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Author: Rasak Raji

  • Police arraign 4 for allegedly stealing motorcycle

    Stealing
    By Raji Rasak
    Badagry (Lagos State), June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Police in Lagos on Tuesday arraigned four men before a Badagry Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing a Haojue lady’s motorcycle.

    The defendants, Sodiq Sunday, 29; Azeez Monsuru, 19; Dada Musa, 43 and Bankole Agosu, 45, whose addresses are unknown, are standing trial on a two-count charge of felony and stealing.

    The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    The Prosecutor, ASP Edet Ekpe, told the court that the defendants committed the offences on June 1, at about 5.30.a.m., at Aradagun area of Lagos.

    Ekpe said that the defendants conspired among themselves to commit felony to wit: stealing.

    The prosecutor said that they stole one Haojue lady’s motorcycle, valued at N1.5 million, belonging to one Nasiru Usman, the complainant.

    The offences, he said, contravened Sections 411 and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos state, 2015.

    The Chief Magistrate, Mr N.A. Layeni, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 each, with two sureties each in like sum.

    He said that one of the sureties must be gainfully employed while the other must be a civil servant.

    Layeni adjourned the case till July 17 for mention. (NAN) (www.nanews.ng)
    ROR/CEO/WAS
    Edited by Chidi Opara and ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Mechanic docked over alleged stealing 3 cars

    Mechanic docked over alleged stealing 3 cars

    Stealing

    By Raji Rasak

    Badagry (Lagos State), June 11, 2024 (NAN) A 41-year-old mechanic, Bebe Akapo was on Tuesday arraigned  in a Badagry Chief Magistrates’ Court over alleged stealing of three cars.

    The defendant, whose address is unknown, is standing trial on a two-count charge of felony and stealing.

    The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    The prosecutor, Insp Edet Ekpe told the court that the defendant committed the offence on March 25, at No 8 Wale Ajose Street, Abule Era, Ilogbo, Lagos,

    Ekpe said that the defendant allegedly conspired among others who were at large to commit felony to wit stealing three cars.

    “The defendant stole two Toyota Sienna space cars and one Toyota Camry car with registration number LSR 928 HE, KSF 497 EP, and SMK 373 FL belonging to Mr Bashir Qudus, Yusuf Ganiyu and Yusuf Bashiru, the complainants.

    He said that the contravened Sections 411 and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos state, 2015.

    The Chief Magistrate, Mr N A Layeni granted the defendant bail in the sum of N1million with three sureties in like sum.

    He said that one of the sureties must be a community leader with three year tax clearance.

    Layeni adjourned the case until July 17, for mention. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    ROR/JPE

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    Edited by Joseph Edeh

     

  • Residents protest indiscriminate dredging in Badagry communities

    One of the tools use in dredging in Badagry community.

    Residents protest indiscriminate dredging in Badagry communities

    Dredging

    By Raji Rasak

    Badagry (Lagos State), June 10, 2024 (NAN) Some residents of Ganyingbo and Gbaji-Yeketome communities in Badagry-West Local Council Development Area (LCDA) on Monday protested indiscriminate dredging in the communities.

    The residents came out carrying placards with different inscriptions such as  ” Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, please save us from indiscriminate dredging”.

    Other placards they carried read: “Enough is enough we don’t want dredgers in our community” and “President Bola Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu save our souls from flooding.”

    Mr Henry Benjamin, a community leader in Ganyingbo, said the residents had stopped four dredgers from dredging in the community recently.

    “This one came pretending that he came to repair something, but suddenly he started dredging activities.

    “Dredging in this water will result in flooding; we don’t want them in our community.

    “The indiscriminate dredging here is dangerous to our lives and property.

    “We don’t want them here in our communities, they are planning to chase us out of this community,” he said.

    Mr Israel Oke, a community leader from Yeketome, said that the illegal activities of the dredgers had chased away youths and fishermen from the river.

    Oke begged the Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, to come to their assistance by stopping the illegal activity.

    Mr Sunday Ayedogbon, the Chairman of Badagry Fishermen Association said dredging activities in Yeketome- Ganyingbo communities are illegal.

    “I’m sure when the government comes they will sensitise the people.

