News

Chrisland: Police Begin Investigations on Minors’ Sex Scandal

By Web News 908

Police in Lagos have begun an investigation into a circulating sex tape involving minors in Chrisland School.

A mother had earlier claimed that, Chrisland concealed the matter from her.

Her 10-year-old daughter was involved in sexual activity with another male pupil during a trip to Dubai, which was organised by the school to take part in an international competition.

Benjamin Hundeyin, the spokesperson of the police in Lagos, said in a statement on Monday that they have begun an investigation into the matter.

The police said their investigation will establish the “identities of the players in the video, the true incident in the video, the geographical location of the incident, the alleged threat to life against a student of the school, and circumstances surrounding the alleged repeated pregnancy tests conducted on a student without parental consent.

“The Command is equally taking cognizance of the cybercrime angle to the whole episode and would not hesitate to enlist the support of the Interpol in case, the need arises.

For a holistic and unbiased investigation, the Command shall be working with relevant ministries, departments, agencies and nongovernmental organizations.

Following the circulation of the children’s sex tape, the Lagos state government ordered the closure of the school.

The school has at least seven branches in the state.

The government also warned those in possession or circulating the sex tape to desist from such acts or be ready to spend 14 years in jail as prescribed by the law.

“In the meantime, all Chrisland schools within Lagos have been closed, for further investigations,”.

Premium Times/ Taiwo Akinola 

Entertainment

Comic Actor, Dejo Tunfulu, Buried In Lagos

By Web News 1458

Yoruba comic Actor, Kunle Adetokunbo, popularly called Dejo Tunfulu, who died in the early hours of Friday, has been buried in Agbowa area of Ikorodu, Lagos State.

Fellow Thespian, Kunle Afod, had shared the news of his death on his Instagram page.

He was buried according to Islamic rites.

Punch/Olaolu Fawole

Transportation

One dies as Lagos-Kano Train derails in Kaduna

By Web News 1146

A narrow gauge train conveying soft drinks from Lagos to Kano has derailed at Farin Ruwa, near Jaji in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing the train driver.

Public Relations Officer, Northern Regional District of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), Zaria, Mallam Abdullahi Alhaji confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday.

According to Mallam Alhaji, the driver of the train, Bala Kawu died during the incident.

He said the incident happened as a result of the vandalism of slippers and other accessories on the rail track in the area.

Malam Alhaji added that rescue efforts are currently ongoing to recover the remains of the deceased to salvage the situation for the train to continue its journey to Kano.

NET/Olaolu Fawole

Crime Judiciary

Court Convicts Kidnap Kingpin

By Web News 665

Kidnap kingpin, Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike aka Evans, has been convicted alongside two others for conspiracy and kidnapping of a businessman, Donatus Duru.

The other two convicts are are Uche Amadi and Okwuchukwu Nwachukwu.

The three men were found guilty of a two-count by the Ikeja High Court in Lagos, presided over by Justice Hakeem Oshodi on Friday.

According to Justice Oshodi, the prosecution succeeded in proving the charge against the three convicts beyond reasonable doubt.

He, however, discharged and acquitted one Ogechi Uchechukw and two former soldiers, Chilaka Ifeanyi and Victor Aduba, saying the evidence against them was not sufficient enough.

Justice Oshodi is, however, yet to sentence the convicts as proceedings are still ongoing.

Evans is facing similar charges before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo and Justice Adedayo Akintoye of the same court.

The Punch/Oluwakayode Banjo

Agriculture

Lagos, FAO/UNIDO Begin Month-long Survey On Coconut Value Chain

By Web News 845

The Lagos State Government in conjunction with the Food and Agriculture Organisation, FAO, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation,UNIDO, has begun a month-long intensive field research on coconut value chain analysis in the State.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture,
Ms Abisola Olusanya who made this known at the commencement of the exercise on Sunday said the Field Research for Coconut Value Chain Analysis was part of the ongoing collaboration between the state government and FAO/UNIDO in the coconut value chain.

The Lagos state government and the FAO-UN had in November 2021, signed a $200,000 Unilateral Trust Fund Agreement for the development of the coconut value chain.

Ms Olusanya who pointed out that a survey on coconut was last carried out about 30 years ago explained that the current exercise would involve data collection via key informant interviews, surveys, actor interviews, focus group discussions as well as analysis.

