Senate President, Bukola Saraki granted the Hausa version of the BBC service an interview today, See quotes from the interview below

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/11/photos-nigeria-is-not-corrupt-country.html

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Controversial blogger and self-acclaimed international journalist Kemi Olunloyo says she has ended her quarrel with everyone she had issues with on social media.

She made the announcement on Wednesday with a picture of herself and a caption to go with it. On the picture, she listed the names of the people most concerned.

“Today I officially end my beefs with everyone on #socialmedia. I will be changing #Nigeria to empower others without seeing faults,” she twitted.


The names she included on her list are: Popular Redeemed Church general overseer, Pastor Adeboye; popular blogger, Linda Ikeji; street rap star, Olamide Adedeji; former president of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo; former Miss Nigeria, Bianca Ojukwu, Sahara Reporters, Nigerian youth and her dad and former governor of Oyo State Omololu Olunloyo.

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/11/kemi-olunloyo-ends-fight-with-everyone.html

Nice development

The Lagos State Government on Wednesday terminated the monthly environmental sanitation exercise which hitherto held for three hours on the last Saturday of every month.

The State Government, in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, said the decision to cancel the monthly exercise followed a resolution arrived at Wednesday’s Executive Council meeting which approved the need for a robust review of the environmental laws and procedures in the state in order to meet the present day challenges and to promote a clean and healthy environment.


The Government noted that considering the present economic situation in the country, it was no longer appropriate to restrict movement of people for three hours in a mega city like Lagos at a time they should be pursuing commercial and entrepreneurial activities.


According to government, in the last two decades, Lagos has grown exponentially into a mega city with the attendant huge environmental problems associated with managing a population of over twenty million people.

But sadly, the environmental laws, policies and procedures being practiced in the State have not been able to match the phenomenal growth and the dream of a 24-hour economy, hence the need for the reform.

Ayorinde said the State Government was not unaware of a recent Court of Appeal judgment.

According to him, the thrust of the fresh initiatives, among others, is to promote holistic and modern solutions to the unique environmental challenges confronting the State, while encouraging citizens to voluntarily partner with government to achieve the desired goals.


The Statement said: “After a careful consideration, the State Executive Council has therefore resolved that the present economic climate can no longer support the continued lock down of a mega city like Lagos, when the citizens should be free to engage in commercial and entrepreneurial activities that can promote economic growth and prosperity.

“Furthermore, Government will also accelerate the introduction of fresh reforms through the passage of the new harmonized environmental laws that will drive meaningful changes in areas of harmonized billing, waste management, modern Landfill sites, noise pollution, introduction of an Environmental Trust Fund and an Environmental Advisory Council.

“The Government wishes to reiterate its strong commitment to a clean and secure environment for the benefit of its citizens, and will continue to provide the necessary leadership to meet the environmental challenges of a mega city like Lagos. Lagosians and visitors alike are therefore urged to embrace these changes and imbibe a culture of voluntarily maintaining and preserving their environment to create a beautiful and healthy city that we all can be proud of.”

The statement added that the State Government would henceforth be tougher in ensuring expeditious enforcement against contraventions of its policies and regulations and as such, residents should voluntarily comply with the necessary laws and support government in its bid to have a clean and healthy environment.



SIGNED
STEVE AYORINDE
COMMISSIONER FOR INFORMATON & STRATEGY
LAGOS STATE
NOVEMBER 23, 2016

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/11/lagos-environmental-sanitation-cancel.html

More at http://www.metronaija.com/2016/11/photos-thugs-stab-eyitayo-jegedes.html

Political thugs attacked Eyitayo Jegede's campaign office today, some of his supporters were injured in the process. The PDP has called on their members in Ondo State to remain calm and must not retaliate as we await the outcome of Nigeria Police investigation.

