The Nation Newspaper

Tag: residents

  • Ogun compensates 232 Igbesa residents

    In preparation for the commencement of construction on the 10-kilometre Lusada-Igbesa Road, the Ogun State Government has compensated owners of 232 structures affected by the project.

    Speaking on the occasion held at Salvation Army Primary School, Igbesa, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Olamilekan Adegbite, an architect, said this was the first time since 2011 that compensation would be brought to the community of the beneficiaries.

    “The state government, in its magnanimity, has decided to bring this compensation to Igbesa to ease the difficulty the beneficiaries might encounter, if they come to Abeokuta to collect their bank drafts,’’ he said

    The Commissioner, through his media aide, Mr. Temidayo Agida, hinted that the road, which would be completed between six and eight months would enhance accessibility and improve the livelihood of the people of the area.

    He implored residents to cooperate with the contractors to ensure the speedy completion of the project.

    One of the recipients, Mr. Imonite Lucky, expressed gratitude to the government for the gesture of coming to pay compensation at the loan.

    He said the project would bring development to the town.

  • Residents lament hospital’s reduction of service time

    Residents of Aiyedire Estate in Ojokoro Local Council Development Area of Lagos have registered their displeasure with the council Chairman, Hammed TIjaniý over what the discontinuance of 24-hour service at Ajegunle-Ilo Primary Health Care Centre.

    A petition signed by Aiyedire Community Development Association  Chairman, Otunba Ariyo Ishola and Secretary Orjiakor John, said the work hours at the health centre has now been reduced to less than twelve hours coupled with the non-availability of medical personnel to attend to patients.

    According to the association, pregnant women were turn back by the personnel on ground.

    The centre, they said, received a facelift by the previous administration in the council only in 2016, with modern day equipment and laboratory provided.

    “All of these are reasons the residents continue to wonder what was responsible for the recent changes in operation at the health centre since it has adequate facilities in place,” the group said.

    A resident, Odunewu Olayinka, queried the decision of the council to discontinue the 24-hour service offered at the health centre at a time the Lagos state government is working ceaselessly to put infrastructures in place in its quest to be a 24/7 socio-economic city.

  • Herdsmen attack: Residents flee Ekiti community

    Herdsmen attack: Residents flee Ekiti community

    •  Assailants attack politician’s home 

    Residents of Ipao-Ekiti in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti have fled the community in droves following attacks by suspected herdsmen.

    The mass exodus was triggered by the murder of a farmer, Tunde Olayemi last Sunday by herdsmen while returning from his farm.

    Although Governor Ayo Fayose visited the village last Tuesday alongside Commissioner of Police, Abdullahi Chafe, residents are still gripped with fear of a possible attack by herdsmen in the future.

    The fear was further heightened by the attack on the residence of a politician, Akinsola Adu, in the early hours of last Wednesday by unknown individuals where the gateman was wounded and left for death.

    Herdsmen attacks have become a regular occurrence in three neighbouring towns along the axis: Ipao, Oke Ako and Irele on the northern fringe of the state sharing boundary with Kogi State.

    Exodus of residents from Ipao, which began last Wednesday, continued till Friday as they were seen loading vehicles with their belongings to towns like Ado, Ikole, Ayedun, Oye, Ifaki and Ponyan in Kogi State.

    A resident, Gbenga Eniafe, said the people of the community no longer sleep with their eyes closed after the latest attack as they believe their security was no longer guaranteed.

    Eniafe said: “Ipao is becoming desolate by the day because people pack their belongings everyday and leaving for where they believe their lives are safe.

    “Our people are scared that another attack by the Fulanis is imminent; nobody knows when they will attack the town again and they don’t want their blood to be spilled again.

    “It is only the aged people and the physically challenged that cannot leave because of their condition.

    “Some who fled to places that are not far come in the day time and pass the night in their new abodes.

    “It is very unfortunate that both federal and state governments are helpless to protect our people from these Fulani invaders.”

    Four unknown individuals reportedly laid siege to the home of Akinsola, who was said to be away on holiday to the United States of America (USA).

