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  • Tinubu calls for stronger collaboration with FBI to fight cybercrime, terrorism

    President Bola and FBI Director, Christopher Asher Wray, at a meeting at the State House on Friday in Abuja

     

    Collaboration

    By Salif Atojoko

    Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has called for stronger collaboration between Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the fight against cybercrime, terrorism, and other related crimes. 

    The President made the call during a meeting with FBI Director, Christopher Asher Wray, at the State House on Friday in Abuja.

    Tinubu described the presence of the FBI Director alongside his team in Nigeria as a recognition of the enduring partnership between Nigeria and the U.S. in the fight against financial crimes and terrorism. 

    Security chiefs who attended the meeting included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Magaji Bichi.

    Also in attendance were the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) and Chief of Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye.

    The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede; and the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, were also present.

    Tinubu said it was an honour for him to receive Wray, the leader of an organisation that had demonstrated consistent procedural sophistication and a reputation for excellence over several years.

    “Your visit conveys the importance of Nigeria and Nigerian partnership in the work of America’s law enforcement institutions and vice-versa.

    “For us, it is a recognition of what stage we are at, who we are, and the level of interest both countries share in eliminating crimes locally and globally.

    “We cannot achieve this important feat of eliminating crimes without collaboration.

    “Incidentally, as the Chairman of ECOWAS, Nigeria is also collaborating with other West African countries to fight economic and other related crimes,” the President said.

    He told the FBI Director that his administration had prioritised education as a tool against poverty, which was generally believed to be a driver of criminal activities.

    “We are working hard to eliminate terrorism, cybercrimes, sextortion, and I am glad that we have a good number of agencies that are involved in reducing these crimes to the barest minimum, and they are also well represented at this meeting,” said Tinubu.

    Noting that no single country could combat financial crimes in isolation, he called on the U.S. to support developing countries with the requisite technology and knowledge transfer required to combat complex international crimes.

    In his remarks, Wray said he was in the country to enhance the “outstanding partnership” that existed between the government of Nigeria and the government of the U.S. 

    He lauded Tinubu for supporting the growing partnerships between various agencies of government and the FBI in order to protect the citizens of both countries. 

    “We appreciate the President’s vision in countering terrorism in the region, which is a dangerous threat, not only to the countries in the region but also to the United States. 

    “We appreciate your vision in re-engineering the role of the Office of the NSA to effectively coordinate efforts on counter-terrorism, and this has already started to bear fruits in terms of the success you are recording against ISIS in West Africa and other terrorist groups. 

    “We appreciate your support and collaboration on cyber-enabled crimes and sextortion, which has unfortunately resulted in a few tragic deaths in the United States. 

    “I want to assure you of our support whether it is on counter-terrorism, cyber-enabled crimes, kidnapping, joint investigations, and intelligence sharing. Our relationship with Nigeria is a very important one,” the FBI Director said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SA/VIV

    =====

    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • FRSC deploys 1,597 personnel for Eid-el-Kabir traffic management

     

     

    Sallah

    By Abiodun Lawal

     

    Sallah

    By Abiodun Lawal

     

    Abeokuta, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun has deployed 1,597 personnel, 32 patrol vehicles, and 14 motorbikes to ensure the free flow of traffic during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

    Mr Anthony Uga, the State Sector Commander of the FRSC, disclosed this during a news conference on Friday in Abeokuta.

    He explained that the personnel deployed comprised 820 officers and 777 special marshals, with the special operation aiming to ensure an accident-free Eid-el-Kabir.

    The operation will run from June 14 to June 21.

    According to Uga, excessive speeding is a serious offence, while the FRSC has equipment to track speeding vehicles.

    He also mentioned that the command had engaged drivers of articulated vehicles on the importance of installing speed limit devices on their vehicles, as most crashes in the state were caused by these drivers.

    “This is why you see them falling over, and most of them don’t carry out early morning checks on their vehicles.

    “Before you move your vehicle in the morning, carry out what is called an early morning parade: check the water, check your tyres, check the sound of the engine, check the lighting system.
    Most of them don’t do it,” he said.

    Uga said that the FRSC Corps Marshal, Sheu Muhammed, was particularly focused on ensuring a smooth and accident-free Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

    He called on the motoring public to drive safely and always obey traffic rules and regulations.

    Representatives from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), Park Management, and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) attended the news conference. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

    LKA/OIF/AWA
    ============

    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Olawunmi Ashafa

     

  • Makinde promises to give priority to infrastructure devt

    Makinde promises to give priority to infrastructure devt
    Infrastructure
    By David Adeoye
    Ibadan, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Friday, said that his administration would continue to prioritise infrastructure development, to enhance growth and productivity in the state.