    “With their activities, Gbaji Bridge is at risk, this is the only bridge that links Nigeria to the Republic of Benin and many other communities in Badagry.

    “Once the bridge is under threat, there is no way for us again.

    “We want the government to consider giving licenses to the dredgers.

    “Because dredging will result in flooding, if not controlled,” he said.

    Mr Junaid Rufai, the Youth Chairman in Gbayingbo, said the communities used to experience flooding in October due to dredging.

    “We don’t want them in our community, by October, water will start coming to us for some weeks before going back,” he said.

    Mr Samson Sowanu, a youthp representative, urged the government to stop the dredging for the sake of humanity. (NAN)

    ROR/NNO/COF

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    Edited by Christiana Fadare

     

    Edited by Nick Nicholas

  • WED: Foundation condemns indiscriminate dredging in Lagos waterways

    Mrs Titi Oshodi (M), the Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy with Alhaji Abdul-Salam Ashade, the Chief Executive Officer, Green Janitors Sustainable Initiative, an NGO, with other members of the NGO on Sunday

     

    Dredging
    By Raji Rasak
    Badagry (Lagos State), June 9, 2024 (NAN) The Green Janitors Sustainable Initiative on Sunday condemned the indiscriminate dredging of waterways and encroachment of wet lands in Lagos communities.
    Alhaji Abdul-Salam Ashade, the Chief Executive Officer of the initiative, expressed his displeasure during  an event to celebrate 2024 World Environment Day in Badagry.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of 2024 World Environment Day is: “Our land our Future. Land Restoration, Drought Resilience and Desertification”.
    Ashade said: “We want the people to stop the dredging of our waterways and also stop encroaching wet lands in Lagos community.
    “The dredging is familiar with Badagry. Almost in all the communities, you see them dredging and bringing out water from the water.
    “We have so many wet lands in Lagos, most of these lands have been encroached by the people who want to make money at all cost.
    “All these are vital instruments to land restoration that we are talking about,” he said.
    He said that all encroachment and dredging had resulted to flooding.
    “This happens when they sell the wet land and fill it up with sand, chasing away the water because they want to build houses.
    “Go to Gbaji in Badagry, you will see a lot of dredging going on.
    “If this continues, if it rains, this results to flooding because there is no free flow of water,” he said.
    Ashade said the theme of 2024 WED – “Our land, our future”  champions the 2030 Agenda to move the world on to a sustainable and resilient path and joining forces to protect people and planet.
    “World Environment Day 2024 builds momentum for climate action by rallying support for vital ecosystems restoration work.
    “It aims to support Sustainable Development Goal 15- Life on Land, by accelerating progress on global commitments, which include protecting 30 per cent of land and sea for nature and restoring 30 percent of the planet’s degraded ecosystems.
    “Billions across the world are facing food insecurity, crippling droughts, and livelihoods are under threat.
    “That is why on World Environment Day, we’re asking young and passionate volunteers to join the global movement to restore our lands, increase drought resilience and combat desertification.
    “Restoration is the natural solution to help address the triple planetary crisis, deliver new jobs, lower poverty and build resilience to extreme weather.
    ” Land is life and we must protect it,” he said.
    Mrs Titi Oshodi ,the Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy,  urged youths in Badagry to rise with one voice and protect their land.
    “You have been chosen to stand to represent the future.
    “Badagry presents a lot of opportunities, not only from the coastal angle, but from the emerging economy and industries that are coming soon
    “There are lots of infrastructures coming to Badagry from Lagos State Development Plan.
    “The town is holding up potential especially for the young ones,” she said.
    Oshodi said she was happy with what the initiative was doing in Badagry.
    “We are happy with what Green Janitors is doing in developing a number of initiative.
    “And partnering with Lagos State University students and other NGO with the space to raise awareness and sensitise the youth to be more responsible with waste management,” she said.
    Also speaking, Mr Sunday Akpan, the Assistant Chief Marine Engineer, Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), representing Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, the General Manager, urged youths to protect their waterways.
    Akpan advised the youth to stop indiscriminate dropping of plastics and other wastes in waterways.
    “We must learn to protect our environment.
    “If life above water refuses to protect the life below the water, very soon, life above water will soon join the life below the water,” he said.
    NAN reports that to mark the World Environment Day, many volunteers and NGOs engaged in cleaning  Badagry waterways by picking plastics and other dirty things . (NAN)
    ROR/VIV
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    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

     

     

  • Seme border skills acquisition centre kicks off July – Customs

    Customs to establish skills acquisition centre at Seme border
    Customs Area Controller, Seme Command, Timi Bomodi,

    Empowerment
    By Aisha Cole/ Raji Rasak
    Seme (Lagos State), June 9, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Skills Acquisition Centre for Seme Border and neighboring communities will be fully operational in July.

