THISISLAGOS MIDDAY NEWS UPDATE MAY 25, 2018
Lagos APC: I am not plotting to displace Tinubu – Banire (PremiumTimes)
The National Legal Adviser of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Muiz Banire, on Sunday said there is no rift between him and a national leader of the party, Bola Tinubu. A statement issued by Mr Banire on Sunday said reports insinuating that he is plotting to displace Mr Tinubu as the leader of the party in Lagos state are untrue. The statement said there is no rivalry between Messrs Banire and Tinubu, whom the National Legal Adviser described as his “leader”. The lawyer described the insinuations as the handiwork of mischief makers, threatened by the cordial relationship that exists between him and Mr Tinubu. Read more
Lagos takes medical mission to grassroots (Nation)
In continuation of its goal to take healthcare to the grassroots and underserved areas of Lagos State and achieve universal health coverage, the government has taken its Eko Health Mission initiative to several suburbs of the state. Health Commissioner Jide Idris said the initiative was a comprehensive primary healthcare intervention programme targeted at residents. “Although medical missions are short-term interventions, it is projected that the beneficiaries of this intervention shall include the most vulnerable part of our population at the grassroots, including the elderly, our very young, pregnant women, people living with disabilities and other health conditions related to maternal and child health,” he said. Read more
Ambode, UNILAG VC advise civil servants on performance (Punch)
The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, and the Vice- Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, have advised civil servants to embrace a positive mindset for optimum performance in service. The duo spoke on Thursday at the opening ceremony of a two-day training programme in Ikeja. Ambode, who noted that workers with the right mindset would produce positive results, urged the state workers to first have a strategic plan and then implement it. “Like any major project, it is essential to have objectives, a timeline, a budget and the right leader(s) and team to develop the strategic plan. Many plans have been derailed or delayed due to the lack of planning,” he said. Read more
Ambode reaffirms commitment to uplift Tertiary Education (Independent)
Akinwunmi Ambode, Lagos State Governor has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to raising the standard of tertiary education in the state such that graduates of those institutions would be employable anywhere in the world. Governor Ambode made the pledge on Thursday at the day two of the 22nd convocation ceremony of Lagos State University, (LASU) which held at the institution’s main auditorium in Ojo, where 4, 955 graduands were awarded higher degrees. Ambode who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Oluranti Adebule identified urgent need to initiate policies and strategies that would bridge the wide skill gap that has continuously rendered many graduates from the nation’s institutions unemployable after leaving school. Read more
Quran competition holds in Lagos (Guardian)
All is set for the grand finale of the 15th edition of biennial Quran memorization competition slated for Sunday, May 27, 2018 at the University of Lagos Main Auditorium. The theme of his year Quran competition is ‘Hope for the hopeless’. Amir (President), Lagos State Area Unit of Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) Dr. Saheed Ashafa, said the competition attracted interest from over 250 participants. 54 reciters would compete in the grand finale and 18 would emerge as winners. He said, the competition is held in honour of Late Alhaji AbdulLateef Adegbite, the pioneer President of the MSSN, who died about six years ago. Read more
Traders resist eviction from RCCG’s property (Punch)
Traders in the Oko-Baba Plank Market in Lagos State have resisted the notices to quit given by the Redeemed Christian Church of God. The traders called on the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, who is a RCCG pastor, and the state Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, to intervene. The traders said they reached an agreement in June 2015 with RCCG that the church would only reclaim the land after the state government had relocated the traders. Speaking on behalf of the traders during a press conference in Ebute-Meta, a trader, Mr. Oludare Dada, said the church had broken the agreement and wanted to forcibly remove them from the market. Read more
Lifemate opens ‘largest’ showroom in Lagos (DailyTrust)
A 6,800 square metres showroom has been commissioned by a Chinese-owned made-in-Nigeria furniture company, Lifemate Nigeria Limited, along Lekki-Ajah area of Lagos State last Saturday. The showroom was built on a three-storey building with each floor having different compartments. The six divisions of the newly built showroom are; home furniture, kitchen cabinet, outdoor furniture, office furniture, sanitary wares and massaging machine. According to the Managing Director of Lifemate, Derek Dai, the land was acquired 11 months ago and was constructed and decorated within eight months. He attributed the success of the company to the support of the Nigerian government and the Chinese consulate. Read more
Centenarian presents book on Lagos history (Punch)
