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Tag: Homes

  • How many homes are destroyed – Reno Omokri advises new couples

    How many homes are destroyed – Reno Omokri advises new couples

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan’s aide, Reno Omokri has advised new couples against bringing family members into their homes.

    In a recent post shared on his Instagram page, TheNewsGuru reports Reno noted that bringing in family members has destroyed a lot of homes.

    His post reads: ”Dear couples, After your wedding, note that you need time to strengthen your marriage Union. If you bring in relatives to live with you, you may not be able to strengthen your bond. You need a house that is so free that both of you can chase each other naked around it, like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

    This is how many homes are destroyed. Two imperfect people marry. Out of foolishness, they allow in-laws live with them from the get-go. The in-laws note the imperfection of the spouse not related to them, and inform their extended family, and just like that, your marital issues are extended and become family issues!”

  • Sex Palaver: A Raging Storm in Clergy’s Homes, By Michael West

    Sex Palaver: A Raging Storm in Clergy’s Homes, By Michael West

    By Michael West

     

    In my days as a music critic and a columnist in foremost Nigerian newspapers many years ago, I avoided reviewing gospel and Islamic songs because of their spiritual contents. I believe that the songs were meant to propagate the gospel, teach doctrinal precepts and promote moral rectitude against deepening decadence, corruption and slopping societal values. Critiquing such works, I believe, may negate the messages they contain in the mind of music lovers. Until late 1997 when I stopped writing, I kept faith with that decision. However, some music companies did engage me privately to critique their spiritual songs in order to improve the quality of their artistes’ repertoires and elevate their production standard.

     

    The above reason has been why I was reluctant to address the ‘war’ in the bedrooms of clergymen particularly the pastors. Is there anything so special about these saints that makes me so reluctant to treat challenges they go through as ‘untouchable’? Absolutely nothing. I believe that what I address in this column applies to all and sundry regardless of class, religion or tribe. However, I’m looking into the issues affecting our religious leaders in this edition because I can no longer pretend about it in view of the avalanche of complaints I received so far. Last Tuesday alone, I got six complaints from different quarters bothering on poor, fitful and denial of sexual intimacy either by men of God or by their wives.

     

    There’s a popular photograph in circulation on social media showing a weeping woman said to be a pastor’s wife with the caption, “I need sex not the Bible.” The image looks funny and laughable but it is a stark reality in several homes. Many spiritualists are found to be stingy with sex at home. For instance, many traditional healers or herbalists do observe abstinence from sex periodically. This is due to the nature of their work especially when they want to embark on rituals and power acquiring exercises. Many of their wives do lament sexual neglect and denial during the period.

     

    Islamic clerics, too, are no exception. Some dedicated and committed imams and alfas do observe abstinence from sex occasionally either when they are busy with spiritual activities like prayers, fasting and attending to the needs of their clients or patrons. Not a few of the clerics do consecrate themselves for weeks or months in a year leaving their wives to endure prolonged sexual urges.

     

    Some Pastors’ wives are worst hit. In any case, it appears it is a 50-50 thing between some Pastors and their spouses as severalpastors dogroan under the yoke of sex denial by their women.Despite the Biblical injunction that couples should not deny themselves of conjugal obligations to each other (1Corinthians 7:3-6), many believers, Pastors in particular, are found wanting in this area. As for the other faiths: Islam and traditional religion, they are at liberty to marry as many wives as they have the capacity to manage. Polygamy is permitted in the two faiths; though there’s no express disapproval of polygamy in the Bible, those who are mandated to maintain monogamy according to 1Timothy 3:2 are the ministers of God. And the reason was provided in verse 5 of the text which reads: “for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?” This simply means that one wife is manageable and it will afford the man of God toconcentrate, befocused and also be able to resolve marital crisis in the families of the polygamists and other members. I’m not ready to entertain or engage in debate over the appropriateness or otherwise of polygamy in Christian marriage. Maybe if God permits, I will attend to the contentious issue some other time.

