Flakosixfive: Pls kind folks, the peak milk advert I'm looking for is the one where two Olympic? runners run a relay race, one stumbles and falls, the other waits and they both complete the race together.. part of the song goes like...Free your mind you ll soar etc. please kindly provide the link for me. been searching for it for ages. God bless y'all. cc. Naptu
I've only just seen this (because you didn't spell my username properly).
By Tosin Omoniyi & Chidimma Okeke | Publish Date: Aug 21 2013 5:00AM
Despite spirited calls on the authorities to cover the numerous gaping manholes on the streets of Abuja, whose covers were stolen by vandals, many of these can still be found around the capital city.
They can be found virtually everywhere in and around the capital city, wide open and at times oozing out terrible odour that leaves residents gasping for breath.
Normally they are supposed to be sealed. But with the rising brigandage in the capital city coupled with upsurge in criminal activities, the iron castings used to cover these large manholes are disappearing with a rapidity that has left the authorities confused.
The metal covers are said to be quite expensive when sold to middle men and blacksmiths hence the attraction it poses for the criminal minded ones. But the open chasms of death are posing serious danger for many inhabitants of the capital city. In the past few months, a few residents have had ugly experiences passing over these dangerous holes.
A reporter with one of the major dailies in Abuja nearly lost his life when he plunged half way into the one of the manholes in the Utako area of the city. Just coming back from lunch at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Abuja office in the evening, he had fallen into the hole.
He was quickly pulled out of the trap by passersby, who were luckily on the spot at the moment. But he did not escape the ordeal without injuries. Months after the incident, he still feels goose pimples anytime he recalls the incident.
“The manhole covers are usually stolen by scavengers. And most times some sewages and drainages bring out bad smells as you drive or pass by. No one seems to care about the dangers posed by their presence everywhere. The authorities should do something about it because people are paying for it through tenement rate and other taxes. I think they just don’t care,’’ he noted.
Another resident, who simply identifies herself as ‘Mummy Joy’ said she escaped death by the whiskers a few weeks ago.
“That thing (open manhole) is not good. One day I alighted from a cab around Jabi not knowing there was a hole behind me. I stepped back and one of my legs went right into the hole but it was not serious because people around came to my rescue. I had little bruises at the end though,” she recalled.
The tale does not end there. Architect Michael Adams also had this chilling experience. ‘’The stealing of manhole is caused by poverty as people have to look for a means of survival. That is why they steal the covers. The government has not provided enough economic security for people and they have to do what they can to survive. I had a bad experience while I was travelling along Abuja -Lokoja road, I fell into one of such holes. It was terrible. It caused damage to the car I was in.’’
Another resident, Kazeem Ahmed had to be pulled halfway up one of the manholes by rescuers to escape certain death. Wearing a kaftan may have been his saving grace as the hem of the clothing prevented his plunge into the hole, as it got hooked by a piece of metal attached to the manhole. He also lived to tell his tale but many in the city wonder just how many more may have unsavoury tales to recount relating to these uncovered slits which can be found in many parts of Abuja today. In some cities in Nigeria, there are unverified cases of people who have plunged to their deaths when they fell down these holes.
Tony Sunji, a medical practitioner with the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital gives a brief summary of the terrible dangers posed by the uncovered holes to anyone, who has the misfortune of falling into one of them.
He noted that death is only one of the probable results of such a fatal plunge.
“Anyone, who falls into the hole is bound to suffer major fractures or concussion on impact. If he or she is lucky it may just be minor bruises. The severity also depends on which part of the body is affected on impact. In more severe cases, it can lead to the death of the victim. The metal casing of the manholes makes the impact more serious, especially if it is an unexpected happening that catches the person unawares. Whichever way it happens, it is bound to create shock in the affected person no matter how strong of character such a person may be,’’ he said.
Motorists are also believed to have lost tyres and vehicle parts after bumping into these holes, some of which have rusty and sharp edges created by thieves, who make use of the cover of darkness to remove the covers.
Manholes are very strong materials used in covering the top opening to a vault or underground public works or facilities. This cover is also used to protect underground workers against outside elements as well as intruders. It protects vehicles from plunging into the deep holes on highways.
Findings also reveal that the metal covers which are made from 100 percent finely forged iron , is expensive to manufacture and so it is a natural source of attraction for petty thieves, who sell it for a fortune or a stipend at times.
Spokesperson for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, FCT command, David Akinbinu, said the command had made several arrests of vandals, who steal such covers and has arraigned them in court. He said the expensive nature of the covers make them prime targets for petty criminals and assured residents that the corps would continue to do all in its powers to safeguard the residents and critical infrastructure.