A retired lawyer and former Pro-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Justice Isiaka Oluwa, has presented a book titled, A Life in Motion: Reminiscences of a Jurist at 100 Years. The presentation held on Wednesday at Dalinytonh Hall, Lagos, was symbolic for the author as he also marked his 100th birthday – organised by his family members, in collaboration with the Committee of Indigenous Association of Lagos State. According to the author, the book makes a special case for space for Nigerians of Lagos State origin. Read more
Lagos seeks sanity in e-commerce (Punch)
The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency has said it will ensure that all consumers in the state are satisfied with goods purchased, especially through e-commerce platforms. The General Manager of the agency, Mrs. Oluwakemi Olugbode, stated this on Thursday in Ikeja during an interactive session with some operators of electronic commerce business. She said the meeting was called by the agency because of several complaints it had received since the agency became operational earlier in the year. Olugbode listed some of e-commerce-related complaints to include misleading advertisement, provision of inadequate information, incorrect prices, late delivery or non-delivery of goods, non-provision of promised products and delay in the process of refund of purchase, among others. Read more
Standard Gauge: Laying of Tracks in Lagos to Begin in June, Says Amaechi (ThisDay)
In order to meet the December delivery deadline for the Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge, work will begin on the Lagos corridor by June, the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, said thursday.He also acknowledged the efforts of the Lagos State government in finding lasting solutions to the challenges inhibiting the pace of work. Amaechi spoke after the project inspection meeting of the project at Papalanto, in Ogun State. He listed gas and petroleum pipeline, water and sewage removal as well as other structures as among the challenges besetting the project. Assessing the pace of work, Amaechi concluded that work has moved speedily from Ijoko, to Ibadan, Oyo State capital. Read more
Delayed housing project in Lagos to be completed – Nigerian govt (PremiumTimes)
The federal government will soon resolve the challenges delaying the completion and delivery of its Igbogbo/Bayeku Housing Scheme in Ikorodu area of Lagos State to Nigerians. The Minister of State II for Power, Works and Housing, Suleiman Zarma, said this while inspecting the Igbogbo/Bayeku Prototype Housing Scheme on Thursday. Mr Zarma said that the project was awarded in 2014 but was stalled due to demand for an upward review of the project sum by the contractors. “The aim of this visit is to ascertain what is really happening on site from its managers. “I have heard that the contractors are asking for an upward review of the contract sums,’’ he said. Read more
Lagos woos investors to Lekki FTZ (Punch)
The Lagos State Government has reassured investors of its unflinching commitment toward providing adequate security and infrastructure for investors in the Lekki Free Trade Zone. The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, made the pledge recently at the foundation laying ceremony of the $20m Longrich Research Institute Factory at the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos. The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry and Cooperatives, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, said the state government was highly elated by the investment of the company. Read more
Why Lagos will continue to excel in Hajj/Pilgrims management — Alarafa (Vanguard)
The Chief Executive Officer of Al Kaothara AbdulSalam Company Ltd, a Saudi based service provider for Hajj and Umurah pilgrims as well as Tour Operator in Nigeria, Alhaji AbdulWaheed AbdulRaheem has applauded the Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode for its continued support to pilgrims from the state in Saudi Arabia, adding that the state over the years had shown capacity to deliver a robust hajj operations and services to pilgrims. He noted that was the reason the state will continue to excel among others in the management of Holy Pilgrimage annually. Read more
YEDI launches BMZ Skillz Girl Project in Lagos (ThisDay)
In line with its overall vision to build the health assets of young people, facilitate their access to health services and promote adherence to healthy behaviour, a non-profit organisation, Youth Empowerment and Development Initiative (YEDI) has launched an adolescent health project for girls. Aptly tagged the BMZ SKILLZ Girl Project and sponsored by the German Government’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development through StreetFootballWorld, the girls-only project targets over 2,000 girls aged 13 and 19 in disadvantaged communities in Lagos, Abuja, Akwa Ibom and Ogun states and centres on HIV/AIDS prevention, sexuality and life skills and aims at supporting young women and girls to better protect themselves from HIV/AIDS and make self-determined life decisions. Read more
Monarch honours King’s College former principal (Punch)
The Alani of Idoani Kingdom in Ondo State, Oba Olufemi Olutoye, has conferred an honorary title on a former Principal of King’s College, Lagos, Otunba Oladele Olapeju. The monarch said Olapeju was honoured for his impactful contributions to educational development in the community and the state. According to a statement made available to our correspondent, Olapeju, who was conferred with the title of Asiwaju of Idoani Kingdom, had served in the Ministry of Education for over 30 years and retired as a principal of in 2015, after playing a pioneering role in the growth of King’s College. Read more