     

    In recent times, I have been inundated with complaints from some men of God who shared their frustration on their sex life with me. A 56-year-old Reverend narrated how his wife has been denying him sex for four years. “As we speak, sir, I’m dying in silence. My wife knows that I dare not mess around with women because of my status and the call of God upon my life. I have pleaded with her endlessly to no avail. I searched my heart to see if I offended her but I couldn’t find anything. Right under my roof, she will fix appointments with men. She now smokes and drinks liquor at will. I have been provoked to the extent that I attempted beating her sometimes but I restrained myself. Sir, I’m tired. I’m under intense emotional pressure. Please what next should I do?”

     

    There are fewer men that complain or speak up but the majority of such men nurse their pain in silence. It is wrong to force men of God into helpless and tempting conditions that would make secret and extramarital affairs an attractive option to them. Any woman that instigates her husband’s fall into sexual sin shall not be found guiltless. Of all conjugal squabbles, sex and finances are the most recurrent. Addressing one can easily lead to solving the other.

     

    A regional pastor’s wife is threatening divorce if her husband fails to do the needful in the bedroom. She said her situation is getting out of hand and she is ready to damn the consequence by quitting her marriage. “I’m fed up, sir. Who did I offend? This man has no erectile dysfunctional case, he’s just being mean. He pretends to be fasting every now and then and it can go on for weeks and months. Who does that? If he knows he wants to go celibate, then, he should never have gone into marriage. Anyway, it is not too late for him to quit even after four children. This man is a wicked soul. So insensitive and selfish. How and why he suddenly become sexually dry I don’t know. This was not how we started over 20 years ago. Please help me, sir. The day I allow another man to sleep with me, the marriage is over. I will never return to him no matter how sober or apologetic he may become.”

     

    She agreed to volunteer her husband’s contact so I can wade in, and I hope God will take control of the situation. She added that this is her fifth year of struggling with emotional burden as a result of being in a sexless marriage.

     

    Another woman said she has reported her Pastor husband to his general overseer for abandonment and emotional neglect in the bedroom for two years running and still counting. “In two years, we forcefully made love four times! Rather than improve, the situation is getting worse. Sometimes he would vacate the home and go to the prayer mountain for months. The last time he spent four months before he returned home. Yet, he’s counselling couples with similar problems. I do laugh whenever he counselled to strengthen intimacy among couples. My husband is a healer who cannot heal himself. His own charity begins from the outside.”

     

    I want to assert that neglecting or denying one’s spouse of sexual intimacy is a “fraud.” This is the viewpoint of the Bible on the matter. Verse 5 of 1Corinthians 7 reads: “Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourself to fasting and prayer…(KJV).” This is a clear indication that even to observe moments of fasting and prayer at home, you must secure the consent of your spouse for understanding. The preceding verse 4 says that neither of the spouse has absolute control over their own body. Meaning, when the man needs the wife, she can’t turn him down without genuine and convincing reasons which he, too, must agree to; and vice versa. Meanwhile, the command that must be obey is stated in verse 3 that “Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband.” This is an unambiguous statement regarding sexual intimacy. That’s why verse 4 states that “The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.” The command can also be extended to include financial provision, care, attention and faithfulness in the relationship.

     

    I want to believe that there must be reasons for sudden change of sex drive in the bedroom. Some men may have undisclosed health issues or they may choose to punish their wives with sex in retaliation for some offence or wrongdoing. Some women also use sex deprivation to bring their husbands on their knees. This is punitive and unfair. It must stop. As long as you are still married, even if you have justifiable reason(s) to deny him sex, let him know the reason. It takes happy, horny mood and gladsome heart to enjoy sexual intimacy in marriage. Spouses should strive to ensure a jolly atmosphere in their homes as a condition to engender enjoyable and sustainable sexual intimacy. May God bless your home. Amen!