    The governor stated this at the funeral and thanksgiving service in honour of the mother of Bishop Francis Wale Oke, the late Elizabeth Oke.

    Bishop Oke is the founder of Christlife, National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and founder, Precious Cornerstone University, Ibadan.

    The thanksgiving service was held at the St. James Memorial Anglican Church, Kasumu Village, Ibadan.

    Makinde said the ongoing road construction in Kasumu village to Egbeda Road, through Owobaale-Erunmu, would be completed as planned.

    He said his administration attached importance to the road which links Erunmu where the state government planned to convert the moribund Erunmu dry port to a container terminal.

    The governor, however, cautioned residents of Kasumu village and other communities in the area to be wary of land grabbers and  equally avoid selling their lands.

    Makinde said road corridors in the area would soon experience massive economic transformation as a result of the project and the ongoing Ibadan Circular Road Project being developed around the axis.

    The governor, who described the funeral and thanksgiving as the celebration of life for the late Oke, observed that the character of the deceased could be seen in her children.

    He said the late Oke lived a fruitful life and impacted the community and people around her meaningfully.

    He charged the Oke family to take solace, saying that Mama Oke lived for 97 years, which called for celebration.

    In his sermon, the Diocesan Bishop of Ibadan North Diocese, Rev. Williams Aladekugbe, charged people not to see death as a bad thing but a transition of believers to a place of peaceful rest and everlasting life.

    Speaking on behalf of the family, Bishop Oke thanked Gov. Makinde for his exceptional life and giant strides in transforming the state into an enviable one.(NAN) www.nannews.ng (NAN)
    DAK/SOA

    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

  • Stakeholders say policy inconsistency, insecurity bane of Nigeria’s energy sector

     

    Energy

    By Lucy Ogalue

    Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Group Managing Director of UTM Offshore Ltd., Mr Julius Rone, says policy inconsistency and insecurity are some of the major challenges hindering the growth of Nigeria’s energy sector.

    Rone, represented by Mr George Amara, member of his Project Technical Team, said this on Friday at the ongoing 2024 African Gas Innovation Summit (AGIS) in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the stakeholder spoke at a panel discussion titled: “Solving Africa’s Gas Development and Utilisation Challenges through Domestication of Innovation”.

    According to Rone, innovation and technology are also driving the migration of youths on the continent, especially to Nigeria.

    “And why are they leaving the country? Maybe the environment is not favourable for research and development.

    “So we need to see how we can even partner with Nigerians abroad and break the barriers everywhere to see how they can even work with us globally.

    “Now we are in the era of technology, and people can work wherever they are. So, we need to see how we can get into this developmental pattern related to innovation and technology.”

    The managing director said the issue of policy framework also posed a major challenge because there was inconsistency in our policies in the country.

    “So these are areas I feel we have to improve. If we improve the policies, let there be stability. We recently read why Total is putting about six billion dollars in Angola, not Nigeria.

    “One of the key things they mentioned is the inconsistency of policy and security. Therefore, these are key things, like a monster killing the business in Nigeria, even as they are divesting.

    “No investor or businessman will want to put money where you cannot get anything.

    “So the local investors will even hold back or put in money where they are not sure they will get it back. And at the end of the day, it shows in our data,’’ he said.

    The managing director, however, said the essence of the meeting was not to dwell on things that were bedevilling us but to chart a way forward.

    He called for collaborative effort among stakeholders to ensure that the purpose of the meeting was achieved.

    Representing the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr Ahmed Mungadi said it was crucial to enhance gas utilisation efficiency in Nigeria and the continent.

    Mungadi said there was an urgent need for efficiency in gas utilisation as Nigeria aims to accelerate the use of its gas resources.

    “It is important that we immediately at this stage, try to optimise the efficiency of our utilisation.

    “If we take certain volumes of gas, say a million tonnes of gas, and produce electricity, it is possible that half of that gas will have been used to produce the same amount of electricity or other gas products.

    “This underscores the need for developing mechanisms that allow for more effective use of gas resources, ensuring that Nigeria maximises the benefits from its finite gas reserves.”

    According to him, efficiency in gas utilisation also has significant implications for households and industrial consumers.

    Addressing the role of the academia and research institutions in supporting innovation, Mungadi said stakeholder engagement, as stipulated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), was crucial.

