TheNewsGuru

Tag: Lagos State

  • BREAKING: Lagos govt announces major traffic diversions ahead of Tinubu’s visit for ECOWAS summit

    BREAKING: Lagos govt announces major traffic diversions ahead of Tinubu’s visit for ECOWAS summit

    The Lagos State Government has issued a travel advisory for motorists ahead of the ECOWAS Summit, scheduled from May 27 to 29.

    Mrs Bolanle Ogunlola, Deputy Director of Public Affairs at the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, made this known in a statement on Monday.

    She said traffic diversions are to ensure smooth flow and boost security around NIIA House and Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island.

    Motorists heading to Lagos Island or the Mainland from Eko Hotel Roundabout should use Adetokunbo Ademola Road to connect Civic Centre, then Ozumba Mbadiwe Road.

    She stated that they should continue straight to Bonny Camp Roundabout and turn right to proceed toward Lagos Island or the Mainland.

    Alternatively, drivers may access Lagos Island/Mainland via the Falomo Ramp near the Law School to complete their journeys.

    She said those exiting Ajose Adeogun or Adetokunbo Ademola via Eko Hotel Roundabout should pass through Sanusi Fafunwa Street.

    They should drive straight, link Akin Adesola Road, then turn left at the junction to access Ahmadu Bello Way or Adeola Odeku.

    Ogunlola added that a right turn at the same junction leads to Falomo Bridge or the Law School route.

    Motorists leaving Lagos Continental Hotel toward Bonny Camp should use Kofo Abayomi Road and connect Kilimanjaro Junction on Ozumba Mbadiwe Road.

    From Kilimanjaro Junction, they can turn left to Bonny Camp or right toward Lekki via Ozumba Mbadiwe Road.

    Motorists approaching Kofo Abayomi from Bonny Camp should use Ozumba Mbadiwe and turn right at Kilimanjaro Junction for Lagos Continental Hotel.

    For those coming from Independence or McEwen Bridge to Eko Hotel, turn left at the IMB Building on Ahmadu Bello Way by Atlantic City.

    From there, connect Akin Adesola Road and proceed via inner streets to reach the Eko Hotel area.

    Ogunlola added that Lagos State Traffic Management Authority officers would be on ground to guide traffic and reduce inconvenience.

    Tinubu to attend ECOWAS’s 5Oth anniversary, inaugurate projects in Lagos

    Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu will leave Abuja on Tuesday for Lagos to celebrate, along with other leaders, the 50th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesman, said in a statement on Monday that the ECOWAS Golden Jubilee was flagged off in Accra last month.

    The Lagos event will include reenacting the 1975 declaration at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Victoria Island.

    At the Eko Hotels and Suites, President Tinubu, the Chairman of ECOWAS, would highlight the economic bloc’s milestones.

    The Chairman of the NIIA and former Minister of External Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, is expected to review the bloc’s 50-year journey, which panellists at the NIIA would later analyse.

    The only surviving Head of State, who signed the ECOWAS declaration, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Rtd.), will participate in all the ceremonies and deliver a speech at the Eko Hotels.

    Dr Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, will deliver the welcome address.

    While in Lagos, President Tinubu will, on Saturday, May 31, commission some projects of his administration.

    Among them are Section I of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Lekki Deep Sea Port Tax Credit Concrete Road, the flag-off of Section II of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, and the 7th Axial Road.

    The President will virtually commission Kano-Kanwar-Danja-Hadejiya Section II Road and Yakasai-Zalli Road and flag off the Kano Northen By-pass, Zaria-Hunkuyi-Dabai Section I, Dabai-Kafur Malumfashi, and Malumfashi-Dayi-Yashe-Gidan Mutum Daya Section III.

    President Tinubu will observe the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at the State House, Dodan Barracks, before returning to Abuja.

  • Lagos govt relocates popular market

    Lagos govt relocates popular market

    The Lagos State Government has announced the successful relocation of the Okobaba Plank Market at Ebute Meta to a newly-developed site at Timberville at Agbowa.

    It also announced the provision of 260 units of two-bedroom flats for the traders at Agbowa.

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr Olajide Babatunde, said this at the ongoing Lagos State 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing at Alausa, Ikeja.

    The briefing is to commemorate  Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second year of second term in office.

