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Category: General News

  • LASPA to hospitality sector: Comply with Lagos Parking Policy

    LASPA to hospitality sector: Comply with Lagos Parking Policy

    Parking

    By Chiazo Ogbolu

    Lagos, June 1, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) has urged stakeholders in the hospitality industry to comply with Lagos state parking policy.

    It called on those in the industry to make adequate arrangements to meet customers’ parking needs.

    The General Manager, LASPA, Mrs Adebisi Adelabu, said these in a statement on Saturday, in Lagos.

    Adelabu said it was the duty of those who own and operate facilities such as hotels, bars and events centres to make adequate parking provision for their customers/clients.

    “If you have an event centre, hotel or restaurant, ideally, you should make sure you have enough parking,” she said.

    The LASPA general manager said that the authority was not quick to take punitive measures, but rather sought voluntary compliance.

    “The authority usually explores all available options to sensitise the public before commencement of any enforcement exercise.

    “We, as an agency, are not here to disrupt your businesss; what we ask is that you don’t make your businesses an infringement to the rights of others, ensure you comply with the dictates of the parking policy,” she said.

    Adelabu urged event centres to ensure ample parking provision for their guests right from the outset of constructing their facilities.

    She emphasised that according to the law, anyone planning to build a structure for social gatherings must conduct a traffic impact assessment prior to construction, and the approved designs must be strictly followed.

    She also assured some event centres and corporate entities grappling with inadequate parking spaces of the authority’s preparedness to assist them in establishing alternative arrangements whenever necessary.

    Adelabu affirmed that Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration was making significant investments in an intermodal transport system to reduce reliance on car travel.

    “Lagos residents now have access to trains and boats as well as options like LAGRIDE or the first and last mile buses to complete their journeys,” she said.

    The LASPA boss appealed to corporate entities, car park operators and others in the sector on timely payment of their rates, to avoid enforcement measures.

    She also called on Lagos residents to cooperate with LASPA to keep the roads clear of illegal parking, urging anyone with parking related issues to contact the agency. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    CAN/SOA

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    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

  • ASR Africa begins construction of N250m research lab for Lokoja varsity

    ASR Africa begins construction of N250m research lab for Lokoja varsity

    3R- VC Federal University Lokoja, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi; 4R- MD/CEO of ASR Africa, Dr Ubon Udoh, during tye Groundbreaking Ceremony of a world-class Central Research laboratory, at FUL campus Felele Lokoja

    ASR Africa begins construction of N250m research lab for Lokoja varsity

    Groundbreaking

    By Stephen Adeleye

    Lokoja, June 1, 2024 (NAN) The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) has commenced the construction of a world-class research laboratory for the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) in Kogi.

    The Managing Director of ASR Africa, Dr Ubon Udoh, said this at the project’s groundbreaking at FUL campus Felele, Lokoja

    Udoh said the gesture was in continuation of ASR Africa’s various strategic commitments to the nation’s tertiary education interventions.

    According to him, the N250 million world-class research laboratory is one of its many interventions under its Tertiary Education Grants Scheme (TEGS), drawn from ASR Africa’s 100 million dollars Fund for Social Development and Renewal.

    Udoh thanked the management and students of the university for the warm reception accorded him and his team.

    He reiterated the commitment of the chairman to supporting quality education within tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

    He encouraged the management and students of the university to ensure proper use and maintenance of the facility as a show of appreciation for the grant.

    Udoh noted the duration for the project’s execution would be within six months.

    “The ASR Africa grant and award process began in December 2022 and the confirmation of the university’s nomination was met with great joy by the university community.

    “At that time, the Vice-Chancellor described the gesture as a Christmas/New Year gift from God to him and the University.

    “The Tertiary Education Grant Scheme of the ASR Africa is a personal commitment of the Chairman of ASR Africa and BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, to give back to the African continent.

    “The objective is to make an enduring impact in education as a means of uplifting and restoring the dignity and lives of Africans,” Udoh said.

    Earlier, the university Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, expressed gratitude to the chairman of ASR Africa, for his kind benevolence, saying it would enhance the institution’s capacity for scientific inquiry and innovation.

    Akinwumi stressed that the project would address the challenge of infrastructure deficit, especially in the area of research, facing the institution.

    Akinwumi emphasised that it would provide a learning platform for explorations, discoveries, innovations, and scientific advancements in physical and life sciences.

    “This is not just a donation a financial contribution; it is a powerful investment in the future of our students and our university.

    “We are immensely grateful for your support and your belief in our mission,” he said.

