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Tag: Lagos

  • FAAN closes Lagos airport runway

    FAAN closes Lagos airport runway

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has  closed  Runway 18R/36L at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja  for rehabilitation.

    The closure started from 3.00 a.m. on Monday. It will end at 11.59 p.m. on Tuesday.

    This is contained in a statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, FAAN, Mrs Obiageli Orah.

    According to Orah, the closure is due to ongoing rehabilitation work (asphalt phase) at the A2 Taxiwaylink of the runway.

    She said that it was  part of ongoing efforts to ensure that the runway would remain in optimal condition.

    “There will be no disruption to flight operations during this period as all flights would be redirected to the alternative runway, 18L/36R,” she said.

    She emphasised FAAN’s committment to the safety, security and comfort of airport users.

  • BREAKING ! Lagos CP removed as Speakership crisis takes another twist

    BREAKING ! Lagos CP removed as Speakership crisis takes another twist

    Barely hours after the Lagos Assembly was raided by security operatives, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the appointment of Olohundare Moshood Jimoh as the new Commissioner of Police for Lagos State.

    This decision, announced on Monday, comes as tension continues to rise in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

    CP Jimoh, who was previously the Commissioner of Police at the Ports Authority, Eastern Ports, will replace Ishola Olanrewaju Olawale as Lagos State’s top police officer.

    The change in police leadership comes just hours after heavily armed operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Police stormed the Lagos Assembly complex.

    The security forces sealed off the offices of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and Clerk of the House.

    In response, the Lagos Assembly convened and passed a vote of confidence in Speaker Mojisola Meranda, after which they suspended the plenary indefinitely.

    The crisis follows the recent impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa. Obasa, who was outside the country when he was removed from office, has since challenged his impeachment in court, arguing that it was unlawful.

    It is believed that the transfer of the Lagos Police Commissioner may be connected to the ongoing crisis, as the state government attempt to restore order.

    According to a statement from the PSC, CP Jimoh brings a wealth of experience to his new role. A native of Kwara State, he previously served as the Force Public Relations Officer and later held key positions such as Deputy Commissioner at the Airport Police, Deputy Commissioner of Finance and Administration, and Deputy Commissioner of General Investigation.

    The statement reads:

    POLICE SERVICE COMMISSION

    PRESS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

    PRESS RELEASE

    PSC APPROVES APPOINTMENT OF MOSHOOD JIMOH AS COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, LAGOS STATE COMMAND

    The Police Service Commission today, Monday 17th February 2025, approved the appointment of Olohundare Moshood Jimoh as the Commissioner of Police, Lagos state Command.

    CP Jimoh, before his appointment, was Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority, Eastern Ports.

    Jimoh, who hails from Kwara State, was former Force Public Relations Officer and later Deputy Commissioner, Airport Police; Deputy Commissioner, Finance and Administration and Deputy Commissioner General Investigation.

    He has undergone several professional trainings which include; Combat operations Course, Mobile Training College Maiduguri; African Union Mission in Darfur Sudan; Weapons of mass destruction counter measure first responder Training Institute, United States; training on social construction and management Reform China Executive Leadership Academy, Pudong China; Training on Maritime Rescue and salvage for Developing Countries, China Maritime Academy Ningbo, China and Training on anti hijacking techniques and tactics for developing countries, Yunnan Police College kunmung, China. He was also at the Police training Institute, Seoul South Korea.

    CP Olohundare Moshod Jimoh is a recipient of the Presidential award for Public Relations Personality of the year in recognition of his sterling qualities and outstanding contribution to the development and use of Public Relations by the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations.

    CP Jimoh appeared before the Commission today. Present were the Commission’s Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni, Justice Adamu Paul Galmuje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court and Honourable Commissioner representing the Judiciary and DIG Taiwo Lakanu, fdc Honourable Commissioner representing the Police.

  • Lagos reopens Ebute-Ero market after 3 weeks closure

    Lagos reopens Ebute-Ero market after 3 weeks closure

    The Lagos State Ministry of Environment has reopened Ebute-Ero Gorodom market after three weeks of closure due to breach of environmental infractions.

    The Commissioner For Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, said this in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday in Lagos.

    Wahab gave the order for the reopening of the market after an inspection tour to Lagos Island and environs, especially Oke Arin and Gorodom.

    The commissioner sensitised the traders on the dangers of neglecting the environment, urging them to make their surrounding clean.

    “Wahab who gave conditions for the reopening of the market, warned the sellers to adhere to the rules, or it would be closed down again.

