₦airaland Forum

EKO HOSPITAL RE-POSITIONED FOR IMPROVED HEALTHCARE SERVICE
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/09/eko-hospital-re-positioned-for-improved.html



The management of Ekocorp Plc on Monday said it has concluded the first phase of the transformation of its hospital, Eko Hospital, saying the hospital has been re-positioned for efficient healthcare service delivery.Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, Speaking at press conference in Lagos on the transformation done in the hospital in the last six months, the Interim Chief Executive of Ekocorp, Chukwuka Monye said it has been a new experience for its clients. The transformation of the hospital according to him was focused on the main areas which are automation, finance and care delivery. He explained that the automation of processes has reduced the wait time of patients improving their experience at the hospital. Asides this, he said the transformation process carried out by the interim management ensured that the hospital was managed such that it would return to profitability. Also speaking the interim chief financial officer of Ekocorp, Ayodeji Adewale noted that the healthcare provider which is listed on the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE) plans to commence payment of dividend to is shareholders soon. According to him, Ekocorp which has not paid dividend for over a decade is on its way to profitability and would soon begin to yield returns for its shareholders. He noted that discussions are on with some investors on injecting more funds to gurther equip thr hospital and extend its operations beyond its three outlets. On his part, the Chief Medical Officer of the hospital, Dr Adegbite Ogunmokun noted that the automation of processes in the hospital has not only improved the experience and wait time of patients but is also driving data collection for research purposes in the hospital. “Research is done easier and we have been able to publish some paper in the local journals international journals” he stated adding that the hospital through its training programmes have been able to produce 25 consultants.

CHINA’S $60BN AFRICA INVESTMENT : FG, OBASEKI, CHINESE INVESTORS HEIGHTEN TRANSACTION CONSULTATIONS ON BENIN RIVER PORT, INDUSTRIAL PARK, OTHERS
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/09/chinas-60bn-africa-investment-fg.html


Eyes Of Lagos Exclusively report that, Edo State is well on its way to clinch a chunk of the $60 billion pencilled down as financial support by the Chinese President, Xi Jinping, for the African continent, announced at the ongoing 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in China. In his keynote speech, Xi Jinping said that in the next three years China would float eight major initiatives with African countries, to realise a closer China-Africa community of shared destiny. He noted that the fields of interest for China include industry, investment, trade, infrastructure, health, culture, environmental protection and security. Governor Godwin Obaseki with representatives of the federal government in Beijing on Monday, engaged representatives of the Chinese government and top-guns of the China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) Limited in China, in what followers of the investment collaboration with the Asian country, say, is the last lap of talks to secure final investment decisions and commence full scale development of the Benin River Port project, the Benin Industrial Park and the Modular Refinery. On the Edo State Government’s side are governor Obaseki with some of his aides; the Director-General of Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Yewande Sadiku, Acting Director General of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Secretariat, Alhaji Abdullateef Shittu, amongst others. The project is expected to open the state for foreign trade and boost local production, leveraging the state’s strategic location to attract investment and grow manpower. Before leaving for China, Obaseki had approved the release of N700 million for the Benin Refinery project, which the state government is executing in partnership with a Chinese consortium. With the initial investment capital approved, experts conversant with the project, say the state government is well placed to seal the deals for the projects so that development work can commence in earnest. The governor said that the investment drive is to steer the state away from dependence on oil and set it on the path of prosperity anchored on a solid industrial base. According to him, “We are excited about the Modular Refinery project and are certain that with our Chinese partners, we will begin work on the project in no distant time. The project is going to transform the state’s economy and position us as a hub for fabrication of refinery parts with the setting up of SIPS fabrication yard to groom local capacity in that sector.” The Chinese government also made commitment to establish the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in China. The country fully supports the goal of basically achieving food security before 2030 as proposed by African countries, and will provide one billion yuan (146.3 million US dollars) in emergency humanitarian aid to disaster-affected African countries.

AIR PEACE TAKES DELIVERY OF ANOTHER B777 AIRCRAFT
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/08/air-peace-takes-delivery-of-another.html

Nigerian carrier, Air Peace, has taken delivery of another Boeing B777-300 aircraft in preparation for its commencement of international operations.
The Eyes Of Lagos reports that the 320 capacity aircraft, christened “Ojochide”, touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos at about 1.45 p.m. on Saturday.
The aircraft, which was flown in from Dublin by Capt. Victor Efionu and Senior Flight Officer Emmanuel Iwhiwhu, was received by Air Peace, Chief Operating Officer, Mrs Oluwatoyin Olajide and other top aviation personnel.
Olajide told newsmen that Air Peace had taken delivery of its first B777-200 aircraft in February, stressing that two more aircraft were being expected before year end to boost its international operations.
She noted that the Federal Government had granted approval to Air Peace to begin flights to six international destinations which are London, Dubai, Sharjah, Guangzhou-China, Mumbai and Johannesburg.
“We are very happy with taken delivery of another of our B777 aircraft in preparation for our international operations and we are looking at commencing operations on one of the routes before the last quarter of the year.
“We believe that this will enable us to create more employment opportunities for Nigerians because that is the reason why we exist. We want to help curb the unemployment situation in the country,”Olajide said.
According to her, the move will also impact the Nigerian economy positively because it will give Nigerians the opportunity to travel in comfort and safety at affordable fares across the world.
She thanked the present administration for the support given to Nigerian airlines through removal of Value Added Tax and waivers on aircraft spares.
The B777-300 aircraft has 12 First Class, 48 Business Class and 260 Economy Class and it is usually used for long-haul flights.

HOW TO MOVE AROUND DURING THE THIRD MAINLAND BRIDGE CLOSURE ? THIS INFORMATION WILL HELP YOU
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/08/how-to-move-around-during-third.html

Eyes Of Lagos reports that, Following the closure of the Third Mainland Bridge for repairs earlier today, Friday, August 24, 2018, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has urged motorists and commuters to comply with traffic rules to ensure free flow of traffic on the alternative routes.
Eyes Of Lagos Lagos gathered that, State Sector Commander of FRSC, Hyginus Omeje, said the corps has met with stakeholders to ensure hitch-free movement throughout the closure adding that 200 personnel had been deployed to the critical corridors to facilitate free flow of movement of vehicles. He noted that the corps is working in cooperation with other law enforcement agencies to check gridlock on the road as a result of the ongoing repairs on the bridge.
The traffic management agencies expected to work on the Third Mainland Bridge closure include personnel of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), traffic division of the police and Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Response Unit (LRU).
Meanwhile, LASTMA said it has deployed 500 officials to ease the flow of traffic in the state. Public Relations Officer, LASTMA, Hassan Mamud, said the agency has mobilized men and resources that will help achieve free flow of traffic around all the alternative routes that have been mapped out for the exercise.He appealed to motorists and commuters to obey the directives of LASTMA officials and cooperate with them on the road to ensure seamless traffic throughout the period.
In the same vein, the lawmaker representing Lagos East, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, said it is important to cooperate with the federal and Lagos state governments because of the possible inconveniences the closure would create “but it is for public good at the end.”
Commenting on the alternative routes for motorists, Mamud said “those coming from Ikorodu can use Ikorodu road to join Funsho Williams and link up with Carter bridge to the island. Those coming from Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway should pass through Oshodi to Mushin, linkup with Western Avenue and join Eko Bridge.”
“Motorists from Okokomaiko, Festac, Oshodi-Apapa Expressway are enjoined to ply through Ajegunle via Marine Bridge to Ijora to connect Carter Bridge to Apongbon into Lagos Island. Conversely, motorists from the Island are expected to ply Eko Bridge and Carter Bridge into Mainland, while those in Lekki Ajah can also make use of Epe axis through Imota into Ikorodu,” he added.