    “We have not only relocated the traders from Okobaba to Timberville in Agbowa, but we have also ensured their comfort by providing 260 units of two-bedroom flats.

    “We are using this briefing to highlight key achievements in urban development as part of the governor’s commitment to inclusive growth,” he said.

    Babatunde said that 21 markets, including Computer Village, Abule Egba, Alabama Transnational Market, Pelewura, Katangowa and Jankara Gorodome, were undergoing various stages of relocation, revitalisation and redevelopment under the supervision of the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA).

    “We are repositioning these markets to be safer, more accessible, and better organised through LASURA’s comprehensive market redevelopment plan,” he said.

    According to him, LASURA aims to achieve a 50 per cent annual reduction in slums and squatter settlements across the state.

    “Our target is to reduce slum areas by half every year through infrastructure renewal and proper urban planning,” Babatunde said.

    Also, he said that  140 consultants were certified as Lagos State Accreditors in the past one year under the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA).

    He said that the professionals were responsible for screening construction drawings, conducting stage inspections, and monitoring non-compliant structures to curb building collapses.

    “We now have 140 certified accreditors on ground to ensure only safe and compliant structures are approved in Lagos,” he said.

    He also disclosed that LASBCA detected 8,663 building infractions in the past one year.

    “Additionally, 1,136 construction commencement authorisations were issued to building owners and developers.

    “Through our enforcement efforts, we discovered over 8,000 infractions, while ensuring that new developments meet required standards,” he added.

    Babatunde said that LASURA was planning regeneration of the Ipodo slum settlement using inclusive renewal methods.

    He added that the agency was working to establish a standard and enduring process for regeneration efforts.

    “We are engaging with communities such as Ipodo to design human-centred regeneration plans that respect the people and the environment,” he said.

    He announced a 30 per cent rebate for individuals intending to construct Green Eco-houses in the state as part of efforts to promote sustainable building practices.

  • Police rescue 2 kidnap victims in Lagos

    Police rescue 2 kidnap victims in Lagos

    The Police Command in Lagos State says it has rescued two persons who were kidnapped on Thursday at Ijede creek side in the Ikorodu area of the state.

    The command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin made this known in a statement on Monday in Lagos.

    Hundeyin explained that the police stormed the scene after receiving a distress call on the incident at 10:00 p.m. on Thursday.

    ”A distress report was received at Ijede Division indicating gunshots in the vicinity of Ijede Creek side settlement.

    ”Acting swiftly, combined teams of more than 15 police tactical squads, detectives, conventional policemen, local vigilantes, hunters and the locals were immediately mobilised to the scene.

    ”On getting there, it was confirmed that two persons whose houses are inside the creek had been attacked and abducted by unidentified hoodlums who fled via the creek and adjoining forest, ” he said.

    Hundeyin said that on the directive of the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, a robust and elaborate rescue operation was launched.

    ”The 15 policemen, local vigilantes, hunters and the locals were strategically deployed through different directions to block all entry and exit points to the surrounding creek and forest.

    ”This coordinated rescue operations led to the successful release of the victims unhurt at 10:00 p.m., on Sunday. The released victims have been reunited with their families,’’ he said.

    According to him, the police in collaboration with the vigilantes, hunters and locals are currently are still combing the creek and the adjoining forest to apprehend the kidnappers to prevent further attacks from them as well as bring them to justice.

    The Lagos Police image maker commended the bravery of the officers and cooperation of the local vigilantes, hunters, and community members whose swift response was instrumental to the success of the operations in spite the difficulties encountered in accessing the area.

    The spokesperson reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents of the state.

    He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and security conscious at all times, especially residents leaving in the Ijede creek and other difficult terrains in the forest.

    He also advised residents to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via the command’s emergency lines; 08063299264 or 08065154338.

    Police arrest, detain 4 for alleged kidnapping, robbery

    Similarly, operatives of the Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos have arrested and detained four members of a syndicate who specialised in kidnapping and robbing residents of Ogun.

    The Zonal Police Public Relations Officer (ZPPRO), CSP Umma Ayuba confirmed this in a statement on Monday in Lagos.

    Ayuba said that the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), in charge of the zone, Adegoke Fayoade received report of the suspects’ activities and detailed a team of detectives from the Zonal Dragon Squad 2 to investigate and bring the suspects to book.