     

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  • Incessant child sexual abuse: The homes have lost their safety for children – Ozioma Onyenweaku

    Incessant child sexual abuse: The homes have lost their safety for children – Ozioma Onyenweaku

    Ozioma Onyenweaku

    In Delta State of Nigeria, a man was arrested for allegedly raping and impregnating his 15-year-old daughter, and procuring abortion for her. The victim was 10 years old when the first abuse occurred.

    She informed her mother who told her to keep quiet over it. The mother did not only tell her to keep quiet, she did nothing to protect the girl.

    So the abuse continued till the girl got pregnant by her father. Abortion was procured for her by her father and mother.The nauseating aspect of this case is that the girl’s mother was aware of the abuse and she did nothing about it, preferring to save her marriage than save the life and mental health of her daughter.

    Secondly, the grandparents were aware but preferred to save face and family reputation (as if they had any) than save their grandchild who should have been more precious to them. Surprisingly too, the Pastor of their church was aware but preferred to cover it up so as not to lose members. Are we all going insane? I got to know about a situation where a teacher in a private school observed that a particular girl had become gloomy and appeared to be having difficulty walking.

    The girl later confided in the teacher that it was her madam’s husband, a banker, that had been sexually abusing her. The girl had earlier called her father and informed him. His response? “Try and endure it; you know how much that man is helping our family.”When the teacher informed the school authority, the girl’s father was invited to the school.

    He did not honour the invitation. He was pleaded with on phone to visit the school; he said he knew why he was being called that the man in question had been good to his family. The school did not want to be proactive in their action because they did not want the school to be seen as ‘embarrassing’ parents and guardians. Here again, the reputation of the school was on the priority list against the saving of the girl victim.

    When the news filtered to us, and the school was visited, it was discovered that the man-monster had relocated his family out of the area; and the school was not willing to give out the name of the bank where the man-monster was working. Neither were they willing to release the address of the girl’s father.

    So you see, our problem lies with us. Most of the time, when issues arise with respect to children and I call out to mothers, some people tend to query my constant reference to mothers as if they are the only ones to take care of a child. Honestly, I know that the fathers are involved too in having oversight over the children. However, I was not the one who referred to mothers as homemakers or home keepers. So bear with me if you understand me to be overleaning on this role given to women by our Maker.A report from UNICEF shows that the COVID -19 lockdown led to an increase in child sexual abuse.

    85% of the cases reported were of child sexual abuse. So these abuses happened at home. Yes, at home where the children are supposed to feel free and safe.So where were the mothers? Everyone was at home! A lot of children are going through a lot of sexual abuse in homes especially now. Imagine the abusers being on lockdown with the children 24/7. The first point of protection should be mothers. It is sad that some mothers prefer to cover up the abuse of their children in the name of protecting marriage, and family name. Do please have a rethink, sisters. Mothers, this is no time to let down guards. Be observant of what is going on in your homes. Condone no evil so that it will be well with you.

    Think of the agony, the trauma,the mental torture these abuses subject these children to. I don’t think any child grows up loving the mother who stood by while she was being damaged; and mother who could have done something about stopping the abuse but chose not to. Seriously too, it is time for the men to call themselves to round table discussion on how to advise themselves.

    For goodness sake, men are humans and not beasts, for crying out loud! Children have been given to us by God in trust. So we all have accounting to render as to how well we have discharged our duties in caring for and protecting the children.

  • Breaking homes with sex the new trend- Victoria Inyama

    Breaking homes with sex the new trend- Victoria Inyama

    Outspoken veteran actress, Victoria Inyama has stated that the latest trend in society has to do with some women breaking into families by using their sex appeal.
    The Nollywood actress made this known via her Instagram page on Thursday, March 5, 2020. According to her, it has become a norm for certain women to go around breaking homes and not feeling any guilt.
    “Breaking into a home with the punpun is now a trend…Even the so-called very beautiful babe is a thief,” she wrote.

