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Tag: residents

  • APC chief to Delta govt: make residents’ welfare your goal

    A stalwart of the Delta State All Progressives Congress (APC), Chiedu Paul Onwuadiamu, has admonished the state government to make the welfare of the residents and the provision of basic infrastructure its priorities.

    In a statement, Onwuadiamu said: “I wish to reiterate the call made by our leader, Chief Hyacinth Enuha, that the bulk of civil servants’ salaries remain unpaid in Delta State. We need not remind the government that local government employees have been without salary for the past eight months.

    “If the asphalting of Usonia Street and Cable Road in Asaba amount to massive infrastructural development to Mr Osuoza and his PDP government in 16 months, then Deltans must brace for hard times before 2019.”

    Onwuadiamu noted that it smacked of irresponsibility for a state so richly blessed with human and material resources to wallow in poverty, poor infrastructural development, hunger and quagmire.

    The APC chieftain added that Osuoza and the Ifeanyi Okowa administration were oblivious of the massive infrastructure deficit plaguing Delta State.

    He said the rainy season had exposed the reality of such infrastructural deficit, making Okpanam Road and other streets in Asaba impassable.

    Same decay could be seen in Warri, Sapele and Ugheli, the politician said. Onwuadiamu advised the PDP administration in Delta State to visit less-endowed Anambra, Edo and Rivers to see how they were developing their infrastructure, even with what he called limited resources.

    The APC chieftain noted that it was an open secret that Anambra and Edo states had performed better than Delta State in the payment of civil servants’ salaries, in infrastructural development.

    He said this was because they possessed better development indices than their rich neighbour (Delta State), which boasts “a monthly statutory federal allocation of N6 billion and a grossly under-quoted N3 billion from internally generated revenue (IGR), a situation attributable to the monumental corruption visited on the state treasury by past and present PDP governments”.

    Onwuadiamu said Okowa was vacationing in Europe and America in the celebration of his 57th birthday with an entourage of at least 30 persons while civil servants’ salaries remained unpaid.

  • Ita-Giwa: Bakassi residents are refugees, not IDPs

    Ita-Giwa: Bakassi residents are refugees, not IDPs

    Former Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to resettle Bakassi Peninsula residents.

    She said this was necessary so that the people do not resort to protesting naked and crying out to God.

    In a statement yesterday, she said her people were not cowards and that their silence should not be mistaken for weakness.

    Ita-Giwa said she had been pacifying them not to take the law into their hands because President Muhammadu Buhari is a man of the people and her own way of contributing to the nation’s unity.

    The former presidential aide noted that it was Bakassi land that was ceded and not the people.

    According to her, the residents of the peninsula made a choice to remain Nigerians but regretted that 11 years after, over 4,000 of them had become refugees, wallowing in poverty and suffering because the Federal Government has failed to resettle them in their choice location.

    Ita-Giwa said her people needed to be in a place where they registered and voted for their choice candidates during the previous elections.

    She added that Bakassi residents and other people in Cross River State were suffering since the loss of their oil wells and other benefits.

    The statement reads: “I am using this medium, again, to protest the insensitivity of the Federal Government to our collective plight as Bakassi people.

    “As far as I know, Bakassi Local Government Area is still in Cross River and it is constitutionally catered for like every other council area. But sadly, we have been neglected. Even the host community has suffered a lot of inconveniences and they are not being encouraged in any way with social facilities.

    “The Buhari administration is busy rebuilding the Northeast but feels so unconcerned about the Bakassi people, despite the fact that our situation existed before Boko Haram.

    “Did we commit a crime by choosing to remain in our fatherland? Why rebuild the Northeast and abandon Bakassi? My people are refugees and they should be rehabilitated.”

  • Fear grips residents over Bayelsa earth tremor

    Fear grips residents over Bayelsa earth tremor

    Niger Delta environment is sick. The air, land and water have all been polluted. Aquatic life is disappearing. Air-borne diseases are rife and all bodies of water even the sea have been poisoned.

    The widespread environmental pollution in the region is man-made, caused by years of reckless exploitation and exploration of crude oil; mindless vandalism of oil pipelines, oil wells and other installations in the name of agitation; oil theft and illegal refining of crude oil.

    There is, however, a new threat to the region which has compounded the woes of the environment. It is constant occurrences of earth tremors which have raised fears of possible earthquake in the region. A team of the Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) recently identified earth tremor  as another environmental challenge facing the people of the Niger Delta region.