    “On May 8, three suspects ages 25, 28 and 30 were apprehended at Sabo Hausa Market, Eleweran, Abeokuta while planning a robbery operation.

    “The apprehension of the three suspects led to the arrest of a 45-year-old man in his hideout at Onigbedu, Ewekoro Local Government Area of the state.

    “The suspects confessed to taking part in the hijack of cement laden trucks along Onigbedu Area of Ewekoro in Ogun State,” she said.

    Ayuba added that in the course of investigation, the suspects confessed to kidnapping two Chinese nationals on Aug. 11, 2024 (Liang Ding Jia ‘m’ and Chen Wen Guang ‘m’) and received N30 million as ransom for their release.

    “One of the suspects, the 28-year-old confessed to taking part in a robbery operation at Obada Oko on Jan. 27, where he forcefully had unlawful canal knowledge of a 62-year-old woman right in the presence of her children.

    “The victims identified him and narrated their ordeal in the hands of the gang.

    “During an interview with the 62-year-old woman, she explained that the suspect wanted to have unlawful canal knowledge of her daughter, but she pleaded with him.

    ”The he turned to her and forcefully had his way with her in the presence of her two children,’’ Ayuba revealed.

    The ZPPRO said that items recovered from the suspects include one locally made pistol, three life cartridges, two unregistered bajaj motorcycles and one berreta pistol with 13 live ammunition.

    The image maker said other exhibits recovered from the suspects were N300, 000 cash, one iPhone 7+, one small Tecno phone and Opay Digital Service and UBA ATM.

    According to her, investigation is ongoing and efforts intensified to apprehend other suspects at large and recover all exhibits, thereafter suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigation.

  • FG raises alarm of serious safety concerns for popular Lagos bridge

    FG raises alarm of serious safety concerns for popular Lagos bridge

    The Federal Government has begun evacuation and demolition of illegal structures beneath the Iddo Bridge in Lagos, citing serious safety concerns and risk of imminent collapse.

    The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, gave the order while inspecting the bridge alongside structural engineers and officials of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc., on Sunday.

    Umahi expressed concern over the condition of the bridge which, he said, had been severely compromised by illegal human activities.

    He said: “We are here with bridge experts to examine the Iddo Bridge, which was burnt down due to unlawful occupation and activities beneath it.

    “People have converted the underpass into shops, warehouses, and even residential areas.

    “These activities have caused significant damage, to the extent that Julius Berger has advised that the bridge must be completely demolished and reconstructed.”

    He said that the Cowry Bridge and the Independence Bridge had also been affected by similar activities.

    According to the minister,  attempts by the Federal Government to engage with the illegal occupants have met resistance, with some of them saying that the matter is before the court.

    “They have refused to vacate the premises. They wrote to us, claiming the matter is in court.

    “It appears that what they are selling is more important to them than the lives of Lagosians, but we cannot allow that,” Umahi said.

    Umahi directed the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos state, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, to ensure that all illegal structures beneath the bridge would be demolished before the close of business on Monday.

    “This is about saving lives. We must act to prevent the collapse of the bridge.

    “Beams have already been hit by vehicles, and some have been burnt. The structural integrity of the bridge is compromised,” he said.

    He also said that policemen should be deployed to the site to secure any valuables that might be found during the demolition.

    “If we find even a pin, it should be recorded and returned but I can tell you that what I have seen so far are mostly iron doors and partitions.

    “There are no significant goods inside,” Umahi said.

    The minister emphasised that there would be no going back on the decision to demolish and conduct a thorough examination of the bridge.

    “We are not trying to punish anyone, we are trying to save lives. Every illegal structure under this bridge must go before Monday ends,” he said.

    The contract for the rehabilitation of the Iddo Bridge was awarded in 2024 to Julius Berger Plc.

    In April, Umahi, explained that one of the major problems with the bridge was  low headroom clearance.

    He noted that a section of the bridge had a headroom of about 3.0 metres, far below the required minimum of 5.6 metres.

    According to the minister,  the situation has resulted in frequent collisions by trucks, which hit the underside of the bridge deck and caused structural damage.

    Umahi also raised concerns about shops near the bridge which were selling chemicals, warning that such activities posed serious safety risks.

    He noted that a chemical once caught fire near the bridge and caused extensive damage to the structure.

