A 44-year-old man, Ganiyu Rasaq, was on Thursday docked at an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, for allegedly damaging uncompleted classroom blocks worth N6 million.
The defendant, whose address was not given, is standing trial on a two-count charge of conspiracy and unlawful damage.
The Prosecutor, Inspector Ingobo Emby, told the court that the defendant committed the offences sometime in 2017, at Iponri Community, Surulere, Lagos.
Principal of Birch Freeman High School, Surulere Mrs Oluwakemi Oladele Oke, has lamented the dearth of teachers in the schools.
Bemoaning the present state of the school, Oke said the school which has about 1,900 population strength across the junior and secondary arms, has less than 60 per cent teaching staff with a handful of non-teaching staff.
Oke spoke at the school’s 59th Founder’s Day celebration.
She said: “We desperately need teachers in subjects such as English, Mathematics, ICT (Information&Communication Technology), Literature, Yoruba, Music and Civic Education.
“We urgently need a music teacher too. The Old Boys Association have provided the school with musical instrument worth over N3 million naira; but they are not used adequately as we do not have a teacher to take the students”.
She continued: “We need better security around the school, first by the provision of a security house or building at the Surulere gate end. This is urgently needed as we have been experiencing a lot of violence from outside the school on a daily basis. Also provision of sanitation managers to help in the hygiene of the boys.”
She noted that the school also needs burglary proofs iron in all the ground floor windows, overhauling of electrical and plumbing installations, as well as the school bus, or buying a new one.
She said the school has continued to equip the pupils with all round abilities needed for societal growth. It recorded high percentage pass in the last WASSCE, won several awards in competitions, and is now adjudged the third best school in District VI, Oke happily said.
She expressed her gratitude to the old boys association for its continuous commitment to the development of the school.
Founded in 1960 Birch Freeman High School was initially a missionary school for boys, owned by the Methodist Church before the state government took ownership of it.
The school’s Old Boys Association (BIFOBA) also solicited the permission of the Lagos State Government to commercialise the school’s auditorium so as to raise funds for the school.
It’s global president Kingsley Essien, said leasing the auditorium for educational activities such as symposium, conferences, among others, would generate funds to assist in the maintenance of the school’s infrastructure and support the efforts of the old boys.
The association donated 187 desk and chairs after its assessments of the school’s need.
“We feel embarrassed that our young brothers now sit on the floor and wrote their examinations using planks as table. This is unacceptable for us. That is why we embarked on this desk and chairs project,. Said Essien, a lawyer.
He added that celebrating the alma mater yearly has been the tradition of the school which the old boys association was determined to sustain and invest on.
Lagos State Government has reversed itself over the closure of 18 routes for the All Progressives Congress (APC) mega rally to canvass votes for President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday.
The rally holds at the Teslim Balogun stadium, Surulere with the state initially declaring some roads will be closed to ensure easy passage for Buhari and his entourage.
But the government said there would be no more road closure, urging Lagosians to go about their normal businesses on Saturday during the rally.
It, however, declared residents should expect an increased presence of traffic personnel at Surulere and adjoining streets because of the mega rally.
Many Lagosians have expressed apprehensions the proposed closures would lead to a complete lockdown of the nation’s commercial nerve.
Commissioner for Transportation Ladi Lawanson gave the clarification in chat with reporters at Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa on Friday.
Also present at the briefing were: General Manager of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) Mr Wale Musa and the Lagos State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Hyginus Omeje.
Lawanson said the earlier statement announcing diversion and road closure had been reversed, adding that residents were free to go about their businesses.
He said the state government was reversing its earlier position in conjunction with federal operatives and the APC to ensure minimal discomfort and minimal disruptions of businesses.
The commissioner, who is also a member of the transport sub-committee for the Presidential visit and the APC rally, said “Lagosians have been very apprehensive that there will be traffic gridlock and we got a lot of feedbacks that we intend to grind Lagos to a halt.
“People are apprehensive; they think we are going to shut down Lagos; they think movement would be restricted and they are bracing themselves for what they anticipate would be the hardship that would be visited on them by the president’s visit and our own activities.
“I repeat there will be between zero to the barest minimum amount of disruptions to the normal movement that Lagosians undertake on a Saturday like today.
“So, there will not be any road closures in Lagos today and Lagosians are free to go about their normal businesses today, Saturday,” Lawanson said.