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/11/photos-thugs-stab-eyitayo-jegedes.html

A Presidential spokeperson, Mal. Garba Shehu has dismissed suggestions that the masses will desert President Buhari in 2019 as unfounded and utterly ridiculous, and asserted that ordinary Nigerians are the backbone of his mandate and the only reason he ran for the office is to protect them against the rapacious merchants of corruption, who have held Nigeria back for decades.

Reacting to allegations by a former CPC member, Alhaji Buba Galadima that President Buhari would be abandoned by the people in 2019, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said Galadima's calculation and prediction is utterly confused and misleading.

He said the masses are solidly behind Buhari because he is not stealing their money and their future, that the President's enormous goodwill remains ever strong because the people are convinced the President is acting in their best interest, despite the temporary unintended consequences of reforms.

President Muhammadu Buhari is far from isolation. He enjoys a very strategic relationship with ordinary Nigerians. This relationship is as solid a the proverbial rock. If Buba Galadima thinks that because he has no role and no job in this government that means president is isolated he is putting himself up to ridicule.

According to him, Galadima cannot speak for the masses as far as their steadfast loyalty to Buhari is concerned. While acknowledging that Galadima was entitled to advance his own political agenda, Malam Garba said Galadima didn't have the right to decide for ordinary voters.

Malam Garba Shehu recalled that Buba Galadima's disagreement with President Buhari was based on principle. He explained that President Buhari is committed to level playing field and would not want anyone to link his name to injustice.

The Presidential media aide said Galadima's disagreement with Buhari started in 2011 when a group within the party, orchestrated an organizational mess by which the CPC embarked on the imposition and substitution of candidates for cash payments at the expense of those duly and democratically elected.

He said Muhammadu Buhari was embarrassed by the incidents and complaints about the imposition and substitution of candidates, adding that he, as a democrat, would not suppress the will of the people to please selfish interests. Consequently he dispensed with the service, such as they are, of Buba Galadima; ran and won the 2015 Elections without them. Let Buba Galadima go to his constituency, stand for election and see what will happen to him, concluded Mal. Garba Shehu.

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/11/buhari-wont-be-alone-in-2019-presidency.html

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Sunday said no fewer than 50,000 athletes from across the world are expected to participate in the second edition of Access Bank Lagos City Marathon billed to hold on February 11, 2017.

Governor Ambode, who stated this at Lagos House in Ikeja while addressing a world press conference on the marathon, said necessary logistics have been put in place to make the event hugely successful, and as well promote the tourism potentials of the State.

The Governor said about 33, 753 runners including 65 elite marathoners from different parts of the world and over 100 local elite runners participated in the 2016 edition held on February 6 this year, while the marathon was adjudged as one of the best in the world.

He said the government was working to ensure that the 2017 edition of the Lagos City Marathon billed to hold on Saturday, February 11, 2017 would see a major improvement compared to the maiden edition.

Governor Ambode said that as a result of the success of the maiden edition, several individuals and corporate organisations have contacted the organisers of the Marathon to partner towards ensuring a successful tourney, adding that it would go a long way to engage and empower thousands of Lagosians in various sectors.

The Governor said that the 2017 edition, would also feature the top ten men and women marathoners in the world, who would also be joined by many gold label, silver label and bronze label marathoners from different parts of the world.

He said the appearance fees for gold label runners is $50,000, silver label $20,000 and bronze label $10,000, adding that invited local and foreign elite runners would be paid 50 per cent of their appearance fee now and balance up when they arrive Lagos for the tourney.

Winner of the 2017 Lagos City Marathon, according to the Governor would also go home with a cash prize of $50,000, while second and third place winners will smile home with $40,000 and $30,000 respectively.

“The Lagos City Marathon is presently ranked 68th in the world, but our desire is to make it the top ten in the world and that is what we are working on with the next episode of the event.

“Unlike the one held on February 6 this year, where we had over 30,000 athletes who participated, we are targeting a minimum of 50,000 runners who will take the city of Lagos by storm and put the city on the world map for coming up with such a huge event.

