TheNewsGuru

Tag: Lagosians

  • Prepare for above-normal rainfall, LASG cautions residents

    Prepare for above-normal rainfall, LASG cautions residents

    The Lagos State Government, LASG, has advised residents to prepare for above-normal rainfall, which will start in the first week of April and cease in December.

    This was made known by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tunji Bello, who spoke at the 2023 press briefing on Seasonal Climate Predictions and its socio-economic implications for Lagos, held at Alausa, Ikeja.

    According to the commissioner, the 1936.2mm amount of rainfall predicted for 2023 was greater than the long-term average of 1721.48mm experienced in the state in the last 10 years.

    He stated that specifically, Ikeja is expected to have an annual amount of 1,900mm while Badagry will experience 1,978mm amount of rainfall.

    Ikorodu, Lagos Island and Epe are expected to have rainfall with annual amounts of 1,903mm, 1,936mm and 1,952mm respectively, with onset dates of April 1 and cessation of December 3, 2023, he said.

    “It is also expected that the recent increase in the frequency of extreme weather events will continue in 2023, with days of extremely-high rainfall amounts that may result in flooding, largely because strong winds are expected during the onset and cessation of each rainfall,” Bello said.

    The commissioner stressed that the state had continued to maintain the synergy and partnership with the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority to effectively contain flooding.

    Recall that early this year, an above-normal rainfall occurred in Ondo State that destroyed many property at Ipogun community in the Ifedore Local Government Area.

    The rainfall was said to have wreaked havoc on the community, destroying property worth millions of naira.

    It was gathered that the rainstorm destroyed houses, shops, schools, church, electric poles and a health centre in the community.

    Some residents were said to have been rendered homeless by the natural disaster.

    One of the affected residents, who identified herself only as Mrs Ajayi, lamented that the rainstorm destroyed her shop and goods.

    “It was just too heavy as we could not take out anything from the shop because the downpour lasted for two hours and many houses were affected. We are begging Governor Akeredolu and other well-meaning Nigerians to assist us,” she added.

  • (PHOTOS) “I shall do everything in my power to ensure that genuine healing takes place” -Gov Sanwo-Olu promises

    (PHOTOS) “I shall do everything in my power to ensure that genuine healing takes place” -Gov Sanwo-Olu promises

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is to occupy the position for another four years (2nd tenure), has promised to do everything in his power to ensure that genuine healing takes place in the state.

    “We will continue to run an inclusive government, that delivers for all the people of Lagos, wherever in the State they may be living,” he said

    In his message, posted on Twitter, the governor-elect (Sanwo-Olu) stated: “Thank you Lagosians!

    “I am deeply humbled and grateful for the overwhelming support and trust of the good people of Lagos State. I am honored to be re-elected as your Governor and pledge to continue to work tirelessly to deliver a better Lagos for all.

    “Thank you for believing in me.

    “I have personally penned my thoughts in a letter to you. I hope you read it and truly feel my passion for Lagos and for you: https://bit.ly/JideSanwoolu

    “These elections have deeply tested us as a people. This victory is not just mine, but it belongs to every Lagosian.

    “I have worked hard to live up to this responsibility of governing the most important subnational economy in Africa. We certainly could not have done this by ourselves. Thank you to the Almighty God and all of Lagos. Immense gratitude goes to our great party, APC, and our President-Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “Thank you to the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, for your commitment to leaving a legacy of fairness and electoral outcomes that reflect the will of the people.

    “Thank you to my wife, Ibijoke, my Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, and all fellow contestants for their contributions. Lagos has chosen competence and experience, on this march to true greatness.

    “During the course of the campaign, we sadly saw a lot of divisive rhetoric used. Elections should be about capacity, competence, and experience, not ethnicity or religion.

    “I salute those who refused to be divided by hateful and hurtful ethnic profiling. Recent skirmishes in some LGAs resulting in injuries are reprehensible and not reflective of who we are. Law enforcement and security agencies have been directed to ensure that those found culpable face the full wrath of the law.

    “Very importantly, and this cannot be overemphasized: What unites us as Lagosians is far more important and substantial than whatever differences exist among us.