    The Customs Area Controller, Seme Border Command, Comptroller Timi Bomodi, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Seme.

    The centre which is part of the NCS Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) was established for youths at Seme to enable border community residents embrace legitimate business rather than smuggling.

    According to the controller, the centre will be completed before the end of June for the full take-off of the scheme in July.

    “The establishment of the skills acquisition centre is to create opportunity for the people around the border community to earn a living without smuggling.

    “This will give them opportunity to develop skills that they can easily learn and monetise when they deploy those skills.

    “The skills are not complicated. They are going to learn how to make shoes, clothes, hairdressing, computer training, furniture, car repairs etc.

    “We are building a big complex. We are at the advanced stages of getting all the facilities together.

    “We know that if we can attract just 10 per cent of border community dwellers, that 10 per cent will significantly impact on the way these people think and how they go about trying to earn a living.

    “Customs have told them that once they engage in legitimate trade, they will be engaging in something that has potential for domestic growth,” Bomodi said.

    He said that once people knew that they could get a certain product at Seme Border area, they would attract attention and domestic growth from anywhere in the world.

    Bomodi said that it would be difficult to keep smugglers away from their illegal activities if there were no alternative means of livelihood for them.

    The Seme border customs boss said the skills acquisition centre would be inaugurated by the Comptroller-General of Customs.

    He urged youths at the border area to take advantage of the scheme by deploying skills after learning than engaging in illegal activities.

    Bomodi said the Seme skills acquisition facility was a pilot project to be replicated in other borders across the country.

    He said that engaging border youths on skills acquisition would have very positive impact on the nation’s economy. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AIC/ROR/CHOM/AJA
    =================
    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Adeleye Ajayi

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  • Naira devaluation impacts positively on exports – Customs Controller

    Devaluation
    By Raji Rasak/Aisha Cole
    Badagry (Lagos State), June 9, 2024 (NAN) The Customs Area Controller, Seme Command, Comptroller Timi Bomodi, on Sunday said devalued Naira had positively impacted on exportation of Nigeria’s local products to neighbouring countries in West Africa.

    Bomodi said this is an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Seme, near Badagry.

    According to the controller, imports and exports are usually affected by market forces and by this we mean both the demand and supply.

    “The exchange rate plays a big role in determining the demand or the purchasing power of the people.

    “We are talking about the exchange rate of Naira vis a vis its impact on exports. Now as the value of Naira begins to decline, you find out that Nigerian-made goods are considered cheap within the region.

    “This encourages people from neighbouring countries to want to purchase goods from Nigeria but while we complain that the exchange rate has a negative impact on imports, it has a positive impact on exports.

    “Yes, we couldn’t buy goods because the dollar was high but people saw a cheap Naira as an opportunity to get goods from Nigeria.

    “For the first time, you have a net export gain for Nigeria vis a vis her neighbouring countries, because you find out that what makes Nigerians go to their neighbours is now making them come to Nigeria,” he said.

    Bomodi said that devaluation of Naira had increased the growing local economy.

    “Even, a devalued Naira is an advantage for export, So it’s not such a negative thing but in trade, you have to balance both ends.

    “Here at Seme-Krake border post, we have our primary responsibility as Customs which is facilitation of legitimate trade.

    “We deal with  a lot of imports and exports and enforce fiscal policies of the government, particularly in area of prohibition.

    “In Seme-Krake, the Lagos-Abidjan corridor is considered as the most viable trade corridor in West Africa and indeed the whole of Africa.

