TheNewsGuru

Tag: Lagos

  • Lagos fire kills 84, destroys N12.8bn properties

    Over 84 persons have died from different fire incidents just as properties valued at N12.8 billion were damaged since the past one year, according to the Lagos State Government.

    Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations Oluseye Oladejo made the disclosure on Monday.

    According to Oladejo, 333 victims were rescued while the agency had 202 rescue calls and 83 false calls.

    “84 were also recovered dead. Despite the sizeable number of incidents recorded the state government was able to respond promptly to emergencies thereby saving lots of lives and properties,” the commissioner added.

    “Within the period under review, the state government rehabilitated and upgraded 225 old fire hydrants that were initially below ground level in Lagos Metropolis and Installed 50 new additional ones to link the Mini/Micro Water Works in the state.

    “The hydrants have been providing easy access to copious water supply for firemen during firefighting and rescue operations.”

  • Lagos can become Africa’s tourism hub – Lai Mohammed

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has reiterated that Lagos State has the potential to become Africa’s tourism hub.

    According to the minister, the Federal Government will support it in developing the sector.

    The minister said this on Monday in Lagos, at the Lagos Tourism Summit with the theme; “Destination Lagos: Towards a Sustainable Tourism Drive’’.

    Mohammed commended Gov. Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos for his interest in the tourism and creative sectors of the economy; both at the state and national level.

    The minister said the Federal Government had identified the tourism and creative sectors as an alternative to oil, adding that his ministry was working toward developing the industry.

    Mohammed recalled that upon assumption of office, his ministry organised a national tourism summit to provide the platform for harnessing the potential in the sector.

    He said the ministry had revived the national tourism master plan to catalyse the development of the sector and also hosted a round-table on financing tourism.

    The minister also disclosed that Nigeria would host the 61st edition of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)/Commission for Africa (CAF) Meeting, scheduled for June 4 to June 6, 2018 in Abuja.

    He also disclosed that the ministry would partner with relevant stakeholders, particularly, the people of Ile-Ife in Osun State in hosting the 2018 “Olojo’’ festival.

    “Olojo is not just only Yoruba new festival, but the oldest known festival in the world started by Ooni Ogun with the wearing of the world’s oldest monarchical crown, the sacred Aare Crown.

    “The festival will bring 35 of the top Africa-American travel writers, group travel agents, travel bloggers and travel film crews to the Olojo 2018 festival,’’ he said.

    Former President of Ghana, John Mahama commended Ambode for his contributions toward developing Lagos to a mega city and a potential tourism hub.

    Mahama, who was the keynote speaker at the event, underscored the need for Africa to develop tourism sector in order to solving the challenge of unemployment.

    He also suggested a development of integrated tour packages between Nigeria and Ghana that would attract international tourists from Lagos to Accra and vice versa.

    Earlier, Gov. Ambode said that his administration was committed to funding alternative platforms, particularly the tourism sector to enrich the state.

    The governor said that the tourism sector contributed N800 million to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2017.

    He said as parts of efforts to transforming Lagos to tourism hub, the Lagos government was reclaiming a 50 hectares of land at the Oworonshoki end of the lagoon, for aquatic tourism purposes.

    He stated that the summit would help the state to develop its tourism master-plan that would be implemented within a specified number of years to turn Lagos to continental tourism hub.

  • Lagos to commence removal of abandoned, accident vehicles

    …Saves property worth N76.9bn from destruction in one year

    …recruits 250 fire fighters, 70 emergency management staff

    The Lagos State Government on Monday announced plans to commence removal of all abandoned vehicles on roads to complement emergency recovery efforts and prevent mishaps on streets and major highways in the State.

    The State’s Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr Oluseye Oladejo, who said this during the ongoing Ministerial Press Briefing to commemorate the third year anniversary of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration held at the BagaudaKaltho Press Centre in Alausa, said the move was aimed at further addressing traffic decongestion and averting security challenges associated with abandoned vehicles.