Facebook launch NG_Hub in Lagos – its first hub space in Africa (Guardian)
To deepen its commitment and investment foothold in Africa, Facebook on Tuesday, May 22 unveiled NG_Hub, Lagos, Nigeria – its first flagship community hub space in Africa, in partnership with CcHub. The week-long celebration will bring together developers, start-ups, and the wider tech community across Lagos and Nigeria. The multi-faceted space aims to bring together communities to collaborate, learn, and exchange ideas. With creativity and excellence existing across all of Nigeria, Facebook also announced partnerships with seven other hubs across the country including in Abuja (Ventures Platform), Jos (nHub), Kaduna (Colab Hub), Kano (DI Hub), Uyo (Start Innovation Hub), Enugu (Roar Hub) and Port Harcourt (Ken Saro Wiwa Hub). Read more
NASCO partners Nnenna and Friends for Children’s Day (Guardian)
NASCO Cornflakes has teamed up with organisers of Nnenna and Friends Children’s Day show billed for May 27, 2018 at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos. At a media briefing to announce this year’s show, Gbolahan Oyenuga, Senior Brand Manager, NASCO Cornflakes, remarked that the partnership is driven by a common goal; to celebrate and inspire greatness in children. He said, “just like Nnenna and Friends, NASCO Cornflakes share a strong and special bond with children and teenagers. Partnering on this year’s Children’s day offers the opportunity to connect with them in a fun-filled and relaxed environment whilst providing them with quality nutritional products that enriches them.” Read more
My foundation staff defrauded me of N3m, says Alakija (Punch)
Billionaire businesswoman, Mrs. Folorunso Alakija, on Thursday told an Ikeja High Court how one Vincent Ayewah, an employee of her Rose of Sharon Foundation, allegedly defrauded her of N3m. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Vincent, who was employed by Alakija as a clerk and administrative officer, is standing trial alongside his siblings, Florence and Emmanuel, as well as four others for fraud. The other defendants are Onuwa David, Okoronkwo Chikadibia, Ehizibolo George and Chinyere Awanah. Read more
Lagos community demands relocation of Tuesday Tuesday Church (Vanguard)
The love between residents of Soba Community of Abule Ado in Amuwo Odofin Local Council Development Area of Lagos and a worship centre situated in the town has suddenly turned into hatred. Last Friday, May 18, 2018, leaders and residents of the community trooped out enmass to protest the alleged nefarious activities of the worship centre. As a matter of fact, the community has petitioned the Federal and Lagos State governments, calling for the relocation of Power of the Holy Ghost Evangelical Ministry (popularly called Tuesday Tuesday Church), alleging its refusal to conform to basic tenets of good citizenship. The community condemned the activities of the church in its entirety and especially the use of police force to harass residents, describing the action as unjust. Read more
Lagos printer abducts, rapes pupil he met on Facebook (Punch)
A screen printer, Oluwaseun Badejo, has been arrested by operatives of the Lagos State Police Command for allegedly abducting and raping a 15-year-old girl, identified as Lateefat, in the Somolu area of the state. Punch Metro learnt that the Senior Secondary School two pupil of a public school at Ifako, Gbagada, was allegedly drugged before the suspect serially raped her. Our correspondent gathered that the duo met on a social media platform, Facebook. Badejo, who claimed to be a pastor, was said to have started by sending prayer messages to the victim. The 25-year-old was reported to have later invited her to a shop on Ayepe Street, Somolu, from where he lured her to his friend’s house. Read more
Fake LASG Task Force Official in Police Net (Independent)
The operatives of the Lagos State Task Force on Thursday nabbed a notorious tout who impersonates as an official of the agency. The authority also arrested 97 commercial motorcycles whose owners plied unorthorised routes in Ikorodu area of the state. SP Olayinka Egbeyemi, Chairman of the Task Force, disclosed that the notorious tout identified as Mr. Abiodun Adeleye, a 51-year-old man, was nabbed by the enforcement team of the agency under the Mile 12 Bridge. He was arrested shortly after he had allegedly arrested a Toyota Camry car for obstruction and collected N3,000 bribe from the owner of the vehicle under the false pretext that he was an official of Lagos State Task Force. Read more
Policemen allegedly kill salesman while dispersing street fight (Punch)
Residents of Ajegunle, Lagos State, have demanded justice for the death of one Obinna, a salesman who was allegedly killed by a police stray bullet during a street fight in the area. Punch Metro learnt that the police had been invited to disperse the fighters when the victim was hit by the bullet in a provisions store on Okoya Street. Our correspondents gathered that the street had been invaded by some hoodlums known as Cemetery boys, who were armed with machetes and stones.The men were reported to have attacked residents and used the opportunity to rob some residents and passersby. Read more