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Tag: Lagos State

  • Peter Obi reacts as brother’s property gets demolished without court order in Lagos

    Peter Obi reacts as brother’s property gets demolished without court order in Lagos

    The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has condemned what he described as “coordinated lawlessness and impunity” after the property of his youngest brother was allegedly demolished in Ikeja, Lagos, without any court order or proper legal process.

    In a post on X Tuesday night, Obi narrated how he was alerted by his brother, who had just returned from Port Harcourt to discover that the company property, which had been owned for over a decade, was being demolished by unknown persons.

    Security men reportedly denied him access to the premises, claiming demolition activities had already begun over the weekend.

    Obi said he rushed from Abuja to Lagos and the security operatives also tried to deny him entry at the site.

    Upon demanding to see the legal basis for the action, he was shown a court judgment allegedly issued against “unknown persons” and unnamed squatters, without any demolition order or official permit.

    “How do you sue an unknown person? How does a court issue a judgment in such a farce of a case? No one was served. No name was written. Yet they showed up with excavators and began destroying a structure that had stood for over 15 years,” Obi said.

    The former Anambra State governor expressed disbelief that neither the security men present nor the contractor executing the demolition could identify the person or agency that ordered the action.

    Despite waiting on-site for hours and offering his contact information, no official explanation was provided.

    Obi said the incident was reflection of a wider problem facing the country—rampant disregard for the rule of law and the erosion of citizens’ rights.

    “The whole situation screamed of coordinated lawlessness and impunity. Our country has become lawless,” he lamented.

    He recalled a recent conversation with an investor who, despite Nigeria being his biggest market, refused to put money into the country due to concerns about its legal environment.

    “Nigeria is a lawless country. Until we have laws that protect people, nobody will invest in Nigeria,” Obi quoted the investor as saying.

    Obi, who has been a vocal advocate for governance reforms, reiterated his commitment to building a country where the rights of citizens are respected and protected.

    “I remain committed to a better Nigeria where lawlessness will be a thing of the past, protection of life and property, respect for human rights, care for the less privileged, and basic education for all children,” he said.

    As of the time of filing this report, the Lagos State Government has not yet issued any official statement regarding the incident.

  • Lagos plans traffic diversion ahead of 110-day bridge repair

    Lagos plans traffic diversion ahead of 110-day bridge repair

    The Lagos State Government has released a diversion plan ahead of  repair of the Ogudu/Ifako Bridge which will take 110 days.

    The state Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

    Osiyemi said that the repair  postponed earlier  would  begin from June 28 and end on Oct. 15.

    The commissioner said that the repair was expected to be carried out in eight phases on both lanes.

    “The first to fourth phases, covering the stretch of Ogudu/Ifako Bridge inbound Alapere, will commence from Saturday, June 28 and end on Saturday, Aug. 16 (50 days).

    “ Phases five to eight, covering the stretch of Ogudu/Ifako inbound Oworoshoki, will be fixed between Saturday, Aug. 16 and Sunday, Oct. 5 (51 days),” he said.

    He advised motorists to use alternative routes during the partial closure of the bridge for the repair.

    “Alternative routes for phase one:  Motorists from Iyana Oworo will go through Gbagada to connect Anthony to access Ikorodu Road after which they will have free movement to their desired destinations.

    “One lane will be used near work area (50m before and after).

    “For alternative routes for phase two, motorists from Eko Bridge will go through Funsho Williams  Avenue to connect Ikorodu Road,” he said.

    Osiyemi gave the assurance that officers of  Lagos State Traffic Management Authority would be on ground to minimise inconveniences and manage traffic on the routes.

    “Motorists are implored to be patient during the partial closure of the bridge (50m before and after repair site).

  • Lagos ‘landlords’ told to beautify their houses

    Lagos ‘landlords’ told to beautify their houses

    The Lagos State Government has urged property owners to give their buildings a face-lift to enhance the aesthetics of the State.

    This is contained in a statement by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide.

    The statement was issued by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, Mr Mukaila Sanusi, on Tuesday in Lagos.