     

    How we have turned into a heartless generation ? , Women…How do U enjoy sex with him then tell your children ‘God bless U?? How? How much are you worth? When another woman is in tears? A woman is d birther of life …..and death too…Everything we do has consequences…Everything…Always remember that… Ķá Çhìńèķè méżìè óķwù. Good morning ???,” she wrote.
    Inyama also added that these days, newly married men immediately after their weddings, are already in a hurry to cheat on their wives.
    “Every day I watch wedding videos, happy couples yet some girl somewhere is waiting for the groom so they can have sex. The groom is thinking of an excuse to travel to have sex with another woman. Please why did you get married in the first place,” she wrote.

  • Out-of-control bushfires destroy homes in Australia

    Several out-of-control bushfires in eastern Australia have destroyed a number of buildings and homes, officials have said, issuing emergency warnings.

    Three out-of-control bushfires in northern New South Wales (NSW) have been upgraded to emergency level, the Rural Fire Service (RFS) said on Tuesday, adding the bushfires were spreading quickly.

    The “very dangerous” blaze burning in Rappville area, has already destroyed homes and buildings, RFS said, asking residents to take shelter and protect themselves from the heat of the fire.

    Firefighters are battling high temperatures and low humidity, along with strong winds, creating more spot fires.

    RFS spokesman Greg Allan said there would “probably be no reprieve until on Wednesday.”

    Another bushfire nearby in Drake, which has been burning for weeks and is currently over 66,000 hectares in size, is “spreading quickly” and is out of control on the south-eastern side, RFS said.

    Also, residents living in the Kildare Road and Tenterfield area have been advised to seek shelter as an out-of-control blaze approached, with ground crews being supported by aircraft to slow the spread of fire and protect homes, RFS said.

    In another state, Queensland, a massive fire in south-eastern Lockyer Valley, 80 kilometres west of Brisbane, has claimed at least one house, according to local broadcaster ABC.

    “The fire is expected to have a life-threatening impact on the community,” Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES) said.

    Temperatures in the Lockyer Valley reached 41 degrees Celsius on Tuesday.

    Also, gusty winds are fanning another dangerous bushfire threatening the township of Thornton, which began last week due to a lightning strike in Glen Rock State Forest, QFES said.

  • Secondus, Atiku condemn security siege on Saraki, Ekweremadu’s homes

    The National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Uche Secondus, has condemned Tuesday morning security siege on the Abuja residences of Senate President, Bukola Saraki and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu.

    Secondus in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja described the development as “attack on democracy, using state security apparatus’’.

    He said that Directorate of State Services (DSS), Army and the Police had attacked the National Assembly with the aim of forcibly overthrowing its leadership and rendering it comatose.

    “The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu and other distinguished senators are currently under severe assault from security agencies.

    “It is now a known fact that democracy have now collapsed in Nigeria and we are now under a totalitarian and fascist government with no appetite for opposition,’’ Secondus said.

    He called on all Nigerians, home and abroad, to immediately speak up against the act he described as “gross violation of the Constitution of Nigeria.’’

    The chairman also called on all traditional rulers in Nigeria, the international community and all well-meaning Nigerians to rise against the antics to forestall possible derailment of democracy, saying, “the time to act is now.’’

    Similarly, a former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, in a statement by his Media Office also called for stop to the persecution of national assembly leadership.

    “The news of the siege on the residences of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, is “both troubling and unsettling.’’

    “No democratic nation ought to treat the leadership of its parliament like common criminals in the course of a political disagreement.

    “I remind the powers that be that on Aug. 31, 2013, when Sen. Bukola Saraki walked out of the PDP and began the process of joining the All Progressives Congress, there was celebration in their camps.

    “I also remind them that their electoral victory, which they have so badly mismanaged today, would not have been possible without the Senate President.

    “Power is transient and is also a trust that should only be used for the good and advancement of the people one leads and not for the persecution of real and imagined political opponents.

    “I, therefore, call for the lifting of the sieges on the persons and homes of Saraki and his deputy, Ekweremadu, by security forces.’’

    Abubakar urged President Muhammadu Buhari to live up to his words after Saraki’s ordeal which was brought to a halt by the Supreme Court.

    While there was concern about Saraki’s whereabouts, he was reported to have arrived at the Senate Chamber and presided over Tuesday’s plenary.