    “Nobody wants to inflict pain on anybody. The government will never want to inflict pain on its citizens.

    “But we must be responsible as citizens to play our own roles. When we came and we ordered this enforcement, it was a very tough decision but necessary.

    “If you stand on that road now, you can see the alignment yourself. This has not been done for over 10 years because people chose to be irresponsible.

    “If you are making money from a place, it behoves you to even take care of that neighbourhood,” he said.

    Wahab urged the traders not to think of the money they make alone but to also take care of their environment.

    “We shall go around every nooks and crannies of Lagos states, every marketplace where we have our alignments because if there’s a flood, you people will be abusing government.

    “You discharge your waste into the public drainage system. We can do better than this. We are not happy that we shut this place down.

    “We are concerned about the bigger problem of society. From this place, we can have a major outbreak of cholera, and then it impacts our hospital system.

    “Stop pumping your sewage into the drainage alignments. Stop throwing your dirt into the drainage alignments. Stop building on the alignment paths.

    “Going forward, there will be an undertaking from each and every one of you that you will take care of your environment beyond your stores,” he said.

    Wahab urged the traders to clean the drainage system in the market.

    “All your drainage system must be cleaned. There must be a waste paper basket for each store.

    “We want your undertaking that you will help us protect this alignment. We want your undertaking to the effect that you will take care of the environment,” he added.

    The Iyaoloja, Fausat Ojikutu, represented by Alhaja Basirat Owolewa, thanked the commissioner for reopening the market and assured him that the traders would abide by the rules and regulations.

    “We are going to cooperate with all your officers that you send here for one assignment or the other. We can assure you our full cooperation.
    “All the marketers have learnt their lessons because it is really hard. We know that some people, if they don’t come to this market in a day, cannot feed themselves.
    “Because of this, sir, we use this opportunity to promise you that we will adhere to all the things that you want us to do,” she said.

    NAN

  • NCBA gathers experts to brainstorm on financial pathways, project financing in Lagos

    NCBA gathers experts to brainstorm on financial pathways, project financing in Lagos

    In its continued efforts at empowering individuals and corporate organisations for financial stability and growth, the Nigerian-Canadian Business Association (NCBA) will on Friday, in Lagos, assemble experts to brainstorm on unlocking financial pathways and strategic project financing.

    The February 2025 Business Breakfast Meeting, holding at the Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, will be under the leadership of the NCBA Events Committee chaired by Mr. Sornie Adaji.

    Dignitaries that will grace the all important event include Mrs Adebola Agunbiade, an accomplished economist, chartered accountant, and financial advisor, who is the keynote speaker to deliver a paper on, “Unlocking Financial Pathways: Wealth Building & Project Financing Strategies.”

    As Founder/Managing Director/CEO of CandourCrest Finance, Lagos, Mrs. Agunbiade brings over 22 years of expertise in accounting, finance, leasing, risk, and asset management to address crucial aspects of wealth building and project financing in today’s dynamic market.

    The Deputy High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, His Eccellency, Carlos Rojas-Arbulú will handle the robust interactive session designed to foster meaningful dialogue between Nigerian and Canadian businesses.

    Chairman, Inkas Trans Limited, Elder Bill Nkemdirim, will handle the case study presentation on “Success Stories in Wealth Building and Project Financing.”

    Nkemdirim, who is also board member of NCBA, will discus his experience, as chairman of the conglomerate, a joint venture organization between INKAS® Group of Companies of Canada, and Sapid Holdings of Nigeria, showcasing real-world examples of successful financial strategies.

    Commenting on the forthcoming event, Ebi Obaro, chairperson of the NCBA Board of Trustees, (BoT) observed that the topic is relevant in today’s global economic landscape, where innovative financing strategies are necessary to address development challenges, adding, “This breakfast meeting represents a crucial platform for businesses seeking to expand their financial horizons across the Nigerian-Canadian corridor.”

    Speaking further, Mrs.Obaro who is the President of Maple Education Canada in British Columbia and Maple Education Ltd in Nigeria, aaid, “In today’s interconnected economy, understanding and accessing diverse financial pathways is essential for sustainable business growth .

    Established in 2011, NCBA has consistently worked to strengthen bilateral trade relations between Nigeria and Canada through its three dedicated committees: Membership, Trade & Investments, and Events.

    The organization’s leadership, including Board Secretary Mr. Zubbi Nwosu of Gizmo Tech Nig. Ltd & Gizmo Tech Inc. Canada, has been instrumental in developing robust business relationships between both countries.

