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Tag: LASG

  • LASG to introduce new number plates, uniforms for drivers, conductors

    The Lagos State Government has made known its intentions to introduce new number plate for commercial vehicles in the state.

    The state government also hopes to adopt uniforms for commercial drivers and bus conductors.

    The Commissioner for Transportation, Prince Olanrewaju Elegushi, stated this during the 2017 Ministerial briefing to mark Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s two years in office.

    Elegushi said it would ensure clear identification of vehicles registered for commercial purposes.

    “The state agencies like Motor Vehicle Administration Agency, Number Plate Production Agency and ministry of transportation will fine-tune the operations and issuance,” the Commissioner said.

    Elegushi also explained that the development would bring a robust database for vehicles involved in commercial transportation to ensure safety of passengers.

    He added that about 5,000 commercial buses would be injected into the transport sector, while drivers and conductors will be given uniforms.

    “There will be introduction of uniforms for drivers and conductors to signpost a commencement of decency, discipline and quality service to the people of Lagos State,” Elegushi said.

  • VIO officials undergoing training, not totally banned – LASG clarifies

    VIO officials undergoing training, not totally banned – LASG clarifies

    The Lagos State Government on Tuesday clarified that the ban of operations of the Vehicle Inspection Officers, VIOs, is temporal.

    Commissioner for Transportation, Prince Olanrewaju Elegushi, stated‎ that the VIOs only went for training to improve their services in line with global best practices.

    In his words: “Nobody is banning VIOs from the roads; there is no directive to that effect from the governor of Lagos State.

    “Right now, the VIO officials in the state are undergoing training on how they will improve their services on Lagos roads.

    “It ‘s a month-long event for the officials where they will undergo intensive training so that they will be able to deliver quality and better service across the state.

    “We all believe that VIOs need to perform their functions in a more civilised way and be technologically driven”.

    Steve Ayorinde, the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, explained that LASG’s order to the VIOs to vacate the roads was to pave way for its reforms.

    “There is an ongoing reform as to how the VIO carries out its operations, which might require that the inspection officers are off the streets at this point.

    “The government is keen to have their operations more streamlined and technologically-driven to serve the people of Lagos better,” Ayorinde said.

     

  • NICON building collapse: LASG seals structure, orders integrity test

    The Lagos State Government has sealed the building that partially collapsed at Nicon Town Estate on Admiralty Way in Lekki on Thursday.

    TheNewsGuru.com had exclusively reported that two people were killed while one other person was severely injured in the incident.

    Speaking to reporters after carrying out on-the-spot assessment of the incident, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl. Wasiu Anifowose, said the building would remain sealed until the completion of investigation by relevant government agencies, while the report of the investigation would be made public in due course.

    He said officials of the Ministry immediately moved to site after being alerted of the incident, while the workers at the scene were evacuated.

    He said, “Yesterday, I was in my office when I had a call that there was a partial building collapse in Lekki and I immediately mobilised my officers to site. They have given me their report and the onus is on me to ascertain the situation of things and that is why I am here.

    “Based on our preliminary investigation, we discovered that it was the roof gutter of the building under construction that fell off the main house and a vibrator was also used.

    “At the moment, the State Government has taken the necessary steps; we have evacuated all the people that worked on the building and the property has been sealed off. It will remain sealed until we conclude our investigation.”

    He, however, faulted the owner of the building for failing to display the Project Board on site as required, but said the ongoing investigation would reveal the actual state of things.

     

     

  • LASG clears N16.9bn pension arrears in one year – Ambode

    LASG clears N16.9bn pension arrears in one year – Ambode

    …Says the state has disbursed over N2bn in the last quarter to young entrepreneurs through the Employment Trust Fund (ETF)

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State says the state has released N16.9 billion pension arrears from April 2016 to March this year.

    Ambode said this on Thursday while inaugurating the headquarters of Providus Bank in Lagos.

    He also said that N2 billion had also been disbursed to young entrepreneurs and artisans under the N25 billion Employment Trust Fund (ETF) scheme.

    He said his administration had maintained a consistent programme of actively reflating the economy through massive expenditure in infrastructure development and engaging competent local contractors to employ the people.

    Ambode expressed delight at the consistent investment of the state government in critical sectors that contributed to the resurgence of the economy.