    Olumide said property owners, especially those on highways, should undertake the needed face-lift of their buildings.

    “We implore property owners, especially those on major highways such as Ikorodu Road, Agege Motor Road, Ahmadu Bello Way, Adeola Odeku Street, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway and Herbert Macaulay Way, among others, to take heed and undertake the much-needed face-lift of their building facades.

    “Doing this will mean supporting the government in making the state a 21st-century economy, which is the vision of the government,” he said.

    He advised those who have buildings on highways and major roads to ensure they regularly renew the approaches to the face of their buildings.

    Olumide urged them to regularly repaint, carry out façade repairs, and general touch-ups, in line with the Greater Lagos vision.

  • NSSF table tennis championships begin in Lagos

    NSSF table tennis championships begin in Lagos

    The maiden edition of the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF) National Table Tennis Championships will begin on Monday at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

    The two-day event will feature students from across the country competing for honours, as the NSSF continues efforts to revive grassroots sports and identify young talents.

    The championship is part of a broader NSSF strategy to engage youths in sports and promote early athletic development.

    It also seeks to identify, train, and nurture future table tennis stars who can represent Nigeria at major continental and global competitions in the coming years.

    Funsho Usman, Secretary General of the NSSF, said on Sunday that the tournament was designed to give students real match experience, which is critical to their long-term development.

    He explained that by competing under structured rules, young players would better understand the demands of professional-level sport, helping to bridge the gap between school and elite competition.

    “We are fully aware of Nigeria’s rich sporting potential, especially among the youth who often lack platforms to express and develop their talents.

    “At the NSSF, we believe in creating equal opportunities for all students, regardless of background, to showcase their skills and be given a fair chance to succeed.

    “This championship is not just about crowning winners; it is about providing visibility, recognition, and a pathway for every participating student,” Usman said.

    He stressed that the competition aligns with the NSSF’s mission of ensuring students are prepared to transition from school-level sports to international representation.

    Usman also confirmed that invitations were sent to schools and state teams nationwide, ensuring wide participation and fostering national unity through sport.

    He said the championship would be closely monitored by certified technical officials and national team scouts, to help identify and track promising players for future training.

    “By involving national-level coaches and scouts, we’re ensuring that emerging talents receive the right exposure and support from the very beginning of their journey,” he said.

  • SAD: 1 dead, 3 rescued as truck crushes commercial bus in Lagos

    SAD: 1 dead, 3 rescued as truck crushes commercial bus in Lagos

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) says one person died, three others were rescued when a truck conveying a 40-foot container fell on a commercial bus in Agbotikuyo area in Ipaja, Lagos.

    A statement by Mr Taofiq Adebayo, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, quoted the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr Sola Giwa, as saying this on Sunday in Lagos.

    Giwa said the  collision involved a fully-loaded 40-foot Mack containerised truck, marked MUS 729 XY, due to alleged brake failure, toppled onto a commercial minibus — popularly referred to as ‘Korope’.

    According to him, the devastating impact led to the  death of the minibus driver

    Giwa said that LASTMA officers deployed along the corridor swiftly mobilised and rescued three passengers — two females and one male unhurt.

    He said that the survivors  were immediately handed over to medical emergency responders for clinical attention.

    He noted that the incident precipitated a substantial a traffic jam that rippled across adjoining routes, notably Shofunde and Olufunlayo.

    He added that LASTMA operatives immediately instituted comprehensive traffic diversion and control protocols to alleviate the congestion and maintain orderliness.

    “It is worthy of note that the truck driver, in an (alleged) attempt to abscond from the scene, was apprehended by vigilant LASTMA officials, who promptly handed him over to the police in Elere Division.

    “Emergency response teams from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency Response Unit, Lagos State Ambulance Services, and officers of the Nigeria Police Force collaborated efficiently with prompt coordination by LASTMA rescue team to secure the accident scene ,” he said.

    Giwa expressed profound sadness and extended his condolences to the bereaved family of the victims.

    He  reminded operators of articulated vehicles to exercise the utmost vigilance and mechanical diligence of their vehicles.

