TheNewsGuru

Tag: Lagos State

  • Lagos Oba gets N200m palace in Ipakodo

    Lagos Oba gets N200m palace in Ipakodo

    The Chairman of Ikorodu Development Peace Initiative Ltd. (IDPL), Mr Adewunmi Ogunsanya, on Saturday laid the foundation of a N200 million modern Ipakodo Palace, in Ibeshe area of Ikorodu Division.

    Performing the ceremony, Ogunsanya said it was another step in infrastructure development in the town.

    He commended the Ipakodo monarch, Oba Bashiru Shotonwa, (Sekumade of Ipakodo), for his contributions toward stability and development in the community.

    Ogunsanya promised that the IDPL would build a renal centre and instal solar street light to illuminate some streets to curtail criminal activities in the area.

    “IDPL is just like an NGO, saddled with responsibility of not only security but in different sectors like education, health and infrastructural development.

    “The traditional ruler of Ipakodo has changed the face of the community and attracted lots of business, both foreign and local investment.

    “If you consider the historical features of Ipakodo, you will know that the community is long overdue for a befitting palace.

    “Ipakodo is not just having a palace today, but a N200m worth world class fortress which the indigenes can be proud of.

    “We are going to build a renal centre as part of our social responsibility to reduce challenge of proximity and bed space that have claimed many lives in Ikorodu,” Ogunsanya, who is also Chairman, Multichoice Nig. Ltd. said.

    In his welcome remarks, the traditional ruler expressed joy over the initiatives and commended the effort of IDPL for the construction of the new palace as part of their plan.

    The monarch promised to work for the exploration of the community’s unharnessed potential and see that it evolves into a great city in Lagos State.

    He said that the reconstruction of the palace was born out of the necessity to enhance the status of Ipakodo and its environs.

    “Today, I am very happy for this new palace and I commend the initiator, Ogunsanya and members of IDPL, for their kind gesture.

    I have contacted the five ruling houses in Ipakodo and they gave their endorsement because the palace belongs to the entire community,” he said.

    Also speaking, Mr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Chairman of Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), urged stakeholders in Ikorodu to collaborate for economic development of the community.

    Olanrewaju promised to deploy some of the local vigilante officers from the council to enhance the security architect.

    He said the fortress would attract tourists when completed.

    Ipakodo is a fast growing community in Ikorodu division, with presence of Dangote Group of Companies and government agencies like the Nigeria Customs Service.

    It also hosts the Lagos State Ferry Terminal among others.

  • Fire burns shanties in Lagos

    Fire burns shanties in Lagos

    The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) says fire gutted some shanties in Surulere area of the state.

    The Permanent Secretary of the agency, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed this in a statement on Saturday in Lagos.

    “Following distress calls received through  the 767 and 112 emergency toll-free lines at 01.18hrs, LASEMA activated its response team from Onipanu.

    “Upon arrival at 01.31hrs, a row of makeshift shanty structures erected beside the canal, was found to have been gutted by fire.

    “Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire, which started in one of the rooms had quickly spread to other rooms in the row.

    “It was brought under control by the combined efforts of emergency responders at the incident scene. No casualties or injuries were recorded at the incident scene,” he said.

    “The fire has been totally extinguished. Dampening down, search and rescue has been concluded,” he said.

  • Popular singer laments over challenges of being a celebrity in Lagos

    Popular singer laments over challenges of being a celebrity in Lagos

    Nigerian singer Oludipe David, popularly known as Spyro, has expressed frustration over the challenges of being a celebrity in Lagos and how it affects him.

    The renowned songwriter took to his social media platforms to share his experience, revealing how he was insulted by a man he had promised to help the next day but was unable to, due to financial constraints.

    Spyro explained that he spends a minimum of N100,000 whenever he leaves his house and estimated that he spends around N15 million annually on helping others.

    He mentioned the constant demands for financial assistance, whether in public, at church, or even online.

    The singer commended his colleagues, acknowledging that they too face similar challenges, calling them the “Real MVPs.” He wrote:

    “It’s really hard being a celebrity in Lagos. I told a guy I didn’t have anything and would see him the next day.

    “He rained insults on me. Every day I step out of my house, I spend a minimum of N100,000 on gifts.

    “Now let’s do the maths: let’s say I go out three times a week, that’s N300,000 per week, making N1.2m per month, and that’s about N15 million a year, ‘Kilode’.

    ”If I enter a restaurant, the bill waits for me outside; I enter the church, the same thing. Enter the estate, the same; ‘carry phone enter online, na the same thing’.