    He said as a government, his administration was relentless in its commitment to providing a conducive, safe and secure enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

    The governor also said that efforts were being made daily to improve the ease of doing business in the state, especially by working to ensure that all businesses succeeded, even in a recession.

    “We have maintained a consistent programme of actively reflating the economy through massive expenditure in infrastructural development and engaging competent local contractors who in turn employ our people.

    “Our Employment Trust Fund has disbursed almost N2 billion in the last quarter to young entrepreneurs and artisans.

    “We have released N16.9 billion for payment of arrears to pensioners in the state between April 2016 and March 2017.

    “Our Light Up Lagos initiative has given traders and artisans extended time to carry out their businesses as we move towards our 24/7 economy.

    “With these actions, we energized the economy and ensured that commercial activities continued in the state,” Ambode said.

    Ambode called for a convergence of the foreign exchange rates.

    He said that there should be deliberate strategies to force down inflation to single digit and reduce lending rates to enable more businesses to access funds and meet their obligations.

    The governor commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) recently released by the Federal Government.

    He said the economic blueprint would go a long way in charting the course of economic recovery and growth desired by all.

    Ambode also commended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for efforts at stabilising the exchange rates and expressed optimism that the steps being adopted would help ailing businesses to bounce back to profitability.

    He equally commended the management of Providus Bank for its commitment to positively impact on the banking sector.

    Ambode urged the bank to come up with programmes that would bring more financial inclusion to Lagos.

    “I urge you, as financial intermediaries, to facilitate the growth of the economy by designing products for the real sector, thereby supporting made-in-Nigeria goods.

    “ I also urge you to pay special attention to Small and Medium Scale Enterprises because these are the fastest vehicles for job creation and growing new businesses,” Ambode said.

    Mr Walter Akpani, the Managing Director of the bank, commended the governor for the massive infrastructure development in the state and efforts at enhancing ease of doing business.

    Akpani said that the bank’ s focus was to be a niche player by distinguishing itself in terms of service, cost saving, speed, transparency as well as innovations and excellence.

    “Our aim is to be number one in service delivery, supporting the growth of Nigerian economy through best practices,” he said.

     

     

  • FG not selling National Art Theatre to LASG – Lai Mohammed

    FG not selling National Art Theatre to LASG – Lai Mohammed

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has said the Federal Government does not intend selling the National Arts Theatre to the Lagos State Government as reported in some sections of the media.

    Mohammed made this known on Tuesday night at a dinner with Nigerian TV and online content developers attending the ongoing MIPTV in Cannes, France.

    MIPTV is an annual leading TV and online content development event and the largest global distribution television and digital content market.

    The minister who described the Arts Theatre as a national monument stressed that it was impossible for anyone to sell any asset of government without following the due process and clear cut rules.

    He explained that the Lagos government offered to renovate the main bowl of the theatre, two cinema halls, the exhibition lobby and the banquet hall as part of its collaboration with the federal government.

    “I want to say it loud and clear that there is no iota of truth in the rumour that we are selling the national theatre to the Lagos state government.

    “We do not have the capacity to do so and will never do so.

    “What is happening is that we are fortunate to have a governor like Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos who is very passionate about the creative industry.

    “The governor decided that he is going to mark the 50th anniversary of Lagos with cultural activities, films, music and he was looking for a befitting venue.

    “He now decided to take the opportunity of this 50th anniversary to collaborate with the federal government to revamp the national theatre to use it as a venue for most of the programmes and at the same time laid the foundation for a viral and dynamic creative industry,’’ he said.

    The minister noted that the whole essence of the collaboration for the renovation of the theatre is to ensure that the national asset did not go into ruins.

    “The governor is asking for nothing, rather he is foresighted in knowing that a renovated and functional national theatre will be a catalyst for the film industry, theatre art, music.

    “He also realised that by revamping the theatre, more young men and women will be able to exhibit their talents and more jobs will be created and more taxes will accrue to Lagos state purse.

    “Therefore, for everybody, it is a win-win situation and there is no attempt whatsoever to sell any national asset to anybody,’’ he said

    The dinner was hosted by the Director General of National Broadcasting Commission, Modibbo Kawu.

    Some of the TV and online content developers at the dinner were, Mr Tajudeen Adepetu the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Soundcity, ONTVand ONMAX, Mr Jason Njoku the CEO of Iroko TV and Ijeoma Onah of Aforevo TV, a French Nollywood Channel.