    His house in Akure, the Ondo State capital where he resides, was attacked in similar fashion in 2017.

    The politician whose mother is an indigene of Ipao was former chairman of Idanre Local Government in Ondo State.

    The invaders wounded his gate man, whose name was given as Anthony Egeh, an indigene of Benue State, who has been taken to his village by his kinsmen over insecurity in Ipao.

     

  • Council hails residents for rise in IGR

    The Eredo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State has praised residents for helping to raise its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

    Its Chairman, Saliu Adeniyi Razaq,  thanked  traditional rulers, traders, artisans, security operatives, trade unionists and community leaders, in particular,  for their contribution towards the planning of this year’s budget.

    “Today, we are gathered to translate that vision to action. Your participation in the budget stakeholders’ forum will enhance our vision for inclusive governance.

    “Upon our assumption of office last July 25, we met on ground dwindling revenue both from the Federation Account and IGR but things are improving.

    “With this reality and our desire to improve the living standard of our people, we swung into action with a view to ensuring that we commenced the process of delivering on our campaign promises,” he said.

    The council, he said,  had embark on some projects,  including upgrading of the Ibonwon Fish Market, completion of Ganiu Olayemi Office Complex, provision of sizeable and affordable shops and stall at Pobo Market and  grading of link roads.

    “Our determination to succeed and deliver on our electioneering campaign saw us making foray into ventures that will improve our revenue base. All these we have been able to achieve through your cooperation and support. I appeal that you should not relent in the cause of developing Eredo to an enviable height,” he said.

     

  • Residents, business operators hail council chief over mobile office

    Residents and business operators in Aluminium Village in the Dopemu area of Agege Local Government, Lagos State, on Thursday commended the chairman of the council area, Hon. Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi over the one-day relocation of the council’s headquarters to Ogeretedo Street in the community.

    A cross-section of residents who spoke with The Nation described the intiative as a positive step to fast track rapid development.

    The elated residents said the relocation availed them the opportunity of having robust interactions with Hon. Egunjobi and his management team.

    In his remarks, Chairman of Aluminium Profile Glass Accessory and Retailer Association (APGAR), Mr. Olanike Biliaminu, commended the council chairman for the initiative, saying it would engender cooperation between the council and business operators.

    He said: “The Chairman has brought government to our door step and we used the opportunity to sort out some grey areas relating to our business activities and expectations of government from us.”

    A resident, Semiu Ogunbona, said the movement of all the apparatus of the council to the area for one day enabled Hon. Egunjobi to meet his people and assess their needs.

    Ogunbona added that the one-day relocation would promote good relation between the government and the residents as well as strengthen the people’s confidence in their leaders.

    “It is a noble gesture for the Chairman to be here with the Council staff and to listen to our demands and problems. This clearly shows his concern and commitment to serve the people better.”

    A politician, Oladimeji Taofiq, expressed joy over the programme describing it as a novel idea that must be encouraged.

  • Residents flee as robbers invade community

    Residents of Mafowoku Street in Alapere, Lagos Mainland are fleeing their homes after armed robbers held them hostage on Tuesday night, carting away their valuables.

    The robbers were said to have stormed the street around 12:30am and went from one building to the other, cutting burglary proofs and breaking doors.

    A motorcyclist, Sani Lawan, was said to have sustained a head injury.

    It was gathered that the hoodlums succeeded in raiding about seven houses before fleeing around 3:30am when they noticed policemen have arrived the neighbourhood.

    Among the compounds raided were 1a, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 9, with several phones, laptops, gold jewelleries and money carted away.

    The Nation gathered that most of the residents fled the street in the morning for fear of another attack. The criminals were said to have beaten some of their victims, tied up seven security men and locked them inside a guard room, with two armed men watching over them.

    According to the residents, the robbers attempted to rape three women in one of the houses.

    A banker, Noah Yusuf who said they collected four phones, his wristwatch and a N5,000 cash from his apartment, added that the robbers attempted to rape his wife and her sisters.