    “Everybody wants to take, but nobody wants to give, and nobody thinks about how you are faring.

    “S/O to every one of my colleagues out there going through this; you’re all the real MVPs and I celebrate you.”

    Spyro is a Nigerian singer and songwriter who gained widespread recognition after releasing his single “Billing” in July 2022.

  • Lagos teacher abusing 3-year-old pupil in viral video arrested

    Lagos teacher abusing 3-year-old pupil in viral video arrested

    The Police Command in Lagos State says the 45-year-old teacher, Stella Nwadigo, who allegedly abused a three-year-old pupil of Christ-Mitots School in Ikorodu area of the state is already in its custody.

    The Command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this in a post he shared on his X handle @benHundeyin on Wednesday.

    “The teacher is currently in our custody, while investigation is ongoing,” he said.

    It could be recalled in a two-minute video, which went viral on Wednesday morning, that a teacher was seen subjecting the boy to rounds of slaps over his inability to write numerical figures.

    The teacher asked the boy to write 61 and 62, she slapped him five times for not quickly grasping her number writing instructions.

    Also reacting to the video, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, (DSVA) confirmed that the teacher had been apprehended in a post it shared on its verified X handle @LSdsva on Wednesday.

    “We appreciate everyone, who brought the disturbing incident of a teacher, who was recorded physically abusing a three-year-old boy to our attention.

    “We are pleased to inform the public that the teacher in question has been arrested by Owutu Police Family Support Unit, and an investigation has commenced in earnest.

    “Indeed, institutions of learning should be safe, warm, and protective environments for all children in their care,” it stated.

    According to the agency, the State Government remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of every child.

    “The government remains committed by enforcing strict regulations, holding offenders accountable, and working with stakeholders to promote a zero-tolerance policy to abuse of any form,”it stated.

    DSVA urged residents to continue to break the culture of silence by reporting any case of abuse to appropriate authorities for immediate actions.

    “If you have any additional information about this case or similar incidents, please do not hesitate to reach out to us via our toll-free hotline: 08000 333 333 or send a direct message on our social media platforms. If you see something, say something,” the agency stated.

  • Sanwo-Olu celebrates wife at 58

    Sanwo-Olu celebrates wife at 58

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has described his wife, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, as a compassionate woman who has impacted many lives.

    This is contained in a statement on Tuesday by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile.

    The governor’s wife, a medical doctor and the Chairperson of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), turns 58 on Wednesday, Jan. 8.

    Sanwo-Olu described her as a reliable and dependable partner in the pursuit of a greater Lagos development agenda.

    “My jewel of inestimable value has been a major pillar of my success, standing by me throughout the journey for several decades.

    “We have sojourned together in the turbulent public space, standing side by side, working for the good people of Lagos State.

    “Ibijoke, I celebrate you for being a God-fearing and kind-hearted woman, a good companion, a caring and loving wife and mother, a passionate Christian, and a prayer warrior,” the governor said.

    According to him, his wife of almost three decades has complemented the roles that God has given him with all sense of dignity, dedication, and hard work.

    He added that his wife is a committed prayer warrior, a caring, loving, and devoted wife and mother, a strong pillar, and a trusted partner of many decades.

    The governor commended her for the critical roles in ensuring that good governance and the dividends of democracy are delivered to Lagos residents, particularly women and children.

    “On behalf of my children, family, the government, and the entire people of Lagos State, I celebrate my trusted, reliable, and lifelong partner on her 58th birthday.

    “I thank God for her life and appreciate her for all the support, time, sacrifice, and contributions to the growth and development of Lagos State in various sectors.

    “I also take this auspicious occasion to appreciate my darling wife for her remarkable contributions to our family, the medical profession, Lagos State, and humanity, in general. I wish her good health and more prosperous and impactful years ahead,” Sanwo-Olu said.

  • JUST IN: 1 dead, 3 injured in Lagos multiple accident

    JUST IN: 1 dead, 3 injured in Lagos multiple accident

    The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) on Tuesday confirmed the death of one male with three others seriously injured in a multiple accident around Otedola Bridge in Lagos.

    The agency’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, who confirmed this in a statement, said that two of the injured victims were immediately rushed to the hospital.

    He said that the multiple accident occurred while the agency was trying to recover a fallen 40-foot container.

    “In an overnight operation, while the safe recovery of a fallen 40-foot container for onward transmission to LASTMA Office in Oshodi was yet on-going, a multiple accident occurred along the same axis on Otedola Bridge.

