TheNewsGuru

Tag: Lagos

  • Regulating Facebook, Whatsapp will negatively affect ICT growth – Danbatta

    Regulating Facebook, Whatsapp will negatively affect ICT growth – Danbatta

    Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, on Tuesday allayed fears in some quarters that the Commission is out to regulate over the Top (OTT) services.

    Danbatta who made the statement at an ongoing interaction with media executives in Lagos stressed that Over the Top Services (OTT), such as facebook, Whatsapp among others breed innovation.

    The NCC boss added Regulating them [OTT – Facebook, Whatsapp etc] will negatively impact ICT growth.

    Also read…In photos: NCC boss, Danbatta meets media executives in Lagos

    He however mentioned that the resolution of the National Economic Council (NEC) on multiple taxation & multiple regulations in telecoms need to be implemented.

    Full details soon…

  • In photos: NCC boss, Danbatta meets media executives in Lagos

    In photos: NCC boss, Danbatta meets media executives in Lagos

    The Executive Vice Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC) Prof. Umar Danbatta, is currently holding a special interaction with media executives in Lagos.

    From Left: Mrs Funlola Akiode (Director licensing and authorization), Sunday Dare (executive director, stakeholders management), Prof Umar Garba Danbatta EVC/CEO NCC), Tony Ojobo, (Director Public Affairs) and TheNewsGuru publisher, Mideno Bayagbon)

    NCC host media chiefs: Omoniyi Ibietan, Mr. Tony Ojobo [both of NCC]; Mideno Bayagbon and Group Managing Director, TheNewsGuru.com, Mr. Jewell Dafinone of TNG

  • I have no plot of land, Hotel in Lagos, EFCC sponsoring malicious publications against me – Yari

    Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State has debunked allegations that he is building a $3m hotel in Lagos from Paris-London Club refunds.

    In a statement signed by Head of Public Affairs, Nigeria Governors’ Forum Secretariat, Abulrazque Barkindo, Yari said he does not have a plot of land, let alone a hotel.

    He further said the allegations were “harmful, damaging and libelous insinuations which remain largely unsubstantiated.”

    “Reports on Governor Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar of Zamfara state, and chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum making the rounds that the ‘governor is building a $3m hotel from monies stolen from the Paris-London Club refunds to states’ give cause for worry,” the statement read.

    “The reports contain harmful, damaging and libelous insinuations which remain largely unsubstantiated despite the fact that it attributes the leaks to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), officials in Lagos.

    “Governor Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar has said emphatically that he does not even own a plot of land in Lagos not to talk of a hotel.

    “But the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission officials in Lagos claimed as follows: that “they have found a hotel being constructed by Governor Yari of Zamfara state with $3m he stole from London-Paris Club loan refund to Nigerian states.

    “That “apart from the $3million, Governor Yari also diverted N500 million from the Paris Club refund to pay off a loan”, an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) source revealed to an online medium.

    “The medium also added that EFCC officials in Lagos revealed that “overall the governor embezzled the sum of N2.2 billion from the N19billion set aside illegally to pay ‘consultants’, all of which are wrong, harmful, libellous and misleading disclosures.

    “Governor Abdulaziz Yari is not building any hotel in Lagos nor were any monies stolen or embezzled from the Paris-London Club refunds to states or from any other source.

    “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was quoted extensively as source of that report and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum is alarmed that the EFCC continues to feed the media fibs at the expense of its hard-earned reputation as the anti- graft agency that Nigerians used to respect,” the statement read.

    “This is perhaps why the EFCC has lost most of the high-profile corruption cases at the law courts after it had unfairly stage-managed media trials and caused their victims personal pain and public umbrage.

    “This report, typical of most of the exclusive leaks that are becoming characteristic of the sources that court some sections of the media, lacks detail and compelling evidence to be fit to print.

    “The sources were courageous enough to mention a hotel in Lekki area of Lagos but gave neither a street name nor any specific information on the property to give credibility to the allegations. This does no service to any investigation nor does it help the development of our country Nigeria.