    He said: “They asked my wife and her sisters to take off their clothes and were about raping them when they heard gunshot from the police. That was how God saved all three women from being raped. They fled my apartment. Escaped through the back fence and landed on the roof of a hotel on Momodu Street.  They took their time in robbing us and they were calling themselves MOPOL.

    “It took the police about two to three hours to get here but I am still thankful they arrived just in time to stop the robbers from raping my wife and her sisters. The police should be able to fish out the suspects. There should also be regular patrol in this area. It was a terrifying experience.”

    A woman, Mrs Taye Ilesanmi said she was praying when they smashed her door, adding that she immediately ended the prayers and faced down.

    “They climbed the iron bar holding the water tank and from there, they jumped into the balcony. Then, they broke my door and slapped my 12-year-old daughter. After robbing us of our phones and money, they left my house and went to the next flat. The robbers took their time and I think they are people who know this area very well.”

    Another victim who refused to be named called on the police to raid joints and other drinking spots at Agboyi, Campus, Church Street and Ajelogun because the idle boys in the community usually stayed there.

    He said the robbers tied and locked security men before they started going from house to house.

    Mrs Adebimpe Basiru, Rasidat Fawonle and Funmilola Oni were also dispossessed of their valuables.

    Mrs Basiru said they took five phones from her house and N5,000 which her son gave them to stop them from attacking her with their machete.

    At Fawonle’s flat, the robbers went away with three mobile phones and undisclosed amount of money, while four phones, laptop, N11,000, gold chain were taken from Oni’s house with her brother assaulted.

    “They were four that entered my house. One was short and three of them tall. They wore Jean trousers. They broke in and started saying bring your phones, money, gold, laptops.”

  • Lagos keen on delivering value to residents

    Lagos State is keen to produce impactful, influential, and inspirational leaders in its public servants to deliver value for the people of this state, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has said.

    He spoke at a training for senior civil servants on the topic, “Leadership And Management Training For Senior Civil Servants” in the state.

    The Governor, who was represented by Commissioner for Establishments, Training, and Pensions, Dr. Akintola Benson, said the primary duty of public servants is to deliver value for the people of the state.

    He said his administration has been approving trainings for the benefits of the critical and invaluable human resources in charge of the institutions of the public service.

    He hoped the training would further the monumental task of transforming the senior civil servants into impactful, influential and productive officers to such degrees that the output of the public service will inspire the good people of Lagos State.

    “My administration fully recognises the enormous value that knowledge and soft skills training bring to bear on the attainment of the strategic objectives of the government and the public service.

    “Also, the Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions has always been in the vanguard of advocating for the institutionalisation of essential training programmes that benefit the most strategically-placed officers in the public service.

    “Indeed, it is a truism that high performances have been known to increase in organisations that expose their human capital to leadership development through training programmes of this nature. The need for ensuring and assuring the efficiency and effectiveness of public institutions has never been greater than now,” he said.

    In a dynamic age of constant changes, it is widely agreed that institutions must have clearly-defined missions that are relevant to the needs and aspirations of its stakeholders. “Following this, the human capital at the helm of leadership in these institutions must have the courage to envision a future that realises the attainment of the defined mission of the institutions.

    “I fully agree that only strong and trained leaders can envision the right and appropriate future for organisations. Where leaders do not possess the attitude, aptitude and skills that are relevant for the times, they become fundamentally flawed in any attempt to craft a beneficial and compelling vision for their organisations. And, as we all know, in the absence of vision, the people perish as the institutions become rudderless and their journey becomes one without a map.

    “The Lagos State civil service has always been in the forefront of innovation and dynamic effectiveness in the country.

    The  primary duty of public servants is to deliver value for the people of this state. My administration is irreversibly committed to enlarging and expanding the scope of trainings for the people who can help deliver this value,” he noted.

  • Hawaii residents left terrified after false missile alert

    A push alert that warned of an incoming ballistic missile to Hawaii and sent residents into a full-blown panic earlier was a mistake, state emergency officials said.

    The emergency alert, which was sent to mobile phones, said in all caps, “Ballistic missile threat inbound to Hawaii. Seek immediate shelter. This is not a drill.”