    He said that the bridge’s structural elements had been significantly compromised and required urgent attention.

  • Why I went to see Gov Sanwo-Olu – Jandor

    Why I went to see Gov Sanwo-Olu – Jandor

    The 2023  Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Gubernatorial Candidate for Lagos, Dr Olajide Adediran (a.k.a. Jandor), on Tuesday visited the state Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House, Ikeja.

    Adediran met with the governor behind closed doors but spoke with journalists after the meeting.

    He congratulated the governor on his re-election and commended him for  warm reception.

    ”I have gone to my local government to do that. We had that on Friday. The next thing was to pay the number one citizen of the state an official visit to inform him  that we have returned to the party.

    ”I am back to be with my family. We will continue to consolidate on our collective strength. We all knew what happened during the last election. It was because the house was divided. Now, we are together and we are back,” he said.

    He described his reception by Sanwo-Olu as warm.

    “The reception was fantastic. Mr Governor is actually a gentleman. I commend your composure throughout the campaign. In a season marked by intense political tension, your calmness stood out, and, in my view, it played a significant role in your winning.”

    The gubernatorial candidate said that the visit was not just a political courtesy, but a demonstration of maturity and the need to foster unity beyond party lines.

    “Lagos deserves a political climate where leaders can engage constructively regardless of party affiliation.

    “I believe this gesture reflects the kind of politics we should be practising –  one that prioritises the development of our state above personal or partisan interests,” he said.

    Adediran was a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) before he left the party to join PDP.

    He is the Convener of  Lagos4Lagos Movement, a group within the APC that pushed for reforms and internal democracy.

  • Lagos govt clarifies ban on SUPs

    Lagos govt clarifies ban on SUPs

    The Lagos State Government has clarified that its statewide ban on Single Use Plastics (SUPs) does not include PET bottles and sachet water.

    The Commissioner For Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

    The statement was issued by the Director, Public Affairs, Mr Kunle Adeshina.

    Wahab added that part of those exempted from the ban were nylon carrier bags of more than 40 micron thickness.

    He said the enforcement comes into effect on July 1.

    “The latest clarification was made while reacting to deliberate viral misrepresentations by some people that the ban involves all categories of Single Use Plastics.

    “The position of the state government has not changed that only single use plastics consisting of styrofoam food packs and all forms of polystyrene cups (disposal cups) are banned.

    “Other items banned in the single use plastics category are plastic straws, plastic cutlery and all single use carrier bags and nylons that have less than 40 micron thickness,” he said.

    He added that as part of moves to demonstrate the state’s seriousness, it had inaugurated the newly created Plastic Waste Management Fund.

    “This is a collaborative effort between the state government, the producers, and the Producers Responsibility Organisations.

    “The plastics waste management fund will be financed by contributions from producers and major importers and will be jointly managed to address plastic waste challenges in the state,” he said.

    Wahab reiterated the determination of the state government to go ahead with the enforcement of the ban on July 1.

    “This is after the expiration of a moratorium of 18 months which had been given since the announcement of the intention to effect the ban in January 2024.

  • Primaries: LG aspirant seeks compensation from APC

    Primaries: LG aspirant seeks compensation from APC

    Mrs Abimbola Oladokun, Lagos State APC 2025 chairmanship aspirant in Orile Agege has urged the party leadership to consider compensating her after losing.

    She also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure that her appeal for compensation is considered by the APC leadership in the state.

    Recall that the APC local government election primaries held on May 10, at the party’s secretariat, Ikeja.

    Making the appeal in an interview with NAN on Monday, Oladokun said the last primaries will be the seventh time she is contesting for the position in the party and had remained loyal.

    “I have always been a true servant to my community and my party, I have singlehandedly been packing waste with my truck at the community level.

    “The President  told the party leaders to create  chances for women to also hold elective positions  but I am surprised, that  majority of  us that contested lost at the primary election. I call on the President to intervene in my case”.

    Oladokun said she started as a party member decades  ago from Action Congress, to Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) till date with membership card.

    She said her community asked her to contest as a result of her hard work, she also stated that she would remain a loyal member of the APC despite the loss.

    “I am appealing to the party leadership to consider my political ambition and compensate me for being a female aspirant and loyal party member.”