    “Truck operators must adhere strictly to safety protocols. It is non-negotiable that every articulated vehicle undergo thorough mechanical inspection — especially the braking systems — before venturing onto the road.

    “Preventable tragedies like this underscore the need for unwavering compliance,” he said.

    Giwa assured the public that the state government remained resolute in its commitment to traffic safety enforcement, robust emergency response, and the relentless pursuit of roadworthiness compliance to check future occurrence.

  • 95% of fevers in Lagos not malaria – Commissioner

    95% of fevers in Lagos not malaria – Commissioner

    Data now shows an astounding 95 out of every 100 fevers experienced in Lagos are not caused by malaria, the Lagos State  Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi says.

    The critical finding is at the heart of a new, multi-pronged approach to fever management, designed to combat misdiagnosis and, crucially, to avert a looming crisis of antimicrobial resistance.

    Abayomi said this at a three-day  Study Kick-Off of Pathway to  Pre-Elimination  and Digitization Project in Lagos state.

    The focus was Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test and Microscopy Comparative Study & Assessment of PPMVS’ Capacity to Manage Malaria and Febrile Illnesses.

    Abayomi said: “We need to get malaria out of the region.

    “It is very, very important that we do that once and for all,  perform the mind shift in our healthcare providers that on average, 95 out of every 100 fevers that you may see are not caused by malaria.”

    “For too long, the default response to fever in Lagos, and indeed nationwide,  had been to administer anti-malarial drugs, often without proper diagnostic testing.

    This practice, the commissioner warned, was not only wasteful but dangerous.

    According to him, the widespread, often unnecessary use of anti-malarials and antibiotics is accelerating Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), a global threat where common infections become untreatable.

    “We are really sitting on a very major problem of microbial resistance. And we have to be careful how we dispense antimicrobials and how we dispense antibiotics.”

    He  cited recent research indicating significant AMR in animals, with 60 per cent  of human infections originating from them, stressing the interconnectedness of the problem.

    Under the new “test, treat, and track” pathway/strategy, he said that Lagos residents presenting with fever will  first undergo a Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) for malaria.

    “ If the result is negative, which is anticipated for the vast majority, healthcare providers will then conduct thorough examinations and investigations to pinpoint the true cause of the fever, be it pneumonia, gastroenteritis, or other infections.’

    “The ministry is also tightening regulations on pharmacies.

    “It is illegal to walk into a pharmacy and say, give me an antimalarial, or give me an antibiotic without a doctor’s, or healthcare practitioner’s, accredited healthcare practitioner’s certificate.”

    Underscoring the urgency of the situation, he  urged the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria to enforce this,  stressing, “If we don’t stop that practice, we are going to be the capital of antimicrobial resistance”.

    To combat this, the ministry, with support from a World Bank grant, and in collaboration with the Prof.  Wellington Oyibo’s Research Team, is instituting an evidence-based “test, treat, and track” pathway for fever management.

    “The cornerstone of this approach is rigorous testing for malaria first.

    “If negative—which is expected for over 90 per cent of cases in Lagos—healthcare providers are then mandated to investigate other potential causes of the fever, ranging from common colds to more serious bacterial or viral infections like E. coli, salmonella, or dengue.”

    Oyibo, Director of the Centre for Transdisciplinary Research for Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases, who explained to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) the grave consequences of not testing, also underscored the severity of misdiagnosis.

    Oyibo, the study Coordinator, said: “If it’s a child that has pneumonia, pneumonia will present just the way you see some symptoms of malaria presenting.

    “And you now give anti-malaria medicine without a test. What will happen to that child? That child will die quickly of pneumonia.”

    According to Oyibo, key strategy to eliminating malaria in the state also includes a policy shift toward Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) over traditional microscopy due to RDTs’ proven accuracy and operational feasibility in low-resource settings.

    He noted that Lagos state was the only state that epidemiological parameters qualified as  a state at pre-elimination.