    “The media, we all know, is entitled to perform its duties as watchdog of society, which is enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “It is not, however, entitled to make unfair attacks, based on unfounded, false and unsubstantiated allegations against responsible public office holders.

    “The media should support the EFCC in ensuring that convicting people on the pages of newspapers shouldn’t be the focus of the EFCC in its war against corruption.

    “Instead, EFCC should channel its energies to a comprehensive, thorough and credible investigation that can stand the scrutiny of legal examination in court.”

     

  • Lagos ‘drug dealer’, Ariket forfeits nine landed properties to FG

    Lagos ‘drug dealer’, Ariket forfeits nine landed properties to FG

    A Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, presided over by Justice Hadizat Rabiu-Shagari, has ordered a temporary forfeiture of nine landed properties owned by a Lagos based socialite and businesswoman, Mrs. Funmilola Arike Ogbuaya, eminently known in the social world as Ariket, to the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN).

    “The temporary forfeiture order against Ariket equally known as Funmilola Ogundipe who is said to be on the run, came sequel to a Motion Ex-parte designated FHC/L/124c/3017, and instituted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).” Newsmakersng reports

    Specifically, Ariket is being accused by the NDLEA of severally dealing in hard drugs.

    The properties to be temporarily forfeited to the FGN as ordered by Justice Shagari are: 146, Idimu Road, Alimosho, Lagos, 235, Ikotun-Idimu Road, Ikotun, Lagos; 18, Olayiwola Shittu Street, Abaranje, Ikotun; 13B, Ladipo Kuku, Off Allen Avenue, Ikeja, 8, Olufemi Avenue, Omiasoro, Ilesa, Ilesa East LGA, Osun State; 6, Hakeem-One, Momoh Close, Governor’s Road, Ikotun; a plot of land at council area, Cele Bus stop, Idimu-Ikotun, and a plot of land along Papalanto-Shagamu Road, Omu-Penpe Village, Obafemi-Owode LGA, Ogun State.

    Prior to the order of temporary forfeiture, lawyer to the NDLEA, Abu Ibrahim, contended that the application came pursuant to the provision of section 44(2)(k) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended in 2011), Section 3(1)(a)(c), 33(1)(a), 2 and 3, 36(b) of the National Drugs Laws Enforcement Agency Act Cap N30, Law of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and under the inherent jurisdiction of the Federal High Court.

    The lawyer had prayed Justice Shagari to order a temporary forfeiture of the listed properties owned by Ariket who he said is being investigated for offences that touches on conspiracy to traffic in narcotic drugs, drug trafficking, and money laundering.

    The NDLEA counsel had also asked the court to give permission to, or authorise the agency to place the said listed properties under seal pending the arrest and prosecution of the said socialite and businesswoman.

    Meanwhile, the judge has ordered the remand in prisons custody, of Mrs. Morayo Omolara Odeyemi, an alleged co-conspirator of Ariket in the unlawful drug dealing, pending when the court will deliver ruling on her bail application on May 19, 2017.

  • Hairdresser commits suicide over N150,000 loan in Lagos

    Hairdresser commits suicide over N150,000 loan in Lagos

    A hairdresser, Yetunde Oladipupo, aka Iyabo, has committed suicide on Onabola Street, Owotutu, in the Somolu area of Lagos State.

    Oladipupo took an insecticide, Sniper, on Friday shortly after seeing off some friends who had visited her.

    “Although the cause of the visit could not be ascertained by our correspondent, it was gathered that the mother of four went to a shop afterwards and bought the insecticide.

    “She was alleged to have taken it and was later rushed to the General Hospital, Gbagada, where she died.

    “The Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State indigene, had taken a loan of about N150,000 from a microfinance bank and the creditor had been pestering her to pay.” The Punch reports

    A resident, who did not want to be identified, said the victim was always depressed because she had no means of repaying the debt.

    He said, “Iyabo (Oladipupo) has four children and her husband is based in Abuja. He comes home once in a while. She was a hairdresser and had a small shop where she sold some things.