6290 INMATES ARE AWAITING TRIAL IN LAGOS PRISONS; GOVT REPORT SHOWS
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/08/6290-inmates-are-awaiting-trial-in.html

According to the reports gathered by Eyes Of Lagos that, The Controller of Prisons, Lagos Command, Mr. Tunde Ladipo, has said that more than 6290 inmates across prisons are waiting trail for various offences and attending the court jurisdictions in the state.
Ladipo made the disclosure during the visit to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode at his Epe residence.
According to him, the visit was to remind the Governor of their requests for some vehicles and equipment to enhance their capacity to effectively transport and secure inmates awaiting trail to the courts, some of which the Governor granted at the visit.
He stated that as at January 31, 2018, 8191 inmates; 7887 males and 304 females, were in custody across the five prison facilities in the State including the Maximum Security Prison, Kirikiri; Medium Security Prison, Kirikiri; Female Security Prison, Kirikiri; Ikoyi Prison and Badagry Prison.
He disclosed that out of the number, 6290 inmates were awaiting trail and attending the various court jurisdictions in the State.
“The challenges towards fulfilling the responsibilities of effective prison duties are indeed are overwhelming and seriously challenging especially in a State with a large inmate population like Lagos,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has donated vehicles and other equipment to the Lagos Prison Services, stressing the need for major reforms to be carried out across the country to decongest prisons.
Among the vehicles donated include five Toyota Hilux, five Green Maria and one Ambulance, assuring that the vehicles would be delivered to the Lagos Prison Services by September.
Ambode expressed concern that Lagos was also having its fair share of congestion as over 70 percent of inmates across prisons in the State were awaiting trial. “I am very concerned about congestion of prisons in the State. For a State like Lagos where development is ongoing, it is bound to attract people from across other States and neighbouring countries and this means increase in population. We are providing this critical assistance to the prison authorities to make them more efficient and make our prisons more conducive.
“However, there is no better time to carry out reforms in our prisons and it is necessary especially as regards the decongestion of the prison,” Ambode said.
He assured that the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy would look into some of the cases of inmates and see the possibility of granting official pardon to prisoners who have shown remorse, good behaviour and readiness to contribute meaningfully to the society.
In addition, Ambode also directed the Special Adviser on Primary Healthcare, Dr. Olufemi Onanuga to provide adequate health services for all for the prisons in the State so as to prevent any outbreak of diseases. “Once a city is safe, people will be more productive and it also means more revenue will come into the State,” he said.

Six Days To Deadline, Nigerians In Last-minute Rush To Get PVCs
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/08/six-days-to-deadline-nigerians-in-last.html

Congestion rocks the PVC registration centers, With just six days remaining to the end of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), Nigerians are in a last-minute rush to ensure that they are registered to participate in the 2019 general elections. Eyes Of Lagos observed residents of Benue State hurrying to register in the CVR following the two-week extension of the deadline by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). INEC had set August 17 as deadline for the CVR to end but had to postpone it to August 31 in order to accommodate the large number of intending voters who had yet to register to obtain their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs), without which they cannot vote in the coming 2019 general elections. The Continuous Voter Registration is meant for young Nigerians who attained voting age after the 2015 elections and others who for one reason or the other had not got on the voter register. In Benue State, however, residents have complained at the delay in the registration process, which they attributed to a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise them. Our correspondent who went round the registration centres in the Benue State capital, Makurdi, observed that many residents had been trooping out in large numbers to register; however, they have expressed frustration and dissatisfaction at the number of hours wasted on queues before they are attended to. Some students, Agaba Oche and Geoffrey Anyam, who came for registration, said they had spent several hours on the queue unattended to and called on the commission to deploy more personnel and machines to ease some of the challenges arising from the extension of registration deadline. It was observed that while the registration process for the PVCs was ongoing, some persons were also making efforts to collect their temporary voters’ card amid difficulty, with many of the cards strewn all over the floor. A youth corps member, Mary Eno, said they were going through a difficult time searching for their temporary cards on the floor adding, “it is hectic and could discourage a lot of people from coming for the cards.” They called on the commission to ensure a more organised way of giving out the cards to their owners to prevent damage to the cards. The director, Voter Education and Publicity of INEC in Makurdi, Emmanuel Okpe, in a chat with journalists said following the two- week extension of voter registration exercise in the country ahead of the 2019 general elections, INEC had deployed more workers in the field to attend to more people in Benue. According to Okpe, the commission has also deployed more corps members to complement INEC staff in the local governments in order to reduce the challenges faced by staff due to the surge. He disclosed that since the beginning of the new voter registration exercise, about 486, 000 had registered from April 2017 to date in the state. According to him, before the commencement of the new registration, INEC had about 279,935 PVCs from 2015 and 2017 registration. “Out of this number, 34,849 cards have been collected so far, leaving 245,086 uncollected PVCs by August, 2018,” he said. Okpe advised those who had yet to collect their temporary voter’s card to endeavour to come forward and collect. “It is important for the new registrants to have this temporary one so that when the registration is over, they can get their permanent voter’s card on time. “We have also embarked an awareness campaign to educate market women on the need to register so that no one would be left out,” he said. In Rivers State, a visit to the INEC office in Port Harcourt City local government area showed a lot of people waiting to register while others were there to collect their PVCs. Speaking to Eyes Of Lagos a resident of Borokiri, Port Harcourt, Loveday Clifford, said he decided to participate in the registration exercise because he believed it was the right thing to do. Another resident of the area, Johnson Firi, said his recent transfer to Rivers State made him seek another voter’s card. …Many Eligible Voters May Not Register In North West Meanwhile, Eyes Of Lagos investigation reveals that a good number of eligible voters on the north-western zone of the country might not be able to meet the August 31 deadline given by INEC for the stoppage of continuous voter registration. Sokoto Despite the extension of the ongoing voter registration exercise by two weeks, many Sokoto State residents are afraid they are going to be disenfranchised for no fault of theirs. Some of the eligible voters decried what they termed ‘skewed’ registration process, claiming that certain areas are favoured in terms of registration points than others. They called for their areas to equally have registration points because of their population. One of such complainants is Mr Magnus Okeke, who said his area suffers not only deprivation in terms of INEC registration points, but virtually every aspect of infrastructural development. “The old airport areas of the metropolis have more than 200,000 people but continue to suffer neglect in everything, including INEC registration centre. We have to go as far as town to queue for days. But the most annoying part of it is that you will end up being frustrated because after all efforts, getting you registered is like climbing a staircase to heaven,” he said. Reacting to the claim, an INEC official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, asked the electorate to be fair in rating the commission’s performance on the CVR exercise. According to him, much as many are blaming INEC for not having registration centres in their areas, those that had already registered are yet to collect their permanent voter cards. The INEC source said the commission would appreciate it if the federal government would bring up another option that would ensure the capturing of all eligible voters. Kaduna The insufficient number of designated centres across Kaduna State is impeding the speedy registration of voters in the ongoing CVR as the extended deadline approaches. Eyes Of Lagos reports that the available voter registration centres have been attracting long queues in most of places visited, with many frustrated eligible voters skipping the civic exercise as a result of the tedious process. One of the eligible voters, Gabriel Yok, who spent two days at Sabo Government School without registration due to the turnout of thousands of residents, told our correspondent that he might not vote in 2019. “I went there for two days and no registration. How can the entire Sabon Tashan of over one million people be allocated one polling unit to do registration; it doesn’t make sense at all. “Before now, INEC said everybody should go to the local government headquarters for the voter registration, but how is that possible; that means only those who are close to local government headquarters can participate in the exercise. “My hope of voting in 2019 may be defeated as I was not able to do the registration under a frustrating and stressful condition,” he lamented. Another eligible voter, Mrs Agnes Kayode, who said she was able to register after a hectic struggle, called on INEC to create additional centres. She said, “It was hot for me to do the registration because I really want to vote in 2019 for candidates of my choice. INEC should as a matter of urgency create more registration centres to reduce the suffering of the people.” A senior INEC officer who sought anonymity revealed that the ongoing CVR had been affected by inadequate office accommodation and working materials to deal with the large turnout of eligible voters on daily basis. Kebbi The situation is not different in Kebbi as residents are rushing to beat the new deadline for the continuous voter registration exercise. A visit to some registration centres confirmed that eligible voters were thronging registration points. At the Birnin Kebbi local government area office, long queues of eligible voters were seen patiently waiting for their turn to be registered. In Kalgo and Bunza local government area offices of INEC , the story of long queues was the same, just as reports coming from other local government areas of the state also indicated a large turnout of eligible voters. Eyes Of Lagos observed that in most of these registration centres, the number of those in the queues had tripled. In Birnin Kebbi local council, one Abubakar Usman Dan Tsoho said even though he commended INEC for the extension of the deadline, he, however, expressed displeasure at the slow nature of the process. ‘’Well, it is good that they extended the time for registration, however I do not know why it takes time for one to remain in queue before he is called. I think they need to speed up the process if the purpose of extension is to really benefit the electorate,” he said. At Kalgo local government area, the officials said they were working hard to register as many people as possible. One resident of the area, Suwaiba Jabir, who was waiting for her turn, told our correspondent it had been very difficult for her to get registered because of the large turnout of people, lamenting that the process was slow. “You can see I have been standing in the queue for hours. The process is not fast and people are turning up in their large numbers,” she said. In a recent briefing with reporters in his office, the newly posted Resident Electoral Commissioner posted to Kebbi State, Ahmad Bello Mahmud, called on eligible voters to use all INEC designated registration centres in all the 21 local government area offices. He added that there were still over 37,000 uncollected PVCs from the 2014 voter registration exercise.