    “As your Governor, I will do everything in my power to ensure that genuine healing takes place. We will continue to run an inclusive government, that delivers for all the people of Lagos, wherever in the State they may be living.

    “The true Lagos spirit is a welcoming, embracing, liberal one, not a divisive, exclusionary one. In the days and weeks and months ahead, we will continue to do everything to demonstrate and amplify this.

    “We must reaffirm the spirit of solidarity and togetherness that binds us as Lagosians.

    “Our work will continue, and there will be no break. The dividends of democracy must continue to be delivered.

    “Thank you once again dear Lagosians.

    “Igbega Ipinle Eko, Ajumose Ni O!”

    See the photos below:

  • WATCH VIDEO: Lagos crowd cheers Vice President Osinbajo in Isolo

    WATCH VIDEO: Lagos crowd cheers Vice President Osinbajo in Isolo

    Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo was cheered by Lagosians on Monday morning as he commissioned a world-class Toyota research & service center in Isolo area of Lagos State.

     

     

    According to the Vice President, the business reforms of the Buhari administration would be deepened.

     

    On his way out, a cheering throng crowded his car & he came out acknowledging the greetings.

     

     

    TNG gathered that the center would be unique in serving as a fertile training ground for all technicians of accredited Toyota dealers in Nigeria.

     

    The company’s Managing Director, Mr. Kunle Ade-Ojo, asserted that the workshop offers world-class- after-sales service, a second-to-none body and paint shop, genuine spare parts and other services which include training of their dealers.

     

  • Why Lagosians should get free pass to heaven – El-Rufai

    Why Lagosians should get free pass to heaven – El-Rufai

    Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State has shared the opinion of people residing in Lagos should be given a free pass to heaven due to traffic congestion in the commercial city.

    The former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) said this on Thursday while explaining the rationale for introducing the four-day working week in Kaduna.

    “When people rest more, they are more productive when they come on Monday. They do much more work. Most people are tired on Thursdays anyway; let’s be realistic,” he said during a ministerial briefing in Abuja.

    “I don’t know how people in Lagos survive. Every day, four hours in traffic for five days. I don’t know if Saturdays and Sundays are enough for them to rest.

    “That is why I feel that all those that have lived in Lagos for 20 years should just go straight to heaven because they have already lived in hell. Honestly, they have paid their dues so they should just be given free pass.”

    While explaining further about the benefits of the four-day working week, El-Rufai said: “The benefits are that people rest more; they have more family time; they have more leisure time and they spend more money. It is better for the economy”.

    On how the state government has implemented it, the governor said schools were the easiest. According to him, since schools initially had classes up to 12pm on Fridays – which is only four hours – one more hour was added to the other days of the week.

    “The health sector was the easiest because the health sector always operates a shift system — 36 hours a week. Where we have challenges is with the private sector because of over-time. Now, if you work on Fridays, it is extra pay because it is overtime,” El-Rufai said during the event organised by the presidential media team.

    “We have not imposed it on the private sector yet. We are discussing with them to have a transition period of two to three years, but certainly, in the public sector, we have resolved all the issues. We are drafting the regulations to gazette them.”

  • COVID-19 Vaccine: Lagosians to pay ‘N6,000’ administrative charge in private facilities

    COVID-19 Vaccine: Lagosians to pay ‘N6,000’ administrative charge in private facilities

    Lagosians who wish to take the Covid-19 vaccine at a private facility will have to pay N6,000 as an administrative charge.

    The vaccine remains free at public facilities.

    The Lagos state government made this known on Wednesday in a press briefing signed by Gboyega Akosile, a spokesman to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    The statement noted that the decision to extend the vaccination drive to private facilities was part of efforts to encourage more people to receive the jab.

    “Sanwo-Olu re-emphasised that the vaccines being administered are safe and remain free of charge in public health facilities,” the statement said.

    “The Governor, however, said an administrative charge of N6,000 would be paid by individuals who wish to get the vaccines at approved private facilities.”

