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Author: Rasak Raji

  • LASG yet to begin relocating residents in flood-prone areas – Oshodi

     

    Flood
    By Raji Rasak
    Lagos, June 23, 2024 (NAN) Mrs Titi Oshodi,  Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Climate Change and Circular Economy, says the state has yet to begin relocating residents in flood-prone areas.
    Oshodi disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.
    According to Oshodi, there will be the process of relocation when it gets to extremes.
    “Now, Lagos is channeling and charting the course for communities to build resilience.
    “That means how can the communities generate models of fortification for each to stand the impact of climate change.
    “Even if we are relocating, there are climate change challenges in each community because it is coastal, there will be issues of droughts and flooding,” she said.
    Oshodi said the ministry had started educating the public and communities about responsible attitude.
    “The responsible behaviour that is climate friendly.
    “First, how do you  dispose your waste? We know that one of the major components of flooding is from drainages that are being blocked.
    “What are the things that are blocking these drainages, it is plastics and our waste.
    “How do we responsibly dispose off the waste ? This is the kind of education and advocacy we are giving our people now.
    “They need to understand that the steps they take are part of the result they are getting with what is happening today,” she said.
    Meanwhile, a NAN correspondent who visited  flood-prone communities in Badagry such as Gbaji, Oloko,Topo, Idale, Akarakumo, Povita and Ajido observed that people are still living in the areas.
    Mr Sunday Boyanho, a resident of Ajido, said he relocates to his father’s compound in Badagry with his family whenever there is flood.
    “In 2023, we spent close to two months before coming back to our house in Ajido.
    “We are fishermen and we live very near to the rivers, we are used to this.
    “We will be grateful if the state government can assist in relocating us to a decent place within this period,” he said.
    Also, a resident of Oloko, Mr Olusegun Suru, said residents of the area were disturbed by flood some years back.
    “But we have sand-filled the area and I have built a fence round the building, we are free from flood,” he said. (NAN)
    ROR/CHOM/FAA
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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Folasade Adeniran
    07065854223

  • Man, 24, remanded for allegedly stealing plastic can valued N7,000

    Stealing

    By Raji Rasak

    Badagry (Lagos State) June 21, 2024 (NAN) A Badagry Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, on Friday remanded a 24-year old man, Jimoh Eluah, at a correctional facility for allegedly stealing a plastic can valued N7,000.

    Eluah whose address was not given, is being charged with unlawful entry and stealing to which he pleaded guilty.

    The Chief Magistrate, Mr L.A Aina ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Awhajigoh Correctional Centre, Badagry.

    He thereafter, adjourned the case until June 4, for facts and sentencing.

    Earlier, the Prosecutor, Clement Okuoimose told the court that the defendant committed the offences at about 6.00a.m on June 17, at Jubau Petrol Station, Badagry, Lagos.

    Okuoimose said that the defendant jumped across the fence and entered into the petrol station with an intent to steal.

    He said the defendant stole one empty plastic can valued N7,000, belonging to the fueling station.

    Okuoimose said that the offences violated Sections 308 and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ROR/KOO/AZU
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    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and Azubuike Okeh

  • 2 Beninoises jailed five years each for assaulting a woman 

    2 Beninoises jailed five years each for assaulting a woman

    Imprisonment
    By Raji Rasak
    Badagry (Lagos State), June 21, 2024 (NAN) A Lagos Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting in Badagry, on Friday, sentenced two Beninoises, Sossou Marc, 34; and Wesu Abdulraman, 30; to five years imprisonment each for assault.
    Chief Magistrate N. A. Layeni sentenced them after they pleaded guilty to assault.
    The police also charged them with felony, theft and breach of peace.
    The Chief Magistrate, however gave that the convicts an option of N500,000 each.
    He adjourned hearing in the other three-count charge until July 18, for mention.
    Earlier, the Prosecution Officer, Insp Edet Ekpe told the court that the convicts committed the offence on May 15, at about 12.10 p.m in Pipeline Area, Imeke, Badagry.
    Ekpe  said that they stole a bag containing N276,500 belonging to Ms Chinyere Onwuka, the complainant.
    “They pushed the complainant from a motorcycle after stealing her bag which contained N276,500. She  sustained injuries all over her body.
    “The convicts conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause breach of peace.
    “The convicts are trans-border robbers from Republic of Benin, they came to Imeke on motorcycle mainly to steal.
    “The complainant has a POS shop at Imeke,” he said.
    The offence, he said, contravened the provisions of sections 411, 287, 297 and 168 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015. (NAN)
    ROR/SH
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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Navy hands over seized cannabis to NDLEA in Badagry