LIL KESH HAS FINALLY END HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS FORMER RECORD LABEL BOSS OLAMIDE
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/08/lil-kesh-has-final-end-his-relationship.html

Lil Kesh has finally end his relationship with his former Record Label (YBNL) Boss Olamide has he unfollowed him on Instagram. With his latest post that he captioned ‘ it’s either you are in control or you are being control .. choose wisely ‘, Eyes Of Lagos confirmed from a reliable source that lilkesh was still under Olamide control even after he announced his own Y.A.G.I record label , lilkesh is about to end it all with his former boss and be free .

THE COMMUNICATION MINISTER, SHITTU JOINS OYO GOVERNORSHIP RACE
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/08/the-communication-minister-shittu-joins.html

The Minister of Communications, Barrister Abdul Raheem Adebayo Shittu has joined the 2019 governorship race in Oyo State. Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, The minister while speaking with newsmen in Ibadan on Tuesday, disclosed that there would be public declaration in September 23, 2018. He added that he would be contesting under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The minister debunked claims that he had left the APC saying, “I have always been a progressive and I remain one.” He added that there was no course for him to dump the party he was a founding member, saying he had consulted party leaders and other stakeholders on his governorship ambition. While noting that the federal government is making efforts at improving the socio-economic living of Nigerians, the minister disclosed that government had been able to provide employment to 5,000 people N-Power programme. He added that more people have also been employed into the federal government agricultural programme. Shittu admonished Nigerians, especially the Muslims to imbibe the lessons of Eid-el-Kabir.

NNPC SUPPLIES TWO-YEAR HIGH GAS FOR 3,492MW
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/07/nnpc-supplies-two-year-high-gas-for.html

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on Wednesday announced the attainment of a two-year record spike in gas supply to power generation, which hits 854.40 million Standard Cubic Feet of gas per day (mmscfd) for March 2018, translating to an equivalent power generation of 3,492MW.
Details of the March 2018 National Gas Production figures contained in the Monthly NNPC Financial and Operations Report for the period indicated a total national gas production of 253.06 Billion Cubic Feet (bcf), averaging 8,163.58mmscfd.
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, The Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, made this disclosure in a statement.
The statement noted that the period to date Production from Joint Ventures (JVs), Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) and Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) amounted to about 69.82 per cent, 21.95 per cent and 8.23 per cent respectively.
A breakdown of natural gas off-take, commercialization and utilization showed that out of the volume of gas supplied in March 2018, a total of 152.60 bcf of gas was commercialized, comprising 40.52 bcf and 112.08bcf for the domestic and export market respectively.
This, the report says, translates to a total supply of 1,307.09mmscfd of gas to the domestic market and 3,615.62mmscfd of gas supplied to the export market for the month.
The report said 59.92 per cent of the average daily gas produced was commercialized while the balance of 40.08 per cent was re-injected, used as upstream fuel gas or flared.
“Gas flare rate was 10.55 per cent for the month of March 2018, that is, 867.10mmscfd compared with average Gas flare rate of 10.24 per cent or 804.14mmscfd for the period March 2017 to March 2018”, the report said. The rise in flare rate being a function of spike in gas production during the month.
The monthly report stated that about 3,236.82mmscfd or 89.52 per cent of the export gas was sent to Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Company (NLNG) Bonny for March 2018 compared with the period (March 2017 to March 2018) average of 3,122.92mmscfd or 90.64 per cent of the export gas.
In the downstream sector, NNPC continued to ensure increased petrol supply and effective distribution of the product across the country.
The report said that in March, 2018, 2.49bn litres of petrol were supplied by NNPC, translating to 80.26million litres per day to sustain seamless distribution of Petroleum Products and zero fuel queue across the nation.
The monthly Financial and Operations report explained that NNPC was keeping an eagle eye on the daily Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), or petrol evacuation figures from depots across the nation, with, where necessary, the support of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) through existing Joint Monitoring Team.
According to the report within the period under coverage, pipeline break stood at 224, of which 25 pipeline points either failed to be welded or ruptured/clamped.
“Thus, 199 pipeline points were vandalized as against 125 recorded last month”, it stated.
PHC-Aba and Aba-Enugu pipeline segment accounted for 177 points or 88.94 per cent of the affected pipeline points, the report revealed.
The March 2018 edition of the Monthly NNPC Financial and Operations Report is the 32nd in the series.

