Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State yesterday declared the Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge and Admiralty Lekki toll-free today, saying motorists should not pay for six hours during peak periods.
This came as the governor hinted that the collection in the toll plazas might go cashless by October. With the declaration, motorists plying the routes are not expected to pay toll for three hours in the morning and three hours in the evening to enable government to appraise traffic congestion in the axis.
Briefing journalists after a tour of the Victoria Island-Lekki-Ajah axis over gridlock and flooding issues, Sanwo-Olu said that the move was necessary to enable his administration to observe the pattern the gridlock “takes during the peak hours”.
According to the governor, the plazas will be open for free passage to vehicles between 6.30a.m. and 9.30a.m. as well as 4.30p.m. and 8p.m. According to him, the purpose is to study the traffic situation in the area with a view to finding lasting solutions to the issue of gridlock in the area.
He said: “The objective is that we want to do a real simulation of traffic study, when you open the toll plaza where does the traffic get into, does it disperse and go completely away or do we transfer it somewhere else.
It is only when we do this at the peak hour that we would be able to understand and appreciate what would be the effect of it. “We just want to do a study and also appreciate Lagosians that we are not unmindful of the challenges we have with the two plazas, but our government wants to bring about a different journey time and the way we want to do it is to have online real time study of what all the issues are.”
After the study, the governor explained that his administration would be able to analyse the challenges and the solutions to the problem. Meanwhile, it was learnt that government would pay the Lekki Concession Company Limited for the period it declared toll free on the expressway.
Tag: Lekki
-
Gridlock: Sanwo-Olu declares Lekki, Admiralty toll-free today
-
Photo: AMCON takes possession of luxury homes in Lekki over N12.9b debt
The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) on Tuesday took over several multi-billion naira properties in Victory Park Estate, Lekki, Lagos, following a N12,966,510,191 judgment debt it won at the Court of Appeal in Lagos.
The properties included assets of Knight Rook Limited situated within Victory Park Estate, among other assets.
AMCON’s move followed the dismissal of an appeal filed by Revd Olajide Awosedo against an October 3, 2017 judgment of the Federal High Court in a suit marked FHC/L/CS/744/17 – Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria v. Knight Rook Limited & Ors.
The appellate court also awarded a cumulative sum of N12,966,510,191 in favour of AMCON against Knight Rook Ltd, Grant Properties Ltd, Revd Olajide Awosedo, Olawunmi Olajide-Awosedo, Abimbola Olajide-Awosedo and Fibigboye Estates Ltd.
AMCON officials and Sheriffs of the Federal High Court, Lagos were protected by a detachment of Police officers as they enforced the June 3, 2019 judgment.
The Sheriffs told residents of the estate that they were on lawful duty to execute the Federal High Court judgment against the assets of certain entities, which were allegedly indebted to a consortium of banks, but which debts were taken over by AMCON.
Some residents on condition of anonymity, confirmed the development.
They noted that they were aware of court actions on the alleged debt and the collateral land, as well as the judgment, adding that many of the residents who had earlier acquired titles from the alleged debtors were affected by the judgment.
Others stated that they were in receipt of an official statement by AMCON to residents, notifying them of the appellate court judgments, upholding the lower court judgment.
The statement reads in part: “AMCON hereby notifies all Occupiers, Residents and all persons laying claim to any portion of land comprised within the Victory Park Estate, Lekki, Lagos that on 3rd June 2019, the Court of Appeal (Lagos Division) in the Appeal No: CA/L/146/18 dismissed the Appeal filed by Rev Olajide Awosedo against the Judgment of the Federal High Court delivered on 3rd October 2017 in the Suit No: FHC/L/CS/744/17 – Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria v. Knight Rook Ltd & Ors, by which a Judgment sum of N12,966,510,191 was cumulatively awarded in favour of AMCON against Knight Rook Ltd, Grant Properties Limited, Rev Olajide Awosedo, Olawunmi Olajide-Awosedo, Abimbola Olajide-Awosedo and Fibigboye Estates Ltd .
“Which judgment also specifically foreclosed the Defendants’ right to the assets of Knight Rook Limited comprised within Victory Park Estate, Lekki, Lagos, among other assets, in satisfaction of the Judgment, which Judgment has been executed by AMCON.”
The statement further directed all persons affected by the judgment and enforcement to contact AMCON through its Solicitors or its Receiver/Manager.
It was gathered that some of the affected residents had since resolved with AMCON by ratification, while others were about taking steps to do same.