    Already, Oladejo said the Governor has approved the creation of Vehicle Recovery Unit to solely see to the removal of abandoned and accident vehicles on the roads which would be under the Ministry of Special Duties, adding that plans were being firmed up for the take-off of the unit soon.

    He said: “The Ministry late in 2017 was given the mandate to set up a unit for vehicle towing and recovery services to remove abandoned and accidental vehicles from our roads.

    “I am happy to inform you that the Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations has gotten approval from His Excellency, the Governor, to set up a Towing and Recovery Unit in the Ministry to complement the emergency rescue efforts of the State.

    “This speaks largely to efforts in terms of prevention to mop up abandoned vehicles in all nooks and crannies in the State and also to make sure that broken down vehicles are promptly removed to prevent mishaps on the highways. For the smooth take off of the Unit, the Governor also directed that equipment and towing trucks of various capacities be procured to be able to remove vehicles of whatever make and size.”

    Speaking further, the Commissioner said as part of efforts to improve the functionality of Fire Service Department and to efficiently manage disasters, the Governor has also approved the recruitment of additional 150 fire fighters who would join the newly inducted 100, while 70 ad-hoc staff of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) had already been absorbed into the State civil service.

    “We have also scaled up the functionality of the fire fighters with the induction of a new set of 100 operatives. These fire fighters have just completed their mandatory training and have been inducted into the fire service to join the existing fire fighters. We have also recently recruited additional 150 fire officers who are currently undergoing training and will be inducted into the fire service in the next few months.

    “To continue to comprehensively manage disasters in the State, His Excellency, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode absorbed over 70 ad hoc staff of the Agency into the mainstream of the State Civil Service in November 2017. His Excellency also approved payment of special allowance for staff of the Agency. The idea is to get the best out of these workers who have demonstrated uncommon dedication and commitment to duty,” Oladejo said.

    Besides, the Commissioner said within the last one year, two new fire stations were established in Bolade-Oshodi and Abesan, while approval had been granted for creation of four stations to be located in Safety Arena, Eredo-Epe, Olorunda-Badagry and ijegun-Satelite Town.

    In addition, Oladejo said the fire stations in Alausa, Ikeja, Isolo, Agegeilupeju,Badagry-Suru, Ikotun and Agege were upgraded to further guarantee prompt response to fire and other distress calls, adding that all the stations totalling 16 were not only fully operational, but strategically situated to provide swift and effective services to people across the State.

    Giving a breakdown of fire incidents in the last one year in the State, Oladejo said within the period under review, the Department of State Fire Service salvaged property worth N76.9billion from destruction, while it received a total of 1,282 emergency calls, with 980 fire calls, 202 rescue calls and 83 false calls, adding that despite the sizeable number of incidents recorded, the State Government was able to respond promptly to the emergencies thereby saving lots of lives and properties.

    “Within the period under review, the State Government rehabilitated and upgraded 225 old Fire Hydrants that were initially below ground level in Lagos Metropolis and Installed 50 new additional ones to link the Mini/Micro Water Works in the State. The hydrants have been providing easy access to copious Water supply for Firemen during Fire fighting and Rescue Operations.

    “The Department also benefitted from various equipment recently procured for the emergency responders. Some of these newly procured equipment are Complete Sets of Master Breathing Apparatus, Tripod Stand Rescue Equipment, DragonMax Flood lights, Duraline Hoses, Power Stream PPU Blower and units of 200liters Class “A” Special Foam, among others,” Oladejo said.

    On efforts by LASEMA to scale up emergency response, Oladejo said the agency which had just one Response Unit in Alausabefore the advent of the present Administration, now has three centres inCappaOshodi, Lekki and Onipanu, with further plans to establish additional three upgraded Dispatch Centres inIjanikinclose to Badagry, Temu Junction, Epeand LASPOTECH inIkorodu, as well as a fourth conventional LRU at Costain to cover Apapa Axis and its environs.

