The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerian news

  • Sanwo-Olu launches LAWMA’s blue box

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu said on Thursday that the state could longer rely on the old waste disposal method, which stood at 10,000 tonnes yearly.

    He spoke at the Simpson Transfer Loading State, Sura, Lagos Island, at the launch of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) blue box.

    He said the launch was being held to minimise waste and create a green economy that would provide jobs and make the people healthier.

    Sanwo-Olu said the programme would start from Victoria Island, Surulere and designated estates under the health and environment programme.

    He hailed LAWMA for the launch and promised to give out the boxes free for now in the pilot programme.

    The governor urged Lagosians to take ownership of the programme and ensure the green environment generates enough fund, especially from donors.

    He said if successfully implemented, it would ensure the production of fertilisers that would help farmers to generate enough food for the citizenry. Sanwo-Olu advised traders, women, men and children to own the programme to make it work.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu inaugurates 492-unit estate

    LAWMA Managing Director Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin said the blue box programme is a single stream recyclable collection programme that will encourage separation of recyclable materials from the general waste at the point of generation.

    He enjoined Lagosians to endeavour to have two containers – a black container for waste and a blue container for recyclables.

    Gbadegesin said: “To kick-off the blue box programme, we are distributing these colour-coded recycling bags to each household through franchised recyclers for separation of recyclables. The bags will be collected on designated dates by the assigned recycler and transported to the sorting hubs within the area at designated days of the week. Recycling companies, who are franchise holders, will come to pick up the boxes.”

    He said the colour-coded bags would be distributed by recyclers and environmental volunteer corps, who would educate and encourage participation, as well as collate data on the field.

    The managing director said the collected recyclables would then be transported to the community recycling centre in the area for further sorting and sale to off-takers.

    He added that as a way of encouraging compliance, LAWMA would promote the sorting culture with a reward system. Participatory households would accumulate coupons distributed by the franchisee, which would be exchanged with several redeemable options that included, but not limited to reduction in the amount paid for waste bills.

    Gbadegesin said the state is moving towards a green economy where citizens will be empowered, children used as change agents and cart pushers shown how best to make a living.

    Commissioner for the Environment & Water Resources Mr. Tunji Bello said the launch was a good beginning to reduce waste, encourage recycling, create jobs and have a healthier environment.

    He observed the challenge of the state as that of having a small land space compared to the millions who migrate to Lagos on a daily basis in search of greener pasture.

    The commissioner encouraged residents to key into the modern way of waste management to create wealth.

  • Governor hands over 120 patrol vehicles, 35 patrol motorcycles to security outfits

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said the state will remain safe, as security will never be taken for granted.

    He spoke on Thursday at the Lagos State House, Alausa, Ikeja, when he presented 120 security patrol vehicles and 35 patrol motorcycles to security personnel.

    Read Also: LSACA screens 6,000 for HIV to mark Sanwo-Olu’s 100 days

    The governor said although security was everybody’s concern, his administration would, however, take the lead by supporting security operatives with equipment and tools for effective performance.

    He assured security organisations that his government would engage them, saying: “We have all been working tirelessly and we must continue to work and ensure security of life and property.”

    Sanwo-Olu promised to raise the bar, re-strategise and introduce innovation soon in security infrastructure.

  • Lagos begins implementation of e-tendering, e-bidding

    The General Manager of the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency (PPA), Mr. Fatai Idowu Onafowote, has said the agency has begun the implementation of e-Tendering, e- Publishing/Notification, e-Bidding and e-Award modules of  e-Procurement Solution.

    The implementation of the four new e-Procurement Solution Modules, he said, began with three ministries – Health, Education and Works and Infrastructure.

    Read Also: HoS urges MDAs to comply with procurement law

    Onafowote added that the introduction of the e-procurement solution modules was aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability and contributing to the ease of doing business by existing and potential contractors of the government and its MDAs.

    With the implementation of the e-Procurement Solution Modules, registered and would-be contractors, he said, no longer have to visit the ministries for papers submission, “because a platform for official communication and interaction to facilitate the procurement process has been provided online.”

    Onafowote said some of the procurement officers had undergone the requisite training to ensure a seamless implementation of the new policy, while others would also be exposed to similar training in due course.

  • Court remands man for alleged robbery

    An Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, on Thursday remanded a 40-year-old man, Adeshola Alao, at Kirikiri Prisons for allegedly robbing a man of his car and an iPhone, with a gun.

    Alao, of no fixed address, was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Mrs. M.I. Dan-Oni on charges bordering on attempted robbery and armed robbery.

    Prosecuting Inspector Victor Eruada said the defendant and others at large committed the offences on April 1 at Igando, Lagos.

    Read Also: Suspects arrested for ‘one-chance robbery’

    He alleged that the defendant robbed Adeshola Fatola of his Toyota Corolla car with number plate AKD-195 ES at gunpoint.