    ERA, in its report, says tremor is the latest addition to the much-talked-about pollutions occasioned by gas flaring, explosion, leaks, oil spills and threat posed by flood and coastal erosion.

    In fact, there has been history of earth tremors in the region. For instance in June, 2014 ERA/FoEN reported an incident of earth tremor in Ikarama, Okordia clan, Yenagoa Local Government Area Bayelsa State. A similar incident was reported at Oboburu on 25th October, 2014 in Egiland, Rivers State.

    Recently, on July 11, residents of some communities in Ahoada West, Rivers State and Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, raised the alarm over earth tremor in the areas. They said the earth quaked in the night of July 10.

    The people of Akinima in Engenni clan, Ahoada West, were very disturbed. A resident and businessman, Mike Ogbakusi, whose house is located close to an oil facility belonging to Shell, said the tremor occurred in the area at about 11.15pm.

    He said: “The whole place was shaking, though it didn’t last long; it just shook and everybody was shouting. The tremor even extended up to Mbiama and Igbogene, people at Igbogene in Yenagoa also noticed that there was an earth tremor.

    “We don’t know the cause, but people are afraid. It has happened in the past and, I think this is about the fourth tremor we have experienced here. And Akinima community has written to the Ministry of Environment, Rivers State.

    “But up till this moment nobody has come from the Ministry to ask the people what is actually happening; whether there was tremor or no tremor; nobody has come, not even Agip or Shell. So, that is the situation we are in in Akinima now; we are living in fear.”

    He appealed to the government to send experts to the area to assess the development. “We are not geologists. We don’t know anything. We want experts to come and tell us what actually happened and precautionary measures to be taken.

    “So that we will be guided, we don’t know when; maybe the earth will open and all of us will go in; we don’t know. We are not experts, we don’t know what is actually happening so we need experts to come and educate us on what has actually happened.

    “There is a lot of exploration going on in our environment and people are shooting dynamites here and there; and we don’t know what is happening, buildings are cracking”, he said.

    Ogbakusi said the quaking earth must have been caused by the seismic operations of oil companies in the area. “Whenever, they are entering the bush, they will be shooting and, running their lines.

    “If you go inside our community now you will see  their seismic operation related lines running in between buildings. They explore in the day, but the tremor was experienced at night.  When we experienced the tremor; it was like something shifting; not necessarily hearing the sound of an explosive.

    “But you can feel that the earth moved, shook. People ran out from their houses when it occurred; to find out what was happening.This is the fourth time such a thing is happening in this environment.

    “If you go to the home of the paramount ruler, the secretary of the community will tell you the date of the letter the community wrote to the Rivers State Ministry of Environment. The other one happened about two years or one and half year ago; now this one has happened again.

    “I witnessed the tremor which just occurred two days ago and the previous ones. I cannot say which company is responsible for the seismic activities going on around us presently; what I know is that this area is covered by Shell and Agip”, he said.

    A female resident who introduced herself as Animasum Markalso said she experienced the tremor that occurred in community. She said: “Between 11:00pm and midnight, there was a sound and at that same moment; the building shook heavily. Although the shaking or tremor didn’t last long, there was an accompanying sound.

    “I have experienced it in the past. But I was shocked by this one; I thought it was an earthquake. I even tried to run to my husband to ask him what was going on but because he just returned for the weekend and was tired I decided not to bother him. But, my mind ran amok; thinking of possible causes and also whether the world was coming to an end.

    A civil servant, Nwakam Paul, said such incident has been recurring in the community. “It is about the third time since I returned from the north that I have observed it. This one was a little mild than the rest.

    “It normally happen like an accident, within the twinkling of an eye it is gone. But we just noticed it; that something strange had happened.  I don’t know if we can attribute the cracking of buildings in the community to these earth tremors. The other time it happened even electric poles and wire were obviously seen shaking, moving.

    “People ran to the street when it happened in the past because it was a strange phenomenon. We are neither geographers nor geologists and we have never subjected the incident to serious scrutiny and reach logical conclusions and so; even though there are exploration activities going on around us; we don’t know what to attribute the cause of the earth tremors to right now.

    “We cannot say it occurs annually, maybe bi-annually. And, I didn’t hear any accompanying sound when it happened few days ago and; it happens quickly, like lightening. Within the space of one to five seconds; it is done.  I was wide awake when it happened”, he said.