    Lt.-Cdr Bitus Zoaka, the Base Operations Officer, Forward Operating Base, of Nigerian Navy, Badagry, representing the Commanding Officer , Navy Captain Augustus Amakiri handing over seized suspected cannabis sativa to Mr Ogbogoh Emmanuel, the Assistant Commander Narcotics, Sème Spécial Command, NDLEA, on Thursday.

     

    Navy hands over seized cannabis to NDLEA in Badagry
    Navy
    By Raji Rasak
    Badagry (Lagos State), June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Forward Operating Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Navy, Badagry, Lagos State, on Thursday, handed over four sacks of cannabis sativa to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in Badagry.
    Lt.-Cdr. Bitus Zoaka, the Base Operations Officer, FOB, representing the Commanding Officer FOB, Navy Captain Augustus Amakiri, said the patrol team of the Base intercepted the suspected hard drugs on May 31.
    According to him, at about 6.20.a.m, on Friday, May 31, the FOB personnel while on routine patrol along the the waterways got credible intelligence about the movement of suspected sacks of hard drugs.
    “They moved into action and intercepted the hard drugs at beachside, close to the Falcon Eye sensor at Daddi, Barrier Island, Iworo, Badagry.
    “The suspected drugs were believed to have been smuggled from Ghana into Nigeria and was breach-landed using wooden boat,” he said.
    Zoaka said the four sacks of the seized substances contained 65, 60, 51 and 43 pellets respectively.
    ‘The handing over exercise is in line with the Harmonised Standard Procedures on Arrest, Detention and Prosecution (HSOP-AD&P) 2016.
    “Recall that since the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla assumed office, he stated that his mission was to maintain and equip a professionally competent naval force capable of defending Nigeria’s maritime area of interest in fulfillment of national security imperatives.
    “Similarly, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Adm. Mustapha Bala Hassan, on Nov 9, launched Operation Water Guard.
    “This operation is aimed at denying smugglers and other criminal element the freedom of action within Badagry General Area in order to ensure security and economic stability in the region while fulfilling the Navy’s constitutional roles.
    “Accordingly, these sustained efforts of FOB Badagry are all geared towards complying with the CNS Strategic Directive 2023-6 which is to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea for economic activities to thrive,” he said.
    Zoaka said this would be the second time such exercise was being conducted since assumption of office of the current administration of FOB Badagry in February 2024.
    Receiving the exhibit, Mr Ogbogoh Emmanuel, the Assistant Commander Narcotics, Sème Spécial Command of NDLEA,  promised that an investigation would commence on the seized items.
    He commended the Nigerian Navy for the seizures, assuring them that the perpetrators would not go unpunished. (NAN)
    ROR/SOA
    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

  • Give your children adequate education, Lagos commissioner urges parents

    Education

    By Raji Rasak

    Badagry (Lagos State), June 18, 2024 (NAN) Mr Ibrahim Layode, Lagos State Commissioner of Home Affairs, has called on parents to ensure their children receive adequate education to enhance their future leadership roles.

    Layode made this call during the 21st Edition of the Ayeye Ileya Ceremony held on Tuesday to commemorate the Eid-el Kabir festival in Badagry.