In a recent chat with our reporter over the same issue, head, media and public enlightenment of the Abuja Environmental Board (AEPB), Joe Ukairo said the issue was a major source of concern for both the agency and the FCT Engineering Department, that are involved in the manufacture and maintenance of the manholes and sewer lines in the city.
He said in a statement that, ‘’They (FCDA) are actually in the best position to give you the information you require, but all I can say is that we are only involved in the maintenance of these manholes which serve as inlets into the sewer lines. We have a monitoring and enforcement team that we primarily charge with the responsibility of ensuring that no one tampers with the manholes. Of course, we work in collaboration with officers of the FCT Engineering Unit and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC to make sure that the manholes are protected from the activities of thieves. But you will agree with me that most of the theft takes place in the night when people have gone to their homes. But we still believe that the protection of these manholes and by extension the public utilities, is a shared responsibility between the government and the people. For example, if a resident notices someone removing a sewer cover or any public property, nothing stops him or her from raising alarm or calling the security operatives. Public utilities belong to all of us, so we must all ensure their safety at all times.’’
The police in Lagos have arrested the son of a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and one other person for allegedly vandalising and stealing manhole covers.
The Lagos State Police Rapid Respond Squad (RRS) Commander, ACP Olatunji Disu, made the disclosure in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.
The statement said that the ex-police officer’s son was dismissed from the Nigeria Police before he took to crime.
It said the dismissed policeman, one Earnest Young, 30, and his accomplice, Rasheed Tiamiyu (20), were arrested on Eko Bridge around 10 p.m. on Tuesday.
“They were arrested in possession of manhole covers vandalised and stolen on Eko Bridge.
“’The suspects claimed they saw the manhole covers and planned to sell to cart pushers.
“They also claimed that both of them sleep and work as load carriers at Ijora Motor Park,’’ the statement said.
It noted that suspects’ action posed a great danger to road users, adding that uncovered manholes could cause accident, particularly at night.
The statement advised parents to monitor the activities of their wards, warning that Lagos would not be a breeding ground for criminals.
It said that the suspects had been charged to court on Wednesday. (NAN)
You can't steal manhole covers because they're heavily sealed
If it's that possible, every manhole cover in New York would be missing by now
The government ?? Is it the government's job to replace manholes ?? Smh
Lagos decries removal of manhole covers on state roads.
24 JAN 2011
By Kingsley Adegboye
The Lagos State Government at the weekend decried the removal of manhole covers on major highways in the metropolis by some unidentified people, warning that it would not hesitate to treat culprits as economic saboteurs.
The Government which described the culprits as unpatriotic, said it has commenced the replacement of such covers in some major roads in the city in order to stop the loss of innocent lives and avert injuries as a result of accidents the removal of the covers could cause.
It therefore appealed to residents to report such acts to appropriate authorities, adding that it has commenced replacement of the removed covers on major roads.
According to the Government, “The removal of the manhole covers has led to major accidents on Lagos roads. It has also led to the hospitalization of innocent Lagosians who fell into these vandalized manholes”.
The Government said while it is formulating devices and means to secure the covers and prevent further removal, the replacement of identified vandalized manholes have commenced with the replacement of eight on Ikorodu Road, 43 along Eko Bridge, eight along Simpson Junction, Lagos Island, 17 roads in Lagos Island Business District and some areas along Bourdillon and Gerald Roads in Ikoyi.
Other major roads that have benefitted from replacements include Funso Williams Avenue, Surulere, Eric Moore Road, Surulere, network of roads in Apapa Central Business District and Murtala Mohammed Way, Yaba, among many others.
Pointing out that public fund has had to be invested to replace the manhole covers, the Government said it has alerted all relevant law enforcement agencies to be on the lookout for the perpetrators of the act, adding that the full weight of the law would be brought on those caught in the act. The government therefore implored all residents to personally take interest in the protection of public infrastructure provided with tax paid by them for their benefit..
“Henceforth, the general public is hereby notified that the State Government has alerted all relevant law enforcement agencies to be on look out for the perpetrators of this unpatriotic act towards applying the full weight of the law”, the Government warned, explaining that the covered drains are provided with openings for cleaning and other routine maintenance, while the openings are also provided with cast iron covers and gratings to allow surface water access into the drains.
The Government further stated, “In other to stem this unpatriotic act the Lagos State Government will formulate devices and means of securing the covers from being stolen or vandalized again without losing their primary functions adding that Government has undertaken the enumeration of all affected roads in the State with the aim of replacing the stolen covers of identified manholes in the State.
“Government, at this stage, is appealing to all law abiding citizens to be on the lookout towards protecting these public infrastructure and exposing those selfish and anti_social elements causing the damage. The infrastructure belongs to all of us, thus it is a collective responsibility to protect them” the Government said.