LACK OF SINCERITY OF PURPOSE HINDERING COOPERATIVES’ GROWTH – CBN
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/07/lack-of-sincerity-of-purpose-hindering.html

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has said that lack of sincerity of purpose is hindering the growth of cooperative organisations in the country. Head, Financial Development Department of CBN, FCT chapter, Mr Nuhu Muazu, disclosed this at a seminar organised by the Cooperative Financing Agency of Nigeria (CFAN) in Abuja. Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, The seminar was organised to herald the 2018 United Nations International Day of Cooperatives scheduled to hold on July 7. Muazu urged cooperative members and stakeholders to deliberate on ways of ensuring the attitude of insincerity and ingenuity was curbed to ensure growth of cooperative organisations. “What is killing cooperatives in Nigeria is lack of sincerity of purpose, many people rush to form cooperatives when they hear that the Federal Government is giving out intervention funds. “People come up with lots of motives that are not genuine and at the end of the day the cooperative will die. “I hope we will learn from this gathering and that kind of attitude will change. I am appealing that we should ensure sincerity and be genuine in our endeavours,’’ Muazu said. Also speaking, Mr George Ogudu of the Financial Inclusion Secretariat of CBN, said it was collaborating with CFAN to reach out to more people at the grassroots. According to Ogudu, financial inclusion is a way to capture people in the rural area who have no formal access to finance and a way of reducing the poverty level in Nigeria. He said the bank chose to partner with CFAN because it had members in all the “ nooks and crannies’’ of the country. “We are doing much to reach this people at the grass root through our digital finance, mobile money operations and now agent banking. “Jointly, we should be able to reach more people in the rural areas, be able to reach the poor and ensure economic growth’’. Ogudu, said the CBN had a lot of interventions that would help the poor come up to a level where they would be able to live better lives. He said the only way cooperatives could key into these interventions was for them to key into CFAN which was a known and registered body for the cooperatives. “If they are not registered, we will not work with them, so CFAN is a very good body for them to come and register with and enjoy the interventions.’’ The executive secretary of CFAN, Mr Emmanuel Atama urged partners and stakeholders at the event to deliberate on ways of moving the organisation forward. Atama said the apex cooperative body, going forward would ensure it empowered its members in the real sense. “Saturday is our international cooperative day, we will be joining our counterparts across the world to mark this important day. “But today, we have chosen to meet with our partners the CBN, the International Finance Cooperation, Sweet Mama Farm ltd., and Abegyi Housing Cooperative, among others to deliberate on the way forward. “We have designed products that cut across several sectors and we are here to rub minds with the apex bank, so that we can have a direction on financing the value chain. “After this programme, we will talk to our teaming members about how we have spent the last one year that dwelt so much on financial inclusion. “And also, how we are going into the New Year on sustainable consumption and production of goods and services as handed to us by the United Nations through the International Cooperative Alliance. “I urge your cooperation to pay attention so that we can have a successful deliberation today,’’ Atama said. Mr Auta Emmanuel, the President, Abegyi Housing Cooperative, said the organisation would partner with CFAN to ensure available and affordable houses to people at the grass root. Auta said:“we will draft a cooperative system where co-operators will use their dividend to pay for their houses and as many that are willing to key in should be able to have their own house. “Through the cooperative body, we should be able to deliver not less than 150,000 houses in six years; and this project will help provide jobs to the cooperative members.’’ In her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer, Sweet Mama Farms Ltd., Boma Odunuga, said the organisation was partnering with CFAN to ensure food availability to all. “Everyone needs food and we all know that there is a problem of feeding in Nigeria, the level of poverty is high in the country. “So working with CFAN, we have devised a programme wherein people, so long as you are registered with CFAN can get access to food on 90 days revolving credit basis. “The first phase is about 10,000 households and we are looking to increase by 20 or 30 per cent but the idea is to get to everybody,’’ she said.

SEE THE 1 MILLION IKORODU RESIDENTS MARCHING FOR PVC
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/07/see-1-million-ikorodu-residents.html

Hundreds of residents of Ikorodu community, Lagos Mainland, alongside leading traditional rulers and major stakeholders defied the heavy downpour in the early hours of Saturday, June 30, 2018, to march and sensitize the community on importance of Permanent Voters Card (PVC) registration and collection.
The sensitization drive which included participants from across the six Local Government and Local Council Development Areas in Ikorodu – Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, Ijede LCDA, Imota LCDA, Ikorodu West LCDA, Ikorodu LG and Ikorodu North LCDA – started at the Ikorodu Ferry/Nigerian Port Authority/Dangote roundabout, Ebute, before heading towards Ebute/T.O.S Benson Avenue.
The march had the participants touching leading communities in Ikorodu such as Ojogbe, Ita-Elewa, Oriwu road, Ota-Ona, Alhaji Street,Itunpate Road, Adeniran Ogunsanya Road, Sabo, Ikorodu/Sagamu Road, Ikorodu Garage Roundabout, and Ayangbure road where a stop was made to pay homage to the Ayangbure of Ikrorodu, His Royal Majesty, Oba Kabir Shotobi.

Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, Speaking to the participants in the rally, Oba Sotobi said: “For Ikorodu division to attain its rightful place within the Lagos State and Nigeria political arrangements, residents and indigenes must register and get their PVC in other to vote in the coming elections. It is through voting that Ikorodu division can prove that it’s the first in term of population and political engagements.”
The monarch charged the residents to report any case of inconveniences being experienced at the INEC office and other registration centres in the cause of registering for PVC to either the local government chairmen or the Obas in the division.
Meanwhile, the convener of the march, Otunba Ganiyu Abiru, Chairman of Ikorodu-Oga Development Association (IKODASS) and a Senatorial aspirant said; “In our continued efforts to ensure the success of year 2019 elections and also vote for candidates of our choice, we can’t, therefore, ignore the need to possess the PVC which is our political and economic power.
“Your PVC is your future and must not be treated with levity. If you have not obtained your PVC, the time to do that is now. Voting for your candidate of your choice is not only a constitutional demand but also a natural imperative.
“We are dialoguing with INEC officials on ways to facilitate the registration process and I am sure in no distant date, the INEC office will come up with solutions to combat the challenges and solve the problems.”
See some photos from the march below.