    “On arrival at the scene of the secondary incident nearby, it was discovered that a multiple truck accident involving four articulated trucks laden with containers had occurred.

    “Investigations conducted revealed that the incident occurred due to reckless driving. The accident resulted in the accident trucks getting stuck to each other due to the force of impact on collision.

    “One adult male extricated from beneath the first accident truck lost his life to the incident,” he said.

    Oke-Osanyintolu added that three other adult males sustained various degrees of injuries.

    “The two seriously affected victims were taken to the Accident and Emergency Centre after being given on-the-spot medical attention at the incident scene,” he said.

    He added that necessary safety measures were activated and implemented to forestall other incidents at the scene.

    “The rescued accident victims were administered immediate medical care and taken to the hospital.

    “The recovered body was bagged and handed over to officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps on the scene for further action.

    “All affected trucks have been successfully recovered off the road to a layby and the road has been set free and reopened for safe vehicular activities,” the LASEMA boss said.

  • Lagos Assembly passes 2025 appropriation bill of N3.4trn

    Lagos Assembly passes 2025 appropriation bill of N3.4trn

    The Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday passes appropriation bill of N3,367 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year of the state.

    The budget was approved by voice votes at a plenary presided over by the Speaker, Mr Mudashiru Obasa on Monday.

    Obasa explained that passage followed the presentation of a report on the budget by Mr Sa’ad Olumoh, the Chairman of the Joint Committee on Appropriation and Finance.

    Recall Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had on Nov. 21, presented a budget proposal of N3.005 trillion to the House for approval.

    The governor, during the presentation, told the lawmakers that the budget has a deficit financing of N408.9 billion adding that the deficit would be financed from external and internal loans and bonds.

    The speaker said the approved budget was made of N1.295 trillion as recurrent expenditure while N2.071 trillion was earmarked as capital expenditure for the year ending Dec. 31, 2025.

    Obasa, thereafter, directed the Clerk of the House, Mr Olalekan Onafeko, to transmit a clean copy of the passed bill to governor for assent.

    The Speaker commended his colleagues for their painstaking efforts leading to the passage of the budget.

    Meanwhile, the House, during plenary on Monday, also passed a bill to consolidate all laws on Local Government Administration in Lagos State.

    The bill further makes provisions based on constitutional amendments as well as amendments by the National Assembly which have direct effects on the local governments in the state.

  • LASTMA rescues 8 injured passengers

    LASTMA rescues 8 injured passengers

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has rescued eight injured passengers involved in an accident at Hammadiya inward Abule-Egba.

    The LASTMA General Manager, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, confirmed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

    The statement was signed by Mr Taofiq Adebayo, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, LASTMA.

    Bakare-Oki said the road traffic incident which involved a commercial long bus, popularly referred to as ‘Molue,’ at Hammadiya inward Abule-Egba, caused severe injuries and significant disruption to traffic.

    “The accident was triggered when the vehicle, registered as KTU 801 XM, lost control at excessive speed, reportedly due to driver impatience.

    “In an attempt to avoid colliding with another LT commercial bus and pedestrians awaiting transport at the roadside, the driver veered sharply, resulting in the bus crashing into the expressway median and overturning.

    “Several passengers sustained injuries, while others escaped through the bus’s windows,” he said.

    He said that officers from LASTMA promptly arrived at the scene, executed a well-coordinated and efficient rescue operation.

    “Eight individuals, including five males and three females, suffered varying degrees of injuries. Among the injured was the bus driver, who sustained a fractured left arm.

    “All victims were immediately handed over to LASAMBUS medical personnel and transported to the General Hospital at Ile-Epo for urgent medical attention,” he said.

    Bakare-Oki said to ensure the free flow of traffic and public safety, LASTMA’s Response Unit was swiftly mobilised to oversee the removal of the overturned vehicle.

    He added that security support was provided by officers from the Meran Police Division, ensuring that the rescue operation proceeded without hindrance.

    Bakare-Oki extended his sympathies to the injured passengers and conveyed his wishes for their swift recovery.

    He emphasised the importance of strict adherence to traffic regulations, particularly compliance with speed limits as prescribed by the Lagos State Government.

    He also implored commercial and private vehicle operators to prioritise regular maintenance of their vehicles, with particular attention to critical systems such as brakes, to avert preventable accidents.