    “She borrowed N150,000 from a microfinance bank. When the pressure became too much for her and she could not pay, she became desperate, drank the insecticide and died.”

    Another resident said two friends had visited her a few minutes before the incident, adding that it was after the visit that she decided to take her life.

    She said, “Around 7pm, two friends visited her and she saw them off. As she was returning, she went to a shop opposite her house where they sell provisions.

    “After picking the insecticide, she asked the shopkeeper for a nylon wrapper, but the shopkeeper declined her request and said she should return the insecticide. She kept it somewhere around her dress and left.

    “As she was ascending the stairs to the first floor where she lived, she drank the insecticide. Within seconds, she started feeling uncomfortable and called her five-year-old child to go and get help. She was rolling on the floor and groaning with pain.

    “Everybody was alarmed upon seeing the empty container of the insecticide. She was taken to a private hospital on the street, but she was rejected. She was then rushed to the General Hospital, Gbagada, where about five doctors struggled to save her life. She, however, died.”

    A top official of the general hospital confirmed that the victim was brought to the hospital around 7pm, adding that she died in the early hours of Saturday.

    He said, “The woman was brought to the hospital around 7pm on Friday and her people said she collected a loan which she could not repay. We don’t know the details. Doctors tried to save her life, but she could not make it.”

  • Lagos, Rivers emerge highest IGR earners in 2016 – NBS

    Lagos, Rivers emerge highest IGR earners in 2016 – NBS

    …As Ebonyi emerges the lowest earner

    The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has released the list of Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, at State level for January to December 2016.

    The statistics shows that Lagos State recorded the highest Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) figure of N302.42bn in Full Year 2016.

    Lagos with a population of above 20million, earned 81,097,954,616.12 from federal allocation, FAAC.

    The former capital of Nigeria was closely followed by Rivers State with N85.29bn.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Ebonyi generated the lowest IGR with N2.34bn.

    However, Anambra state is yet to report its Full Year 2016 Internally Generated Revenue figure.

    NBS said a total of N801.95bn was generated by 35 states that have reported their Full Year 2016 Internally Generated Revenue figure.

    The revenue was generated across the following types – PAYE, Direct Assessment, Road Taxes, Revenue from Ministries, Departments and Agencies and other taxes.

    Lagos, Abia, Kano, Benue, Bauchi, Osun and Akwa Ibom emerged top 7 earners of Self-Assessment tax across the country.

    See comprehensive list below:

  • Smart Mega City: Ambode launches free public WiFi in Lagos

    Smart Mega City: Ambode launches free public WiFi in Lagos

    The Lagos State government on Thursday launched free public Wi-Fi at parks and gardens in its resolve to achieve its smart mega city status.

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said the provision of the free Wi-Fi was part of his administration’s effort to make the state work for all and sundry.

    Represented by the state Commissioner for Science and Technology, Olufemi Odubiyi, the governor stressed that the increase in patronage of parks and gardens spread across the state has prompted the government to equip the centres with free Wi-Fi to serve the needs of visitors to the parks.

    “Parks and Gardens are established to provide conducive environment for recreation and relaxation activities.

    “As you relax and enjoy the recreational facilities in these parks, we are making it possible for you to access your mail, browse and search the internet on your tablets, smart phones and laptops via a reliable public Wi-Fi”.

    He added that the number of gardens and parks in the state had increased with the opening of the Badagry Recreation Park, recently.

    The initiative was kick-started at popular Ndubuisi Kanu Park, Alausa, Ikeja, while others are expected to follow suit, according to the state government.

    The launch of the initiative is part of activities to mark the 50 year anniversary of the creation of the state.

    Chief Public Affairs Officer, Ministry of Science and Technology, Bolarinwa Yusuf, said that the governor urged the people of the state to make judicious use of the newly launched portal known as “Citizens Gate”, a platform designed by the government to bridge the communication gap between the citizens and the government.