  • Illegal firearms: Police announce plan to commence raiding Abuja homes

    The police in Abuja on Wednesday made known its intentions to start raiding homes suspected to be hiding illegal firearms.

    It however warned residents in possession of such prohibited arms to voluntary surrender such before they are caught.

    The FCT police commissioner, Sadiq Bello, said in a statement released on Wednesday afternoon that officers around the capital city would soon intensify operations to forcibly take possession of unlicensed weapons.

    Recall that on February 22, Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, ordered a nationwide seizure of illegal arms and ammunition from people across the country.

    The order was issued in the wake of killings across the country, especially the farmers-herders crisis that has seen hundreds killed this year alone.

    Idris hopes the exercise would help curb violent crimes ahead of the 2019 elections.

    “In view of the expiration of the period approved by the IGP for the voluntary submission of the prohibited firearms, the command will commence the mop-up exercise which will include raids, cordon-and-search of premises or buildings or hideouts where these illegal/prohibited firearms are reasonably suspected to be kept,” the commissioner said.

    “As such, any individual or group of persons found in possession of any prohibited firearms henceforth will be arrested and prosecuted,” he added.

    Bello also announced that officers across the FCT made the following arrests as part of their crimes fighting measures within the past few months:

    ”On 3rd December, 2017 at about 2000hrs, at Utako, two robbery suspects, Samuel Jatau-22yrs old and Emmanuel Friday-28yrs were arrested sequel to a report that the principal suspect, Samuel Jatau with others now at large, robbed a lady of a Toyota Camry 2007 model and ATM cards which they used to withdraw money from the victim’s account. In the course of investigation, Emmanuel Friday was identified as the receiver, his arrest led to the recovery of six (6) robbed cars that were sold at Uyo and Port-Hacourt. Exhibits recovered include a locally-made revolver pistol, one live ammunition, one ash colour Lexus Jeep, one wine colour Honda CRV, one green colour Toyota Camry 2000 model, a black Honda V6 and another green Toyota Camry “big-for-nothing”.

    ”On 16th March, 2018 at about 0300hrs, Police operatives arrested one Destiny Jacob during Stop-And-Search at Gwarinpa. He was arrested while in possession of a Toyota Corolla which he and his gang members robbed from the owner at gunpoint on 15/3/2018 at about 2230hrs at Kado Expressway while posing as passengers in the vehicle. Exhibits recovered are locally-made pistol, two live ammunition, a knife and two First Bank ATM cards.

    ”On 27th February, 2018, at about 2030hrs, in response to distress call that a lady was being attacked by armed robbers at Dutse Alhaji, one Kelvin Michael was arrested at the scene while his two accomplices were arrested a day after. A locally-made pistol was recovered from them and they also confessed to the crime.

    ”On 20/2/2018 at about 2000hrs, Police operatives on Stop-And-Search arrested three armed robbery suspects that were in a taxi, two locally-made pistols were recovered from them. The three suspects, Tersor Moga, Usama Tijjani and Samuel Ezra were arrested on their way to Wuse for a robbery operation. The revelation by these suspects led to the arrested of Musa Mohammed Sani and Abdulkadir Muktar as the receivers. Exhibits recovered include two locally-made pistols, three live cartridges and one 7.65mm live ammunition.

    ”On 7/3/2018, one Mohammed Chado was arrested at Bafate Village in Niger State where he was hiding after he sold a Toyota Camry 2000 model that was given to him for washing, he escaped with it sold it for N450,000 and used the money to marry a wife. The stolen car has been recovered.

    ”In another development, on 21st February, 2018 at about 2230hrs, Police operatives on Stop-And-Search duty at Wuye by Airport Road intercepted and arrested three members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity Cult who were returning to Apo after their cult meeting at Lugbe. During a search conducted on the suspects, three locally-made pistols, one live cartridge, one expended cartridge, and two sharp knives were recovered. The suspects arrested are, Sunday Ogbodo ‘m’-19yrs, Chukwudi Peter ‘m’-23yrs and Joseph Nwali ‘m’-24yrs.