-
Lekki Hotel Gang-rape: Complainant seeks withdrawal of case against defendants
A 24-year-old woman (names withheld), allegedly drugged at a nightclub and gang-raped in an hotel in Lekki, Lagos, by two dropouts of Babcock University, wants the criminal suit filed against the defendants – Don-Chima George and Olusegun Razak, withdrawn.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the complainant made her request for withdrawals of the case during proceedings at an Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Thursday, via a “Letter of Withdrawal”.
The letter, dated June 3, 2019, was addressed to the Director of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP), and signed by the complainant.
In the letter, which was read in court by Justice Abiola Soladoye, the complainant attributed her decision to seek the withdrawal of the case to “intervention of family members” and for the sake of her integrity.
Mr Akin George, a Deputy-Director in the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) and lead state prosecutor, however, opposed the complainant’s request.
He noted that the complainant was in court for the continuation of her cross-examination by the defence.
“We do not have a directive from the office of the Attorney-General (AG).
“My lord, the Honourable AG is the complainant in this case.
“In every criminal matter, victims are naturally witnesses and as we speak, there is no AG in office due to the change in power.
“We are also aware of the rules of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) which states that even the Court of Appeal cannot stay an ongoing proceeding.
“Our office initiated this action in court and there has to be a closure one way or the other.
“My lord, we have submitted issues for the respective decisions of this court.
“We will bring the witness to state her position before the court, while we continue proceedings and await directives from the AG’s office,” George said.
Responding, defense counsel, Mr Tunji Ayanlaja (SAN), said while he shared the views of the prosecution that Lagos State originated the criminal suit, he disagreed that the absence of the AG had created a vacuum.
He also sought the release of the defendants from prison.
“The constitution is so clear that when we do not have an AG in office, the Solicitor-General takes over the function of the AG. My lord, we are ready to proceed.
“The unfortunate thing is that the defendants have been in prison ever since. The complainant, who is their (prosecution) witness, has developed cold feet for one reason or the other; this development is replete in the letter by the complainant.
“To meet the end of justice, I apply that your lordship should consider releasing the defendants on bail.
“At the end of the day, no compensation will be paid to them. They are young men who have languished in jail for four or five months,” Ayanlaja said.
After listening to the submissions of the prosecution and defence, Justice Soladoye said that the court would continue with proceedings, and that bail would not be granted to the defendants because the court had already delivered a ruling denying them bail.
“However, so that these proceedings will not be an exercise in futility, a short adjournment will be taken, pending directives from the office of the AG,” she said.
The case was adjourned to June 18 for continuation of trial.
NAN reports that on May 15, the complainant, while being led in evidence by Dr Jide Martins, a Director in the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), narrated how she was given a spiked glass of Hennessey and Coca-cola at the Kabaal Night club in Ikoyi, Lagos.
She alleged that she was later taken to another hotel, where she lost consciousness, and was subsequently raped by the defendants, just as they video-taped the incident.
The prosecution alleged that George, 25, and Rasak, 28, committed the offence on Feb. 3, from 5.00a.m to 7.00a.m. at De-Lankaster Hotels, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
The offences contravene Sections 258 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
-
GLOIN60SECONDS prize will help me rent house in Lekki – Grand finale winner
For John Sunday Peter, one of the grand finale winners of the online talent hunt, GLOIN60ECONDS organised by the grandmasters of data, Globacom, the cash prize of N200, 000 is a welcome solution to his accommodation problems as he intends to pay for his desired apartment in Lekki area of Lagos State.
Peter, who won N200, 000 alongside four others and the winner of the star prize of N1million, enthused that “I will use the prize money to get accommodation in Lakowe, in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos where I stay and promote my music career. I have been sourcing for funds and Glo has provided it at the right time.”
The excitement was palpable on Tuesday March 26th, 2019 at the Mike Adenuga Towers’ headquarters of national telecommunications company, Globacom, as the six grand finale winners of its online talent hunt competition, received their prizes.
The winners, among whom was 29-year-old Ejembi Simon Inass, an actor and musician from Benue State who won the grand prize of N1 million, hademerged from thousands of Glo subscribers that participated in the eight-week contest
In addition to him, five others, who won the consolation prize of N200, 000 each, included Nwogwugwu Brainie, a Law graduate of Nnamdi Azikwe University, Awka, who currently manages ‘Jimmy’s Play House’, a dance, photo and music studio in Owerri, Imo State and Doyin Hafeezah Salau, a 400-Level female Law student of the University of Lagos who hails from Kwara State.
Others are 23-year-old Biochemistry graduate of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Abia State, Emeh Emmanuel Okwun; 17-year-old Ehimare Aaleeyah Shaka, an aspiring music star from Edo State and John Sunday Peter, a graduate of Apa College of Education, Benue State.