    “So viable, so strategic to the economic development of Africa that the European Union and other international agencies are ready to cough out a humongous amount of money to develop infrastructure around this axis,” the controller said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    ROR/AIC/CHOM/AJA
    =================
    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Adeleye Ajayi

     

     

  • Customs’ checkpoints reduced by 50% on Lagos-Badagry Expressway – Controller

    Checkpoints
    By Raji Rasak/Aisha Cole
    Badagry (Lagos State), June 9, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Sunday said it had reduced checkpoints on the Lagos Badagry Expressway by 50 per cent.

    The Controller, Seme Area Command of the service, Comptroller Timi Bomodi, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Seme near Badagry.

    According to the controller, this is something that we have identified as inimical to trade.

    “When I first came here, what I did is to drastically reduce the number of checkpoints by Nigeria Customs from my command because I believe we have to deploy our men more strategically.

    “There is no need to just proliferate the road with personnel without thinking of the strategic implications of their deployment.

    “So, we reduced it by 50 per cent. Then placed them in particular positions that allowed them to effectively cover the sea, the road and the river.

    “We took into consideration the communities in Badagry and Seme axis.

    “We have about 99 communities between Seme and Agbara and they exist on both sides of the road. Some are proximate to the road, some to the ocean while some to the river,” the controller said.

    Bomodi said that these were access all the way to the Republic of Benin, Togo and even further.

    “So, these are points of convergence for smugglers.

    “Those are the points we identified and deployed our officers to and they are yielding results for us,” he said.

    The controller said that he did not understand the motive behind other agencies of government operating many checkpoints on the corridor.

    “We don’t know the reason why other security agencies deploy many of their men on the road.

    “We don’t know if it is even effective in executing their mandate but we do know that it gives us negative feedback especially when you are discussing with people that are coming to Nigeria from other countries.

    “Immediately you move from Seme into Republic of Benin, you don’t see all these happening.

    “Multiple checkpoints don’t speak well of us as a country that is bent on growing local economy.

    “We are trying to encourage Foreign Direct Investments. We are trying to encourage tourists to come in.

    “We need to present a picture that shows how serious we are in our approach toward trade facilitation,” he said.

    Bomodi said that during joint security meetings, he always advised the other security agencies to take action and ensure the corridor was free from unnecessary checkpoints. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    ROR/AIC/CHOM/AJA
    =================
    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Adeleye Ajayi

     

     

  • Environment Day: NNPC Foundation sensitises students to tree planting

    Mrs Henrietta Obioma-Igwe, Manager, Programme and Development of NNPC Foundation, planting trees with the assistance of Mr Kenneth Adeoni, the Principal, Badagry Senior Secondary School, to mark World Environment Day in Badagry

     

    Planting

    By Raji Rasak/ Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

    Badagry (Lagos State), June 5, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Foundation on Wednesday sensitised students of Badagry Senior Secondary School on tree planting to mark the World Environment Day.

    Speaking at the programme, Mrs Henrietta Obioma-Igwe, Manager, Programme and Development of the foundation, said tree planting and conservation efforts were key to maintaining a healthy and sustainable environment.

    World Environment Day is celebrated every year on June 5, and aims at raising awareness and celebrating environmental action, with a focus this year on land restoration, desertification and drought resilience.

    “Tree planting minimises or prevents the environmental challenges impacting on our environment and survival.

    “Trees provide shade, cool the air through transpiration, and block winds, regulating local climates.

    “Trees produce oxygen, which is essential for human and animal life.

    “Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to prevent climate change,” she said.

    She said that the foundation had chosen Badagry because it is a border community, adding that the town is a point of contact to anybody coming into the country.

     

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that during the programme the foundation planted 70 trees in Badagry Senior Secondary School.

     

    Mr Kenneth Adeoni, Principal of the school, expressed delight at the sensitisation brought to the students.

    “Now, we are happy because the sensitisation is for the children who are the leaders of tomorrow.

    “This has gone a long way to let them understand that we need to protect our environment for tomorrow.

    “The sensitisation has gone a long way to let them understand that we need to protect our environment with the issues of climate,” he said.

    The principal urged Nigerians to protect their environment by planting trees.

    “To protect our environment, we need to plant tress consistently and for the fact that we have planted trees, we also need to nurture them very well.