The Commissioner said that the exercise would also involve combing the nooks and crannies of coconut producing communities in Lagos, processors and marketers and other value chain actors’ locations in Lagos.

According to her, this exercise is alluding to the commitment of the administration of Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu in ensuring that the potentials of the coconut value chain are fully unleashed for the benefit of the state and its citizens.

“It is on record that this type of survey on coconut was carried out in the state about 30 years ago.
“But with significant changes in demography and agro-ecological conditions of the state, there is need to re-conduct this exercise,” she said.

The Commissioner urged all coconut value chain actors such as Lagos State chapters of the National Association of Coconut Producers, Processors and Marketers of Nigeria NACOPPMAN and All Farmers Association of Nigeria, AFAN, to support the research.

“I encourage all coconut value chain actors to provide the necessary information required so that the report will help fashion out strategies for the crop to sustainably contribute to ‘Making Lagos a 21st century economy’.
“I enjoin the international and national consultants, enumerators and other support parties not to lose sight at this stage of the value chain analysis as field data collection is one of the most critical aspects.
“As the frontliners, you need to take all necessary steps to ensure that accurate information is gotten and proper analysis carried out,” she noted.

In his remarks, the FAO-UN Country Representative, Dr Fred Kafeero said the survey would take place in Badagry, Ojo and other parts of Lagos state where there are coconut field.

Dr Kafeero who was represented by Mrs Adeola Akinrinlola, Programme Officer, FAO-UN Nigeria Country Office, Abuja, said the exercise would involve key actors in the value chain and commended the Commissioner and the General Manager of the Lagos State Coconut Development Authority, LASCODA, Mr Dapo Olakulehin for their commitment and passion for the development of agriculture and especially, the coconut value chain.

He said that FAO/UNIDO are providing technical support under a unilateral Trust Fund with Lagos state to transform the coconut value chain.

“The support is taking off with survey in order to generate reliable data and information. He said.

Some of the riverine areas to be visited in Badagry Local Government include Oko gbo, Akarakumo, Imoba, Ojogun, Olometa, Ojogun Ajido sea beach and Topo.
Areas to be visited in Ojo Local Government are Origele, Irewe, Ibode Igbo Oja, Onigbongbo, Iyagbe, Itogbesa, Okonudun, Igbolobi and Ileshe.

Omolara Omosanya

News

New Year Prophecy: Pastor Adeboye Reveals Positive Expectations

By Web News 1046

The general overseer of the redeemed Christian church of God, pastor Enoch Adeboye says infant mortality rate will reduce drastically in the new year.

Pastor Adeboye stated this during his prophecy session in a watch night service held at the Redemption camp on Lagos Ibadan express way.

He said God has assured his people that there will be submassive breakthroughs in science and finances all around the world.

Daddy G.O as fondly called by many encouraged people to embark on new projects as 80 person of such projects will be completed.

The pastor also assured Nigerians that problems associated with migration will take new turn this year.

Concerning Nigeria, Pastor Adeboye invited one thousand youths to join him on praying for many challenges facing the nation.

On international scene, pastor Adeboye encouraged people to pray against
two monstrous storm, one from Atlantic hurricane, and Pacific ocean, typhoon.

Abisola Oluremi

Sport

Kwara, Lagos Win 5th Edition Of Racket Festival In Ogun

By Web News 762

Mistura Durosinlorun from Kwara state and Dominion Ntupe from Lagos state have emerged champions in the under 16 girls and boys category of the 5th Racket festival.

Miss Durosinlorun defeated Delight Temple from Akwa Ibom state by three straight sets of 11/7, 11/4 and 11/7 in the final of the competition played at the Squash court of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta.

Dominion Ntupe on the other hand edged Daniel Nze from Akwa Ibom state by three sets to one to emerge the champion in the male category.

Speaking with journalists, The President, National Squash Federation, Mr Boye Oyerinde represented by the Zonal coordinator, North Central, Mr Yusuf Durosinlorun said the federation would continue to organise regular competitions for the junior athletes to enable them to get exposed.

Mr Oyerinde expressed satisfaction with the performance of the players throughout the competition

Also, a former Nigerian National Squash player, Mr Adekunle Adebiyi explained that the competition was to give Nigerian child a platform to participate in sport, to discover talented players, retain, mentor and support them to attain greater heights.