NAIRA STABLE AT N360/$ AT PARALLEL MARKET
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/07/naira-stable-at-n360-at-parallel-market.html


Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, The Naira maintained N360 to the dollar at the parallel market on Monday in Lagos.
The Nigerian currency had been trading at N360 to the Dollar for four days running, while the Pound Sterling and the Euro closed at N486 and N420, respectively.
Trading at the investors’ window saw the naira close at N361.40 with a turnover of N198.3 million, while it closed at N305.75 to the dollar at the CBN official window.
The naira closed at N360 to the dollar at the Bureau De Change (BDC) window, while the Pound Sterling and the Euro closed at N486 and N420, respectively.
Meanwhile, the naira traded at N359 across the markets in Kano, Abuja and Port Harcourt.

DEAD’ WOMAN FOUND ALIVE IN SOUTH AFRICA MORGUE FRIDGE
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/07/dead-woman-found-alive-in-south-africa.html

A South African woman is recovering in hospital after being discovered alive in a mortuary fridge. The woman was taken to Carletonville morgue, in Gauteng province, having been declared dead by paramedics following a road accident. Ambulance companyDistress Alert said she had shown “no form of life”,South Africa’s TimesLive website reports. But when a morgue worker returned to check on the body in the fridge, he found the woman was breathing. Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, An official has confirmed to the BBC the woman is now being treated in hospital after being referred by forensics officers. She has not been named. An investigation into the incident is being carried out, but Distress Alert operations manager Gerrit Bradnick said there was “no proof of any negligence” on his company’s behalf. Mr Bradnick told TimesSelect she was one of several people involved in a car accident which left two others dead on Sunday, 24 June. It is also not the first time this has happened in South Africa. Seven years ago, a 50-year-old man woke up screaming in an Eastern Cape morgue. In 2016 another road accident victim, from KwaZulu Natal, was declared dead, only to be found breathing the next day. She died five hours after the discovery.

HERE’S WHAT POLICE SAID ABOUT FRESH MILITANT THREATS IN IKORODU
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/07/heres-what-police-said-about-fresh.html

Few days after residents of Isawo community, Ikorodu, Lagos Mainland, cried out on the fears that militants have returned to the area almost a year when they were chased out of the community in a joint raid by the Police and other security forces, the Lagos State Police Command has allayed the fears assuring that State Government, in collaboration with security agencies, was on top of the situation.
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal said it was gratifying to note that there had been 17 percent reduction in violent crimes in Lagos Mainland communities such as Ikorodu, Agbowa, Epe and other parts of the state. “We have just concluded the Security Meeting Chaired by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode and a wide range of security issues were discussed but most importantly some of the threats which we are currently having in certain parts of the State,” he said.
He added that: “The first one relates to the renewed threat of militancy around the creeks of Epe, Agbowa, Imota and the action that we are taking. There is a good synergy between the security agencies and the locals in ensuring that we keep some of these militants who want to come into the State from Ondo waters to try to disturb peace of the State.
“We are calling on all those who are in the riverine communities to continue to partner with security agents to ensure that when they see strange movement, they quickly alert security agencies so that we can keep them safe. For now, I can assure Lagosians that those areas are being properly policed and security is tight in those areas.”
Besides, Edgal appreciated Lagosians for credible information which had aided the fight against kidnapping, cultism, drug sale and drug abuse in the State, revealing that operatives of the Command recently intercepted a Container with over 37 Cartons of Tramadol which would have gotten to the public if not for prompt action of security agencies, just as he urged residents to continue to support security agents.

EJIGBO RESIDENTS LOSE N8 MILLION TO FAKE MICROFINANCE BANK
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/06/ejigbo-residents-lose-n8-million-to.html

Residents and business owners in Ejigbo community were thrown into confusion following the discovery that an alleged investment company posing as a microfinance bank operating in the area was operating under false pretense to swindle them of their money.
According to reports, the company identified as Golden Grace Investment Company, located at Idimu road Ejigbo, Lagos Mainland defrauded its customers to the tune of N8million before its members of staff fled the area.
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that the customers, having made savings into the stipulated bank account suspected danger when they approached the bank at the end of the investment period to get back their capital and interest but discovered that the company could not meet its own part of the agreement.
During the ensuing argument, the customers also discovered that some of the staff of the company were no longer available when they visited the office at different intervals.
The customers subsequently reported the matter to the Police and three staff of the company, Bisoye Amoo, Bankole Tolulope and Gbenga Victor were arrested. Meanwhile, seven other persons including the Managing Director of the company were said to be at large.
Upon investigation, the Police discovered false documents bearing the name of the fake company in their possession.
The matter was however charged to the Ejigbo Magistrate court where the arrested suspects were arraigned.
According to Eyes Of Lagos, the prosecuting Police officer, Mr. Samuel Nwankwo read out the eight count charges which he argued were punishable under the criminal law of Lagos State.
During the hearing, the defendants were granted bail each in the sum of N1million with two sureties each. Each of the sureties were expected to be a property owner in Lagos State and gainfully employed with N30,000 tax verification.
The case was adjourned till July 4, 2018, with the defendants remanded in police custody until their bail conditions are met.

cc: lalasticalala ,mynd44 front page , who remember small tclassic

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FRSC RETURNS POUNDS, EUROS TO ACCIDENT VICTIMS
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/06/frsc-returns-pounds-euros-to-accident.html

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun command, said it had returned pounds and euros recovered from an accident scene to the victims.
Mr Clement Oladele, the Sector Commander, disclosed this in a statement by the command’s Public Education Officer, Mrs Florence Okpe, in Abeokuta on Friday.
Eyes Of Lagos reports that eight persons died on Tuesday in an accident involving a bus and a truck on Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that the passengers in the bus came in from Spain and had chartered the bus to take them to Benin City.
Oladele explained that it was observed that some of the passengers were traveling with cash, including foreign currencies
He stated that the FRSC rescue team also recovered 80 pounds, 238 Euro cents, N84,800, 32 traveling bags comprising 16 large traveling bags, seven extra large traveling bags and nine large “Ghana must Go” bags.
“In line with the rule of the World Health Organisation , a hospital follow up of the victims of the fatal crash was done by the FRSC to Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu.
“The crash occurred on Tuesday and it involved a white Toyota Hiace bus, belonging to a transport company – Iyare Motors, with registration number BEN 313 YZ and a Mack truck with registration number MUS 730 XN, ” he said.
The FRSC boss noted that a team of FRSC accident investigators conducted a preliminary investigation of the crash and observed that the driver of the commercial bus went to Muritala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos to pick some passengers (with their luggage).
“While traveling along the Lagos/Ibadan expressway, before Sagamu Interchange, opposite Wictech Roofing and Pipes, due to excessive speed, in an attempt to overtake a truck ahead of it, the driver lost control and rammed into the truck.
“There was no evidence of a speed limiter installed in the commercial bus.
“There was also no evidence of a passenger manifest to indicate the identities of the passengers and their Next of Kin to be contacted in case of an emergency.
“The suspected causes of the crash are overloading (goods) and excessive speed leading to loss of control.
“There was no evidence that the passengers in the bus activated their seat belts as at the time of the crash which compelled the passengers to shift and collide with the luggage inside the vehicle.
“This collision was responsible for the injuries and deaths of some of the passengers, ” he said.
The sector commander explained that FRSC had commenced legal actions against Iyare Motors for failing to provide a Passenger Manifest, failure to install a speed limiter and overloading the vehicle with excessive luggage.
He admonished commercial fleet operators to affix speed limiters in their vehicles, provide passenger manifest for every trip and ensure their drivers complied with traffic regulations.