    However, the Lagos State APC chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi has urged all aspirants who couldn’t get the party’s ticket to work for victory of the party.

    Ojelabi said the party would  reward every hardworking and committed party faithful .

    The state chairman  said that everybody should go to the field to work on the  electorate to vote for the APC.

  • EFCC arrests 120 suspected internet fraudsters in Lagos

    EFCC arrests 120 suspected internet fraudsters in Lagos

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 120 suspected internet fraudsters, comprising 95 male and 25 female in Lagos.

    Its Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja. According to him, the suspects were arrested on Monday in different locations in Lagos.

    He said the arrest was sequel to credible intelligence and thorough surveillance regarding their alleged involvement in internet-related fraud.

    ”Items recovered during the coordinated operation include 26 exotic cars and expensive jewelries, smartphones, laptops and several incriminating documents. The suspects are currently undergoing further investigation,” he said.

    Oyewale said that the suspects would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the investigation.

  • Labour Party confident ahead of Lagos LG polls

    Labour Party confident ahead of Lagos LG polls

    The Lagos State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) says it is confident of victory in the July 12 local government elections, if conducted fairly.

    Mr Olusupo Ajayi, Deputy Chairman of the party in Lagos State, stated this known during an interview on Sunday in Lagos.

    At least 26 chairmanship candidates from the Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party emerged on Friday for the upcoming local government polls.

    The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has fixed July 12 for chairmanship elections across all 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas.

    Ajayi described the delegate-based primaries held in 26 local councils as peaceful and successful, and affirmed the party’s determination to campaign hard for victory.

    He told NAN: “Recall that we had the highest number of votes in Lagos during the 2023 presidential election.”

    He added that the LP is confident its 26 candidates can win, as Lagos residents still believe in the party’s vision.

    “This is a grassroots election, and we aim to bring positive change, even as we face the challenge of running against the ruling party,” Ajayi said.

    He said the party would act within the law to mobilise voters and run a rigorous, impactful campaign across the state’s local communities.

    Ajayi pledged continued engagement with the public to ensure community-based governance if the party wins the council elections.

    He stated that the LP’s participation is part of its effort to return governance to the grassroots and restore people’s confidence in politics.

    Ajayi urged LASIEC Chairperson, Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile, to uphold integrity by ensuring free, fair and peaceful local government elections.

    He said: “In the end, we will all return to dust. What we leave behind is goodwill for our children and future generations.

    “I hope she maintains her integrity, so her legacy and goodwill can endure for generations to come.”

  • Lagos begins enforcement of SUPs ban July 1

    Lagos begins enforcement of SUPs ban July 1

    The Lagos State Government will commence full enforcement of the ban on Single Use Plastics (SUPs) from July 1, 2025, the State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab has said.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Wahab said this while declaring that the enforcement of the ban placed on styrofoam in the State was successful.

    “From July 1, 2025, the Lagos State Government will commence full enforcement of the ban on Single Use Plastics (SUPs).

    “This is about environmental responsibility. Just like with the successful enforcement of the styrofoam ban, we will insist on accountability and responsibility,” the Commissioner stated in a post via X.

    Wahab in the post stressed that what is unacceptable elsewhere cannot become standard in Lagos, adding that within the space of almost 18 months, the government had series of stakeholders’ engagements with marketers and producers of these products.

    The post reads in full: “From July 1, 2025, @followlasg will commence full enforcement of the ban on Single Use Plastics (SUPs). We’ve been intentional and strategic with 18 months of dialogue, engagement and transition. Now, it’s time to act.

    “The State has been very strategic and intentional about the ban of Single Use Plastics (SUPs). Within the space of almost 18 months, we have had series of stakeholders’ engagements with marketers and producers of these products. We re-emphasized this stand during a courtesy visit by management of TETRA PAK West Africa Limited led by the Managing Director, Mr. Haithem Debbiche.

    ALSO READ || Like Lagos, Ekiti govt moves to ban SUPs

    “This is about environmental responsibility. And we have given an ample time to align with global best practices. What is unacceptable elsewhere cannot become standard in Lagos. We must protect our future and do what is right for the greater good.

    “We’re not here to score points. We’re here to do the work. Just like with the successful enforcement of the styrofoam ban, we will insist on accountability and responsibility. A cleaner, healthier Lagos is within reach if we all play our part”.