Olusegun Folarin

Crime

Police Apprehend Paedophile In Lagos

By Web News 741

A thirty-two-year-old married man, Sunday Ukeme, has been arrested by detectives attached to the Akodo Police Division, Lagos for defiling a neighbour’s daughter (name withheld)

The incident according to a release signed by the Pro, Adekunle Ajisebutu happened in Idaso town, Ibeju Lekki after the suspect’s wife left for vigil in one of the churches in the neighbourhood.

The victim’s mother had kept her in the custody of the suspect’s wife, Mary Sunday when she (victim’s mother) travelled out of the town for three weeks.

According to the victim’s mother who reported the case at the police station, when she returned from the journey the victim reported to her that she was defiled by the suspect.

Consequent upon the report lodged at the Police Station on 4th October, 2021, detectives immediately arrested the suspect.

During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime. He however, pleaded for mercy, blaming his shameful, immoral and criminal act on the influence of alcohol.

The victim has since been taken to the hospital for medical attention.

The case has been transferred to the Gender Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti for diligent investigation and prosecution on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu.

The Commissioner of Police while promising to protect every girl child and other vulnerable persons in the state, vows to prosecute such paedophiles with unbridled sexual urge for minors

Abisola Oluremi

Environment

Tension Wire Electrocutes 6 Worshippers In Lagos

By Web News 774

Pandemonium broke in the early hours on Sunday, when six worshippers were feared dead after a high tension electric wire suddenly snapped and fell on the victims during Sunday church service.

Meanwhile, the true identity of victims could not be ascertained as of press time.

According to eyewitness, the incident occured at 07:34 am on El-Adonai Evegenlical Ministry, 18 Jibiwu Road, off Agbe Road, U-turn Bus Stop, Abule Egba, Lagos.

The incident involved, a high tension connecting the Cherum & Saraphim, C&S, Church’s flag pole leading to the electrical shock of about 6 male adults.

Men of the Agege Fire Station of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service is currently attending to the incident with a view to secure lives and properties in the area.

Director, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Mrs. Adeseye Margaret, who confirmed the incident could not ascertain the number of death, saying some of the victims were unsconcious as of press time.

“The Ikeja Electric Distribution Company has been informed and consequently de-energize power distribution to the environment while rescue operations continue amid youths restiveness and tensed area,” Adeseye stated.

Vanguard

Transportation

FRSC Seeks Speedy Establishment Of Ogun Road Safety Advisory Council

By Web News 658

Federal Road Safety Commission wants the Ogun State government to expedite the establishment of the Ogun State’s Road Safety Advisory Council to enhance the robust implementation of road safety standards in the State.

The FRSC Zonal Commanding Officer, Zone Two, Lagos, Mr. Peter Kibo made the call at the Ogun FRSC Ember Month Campaign flag-off held at the Ogere Trailer Park.

The FRSC Zonal Commanding Officer represented by a Sector commander, Mrs. Rahilah Koli explained that the commission would continue partnering with other security agencies to toughen its enforcement of route violation and other critical traffic offenses along this corridor.

He then urged the Ogun State government to provide the necessary tools required to make the roads safe.

Earlier, the Ogun Sector Commander, Mr. Ahmed Umar in a remark said the command recorded four hundred and forty-one crashes involving trucks and articulated vehicles between January and August this year out of the total of one thousand three hundred and twenty-four crashes so far recorded. 

Mr. Umar said FRSC would continue to engage truck and articulated vehicle drivers through their unions to reduce the carnage on the roads.

He also advised the tanker drivers to fix safety valves in their vehicles and also ensure that the vehicles have high visibility and are in good condition before embarking on trips.

The Ogun State governor represented by the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Gbenga Dairo while speaking, said the state government would work hard to establish the State’s Road Safety Advisory Council in due course and urged Nigerians to always consider the state of the roads before embarking on night journeys.

Wale Oluokun

Crime

NPF Dismisses Officer Who Killed Lagos Teenager

By Web News 630

The Nigerian Police Force has dismissed Sergeant Samuel Philipps from its service, having found him guilty of shooting a teenager in Ijeshatedo Area of Lagos few days ago.

A release signed by the Lagos State Police Public Relation Officer, Adekunle Ajisebutu says the sergeant shot the female teenager Monsurat Ojuade at close range which led to her death.