    Even a neighbouring community, Akinowiso, was affected. A resident of Akinowiso, Paul Peters, said: “When we experienced the movement or shaking of the earth last time; it led to cracks in my building. I managed to patch some of the cracked spots because I had little cement in the house but no money for major repairs.

    “Then, with this very recent shaking of the earth again has widened the cracked sections of the building. I am confused, but I want to use this opportunity to appeal to the government to investigate the phenomenon and take appropriate steps to prevent this earth tremor from happening again.

    “I am saying so because I am not the only victim; if you move around this community you will discover others who suffered the same fate; whose houses have cracked as a result of the earth tremors. And, we are afraid, not knowing what might happen the next day.

    “So, the government should listen to us and take proactive steps before more damage is done.We are yet to see any government official since we are experiencing this earth tremor in our environment”.

    Also a resident and indigene Delta State, Paul Harrison, said he would relocate from Akinowiso if the incident happened again.

    “Well, the thing is that I am a stranger and if the earth tremor continues I can take my wife and children and relocate. Such relocation of strangers can affect the place in terms of commercial activities and development.

    “I have spent about seven years in this community and this earth tremor has happened up to four times. The day it happened around 11:00pm, suddenly everywhere shook. I thought somebody was knocking on my door and, when I went out I saw people running out from their houses towards the roads.

    “They later said it was a vibration from the ground; just like an earthquake, very seriously. So, we had to check around the house whether it had cracks as a result of the quake.

    “But we didn’t discover any crack. The shaking happened twice and it was brief; lasted just about five seconds. We even heard a loud sound; as if someone used dynamite; very serious”, he said.

    In Igbogene, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, residents also confirmed that a tremor occurred in their environment at about 11:22pm on the fateful day. A resident, Victor Idiedo, said the quake lasted for about a minute.

    He said: “The first thought that came to my mind was whether armed robbers have come to invade my compound, de-roofing my building so I started shouting armed robbers, armed robbers. My elder brother who lived behind me also came out.

    “When we came outside we saw people trooping out and asking ‘what is happening that the earth is moving, quaking everywhere?’ A neighbor recorded crack in his house. And, since we didn’t hear or read about the incident in any of the local media houses, I decided to reach out to Alagoa Morris of ERA/FoEN; to hint him.

    “Meanwhile, I read from one of these online news on 29thJune, 2016 that about six states likely to be affected by earthquake. This raised my fears on the spur of the moment, because Bayelsa State was named among the six states.

    “I was scared and, that was why I got in touch with Alagoa Morris. When I made further inquiries, I received information that some communities in Ahoada West local government area of Rivers State were also affected; even Akenfa, though mildly”.

    Idiedo, however, said he had never experienced such incident at Igbogene adding that there was no explosion before the tremor. “I have lived in this community for over 10 years and this is the first time I am experiencing such a thing like this.

    “There was no explosion, just that the building was shaking. I was fully awake and I have never experienced such in my life before. A minor crack occurred as a direct result of the earth tremor in the neighbourhood.

    Plates and other things in my cousin’s house fell down from where they were kept as a result of the quake. Some of the breakable ones got broken”, he said.

    Another resident of Igbogene, Chief Etekpe Friday said: “We were about going to bed when I heard a very high vibration. My window shook heavily; even the ground vibrated. I thought immediately of what the cause could possibly be; thinking if rodents around could be responsible. I had to resort to prayers. So, I had the vibration experienced in my house”.

    ERA in the report compiled by its Bayelsa State Coordinator, Mr. Alagoa Morris, said a renewed search for oil could have been responsible for the earth tremor.

    The report said: “ERA.FoEN is very much aware of renewed and heightened search for oil and gas within this environment; in Yenagoa and Ogbia local government areas of Bayelsa State and beyond; even as attested by one of those who spoke to ERA at Akinima.

    “This has been on for about three months or more now. It is also a common knowledge that explosives are often used during these seismic operations. When a similar incident happened at Ikarama community in June, 2014; it attracted the attention of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment.

    “What is not clear is whether anything significant was made beyond the visit of officials of the Ministry then. Ordinarily, not just for the records; experts would have been invited to investigate and come up with reports for stakeholders to know what the prognosis is and allay the fears and concerns of the people/communities.Currently, the people in affected communities are apprehensive”.

    Therefore, ERA asked the three tiers of government to should rise up to the occasion and take appropriate steps to identify what actually happened and why.