    He said while the Lekki Response Unit was strategically located to facilitate quick response to emergencies on the waterways and for proximity to riverine areas of Lekki and environs, the State Government recently delivered a new ultra-modern LASEMA Response Unit (LRU), strategically located along Ikorodu Road, a central location within the Lagos Mainland.

    “The new Unit Situated at Igbobi / Fadeyi was centrally located to facilitate easy access to most Mainland areas of the State. This would complement equipment already acquired to boost the sea, air and land capabilities of our emergency responders. Government has established Relief / Resettlement Camps in Agbowa and Igando to cater for disaster-related Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across the State. Work has also commenced on the Construction of a third Relief / Rehabilitation Camp in Lekki, which was approved by His Excellency, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode last year,” Oladejo said.

    He added that in furtherance to the need to provide proper extrication equipment for timely rescue of trapped victims in any form of life-threatening emergencies, LASEMA in February, 2018, procured Light Rescue Equipment, which included Hydraulic rescue equipment, Power Unit attached with Spreader, Rescue Ram, Cutters Combi Tools, and Concrete Cutters, 14 BMW Power Bikes have also been launched which are usually deployed at making on-spot reconnaissance assessments of incidents with a view to unambiguously determine the type and quantities of equipment to be deployed for a given incident, as well as serve to improve monitoring and surveillance.

    “LASEMA, in the last one year had responded to numerous fire incidents, road accidents, flooding, illegal parked trucks, gas explosion/emission amongst other emergencies in record time, thereby saving lots of lives and properties worth millions of naira,” Oladejo said.

  • Why compulsory youths service year remains relevant – Commissioner

    Why compulsory youths service year remains relevant – Commissioner

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr Oluseye Oladejo, says the compulsory youths service year programme has continued to play pivotal role in bringing Nigerians together.

    Oladejo stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Saturday.

    He said that the scheme National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) had continued to bring youths with diverse culture and traditions together.

    “Our forefathers, so to say, initiated the scheme after the civil war, but you will agree with me that there have been other events in the country that made it important to continue to have a programme like the NYSC.

    “The scheme brings people together; makes us appreciate one another as a people,” he said.

    According to him, it helps in appreciating the various cultures and traditions across the country and promoting oneness.

    “It will continue to be relevant with the various skills acquired by youths.

    “The way they are received in various communities other than theirs should be an advantage for us to appreciate what we all need to bring to the table,“ he said.

    Oladejo said that the idea behind the State Honours Award for corps members was not only to appreciate corps members who had excelled, but also to motivate incoming ones.

    He said that quality service and passion on the part of the corps would always be rewarded from time to time
    .
    “Collectively, on the part of the Lagos State Government and the management of the NYSC, we appreciate such, and we think it is nice to continue to honour outstanding corps members,“ Oladejo said.

    NAN

  • Lagos: NYSC loses 3 corps members, 23 to repeat service year

    Lagos: NYSC loses 3 corps members, 23 to repeat service year

    The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on Thursday presented State Honours’ Award and cash prizes to 14 outstanding corps members in Lagos State.

    Mr Momammed Momoh, the Lagos State Coordinator of NYSC, also announced the death of three members during the passing-out parade of the corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos.

    Momoh said that the awardees received cash prizes ranging from N150,000 to N200,000.

    The awardees include 11 corps members of the 2016 Batch ‘A’ and ‘B ‘ and three corps members in the 2017 Batch ‘A’, Stream I.

    “On a sad note, we lost three corps members of this batch to the cold hands of death. May their souls rest in peace and may God give their families the fortitude to bear the losses,’’ he said.

    Momoh revealed that 4,876 corps members successfully completed their service.

    Momoh said that six corps members received Chairman’s Commendation while 20 corps members got the state coordinator’s attestation.

    The coordinator said that 23 corps members would repeat their service for absconding from duty.

    He also said that 17 others would have their service extended for various periods as a punishment.