The release says Sergeant Phillips was dismissed after the conclusion of his orderly room trial. The suspect will be charged to court today for murder.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hakeem Odumosu further sympathises with the bereaved family, and reiterates his earlier promise that justice would be done in this case.

Monsurat on 11th of September was allegedly shot below the belt by Sergeant Phillips when the deceased was about to lock her mother’s shop after seeing people running helter-skelter.

Abisola Oluremi

Crime

Another Robbery Suspect Nabbed With Arms, Ammunition In Lagos

By Web News 731

Efforts of the Lagos State Police Command to rid the State of criminal elements through constant proactive and visibility policing yielded yet another result recently when an armed robbery suspect was arrested with two locally-made pistols and five live cartridges concealed in a bag.

The male suspect, Sunday Akpa, 24, was arrested in Iba area of the State by eagle -eyed anti- crime patrol team of the Iba Police Division at about 1730hrs of 13th August, 2021.

The suspect who belongs to a notorious dare-devil armed robbery gang suspected to be responsible for the spate of traffic robbery and sundry criminal activities
in Festac, Mike 2, Ojo, Alaba, and Iba areas of the State, was travelling in a commercial bus apparently to join other members of the gang for an operation when he was apprehended.

Sensing that the game was up, the suspect on seeing the combat readiness of the police team which had stopped the vehicle for a routine check, jumped down and took to his heels. He was however arrested by the policemen after a hot chase while the two arms and the ammunition were recovered from him.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu, has directed that the suspect should be transferred to the Command’s Special Squad for indept investigation with a view to arresting other members of the gang.

While commending the policemen for their commitment to duty, the Commissioner of Police vows to maintain the onslaught on all criminals and other hoodlums still planning to ply their evil trade in the State.

E-SIGNED:

CSP ADEKUNLE AJISEBUTU (mnipr),
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
LAGOS STATE COMMAND

Health

FCT, 6 States On Red Alert Over COVID-19 Delta Variant

By Web News 663

The Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19, PSC, has put six States and the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos, Oyo, Rivers, Kaduna, Kano, Plateau and the FCT, on red alert as part of preventive measures against a third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic following the confirmation of the Delta Variant and the rising number of infections and hospitalization in the country.

Chairman of the PSC and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, in a statement urges States to heighten preparedness and continue to enforce safety protocols, “given the renowned greater ease of spread of the Delta variant”.

The PSC also notes its plan to continue to minimize the risk of importation of Variants of Concern into the country by strengthening Surveillance at all Points of Entry, enforcing extant quarantine protocols and sustaining the current restrictive measures against travelers arriving from India, Brazil, Turkey and South Africa.

While felicitating with the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, the statement stresses the need for Religious Leaders to be mindful of the potential for the wider spread of the virus during large gatherings.

The statement recommends decentralization of Eid prayer to neighborhood Friday prayer mosques, suspension of durbar activities and limitations on indoor gatherings, as preventive measures for a safe Eid-el-Kabir celebration

Emmanuel Kutara

Crime

Sexual Assault Case: Court Grants Baba Ijesha 2M Naira Bail

By Web News 614

The special offences courts unit of the Lagos state high court has granted Baba Ijesha, the embattled Nigerian actor, bail in the sum of two million naira.

Baba Ijesha was arrested and detained by the Lagos police after he was alleged to have sexually molested a 14-year-old girl.

The 48-year-old was arraigned before the court on Thursday on a six-count charge which include sexual assault by penetration, indecent treatment of a child and sexual assault.

Others are indecent treatment of a child, sexual assault and attempted sexual assault by penetration.

During the trial, the actor, whose real name is Olanrewaju James, pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.

Babatunde Ogala, his counsel, also prayed the court to grant his client’s bail application while the trial continues, noting that he has been deprived of his constitutional right since his arrest in April.

The senior advocate of Nigeria SAN argued that his client was wrongly accused and is being tried without evidence to substantiate the allegations against him.

He said the defendant should be given adequate time to prepare for his trial and access to his lawyer, adding that there are people ready to stand as sureties for him.

But reacting, Olayinka Adeyemi, the state director of public prosecution DPP, urged the court to deny the actor’s bail application.

Buttressing her point, Adeyemi described the offences brought against the actor as “grave” in nature, citing the sexual assault charge which carries life imprisonment.

The prosecuting counsel said the court should be careful in its handling of the bail application, noting that the defendant could jump bail while his popularity could also affect the evidence against him in the case.