  • Video: I came to Lagos as a sinner in 1969 – Pastor Adeboye

    Video: I came to Lagos as a sinner in 1969 – Pastor Adeboye

    Says ‘I am the only person with three post-graduate degrees from the University of Lagos’

    General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has revealed that he came to Lagos State as a sinner, but got converted and later became the General Oversee of the church.

    Adeboye said this in a short documentary, which is part of the build up to the 50th anniversary of Lagos State.

    “I came to Lagos State to dwell for the first time in 1969. I came in as post-graduate student of Mathematics at University of Lagos, to study for my Masters degree.

    “Today by the grace of God, I am the only person with three post-graduate degrees from the University of Lagos.

    “But that’s not all. I came to Lagos as sinner, but I got born again in 1973. It is in here I was ordained a pastor in 1975. It was here I became the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in 1981.

    “When I became G.O, the entire RCCG was made up of 40 churches. But today, there over a thousand in Lagos alone. God has been very good to me. The atmosphere allows for anyone who wants to practice his religion to do it without any hindrance.”

    See video:

  • 1 dead, several injured as hoodlums clash over girl in Lagos

    The Lagos State Police Command on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of eight suspects following a street fight at Iyana-Ipaja which claimed one life and injured several others.

    The State’s Police Commissioner, Fatai Owoseni, told newsmen that the fight broke out at about 10 p.m. on Tuesday and lasted until about 2 a.m. on Wednesday.

    He said, “At about 10 p.m on Tuesday, we received distress call that some youths were on rampage at Iyana-Ipaja and we sent the police response team there.

    “The fight raged and continued till 2:00a.m on Wednesday when normalcy was restored.

    “Eight suspects were arrested and one person was killed in the course of the fight.

    “Investigation, however, revealed that fighting ensued over a girl, who resides at Abule-Oki area of Iyana-Ipaja.

    “The girl had gone to a party at Elere, Agege, where she was molested.

    “On getting back to her area, she told the youths who later blocked the road and led a fight towards Elere during which the police moved in to stop them.

    “Investigation is still on and will be extended to both sides of the community and those involved will be brought to book.”

  • Lagos DPO kills 25 year old apprentice during raid on birthday party

    A 25-year-old fashion designer, Jamiu Ayoade, has been shot dead by a trigger-happy police officer in Lagos, according to dependable sources.

    Jamiu was allegedly shot dead by the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, of the Ijesha Police Station, identified as Muhammed Yakubu.

    The incident which occurred at about 7.30 p.m. at No. 49, Wosilat Daudu St., Ijeshatedo, also left two persons injured.

    The deceased, Ayoade had gone to the area to attend a friend’s birthday party when he met his untimely death, one of the sources said.

    It was learnt that the officer and his men had stormed the venue of the birthday party in two patrol vans at about 6. 30 p.m. and left after observing what the youths were doing.

    “Some minutes later, the officer and his men came back to the venue and one of the policemen shot sporadically into the air.

    “The officer, who was sitting in front of one of the patrol vans allegedly alighted from the vehicle and brought out his service pistol and went straight to where Ayoade was sitting close to his girlfriend and shot him on the head at close range,” said another source.

    Attendees and residents of the street, who were shocked by the gruesome murder of the boy, wept profusely and rained curses on the police officer.

    The elder brother of the celebrator, Mr Jelili Bakare, told newsmen that they were shocked by the manner Ayoade was killed.

    “My younger brother, Abubakar Animashaun, was celebrating his birthday with some friends in a low-key at our late father’s house when the officer and his men came at about 6. 30 p.m.

    “The officer called a woman on the street and they left. Surprisingly, the policemen came back to the street again and where I was sitting, one of the policemen that followed him shot into the air believing that some of the youths at the birthday party would run, but they stayed.

    “The officer came out in anger from his vehicle and went to where Ayoade was sitting in the passage of the house and shot him on the head.

    Contacted on telephone, the State Police Commissioner, Mr Fatai Owoseni, said he had yet to be briefed on the incident.

    “I am just coming back from a trip. I have not been briefed on the matter. I am not aware of it yet, ” he said.

     

     

     

     

    NAN