    “Just as NYSC recognises and rewards excellence, the scheme also punishes corps members, who breach its rules and guidelines.

    “I wish, therefore, to report that 23 corps members absconded from service and they are to repeat the service.

    “Seventeen others are to serve various periods of extension of service.’’

    Momoh said that the successful corps members contributed their quotas to the overall development of Nigeria through their primary assignments and various community development services.

    He said that the contributions were in the areas of education, healthcare and constructions.

    Momoh commended E-Insurance Solutions Centre Ltd., Ikoyi, for sending four corps members to Kenya for training and employing two of them after their service.

    In his address, Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State commended the corps members for their contributions to the development of the state.

    Ambode was represented by Mr Oluseye Oladejo, Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations.

    He listed areas where the corps members made their marks to include education, health, sensitisation and awareness campaign against child abuse/domestic violence, drug abuse and HIV/AIDS.

    “Nigeria is looking forward to you as future leaders that have been equipped with what it takes to achieve the vision of a stronger, more secure, stable and prosperous nation.

    “As you prepare to commence another phase of livelihood, I urge you to keep in mind the lesson of this programme, which is the awareness and appreciation of the diversity of your nation,’’ Ambode said.

    NAN

  • Residents panic as fuel spill in Lagos community

    Residents panic as fuel spill in Lagos community

    There was pandemonium on Thursday at the Isheri-Ijegun Road, a suburb of Lagos, as residents woke up to see fuel spill the entire community.

    Investigations by TheNewsGuru.com revealed that the fuel spill was caused by a broken petroleum pipe which passed through the area.

    A landlord in the area who spoke on condition of anonymity with TheNewsGuru.com said residents woke up to the smell of fuel but didn’t know how bad the situation is until morning when they saw a stream of raw fuel on the busy Isheri-Ijegun road.

    “I knew something was fishy when as early as 2 am my house smelled of fuel. Initially, I thought my children left the generator tank opened. However, on getting to where the generator was, I saw that the fuel tank was well closed. The fuel was offensive. It was as if my house could burst into flames anytime soon. Out of curiosity, I called my tenants and neighbours and they complain of the same thing. It was later we were told that a pipeline had burst at the junction and we moved there to confirm it. However, residents have been moving their in their numbers to scoop the fuel. We want to appeal to the government and other relevant agencies to do something fast to avoid a repeat of what happened in the Ijegun some few years ago,” he said.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that residents who could not bear seeing the fear and the danger it portend have however started packing from the area.

    “My brother this is a death trap. How can I wait to see fuel litter everywhere and people even have the guts to go scoop it? Weren’t we all here when the Ijegun fire incident happened? Me I am not ready to die. I have to say goodbye to this community pending the time that the government will find a solution,” a distressed resident said with loads firmly packed on his head.

    When the TheNewsGuru.com visited the scene of the incidents residents were seen with different shapes and sizes of jerry cans to scoop fuel despite the presence of heavily armed security men.

    A resident who identified herself as Lola said she joined in scooping fuel when she saw others doing it. “I woke up to see people bringing in fuel in different containers. I initially ignored but I couldn’t help when I saw that it was so easy. The fuel is streaming endlessly and we can’t allow it to waste. This is God’s way of rewarding us in this community,” she said.

    Efforts by TheNewsGuru.com to reach the spokesperson of the Nigerian National Petroleum Commission, NNPC did not succeed at the time of filing this report.

  • Host of National Handball Championships says games’ rules must observed

    Host of National Handball Championships says games’ rules must observed

    Lagos State Handball Association (LSHA), host of National Handball Championships says the set rules of the sport will be strictly observed at the competition, scheduled for April 6 to April 15.

    The U-12 and U-15 competition will hold at Mobolaji Johnson Sports Center, Rowe Park, Yaba in Lagos.

    Chukwuemeka Duru, the Technical Director of LSHA, on Wednesday in Lagos noted that age categories had been given, hence participating teams were required to comply accordingly.