It's a manhole. People have been stealing manhole covers and the government has not replaced them.
Lagos decries removal of manhole covers on state roads.
24 JAN 2011
By Kingsley Adegboye
The Lagos State Government at the weekend decried the removal of manhole covers on major highways in the metropolis by some unidentified people, warning that it would not hesitate to treat culprits as economic saboteurs.
The Government which described the culprits as unpatriotic, said it has commenced the replacement of such covers in some major roads in the city in order to stop the loss of innocent lives and avert injuries as a result of accidents the removal of the covers could cause.
It therefore appealed to residents to report such acts to appropriate authorities, adding that it has commenced replacement of the removed covers on major roads.
According to the Government, “The removal of the manhole covers has led to major accidents on Lagos roads. It has also led to the hospitalization of innocent Lagosians who fell into these vandalized manholes”.
The Government said while it is formulating devices and means to secure the covers and prevent further removal, the replacement of identified vandalized manholes have commenced with the replacement of eight on Ikorodu Road, 43 along Eko Bridge, eight along Simpson Junction, Lagos Island, 17 roads in Lagos Island Business District and some areas along Bourdillon and Gerald Roads in Ikoyi.
Other major roads that have benefitted from replacements include Funso Williams Avenue, Surulere, Eric Moore Road, Surulere, network of roads in Apapa Central Business District and Murtala Mohammed Way, Yaba, among many others.
Pointing out that public fund has had to be invested to replace the manhole covers, the Government said it has alerted all relevant law enforcement agencies to be on the lookout for the perpetrators of the act, adding that the full weight of the law would be brought on those caught in the act. The government therefore implored all residents to personally take interest in the protection of public infrastructure provided with tax paid by them for their benefit..
“Henceforth, the general public is hereby notified that the State Government has alerted all relevant law enforcement agencies to be on look out for the perpetrators of this unpatriotic act towards applying the full weight of the law”, the Government warned, explaining that the covered drains are provided with openings for cleaning and other routine maintenance, while the openings are also provided with cast iron covers and gratings to allow surface water access into the drains.
The Government further stated, “In other to stem this unpatriotic act the Lagos State Government will formulate devices and means of securing the covers from being stolen or vandalized again without losing their primary functions adding that Government has undertaken the enumeration of all affected roads in the State with the aim of replacing the stolen covers of identified manholes in the State.
“Government, at this stage, is appealing to all law abiding citizens to be on the lookout towards protecting these public infrastructure and exposing those selfish and anti_social elements causing the damage. The infrastructure belongs to all of us, thus it is a collective responsibility to protect them” the Government said.
The police in Lagos have arrested the son of a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and one other person for allegedly vandalising and stealing manhole covers.
The Lagos State Police Rapid Respond Squad (RRS) Commander, ACP Olatunji Disu, made the disclosure in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.
The statement said that the ex-police officer’s son was dismissed from the Nigeria Police before he took to crime.
It said the dismissed policeman, one Earnest Young, 30, and his accomplice, Rasheed Tiamiyu (20), were arrested on Eko Bridge around 10 p.m. on Tuesday.
“They were arrested in possession of manhole covers vandalised and stolen on Eko Bridge.
“’The suspects claimed they saw the manhole covers and planned to sell to cart pushers.
“They also claimed that both of them sleep and work as load carriers at Ijora Motor Park,’’ the statement said.
It noted that suspects’ action posed a great danger to road users, adding that uncovered manholes could cause accident, particularly at night.
The statement advised parents to monitor the activities of their wards, warning that Lagos would not be a breeding ground for criminals.
It said that the suspects had been charged to court on Wednesday. (NAN)
The Lagos State Government has announced that there will be diversion of traffic along the outer Marina between 6a.m and 2p.m on Sunday 9th July to allow the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) install some equipment for the Light Rail project.
A release by the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, stated that the diversion is to facilitate the safe location of the mobile crane needed to launch the bailey beams for the ongoing Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line Project.
It explained that the diversion is in compliance with public safety standards expected during installation of equipment and infrastructure for the rail project.
The release stated that access to outer Marina would be restricted from Leventis as motorists would be diverted into inner Marina through the roundabout by UBA building.
Also, motorists coming from Eko and Carter Bridges toward outer Marina to link either the Cowrie Bridge or Victoria Island will use the roundabout to inner Marina and access the Third Mainland Bridge, Ikoyi and Victoria Island through Military Road.
While assuring road users that appropriate measures have been put in place to ensure free-flow of traffic, the release urged all motorists to cooperate with traffic officials during the period by obeying road diversion signs along the specified routes.
Romance › Re: He Got Her Pregnant, Later Accepted It But Won't Marry Her Because He Doesn't... by naptu2: 11:04pm On Jul 11, 2017