He said adequate arrangement had been firmed up to ensure free flow of traffic but residents should expect tight security around the routes which the President is expected to pass through in the course of his visit and the venue of the rally.
“We would just like to communicate that because we are expecting a high caliber personality no less a person than the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria the normal security precautions that attend a visit of this nature should be expected.
“The President would visit Lagos tomorrow with the full retinue of security aides that protect him and his entourage but there will not be any road closures and there will be zero to minimal disruptions of normal activities,” the Commissioner said.
He, however, said there would be huge presence of officials of the police, LASTMA, FRSC and other agencies to ensure free flow of traffic around the Surulere axis.
“Around the venue of the rally which is the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere and the adjourning streets are traffic management agencies such as LASTMA, FRSC, Police and other agencies that would support them tomorrow.
“They will handle the traffic management around the venue tomorrow and so people can expect to see a huge presence of our traffic,” the commissioner said.
A 43-year-old businessman, Pius Eke, who allegedly borrowed N900,000 from a leasing firm but failed to pay back, was on Monday charged with stealing at an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.
Eke, 43, is facing a three-count charge of stealing and issuance of dud cheques before Mrs A. A. Famobiwo.
Prosecuting Inspector Steven Molo alleged that the defendant committed the offences between December 2016 and February 2017, at No. 20, Ogunlana Drive, Surulere, Lagos.
He said Eke stole N900,000, belonging to Micro Leasing Ltd.
Molo told the court that Eke obtained the said sum from the firm with a promise to pay back but did not do so.
The court heard that following demands for repayment, Eke, on April 24, 2017 and May 24, 2017, issued two Skye Bank cheques of N69, 640 each to the firm.
But both cheques were dishonoured when presented due to insufficient funds.
The offences, according to Molo, violated sections 287, 321(b) and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Eke pleaded not guilty.
Magistrate Famobiwo granted him N100, 000 bail with one surety in the like sum, among other conditions.
In a display of compassion for families that did not have opportunity to celebrate Christmas, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, visited the paediatric section of the Gbagada General Hospital on Christmas day to lift children battling various health conditions.
Sanwo-Olu also visited the Gbaja Hospital for Maternal and Child Care in Surulere, where he donated gifts and medical consumables to all newborns and their parents. He also had one-on-one chats with adult patients in the Gbagada General Hospital, cheering them up and praying for their recovery.
The APC candidate’s presence at the hospitals created moments of excitement as family members of the patients gathered in groups to pray for Sanwo-Olu for showing care and identifying with them in their low moments.
Sanwo-Olu said the gesture was informed by the spirit of Christmas and his personal conviction to lift the downtrodden in their times of need. He noted that his visit to the hospitals was deliberately planned on the Christmas day to put smile on the faces of families that could not celebrate because of ailments.
He said: “It is Christmas day and this season is significant because it teaches us love, compassion and selflessness. While majority of us have our family members and friends with us to mark the day, we need to understand that several families are in pain because their loved ones are battling various ailments at the hospital. So, it’s no Christmas for these people because they need to be with their ailing family members
“On a day like this, I thought it necessary to identify with these families and celebrate with them. I believe this gesture will cheer them up and give them reasons to be happy. We hope that the little we have come to share with them today will strengthen them to get out of the sickbed quicker and better.”
September 23 is a historical day as it is the first ever International Day of Sign Languages celebration under the cross-cutting theme of “with sign language, everybody is included”.
The celebration which is part of the International Week of the Deaf was declared by the United Nations General Assembly on December 19,2017.
The UN General Assembly decided to commemorate this day as the International Day of Sign Languages in order to raise awareness of the importance of sign language in the full realisation of the human rights of people who are deaf.
In commemorating this day, Jewel Ibeabuchi joined Wesley Schools for the hearing impaired children with special needs in celebrating.
Wesley school is a state owned institution located in Surulere, Lagos which aims at providing education to hearing impaired children, creating awareness about their special needs, creating an enabling environment for their total development and also to empower them for the full realisation of their potentials.
Inside the buildings of 30 Ajao road Surulere Lagos, were kids looking as bright and beautiful as ever.
Primary four students of Wesley schools of hearing impaired children reading what was on the board
It was discovered that the teachers and pupils of the school were not aware of the significance of the day.
One of the instructors in the school, Mrs Nzeh Mabel said “Although this International day is not known to us, we however set aside December 3 which is the World disability day to celebrate these beautiful kids here.
“We gather the disabled people and give them the opportunities to showcase their talents and gifts.”
