to embark on creation of parks and gardens for the people’s well-being.

He added: “Going forward, each council chairman must, every quarter, show something to confirm that you are truly in office. Let there be something to inaugurate.

“If you’re to build a road, it shouldn’t be one that will last for a month or a year. It should be something that will make people pray for you each time they drive or walk through it. Let’s truly serve our people.

“The governor cannot do it all alone. You are, therefore, supposed to be the nearest to the grassroots and help him with your own efforts. We must try to move with the moment. The world is moving and we can’t continue to do things like we live in the past.”

Chairman of Conference 57, Kolade Alabi, thanked Obasa for the admonition and promised there would be changes.

October 9, 2023
BREAKING: Jankara, Bombata, Pelewura markets will be demolished – Lagos

Jankara, Bombata and Pelewura markets in Lagos Island will be fully demolished to allow for urban regeneration of the area.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu spoke on Sunday when he inspected some drainage channels on the Island.

Sanwo-Olu said: “We have come here on a drainage and regeneration call. The entire stretch of Idumagbo Avenue is always flooded during the rainy season because of human activities, especially from the markets around the area. They have built on the canals and so prevented the free flow of water, so we need to do a total rebuild.

Read Also: Lagos vows to continue demolition of shanties, illegal structures

“Hence, to allow for a proper regeneration of the Lagos Island, Jankara and Bombata markets have to go, it will be a ground zero. This thus serves as a notice, the markets will be cleaned to allow our urban regeneration plans. The design for the new market is ready.

“We will however give adequate notice to those in Pelewura market because it has more traders, but this serves as the first notice.

“These markets have outgrown and outlived a market in a modern city so they must give way for urban models.”

Details later

October 8, 2023
Lagos vows to continue demolition of shanties, illegal structures

Demolition of illegal structures and shanties continues tomorrow Monday in the Lekki Phase 2 axis of Lagos State. Illegal squatters in Gedegede community were also given a seven-day ultimatum to vacate.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources Tokunbo Wahab gave the order at the weekend after an inspection tour of drainage channels at Dodan Barracks, Obalende, Victoria Island and Lekki Phase 2.

Wahab berated them for building on the canals and blocking the path flow of water. ‘But, as always, water will always find it’s way,’ he said.

The commissioner noted that those committing environmental infractions at Obalende will be served notices so the place can be put in order.

He said: “It is unfortunate that people have forgotten that the environment is a master of man, and it is appalling that people can be so reckless in the name of making money.

Read Also: Lagos begins clearing shanties, obstructions along Red Rail Line project

“We got the petition that people are building on the canal here in Gedegede community, Lekki II, and ad such narrowing the primary chanel, so water would pull out and destroy people’s assets. Why are people so reckless in the cause of trying to grab land to money at other people’s expense?

“Demolition will start on Monday (today) for those who had gotten notices before now, not minding whose ox is gored. And those who will be getting their notices newly have seven days to vacate the areas.

“We were at Dodan Barracks as well to check the path for waste water and the canal which, unfortunately, is blocked. So we will meet with the GOC barracks because the path has to be opened for water to flow into the primary channel. We were also at Obalende and it’s unfortunate that everywhere has become an eyesore.

“The path created for the Macgregor canal has been blocked. The occupants will be served vacate notices so we can put the place in proper order.”
The Oniru of Iru Kingdom, Oba Gbolahan Lawal, praised the government for taking the bold step to curb the escalating nuisance. He said the traditional institution will continue to support its policies and programmes to sanitise the environment.

“The monarch also pledged his readiness to partner the government to establish green parks so the environment can enjoy more greenery
He said: “We are all aware of climate change, and conversant with the importance of maintaining a clean environment. We also know that Lagosians need regular advise, so the government should continue on this.

“Regular engagement of stakeholders is key because when you leave things for too long, it becomes an habit. When you keep at this enforcement regularly, it will be in the people’s consciousness that it’s important to keep our environment clean.

“And as traditional rulers, community leaders, we will continue to support the Lagos State government in its pursuit for a livable environment. I know the environment family has the passion and capacity to do the right for Lagosians and they will deliver.

“I have also discussed with the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) on the possibility of establishing green parks within the metropolis because I understand the importance of having a green environment and I have about 15,000 square meters that can be turned from a space to a place. We need to do more.”

October 8, 2023
Lagos vows buildings without permits will be demolished

Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), has disclosed that it would demolish all buildings and structures that do not have the necessary building permits.