    ”On 23/03/18, acting on tip-off, Police operatives arrested one Frank Ogbo ‘m’ and Daniel Chinemerem ‘m’ at Computer Village, Wuse Zone 1, where they went to configure a phone that was robbed at Apo Mechanic Village. When one of the suspects (Frank Ogbo) was searched, a locally-made revolver pistol, four rounds of live ammunition, one sharp knife and one toy gun as well as the robbed phone was recovered.

    ”On 22/3/2018, one Mari Habila ‘m’-25 years was arrested by Police operatives for criminally using his friends phone to transfer the sum of Five Hundred and three thousand (N503,000) naira to his personal account through internet banking. The criminal act was committed on 11/2/18 while the suspect’s friend was sleeping, the suspect was arrested at Gwarimpa as a result of discreet investigation. On interrogation, the suspect confessed that he used part of the stolen money to buy a blue colour Golf 3 car with Reg. No. XD 266 GWL, which has been recovered as exhibit.

    ”The Command has also smashed and arrested members of a housebreaking syndicate that broke into Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) at Mabushi on 28th February, 2018 and stole five (5) plasma television sets, two cameras and wall fans. Discreet investigation launched led to the arrest of three (3) suspects and receivers; they are: Munir Abdullahi ‘m’-26yrs, Hayatu Ya’u ‘m’-29yrs, Muhammed Isah ‘m’-33yrs, Abba Bashir ‘m’-27yrs and Salisu Muhammed ‘m’-29yrs. Exhibits recovered from the receivers are nine (9) flat screen television sets and one desktop computer.

    ”Other notable achievements of the Command in the period under review include the arrest of two handbag/phone snatchers, one vandaliser of manhole covers, three battery thieves, and eleven one-chance robbers with three of their operational cars.”

     

  • SPECIAL REPORT: Days after heavy downpour, residents of Ibeju-Lekki still trapped in their homes [photos/videos]

    By Olaotan Falade

    While many residents are beginning to heave a sigh of relief of the heavy rain which fell continuously for the better part of last week, the case is opposite for residents of Ibeju-Lekki area of the state.

    A visit by TheNewsGuru.com team to the area shows a firsthand devastating effect of the heavy downpour on residents and their properties.

    One of the visible signs of the aftermath effects of the heavy downpour that greeted the once busy Kolapo and Awoyaya roads in Ibeju-Lekki where TheNewsGuru.com team visited are vehicles that are almost submerged in the ground, roads that have been washed away and long deserted roads which are still completely covered with water.

    Commercial activities are at a halt and children cannot afford to go to school since the floods have taken over their learning abode. The few that managed to display their wares for sale were seen sleeping or taking on other forms of activities other than selling and buying. TheNewsGuru.com also learnt that several people have abandoned their homes never to return until things get better.

    On sighting TheNewsGuru.com team, the people were relieved as they hope their voices and deplorable situations will finally get to the appropriate authorities for urgent remedial actions.

     

     

     

     

    Speaking with TheNewsGuru.com team in Yoruba Language, a resident who identified herself as Lasisi Idowu, said the area has never been this ravaged by flood. She called on the government to come to their aid before the floods finally sweep away what is left of their lives and properties.

    In her words: “The flood is so bad this year. Even our rooms are not spared. We no longer have a place to lay our heads. Governor Ambode and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu should come to our aid in Ibeju-Lekki. This suffering is too much and unbearable. Government should not wait till this flood drowns us all before fixing our bad roads and drainage system”.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the residents have tried putting up a temporary measure to reduce the effect of the flood by making drainages but this has not in any way produced any tangible result because of the incessant heavy downpour.

    Another resident who also doubles as a pastor narrated his ugly ordeal. The pastor explained that they were mid-way in a service last Sunday when the rain started. He said the service was brought to an abrupt end to enable members run home and save what is left of their properties. He said the flood was so huge that it swept away most of the instruments used in the church including the pulpit.