    “This is significant milestone in the history of Nigeria but fever and other malaria-like symptoms, which are non-specific to malaria, are still diagnosed as malaria. this forms a significant contribution to high malaria burden reporting.

    “This bold initiative aims to usher in an era of evidence-based medicine, where intellectual capacity and accurate diagnosis protect society from the cascading harms of incorrect treatment and drug resistance.

  • Top Lagos cultist kingpin finally arrested

    Top Lagos cultist kingpin finally arrested

    The Police Command in Lagos State has arrested a 44-year-old suspected hired killer and cultist kingpin believed to be terrorising the Mushin area of the state.

    The Command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Friday in Lagos.

    He stated that the suspect was apprehended at his hideout in Agbado, Ogun State, after several failed attempts by the Police Tactical Squad.

    “Today, operatives of the Tactical Squad, during a special operation codenamed ‘Silence, Speed and Surprise’, successfully trailed and arrested the notorious suspect.

    “He had been operating alongside multiple gangs and hoodlums, causing chaos across Mushin and surrounding areas for years,” Hundeyin added.

    He described the suspect as the most wanted in recent Lagos criminal history, noting that the arrest marked a milestone in tackling violent crimes.

    The suspect reportedly led several violent operations, including armed robberies, cold-blooded murders, kidnappings, and cult killings in Mushin, from 2009 to 2024.

    “His criminal reign spread fear among residents and posed a significant threat to peace and order in Mushin and other parts of Lagos,” Hundeyin said

    He noted that the suspect’s actions had traumatised families, causing untold pain and horror among victims and their communities.

    “In spite of fleeing from state to state for years, the Command never relented in its mission to bring him to justice,” he added.

    Police operatives raided his Mushin residence and recovered a cache of weapons and incriminating items used during his criminal operations.

    Recovered items include two AK-47 rifles, a K2 rifle, red ryder rifle, three pump actions, two locally made pistols and various rounds of ammunition.

    Also recovered were five magazines, 57 live cartridges, 70 5.56mm ammunition, 27 9mm rounds, one expended 5.56mm shell, a dagger and three walkie-talkies.

    Police also found nine international passports belonging to different individuals during the raid on his residence.

    Commissioner of Police, Mr Owohunwa Jimoh, has ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police, SCID, to broaden the investigation and apprehend accomplices.

    Four families have already identified the suspect as responsible for the killings of their children and relatives.

    The Police Commissioner assured Lagos residents that their safety remains the Command’s top priority.

    Jimoh praised the officers involved for their courage and urged citizens to support police efforts with timely and credible information.

    “The suspect remains in custody under tight security and will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

    “The Command remains committed to making Lagos unsafe for criminals while protecting residents and visitors,” the CP said.

    Jimoh encouraged residents to stay alert, report suspicious activity, and await the outcome of the investigation, which will be made public.

  • Lagos seals popular abattoir over environmental violations

    Lagos seals popular abattoir over environmental violations

    The Lagos State Government has announced the immediate closure of Oko-Oba Abattoir over environmental violations and inappropriate operational practices.

    The Commissioner For Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, said this while speaking with journalists after an inspection tour of the abattoir on Thursday in Lagos.

    Wahab who expressed disappointment about the situation of the abattoir admonished the operators for defying regulations. He, however, appealed to communities to take ownership of their neighbourhoods.

    “We got a very strongly worded petition with reference to the state of Oko-Oba Abattoir and got a concurrence petition again from the Ministry of Agric and Food Security.

    “They requested that the Ministry of Environment should intervene urgently with respect to the environmental degradation of that facility.

    “So, we came this morning, and It’s very heart-wrenching what we saw there. Humans are now occupying tents built purposely for animals.

    “The operators have also defied regulations, and they have chosen to be law unto themselves. They slaughter animals, discharge waste into the public drainage system, and it’s just unacceptable,” he said.

    He added that the ministry would take a drastic, firm, and decisive action until they were able to comply with the minimum standard.

    “The next step is, we are going to take a very drastic, firm and decisive action until they are able to comply with the minimum standard but we have to be very decisive in the next few hours. It’s a catastrophic thing to happen,” he said.