The lucky winners thronged the venue of the presentation ceremony with their friends and relatives as early as 9am, bursting with vivacious enthusiasm, to claim their prize monies.
Receiving his N1million star prize, Ejembi, in an emotion-laden voice, thanked Globacom for providing the platform for him to win one million naira with his musical skit titled “Grandmaster”. He said “I am grateful to God, my friends and family. I will go on tour to promote talents in my area and also take relief materials to an orphanage. I will pay tithe and use part of the money to promote my radio and television shows. I am very grateful to God and to Glo”.
Also commenting, Doyin Hafeezah Salau who won N200, 000 consolation prize said, “I have saved the N50, 000 which I won during the weekly shows and will add it to this N200,000 to buy video recording camera for my skit productions. Glo has really helped me and I am very happy that my career is taking shape”.
This was just as ecstatic Ehimare Aaleeyah, who was accompanied by her parents enthused: “I feel blessed to be so recognised. I will use the money to pay my siblings’ tuition fees”. Another winner, 27 year-old Nwogwugwu Brainie said, “I am very happy, very excited. I feel indebted to Glo. I am a lawyer and a politician. I am the Imo State Chairman, National Interest Party. I will use my money to organise a talent hunt progrramme for youths in my community”.
In his opening remarks, Globacom’s Regional Manager, Lagos and Ogun, Mr. Olufolahan Faseyitan, said that the, GLOIN60SECONDS competition was one of the company’s numerous customer appreciation offers conceived to engage and showcase budding talents as well as reward young creative people in Nigeria’s social media space.
He assured that Globacom would continue to introduce more value-adding and life-enhancing products and services designed to enrich the lifestyle of its subscribers and their experience on the network.
Under the challenge which was held for eight weeks, subscribers followed Glo on any of the company’s social media pages: @Globacomlimited on Instagram, @Gloworld on Twitter and Gloworld on Facebook, registered online and uploaded their videos.
In the build–up to the grand finale, Globacom had presented cash prizes of N50, 000 each to 52 other lucky winners, right from week one to week eight in different cities across the country.
-
![[Photos] Aviation expert opens multi-million Naira plaza in Lekki](https://thenewsguru.ng/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/image2.png)
[Photos] Aviation expert opens multi-million Naira plaza in Lekki
An Aviation expert, Ms. Folake Odutola has unveiled a multi-million naira plaza located in Lekki Pennisula, Lagos. The plaza called Aqua27 Plaza is located at Plot 42, Block Li, on chevron Drive beside Prince Ebeano Supermarket.
The plaza which is strategically located with neighboring organizations such as Chevron Nigeria Limited, Limebridge Hotel, Calton Gate Estate, Chevy View Estate, Lekki Gardens Estate, Northern Foreshore Estate, Bourdillon Court Estate, North Point Estate, Prince Ebeano Supermarket, to mention but a few comes with all it’s spaces fully serviced and averagely forty-five square meters in terms of size.
Aqua27 plaza also offers exclusivity of businesses and each rental space consists of a restroom, storage room/private office and a prepaid meter. Existing businesses includes; Fidelity Bank, Bukkahut Restaurant, Shoes & Partners Limited, Trendy K global limited. According to the Management of the plaza, Available spaces are limited, hence, they accept offers on “first come first serve” basis.
The owner, Ms Odutola, a savvy business consultant and an Aviator is a graduate of the prestigious University of Lagos (UNILAG). Having acquired her bachelor’s degree in Business from UNILAG, she also attended the World’s most renowned Aeronautical University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida, USA from where she advanced her knowledge of Aviation.
She currently sits as the CEO of Waypoint Aviation Consulting Company. A company which focuses on airport master plans, planning and design of airport infrastructure, amongst other aviation services.
-
Lagosians scramble for Davido’s money in long queue[VIDEO]
When pop star, Davido crafted the moniker OBO(Omo Baba Olowo) which means son of a wealthy man, little did he know that he was indirectly setting himself up for being begged money incessantly.
Whenever his fans in Lekki have an inclination that he is in town, they assemble in a long queue in front of his house , singing his praises and begging for money.
This incident played out yesterday in front of his Lekki mansion.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp_fcvFDgpT/
3 things no one knows about Davido
-
Corruption: Two Naval officers forfeit Lekki houses, N11m to FG
Justice M.S. Hassan of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Thursday ordered the final forfeiture of two different properties and N11 million belonging to two Naval officers and their company to the federal government.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had on Tuesday moved a motion on notice for an order of final forfeiture of the properties as well as the money belonging to the respondents: Olotu Morakinyo, and Ebony Aneke, both captains, as well as Lakewood Garden Ventures Limited.