    He said that in spite of its being an open championships, measures would still be put in place to ensure that only players who fall within the age categories would participate.

    “We have rolled out the championships requirements which have been passed across associations concerning their teams, essentially on the age specifications, it’s an area which we will pay attention to.

    “The reason we are emphasising on the age is to make the championships a fair platform whereby players of specified age categories compete favourably without any form of intimidation.

    “Being a technical area, there will be stages of screening because we are not going to approve participation based on the data on their forms, that we want to make clear,’’ he said.

    Duru further explained that any team observed and confirmed to be acting contrary to the championships’ rules would be disqualified by the Local Organising Committee (LOC).

    According to him, the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) endorsed championships were part of the programmes to identity talents, reposition the sport and replace ageing players.

    “This is a national programme and we have a common objective of taking the HFN board to the next level by giving our best in this championships and series of events to come.

    “Most associations have registered their teams which shows that they are also eager to expose and improve the current form of their players, which is a welcome development,’’ he added.

    The LSHA director added that certified officials would be in strategic positions to look out for players with exceptional performance during the matches.

    NAN

  • Buhari departs Lagos, attends in-law’s wedding in Abuja

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday departs Lagos after a 2-day working visit, where he inaugurated some projects and chaired the 10th Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Colloquium.

    On Buhari’s return, he went straight to the National Mosque Abuja where he performed the 2-Raka’at Juma’at prayer.

    The President also witnessed the wedding fatiha of Hamza Ahmed and Hadiza Jika which was performed immediately after the prayer session at the mosque.

    Dignitaries who graced the event were Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, Governors of Nasarawa and Bauchi states, Alhaji Tanko Almakura and Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar respectively.

    Other personalities at the wedding were the National Security Adviser to the President, retired Maj-Gen. Babagana Mongonu, cabinet ministers and former National Chairman of PDP, Ahmodu Ali.

    The groom, Hamza Ahmed, is the younger brother of Aisha Buhari, the president wife.

  • Presidential visit: Lagos truly deserves special status, Ambode tells Buhari

    …Urges FG To Cede National Stadium, Surulere, Arts Theatre To State Govt

    …President Visits Eko Atlantic City, Says Project’ll Boost Nigeria’s Economy

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday evening urged President Muhammadu Buhari to seriously consider the possibility of granting Lagos a Special Status to enable it sustain its position as the driver of the nation’s economic growth.

    Governor Ambode, who spoke at a State Dinner in honour of President Buhari at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, as part of activities to commemorate his two-day official visit to the State, expressed concerns that 26 years after the Federal Capital was relocated from Lagos to Abuja, the State has been left to strive for development without much Federal support.

    The Governor said that despite the strategic position the State plays in the nation’s economy, there was still much untapped potentials and opportunities for economic, social and cultural growth in the State, which he said his administration was doing its best to explore by strategically focusing on improving the ease of doing business, entertainment, sports and tourism.

    He, however, said that for these potentials to be realised, the State requires Federal Support, adding that several attempts by some eminent personalities to push for a Special Status for Lagos as well as a bill seeking to accord the State same was turned down by the Senate.

    “Mr. President, it has become glaring that Lagos State cannot achieve this alone. Mr. President, 26 years after the Federal Capital was relocated from Lagos to Abuja, the State has been left without much Federal support.

    “Your Excellency, despite all these, Lagos State needs more and Lagosians deserve more. Eminent Nigerians have called on the Federal Government to grant our State a Special Status. I recall that a bill seeking to accord it a Special Status has been rejected three times in the Senate. Lagos deserves a Special Status if we want the State to continue to serve as the major driver of the nation’s economy,” Governor Ambode said.

    Thanking President Buhari for magnanimously yielding the State’s request to reconstruct the Oshodi International Airport Road into a 10-lane world-class road and transform the Presidential Lodge Marina into a monument and cultural legacy, Governor Ambode also seized the occasion to request the President to cede the ownership and management of the National Stadium, Surulere and the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu to the State Government to enable it revive them for the benefit of all.