    Akinwumi added that the facility would provide the students and researchers with the tools and environment necessary to conduct the cutting-edge research, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and drive scientific breakthroughs.

    The VC pledged the commitment of the university to judiciously utilise the facility to its fullest potential, and ensuring that the donor’s investment yielded profound and lasting benefits.

    Ms Beauty Ene-Ojo, the representative of the Students Union Government, thanked ASR Africa for the invaluable gesture.

    Ene-Ojo stressed that the gesture was a testament to ASR Africa’s diligent effort and unwavering commitment to providing the students with the best possible learning environment.

    The News Agency of Nigerian (NAN) reports that ASR Africa is the brainchild of African Industrialist, Philanthropist and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu.

    The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) was established in 2021 to provide sustainable, impact-based, homegrown solutions to developmental issues affecting Health, Education and Social Development within Africa. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    SAL/IAA

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    Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

  • Bishop advises Tinubu on policies 

    Bishop advises Tinubu on policies
    Policies
    By Raji Rasak
    Badagry (Lagos State), June 1, 2024 (NAN) A cleric, Rt. Rev. Babatunde Adeyemi, on Saturday urged President Bola Tinubu to research thoroughly before introducing economic policies.
    Adeyemi, the Bishop, Diocese of Anglican Communion, Cathedral Church of St. Thomas, Badagry, Lagos State, said that the present economic policies were tough.

    He gave the advice at the second session of the Seventh Synod of the Diocese of Badagry, held at the Church.
    “We want a better Nigeria and we know that he did well in Lagos, and we know he can do well in Nigeria.
    “But, he should watch those who are working with him and then put things in proper perspective.
    “The President should also not forget the restructuring of the country, each region to develop at its own pace,” he said.
    The bishop also urged the federal government to address the multiple checkpoints along Agbara Badagry expressway.
    The bishop said that the multiple checkpoints were problematic.
    “Many security agencies at different checkpoints are even contributing to the problem of the country.
    “In as much as we want the environment to be secure, this is not how to secure it.
    “We want to revive the economy of Badagry and Nigeria; how do we do this, with many checkpoints?
    “It is a border area; the security agencies should maintain the former three checkpoints which are in Agbara, Gbaji and Seme.
    “Now, we have agencies like the police, Customs, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigerian Army at different checkpoints.
    “The best thing the government can do is to clear the whole place;  we don’t need so many checkpoints to catch a thief or smugglers,” he said.
    Adeyemi said that he had travelled to many neighbouring countries and such things were done differently.
    Mr Babatunde Hunpe, the immediate past lawmaker that represented Badagry in the House of Representatives, also spoke at the event.
    He said that the bishop, in his usual way, had drawn government attention to the unusual things happening around Badagry.
    “I could remember some years back, he spoke about Badagry Expressway, and we thank the government for the attention given to the road now.
    “The issue of multiple checkpoints has been an issue for long and with the bishop talking about it today, I believe the government that is concerned will reduce, if not remove it completely.
    “If you look at the route and the checkpoints we are talking about, it is not just one government agency that is manning these checkpoints.
    “My candid advice is that some of these agencies should be merged and made to stay at few points, instead of spreading to many points,” he said.
    Also speaking, Dr Olalekan Sewedo, the Chief of Staff to Mr Olusegun Onilude, the Chairman Badagry Local Government, said the multiple checkpoints slowed down travelling time from Agbara to Seme.
    Sewedo, who represented the chairman, said the council had been trying to address the issue by involving security stakeholders in the town.
    “We have been engaging Divisional Police Officer in Badagry only to find out that most checkpoints in Badagry have their authorities from places beyond the State Commissioner of Police, not to talk of the DPO of Badagry Police Station.
    “You will find IG Spécial Squads, Commissioner Unit, I think that is where the problems of the checkpoints come in, and because of the peculiarities of Badagry being a border community.
    “We will continue to engage to see what we can do,” he said. (NAN)
    ROR/SOA
    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

  • Don wants more action to curb vote buying

    Don wants more action to curb vote buying

    Prof.Rowland Worlu,of the Business Management, Covenant University, Ota, during the 32nd Inaugural Lecture of the Institution on Saturday

     

    Elections

    By Ige Adekunle

    Sango-Ota (Ogun), June 1, 2024(NAN) A Professor of Marketing, Rowland Worlu, has advised the federal government to increase advocacy to discourage the culture of vote buying and other social vices undermining the country’s electoral processes.

    Worlu, of the Department of Business Management, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun, gave the advice on Saturday.