    Represented by Mr Sesi Pot-Balogun of the Education Committee of Ayeye-Ileya, Layode advised parents to collaborate with the State Ministry of Education in implementing educational policies.

    He presented gifts to the children, stating that the gesture aimed to support education in Badagry.

    Layode mentioned that in previous celebrations, educational materials such as school bags, notebooks, pens, markers and other essentials were distributed to support the children.

    “Children are the foundation of our future. It is our responsibility to ensure they receive the best care, education, and opportunities to achieve their full potential,” he said.

    Layode also commended the people of Badagry for their steadfast support for President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

    The Akran of Badagry Kingdom, Aholu Menu Toyi 1, encouraged the Badagry Muslim Community to utilise the Sallah occasion to pray for peace and development in Badagry, Lagos State and Nigeria at large.

    Akran, who was represented by Chief Tunde Giro, the Depegan of Badagry, said that peace, growth, and development thrive when there is security of lives and properties.

    Mr Solomon Bonu, a lawmaker representing Badagry Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, urged Muslims to use the Eid-el Kabir period to pray for national peace and stability.

    “As responsible citizens, we should embrace unity, peace, and love for one another,” Bonu urged.

    He also announced the distribution of free tickets for Hajj to Mecca and Medina to 31 compounds, with three compounds emerging as winners for a free trip to perform Hajj in 2025.

    In his address, Chief Imam of Badagry Division, Alhaji Uwais Akewusola, urged residents to pray for peace, progress and prosperity during the festive period.

    He appealed for continued peaceful coexistence based on Islamic principles, wishing everyone a joyous and peaceful celebration.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the celebration was marked by jubilation, dancing and a strong sense of community as people from diverse backgrounds came together to celebrate this special occasion.

    ROR/AWA
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    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

     

  • Butchers decry state of abattoir in Badagry

    Abattoir
    By Raji Rasak
    Badagry (Lagos State), June 17, 2024 (NAN) Butchers in Badagry area of Lagos State on Monday decried lack of basic amenities within their abattoir.
    Consequently, the butchers, under the aegis of Alapata Association of Agbalata Market, have called for urgent rehabilitation of the abattoir by Badagry Local Government Council and the state government.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the call was against the backdrop of the outbreak of Cholera in some parts of the state.
    Chairman of the association, Mr Taofeek Mohammed, told NAN in Badagry that the maintenance of the over 40-year-old abattoir was being done by the butchers alone.
    “We pay levies to use the abattoir but all the maintenance of the place is being borne by us.
    “We are not seeing the benefits of the money they are collecting from us daily.
    “Presently, the maintenance of the abattoir is getting beyond our capacity; the local government council and the state government should also assist us,” he said.
    According to Mohammed, the abattoir lacks basic facilities, including toilets and bathrooms.
    He said that several letters had been written to the local government chairman on the need for the basic amenities in the abattoir.
    “Also, the office built in the 80s is too small to accommodate members,” he said.
    The chairman urged the council boss to help in addressing all the challenges being faced by cow sellers in the area.
    Secretary of the association, Mr Abiodun Adebayo, also urged the government to assist members with loan facilities.
    Adebayo said that some members of the association had left the job for commercial transportation business due to the current economic hardship.
    “Many of our members have left the job for commercial motorcycle driving, while others have become bus conductors because of the economic challenges in the country.
    “The palliatives are not getting to our members; the only way is for the government to give us loans, with favourable conditions for repayment,” he said.
    Vice-chairman of the association, Mr Babatunde Yahaya, also appealed to the council chairman to assist in clearing the bushes in the abattoir, saying that members were spending lots of money to tidy up the place. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    ROR/CHOM/WAS
    Edited by Chioma Ugboma and ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Adebule, council chairmen urge Muslims to follow Allah’s footstep