In her ruling, Oluwatoyin Taiwo, the judge, ordered that the actor be released on bail while the trail continuues.

Taiwo said the defendant must bring the amount alongside two sureties — one of which must be a legal practitioner and the second a family relation.

The judge, however, said that the actor must perfect the bail terms and conditions within the next seven days.

She said the trial would begin on July 26 through 27 and 28 respectively.

The development comes days after a magistrate court quashed his bail application on the ground that the matter was already beyond its jurisdiction.

thecable.ng

Environment

Ogun, Lagos Sign MOU On Joint Development Commission

By Web News 621

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun and his Lagos State counterpart, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu have signed a Memorandum of Understanding MOU, for the establishment of Lagos-Ogun Joint Development Commission.
Speaking at the ceremony held at Presidential lodge, Ibara Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun said that the collaboration would help to boost industrialization and ensure wholesome development at the states’ border communities.
Governor Dapo Abiodun explained that Lagos – Ogun joint development commission would focus on Infrastructure including the development of boundary town roads, water works and mass transportation.
Governor Abiodun said that the joint commission would enhance efforts to fast track development, employment generation, poverty alleviation and food security in both states.
Also, Lagos State Governor Mr Babajide Sanwoolu
said that the signing of MOU was to build sustainable
urban cities and promote participatory
governance among residents of Lagos and Ogun States.
Governor Sawoolu while giving the assurance that the
Joint Memorandum of Understanding would be meticulously
implemented said the process would encourage residents to recognize their roles towards achieving solid urban
economies in both States.
The Lagos State Governor expressed optimism that
proper implementation of the collaborative projects captured
in the Joint Memorandum of Understanding would stimulate
economic growth, accelerate the move for urban transformation.
While urging the people of Lagos and Ogun States to key into the vision,
Governor Sawoolu also called for
greater collaboration among the 36 States of the Federation
for overall development of the country.

Crime

Lagos Police Arrest Six Over Robbery

By Web News 1251

The operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of the Lagos State Police Command has arrested six suspected traffic robbery kingpins at different locations in the State.

The operational squad led by the Commander of the RRS, CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi, nabbed the 6 traffic robbery kingpins around Iddo Bridge, Ijora Olopa, Ojota and Ketu areas.

While briefing the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Hakeem Odumosu, on the operation, CSP Yinka Egbeyemi confirmed the arrest and also said a toy gun was recovered from one of the suspects.

The suspects Toheeb Isiaka, who was caught with a toy gun confessed that he had snatched more than twenty phones from innocent motorists in the last 2 weeks at different spots in the area.

He also confessed that once he pulled out his toy gun, motorists became jittery and immediately surrendered their valuables including phones, wallets, and jewelry, willingly without any resistance or confrontation.

In another development, the newly appointed DPO Festac, CSP Femi Iwasokun, has burst a robbery syndicate at Aboju Roundabout of Festac and recovered one locally-made pistol from them.

The Anti Crime Squad despatched by the Divisional Police Officer, while on patrol, intercepted some suspected armed robbers on a motorcycle around Aboju Round About, along Badagry Expressway, Lagos State.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Hakeem Odumosu, has ordered that the suspects be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba, for proper investigation, while he directed that the fleeing suspected members of the armed robbery syndicate and traffic robbers in many parts of the state be tracked and arrested.


Abisola Oluremi

Transportation

Train, Truck Collision Causes Heavy Vehicular Traffic in Lagos

By Web News 704

A train has on Monday collided with a truck loaded with animal feed at Jonathan Coker Railway Level Crossing in the Fagba Area of Iju Ishaga, Lagos State.

Law enforcement agents are currently on the ground attending to the accident which occurred around 8.52 am.

The accident has led to vehicular traffic in the area with motorists advised to seek alternative routes.

As of the time of filing this report, no casualty has been ascertained.

Details Later….

Adebukola Aluko

Lifestyle

Veteran Journalist, Tony Momoh to be Buried in Lagos

By Web News 696

The remains of Former Minister of Information and Culture, Prince Tony Momoh, will be committed to mother earth on February 11, 2021.

In a statement issued by Momoh”s first son, Abdulrasheed, the Family said the deceased would be interred at the Grail Land Iju Hills, Lagos on February 11th 2021.

His grandson, Esivwe Momoh, told Newsmen, “As if he knew it was time, he told us shortly before he passed on that he was going for spiritual check up.