    The Governor had on Wednesday warned that a fourth wave of the virus was possible as travellers from across the world enter the city for the December festivities, prompting the state government to launch a mass vaccination campaign.

    The accelerated vaccine rollout is tagged: “Operation Count Me in 4 Million Lagosians Vaccinated Against COVID-19” and it is being undertaken by Lagos State Government in collaboration with Federal Government’s National Primary Health Care Development.

    Since March, at least 1.2 million persons have received one shot of the vaccine, while 550,000 have been fully vaccinated in Lagos, according to state figures.

  • One in five Lagosians tested COVID-19 positive in January – Sanwo-Olu

    One in five Lagosians tested COVID-19 positive in January – Sanwo-Olu

    One out of every five Lagos residents who took the COVID-19 test this year was diagnosed as positive, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said on Sunday.

    The number is the highest monthly average recorded in the state in the last six months.

    Sanwo-Olu, who gave the figure in his monthly Coronavirus update for January, lamented that it confirmed the state’s status as the epicentre of the pandemic in the country.

    He said as of January 29, the state had recorded 47,871 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Of this number, 34,094 have recovered, while 9,856 are currently active.

    He explained that over the last 12 months, about 3,988 COVID-related patients have been admitted into the care centres across the state; with a registered fatality rate of approximately 0.63 per cent (301 deaths).

    Sanwo-Olu said: “Currently, Lagos State has 21 private and four public health laboratories accredited for COVID-19 testing. So far, a total of 316,801 samples have been tested, with 47,871 diagnosed as positive.

    “The test positivity ratio for January 2021 is 24 per cent, which means that one out of every five tests returns positive. This is the highest monthly average recorded in the last six months.

    “It should be stressed that testing is free at all Lagos State public health laboratories, for all persons who fall within the case definition — that is, have symptoms such as fever, cough, cold, inability to smell or taste, headaches or general body weakness — or those who have come into close contact with anyone with any of these symptoms. Testing at our public health facilities will continue to remain free but cannot be used for travel purposes. Anyone wishing to test as a requirement for either outbound or inbound travel or other work-related requirements must do so at any of the 21 private laboratories accredited by Lagos State for COVID testing.”

    The governor noted that oxygen demand has spiked to between 300 and 400 cylinders per day across state-owned treatment facilities, adding that the government is working hard to ensure that availability and supply “are very easily able to meet and even surpass this demand”.

    “To this end, a second oxygen plant is under construction at the Gbagada General Hospital and will come on-stream within the next seven days.

    “It is expected that this will boost the in-house capacity and availability of oxygen across state government-managed treatment centres.”

    To shore up the state’s containment and management capacity for the virus and its variants, Sanwo-Olu said he had approved N200million to support the ongoing patient management and treatment efforts of two Federal Government treatment centres in the state.

    “To this end, LUTH will be receiving N150million and the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Meta will be receiving N50 million. These sums will be disbursed on Monday, February 1,” he said.

    In line with the COVID-19 Health Protection Regulations 2021 signed last week by President Muhammadu Buhari, the governor directed that “no gathering of more than 50 persons shall hold in an enclosed space, except for religious purposes, in which case the gathering shall not exceed 50 per cent capacity of the space.

    “A breach of the provisions of the Presidential Regulations attracts upon summary conviction, a fine or six months imprisonment and or both. Our enforcement agencies have been appropriately tasked to ensure maximum compliance.”

  • Baruwa Gas Plant Fire: NNPC Commiserates with Lagosians

    Baruwa Gas Plant Fire: NNPC Commiserates with Lagosians

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has commiserated with the Government and people of Lagos State, and particularly the residents of Baruwa area, on the gas plant fire incident that ravaged the community in the early hours of Thursday.

    A press release by the Corporation’s Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Dr. Kennie Obateru, stated that NNPC feels particularly sad at the loss of lives and property, caused by the incident barely a few weeks after a similar incident at Iju Ishaga area of the state.

    It assured that though NNPC’s pipelines were not anywhere close to the location of the incident, the Corporation swiftly mobilized its Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Team, in collaboration with other relevant agencies of Lagos State Government and ensured that the situation was promptly brought under control.