    It appealed to the relevant agencies of Federal Government, including the Science Ministry, Environment, NDDC and Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to get experts who will work effectively with the State governments, Local governments and communities affected to unravel the mystery around earth tremors in our communities.

    It said such studies should provide practical solutions to the problem, allay the fears and concerns of the affected communities and take take steps to prevent real earthquake from happening.

    The report said: “All stakeholders, including the media should follow up on this with a view to halting whatever danger that is on its way.

    “Communities should be more alert, document and keep accurate records of happenings around them. They should also report such strange occurrences to relevant NGOs, media and the government”.

  • NGO provides free medicare for residents

    Residents of Adalemo in Ado/Odo-Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State were excited when a foundation, Charity Tour with Ay4God offered free medical services to them.

    The non-governmental organisation (NGO), also donated foods, clothes and shoes, among other materials to children .

    According to the Coordinator, Mr. Stephen Ayodele Abadariki, the event whose theme was “Greatest Love” was to give back to the community.

    He said it is not until one has the whole world before one could show love to others, adding that nothing is small or big to assist the needy.

    He challenged religious and political leaders to assist the less-privilege persons.

    He said: “Most churches nowadays are only after offerings and tithes without minding how the members live and eat and whether or not their children attend schools. He also said majority of the schools owned by churches charge higher school fees, thereby making it difficult for the member’s children to attend.”

    This, he said, does not portray a good society.

    Mr Abadariki urged government to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.

    “I am convinced that the rich have an obligation to give back to the society,” Mr Abadarigi said.

     

  • Residents urged to keep their surroundings clean

    Residents urged to keep their surroundings clean

    The Sole Administrator of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area, Mr. Adekunle Julius has urged stakeholders within the LCDA to support the government’s efforts towards ensuring safe and healthy environment through planting of trees.

    Adekunle, who represented Governor Akinwunmi Ambode at this year’s tree planting campaign held at Sura Mogaji Playing ground, Odi-Olowo stated that planting of trees is very important for environment because trees provide oxygen, cool the atmosphere, help conserve energy, save water, prevent erosion, save our children from ultra-violet rays, provide food and brings diverse groups together as we are doing today. The state government is solidly behind this year’s theme:” Lend a Hand to Save Trees.”

    He added that residents must plant trees to replace those removed from vast acres of land so that we reduce the rate of ocean surge and erosion with its attendant problem of displacement of homes and communities.

    He revealed that Lagos State has become a positive reference point in Nigeria about creating a Green Environment, saying “we remain committed to this cause and will vigorously pursue the state greening policy of total regeneration of degraded sites as part of our pact with Lagosians.”

  • ‘We’ll improve residents’ health’

    ‘We’ll improve residents’ health’

    The Sole Administrator of Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area, Mr. Bashir Abiola Are has pledged his administration’s commitment to make life worth living for the residents.

    The council chief stated this when he visited the Sura Primary Health Centre which he said is in a sorry state. The visit was part of the sensitisation campaigns on the need for the people to live in a safe and healthy environment which he said trees could provide.

    He noted that trees are very important in the life of humankind and the environment.

    Speaking at St George Lodge Broad Street during this year’s tree planting campaign, he appealed to residents to form the habit of planting trees.

    The council chief enumerated the various benefits derivable in planting trees which include safe and healthy environment. He added that there is a compelling need to plant and nurture trees so as to mitigate the hazards of global warming and climate change.

    He urged the people to develop a culture of tree planting to enhance the beauty of the environment.

    Are said Park and Garden Department would soon be set up to safeguard trees which the council would plant, even as he said the council plans to plant more trees.

    Expressing his worry over the sorry state of Sura Primary Health care Centre, he pledged the council’s commitment to renovate the centre.

    ‘‘We will renovate the Sura Primary Health Centre; we will also provide potable water and good drainage system. We will continue to do what we can till our environment is safe because health is wealth,” he said.

    In an address, the Commissioner for the Environment Dr Babatunde Adejare said tree planting day is more than a campaign; it is a ‘project’ and a strong symbol of expression of our common determination and commitment to make a significant positive difference in our common heritage the environment.

    Represented by Mrs. Adeeko Olubisi, he further said: “It is extremely important for all of us not to only take keen interest in the cause of environment protection, but also to implement these ideals in action to sustain same by planting more trees. This is the only way we will be impacting and demonstrating our own little but significant contributions to the protection of nature.