“We still spoke on Monday morning and he told us he was fine, but returning from work in the evening, we got the news. He trained, imparted and mentored me. He lived by example, he never spoilt us.

He always told us to be focused. He was highly accommodating to every class—poor, old and young. He was always there to help and support everybody around him.

He wanted us to achieve our own success. He would tell us that time waits for no man. Anything you want to do, do it on time. He was a man of few words but those words carried weight.”

Prince Tony Momoh died on the 1st of February at the age of 81.

Vanguard NewsPaper

Health

COVID-19: Lagos Govt. Extends Work-From-Home Directive

By Web News 518

Following the rising cases of COVID-19 infections in Lagos State, the state government on Sunday announced an extension of the work-at-home order for public servants.

In a statement signed by the Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, public servants will now resume on February 26, against the earlier communicated date, February 1.

It was earlier reported how the state government announced an extension of the work-at-home order for public servants to February 1, as against the earlier communicated date, January 18.

The official said the directive excludes staff on essential duty as well as first responders across the state.

Mr. Muri-Okunola said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a bid to curtail the spread of the virus, approved the further extension of the work-from-home order to all state public servants on Grade Levels 14 and below.

He noted with concern that pockets of COVID-19 infections had been observed among public servants in the state.

Mr. Muri-Okunola stated also that the directive is in line with the Presidential Order on Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Health Protection Regulations which states inter-alia that:

“A physical distance of at least two metres shall be maintained at all times between persons” and that “no gathering of more than 50 persons shall hold in an enclosed space, except for religious purposes, in which case the gathering shall not exceed 50% capacity of the space”.

He advised staff to stay safe by observing all COVID-19 protocols such as the use of face masks, physical distancing and regular washing of hands with soap and water as well as the use of hand sanitizers.

Premium Times

News Analysis

Challenges of Nation-Building and Prospects as Nigeria Marks 60th Independence Anniversary

By Web News 1593

The political and geographical entity called Nigeria among comity of nation’s came into existence in 1914.

A British colonial master, Sir Frederick Luggard, amalgamated together different people with a different cultural, religious and political background under a single administrative system.

Before amalgamation, the political entity known today as Nigeria was administered in separate smaller units which are northern and southern protectorates as well as the colony of Lagos.

Despite the freshness of political practice in Nigeria, a plethora of political differences, ethnic distrust and religious intolerance bedeviled the nation.

One of the setbacks the country experienced was the long period of military rule that destroyed the nation’s federalism and substituted it with a unitary and centralised form of government.

It is therefore puzzling that at 60, Nigeria is yet to fully assert its position among the list of developed countries of the world despite its huge mineral and human resources.

The Independence Day of a country signifies a glorious expression of freedom.

The day is for pomp and celebration from official quarters which is usually characterised by public holidays, colourful display by paramilitary forces and the armed forces.

While unveiling the activities to mark this year’s event, President Muhammadu Buhari said the country’s sixtieth independence anniversary celebration will be observed for a whole year, ending September 30th, next year.

President Buhari explained that the anniversary celebration would be low-key, attributing the development to the scourge of the coronavirus pandemic.

According to the president, the theme of this year’s anniversary celebration; “Together Shall We Be” was chosen to forge a more united and cohesive Nigeria.

Independence Day calls for reflection on the challenges facing the country and future prospects.

Despite these challenges, this year’s Independence Day should make Nigerians remember that countries of the world passed through similar problems in order to become stronger and more prosperous.

As the nation marks its diamond independence anniversary, the government must focus on key areas to make the economy buoyant for Nigeria to attract foreign investors and private sector to thrive.

A holistic public service reform, incorruptible criminal justice system and effective anti-corruption agencies will be a step in the right direction. 

Furthermore, there is need for government to improve on its achievements and work towards improving the other sectors of the economy for national development.

Political office holders should take a cue from countries like Singapore, South Korea and India that have utilized their resources to develop their country rather than amassing wealth at the detriment of the citizens.

It is expected that these reforms will transform the economy and bring prosperity to the people.

Tayo Sanni

Transportation

Post-Eidel Kabir: Slight Increase in Cost of Interstate Travel

By Web News 1240

Passengers returning to their destinations after the Eidel kabir celebration in Ibadan may likely experience slight increase in the transport fare.