    Wahab who said the ministry would close down the abattoir noted that they were not working in silos but rather with the Ministry of Agriculture.

    “We are the same government. We are not working in silos. I am glad this major complaint came from the Ministry of Agric.

    “This system is settled by laws. There are regulations for the abattoir. You can’t choose to defy and go your own way.

    “Once we start the enforcement, we are also going to ensure we have the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) there.

    “But this is beyond LASEPA. The Lagos Waste Management Authority must have a main station there,” he said.

    Wahab who also visited Johnathan Coker Road, along Agege area of the state, expressed deep concern over the deplorable state of infrastructure orchestrated by some mid rants.

    He disclosed some individuals had been found chiselling iron rods from bridges and drainage systems funded by taxpayers.

    “These infrastructures cost the state huge resources. We can’t build and still police them daily,” he said.

    He called on Community Development Associations (CDAs) to take ownership.

    “The three CDA chairmen here today must step up. It’s your community. Protect what is yours,” he urged.

    Wahab also decried residents refusal to pay for waste services preferring to dump refuse indiscriminately.

    He affirmed that the government was actively prosecuting offenders caught in the act and would not relent in its efforts to enforce environmental laws across the state.

    “Our laws are clear. You generate your waste, pay for it. No more freeloading. We are also grateful that many Lagosians are beginning to take ownership and whistle-blow on violations.

    “It’s a gradual process, but we’re making progress,” he added.

  • LG election: Lagos PDP unveils candidates as Bode George canvasses votes

    LG election: Lagos PDP unveils candidates as Bode George canvasses votes

    The PDP in Lagos State on Wednesday officially unveiled  its 57 chairmanship and 376 councillorship candidates for the July 12 Local Government election.

    The party also presented flags to the candidates at the event, held at the Ikoyi office of party chieftain, Chief Bode George.

    Speaking at the ceremony, George, a former PDP Deputy National Chairman, urged the candidates to work hard to convince the electorate to vote PDP at the grassroots level.

    According to him, if not for his efforts and visit to the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), PDP would have been prevented from fielding candidates for the  election.

    “The essence of today is to unveil our candidates in order to convince the  electorate that the rumour that PDP has collapsed made by some people is most irresponsible and a total lie.

    “How can the political Iroko tree die? The only political Iroko tree in Nigeria today is PDP. I feel sorry for those defecting to other parties.

    “I appeal to Lagos electorate to vote for PDP. What has APC done to warrant recognition again compare to what PDP has offered Nigeria and wants to offer Lagos.” George said.

    The PDP leader urged the candidates to be courageous and vigorous in their campaigns across all wards and local government areas in the state.

    George added: “For those of you contesting, be courageous. As you go out to campaign, do not be afraid to tell the electorate the truth.

    “Wrestle for power to take care of the people and not to amass wealth to yourselves. You must be servant-leaders, washing the hands and feet of disciples (people) like Jesus did. You are to serve and not to be served.

    “It is sad that today that some privileged few are living in highrise buildings while millions are hungry, suffering and living in squalor.

    “Please, be strong enough to convince the electorate, I will join you as much as possible to campaign to our people. Let the vibration of yours campaign wake up Lagos.”

    Lamenting current economic and security challenges facing the country, George urged the government to do more ,saying  the primary responsibility of government remained security and welfare of the people.

    He urged both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) to always carry out their duties conscientiously .

    On crisis rocking the former ruling party, George, who noted that there was no organisation without its challenges, said that the crisis would soon be resolved.

    Presenting the party flags to the candidates Chief Sunday Olaifa, the LPDP State Vice Chairman (Lagos West), commended the party leadership for working towards participation of the party in the election.

    “This election is winnable for PDP. All we need to come together, work together and win together,” Olaifa said.

    Also speaking, Chief Onikepo Oshodi, another PDP chieftain, said,” PDP is next in Lagos State. it is time for PDP to lead Lagos and again in Nigeria. We are sure APC will not make it in 2027.”