According to her, allowing them showcase their talents is done in order to let the society know that there is ability in every disability and also to make the disabled feel special, needed and involved in the society.
Pointing out some challenges experienced by the deaf, Mabel stated that the community at large find it difficult understanding them.
According to her, sign language is very important and every Nigerian should know it.
“sign language is an international language that every Nigerians should know in order to break the barrier of isolation and misunderstanding which leads to aggressive acts.”
“As the international day of sign language has been introduced, the government should train people even in banks and include it as a subject in school curriculum.
“ Inclusion and equal participation in society require sign languages to be accessible, respected and supported, all of which are subsequently required to achieve any of the sustainable development goals and objectives established by United Nations.” Mabel stated
Acting President Yemi Osinbajo will on Tuesday inaugurate the Lagos edition of the National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Clinic.
Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye, the state Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, disclosed this on Sunday in a statement signed by Babasola Ogunmosunle, Public Relations Manager in the ministry.
Oladunjoye said that the two-day MSME Clinic would hold on Aug. 6 and Aug.7 at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the MSME Clinic is an initiative of the Office of the Vice President in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, as well as 11 other federal agencies.
Oladunjoye said that the event would further complement the state’s efforts at developing MSMEs in the state.
She gave an assurance the state that government would continue to implement policies that would boost growth of the sector.
“As it is evident to all, the present administration in Lagos State is leaving no stone unturned to ensure even development of all sectors, and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Clinic will never be an exemption.’’
The commissioner expressed confidence that the programme would raise a new set of entrepreneurs while the existing ones would be guided on the best steps to take to add value to their efforts.
According to her, the state will enhance the capacity of MSME operators with relevant skills that will position them to explore opportunities and access appropriate financial facility.
She said that the administration of Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode established the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) with a seed capital of N25 billion.
The fund was earmarked for disbursement within four years to empower business owners with capital to revive moribund ventures, boost trade and start new ventures.
Oladunjoye recalled that Osinbajo had lauded the state government for the LSETF initiative, and for creating over 12,500 new jobs within the first six months of the scheme.
The commissioner expressed delight that the MSME Clinic was coming at a period when the state was creating conducive environment for small scale businesses to thrive.
Two conductors on Thursday pleaded guilty to stealing a Volkswagen Faragon Bus when they were arraigned at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
Following their plea, the Magistrate, Mrs M. O. Tanimola, ordered that the duo to be remanded pending their sentence.
One of the accused, Azeez Muiz, 19, lives at No. 41 Mosalashi St., Iponri area of Surulere, while Lukman Adedokun, 20, is of no fixed address.
The duo are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
The prosecution alleged that the accused stole a Volkswagen Faragon Bus with Reg. No KSF866XA valued at N900,000, property of one Segun Ogunkoya.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Aondohemba Koti, told the court that the duo committed the offences on July 7 about 12.30 a.m. at No. 23 Alasalatu St., Mushin, Lagos.
Koti said that the accused stole the bus while the complainant was fast asleep at his residence.
“The complainant discovered that the accused had stolen the vehicle where it was parked after he came out to ease himself.
“The accused were caught by the security guards in the area and handed them over to the police,’’ he said.
The offences contravened Sections 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).
Section 287 prescribes seven-year jail term for stealing, while Section 411 stipulates a two-year jail term for conspiracy.
A step into the premises of Adebola Baptist Nursery & Primary school, Surulere Lagos casts a mixed feeling of emotion. While the cheer of children seated in classrooms offer a feeling of hope, the sordid sight of infrastructural deficit within the school environment presents a distraught mental picture of the quality of education available to children in government owned public schools.
While the cream and brown paintings of some of the classroom blocks have lost their shine, the roof covering some of the blocks have caved in. The entire topmost floor of a particular classroom block has been left to the exposure of harsh elements as a result of a blown off roof.
While the Lagos state government gears up effort in providing quality education in the state; majority of learning facilities in public schools lie in a state of despair. Also, the fact that many of the school environments are not befitting for future leaders clearly demonstrates the need for citizens to also join hands in pushing for quality education.
Members of Bond Club Surulere in a group photo with pupils of Akinsemoyin Primary School Surulere
A social movement for quality education
This realization of education as the only veritable tool for socio-economic development prompted Bond Club, a social club of professionals who had their childhood in Surulere to donate exercise books to selected primary public schools.