“We look forward to something exciting happening in Lagos. We are going to use sports as a vehicle to help develop our youths and when you talk about youth development you have to talk about recreational sports, about how you mentally activate younger ones and we just think that this marathon is one of those vehicles that we should use to galvanise sports in younger ones and even Lagosians at large,” Governor Ambode said.

The Governor also expressed optimism that the success of the first edition and efforts to make next year’s edition bigger, the Lagos City Marathon would soon be labeled by the IAAF.

“We may get the CAA label before February 11, 2017; this will be another feat. We have put the necessary machinery in place to have a more elaborate start and a grand finish for this edition. There will also be entertainment at the finish for runners and spectators,” he said.

The Governor also added that for the 2017 edition, plans have been put in place to accommodate volunteers who would work hand in hand to make the event a success, adding that every volunteer would get a certificate signed by him and their names will be in Lagos State data base for volunteers.

He said that the State Government was working with other partners to address the challenges and hiccups recorded in the first edition of the Marathon, assuring that he would personally supervise the logistics required for the event.

“Route education plan will be released early so that Lagosians can plan their movement on race day. There will also be live transmission for the local and global audience. There will be clearer and bolder kilometer marking along the route. Our target is to also make Lagosians proud of this event and make them look forward to it every year,” the Governor said.

On his part, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, Managing Director of Access Bank, the major partners of the Lagos City Marathon, expressed optimism that the 2017 edition of the race would be bigger and better.

He said Access Bank was glad to partner with Lagos State, noting that the success of the first edition did not only showcase Lagos to be an avenue for sports development, but also for the growth of tourism and youth development.



SIGNED

HABIB ARUNA

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

NOVEMBER 21, 2016

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/11/50000-athletes-to-participates-in-lagos.html

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

As Shared by Eyitayo Jegede campaign twitter account
Over 10 severely injured as Jimoh Ibrahim thugs attacks Eyitayo Jegede campaign office in Akure today. See photos below

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/11/photos-thugs-attack-eyitayo-jegede.html

More at http://www.metronaija.com/2016/11/police-photos-kano-shiites-protest.html

Police have reportedly teargassed members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria aka Shi'ites that are currently staging a protest in Kano over the continued detention of their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky in DSS custody. The same protest is also holding in Gombe state. More photos from the protest after the cut.

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/11/police-photos-kano-shiites-protest.html

Senate President, Bukola Saraki pictured at the 4th year remembrance ceremony of his late Father, Olusola Saraki today. See photos below

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/11/saraki-olusola-saraki-remebrance-news.html

More at http://www.metronaija.com/2016/11/photos-osinbajo-and-gov-sani-bello-at.html

Vice President, Prof. Osinbajo and wife, Dolapo were pictured with the Niger state Governor Sani Bello at the Minna Choral Society 8th Annual Festival of Songs. See photos below

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/11/photos-osinbajo-and-gov-sani-bello-at.html

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

A truck crushed a young man to death on his way home from a football training, on Sunday, November 13th, along water-works road, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

According to Facebook user, Nwaze, the deceased's friend who rode on the same motorbike with him is battling for his life in an undisclosed hospital.
The Police and Road Safety officials deposited the corpse and the truck to the traffic unit of the state command along the Abakaliki-Enugu Expressway. The driver of the truck initially fled the scene but was later arrested by the Police.

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/11/truck-accident-death-killed-ebonyi.html

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

More at http://www.metronaija.com/2016/11/photos-stephanie-linus-students-lagos-book-arts-festival.html

Award-winning actress and filmmaker, Stephanie Linus was a headline speaker at the “MENTORSHIP” programme of the 18th Lagos Book & Arts Festival 2016 on Friday 11th November.

The event which took place at the Freedom Park in Lagos saw a good turnout of students from Primary and Secondary Schools across the state.

Stephanie spoke on the topic “My Encounter with the Book” where she shared the impact of books and reading on her life with children and young adults. While recounting some of her childhood experiences with books, she encouraged them to imbibe positive values always and be great ambassadors of our nation.