    The chairmanship candidates who received party flags included: Awwal Abiodun (Ibeju-Lekki); Olakunle Okekunle (Ajeromi Ifelodun); Faroq Ijaola (Ifelodun); Olawale Akanni (Somolu); Babajide Benson (Surulere); Olufemi Martins (Onigbongbo); Onyekanu Nnamdi (Ikeja) and Oluwadare David (Ojodu)

    Also ,Thessy Whyte (Coker Aguda); Ibironke Taiwo (Itire-Ikate); Rilwan Akinbiyi (Oshodi-Isolo); Isiaq Shonusi (Isolo); Olatunde Adekanle (Ejigbo); Innocent Ifunanya (Bariga); Ebenezer Adebayo (Kosofe) and Moshood Eriokan (Orile-Agege).

    Oluwafemi Shosanya (Amuwo-Odofin); Ismail Abiola (Oriade); Olasukanmi Moses-Oyekola (Yaba); Olajide Bob-Taylor (Lagos Mainland); Lateef Aganran (Mushin); Musiliu Ajibade (Lagos Island); Lateef Olawale (Epe) and Akeem Adenuga (Eredo) received the PDP flags.

    Joseph Akintubuwa (Apapa); Nurureen Adio (Apapa Iganmu); Michael Oloyede- (Ifako-Ijaiye); Abayomi Medemaku(Badagry Central); Olubukola Ajayi (Olorunda); Alabi Gafar-Sewanu (Badagry West); Sanni Shakiru (Ojo) and  Olukayode Oyedele (Oto Awori were also presented with flags.

    Others are: Kazeem Atobajeun ( Ikoyi Obalende); Blessing Aku (Iru Victoria Island); Kazeem Ganiyu (Eti-Osa West); Taofik Orimolade (Eti-Osa East); Kehinde Adebanjo ( lgando Ikotun); Joseph Olusola (Alimosho)and Michael Ajayi (Ayobo-Ipaja).

    The event was witnessed by various prominent party leaders, including a  former deputy governor,  Sen. Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele; a former State PDP Chairman, retired Capt. Tunji Shelle ,Alhaja Babs Olorunkemi, Dr Roli Bode-George, Dr Seye O’Dairo, Dr Amos Fawole and Chief Ahmed Alashe.

    Others are party leaders from various local governments, members of PDP LGA Chairmen Forum and loyalists of various candidates also  attended the event.

  • IPMAN threatens to hike pump price of fuel

    IPMAN threatens to hike pump price of fuel

    The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has threatened to hike the price of petroleum at the pump.

    IPMAN made the threat while urging the Lagos State government to reduce the electronic call-up parking fee from N12,500 to N2,500.

    Mr Chinedu Ukadike, IPMAN’s National Publicity Secretary, in an interview with NAN on Tuesday in Lagos, made the appeal.

    Ukadike stated that the appeal is necessary to avert the potential rise in the price of petroleum at the pump.

    Recall that the Lagos government, via the Electronic Call-up Systems Company, recently raised the truck parking fee from N2,500 to N12,500.

    This decision triggered a protest on Monday, during which truck drivers suspended operations, affecting deliveries from Dangote Refinery and Lekki Deep Seaport.

    Ukadike said stakeholders at a recent meeting unanimously agreed the parking fee should return to N2,500, calling the current rate excessive.

    “The imposed amount is exorbitant and unbearable for marketers. It will inevitably lead to an increase in the pump price of petrol,” Ukadike said.

    He emphasised that the aim of their actions is to ensure stable energy supply and security nationwide.

    Meanwhile, truck operators under the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) also protested along the Lekki-Epe corridor.

    Alh. Yusuf Othman, National President of NARTO, confirmed that loading activities have been temporarily halted in objection to the revised fee.

    “We’ve not declared a strike, only suspended loading at Lekki Port and Dangote Refinery because N12,500 per truck is too high,” he explained.

    Othman added that while they support the electronic call-up system, the associated cost must be fair and sustainable.

    He confirmed that discussions with Lagos State government officials are ongoing to find a reasonable solution.