The first respondent, Mr Morakinyo, served as Maritime Guard Commander in the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, between January and September, 2013.
The second respondent, Mr Aneke, served as Maritime Guard Commander in NIMASA between September 2013 and December, 2014.
The third respondent, Lakewood, is a company jointly owned by the second respondent and his sister, Jimmie Aneke.
Justice Hassan had on March 28 ordered the interim forfeiture of the properties, following a motion ex parte filed by the EFCC
In a 38-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Idris Adamu, an operative of the EFCC, the applicant prayed for an order of the court forfeiting to the federal government a three-bedroom terrace duplex at Lekki Gardens Limited Estate , Phase IV, Lekki-Ajah, Lagos recovered by the Commission from the first respondent.
The EFCC had also prayed for an interim order forfeiting to the federal government another five-bedroom duplex at Lekki, Lagos State recovered by the commission from the second respondent.
Also, the EFCC had sought an interim order of the court forfeiting to the federal government the N11 million found and recovered by the commission from the third respondent.
In his ruling on Thursday, the judge granted all the prayers sought by the applicant.
Justice Hassan had further directed the applicant to notify the respondents to appear before the court and show cause within 14 days why the properties should not be finally forfeited to the federal government.
The judge had also directed the publication in any national newspaper of the interim order for the respondents or anyone interested in the properties and the money to show cause within 14 days why they should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
Consequently, the EFCC had moved a motion on notice for the final forfeiture of the properties as well as the money, having published the interim forfeiture order in a national newspaper, as ordered by the court.
At the last adjourned sitting, counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo, informed the court that the first and second respondents had been served the notice and that they acknowledged services.
However, the respondents were absent in court during the last proceedings.
In view of this, Justice Hassan had adjourned the case to May 3 for ruling on the application filed by the EFCC.
In his ruling today, Justice Hassan ordered the final forfeiture of the properties and the money to the federal government.
-
JUST IN: Pres. Buhari meets Lekki Deep Sea Port developers
President Muhammadu Buhari early on Friday met with the developers of Lekki Deep Sea Port flagged off by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday in events marking the president official two days visit to Lagos state.
President @MBuhari in Lagos State, meets with the developers of Lekki Deep Sea Port led by Minister of Transportation, @ChibuikeAmaechi and MD NPA Haj. @HadizaBalaUsman. #PMBinLagos pic.twitter.com/lmci0BCJjm
— Bashir Ahmad (@BashirAhmaad) March 30, 2018
Flagging off the Deep Sea Port project on behalf President Buhari yesterday, Osinbajo said, the port is expected to ease congestion at the Apapa port.
He said the Federal Government was informed the port will target about 1.5 million 20-foot equivalent unit container capacity annually, and an expected increase to as high as about 4.7 million when the project operations commence.
The Vice President revealed that once the project is completed, government expects to influence generation of up to 170,000 direct and indirect jobs, and that the port would become one of the largest deep-water ports in West Africa and serve as a hub for port operations in the whole of the sub-region.
Osinbajo stressed further that the promoters of the project also plan to dredge the port channel to about 16 metres draft, one that is not currently obtainable in any seaport or any port in the country.
According to him, this is an indication that ships of larger sizes and very large crude carriers will be able to visit the port while greater efficiency and economy of scale will generate significant revenues for the Nigerian economy, with government earning a significant portion of it.
The Vice President believes the construction of the port would also enhance the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), and its emphasis on supporting game-changing infrastructural projects directed at making major impacts in trade and commerce sector.
He revealed that the Federal Government has provided an aggregate of about N90bn for the development of special economic zones in its last two budgets.
“We are developing the Lekki special economic zone as a model special economic zone specifically targeting exports. The development of this deep seaport is mission critical to the achievement of the important objectives of creating a special economic zone,” he said.
While noting that project is essentially private sector driven, Professor Osinbajo said the government remains committed to its economic philosophy of private sector leadership in its economic development effort.
He commended the state government and other promoters of the project, as well as the Minister of Transportation, Mr Chibuike Amaechi, whom he said his zeal has continued to drive the project.
He also assured the stakeholders that the Federal and state governments would be ready to provide necessary support to ensure the completion of the project.
The event was also attended by the deputy governor of Lagos State, Dr Idiat Adebule; and the Ministers of Trade and Investment, Dr Okechukwu Enelamah, among others.
-
Osinbajo arrives Lekki, flags off Deep Sea Port, lists gains of port
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday in Lekki, Lagos Island, flagged off the Deep Sea Port project while explaining how the port will be of benefits to Nigeria and Nigerians.