    Eruada alleged that Alao unlawfully had in his possession a pistol with six rounds of ammunition with which he carried out the robbery.

    He added: “The defendant robbed Fatola of his car valued at N2 million and an iPhone worth N80, 000.”

    Mrs. Dan-Oni did not take the defendant’s plea.

    She ordered that he be kept at Kirikiri Prisons pending legal advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and adjourned the case till October 3.

  • Welders remanded for ‘destroying SON’s seal, stealing cables’

    A Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday remanded two welders, who allegedly broke into a sealed warehouse and stole substandard electric cables confiscated by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).

    The welders are: Chukwuma Nwodo, 31, of 8, Tobi Close, Mosafejo, Ojo-Alaba, Lagos and Abor Ikechukwu, 21, of 1, Collins Street, Alaba International Market, Lagos.

    Vacation judge, Justice Nicholas Oweibo, made the order following their arraignment by the Federal Government on a two-count charge of conspiracy, unlawful destruction of SON’s seal and stealing.

    Read Also: Man gets one year for stealing microwave

    Chief State counsel Mr. Babatunde Alajogun, who represented the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), told the judge that the defendants committed the offences on or about August 21, at a warehouse behind Bengass motor park, Ojo-Alaba.

    “They conspired to destroy the seal of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria that was used to seal off the warehouse, which contained substandard cables and welding equipment,” he said.

    The court heard that both men carried out the destruction, using welding equipment and gained entrance into the warehouse “to cart away the substandard electric cables.”

    Nwodo and Ikechukwu pleaded not guilty.

    Alajogun prayed the court to remand both defendants pending trial.

    He said: “We humbly make an application that the defendants be remanded in prison custody and for the court to fix a date for trial.

    “We have two witnesses and we can finish this case in a few weeks.”

    Defence counsel S. I. Onyema did not oppose him.

    Onyema, who told the judge that he had only just seen the case file, said: “We shall be asking for a date so that we can bring the necessary applications.”

    In a bench ruling, Justice Oweibo upheld Alajogun’s prayer.

    He said: “We’ll take a date for hearing. Any time you (Onyema) bring your application, we’ll hear it. The case is adjourned till October 24 for trial. The defendants are hereby remanded in prison custody.”

  • Retirees get N4.25b with discounted medical treatment

    The Lagos State Government has paid N4.25 billion accrued pension rights to 1,268 retirees in four months, with discounted medical treatment.

    Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions Mrs. Ajibola Ponnle, who spoke at the Lagos State Pension Commission’s (LASPEC’s) 66th retirement benefit bond certificate presentation ceremony in Lagos, said while N2.75 billion was paid to 881 retirees in the last three months, N1.50 billion was paid to 387 retirees.

    She said the government was committed to the welfare of workers and retirees, adding that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had been briefed on the backlog of outstanding pension entitlements and had promised that priority would be given to the payment of accrued pension rights.

    Read Also: Benue pensioners protest unpaid 24-month entitlements

    “The governor is aware that without the payment of their accrued pension rights, the retirees will not be able to access their retirement savings accounts to draw monthly pension.

    “To show commitment, the state has begun the issuance of identification cards to retirees in its bid to make life comfortable for retirees.

    This will enable them use access discounted medical treatment in the state’s hospitals and board the state’s mass transit buses free,” Ponnle said.

    LASPEC Director-General Folashade Onanuga told the retirees that their Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) had been directed to ensure that they were granted access to their retirement savings accounts.

  • Man gets one year for stealing microwave

    A 30-year old man, Udo Akpan Philip, has been jailed for stealing a microwave worth N25,000.

    Udo was arraigned on a two-count charge of stealing and intent to commit felony.

    He pleaded guilty to the charges.

    Read Also: Police arraign manager for allegedly stealing N8m

    Prosecuting Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Patrick Agbonifo told the court that the offences were punishable under sections 411 and 390 of the Criminal Code Vol 2 Laws of the defunct Bendel State of Nigeria now applicable in Edo State.

    Agbonifo said the convict broke into the home of Uche Paul at Okpiawele Street, GRA on August 30.

    Presiding Magistrate Mrs. Ivie Akhere sentenced Udo to one year imprisonment without an option of fine.

  • Abductors kill police officer

    A police search party on Thursday discovered the decomposing body of a sergeant kidnapped about three weeks ago in Rivers State.

    Sergeant Lawrence Igbero, attached to the Police Mobile Force (PMF) Unit 56, was taken away by suspected kidnappers on the Ogoni Road, Rivers State.

    It was gathered that the team, led by the unit Commander, Egbe Sunday, had combed the bush for the sergeant since his kidnap, but could not find him.