The development followed the limited numbers of passengers expected to be carried by transporters as well as possible increase in the volumes of passengers later in the week.

During a visit by our correspondent to Ojoo, Iwo Road and Challenge Motor Parks, it was observed that few passengers were still noticed while little hike was observed compared to what obtained before.

At Ojoo, Radio Nigeria observed that Ibadan to other states in the northern region cost between 7, 500 and 9, 050 naira while other states in the South-South from the ancient city cost between 5, 500 and 10, 000 naira, Ibadan to Abuja on the other hand cost 8, 000 naira.

Confirming the fare, at Iwo road, two park managers, Mr Daniel Odiniya and Felix Bayode said Ibadan five passengers were the numbers specified for each car to allow for physical distancing.

A transporter at Ojoo, Mr Motuf Olatunbosun said Ibadan to Sango Ota and other axis in Lagos costs between 1,500 and 2,500 naira.

Radio Nigeria also observed that Ibadan to Akure and Ado Ekiti ranged between 2,000 and 2,500 naira.

A passenger, Mr Adegoroye Oluwole said government should cushion the effects of the coronavirus pandemic through financial assistance for the transporters.

It was however observed that few passengers complied with the safety protocols of wearing the masks while other passengers in the buses do not observe physical distancing.

Rotimi Famakin

Transportation

11 out of 22 Nigerian Airports Open to Flights

By Web News 2776

Since commencement of domestic flight operations in the country on the 8th of July, only 11 airports have been opened to flights out of the 22 airports owned and operated by the Federal Government.

Investigation by our aviation correspondent revealed that as at 19th of this month, Abuja, Lagos, Uyo, Kano and Port Harcourt Airports have resumed activities.

Others are Owerri, Kaduna, Calabar, Maiduguri, Sokoto and Yola airports.

These airports that have been opened are certified to have complied with the provision of post COVID-19 restart guidelines and health protocols in addition to being authorized by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA.

Speaking during the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 briefing last week, the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika said the ministry had been under a lot of pressure and received questions regarding the opening of some airports.

He explained that airports are opened based on their compliance to the Covid-19 Protocols.

According to him, they are at liberty to open and close airports depending on some many other operational reasons, adding that at any point in time whether there is Covid or not, airports can be closed if some issues were discovered and opened if certain gaps have been addressed.

“This is because once we said they are open, we now went back into those airports to ensure everything is okay and safe to operate, health-wise and operation-wise and some airports are so far apart and security reasons and difficulty in travel. We are lucky that we have an aircraft at our disposal which is meant to be for calibrating our equipment, we use that aircraft to enter into all of these airports to ensure they are safe.”

The Minister said inspections were still ongoing at other airports yet to be reopened, adding that if they meet the requirements of the restart guidelines and health protocols, they would be opened to flights.

Nosa Aituamen

Health

42 COVID-19 Patients Discharged in Lagos

By Web News 814

42 Covid-19 patients, comprising 17 females and 25 males including 10 foreign nationals have been discharged from Isolation facilities in Lagos State to reunite with the society.

8 of them were discharged from Gbagada, 5 from Agidingbi, 15 from Eti-Osa (LandMark) 6 from Onikan and 8 from LUTH Isolation Centres after full recovery from Coronavirus.

Omolara Omosanya

Transportation

Lifting of Interstate Lockdown: Business Owners, Transporters, Express Relief

By Web News 733

Reactions have continued to trail the lifting of the ban on interstate travels after four months of lockdown by federal government to curtail the spread of Covid-19.

Speaking with Radio Nigeria, an interstate driver in Ibadan, Mr Don Richard said they would be able to work freely without any threat from security operatives while such would also guarantee a reduction in transport fare.

Mr Richard expressed the hope that the drivers would follow laid down safely rules by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, to reduce the spread of Covid-19.

Two male travelers, Alhaji Wasiu Adegboyega and Mr Toyese Esan said the lifting of the ban would put an end to the trouble they usually encounter every weekend whenever they planned to visit their families in Ibadan.

Another business owner in Ibadan who shuttles between Lagos and Ibadan for transactions, appreciated the Government and promised to abide by the use of nose masks and sanitiser in order not to contract Covid-19.

The respondent equally wants governments to fashion out effective modalities to ease the pressure the pandemic has brought on other sectors of the economy.

It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari banned interstate movement in March this year to curtail the spread of Covid-19.

Rasheedah Makinde