LASG APPLAUDS OJOKORO LCDA BOSS; SET TO COMMISSION NEW PHC
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/06/lasg-applauds-ojokoro-lcda-boss-set-to.html

The Lagos State Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs of the Lagos State Government has heaped praised on the Executive Chairman of Ojokoro Local Council Development Area, Hon. Hammed Idowu D. Tijani for his developmental projects in the local council area.
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, The Ministry officials led by Mr. Raymond Ogunjobi made the declaration during a visit to the council on an inspection tour on Thursday, June 7, 2018, to inspect community projects executed by the council.
Ogunjobi noted that he was marveled at the sight of Isokan Primary Health Centre where work is almost completed by the council boss who erected a new storey building structure having demolished the previous bungalow as a result of flood.
The Ministry monitoring team also visited the road projects embarked upon by the council at Wahab Abolanle Street, Yemi Olabinjo Street and Engr. Adeagbo Street located at the Gbinrinmi end of the LCDA.
The team commended the council administration for a job well done in less than 365days since assuming office. “We need to appreciate the contribution of the council led by Hon. Hammed Tijani towards complementing the efforts of the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode whose unprecedented developmental strides in the state has been felt by all and sundry,” he said.
Commenting on the encomiums by the LASG officials, the council boss, Hon. Hammed Idowu D. Tijani disclosed that the project will be completed in few days and will be ready for commissioning immediately afterwards to ensure residents of the community benefit from its use.

ISAWO RESIDENTS IN ECSTASY OVER AMBODE VISIT
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/06/isawo-residents-in-ecstasy-over-ambode.html

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode has approved the extension of the ongoing Agric-Ishawo dual carriageway road project to Arepo in Ogun State, saying the development became imperative in view of the determination to rev up the economic integration of South Western States.
Speaking during an inspection of major ongoing projects in Ikorodu, Lagos Mainland, Ambode said the projects would be delivered as part of efforts to make the sub-urban areas in the State economically viable and livable, thereby making life comfortable for residents and boosting the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the State.
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, Addressing scores of residents of Owutu and Ishawo who had trooped out to receive him, the Governor urged them to exercise patience and understanding with the projects, assuring that more dividends of democracy would be spread to the axis.
In his words: “From Owutu Junction to the boundary of Lagos State in Ishawo is 7.5km and we will finish this project between March and April next year. Even before we finish this project the businesses here have started improving and the value of landed properties have gone up.
“Now, the Chairman of this Local Government has just spoken to us and we have also agreed that in order for us to improve on the economic integration of South Western States, we will extend from Lagos State boundary to Arepo in Ogun State and we will do 5.5km to join the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.”
Ambode who noted that as government was doing road projects to open up the axis, other areas of the State would also benefit, thereby improving commerce and reducing travel time. “The same thing as we are doing it in Ikorodu, the Lagos-Epe road also will be joined to the Lagos State boundary in Mojoda with the Ijebu Ode axis to link the Ijebu Ode-Ore Road,” he said.
Earlier, Chairman of Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Princess Jumoke Jumbo commended Governor Ambode for his commitment to the development of the Ikorodu division, saying such was obvious with various projects simultaneously ongoing in the axis.
“On behalf of the people of Ikorodu West LCDA, we just want to appreciate our Governor for your good gesture and the love you have for us in Ikorodu as a whole. Our people really appreciate you most especially for this road because it is already boosting the economy of our area and just yesterday, the wife of the Governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode came to give our children school sandals and socks.
“We thank God for you coming from Lagos every time to Ikorodu to do one projects and the other. All my people are interested in you coming back. Governor Ambode is already endorsed for second term and we pray you will come back to do more for us,” Jumbo said.

SCIENCE MINISTRY WORKERS COMMENCE 3-DAY WARNING STRIKE
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/06/science-ministry-workers-commence-3-day.html

Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, The Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions (ASURI) yesterday picketed the Ministry of Science and Technology, where it announced the commencement of a three-day warning strike. The workers said they were carrying out the strike to protest the anti workers activities by the permanent secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Mrs. Amina Shamki. The angry workers who converged early yesterday morning to picket the headquarters of the science ministry at the Federal Secretariat in Abuja, therefore demanded the immediate removal of Mrs. Shamki as permanent secretary of the ministry. Addressing newsmen, the secretary general of ASURI, Dr. Theophilus Ndubuaku, said should their demands not be met at the expiration of the warning strike, the workers will be forced to commence a full strike action. According to him, Shamki has not only refused to recognise three chief executives of the most important research institutions appointed by the minister in NASENI, NBTI and NABDA, but has also remained a stumbling block to the conduct of promotion exercises expected to have been conducted since last year. “This is to inform you that the Central Working Committee (CWC) of ASURI has given approval for all ASURI branches to embark on total nationwide warning strike and picketing of Federal Ministry of Science and Technology (FMS&T) with effect from Monday, June 4, 2018. “The strike is to protest the series of outrageous unfair labour practices and disregard for harmonious labour relations on the part of the FMS&T in snubbing all entreaties of ASURI to address all acts of injustice suffered by our members at NABDA and BIODEC and refusal to conduct 2017 promotion exercises in many research institutions. “If by Wednesday we do not see any positive action from government, we are at liberty to continue our strike. We have given them notice since last year, we had a strike concerning this and we had an agreement with government but it has not been honoured, the permanent secretary is still there causing confusion. “Many of our research institutions cannot conduct their promotion exercise because the permanent secretary insists she must be the one to conduct those promotion exercises. That is not normal, how can you as Perm Sec be running all over the place conducting interviews. “Directors conduct those interviews and so because she wants to be there and does not have the time, the interviews cannot hold and she doesn’t care whether the promotion interviews are conducted or not. This is so discouraging, we have researchers who are frustrated because they are not being promoted. “She is not concerned with the welfare of workers, she is killing the mission and vision of the ministry especially technology promotion. Remove her and replace her with someone who understands this ministry, someone who will obey the directives of the minister and government so that we can have peace,” he said.