    “The tree planting programme is to further help in propagating the green Revolution Campaign geared towards climate change mitigation and adaptation. Besides beautifying the environment, the planted trees help to convert criminal hideouts and open spaces into orchards and woodlands.

    “It is a fact that the destruction of trees and other woodlands is on a steady increase and according to the state Ministry of Agriculture, our forest cover stands at less than 3% against the recommended 10% of the landmass.

    “Today, human infrastructural activities are threatening the survival of trees, hence the theme: ‘lend a hand to save trees’. We are therefore soliciting that irrespective of human needs for survival, we must also ensure that environmental degradation is minimised so that we can jointly protect the environment.’’ he said.

    In his address, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said this year’s event which had the theme ‘‘lend a hand to save trees’’ is one of the most reliable and cheapest means of combating the effect of global warming and climate change.

    Represented by the Sole Administrator of the council, Governor Ambode said: ‘’Planting of trees is very important for our environment because trees provide oxygen, cool the atmosphere, help conserve energy, save water, prevent erosion, save our children from ultra-violet rays, provide food and brings diverse groups together as we are doing today.

  • Free medicare for residents

    An aspirant for the chairmanship of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area in the forthcoming local government election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Adekunle Kehinde Kennedy, has offered free medical services to residents of Alapere–Ketu area of Lagos State.

    Addressing the large crowd that had gathered to receive the free medical service, Kehinde, who is a member of the executive of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (N.U.R.T.W.), praised the National Leader of APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership that aimed at taking the country out of the woods.

    He said the former Governor of Lagos State is a leader ordained by God and who has been playing the roles of a kingmaker in governance for over a decade. He advised President Muhammadu Buhari to always listen to Asiwaju’s pieces of advice, saying he is God-send to lead the country to greatness, having led Lagos in particular to its present glory.

    Kennedy, as he is fondly called by his fans, however, noted that Tinubu should not be shoved aside in the present political dispensation, but should be seen as a bridge-builder, symbol of unity, good listener and philanthropist, adding that the youth are proud of him.

  • Residents relish monarch’s return

    Residents relish monarch’s return

    Residents of Offa, Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State trooped out to welcome back their monarch, the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi.

    The Olofa throne had been a subject of litigation, going all the way to the Supreme Court, where the case was decided in Oba Gbadamosi’s favour.

    It called for celebration, many residents said, lining up the road to welcome the king back. A convoy of cars also heralded the monarch’s return, travelling from Osogbo, Ikirun, Okuku and Ira, especially at Ira road, a distance of more than 5km to the palace of the Olofa father.

    Security operatives had a hectic time controlling the joyous crowd.

    There were shouts of kaaabiyesiii ooo, hailing and waving to the traditional ruler when he was sighted among the rows of cars. He responded with a wave of his traditional horsetail.

    Vehicles with live musical bands dished out songs to delight of people.

    Olofa’s convoy that entered Offa town at about 2:00 pm did not get to palace till after 4:00pm as crowd made up of young men and women, aged and children, including numerous vehicles became uncontrollable.

    Speaking at the occasion, National President of Offa Descendants union (ODU), Alhaji Najim Yaasin said the victory was for all indigenes of the town

    He urged all Offa son and daughters to come together to ensure the growth and development of the town.

    Oba Gbadamosi who beamed with smiles turned spiritual as he sang praises to Almighty God for seeing him through the litigation, admonishing indigenes not to bear grudges against anyone.

    He said, the “entire Offa people are one and should remain one for the progress of Offa town.

    He added that after the hurdles of litigation the next “thing is to commence a new era of developments in Offa because it is a new Offa in which all the people are living now.”

    The monarch’s victory coincided with the end of this year’s Ramadan fast. Little wonder on the day of Eid el-fitri, Oba Gbadamosi message was laced with thanksgiving.

    He said: “This Sallah is indeed a very unique one. Its uniqueness is borne out of the fact that it did not only mark the end of Ramadan, but an end to the long time litigation over my appointment as Olofa of Offa. It marks a turning point to the drama, intrigues and brigandage that characterised the battle for the throne for six years. At this juncture, may I use this medium to again thank the high chiefs of Offa and sub-chiefs for the support given while the litigation lasted?

    The Senate President Bukola Saraki, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and others supported the monarch.