    Read Also: One killed in Police, motorcyclists scuffle in Benue

    The Nation learnt that the detectives later tracked his phone, which was being used by a man who claimed to have bought it.

    “Through the ‘buyer’, the police tracked and arrested the ‘seller’. It was then they confessed to have killed the sergeant and dumped his body in the forest.

    “It was discovered that the suspects were responsible for several other kidnappings and snatching of vehicles and motorcycles in Ogoni.

    “The body of the sergeant was evacuated by the search party. He was identified because his uniform was still on the body,” said a source.

    Police spokesman Nnamdi Omoni confirmed the incident. He said the body has been deposited in the mortuary for autopsy, adding that a suspect has been arrested.

  • Kidnappers free Okowa’s in-law

    The younger sister to the wife of Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, abducted last week, has been released, The Nation has learnt.

    Elizabeth, younger sister to Mrs. Edith Okowa, was reportedly kidnapped by gunmen at Temple Clinic junction, along Anwai Road, near Government House in Asaba.

    Read Also: PDP national youth leader ‘kidnapped’

    The victim was said to have been released yesterday after over N150million was allegedly paid as ransom.

    A source at the Government House, Asaba confirmed her release, but denied knowledge of payment of ransom.

    Police Commissioner Adeyinka Adeleke denied knowledge of the release.

    He said: “I’m just hearing it from you. I don’t have that information that she was abducted, let alone have information that she has been released.”

  • ‘Professor’, 11 others arraigned, remanded for alleged fraud

    A sixty-year-old man, Charles Jide-Oni, who claimed to be a professor and lecturer at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State, has been arraigned before a Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos state for allegedly obtaining money under false pretences and engaging in Advance Fee Fraud.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibadan zonal office, arraigned the ‘Professor’ and 12 other internet fraud suspects before Justice Nicholas Oweibo, the Federal High Court vacation judge for the Southwest zone, on Wednesday.

    Jide-Oni’s arraignment was sequel to the EFCC’s damning findings about the activities of an illegal financial outfit he floated through which he allegedly swindled his victims of several millions of naira.

    Some of the victims had earlier written a petition to the Commission which led to the investigations that indicted him in the alleged fraudulent act.

    Among other 12 suspects equally arraigned are Olaleye Kolapo, Madukife Ifeanyi Azuka, Fatanmi Yinka Sunday, Adebayo Bolaji Adeyinka, Adeleke Peter and Adebowale Fadairo.

    Others are Oyewunmi Toulope Michael, Bello Ayoade Jalal Arikalam, Owolabi Toheeb Tolulope, Abdullahi Abdulazeez  Oluwatobi, Temitope Fatolu and Adesina Adewale.

    Read Also: ‘Estate agent to be prosecuted for N65m fraud’

    Fatolu (aka Gold Crumb), however, opted for a plea bargain and pleaded guilty to a one-count amended charge of fraudulent impersonation when he was presented before the court on Wednesday.

    He was subsequently sentenced to one year imprisonment with effect from June 20, 2019 when he was arrested.

    Gold Crumb was also to restitue the sum of $500 (Five Hundred United States Dollars), through the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to his victim, and to equally forfeit his iPhone 6, Nokia 103 and Hp Laptop to the Federal government of Nigeria, being part of the benefit he derived from his fraudulent act.

    Due to the bail application filed and argued by his lawyer on his behalf, Justice Oweibo granted Jide-Oni bail to the tune of N10 million and two sureties in like sum.

    The sureties, the court held, must be of Grade Level 10 in the civil service and must be resident in Osogbo, the Osun state capital.

    The judge also ordered that the accused person be remanded in Ilesha prison pending the time he is able to fulfill his bail conditions as he adjourned substantive hearing to October 14.

    Unlike Fatolu, other 11 suspects, who were charged with sundry internet-related offences including obtaining money by false pretence, impersonation, being in possession of forged and fraudulent documents to defraud people, pleaded not guilty to the respective charges preferred against them.

    Consequent upon their not-guilty plea, EFCC counsel, Dr. Ben Ubi, crave the court for an order to remand them in prison and fix dates for the hearing of their cases.

    The court granted the remand prayer, and also fixed different dates for the hearings.

    He fixed October 7 for the hearing of Fatami’s, Adeleke’s, and Fadairo’s cases as he ordered that they are remanded in the Ilesa prison.

    Olaleye and Azkuka are to be remanded in Ado-Ekiti prison till October 9 when their cases will be opened for hearing.

    For Abdullahi, Oyewunmi and Bello, the hearings would hold on October 14. They are ordered to take shelter in Ilesa prison till then.

    The judge equally fixed October 15 and 21 for hearing of Adesina’s and Owolabi respective cases while both will be housed in Ilesa prison pending the adjourned date.

    Adebayo was, however, returned to the EFCC’s custody.