Here are some photos from the event:

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/11/photos-stephanie-linus-students-lagos-book-arts-festival.html

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Former Cross River, Donald Duke, Chairman of Dangote group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Prof. Pat Utomi and Bashir Wali pictured at Afreximbank President, Dr Oramah's book launch this morning in Lagos.

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/11/donald-duke-dangote-pat-utomi-tony-elumelu-book-launch.html

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Kenneth Okonkwo has denied reports that he's one of the counsels to the IPOP leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who is standing trial for treasonable offence. See the rest of whta he wrote after the cut...

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/11/i-am-not-counsel-to-ipob-leader-nnamdi.html

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

In the build up to the US election, Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, threatened to trash his US green card, if the Republican candidate, Donald Trump, won. In this exclusive email interview today, Soyinka vowed to keep his word. He also spoke on the future of a Trump world:



Did Donald Trump's victory surprise you?

Not altogether. The possibility was looming nearer and nearer, getting scarier and scarier.

What do you think Trump's victory means for the world, especially Nigeria?

It's brought an already teetering world closer to the precipice.

Do you think the victory of Trump, who threatened to build a Wall is a coincidence coming exactly 27 years to the day the Berlin Wall came down?

Trump's Wall is already under construction. Walls are built in the mind, and Trump has erected walls, not only across the mental landscape of America, but across the global landscape. I am glad you referred to the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall - that was one anniversary in reversal!

Will you thrash your green card, as you reportedly said you would?

Come January 20, 2017; watch my WOLEXIT! (Donald Trump will be sworn-in as the 45th President of the United States of America on Friday, January 20, 2017)

At what point did it occur to you that Trump's victory was inevitable?

As Election Day approached, the spectre became near palpable. I refused to switch on the television this morning until I had stiffened myself with a strong espresso. I felt disaster in my marrow.


http://www.metronaija.com/2016/11/soyinka-tear-green-card-trump-sworn-in-news.html

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

More at http://www.metronaija.com/2016/11/drivers-passangers-oshodi-lagbus-brt-photos-news.html

Reports reaching us indicate that thousands of commuters are currently left stranded in Oshodi area of Lagos State.

This was made known in the pictures shared on the Twitter handle of @Gidi_Traffic this morning.

The commuters are left stranded following the sudden hike in transportation fare. Some of the affected commuters say the drivers increased fare by almost 10%, and compounding the problem for them are BRT buses that are not working today.

See photos of rowdy Oshodi this morning:

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/11/drivers-passangers-oshodi-lagbus-brt-photos-news.html

These days you can hardly see some ladies dress to an event without advertising watermelons. Singer Victoria Kimani, media personality, Bonang Matheba, actress Osas Ighodaro-Ajibade, Emma Nyra and others storm the All Africa Music Awards in bra-less fashions. More photos...

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/11/ladies-flaunt-cleavage-boobs-afrima-2016.html

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

More congratulatory messages are pouring in for the 2016 Federation Cup Champions, FC Ifeanyi Ubah.

The latest is coming from English Premier League side, West Ham who stated that they are proud of their African partners.



West Ham through their official twitter handle on Monday wrote:

Congratulations to our African partners @FCIfeanyiUbah and @Dr_IfeanyiUbah on winning the Nigerian Federation Cup for the first time! ⚒ https:///EoIl7j6dr4
— West Ham United (@WestHamUtd) November 7, 2016

FC IfeanyiUbah on Sunday emerged the winners of the 2016 men’s Federation Cup competition after a 5-4 penalty shoot –out defeat of Nasarawa United at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

Both teams battled to a 0-0 draw in regulation time at the finale watched by Nasarawa State Governor Umar Tanko Al-Makura, Sports Minister Solomon Dalung, Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Deji Tinubu and the full compliment of the Executive Committee and Management of Nigeria Football Federation led by the president, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick.