Speaking during a media briefing on Friday, the General Manager of LASBCA, Gbolahan Oki, said: ”My duty is for any property without a building plan approval, of which I would have to serve all the necessary notices, and once these notices are served without anyone providing a document to that effect, it means that property is an illegal structure.

“This issue has been going on around Ogombo, Eti-Osa area of the state in the last 5 years, and I have been on it for one and a half year. Hence, we are doing the needful by removing the illegal structures because the government must perform their duty.”

Oki explained that most of the buildings recently demolished in the Ogombo area of Ibeju-Lekki were illegal structures and shanties.

He said: “80-90 per cent are shanties and between 5 – 10 structures at Ogombo are without building plan approval.”

Read Also: Troops seize 367,300 litres of stolen crude in one week

He decried the encroachment on government-owned landed property by land grabbers who also disturb government officials on official duties.

He said: “We have been in Ogombo, Eti-Osa area of the state for over 5 – 10 years. It is land owned by the state government and meant for housing.

“The land grabbers keep going there to disturb the government officials, sell the lands, and continue to build on those lands meant for the state government, some even come with a fake Certificate of Occupancy.

“We have to stop this act and note that land grabbers are not bigger than the government or the people and we really need to curb them.”

Oki added that people should follow the due diligence process before buying a property.

“When due diligence is conducted, the legal practitioner involved in documenting the agreement would be able to decipher the status of the property,” he said.

October 7, 2023
Man held for car theft in Lagos

Operatives of the Zone 2 Police Command in Onikan, Lagos State, have arrested a man, Ugomsinachi Maxwell, for allegedly snatching a car at gunpoint.

Zonal spokesperson Hauwa Idris-Adamu, in a statement yesterday, said the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in-charge of the Zone, Ari Mohammed, received a report that robbers snatched a car in Anambra State and brought it to Lagos to sell.

She said: “On September 22, intelligence gathered revealed that a gang of car snatchers snatched a black Toyota Highlander SUV at gunpoint somewhere in Anambra State and same has been moved to Lagos for sale. Operatives of the Zonal Raider Unit were detailed for investigation and the suspects were trailed to an in Ita-Maga, Ikorodu.

Read Also: Three days of rains to pound Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Oyo, Ogun, 10 other states

“Upon sighting the police, the suspects engaged them in a gun duel. One of the suspects – Udoye Sochukwu Kosi, a.k.a. Daddy Seth, sustained injuries and died in the hospital.

“Maxwell was arrested while two others escaped with injuries. One unregistered Black Toyota Highlander 2003 model was recovered. Maxwell, during interrogation, claimed to know only one of the fleeing suspects, Chidera, as a truck-pusher at Ladipo spare parts market sometime in 2022.”

“Further investigation however revealed that Maxwell was previously arrested for unlawful possession of firearms sometime in April.”

She added that investigation was ongoing while efforts on to arrest the fleeing suspects.

October 6, 2023
Gateman gets life jail for defiling employer’s children

An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court yesterday sentenced a gateman, Happiness Sunday, to triple life imprisonment for sexually assaulting his employer’s children, ages 10 and eight.

Prosecuting counsel, Mrs. Olufunke Adegoke, had arraigned the convict on a three-count charge of defilement and sexual assault by penetration. She said the defendant committed the offences in 2020 on Jaye Oyedotun Street, Magodo, Lagos.

Justice Abiola Soladoye sentenced Sunday, who was the family’s steward and gateman, to life imprisonment on each of the three charges. The sentences would run concurrently.

The court noted that the defendant started assaulting the children and the older child reported to his grandmother to caution him as he was touching the sister inappropriately.

Read Also: Three days of rains to pound Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Oyo, Ogun, 10 other states

When the female child was asked, she told the grandma that the defendant was also touching her brother inappropriately.

“The matter was reported to CeCe Yara Foundation and subsequently to the police”, the judge held

Though the defendant denied touching the children, Justice Soladoye said his demeanour was cold and described him as ‘a pathological liar’.

“The defendant is a sexual terrorist who ravished children. He is also a disloyal worker, egoistic, a terrible person whose sexual perversion is unacceptable. His actions are beastly and he should be locked away for life because his conduct is utterly disgraceful,” she said.

She also ordered that the convict’s name be entered in the Lagos State Sexual Offences Register.

October 6, 2023