    Hawaii Emergency Management Agency spokesman, Richard Repoza said it was a false alarm and the agency is trying to determine what happened. The alert caused a tizzy on the island and across social media. Jamie Malapit, owner of a Honolulu hair salon, texted his clients that he was cancelling their appointments and was closing his shop for the day. He said he was still in bed when the phone started going off “like crazy.” He thought it was a tsunami warning at first.

    “I woke up and saw missile warning and thought no way. I thought `No, this is not happening today,” Malapit said.

    He was still “a little freaked out” and feeling paranoid even after hearing it was a false alarm. “I went from panic to semi panic and `Are we sure?” he said. Tensions have already been high on the Island as rhetoric between Donald Trump and his North Korean counterpart, Kim Jong-Un in recent months. A White House Official said that President Trump had been briefed on the issues with the emergency alert.

  • Residents blame Pen Cinema flyover for traffic gridlock

    Residents blame Pen Cinema flyover for traffic gridlock

    SOME residents yesterday called on the Lagos State Government to adopt measures to reduce hardship on the road in the face of the ongoing road work in parts of the metropolis.

    This, they said, had become imperative following the resumption of schools after the Yuletide break.

    A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent, who went round, reports that commuters were stranded at bus-stops as buses were held up in traffic.

    An engineer, Dayo Ogunware, who lives in Shasha, said the inner roads were blocked because of the pressure on the highway caused by the ongoing construction of the Pen Cinema flyover in Agege.

    Ogunware said the Agege axis served as alternative routes to vehicles from Sango Ota and environs.

    He appealed to the government to ensure the quick completion of the project to reduce road users’ hardship.

    “It was difficult to get buses this morning (yesterday). Traffic diversion from Agege Pen Cinema inward Agege Motor Road toward  Abeokuta Expressway as a result of the  flyover project is the cause of this problem.

    “The state government ought to have completed the ongoing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lane construction project on Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway before embarking on the construction of the Pen Cinema flyover.

    “The completion of the BRT lane would have contained the traffic diversion from Pen Cinema,” he said.

    A civil servant, Mrs Tade Olukoya, told NAN that she spent hours on the road because of the gridlock. She  blamed the government for poor planning.

    “We know government is working for our good but they should consider the stress we go through and plan better.

    “They should create alternatives for us, the whole of this area is locked down because government wants to construct many roads at the same time,” she said.

    But a businessman,  Tomi Olarenwaju, said the hardship was the price to pay for development.

    “The BRT lane when completed would eliminate traffic on this expressway,  same for the flyover in Agege, I think we need to be a bit patient,” he told NAN.

    A school teacher, Mrs Herrieta Uzorigwe, blamed the gridlock on resumption of workers from the holiday and first day of resumption for schools.

  • Council chief empowers residents with N1m, others

    Council chief empowers residents with N1m, others

    The Chairman of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area of Lagos State, Mr Fatai Adekunle Ayoola, has donated N1 million each to some former workers of the local government.

    Beneficiaries of the N1 million Lontor Power House package include Mrs. Fahanu Amoke Risikatu, Alhaja Airat Onibudo, Princess Adekunle Oluwatoyin and Mrs. Fatimoh Adejoke Eletu.

    He also presented N10,000 each to 100 elderly residents to test-run the council’s reintroduced monthly stipend to the needy at the grassroots.

    The council chief presented N30,000 Lontor school bag kits to 50 entrepreneurs in the area.

    The occasion was the 200 days of the Ayoola administration at the helm of affairs in the local government.

    “We need to keep so many people off the streets, and get them busy and productive,” Ayoola said.

    The council chairman said beneficiaries of the Lontor package would also benefit from the company’s investment plan on the completion of the sales of its product given to them.

    The Chief Executive Officer of Lontor at Ajegunle Mr. Jubril Arogundade said unavailability of constant power supply at Ajegunle had made the prospect of businesses in the area difficult.

    He said the beneficiaries needed to understand that the local government chairman wanted the residents to benefit from the scheme.

    “The council chairman has paid for 50 of you. We’ll appreciate it if you put in your best and explore the profit side of this business,” Arogundade said.