    “The PIA has stipulated that regulators should conduct stakeholders engagement whenever they make any policy or law.

    “The academia, however, should be an integral part of these engagements to provide solutions for present and future challenges.”

    Mungadi said it was also important to leverage existing government institutions such as the Petroleum Development Trust Fund (PTDF), to foster academia-industry collaboration.

    According to him, this collaborative effort is crucial for developing regulatory frameworks that support innovation in the gas sector.

    Also, speaking, Dr Emeka Okwuso, the Chairman Oliserv Ltd, represented by the Managing Director Frazmes, Chuka Eze, said security was one of the big issues in developing and utilising gas on the continent.

    “Today, gas pipeline facilities are sabotaged. So, we have to introduce technology and adapt it from the perspective of solving our security challenges.

    “And we have to be collaborative about it. What we have found in the industry is that each organisation has a solution; we are not synergising together; we need synergy to get a harmonistic solution.

    “For me, the issue has to be handled harmoniously for us to realise the potential,’’ he said. (NAN)  (www.nannews.ng)

    LCN/EEE

    =======

    Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

  • Osimhen, Okocha, others storm Abuja for Attom charity cup

     Osimhen, Okocha, others storm Abuja for Attom charity cup

    Foundation

    By Muhyideen Jimoh

    Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Attom Foundation, an NGO in collaboration with some African football legends will on Saturday play a Charity Champions Cup to raise funds for the eye treatment of  over 10, 000 Nigerians.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the much anticipated match is billed for the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

    Reigning African footballer of the year, Victor Osimhen and some Super Eagles stsrs will join African legends like Jay Jay Okocha, Kanu Nwankwo, Didier Drogba, Emmanuel Ebue among others.

    Yahaya Atom, the Founder/CEO of Attom Foundation, disclosed this at a pre-match news conference  on Fiday in Abuja.

    He said the charity match will go a long way in raising awareness about the plight of Nigerians in need of eye treatment.

    He said the goal is to raise awareness and ultimately provide medical assistance to over 10,000 indigent Nigerians.

    Attom who was represented by Emmanuel Ugonna, a comedian popularly known as Craze Clown,  said the foundation has offered free surgery to over 2,000 Nigerians in Maiduguri as part of it’s outreach.

    He said going forward, the foundation plans to have mobile eye clinics in each of the 36 states of the country in line with international best practices.

    ‘Our plan is to have 36 mobile eye clinics across all states in the country where you can have eye tests, cataract surgeries and so on.

    “Each of the mobile clinics costs 250,000 dollars   so you can see what we are talking about, we have four already at the Lagos port,” he said.

    Earlier, Super Eagles stand-in captain, Kenneth Omeruo urged Abuja fans to troop to the stadium to enjoy good football for a noble cause.

    “When the foundation contacted me, I had no hesitation because am also involved in charity, especially as it involves the blind, my foundation is also supporting some schools.

    “Abuja is also my city, so am proud to be part of this project, we have Jay Jay here, Kanu is here and a lot of other legends,” he said.

    Dr Ozy Okonokhua, a public health optometrist and partner for the charity match decried the the lack of access to eye care/ treatment for most Nigerians, especially in the rural areas.

     Okonokhua said about 84 per cent of blindness in Nigeria are preventable/ avoidable with early checkup, treatment or surgery.

    He said the north-east and northern part of Nigeria has the highest number of people with blindness/visual impairment, stressing the need for all hands to be on deck to reverse this trend.

    According to him, HMC is partnering with the Attom Foundation to raise awareness and give some intervention and free consultation to Nigerians in this regard.

    Kafayat Shafau, popularly known as Kaffy, a dance instructor/fitness coach, who is the Project Director for the Foundation assured of a world class event on Saturday.

    NAN reports that the event was graced by ex-internationals and celebrities. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MUYI/JPE

    ========

    Edited by Joseph Edeh

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  • NGO urges Nigerians to donate blood to save lives

    Blood

    By Sarafina Christopher

    Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) De Norsemen Kclub International (DNKI), a humanitarian organisation, has urged Nigerians to donate blood in order to save lives.

    The Chairman, DNKI, Abuja Chapter, Mr Kolawole Otepola, made this call on Friday at the Wuse District Hospital, Abuja, during the organisation’s visit to hospitals to commemorate 2024 World Blood Donor Day.

    According to Otepola, blood is God given; hence the need to reach out to others who do not have; who cannot pay and donate freely from what God has freely given.