In the shoot –out, Seun Sogbeso, whose goal from the penalty spot steered Nasarawa United to the final at the expense of Enyimba FC in Ibadan, saw his tame kick saved by Warriors’ goalkeeper Uche Okafor to hand the trophy to the boys from Nnewi.

With this, FCIU will represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup next season

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/11/west-ham-ifeanyi-ubah-fc-win-congratulate-news-fed-cup.html

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Thousands of commuters were stranded on Monday on Ikorodu Road as staff of LAGBUS (red buses) protested the Lagos State Government’s ban on them from plying the Ikorodu corridor.

Metronaija gathered that LAGBUS staff vent their anger on government’s decision to bar them from plying the route by attacking BRT (blue buses) and vandalized 20 of them as well as blocked the expressway to prevent the blue buses from working.

On Friday, the Lagos State Government banned LAGBUS from plying the Ikorodu Road corridor with effect from today.

Many commuters were stranded as the BRT buses were inadequate to convey them to and from their destinations.

Drivers and ticketers of LAGBUS took to the highway at Majidun to protest the ban on their vehicle from plying the dedicated BRT lanes across the state.

The protesters were seen displaying leaves in front of the State depot for LAMATA Blue BRT buses Terminal at Majidun in Ikorodu.

The development had caused heavy gridlock from Majidun to Benson bus stop. Commuters complained of the hardship they were made to go through because of the withdrawal of the buses from the route.

The drivers and the ticketers with leaves in their hands vowed to trek from Ikorodu to the State House at Alausa to press home their demand.

Managing Director, Primero Transport Services, Fola Tinubu said the BRT were working and that it was LAGBUS staff that had embarked on strike because they were banned from plying the route.

According to him, the protesters had damaged 20 BRT buses to express their grievances.

Residents of Ikorodu want the Management of Lagos Metropolitan Transportation Authority, LAMATA, to release more buses to Ikorodu axis of the State as commuters were stranded at various bus stops.

According to them, the need for more buses became imperative to address the suffering people experience daily in an attempt to of board buses to their respective places of work.

One of them, Mr Kehinde Lawal said the recent directive of the Lagos State Acting Commissioner for Transportation, Prince Anofiu Elegushi banning the red buses from the axis further worsen the situation.

The absence of LAGBUS from Ikorodu to Ketu, conveying passengers has, however, led to hike in transport fare by the commercial yellow buses.

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/11/lagbus-ban-ikorodu-staff-protest-news.html

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

The 7 military personnel who will be buried today at the National Cemetery in Abuja.

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/11/abu-ali-soldier-buried-national-cemetary-news.html

Kano state Governor Umar Ganduje today launched this year's rice harvest programme in Samawa and Kadawa villages in Garun Mallam local government. See photos below

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/10/photos-govenor-ganduje-rice-harvest-news.html

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji is bereaved. The monarch lost one of his daughters, Mujidat Alagbada, on Tuesday in an auto crash and has been down since then. It was said that the accident occurred at the end of Lagos-Ibadan express way on her way to her shop.

Her personal car had broke down, she then took a taxi, but unfortunately the taxi got involved in an accident which took her life. She was married to a popular music promoter, Alagbada.

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/10/olubadans-daughter-dies-in-auto-crash.html

The Lagos state Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare has said that the state Government will not relent in its effort at making the state the safest place to live in by providing a safe environment.

Adejare made the assertion at the official flag-off of the Lagos State Market Deratisation Programme, aimed at ridding the state of the Lassa Fever vector at Obalende market on Thursday.

The government is collaborating with Phosguard Fumigants, an NGO, to promote the programme through “Kill rats, make more money in Lagos’’.

Under the programme, the residents are encouraged to kill rats in their environs which the programme implementers, Phosguard will buy at a yet-to-be determined price for proper disposal.

The commissioner said the government was resolved to make Lagos State one of the safest places in spite of its increasing population.

“As a bourgeoning global urban agglomeration with a population of over 22 million people and daily waste generation of 13,000 metric tons, Lagos requires proactive environmental management to control pest and by extension diseases.

Lagos is a mega city with the highest population which is still growing though in terms of landmass it is the smallest state in the country.

According to a UN report, our nation still ranks among the countries with the highest number of infant mortality, hence we need to look inward to know how we can control this.

In lieu of this, we are looking at how we can free Lagos from diseases, pestilence and infestations. We talk about mosquito control, pest control and other dangerous animals in our society.

The administration of Governor Akinwumi Ambode is committed to ensuring that we have the safest place to live in not minding anywhere we are in Lagos,’’ he said.

Adejare said that to provide a safe environment for the people, vector control remains the ideal strategy.

“The mega structure of the state has, however, provided the opportunity for transmission of pathogens between animal species and humans which are heightened by the unprecedented increase in the movement of people.

No doubt, the alluring feature of our state exposes it to a number of threats that if unchecked can spell doom for the wellbeing of the residents in general.

The environmental and health hazards that vectors present to our people can therefore not be ignored. Therefore, to protect the population from epidemics, such as Lassa fever, vector control remains the way out.

Vector control is a means of eradicating mammals, birds and other arthropods collectively called vectors which transmit disease pathogens,’’ he said.

Adejare said that the government was using the most environmental friendly vector control intervention with no known side effect.

“To take advantage of the many benefits of vector control, less illness, safety of homes, building and markets, the government is delivering effective deratisation through the use of tested technology.

It is noteworthy that all over the world vector management has grown to become an economy on its own; we wish to take advantage of the enormous economic opportunities.

Therefore, as beneficiaries of this initiative, it is our responsibility to cooperate with the agents of government going round to rid our markets of rodents and other disease vectors.

The vector control programme is in line with our goal of regenerating the environment to make it liveable for all and for certain, we all have a role to play in the proper sanitation,’’ he said.

The sole administrator of Ikoyi Obalende Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Goke Ona-Olawale, lauded the government for the initiative and pledged the council’s cooperation for its success.

“We are lucky to have the flag-off of such an epoch initiative starting with our council. Obliviously, this council has so many important features to qualify it as first.

Most of the past presidents of the country lived in this community and we are also privileged to have two main barracks, Dodan and the Police barracks sited here.

We will ensure that all hands are on deck to ensure the success of the programme aimed at providing a safe environment for us all to live in.

The people have also pledged to give the government the necessary support because this is a programme that will directly benefit them and they are well aware,’’ he said.

The Iyaloja of Obalende, Alhaja Jokotade Logun, thanked the state government for its efforts at providing a safe environment for the market women and also pledged their support.

“This is a good thing coming to us, it shows that we have a government that is fully committed to our welfare and we will not disappoint, we will provide the necessary support.

For our markets to be free of filth, we have also evolved a plan within ourselves to compliment the government efforts, and I have the backing of our members toward achieving it.

We have been discussing about how we can improve on the sanitation within the markets and now that government has taken a bold step at helping us, we will also make sure we do not disappoint,’’ she said.

The state government has provided two Toyota Hilux vans and other logistics for the hitch-free implementation of the programme.

Also, the field officers from Phosguard Fumigants demonstrated how to bait for the rodents and evacuation of the dead rats.

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/10/lagos-state-government-launches-kill.html

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Former Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala with Mary Ellen Iskenderian, CEO of Women's World Banking, Uzoma Dozie CEO of Diamond Bank, Mark Napier, and Ade Ashaye at Women's World Banking Africa meeting hosted by Diamond Bank in Lagos, Nigeria

http://www.metronaija.com/2016/10/photo-ngozi-okojo-iweala-at-womens.html

This 75 year old mother couldn't control her emotions after Chairman of Sokoto Zakat board was released by kidnappers.


http://www.metronaija.com/2016/10/photo-kidnappers-release-chairman-of.html

cc: lalasticlala mynd44