     

    NAN

  • Residents lament as LASG carries out demolition exercise in Amuwo Odofin

    Residents lament as LASG carries out demolition exercise in Amuwo Odofin

    The Lagos State Government on Monday continued a demolition exercise of illegal structures in the Amuwo Odofin axis of the state.


    TheNewsGuru.com authoritatively reports that the demolition team arrived the axis on Monday with heavy security operatives and started bulldozing the identified properties almost immediately.

    Findings by TheNewsGuru.com reveals that the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Planning had on January 19th issued a 7-day ultimatum to the residents who erected structures on drainages, walkways and additional extensions to their flats to remove them.

     

    BELGIUM… A POPULAR CANTEEN IN AMUWO ODOFIN WAS ALSO DEMOLISHED

    One of the affected shop owners, an aged electrician who spoke to TheNewsGuru.com on condition of anonymity said he never anticipated what his happening. He said he believed so much in the Ambode government and had even invested in its emergence in 2015. He said it was bad that the only dividend he is reaping is the demolition of his only means of livelihood.

    In his words: “Is this the change we voted for? Is this how they want to pay us back? How do they expect me to feed my family? I am a pensioner, this is the only job I do to survive and now the government has destroyed my shop without giving us enough time to plan ahead”

    However, the Lagos State Government said it embarked on the demolitions because the illegal structures were altering the Amuwo Odofin Estate’s Master Plan created over two decades ago.

    Conversely, as a temporary way of surviving, some of the residents whose shops were demolished have now resorted to displaying their wares outside their flats. Other residents who sell food and electronic materials now use the open spaces in their vicinities as trade centers.

    In another reaction, a dry cleaner, who identifies himself as Ahmed said he has lost over 60 percent of his customers. He revealed that the hospitals in Amuwo Odofin are jam-packed because some of the residents who were victims of the demolition cannot withstand the emotional trauma. The experience has made them become patients in hospital.

    TheNewsGuru.com made frantic efforts to speak with the officials of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban development for reactions, but efforts unsuccessful

     

  • Lassa fever: LASG earmarks 465 markets for monthly ‘deratisation’

    Lassa fever: LASG earmarks 465 markets for monthly ‘deratisation’

    As an effective way of protecting its citizens against the dreaded Lassa fever, the Lagos State Vector Control Programme is planning to recruit more graduates of the state’s College of Health Technology (LASCOHET), Yaba, to help eliminate the spread of the Lassa virus by killing rats from 465 markets in the state.

    This was disclosed to newsmen by the programme coordinator, Oluwasegun Benson on Thursday.

    The state government established the programme to eliminate Lassa Fever virus transmitted to humans by killing rats especially in markets and public places in what is called ‘deratting’.

    The coordinator spoke shortly after inspecting markets in Ijeh Barracks and Obalande in Eti-Osa Local Government and seven others in Ijora, Apapa Local Government.

    Benson said that Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State had given his approval for automatic employment of 233 graduates of the college from 2012/2013 academic session with effect from July 2, 2016.

    He said the team’s planned employment of more graduates of LASCOHET would further enhance curbing the spread of Lassa fever in the state by ridding it of rats.

    LASCOHET, formerly known as the School of Hygiene, was established by Dr Oladipo Oluwole, the first Nigerian Medical Officer of Health, in 1920.

    Benson explained that under the programme, his members would cover over 465 markets, beginning from next month.

    “The ‘deratisation’ of the markets will be done every month. We will visit all the markets in each local government in the state once a month.

  • Ikeja Bomb Blast: 15years after, families yet to receive compensation from LASG

    Families of victims of the Ikeja Military Cantonment Bomb Blasts in Lagos have cried out to the Lagos State Government to fulfill its promise of adequately compensating victims of the blast that happened exactly 15 years ago.

    The families on Friday cried out to the relevant authorities to help pay the money they promised after the incident.

    The Chairman, 2002 Ikeja Bomb Blasts Victims’ Families, Mr Nurudeen Oyegbemi, made the call at the site of the mass burial, where prayers were offered for the souls of the departed at Oke-Afa, Isolo, in Lagos.

    While speaking, Oyegbami said the Lagos State Government paid compensation to 70 families of victims, while 84 families were excluded.

    “This incident happened on Jan. 27, 2002 and most of us lost our relatives and loved ones.