    “Mr. President your word has been your bond as far as your promises to Lagos State are concerned. You approved the reconstruction of the Oshodi to Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road into a 10-lane world-class road that will be ready by the end of this year. You gladly released for our kind use, your Presidential Lodge in Marina because you believe in our vision to transform the lodge into a monument and cultural legacy as part of the Onikan-Marina cultural and architectural regeneration.

    “In addition, as part of our drive to use entertainment and sports to drive tourism and economic growth, we again ask of Your Excellency to consider ceding the ownership and management of the National Stadium Surulere and the National Arts Theatre Iganmu to Lagos State. These two edifices have been left to decay and our government is in the best position to revive these assets and make them viable again for the benefit of all Nigerians.

    “This is not too much to ask but we are reassured that our President is a listening father who understands the yearnings of Lagosians. We are confident that he would listen and respond positively to the demands of about one-eighth of the nation’s population resident in Lagos,” Governor Ambode said.

    Speaking on Friday after conducting President Buhari round the Eko Atlantic City (EAC) which is a multi-billion dollar project expected to accommodate over 150,000 people who would reside there and another 250,000 who would work and commute within the city on a daily basis, Governor Ambode said the project was a practical example of how the private sector could partner with government to boost the economy.

    He recalled that the project, which was conceived and initiated during the tenure of former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was a brilliant engineering display which had saved the whole of Victoria Island from ocean surge and other threats.

    “This project has actually saved the whole of Victoria Island and is standing on over 750 square kilometres bigger than Victoria Island itself when it is eventually completed. This is just an example of what the private sector can really do to the Nigerian economy and that is why we have made it possible that Mr President should take a practical tour of how we can really move the Nigerian economy when we partner with the private sector,” Governor Ambode said.

    Responding, President Buhari commended the initiators of the EAC, saying he was extremely impressed with the potentials of the project, which according to him, would create jobs and boost Nigeria’s economy.

    “I have just gone round to see the Eko Atlantic City. I’m impressed with the potentiality of this project and the amount of jobs and positive effect which this project is capable of having on the economy.

    “I’m really grateful for those who agreed to invest so much in our country to get a secured area for operations capable of handling big businesses and investments throughout Africa,” the President said.

  • Buhari-in-Lagos: FirstBank mocks Lagosians, apologises few hours later

    The social media (especially Twitter) was on Thursday set on fire as one of the first generation banks, FirstBank mocked Lagosians over the inconveniences experienced by President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to the state.

    The bank through its official Twitter handle, @FirstBankngr posted series of tweets apparently mocking the traffic stress Lagosians were made to go through while the president visited.

    Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday arrived Lagos for a two-day official visit. He attended the 10th Bola Ahmed Tinubu Colloquium held at the Eko Hotel in commemoration of the 66th Birthday Anniversary of former Lagos Governor and national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The president’s two-day official visit to the state disrupted traffic and caused residents to embark on long walk to their destinations.

    “Lagosians how far…. How was the trek this morning? The people still trekking, how’s the #WalkOfChange going,” the bank tweeted around 11:18 am on Thursday from its Twitter handle @FirstBankngr.

    When a Twitter user (@Jenn_nikolas) tweeted at the bank that its tweet was “terrible to look at”, the bank offered a sarcastic response, “Don’t look. Keep trekking”.

    Another Twitter user (@omookwah) told FirstBank, “This is an epic fail in attempt to ‘hijack’ an issue. You lost the ‘emotional’ drift to this and got caught on the wrong side of story. Always remember…. Market share and mindshare.”

    “Story,” the bank responded.

    FirstBank later pulled back after its tweets attracted barrage of criticisms.

    “Dear Twitter Family. A tweet from us earlier in the day was totally inappropriate. As a responsible organization, we do not support or share humor taken too far. And that is what this was; humor taken too far. We take it back and apologize unreservedly,” the bank tweeted around 2:14 pm on Thursday.