    It called on operators of gas plants and other petroleum products facilities in the Country to ensure strict adherence to safety rules and regulations to avoid incidents of this nature and the unnecessary loss of lives and property.

  • Nigeria@60: Sanwo-Olu congratulates Lagosians, cancels Independence Day parade

    Nigeria@60: Sanwo-Olu congratulates Lagosians, cancels Independence Day parade

    The Lagos State Government has cancelled the planned parade for the Independence Day celebration.

    A statement from Lagos Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, also noted that other activities would involve the gathering of more than 50 people were cancelled.

    It quoted Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as urging Lagosians not to relax their vigilance against COVID-19.

    It read in part, “The Lagos State Government opted for a low key celebration of the 60th Independence Anniversary due to the ravaging effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is still with us.

    “Governor Sanwo-Olu directed that the planned parade and other activities that involve the gathering of more than 50 people should be cancelled.

    “He congratulates Lagosians on this auspicious occasion and strongly advises that they should celebrate quietly at home and pray for the country. They should also observe the COVID-19 protocols, including wearing of face masks to protect themselves and their loved ones.

    “The Governor urges Lagosians not to relax their vigilance against COVID-19 so as not to reverse the gains that the state has made in fighting the disease. They are to keep embracing physical distancing and washing of hands with soap and water. Anybody who feels unwell should stay indoors and contact health authorities.

    “The police and other security agencies have been directed to ensure that nobody flouts these directives in the interest of all of us, especially now that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is warning that a second wave of the deadly disease could occur.”

  • Coronavirus kills 15 Lagosians in one day

    Coronavirus kills 15 Lagosians in one day

    The deadly Coronavirus pandemic has killed 15 residents of Lagos in one day, taking the number of deaths in the state to 192.

    According to the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, of the 20 people killed on Thursday by the pandemic, Lagos accounted for 15 of them.

    While Akwa Ibom recorded two deaths, Ebonyi, Kwara and Plateau recorded one death each.

    However, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Lagos as at Thursday stood at 14,009, with 2,075 recoveries recorded by the State.

    The state now has 11,742 actives cases left to manage.

    Nigeria, as at Thursday has total confirmed cases of Coronavirus put at 38,948, with 16,061 recoveries and 833 deaths.

  • COVID-19: Lagosians shun FG’s lockdown order, resume vehicular, other activities on major highways [Photos/video]

    COVID-19: Lagosians shun FG’s lockdown order, resume vehicular, other activities on major highways [Photos/video]

    Its just day eight of the presidential lockdown order placed on Lagos, Ogun and Abuja in a drastic move to contain the deadly coronvirus [COVID-19] pandemic.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that President Muhammadu Buhari announced the lockdown on Sunday, March 30, 2019 in a nationwide broadcast to Nigerians on steps so far taken to curb the further spread of the virus.

    Already and as expected, Lagos due to its commercial status in Nigeria has the highest number of confirmed cases; 130 in total since the outbreak. However, despite proactive measures by the state government to contain the spread, some residents seem to be less concerned possibly due to the twin effect of boredom and idleness.

    TNG observed that since Monday, in different parts of the state, Lagosians were seen on the roads, either driving, walking or having group fitness exercises together. The highway at Gbagada and Ikorodu was blocked by residents who turned the road into a fitness class on Monday and Tuesday respectively, thus making mockery of the social distancing policy and restriction order.

    On Tuesday at Lagos Island, there were pockets of traffic on the Lekki-Epe expressway. In Lekki, the traffic stretched and lasted for a long time because some motorists who tried to cut corners drove against traffic. On Wednesday morning, thousands of residents at Cele, Iyana-Ipaja and other places also ignored the stay-at-home order, thus causing more pains for the health workers who are the primary responders to the COVID-19 crisis.

    In trying to enforce the law, the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) operatives, led by its commander, DCP Tunji Disu, went on a routine monitoring to arrest some motorists but this nonetheless did not deter the motorist (public and private) from returning to the highways.

    Meanwhile, social media users have expressed disgust at the disobedience to the lockdown order calling for stiff punishment of offenders caught.