    “This sensitisation will help the students to understand environment through tree planting,” he said.

    He commended the foundation for its consistency in piloting the programme, adding that the programme is impacting in the lives of the students.

    Adeoni promised to ensure all the 70 trees planted in the school are all well nurtured.

    Also speaking, Miss Mautin Tunde, Assistant Chief Education Officer, District 5, said the major challenge facing the world was climate change.

    “The only solution to this is by planting trees.

    “I will implore the teachers and students of the school to ensure they sustain the trees NNPC foundation planted here today.

    “I will urge them to sustain and nurture them to grow because this is the only way to save lives,” she said.

    A student, Olanrewaju Olawoyin, said the programme had taught him that planting trees was of utmost benefit to mankind. (NAN)

    ROR/MIL/FAA
    ===========
    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • Customs confirms killing of rice smuggler in Badagry

    Smugglers

    By Raji Rasak
    Badagry (Lagos State), June 4, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, has confirmed the accidental killing of a smuggler in the Badagry area of Lagos State.
    The Public Relations Officer, FOU Zone A, Mr Theophilus Duniya, confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Badagry.
    Duniya said that a group of men armed with charms and machetes attacked the team while evacuating smuggled rice.
    “They injured a customs officer in the face and a soldier on the leg.
    “Our personnel, acting in self-defence, neutralised the leader of the gang to prevent him from inflicting more injuries on them.
    “The gang leader was evacuated for immediate medical attention but unfortunately, died on the way to the hospital,” he said.
    Daniya urged parents and community leaders to discourage their children from engaging in criminal activities that could put their well-being and other citizens at risk.
    NAN reports that the incident occured on Sunday when the middle-aged smuggler and his gang  allegedly attacked the  customs officers.
    It was learnt that the incident took place in Erekiti, a border town  in  the Badagry area, around 4 a.m.
    NAN gathered from locals that the late smuggler, named Saka Wakilu, was the leader of the gang.(NAN)
    ROR/CHOM/JNC
    ==============
    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • AFRICOCO donates 1,000 coconut seedlings to Badagry communities, schools

     

     

    Donation of coconut seedlings to communities in Badagry by African Coconut Héritage Initiative (AFRICOCO), organiser of Annual Coconut Festival, ‘AGUNKEFEST, on Saturday.

    Coconut
    By Raji Rasak
    Badagry (Lagos State), June 1, 2024 (NAN) The African Coconut Heritage Initiative (AFRICOCO), organiser of the Annual Coconut Festival ‘AGUNKEFEST,’ has donated 1,000 coconut seedlings to communities and schools in Badagry to kick-start the 2024 planting season.
    The President of the initiative, Prince Mesi Doheto, said that the aim behind the donation was to promote coconut planting in schools and communities as well as to establish more Community Coconut Farms (CCFs).
    Communities to benefit from the initiative include Gbaji, Iya-Afin, Gbayingbo, Apa, Kweme, all in Badagry-West LCDA
    Others are Topo, Dale, Akarakumo, Ajido, Imeke, Iworo and Ikoga in Olorunda LCDA, encompassing all eight quarters in Badagry LGA.
    According to the president, each of these communities in Badagry will receive 50 coconut seedlings, respectively, to initiate the planting season.
    “Each school that participated in 2023 Arts competition, organised by the initiative, will also benefit from the donation.
    “Also, the nine schools that emerged first, second and third position in the three categories of the competition will also collect their prizes,” he said.
    Mr Ademola Mustapha,  Coordinator, AFRICOCO, said that Totta College, Owode-Apa, Methodist Senior Secondary School, Badagry and Kankon Junior Model School were among the schools that would receive 10 coconut seedlings each.
    Mustapha said that winners of the 2023 Coconut Arts/Crafts, Poetry and Paintings competition, organised by the initiative, were awarded their prizes.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mustapha, Peter Asu, Abogun Newton and other members of the initiative personally distributed the seedlings to the communities and schools involved.
    NAN also reports that cash prizes were awarded to the nine winners across secondary schools that excelled in the 2023 Coconut Arts/Crafts, Poetry and Paintings competitions. (NAN)(www.nannew.ng)
    ROR/AWA
    ==========
    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa