The Lagos State Government has issued a 48-hour vacation notice to squatters and owners of illegal structures along the Gbagada-Bariga drainage channel.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, via a post on social media platform, X on Sunday.
Wahab explained that the drainage channel, which serves to deflood the Bariga, Gbagada, Sholuyi downstream communities, and other environs, has been blocked by squatters and obstructive structures.
This blockage has significantly contributed to the recent flooding in the area.
“The drainage channel which defloods Bariga, Gbagada, Sholuyi downstream communities and environs, and discharges into System 1 has been taken over by squatters who have constituted nuisance and security risks to the estate, and property owners who deliberately built to obstruct free flow of water in the area,” Wahab stated.
“Shanties were erected along the length of the channel, and their activities blocked collectors that are supposed to carry stormwater into the channel, which resulted in the flooding experienced during the week.”
Wahab added that following the expiration of the eviction notices, the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources will begin the removal of the illegal structures to restore proper drainage and mitigate flooding in the area.
This action comes after a 10-hour downpour on Wednesday that caused severe flooding in many parts of Lagos and Ogun states.
The heavy rain resulted in the collapse of a two-storey building in Mushin, halted vehicular movement on several roads, and disrupted business and commercial activities. Thousands of residents were affected, and many pupils were unable to attend school.
The Anambra State Police Command has declared as illegal, the proposed 7/7 cult day celebration scheduled to take place in Awka, the Anambra State capital, on Sunday.
The Command also warned hoteliers and proprietors of bars, and event/recreation centres to be cautious about such gatherings and their likes in their facilities as there will be consequences if found wanting.
In a statement on Saturday, the spokesman for the state police command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, insisted that such events or any other related activities remain banned and the public should take note.
Ikenga said the police should not hesitate to invoke relevant laws, especially the newly-signed anti-cultism law of the state, on anyone caught in cult/related activities or any act capable of undermining security in the state.
Ikenga added that the Police and other security agencies remained resolute, committed, and dedicated to making the state safer and secure, at all times.
The statement read, “Following the information received over time of a group of criminally minded individuals, especially under the guise of the cult day planned celebration tomorrow, July 7, 2024, an unholy event characterised by violence and bloodshed, the police command has advised such persons or groups to desist forthwith as the Police are saddled with the constitutional responsibilities of protecting lives and properties.
“The command will not allow such disgruntled elements to reverse several gains made by the security agencies on tackling cult-related incidents and shall deal decisively with anyone found wanting in this regard.
“However, the command reiterates that such event or any other related activities remains banned and shall not hesitate to invoke relevant laws, especially the newly signed Anti-Cultism law of the State, on anyone caught in cult/related activities or any act capable of undermining security in the State.
“To this end, the Command warns hoteliers and proprietors of bars, and event/recreation centres to be cautious about such gatherings and their likes in their facilities as there will be consequences if found wanting.
“Also, parents and guardians are advised to warn their wards to be law-abiding and desist from any act that could cause a breach of peace in the State.”
To know how stupid the claim about Ikwerre is Igbo is, It's like the Hausa claiming that kambari are Hausas or the Yorubas claiming that Itsekiri are Yorubas. Only the Igbos like to call other minorities Igbos. One of the many reasons they can't be trusted with power in Nigeria.
osazsky: see what common Kenya is doing...u allow tribalism blind ur brain..talking as if u are in Canada..don't deceive urself..everybody dey collect..even the rich dey collect I have many rich friends..some have hotels and companies..they struggle to pay staff cuz of low patronage even event centres are not left out..oga grow up
Are you an Igbo man?..your definition of tribalism below
Don't get it twisted. We in the North would never vote for Peter Obi. We would rather vote Atiku than vote that agulu scammer. Igbos are are too vile and wicked and can't be trusted with power.
Speaking with SaharaReporters in Igbo during the protest, the Vice President of Umuchima autonomous community, Mr. Chimezie Ugochukwu, said, “We gathered here today crying because in Umuchima, the road that leads from Orlu to Akaokwa in Ideato nation, there is a very big gully.
The residents of Umuchima Community in the Ideato South Local Government Area of Imo State on Friday staged a peaceful protest, lamenting that the gully erosion ravaging the community has rendered many of them homeless.
The protesters displayed placards with various inscriptions including “Gully erosion, Umuchima is homeless in Ideato South, Imo State,” “We are refugees in our state. We lost our houses and other properties to gully erosion,” “Gully erosion: families rendered homeless in Umuchima, Ideato South, Imo State. Presidency, take note,” and “We are homeless. Pray for us. We lost houses and other properties.”
The protesters, who also had a large poster of various photos showing the eroded community, destroyed houses and roads, said they had written to the state government several times for urgent intervention but despite their outcry for help, Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration had not taken any action to come to their rescue.
Speaking with SaharaReporters in Igbo during the protest, the Vice President of Umuchima autonomous community, Mr. Chimezie Ugochukwu, said, “We gathered here today crying because in Umuchima, the road that leads from Orlu to Akaokwa in Ideato nation, there is a very big gully.
“Since 2021, Umuchima community and the entire Ideato South have been writing to the government, both the state and the federal governments. The federal house and the Senate.
“We have taken our complaint to the Ecological department in Abuja concerning the problem in Umuchima but despite all our cries all this while, the government did not come to our aid.
“More than 50 buildings have been destroyed. The community cannot handle it again. That is why we came out, let the government come to our aid.
“This is behind KO Mbadiwe University. We are here for the government to see that we no longer have where we live. Our properties have been destroyed. Let the federal and state government help us and fix this erosion to save us.”
Mrs. Mary Nwakata, another protester, tearfully shared that she has lost her home to the devastating erosion, leaving her and her children without a place to live, and are now stranded and displaced.
“Even now, I don’t have a house. As I’m talking to you now, including my shop and my husband’s shop. As I am now, my children and I are stranded. We don’t know what to do or where to go. Erosion has washed everything, and that place is our last hope,” she said.
“I don’t have any hope again. The government should please help us,” an aged woman who also joined the protest lamented.
Also, one of the protesters and the Secretary General of Umuchima Community, Mabaoma Uche, said that the community has written several letters to Ikenga Ugochinyere, who is a member representing Ideato Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives to present to the House of Reps, “but since then, we don’t know what is happening. He has never told us what is happening about the letters we wrote”.
He said, “We have also written to the former House of Representatives member, Micheal Obi, but nothing has happened. We have also informed the former Governor, Senator Rochas Okorocha. We have written to other notable people but nothing has happened.”
Many victims were feared trapped when a two-storey building still under construction, housing traders and shop owners, collapsed at the Ekeoyibo Market, Amawbia in the Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State on Thursday.
Although the casualty figure had yet to be ascertained as of the time of filing this report, PUNCH Metro gathered that lives might have been lost in the incident and many victims are feared trapped under the rubble.
Eyewitnesses told our correspondent that the incident happened at about noon, causing panic among the traders and residents in the area.
This is coming barely a month after a five-storey building collapsed on the premises of Dennis Memorial Grammar School and less than four months after a similar occurrence happened at the Ochanja Market, all in Onitsha.
When our correspondent visited the scene, eyewitnesses revealed that the two-storey building suddenly crumbled, burying some traders under the debris.
The sources who refused to identify themselves because they were not permitted to speak said one person was rescued after about one hour of rescue operations and was immediately rushed to the Amawbia Maternity Home for urgent medical attention.
As of the time of filing this report on Thursday evening, it was gathered that more people were still trapped inside the wreckage.
Security operatives led by the state police command were at the scene coordinating the rescue operations and maintaining law and order.
Some wailing traders who witnessed the collapse told our correspondent that the disaster should be blamed on substandard engineering work, alleging that the building’s structural integrity had been compromised.
While some others blamed the collapse on the persistent rainfall in the area since last week.
The spokesman for the state police command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development when contacted, adding that two victims were rescued and rushed to the hospital.
Ikenga said, “In response to a distress call today 4/7/2024 at about 12:40pm of a building collapse at Ekeoyibo Market, Amawbia, police operatives have rescued two victims and taken them to the hospital for medical care.
“Meanwhile, on the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations led operatives at the scene for on-the-spot assessment, the area has been cordoned off and rescue operations are still ongoing.
“Further details shall be communicated, please.”
Meanwhile, rescue operations are currently going on, with emergency responders working tirelessly to search for survivors amidst the rubble.
PUNCH Metro observed that the atmosphere at the market was tense, with onlookers anxiously waiting for news of the rescue of people feared trapped in the building.
The incident sent panic throughout the community, with many calling for an investigation into the cause of the collapse.
The state government had yet to comment on the incident but promised to release a statement soon.
As the rescue efforts continued, the death toll remained uncertain, but there were fears that the tragedy might have claimed some lives.
The Amawbia market is a bustling commercial hub, with traders and residents struggling to come to terms with the devastating loss.
Whereas in a particular state in the same southern Nigeria, it can't even pay salary that hospitals are now shutting down e.g. but na so so propaganda dem dey take disturb is for social media.
At the $1800 a night Jade Mountain Resort in Saint Lucia.
Indeed, life is good. But when you make money, life is even better. That is why you should make making money your priority. Make it regularly. Make it legally!
A US-based Nigerian entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer of Asper Online Auction, Otunba Saheed Ashogbon, has announced plans to invest $100 million in an online auto auction platform in Nigeria.
Unveiling his plans to the media in Lagos, Ashogbon, who has lived in the US for over 30 years, explained that his return to Nigeria was in response to President Bola Tinubu’s call on Nigerians in the diaspora to come home and support the government with their investments.
He said: “I want to introduce a business that will benefit the country. I propose to bring an auction platform from the USA to sell all disused and abandoned vehicles across the country.
“The total funds earmarked for this project in Nigeria amount to $100 million. We intend to have our headquarters in Lagos and establish branches across all 36 states of the federation.”
Ashogbon stated that research conducted by his the company had identified over 500,000 indiscriminately parked and abandoned vehicles in Lagos alone.
The entrepreneur noted that his investment would help remove abandoned vehicles and makeshift dealers from the roadsides, generate employment for thousands of youths and provide tax revenue for the government.
He added that aside from helping the government ensure the roads are free from unnecessarily parked cars, it would also serve as a platform where owners of ‘end of life cars’ could quickly get a buyer for their abandoned vehicles.
The Asper boss disclosed that he has written to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu seeking their support for the venture, stressing that he requires about 50 hectares of land in Badagry, Epe, and Ikorodu to commence operations in Lagos, where he hopes to clear abandoned vehicles from the roads.
“At the start of the business, 20 youths from each of the 57 local governments and local council development areas will be employed immediately for different already mapped duties. All we are waiting for is the government’s buy-in by providing 50 hectares of land in Badagry, Epe, and Ikorodu for the commencement of operations.
“I will need 50 hectares of land in Badagry, Epe, and Ikorodu to commence operations in Lagos. We have found that there are 500,000 abandoned vehicles on the streets and roads of Lagos,” he stated.
Aba Market Traders Reportedly Pirate Zlatan Ibile’s Clothing Line Days After Launch
Barely days following the launch, pirated versions are reportedly spotted at the biggest fashion market in Aba.
Aba market traders have reportedly pirated the clothing line owned by the famous singer Zlatan Ibile. This is coming just days after he luanched his own clothing line.
It was gathered that Aba market traders have reportedly pirated and begun its mass production.
Some days ago, the singer launched his ‘Zanku To The World, ZTTW’ clothing brand. The opening was graced by the attendance of celebrities like Davido, Mercy Eke, Odunlade Adekola, Brodashaggi and many others.
A viral video revealed that all versions of the outfits have been recreated in bulk and already selling in markets. A viral video revealed that all versions of the outfits have been recreated in bulk and already selling in markets.
The pirated version of the ZTTW clothing line has sparked a wave of reactions on social media from many who suggested it’s unfair to ruin Zlatan Ibile’s business in that manner.
Old and young all came out in thousands to jubilate and take videos and pictures as the street now been turned to a sight attraction.
A video of Abia residents celebrating the installation of streetlights in Aba, by Governor Alex Otti, is trending online.
In the video, the residents could be seen dancing in excitement after the streetlights were turned on.
The video quickly sparked reactions among online users as some wondered how people could be celebrating such basic amenities in 2024, while others celebrated the development and commended Governor Otti.
See some reactions gathered by gwg.ng:
deals_npd said, “Nigerian are not asking for too much button.”
brendanukagod said, “They are jubilating over a street light, the state has really been in the dark. The past governors should be ashamed. Thank you Otti.”
myviewmyreality said, “You can imagine street light Nigerians just want good infrastructure, God bless Gov Otti.”
biromboy said, “Bad leadership is Satanic.”
i_am_graciousdiamond said, “The only working State, Doing new project every other day. God bless my Governor.”
officialchuddy said, “Good governance speaks for itself… When a good man is on the throne, people rejoice.”
okpainlagos said, “street light The past governors should be ashamed of themselves.”
rexyeastcoastnigga said, “Good governance is not rocket science.”
okohjohn47 Bush said, “people, na wetin Una suppose dey enjoy in the early 90s Una dey celebrate in 2024.”
just.gemgem commented, “Normally this is meant to be a normal thing but this country and it’s rulers.”
harryjlamb said, “We aren’t asking much…..light, road, low cost of food, etc……what have we done wrong Mr president.”
How.it will be funded has been explained like a 100 times by Umahi. You Obidient boys need to start reading instead of waiting for feeds from the likes of Hundeyin.
tobenuel: Someone commented up there, that when the Road project is finally completed will be the [/b]talk of the town in Africa[b] and I am here racking my brain, as to how a road in Naija will be talk of the town in the whole of Africa, like people in Mauritius, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt will be talking about it and trouping in their numbers to see the road.
This Nairaland people fit stain person white o
Coastal roads draws a lot of tourist into the country that those roads are domiciled.
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has said that his administration has aligned with the Federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the health sector to achieve improved access to quality healthcare delivery in the state.
Otti stated this while receiving the Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr Salma Ibrahim and her team who were in Abia on an advocacy visit.
He highlighted the shared objectives between Abia and the Federal Government, especially in the area of health and emphasized a mutual drive towards a common purpose despite political differences.
According to Otti: “Given all the things you reeled out about the President’s renewed hope agenda with specific reference to health, I didn’t think I would be exaggerating if I say that even if we’re not in the same party, we are on the same pedestal. We are driving towards the same purpose.
“We already keyed in on this renewed hope agenda of the Federal government. Because listening to you, all the areas that the Federal government is interested in, are also the areas we are interested in.”
Governor Otti listed his achievements in the health sector to include a robust budget for the healthcare delivery system, restoration of accreditation for the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, clearing of health workers’ salaries, tackling of maternal and child mortality rates, among others.
He affirmed his administration’s readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government in quality healthcare delivery for the people.
Earlier in her speech, the Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr Salma Ibrahim, called for partnership between Abia and the Federal Government to accelerate health sector transformation initiatives outlined in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
She called for sustained efforts in the reduction of maternal and child mortality in the country, assuring that the Federal government would support Abia State in achieving various health policies, even as she commended Otti for increasing budgetary allocation to healthcare by 15 percent.
The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has raised an alarm alleging that some Igbo people are out to destroy him for committing no crime except for being the President General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation.
Iwuanyanwu said that the same people were responsible for the death of the late former President General, Prof George Obizor after they burnt his residence in Imo State.
According to him, Obizor died after his house and his academic works were burnt down.
He, however, vowed that the apex Igbo body had decided to deal decisively with those described as dissidents whom he said were working against Igbo interests and using the name of Ohanaeze to trade with some political harlots.
Briefing journalists late Wednesday evening at Ohanaeze’s National Secretariat in Enugu after a long hours of meeting of the National Executive Committee of the organisation, the President General, vowed that those charlatans would no longer be allowed to have their way anymore.
“They tried to assassinate former President General Chief Nnia Nwodo and he was lucky he was not at home. They bombed his house. The same gang tried to assassinate late Chief George Obizor and when they could not get him directly, they burnt his residence. It was after the burning of his house and everything – his books that he died of the shock.
“Every President of Ohanaeze they will try to assassinate and now they are trying to assassinate me for doing no wrong other than that I accepted to serve Ndigbo despite my age.
“We are going to investigate the people who want to assassinate Nwodo, who killed Obiozor.”
Iwuanyanwu, however, warned that “if what is happening in Igbo land today is not nipped in the bud now, it is going to be very disastrous for Ndigbo in the future.”
The apex Igbo body insisted that there is no faction in Ohanaeze Ndigbo, saying only the Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu-led Ohanaeze Ndigbo that exists.
Iwuanyanwu stated that after the meeting of the NEC, the Igbo apex body decided to submit the names of the dissidents led by one Okechukwu Isiguzoro who parades himself as the Secretary General of Ohanaeze to Ime Obi, the highest decision-making body of Ohanaeze for necessary punishment.
According to Iwuanyanwu, their names would also be sent to all Igbo communities to be ostracised, while lamenting with pain the subversive activities of the group who he said were being driven by money had caused the Igbo Race.
Iwuanyanwu said he had a father called Isiguzoro and advised him, but he allegedly made demands of huge amounts to take care of his health.
He said “I promised to assist but still he did not stop issuing illegal statements to always counter Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s position on issues, just to confuse the public. He requested that Ohanaeze should give N50 million to go to Germany for medical treatment or he will continue to sabotage Ohanaeze’s activities.”
While he ruled out that the dissidents were being sponsored by some politicians because of their political interest, the President General explained that one Engr. Ibe who was working with them as the factional president general of Ohanaeze had come to him to tender an apology and professed his support to his administration while noting that he was no more with them.
Iwuanyanwu said that the most painful action taken by the dissidents was a rumour they circulated last week, accusing him of planning to go and beg the North for civil war.
“I have never visited Sokoto State in the past 30 years or so. I visited Sokoto last when I ran for the contested for president of Nigeria so many years ago. Such a thing was never contemplated or discussed at any Ohanaeze Ndigbo meeting,” while insisting that such would never happen.
He insisted that the 1966 military coup was not plotted by Igbo officers, rather an Igbo General stopped it, saying that Igbo deserve commendation for that.
“The coup of 1966 is a military affair and not an Igbo affair.
“Nigerians should beg the Igbo and not the Igbo to beg the north because we are the people gravely injured.”
Iwuanyanwu, however, announced that the NEC of Ohanaeze had decided to take the activities of the dissidents to Ime Obi to take drastic action because if they are not stopped now, they will destroy Igbo land.
Sequel to the capture of the notorious stronghold of the IPOB/ESN at Mother Valley, the criminal elements have been making efforts to establish other Camp in the general area and other places.
Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation UDO KA based on reliable Intel had on 6 May 2024 cleared the general area of Udda, Ihittukwa and Orsumoghu in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State.
During the special clearance operations troops came in contact with the terrorists who expectantly employed Improvised Explosive Device IEDs to stop the advancing troops. However, the gallant joint troops with superior fire power forced the criminals to withdraw in disarray. In the encounter, 4 of the irredentists were neturalized and others escaped with gunshots wounds.
One of the IPOB/ESN commanders, TOCHUKWU AKA OJOTO in charge of Ihietukwa Command despite many charms on his body was neutralized. Items recovered from the hideouts include, one AK 47 Rifle with two magazines, two automatic pump action guns, three handheld Baofeng radios, one laptop and one Techno phone. Others are, car keys, substance suspected to be Marijuana, Baifran currencies, Quantity 5 IEDs, IEDs making materials, batteries used in detonation of the IEDs and assorted charms.
The Force Commander Joint Task Force Operation UDO KA; Maj Gen Hassan DADA wishes to assure all citizens of the Joint Task Force commitment to ensure peace and stability in the region. The general public are enjoined to continue providing timely, reliable and credible information through its Toll Free line 193 and press Option 2 to speak directly to a representative.
Politics › Lagos Issues 48-Hour Eviction Notice To Property Owners Blocking Drainage by Ibrahimcoomasie(op): 3:05pm On Jul 07, 2024