LAGOS STATE MOVES TO REDUCE CARNAGES IN METROPOLIS
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/06/lagos-state-moves-to-reduce-carnages-in.html

Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode has implored motorists in state to take advantage of newly established Computerized Vehicle Inspection Centers to check conditions of their vehicles before plying the roads to avert carnages in the metropolis. Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, The governor who made this remark yesterday in Lagos during the commissioning of Four Computerized Vehicle Inspection Centers at Oko-Oba Ayobo, Oke-Afa and Badagry said vehicle safety is one of the pillars of National Road Safety Strategy and United Nations Decade of Action which targets reducing accidents by 35 percent globally through institution of safety system such as the centers. According to him, the centres aims at minimizing loss of lives due to road crashes in obedience to Pillars two and three of the Decade of Action which targets Safe Road Users and Safe Vehicles. Ambode who was represented by the Commissioner For Transpiration Mr. Ladi Lawanson declared that the state government entered into partnership for establishment of the center because human error has been identified as the leading cause of accidents, adding that the before the expiration of second tenure of this administration in Lagos the centers will be established in the 27 Local government council areas and 37 council areas. While expressing commitment of government at ensuring that only fit vehicles are allowed to ply the roads, he disclosed that vehicles will be tested for braking, state of tyres, emission, lights and suspension system. Also speaking, the Managing Director of Lagos Computerized Vehicle Inspection Centre (LACVIS) Mr. Segun Obayendo stated that the 12 additional centers will be established before end of the year. He advised Commercial Vehicle Drivers and Private Vehicle Owners to ascertain condition of their vehicles twice and once a year respectively.

WHY SARAKI IS ‘BEING VICTIMISED’ BY BUHARI GOVT – OMOKRI
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/06/why-saraki-is-being-victimised-by.html

Former aide to ex-president Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri has reacted to the news of the invitation of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki by the Nigerian Police in connection with the recent Offa bank robbery.




Omokri, in a series of tweets, accused President Muhammadu Buhari of victimizing Saraki.

Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, According to him, “If Bukola Saraki had not betrayed Jonathan, Buhari wouldn’t have the power to victimise him.”

He however questioned the Buhari adminstration on why Saraki who controls N100billion annual budget will sponsor a bank robbery when he can rob the national treasury.

“The police statement alleges that the suspects confessed that @BukolaSaraki and Governor Ahmed sponsored the firearms, cars and money used to facilitate OffaBankRobbery.

“But why will politicians who can rob the treasury prefer to rob a bank? Which is easier and more profitable?

“Do the Buhari administration even reason? The amount of money stolen during the #OffaBankRobbery is not up to the amount of money that Saraki gives out to the masses during Sallah. The Senate President sits atop a ₦100 billion annual budget. Why would he sponsor a bank robbery?

“The sad fact is that if Bukola Saraki had not betrayed Jonathan, Buhari wouldn’t have the power to victimise Saraki. No spoon is long enough to eat with satan. If you bring a leopard to kill your enemy, yes, the leopard will kill him. Then it will turn on you when it gets hungry!

“What Saraki and nPDP thought was weakness on Jonathan’s part, was maturity and fear of God. Ironically, Bolaji Abdullahi, the APC National Publicity Secretary, that is now going to be used to fight Saraki is a man he (Saraki) nominated to that post. Indeed, you reap what you sow.

“The Police has got approval from Buhari to arrest @BukolaSaraki. This is the same police that could not arrest pension thief Maina, or killer herdsmen, or those who killed RCCG’s Pastor Eunice Elisha. The same police that can’t rescue #LeahSheribu

“I remember when members of the nPDP called Jonathan a dictator. Today, they have a real dictator but can’t call him dictator because of fear. A man whose regime killed 347 unarmed Shiite men, women, children and infants, can deal with anybody through legal and extralegal means.”

SIX OF TEN YOUTHS ARE CULTISTS; POLICE RECORD SHOWS
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/06/six-of-ten-youths-are-cultists-police.html

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Edgal Imohimi, has expressed sadness over the rising cases of cultism among youths in Lagos.
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, According to Edgal who called for a state of emergency on cultism, six out of 10 young people are cultists in the state.
The Police boss who spoke at a town hall meeting in Surulere, Lagos Mainland, yesterday, Friday, June 1, 2018, said; “I instructed one of my officers to carry out a research on the reason for increase in cultism among the young ones, and it was revealed that it gives them a kind of advantage over their peers.
“For some, they joined to avoid being intimidated. Whatever reason it is, the blame is on us parents for not caring enough about our children.”
Edgal who commended Surulere residents for their support to crime fighting and criminality noted that that there had been reduction in criminal activities in the area attributing the success story of crime fighting in Lagos to intelligence information volunteered by members of the public.
He, however, urged residents to continue to provide useful information to the police in their area, advising them to report any unprofessional conduct of police officers.
Meanwhile, the Police boss advised parents and guardians to monitor their children to prevent them being used as political thugs during the forthcoming general elections. “The election year is approaching and it is time we started talking to ourselves. Do not allow politicians to come and use your children as touts. “All you need to do is get your PVC and vote peacefully. Let us not allow some people come from elsewhere to disrupt the peace in Lagos,’’ he said.

NIGERIAN ARMY UNCOVER CONTAINER LOAD OF ARMS, AMMUNITION IN OGUN
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/05/nigerian-army-uncover-container-load-of.html

The Nigerian Army on Wednesday uncovered a container-load of arms near Igunwa Road, Balogun village, in Ogun State.
Eyes Of Lagos confirmed the development, reporting that as at the time of filing in this report, only army and civil defence officers are being allowed to take charge of the situation.
It is still unconfirmed who the owners of the container are and the destination they were headed when they were intercepted by the army.

MARITIME WORKERS BLAME FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FOR ATTACKS ON VESSELS
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/05/maritime-workers-blame-federal.html

Irked by unabated attacks on vessels at berth by sea robbers, the apex maritime union body in the nation’s seaports, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), has blamed the federal government for the attacks. Speaking to journalists in Lagos, president-general of the MWUN, Com. Adewale Adeyanju, lamented that the termination of tally clerks and onboard security men contracts from the respective stevedoring companies indirectly contributed to the incessant attacks. Eyes Of Lagos recall that the federal government through the minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, had in 2016 approved the termination of relationship with stevedoring contractors handling a set of dockworkers known as tally clerks and onboard security. According to the NPA, the stevedoring companies’ contract were terminated in line with the current port reforms and laws governing activities at the ports. “NPA does not have any security staff on ships any longer. It is no more the responsibility of NPA but terminal operators according to ISPS code to employ security details on board. “‎Paying for onboard security is against our law at the NPA,” a one-time general manager, public affairs, NPA, Captain Iheanacho Ebubeogu‎ had said. However, speaking on the incessant attacks, Adeyanju said the sacked onboard security men and tally clerks formed integral part of dockworkers. He said:“The tally clerks and onboard security men formed an integral part of dockworkers. We no longer have gangway men aboard anymore. What we are experiencing now might be the attitude of those who don’t have jobs again. “The pirates can just sneak in and perpetrate any form of evil and that is the position of things at the moment.” However, the union leader read riot act to members and executive at various terminals in the port warning against compromise. “We are not comfortable and that is why we took the pain by serving a notice of warning to all our members that any particular area we find out that there is piracy or stowaway on- board a vessel, then the executives will be suspended according to the constitution of the union”, he reiterated. Speaking further he noted that “if there are no internal armed robbers or informants at the facilities, outside miscreants would find it difficult to come in and attack vessels at berth,” Adeyanju further threatened to sack any branch executive in whose jurisdiction such incidents continue to occur. He said the move by the union is part of its effort to complement the efforts to improve security at the ports through its strategic collaboration with the terminal operators and government agencies. Adeyanju alluded to allegations that it is possible some unscrupulous workers at the facility may be compromising to create an opportunity for those vessels to be attacked at berth by hoodlums. He lamented that the union has been uncomfortable about the attacks on vessels at berths and has put in place measures by serving a notice of warning to members of the union working at the terminals. According to him, members of the union who operate at the terminals should serve as watchdogs and support the security personnel of the respective terminals. He also called on members of the union operating at the terminals to synergise with the security agencies in the area of useful information- sharing in tackling the menace.