    He spoke during the 32nd inaugural lecture with the theme: “In Praise of Customers and The Electorate,” in the institution.

    The don emphasised the need for the federal government to liaise with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Civil Society organisations (CSOS) in making things better.

    “An improved advocacy will vigorously discourage the culture of vote buying and other social vices which have affected the democratic system and hindered the sanctity of the nation’s electoral processes.

    “In addition, vote buying will not give room for credible leaders to be elected during elections as the citizens deserve better lives,” he said.

    The don stressed the need to curb vote buying, which he claimed was still at a worrisome level in the country.

    On the society, he said that government and business people should be sensitive to the needs of citizens and customers.

    He said that citizens had expectations from government programmes and services.

    In his welcome remarks, Prof. Abiodun Adebayo, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, said that inaugural lecture tends to address the fundamental aspects of national and sustainable development.

    Adebayo urged the electorate to positively use their power to vote out leaders and politicians who are not sensitive to the yearnings of the people.

    The VC stressed that as it is with marketing promises to customers, politicians must fulfil their commitments to the people during campaigns.

    He said that Covenant University, as a leading class institution, would remain sensitive and committed to expansive viable solutions toward national and continental aspirations.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    IGE/SOA

    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

  • Hit-and-run driver kills woman in Anambra

    Hit-and-run driver kills woman in Anambra

     

     

    Accident

    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

    Awka, June. 1, 2024 (NAN) A driver hit and killed a female pedestrian along Awka-Onitsha Expressway in Anambra on Friday night,  according to the state Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

     

    Mr Adeoye Irelewuyi, Commander of the FRSC in Anambra, who told newsmen on Saturday in Awka, said that the driver fled the scene after the incident.

     

    Irelewuyi said that the likely cause of the accident was speeding.

     

    He said that the crash involved an unidentified driver of a Toyota Hiace commercial bus with no registration number, enroute Upper Iweke, Onitsha.

     

    “According to eyewitness report, the driver of the vehicle, who was on speed, rammed into a pedestrian female adult and zoomed off.

     

    “FRSC rescue team arrived the scene and took the victim to Toronto Mortuary after the doctor confirmed her death,” he said.

     

    While condoling with the family of the dead, Irelewuyi cautioned motorists on speeding, especially during the rainy season.

     

    He urged them to ensure they keep to specified  speed limits. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    LCO/SOA

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    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

     

     

  • Security expert lauds IG’s appointment of Owohunwa as new INTERPOL boss

    Newly Appointed INTERPOL boss, AIG Idowu Owohunwa

    Security expert lauds IG’s appointment of Owohunwa as new INTERPOL boss

    Appointment

    By Mercy Omoike

    Lagos, June 1, 2024 (NAN) Commendations have trailed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun’s appointment of AIG Idowu Owohunwa as the Head of INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB).

    The Managing Director of Absolute Security and Advance Protocol Ltd., Mr Seyi Babaeko, joining the train, said the appointment  was  commendable.

    Babaeko, a UK-trained security expert, in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos, expressed confidence in the IGP’s choice.

    NAN reports that Owohunwa and other senior police officers were appointed on May 28, 2024 .

    Owohunwa is tasked with enhancing international police cooperation and ensuring that Nigeria fulfils its obligations within the global INTERPOL framework.

    Babaeko noted that the appointment was not only commendable but also a perfect fit, and that Owohunwa’s extensive experience, dedication, and international exposure would enhance the Nigeria Police Force’s global image and ratings.

    The expert emphasised the significance of the strategic posting, noting that Owohunwa’s role would be  crucial in enhancing international police cooperation.

    “This strategic move by the IGP underscores a broader effort to bolster the efficiency of the Nigeria Police Force and ensure that it remains responsive to both national and international security challenges.

    “With the ever-evolving nature of global crime, having someone of Owohunwa’s calibre at the helm of INTERPOL NCB is vital for Nigeria’s commitment to international security obligations.

    “We pray for the Solomonic wisdom required to deliver on this new assignment,” the expert told NAN.

    He highlighted that AIG Owohunwa’s new responsibilities aligned perfectly with his career trajectory and proven track record in law enforcement.

    “As the former General Secretary of the Nigerian Students Society at the University of Leeds, the university’s alumni worldwide are proud of AIG Owohunwa.

    “The appointment of AIG Owohunwa follows the retirement of his predecessor and reflects the trust the Nigeria Police Force places in his abilities.

    “This appointment reinforces the Force’s commitment to efficiency and international collaboration,” he said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

    DMO/VIV

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    Edited by Vivian Ihechu