    “To Offa sons and daughters whose names were not mentioned here, I thank you for the maturity, restraint and patience exhibited on both sides of the divide during the period of litigation, Oba Gbadamosi said.

    “Up till the end of the case in court, there was no violence recorded. This is a demonstration of whom we are. We are peace loving people and thus we should remain one. We are one and we will always be. No victor No vanquished.

    “I pray for quick healing of wounds and reunion of all and sundry so that we can resume our quest for progress, positive growth and development. I call on all the aggrieved to join hands with me in my quest towards advancing the course of Offa land.

    “Let us join hands to make Offa great. Let us rebrand Offa and make it greater. Let us put Offa on the world map.”

  • Don’t dump refuse in gutters, council chief warns residents

    •Lagos Mainland clears drainage

    Officials and workers of Lagos Mainland Local Government Area will clear the drainage of at least 10 streets in the next few days.

    The sanitation is aimed at reducing malaria and other diseases among the residents.

    The local government administrator, Adedoyin Rojaiye, warned the residents against dumping refuse in the gutters.

    Rojaiye spoke during his tour of the drains where two labourers, who were breaking a slab to erect a pole and make for a more comfortable exit for their hotel building, were accosted.

    He said: “Government just repaired two roads in the local government, among which is Borno Way. I am amazed to see them destroy this facility which the government put up for the people. If they put it up, I will prosecute them. This is because they have all been advised to do everything within the ambit of the law.

    “So, I have informed them that they would be prosecuted accordingly, because I won’t stand seeing a road that has just been fixed to be damaged. I have told them to remove the pole. I am sure they will comply.”

    Our reporter visited three of the streets where the sanitation was being carried out and met the local government workers clearing the drainage of sand and other forms of dirt from the gutters.

    They said this would aid an easy flow of the drains.

    A monitoring team, which comprised the local government’s Sole Administrator, Mr Adedoyin Rojaiye, was at work on Freeman Street, Borno Way and Market Street.

    Rojaiye was joined by the council’s health workers for the sanitation.

    The administrator expressed gratitude to the people for giving him the opportunity to serve them and humanity.

    He said this was a coincidence he considered as a long-time vision and buying into the vision of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on the safety and cleanliness of the state.

    Rojaiye said he started the sanitation because of the rainy season, which he noted caused the drains to be blocked.

    The administration said the cleanliness of the streets and the gutters would avert floods and the outbreak of epidemic, especially malaria and Lassa fever.

    Mr Ganiyu, a resident of 45 Odaliki Street, said he had monitored the workers since they began the sanitation, adding that it showed the government was working.

    He recalled that hitherto, there was a blockage in the drainage and whenever it rained.

    Ganiyu said the streets got flooded, adding: “With this development, I am sure there will be free flow of water and we, the residents, will maintain this during environmental sanitation and on regular basis, dispose our dirt properly.”

    Lagos Mainland has major markets, such as the popular Oyinbo Market, where the biggest foodstuff market is situated.

    Rojaiye urged the residents to take a cue from his gesture and clean their drainage regularly to ensure a healthier environment.

  • Residents hail Ambode for roads’ repair

    Residents hail Ambode for roads’ repair

    Residents of Odunlade and Fadipe streets in Shomolu, Lagos have hailed Governor Akinwumi Ambode for the ongoing repair of roads.

    A resident, Mr Steven Akindele, said the repair would drive economic activities in the area and address the people’s hardship.

    Akindele said the area was prone to flooding when it rains, adding that many had relocated because of that.

    He said: “We are very happy with the repair of the road here; we thought this place had been forgotten by the government. The traffic situation around here was also hectic because of the condition of the road, but all that has changed now with the rehabilitation of the road.”

    Lagos State Public Works Corporation (LSPWC) Chief Executive Officer, Ayotunde Sodeinde said the Governor directed that the roads be repaired because they had deteriorated.

    He said: “This is exactly what we have done. Before, this road was impassable and there were no drainage.  When we moved in we reconstructed the drainage to discharge from Odunlade Street through Fadipe into a collectable drainage so as to address the problem of flooding.”

    Sodeinde said the road measuring about 483m was presently under-going base preparation after which asphalting would begin in a few days if the weather is favourable.

    He lamented the indiscriminate dumping of refuse into the drains, which creates blockage and incessant flooding when it rains. Sodeinde said the Ministry of the Environment and the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) had just concluded a meeting with the Community Development Association (CDA) on how to improve sanitation in the area.