VP Osinbajo arrives Lekki to flag-off the Deep Sea Port project. This port will service heavier vessels & ease congestion @ Apapa Port & compliment the port. It's a public private sector partnership that will take the Nigerian maritime industry to the next level.
— Laolu Akande (@akandeoj) March 29, 2018
The special guest of honour, Vice President @ProfOsinbajo has arrived the Lekki Free Trade Zone, venue of the ground breaking pic.twitter.com/lk28eAdDbp
— Nigerian Ports (@nigerianports) March 29, 2018
The port, which is expected to ease congestion at the Apapa port, Osinbajo said the Federal Government was informed will target about 1.5 million 20-foot equivalent unit container capacity annually, and an expected increase to as high as about 4.7 million when the project operations commence.
The Vice President revealed that once the project is completed, government expects to influence generation of up to 170,000 direct and indirect jobs, and that the port would become one of the largest deep-water ports in West Africa and serve as a hub for port operations in the whole of the sub-region.
Osinbajo stressed further that the promoters of the project also plan to dredge the port channel to about 16 metres draft, one that is not currently obtainable in any seaport or any port in the country.
According to him, this is an indication that ships of larger sizes and very large crude carriers will be able to visit the port while greater efficiency and economy of scale will generate significant revenues for the Nigerian economy, with government earning a significant portion of it.
The Vice President believes the construction of the port would also enhance the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), and its emphasis on supporting game-changing infrastructural projects directed at making major impacts in trade and commerce sector.
He revealed that the Federal Government has provided an aggregate of about N90bn for the development of special economic zones in its last two budgets.
“We are developing the Lekki special economic zone as a model special economic zone specifically targeting exports. The development of this deep seaport is mission critical to the achievement of the important objectives of creating a special economic zone,” he said.
While noting that project is essentially private sector driven, Professor Osinbajo said the government remains committed to its economic philosophy of private sector leadership in its economic development effort.
He commended the state government and other promoters of the project, as well as the Minister of Transportation, Mr Chibuike Amaechi, whom he said his zeal has continued to drive the project.
He also assured the stakeholders that the Federal and state governments would be ready to provide necessary support to ensure the completion of the project.
The event was also attended by the deputy governor of Lagos State, Dr Idiat Adebule; and the Ministers of Trade and Investment, Dr Okechukwu Enelamah, among others.
-
4 die as Lexus Jeep, commercial bus collide in Lagos
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) on Sunday said that four people died as a Lexus Jeep plying one way rammed into a commercial bus on Lekki/Epe Expressway.
The General Manager of LASEMA, Mr Adesina Tiamiyu, said in a statement in Lagos that the accident happened at the First Gate inward Oriental Hotel, along Lekki/ Epe Expressway.
Tiamiyu said that the agency was alerted at about 6.49am on a distress call via the emergency toll free line 112/767 regarding the accident.
He said that this prompted the immediate activation of the agency’s Response Team, other emergency responders and the security operatives to the scene of the incident.
According to him, investigation carried out by the agency’s Response Team at the scene of the incident reveals that a Lexus Jeep GX470 with registration number KJA-615DF was plying one way.
”The Lexus Jeep ran into a commercial bus (KRE-302XA) that was just cleared by the ticketing officers at the toll gate.
”A total of four fatalities were recorded which includes three adult male and an adult female.
”Sixteen casualties with severe injuries were recorded, including four adult female and 12 adult male. The driver of the jeep was transported to the General Hospital, Marina.
”The LASEMA Response Team alongside LASAMBUS, RRS, Nigeria Police Force, State Environmental Monitoring Unit (SEHMU) and LCCI were responders present at the scene of the incident,” he said.
Tiamiyu said that emergency/security operatives were involved in traffic management measures to forestall the occurrence of a secondary accident and crowd control.
He said that the operatives gave medical care to the casualties and subsequently moved them down to the General Hospital at Marina and Trauma Centre, at Toll Gate for further treatments.
According to him, the two adult male who died at the scene were subsequently handed over to the Lagos State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit (SEHMU), while the remaining two, an adult male and an adult female, were later confirmed dead.
Mr Adesina said that the accidented vehicles were recovered off the road with the aid of the agency’s light tow truck and subsequently handed over to the Lekki Concession Company Ltd (LCC) officials, who moved them down to Maroko Police station.
He, therefore, advised motorists to always endeavour to drive with caution when driving on highways.
The general manager urged motorists to abstain from drinking alcohol before driving, as well as ensure road worthiness of vehicles before embarking on journeys to avoid unecessary loss of lives.
Tiamiyu said that the Lekki incident would be further investigated by the security operatives, while the state government would also ensure prosecution of the culprit to serve as deterrence of errant motorists.