    Sallah
    By Raji Rasak
    Badagry (Lagos State), June 16, 2024 (NAN) Sen. Idiat Adebule (APC -Lagos West), and local government chairmen in Badagry, Lagos State, on Sunday urged Muslims to follow Allah’s footstep as they celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir festival.
    The senator and  chairmen gave the advice in their  Eid-el-Kabir messages to residents of Badagry.
    Adebule implored all Muslims  to celebrate the  special day.
    “In the spirit of celebration, I urge our Muslim brethren to remember to walk in Allah’s footsteps and live like a true believer.
    “May this year’s celebration bring forth more of Allah’s peace and blessings into our lives,” Adebule said.
    In his message, Mr Olusegun Onilude, Chairman, Badagry Local Government Area, wished all muslims and  entire people of Badagry, at home and in the diaspora good tidings.
    “Eid-el-Adha reminds us of the essence of sacrifice, kindness, understanding, empathy, community harmony, solidarity and peace that strengthens the bond of community and peaceful coexistence.
    “As we feast with our families, let us remember Almighty Allah’s benevolence which is the reason that we can afford what we have today.
    “In that spirit, let us reach out to the widows, orphans, the elderly, the lonely, the sick and the needy as this is the essence of today’s festivities.
    “May Almighty Allah accept our prayers and sacrifices as act of Ibadah and may the joy of Eid be multiplied in your families and household,” he said.
    Also, in  his Sallah message, Mr Joseph Gbenu, Chairman, Badagry-West Local Council Development Area, said the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir is one of the most important celebrations in Islam.
    According to him, the celebration teaches great lessons of sacrifice.
    “As we in oneness celebrate today, let us continue to be our brothers’ keeper, imbibe the spirit of reaching out by extending love to one another, and promote peace.
    “May Allah accept our Ibadah, ease our affairs, guide our paths, forgive our shortcomings, and grant us all the best in this life and the world to come,” he said. (NAN)
    ROR/CHOM/FAA
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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Folasade Adeniran

  • Court remands 2 over alleged unlawful possession of gun, attempted murder

    Remand
    By Raji Rasak
    Badagry (Lagos State), June 13, 2024 (NAN) A Badagry Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Thursday ordered the remand of two men in a correctional centre over alleged unlawful possession of gun and attempted murder.
    The police charged Azeez Sodiq, 28 and Taiwo Hassan, 24 with felony, unlawful possession of firearm, attempted murder and also belonging to an unlawful society.
    The Magistrate, Mr A.J. Aina, directed the police to return the case file to the office of the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice.
    He, thereafter, adjourned the case till Sept. 30.
    Earlier, the Prosecutor, Insp Edet Ekpe, told the court that Sodiq, Hassan and others, now at large, committed the offences on May 27 at No. 3, Yahaya Close, Check-point, Badagry area of Lagos.
    Ekpe said that the suspects conspired among themselves to commit felony to wit: unlawful possession of locally-made pistol.
    He said that the defendants were arrested with one life cartridge.
    “The defendants and others, at large, unlawfully armed themselves with locally-made pistol, one life cartridge and attempted to murder one Risikat Wahab, the complainant,” he said.
    The prosecutor said that the duo and others, at large, belonged to unlawful society known as Eye Confraternity.
    According to him, the offences contravene the provisions of Sections 411, 51, 42 and 230 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 51 carries two years imprisonment for unlawfully displaying arms in public. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    ROR/DEB/WAS
    Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Democracy: Group wants Tinubu give succour to workers