    “This unfortunate incident underscores LASTMA’s resolute commitment to preserving lives and ensuring safety on Lagos roads through proactive interventions and collaborative engagements with emergency response agencies,” he said.

  • LASBCA denies demolishing Lekki building

    LASBCA denies demolishing Lekki building

    The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has refuted  claims in an online video that it demolished a building at 1A Olubunmi Owa Street, Off Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1, Eti-Osa, Lagos.

    The General Manager of LASBCA, Mr Gbolahan Oki, made the denial in a statement issued by the agency’s Assistant Director of Public Affairs, Mr Adu Adegoke, on Friday.

    Oki said that the removal of an attachment  to the building was carried out by the property owner. He said that the owner’s actions were illegal and did not follow  proper procedures. He added that the actions were without necessary permits.

    According to him, LASBCA was misrepresentated in the video in an attempt to portray it negatively.

    “The attention of the Lagos State Building Control Agency has been drawn to a misleading video circulating online regarding removal of an illegal attachment to a building by the owner at 1A Olubunmi Owa Street, Off Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1, Eti-Osa, Lagos.

    “In line with the Lagos State Government’s commitment to urban regeneration, sustainable development and elimination of environmental and security nuisance, LASBCA instructed the owner of the illegal attachment to remove it after multiple notices,” he said.

    The general manager said that the notices included convention, seal-off and quit  notices, which were served on the owner.

    Oki said that an illegal demolition was discovered by the agency’s officials during a routine enforcement exercise.

    He also said that officials  encountered resistance from some occupants  of the building who had not complied with building laws.

    The general manager said that the circulating video aimed to mislead the public.

    According to him, the video showed an individual harassing and obstructing LASBCA officials.

    Oki said that the person in the video admitted to receiving  notices, contradicting claims made in the video.

    The  general manager said the agency was commitment to urban regeneration and adherence to building regulations.

    He pledged  that LASBCA would continue to ensure safe and sustainable Lagos  State in spite of any attempts to distort facts.

  • Wizkid, Burna Boy, others stun fans at 2025 countdown

    Wizkid, Burna Boy, others stun fans at 2025 countdown

    Wizkid, Burna Boy and some other Nigerian A-list artistes, on Wednesday at the iconic Tafawa Balewa Square, left their fans in awe as they gave mind-blowing performances during the Greater Lagos Countdown to usher in the  New Year.

    The event, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture was an unforgettable night of music, excitement, and celebration.

    The annual end-of-year celebration brought together people from all walks of life, united by their love for music and desire to celebrate the start of a new year.

    The show featured star-studded lineups like Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Burna Boy, Niniola, Olamide, Adewale Ayuba, Runtown, Bnxn, Nice, Seyi Vibez and several others.

    Wizkid, known for his captivating stage presence, got the audience singing along to his hit tracks, while Burna Boy brought his signature energy and passion to his performance.

    Tiwa Savage, the Queen of Afrobeats, delivered a sultry and energetic set, showcasing her impressive vocal range and captivating stage presence.

    Niniola, the soulful songstress, delivered a heartfelt and emotive performance, showcasing her powerful vocals.

    Fuji Maestro, Adewale Ayuba, took his fans to a heightened level of excitement as he performed his old musicals like  “Ejo”, “Ijo Fuji”, and others.

    Nice also brought back the “Alapomeji” vibes back on stage with ‘steeze’.

    Another highlight was the moment host of the show, renowned comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka, taught Gov.  Babajide Sanwo-Olu the popular ‘Oblee’ moves.

    Earlier, Sanwo-Olu appreciated Lagos residents for demonstrating resilience throughout 2024.

    Sanwo-Olu said: “It is indeed another honour to be here at the Tafawa Balewa Square for the countdown 2024 to 2025. Last year, we were all together, and this year, even bigger, better and brighter.

    “We are all together at the Tafawa Balewa Square for the countdown to the year 2025. I want to say that indeed this outgoing year was a year of tremendous opportunities for the young.

    “It is a year that you have shown true resilience that makes you true Lagosians. If we are together we can succeed together.

    “So, for your resilience and productivity, I want to say thank you for staying with our government throughout the year 2024, and we wish all of us as we go into 2025 that the very best will happen to each and everyone of us.

    “2025 will be a better year for you, for you and for you. To my people in Ajeromi, Ajegunle, Victoria Island, Ajah, Ibeji-Lekki, Ojokoro, Oworoshoki, we will see you bigger and better in 2025.”

    The Greater Lagos Countdown 2025 held simultaneously at the five divisions of the state.