I WANT TO BE AFRICA’S BIGGEST PHILANTHROPIST – DANGOTE
source : http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/05/i-want-to-be-africas-biggest.html

Africa’s richest man and chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has said that he would like to be known as the biggest philanthropist on the continent. Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, Dangote stated this yesterday, in Lafia while disbursing N130 million micro grant to 13,000 vulnerable and less privileged women in Nasarawa State. “I do not only want to be known as Africa’s richest man but the biggest philanthropist in Africa. I will continue to use my resources and my voice to help shape a better Nigeria and Africa as a whole,” he said. Dangote said he started the foundation in 1993 to improve the lives of the less fortunate and make a positive difference in the growth of Nigeria. He said the four major goals of the foundation were health and nutrition, education, economic empowerment and disaster relief. He explained that the grant scheme was one of the components of the economic empowerment programme of the foundation. Dangote said it was aimed at providing disadvantaged and vulnerable women in the country with a one-off unconditional N10, 000 cash transfer to boost their household income generation. ” This we believe will help their vulnerability and meet their livelihood needs,” he added . He explained that the programme, which was launched a few years ago, was targeted at a minimum of 1,000 women in each of the 774 local government areas across the country. “It is estimated that we would spend about N10 billion with some states with a large population getting a little bit more. “We at Aliko Dangote foundation are happy to continue providing support to the most vulnerable and deserving members of the society across the country,” he said.

LAGOS TASK FORCE TO CLAMPDOWN ON ILLEGAL LOCAL COUNCIL TRAFFIC OFFICIALS
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/05/lagos-task-force-to-clampdown-on.html

The operatives of the Lagos State Task Force is set to begin from Monday a total clampdown on illegal activities of Local Government Traffic Officials on all roads across the State.
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, The Chairman, Lagos State Task Force, SP Olayinka Egbeyemi, disclosed that illegal activities of these notorious traffic officials on the roads has been worrisome as cases of motorists being extorted were reported to his office daily.
Egbeyemi disclosed further that this total clampdown by the Agency was on the directive of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Edgal Imohimi.
He said Imohimi was not comfortable with the rate of extortion of motorists by these notorious traffic officials who claimed to be enforcing the Lagos State Road Traffic Law of 2012.
The Chairman stated that as a responsive and responsible government, every right of Lagosians, including motorists, is paramount to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
He reiterated that the ban of all Local Governments traffic officials from controlling or engaging in traffic duties by Governor Ambode still stands.
Egbeyemi stressed that motorists complaint about illegal activities of these traffic officials with mufti collecting illegal fees with fake Local Government tickets.
He said: “Indeed there are traffic unit in all the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas.
“However, traffic management is not a responsibility for the third tier of government.
“We have reported instances of illegal arrest, extortions and general impunity on the part of the Local Government operatives.”
The Chairman quoted Imohimi as saying: “Only Nigerian Police, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Taskforce and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) can perform traffic duties.”
Egbeyemi urged motorists to always adhere strictly to traffic regulations and report to the nearest Police Station any illegal activities of these notorious traffic officials, adding that there had never been a time government considered ceding its traffic management responsibilities to any tier of government.
He enjoined Chairmen of Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas of the State to maintain zero tolerance for illegal traffic duties around their respective council as any traffic official caught by the Agency would be seriously death with in accordance with the law.

I’M HAPPY TO BE IN NIGERIA — CRESPO
source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/05/im-happy-to-be-in-nigeria-crespo.html

Eyes Of Lagos report that, Argentina ex-international, Hernán Jorge Crespo, on Saturday in Lagos said that he was delighted to be in Nigeria for the first time as a guest of the Heineken Group. Crespo along with Nigeria’s ex-internationals — Taribo West, Augustine Eguavon, Mutiu Adepoju and Samson Siasia — were invited by Heineken for an interactive session with journalists in Lagos. Crespo attributed the success of his over 18 years football career to respect for others which, he said, was one of the fundamental values of life. “As a young player, I love the game of football but one fundamental thing I learnt along the way was respect for the game, my team mates and fans of football. “As I grew older in football, I also learnt that it was very important to respect my opponents as well; indeed, it has been a worthwhile experience for me. “I am in Nigeria because I want to have the opportunity to meet people, to support my passion and most importantly support Heineken and their vision for the UEFA Champions League,’’ he said. Crespo said he would never forget playing against Nigeria’s ex-internationals, especially against hard tackling Taribo West and Celestine Babayaro, who were his team mates at Inter Milan and Chelsea, respectively. “In my career I met a lot of players I had respect for and I would never forget players like West, Babayaro, Emmanuel Amuneke, Daniel Amokachi, Sunday Oliseh and Geoge Finidi. “However I think the greatest player so far in Nigeria was Austin Okocha,’’ he said. Similarly, his counterparts from Nigeria, West, Siasia, Eguaveon, Adepoju, eulogized Crespo’s perfection and credibility as a great football legend and appreciated his coming to Nigeria.

WOMAN ALLEGEDLY STABS PASTOR WITH BROKEN BOTTLE
Source: http://www.eyesoflagos.com/2018/05/woman-allegedly-stabs-pastor-with.html?m=1


A 39-year-old woman, Esther Olawale, was on Wednesday arraigned before an Ile-Ife Magistrates’ Court, Osun State, for allegedly stabbing a pastor with broken bottle.

Olawale, of no fixed address, is facing one count of assault.

Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, The prosecutor, Inspector Emmanuel Abdullahi, told the court that the accused committed the offence on May 6 at about 6.00 p.m. at No. 11, Moremi Line 10, Ile-Ife.

Abdullahi said that the accused stabbed the complainant, Pastor Kayode Oluwawemimo, with broken bottle on the left hand and at the back during a disagreement.

He said the assault caused bodily injuries to the complainant, who is a pastor in one of the churches in Ile-Ife.

The offence contravened Section 355 of the Criminal Code, Law of Osun, 2002.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The defence counsel, Mr. Olalere Olaobaju, applied for bail for the accused in the most liberal terms and promised that the accused would not jump bail.

The magistrate, Ishola Omisade, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200,000, with two sureties in like sum, and adjourned the case until June 18 for hearing.