No fewer than 3000 exercise books were donated to six public primaries within Surulere local government. The exercise books distribution which started in the early hours of Thursday 7th of June saw members of the club interacting with pupils and head teachers of the primary public schools visited which are Surulere Baptist, Adebola Baptist, Estate Baptist and Akin Jacobs memorial Baptist primary schools. Other primary schools which benefited from the scheme include Akinsemoyin and Randle Nursery and Primary schools, Surulere
Speaking on the gesture of the club in addressing needs in the education sector of the state, Mrs Helen Ononogbu, the Head Teacher of Randle Primary School, commended the club members, praising them for squeezing out money to donate books to vulnerable children, despite the hardship in the economy.
“Giving our pupils writing materials is a way of encouraging them to perform. Some of their parents are poor while some of the pupils work as house helps and as such, are unable to buy writing materials even though education is free,” Ononogbu added.
Mr Dickson preseting a pack of exercise books to the head mistress of Akinsemoyin primary school Surulere
Agnes Okubanjo, Head teacher of Akinsemoyin Nur/Pry school who received the books on behalf of her pupils, relived sad experiences of how some parents have no money to buy writing materials for their wards, leaving them to just stare at the black boards when lessons are ongoing.
“Parents would be very happy for the books given to their wards. It will make learning and teaching more impactful”, she submitted while handing copies to the pupils as they pose for a group photograph.
Speaking on the motivation for the book distribution, Mr Gbolahan Dickson, the immediate past president of Bond Club said the group decided to embark on an educational endowment initiative in order to ameliorate the plight of children in the community where they had their childhood.
“We are friends who have known each other for 30 years and we all grew up in Surulere. We wanted to give back to the society and we realized that a lot of schools don’t have amenities. We thought it’s best to start with education because one cannot go wrong by investing in education,” Dickson said.
While the book distribution was on going, a mid-aged man donning a simple native dress was busy observing the environment. Mr Ademola Oriola, a founding member of Bond club observed that pre-primary sections of all schools visited lack play instruments needed in a nursery.
“In a particular school, a classroom was converted into the headmistress’s office since most of the classes are not conducive for learning. As a young club, we believe in giving back to the society. Hopefully, we would be able to step into rebuilding some of the infrastructural deficit in these schools,” he said while responding to questions of future intervention projects of the club.
According to UNICEF, children from the poorest households are four times more likely to be out of school than those of the richest households. In Lagos state where education is free, getting learning materials is still beyond the reach of many parents owing to the high poverty rates in the country. As the United Nations continue to canvass for increase in literary rate for boys and girl as a major target of the SDGs on education; there is no gainsaying the fact that grassroots social movement such as the Bond of Surulere have cogent roles to play.
No fewer than 3,000 exercise books were donated to public primary schools on penultimate Tuesday by the Bond Club of Surulere, an organisation established for the purpose of participating in the development of the socio-economic landscape of Surulere, Lagos and the nation in general.
The exercise books distribution which began in the early hours of Thursday, June 7 saw members of the club interacting with pupils and head teachers of various primary public schools including Surulere Baptist, Adebola Baptist; Estate Baptist and Akin Jacobs Memorial Baptist primary schools. Other schools that benefited from the scheme included Akinsemoyin and Randle Nursery and Primary schools, Surulere.
Mrs Helen Ononogbu, the Head Teacher of Randle Primary School praised the group, commending them for squeezing out money to donate books to poor homes even when the economy is bad.
“That you gave our pupils writing materials is a way of encouraging them to perform. Some of their parents are poor while some of the pupils work as house helps. So, we have cases of them not being able to afford writing materials even though education is free.
For Bond Club to have taken the initiative to fill this gap by helping the children to achieve their best is laudable,” Ononogbu said.
In a chat with Southwest Report, Mr Gbolahan Dickson, the immediate past President of Bond Club said the group decided to embark on an educational endowment initiative in order to ameliorate the plight of children in the community where they had their childhood.
Speaking on other social interventions planned for the future, Dickson said: “We are friends who have known each other for 30 years and we all grew up in Surulere. We thought it’s best to give back to the society and we realised that a lot of schools don’t have amenities. We thought it’s best to start with education because one cannot go wrong by investing in education. We also have other intervention programmes in the kitty since we have seen other infrastructural deficit from our visit today”.
Another founding member of the club, Mr Fuad Laguda, also said since Nigeria has a predominantly youthful population, investing in education is a right step in improving the quality of life of citizens not just in Lagos State but also the country as a whole.