    Workers
    By Raji Rasak
    Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN) A group known as The Collective, has congratulated Nigerians on Democracy Day, urging  President Bola Tinubu to ensure a living wage for the country’s workforce to improve their welfare.
    In a statement on Wednesday to mark Nigeria’s 25 years of unbroken democracy, the group said that Nigerian workers were suffering at present due to inflation.
    The statement was issued by the group’s Director of Media, Mr Ndubuisi Nwachukwu, in Lagos.
    The Collective said that a living wage would prevent labour unions from going on strike.
    The group added that a living  wage would prevent brain drain.
    It  urged the Federal Government to use the democracy day celebration to reflect on many issues affecting the nation,  especially high cost of foodstuffs and insecurity.
    According to the group, rising cost of food items and transport have made  life difficult for many Nigerians.
    ” With the Renewed Hope Agenda  of President Bola Tinubu’s administratoon, Nigerians expect their lives to be better,” it said.
    The group said that  the citizens  expected much from the government as Nigeria marked  25 years of democracy.
    It listed the expections to include  economic stability and growth with attendant job creation, poverty reduction  and infrastructure development.
    It also said that Nigerians  desired  an end  to terrorism, banditry and other forms of violence.
    “Nigerians look forward to more transparency, accountability and effective fight against corruption in government.
    “They also expect improved  healthcare services and education standards,” it said.
    The group added that Nigerians desired electoral reforms and strengthening of democratic institutions that would promote a more prosperous and peaceful nation. (NAN)
    ROR/CHOM/IGO
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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Ijeoma Popoola

  • Sallah: Badagry ram sellers lament low sales amid high prices

    A ram seller displaying ram in Agbalata ram market in Badagry

    Sallah
    By Raji Rasak
    Badagry (Lagos State), June 11, 2024 (NAN) Barely five days to Eid-El-Kabir festival, some ram sellers on Tuesday in Badagry, Lagos State, lamented  low sales, attributing it to the prevailing economic situation.
    A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent who visited Alaba, Ajibade and Agbalata ram markets in Badagry reports that the cost of rams varies.
    NAN reports that at Alaba ram market a big ram is sold for N750,000, a medium-sized ram costs between N350,000 and N400,000 while a small ram is sold between N150,000 and N200,000.
    At Agbalata ram market, a big ram is sold for between N400,000 and N450,000, fairly big ram goes for between N300,000 and N250,000, while a small ram goes for N120,000 and N150,000.
    Alhaji Abdul-Salam Hassan, a ram seller in Alaba market, said he spent N1.5 million as cost of transporting his rams from Sokoto State.
    “I have to add the money to the price of the rams before selling them to make profit.
    “I came to Alaba market with 300 rams since  June 5, as at today I have not sold up to ten rams.
    “Buyers have been coming to ask for the price of  a ram, promising  that they will come, but I have not seen them.
    “In 2023, I thought that the prices of rams were expensive, but that of this year is just too much.
    “The prices wouldn’t have been this high if not for the removal of fuel subsidy that led to the high cost of transport,” he said.
    In Ajibade ram market, Aradagun, Mr Belawu Ajadi, said that the cost of feeding and transporting the rams to the market all added up to the high price.
    “Customers come here in trickles to buy their rams  for the Sallah, but compared to 2023, the sales is very dull.
    “In 2023, as at this time, I had sold over 50 rams, but now I have just sold 10.

    “The economic hardships in the country have affected the sales this year, but I still have hope that customers will still come to buy,” he said.

    Meanwhile, buyers lamented the increase in cost of the rams.

    Mr Yusuf Ajadi, a buyer at Alaba market, said the  prices of rams had doubled compared to how it was  sold last year.
    “In 2023, I bought two rams here for N280,000, one for N130,000, another for N150,000, but unfortunately today I brought one medium size for N400,000. I can’t afford to buy two this year.
    “If I have to buy two rams, I have to add another N100,000, making N500,000 to buy two this year, this is more than twice the amount I bought in 2023,” he said.
    Another buyer, Alhaji Taoreed Ajape, said that he came from Ikoga, Badagry, to buy, but was shocked to hear the prices of rams had doubled.
    “I have gone to Okoko, Alaba and and now I am in Agbalata, I thought it will be cheaper to buy here.
    “Surprisingly, the size of ram I bought for N100,000 in 2023, I’m begging to get it for N220,000 this year.
    “I cannot even afford to buy a ram for my mother now, maybe I will look for money and come back  before Sunday,” he said.  (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    ROR/EOB/FAA
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    Edited by Edith Bolokor/Folasade Adeniran