    “We were in the service when the rain started. The whole place has been flooded before then but we were still able to maneuver our way. However, things took a different shape on this fateful day as waters began flowing in our direction with high currents. We had to end the service for members to rush home and take care of their properties. The flood carted away our pulpit, drums, and other church items. The government should come to our aid. We can’t continue this way. We have been praying since then for the rain to stop and we thank God it did. We don’t know what might happen to us if another rain of this magnitude falls. You can see that most of our household materials are still kept outside to dry,” the pastor said emphatically.

    A further visit by TheNewsGuru.com team to Awoyaya Community also in Ibeju-Lekki again revealed how hard the people are trying to cope with the flood.

    While the community is basking well in commercial activities, the entire junction leading to the community is however flooded and motorists on the express road and those inbound the community had a hectic time navigating their ways through.

    Residents also expressed their displeasure and appealed to the government to remember them in its developmental strides.

    “If you people (referring to the TheNewsGuru.com team) had come last Friday, you won’t find a space to place your legs. It was really bad. People learnt to swim by force and transportation cost automatically skyrocketed. The pains we experienced are beyond words and we appeal to the government to help us because nobody knows when this rain will strike again,” a resident told TheNewsGuru.com.

    The Baale of the community, Chief Isiaka Taofeeq who gladly welcomed TheNewsGuru.com team to his palace said the heavy downpour affected the community more than it could have affected the island and mainland axis of Lagos. He said residents couldn’t move for days. He appealed to Governor Ambode to remember the community which he said also contributes meaningfully to the development of Lagos.

    “You need to see how this place was last week. We have never been this affected by flood. Vehicular activities were suspended as there was no clear way to navigate through. People remained indoors for the better part of the week. We know our amiable governor is trying but we are also part of Lagos and he needs to remember Ibeju-Lekki. The suffering is too much and we don’t know what will happen if there is another downpour. He (Ambode) should please join hands with our local government authority to fix our roads to cushion the effect of this flood.”

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the Federal Government on Wednesday warned state and local government authorities to to sensitize residents in their territory of more heavy downpour and the consequential flood that is likely to come with it.

    However, there may be succor coming the way of Ibeju-Lekki and indeed other parts of the state affected by the downpour as the State Assembly (LAHA) summoned the Commissioner of Environment, Mr Babatunde Adejare, to appear before it on Tuesday to proffer long lasting solutions to the flood.

    TheNewsGuru.com also reports that the acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday approved a N1.5bn bailout fund to some 15 states (Lagos inclusive) of the federation affected by the flood.

     

     

  • 650 homes evacuated from London tower blocks over fire safety fears

    Some 650 homes were evacuated overnight from four north London tower blocks to allow for urgent fire safety work to be done on the buildings, a local council said Saturday.

    The high-rises are located in the Borough of Camden’s Chalcots Estate, where inspectors determined the exterior cladding posed a fire risk.

    The cladding on the buildings is similar to that of West London’s Grenfell Tower, where at least 79 people died last week when a fridge-freezer sparked a blaze that consumed the building. The covering was blamed for accelerating the spread of the fire.

    When the Camden Council announced the immediate evacuations at Chalcots Estate late Friday, it put the number of affected households at around 800.

    The figure was later revised down to 650 after fire inspectors excluded one of the five towers from the evacuation.

    Some residents had been provided new accommodations, while others were staying at two rest centres or with family members. Renovations are expected to take several weeks.

    Police, fire crews, the British Red Cross and other volunteer group helped in the evacuations. The council called the operation “unprecedented in scale for Camden.”

    Many of the estate’s dwellers have raised concerns about fire safety issues in recent days, and once again pressured borough authorities on the subject at a meeting on Thursday.

    The British government said Saturday that 27 high-rise blocks in the country failed cladding safety tests, the Press Association news agency reported.

    Six people who sustained injuries on June 14 Grenfell Tower blaze remain in hospital, with two in critical condition. The fire was the deadliest in Britain since World War II.