    This breakfast meeting is expected to provide attendees with expert insights from seasoned financial professionals, practical strategies for wealth building and project financing that would further the bilateral trade and business relationships between the two countries.

    Participants are expected to leverage on the opportunity to network with key business leaders for further access to cross-border business opportunities as well as real-life case studies of successful business ventures.

    The event is free for NCBA members and invited Business Membership Organization representatives.

    About NCBA:
    The Nigerian-Canadian Business Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting bilateral relationships between Nigeria and Canada.
    Since 2011, NCBA has served as a crucial bridge for businesses in both countries, offering trade conferences, seminars, and networking opportunities that facilitate international business growth and collaboration through its specialized committees and leadership structure.

  • Lagos ends remote work for public servants

    Lagos ends remote work for public servants

    The Lagos State Government has announced the termination of remote working for public servants.

    Mr Bode Agoro, the Head of Service, made the announcement in a statement shared on Tuesday.

    Agoro said the decision was in support of the implementation of the new minimum wage in the public service.

    The work-from-home initiative was introduced in February 2024 to mitigate the impact of the sudden removal of subsidies.

    According to Agoro, its cancellation aims to enhance service delivery.

    Agoro stated that the administration of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has introduced various measures to improve the welfare and well-being of public servants.

    “It is hereby notified for general information that the governor has approved the cancellation of the work-from-home initiative in the Lagos State Public Service.

    “The cancellation of the work-from-home initiative, which has been in place since February 2024, will take effect on March 31.

    “Public servants are urged to rededicate themselves to their duties and ensure improved service delivery across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

    “Accounting Officers are instructed to give this circular the service-wide publicity it deserves,” Agoro added.

    NAN reports that the Sanwo-Olu-led administration approved an N85,000 minimum wage for civil servants in Lagos State on Oct. 17, 2024.

  • Lagos Govt. diverts traffic for Access Bank Marathon

    Lagos Govt. diverts traffic for Access Bank Marathon

    The Lagos State Government has released a traffic diversion plan to the motoring public ahead of the 10th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon Race on Saturday.

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

    Osiyemi said the marathon which would take place between 5.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m, would commence at the National Stadium, Surulere.

    He said it would proceed through Ikorodu Road towards Anthony (Bertola), through Gbagada to access the Third Mainland Bridge, heading inbound Lagos Island.

    “From there, it will continue through Dolphin Road, leading to Alfred Rewane Road and onward to Falomo Roundabout.

    “The race will continue through Bourdillon Road, crossing the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge to connect Admiralty Way.

    “From Admiralty Way, the route extends to Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, continues through Akin Adesola, and concludes at Ahmadu Bello Way, Eko Atlantic,” he said.

    He said all adjoining roads, junctions and intersections from National Stadium (Starting Point) to Ahmadu Bello Way (Eko Atlantic, End Point of the race) would be blocked with concrete barriers.

    “This will be manned by Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Nigeria Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corps, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, Lagos State Waste Management Authority to prevent other road users access to the main race corridor,” he said.

    He noted that alternative routes had been mapped out for motorists to ensure seamless commuting during the marathon.

    “Mainland to Island: motorists from Ikeja and its environs heading to Victoria Island should use Ikorodu Road/Funsho Williams Avenue to connect Eko Bridge, then proceed via Outer Marina to their destinations.

    “Motorists from Badagry, Mile 2, and surrounding areas en route to Victoria Island should pass through Apapa via Orile, then link Eko Bridge and continue through outer Marina.

    “Motorists from Surulere and its environs should access the island via Iponri/Iganmu, linking Eko Bridge to reach Outer Marina.

    “Motorists from Lagos-Ibadan Expressway (Mowe and nearby areas) should take the Ojota Slip Road, connect Ikorodu Road, and continue through Funsho Williams Avenue to Eko Bridge,” he said.

    The commissioner urged motorists from Okota to use Mile 2/Orile, connecting to Eko Bridge and Outer Marina.

    He added that motorists from Sango-Otta should pass through Mushin, link Funsho Williams Avenue (Western Avenue), and proceed to Eko Bridge via Outer Marina.

    He said motorists from Epe-Lekki Expressway (Epe, Ajah, Lekki, and environs) should take Marwa Junction, connect Admiralty Way, and cross the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge to their destinations.

    For motorists from Lagos Island to the Mainland, he said they would be diverted to Apongbon Bridge, then Eko Bridge, accessing Costain Roundabout, Iponri, and Bode Thomas.

    “Alternatively, they can take Eko Bridge through Costain Roundabout, linking Apapa Road to Oyingbo/Jebba and then Herbert Macaulay Road.

    “Motorists can also use Victoria Island to link Independence Bridge and CMS Bridge, then proceed via Apongbon to Ijora-Olopa, Iddo, and Oyingbo, connecting Herbert Macaulay Road.

    “The Third Mainland Bridge will remain closed to traffic heading towards Lagos Island but will be accessible to motorists traveling to the mainland,” he said.

    Osiyemi reassured Lagos residents that traffic management officials would be deployed to minimise disruptions.

    He also urged the public to plan their trips by using alternative routes and other modes of transportation.

    “Motorists are implored to be patient during the partial/total closure of the roads,” he said.

  • Two drug lords excrete 125 wraps of heroin at Lagos, Port Harcourt airports(Photos)

    Two drug lords excrete 125 wraps of heroin at Lagos, Port Harcourt airports(Photos)

    Attempts by two drug kingpins to smuggle into Nigeria consignments of heroin through the Port Harcourt International Airport and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, have been foiled by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

    One of the kingpins who uses dual identities to aid his cross border movements, has a Nigerian passport with his original name: Onyekwonike Elochuckwu Sylvanus, 30, and that of Sierra Leone with a different name: Kargbo Mohamed Foday.

    He was intercepted by NDLEA officers with his Sierra Leonean passport on Sunday 2nd February 2025 at the Port Harcourt airport, Rivers state during the inward clearance of passengers on Qatar Airways flight from Doha through Abuja to Port Harcourt.

    He was subsequently taken for body scan which confirmed he ingested illicit drugs and thereafter placed under excretion observation during which he expelled a total of 62 wraps of heroin in five excretions, weighing 1.348 kilograms.

    Investigation reveals Onyekwonike Elochuckwu Sylvanus (alias Kargbo Mohamed Foday) alternates his two identities for different drug trafficking missions between Thailand, Pakistan, Iran and West African countries. He claimed to have gone full time into the illicit drug trade in 2017 when his clothing and shoe business went down.

    The second kingpin, James Herbert Chinoso, 48, was arrested by NDLEA operatives at the Lagos airport on Saturday 1st February upon his arrival from Madagascar via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on an Ethiopian Airlines flight.

    After a body scan confirmed illicit drug in his system, he was placed under excretion observation during which he egested 63 wraps of heroin with a total weight of 909 grams.


    Chinoso had left Lagos to Madagascar on 26th January 2025 and returned via Addis Ababa after spending a week. He claimed to have gone into the criminal trade after his phone accessories business in Liberia collapsed.

    Two parcels of 2.82 kilograms of Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis imported from the United States with Lagos as destination were equally intercepted by NDLEA operatives of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation, DOGI, at a courier firm in Lagos on Thursday 6th February. In another interdiction operation same day but in a different logistics company in Lagos, anti-narcotics officers intercepted 80 ampoules of pentazocine injection 225grams concealed in cartons heading to Canada.

    In Kano, NDLEA operatives on Monday 3rd February arrested the duo of Usaini Salisu and Yahaya Mu’azu, both 23 years old, at Gadar Tamburawa along Zaria road, where 15,396 pills of tramadol were recovered from a gas cylinder used to conceal the consignment. In another operation same day, operatives nabbed a female suspect, Choima Okeke, 35, with 27 blocks of skunk, a strain of cannabis weighing 15kg, at Sabon Gari area of Kano.

    A consignment of 12,800 pills of tramadol 250mg going to Shuwarin in Jigawa state, was intercepted by NDLEA officers on patrol along Kabba-Obajana highway in Kogi state on Saturday 8th February with a suspect, Salisu Basiru, 33, arrested. Similarly, no fewer than 65 parcels of Colorado, a strong synthetic strain of cannabis with a total weight of 1.600kg also heading to Jigawa state, were recovered from another suspect, Rufai Hassan, 32 at the same check point same day.

    With the same vigour, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week. These include: WADA enlightenment lecture to students and staff of Saint Secondary School, Abakaliki, Ebonyi; Taangayar Malam Abubakar Bichi, an Almajiri school, Bichi, Kano; Federal Government Girls College, Calabar, Cross River; College of Nursing and Science, Birnin Kebbi; and Meiran Community Junior Secondary School, Abule Egba, Lagos state among others.

    While commending the officers and men of MMIA, PHIA, DOGI, Kano and Kogi Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) stated that their operational successes and those of their compatriots across the country especially their balanced approach to drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts are well appreciated.

  • APC bars members without PVC from attending meetings

    APC bars members without PVC from attending meetings

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) says party members without Permanent Voter Cards(PVCs)will no longer be allowed to attend ward and local government  meetings.

    The Lagos APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, said this in his address to party members in Lagos.

    The chairman’s address was delivered by party’s representatives at the party’s Local Government Areas(LGA)meetings  in  the 20 local governments and Local Council Development Areas(LCDAs) on Thursday.

    Ojelabi  also called for unity in the party ,saying that would guarantee victory for the party in the forthcoming council election.

    “Get prepared for PVC registration. There is no place for any member of our party without PVC. Henceforth, once you do not have PVC, don’t attend our party meetings.

    “Leaders should come together and be united. Each LGA is expected to set up a reconciliation committee where necessary, and inform the party, if the need arises,” the chairman said .

    Ojelabi thanked members for their  commitment and support toward the progress of our party.

    “As we approach the forthcoming Local Government elections, kindly take note of the party’s continuous registration for new members, which will commence soon.

    “The party has not issued any guidelines for the upcoming Local Government elections yet,” Ojelabi  added.

    Ojelabi said the party  was committed to free and fair   primary elections.

    He said there would be no refunds for purchased forms by any aspirants in the election.

    The chairman also said that purchasing the party’s form would not guarantee any political appointment.

    Ojelabi urged members to continue to keep faith with the party to deliver democratic dividends.

    Speaking on the importance  of LG  meetings ,APC spokesman in the state , Mr Seye Oladejo, said  the meetings were important for the strengthening of  the party’s strictures at the grassroots.

    Oladejo said the meetings  would be followed by the meetings in the 377 wards in the state.

    “The meetings provide an opportunity to disseminate information from the state leadership of the party to the grassroots, as regards upcoming council elections, among others,” he said.

    NAN

  • Collapsed building: NSCDC rescues 2 victims alive in Lagos

    Collapsed building: NSCDC rescues 2 victims alive in Lagos

    The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, on Tuesday said it successfully rescued two persons from the collapsed building at Ikota, Lekki area.

    The command disclosed this  in a statement released and signed by its spokesperson, Mr Oluwaseun Abolurin, in Lagos.

    He quoted the State Commandant,  Mr Adedotun Keshinro as directing the  disaster management, rescue operation team of Eti–Osa Division to smartly  swift into action for quick  search, recovery and rescue operations.

    He added, “The command, on Tuesday, received a distress call from concerned residents that a two – storey building under construction collapsed over its workers  at Ikota axis of Lekki.

    “The state commandant  quickly deployed the disaster management, rescue and  recovery  team to support  other first responders on the rescue mission.

    “The team was led by the Eti – Osa Divisional officer, Chief Superintendent of Corps  (SC) , Mr David Oyende.

    ”It  said that the quick  action was to enable the corps rescue many bodies alive and clinically evacuate bodies found dead.”

    Abolurin said that as the rescue and recovery operation was ongoing,  however, the corps  has confirmed the rescue of two persons alive.

  • Several injured as FAAN gives update on emergency landing of U.S-bound plane

    Several injured as FAAN gives update on emergency landing of U.S-bound plane

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) rescue team safely deboarded 256 passengers from a U.S.-bound United Airlines plane which made emergency air return to Lagos on Friday.

    Confirming the air return,  the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, FAAN, Mrs Obiageli Orah, said all passengers and crew disembarked safely.

    She, however,  said that four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries while 27 passengers and five crew members had minor injuries.

    According to her, the United Airlines Boeing 787-800 departed Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, at 23.59 p.m. on Thursday, but made  air return and landed safely at 3.22 a.m. on Friday.

    “On board were 245 adults and 11 crew members.

    The team of Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, Aviation Medical and Aviation Security were already at the gate when the aeroplane parked for deboarding at D31 without incident, and the door was opened at 3.37 a.m.

    “While all passengers and crew disembarked safely, four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries, and additional 27 passengers and five crew members had minor injuries.

    “The rescue team responded swiftly and effectively, having been on alert and standby.

    “Aviation medical ambulances transported the injured passengers, some to the MMA Clinic and others to the Headquarters Clinic,” she said.

    Orah also said that those with minor injuries received first aid and were discharged, while those with serious injuries were stabilised and transferred to the Duchess Hospital in Ikeja.

    She said that some passengers were taken to a hotel for accommodation, adding that the aircraft  did not sustain any major damage.

    “The authority will continue to provide updates,” she said.