    “When the incident happened, we were told that those that lost their loved ones should register their names with the state government.

    “The following year, the Federal Government invited us to the National Assembly and gave N500, 000 to those that lost their beloved ones, while N250, 000 was given to the victims’ families that got missing.

    “According to the government, they made us to understand that the monies given were just relief packages, adding that they would soon compensate us adequately.

    “After ten years, the Lagos State Government, out of the 154 victims’ families, gave only 70 families N250, 000 while the remaining 84 were left behind and since then, they have not done anything about it,’’ he said.

    Oyegbemi, who lost his 14-year old son in the bomb blasts, called on the federal and state governments not to abandon them and come to their aid.

    The vice chairman of the group, Mr Ise Christopher, who also lost his daughter, Adesua, during the blasts, aligned himself with the chairman by appealing to the governments to come to their aid.

    “The elder brother of Adesua was also in the canal but we were able to bring him out alive and revive him, although we spent a lot of money to revive him in the hospital,’’ he said.

    TheNewsGuru.com recalls that the blast occurred on Sunday, January 27, 2002.

  • ‘Lagos @ 50’ celebration to attract tourists, investors – LASG

    The Lagos State Government said on Friday that the celebration of ‘Lagos @ 50′ was getting to the peak and would boost tourists traffic in the state and country at large.

    The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism’s spokesman, Mr Ganiyu Lawal, told newsmen in Lagos that the celebration would highlight the beauty of Lagos to the outside world.

    “The countdown for the ‘Lagos @ 50’ has started and the preparation by the committee, headed by Prof. Wole Soyinka is already at its top gear.

    “Every month, activities have been slated to create awareness for the unique celebration which climaxes in May.

    “Lagos is celebrating her glamour and achievements in the past, present and her prospect in the future,’’ he said.

    According to him, the state is setting up new structures, monuments and sites as strategies to enhancing the beauty and economy of Lagos as she turns 50.

    He added that the basic goal was to divert the traffic of tourists into Lagos, which would definitely tap into her vast potential.

    “This celebration would attract tourists from all over the world because Lagos is set to showcase her unique potential, which would eventually boost her economy,” he said.

    Lawal then appealed to the private sector in the business of tourism and hospitality to collaborate with the state government in setting up Lagos for the grand finale in May.

     

    NAN

  • Kudirat’s murder: S’Court grants LASG leave to appeal against Al-Mustapha’s acquittal

    The Supreme Court on Thursday granted Lagos State leave to appeal against acquittal of Major Hamza Al-Mustapha of the murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.

    The Court of Appeal, Lagos Division on July 12, 2013 acquitted Al-Mustapha of the murder charge.

    Kudirat was a wife of the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, the late Chief Moshood Abiola.

    Lagos State Government accused Al-Mustapha, the Chief Security Officer of late Gen. Sani Abacha, of playing a role in her murder.

    Justice Walter Onnoghen held that Lagos State’s application for the leave was successful since it was not challenged.

    “In the circumstance, the applicant, the Lagos State Government, is granted the leave to appeal the July 12, 2013 judgment of the Court of Appeal, Lagos.

    “The would-be appellant is therefore given 30 days within which to file its notice of appeal.

    “ The date for the hearing of the appeal shall be fixed upon receipt of this notice by the court,’’ he said.

    Earlier, Mr Joseph Daudu (SAN), counsel to Al-Mustapha, withdrew an application against re-opening of the case.

    Daudu did not disclose the reason he withdrew his objection.

    He had argued that the applicant `slept’ over its right of appeal for about four years, adding that it was against court rule.

    Justifying the lateness in filing the appeal, Mrs Oluwayemisi Osunsoya, counsel to the applicant, said that it waited for the report of the state’s review teams on the matter.

    She said that it took a long time for the two legal teams to present their findings.

    The counsel had urged the court to relax its rule in the interest of justice.

    The Lagos State Government had charged Al-Mustapha, Mohammed Abacha and Lateef Shofolahan with conspiracy to commit murder and murder of Kudirat, before a Lagos High Court.

    Kudirat was killed on June 4, 1996.

    In the high court judgment delivered in 2012, Justice Moji Dada found the accused guilty as charged, and sentenced them to death by hanging.

    However, the Court of Appeal upturned the judgment.

    The court held that the evidence against the accused was not strong enough to warrant the death sentence passed on them.

     

    NAN