    He said that blood donation was what the organisation did on a yearly basis.

    “This time, we chose Wuse hospital because we looked around; we have been to Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Jabi, Abuja six times; we have been to Maitama and Gwarinpa.

    “So, we decided to go somewhere new this time;  we decided to go to where our impacts will be further felt; where we have not gone before,” he said.

    He advised that Nigerians should make use of the opportunity to turn out and donate blood to save lives and help humanity.

    In his response, Dr Oluseyi Asaolu, Medical Director, Wuse District Hospital, said that blood was life and the act of donating it reduced the rate of death.

    “Blood is very crucial to human life; everybody needs blood; when you make that intervention to donate blood, it becomes a saving moment for someone in need.

    “It is a beautiful initiative when the world does a blood donation day; we are happy that this has been sustained even up till now.

    “There is a need to donate blood; there is nothing you are doing with the blood just storing it there and the good thing is that if you donate blood, the body has a way of replenishing it, so it is a win-win for everybody.

    “We really want to appreciate DNKI that considered Wuse District Hospital, for bringing people to donate and support what we are doing here,’’ he said.

    Asaolu said that Wuse District Hospital had one of the best blood donation and blood transfusion services.

    He said that the hospital maintained the services and screened blood properly before administering to the patient.

    Mr Ogbobe Mathew, a member DNKI, said rendering humanitarian services to people in need was the organisation’s culture and what it did every year.

    “When the organisation came up with the blood donation thing, we discussed it knowing that giving our blood will save lives

    “You never can tell whose life the blood is going to be safe.

    “We tend to render humanitarian service like helping people in need in order to make the society a better place,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

     

    SAF/CJ/

    ========

    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

     

     

     

  • Eid-el-Kabir: FRSC deploys 723 operatives, 12 patrol vehicles in Imo

    Eid-el-Kabir: FRSC deploys 723 operatives, 12 patrol vehicles in Imo

    Deployment
    By Victor Nwachukwu
    Owerri, June 14, 2024 (NAN)  The Federal Safety Corps (FRSC)  in Imo says the command has deployed 723 operatives and 12 patrol vehicles to ensure a hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir celebration in the state.
    Corps Commander of the FRSC in Imo, Mr Evaristus Ebeniro, made the disclosure while addressing newsmen in Owerri, on Friday.
    Ebeniro, who thanked the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, for logistics and other support, said the operatives consisted of 369 regular officers and 354 special marshals.
    He said that in addition to the  patrol vehicles, three ambulances and two tow trucks had been dispatched to various locations in the state for use by the operatives.
    These, he said, would help to achieve a reduction in road traffic crashes, fatalities and injuries as well as aid prompt response to road traffic emergencies and unhindered engagement with road users.
     “ We expect a slight increase in vehicular traffic across the state especially in the interstate roads such as the Owerri-Port Harcourt, Owerri-Umuahia and other traffic hotspots such as the Douglas road and Control post.
     “ At the headquarters, there is a situation room that monitors road situation and shares information with relevant state commands,” he said.
    He advised drivers to be civil, courteous and realise that family, friends and loved ones await them and the commuters, hence the need to avoid over speeding and reckless driving.
    He noted that mobile courts had been set up in close collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association to checkmate the excesses of reckless drivers and urged commuters to report reckless drivers to the authorities for appropriate sanctions.
     “ The 2024 Eid-el-Kabir patrol will begin today, June 14 and end on June 21, to showcase our level of preparedness as well as our commitment to safety of road users during and after the festivities.
     “ To reduce road accidents, trucks should not be used to convey passengers,  drink-driving must be avoided at all cost and drivers must show a high level of respect for life by being safety conscious “, he said.
     “ In the event of an emergency, the general public should please call the following phone numbers : 112 and 122 which are toll free as well as the Commander’s official phone number 08077690904,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
     VIN /VIV
    ====
    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • Sports Festival: Ogun inaugurates 29-man committee

    Committee
    By Yetunde Fatungase
    Abeokuta, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Ogun Government has inaugurated a 29-man committee of Team Ogun, ahead of the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF), tagged, “Gateway Games 2024”.
    Speaking during the inauguration on Friday, the state’s Commissioner for Sports Development, Wasiu Isiaka, noted that the festival is one of the most important events in the national sporting calendar.
    The festival, scheduled to hold from  Jan. 12 to  Jan. 26, 2025, is to foster unity among youths in Nigeria, regardless of ethnic, religion and political affiliations.
    Isiaka disclosed that the hosting rights granted the state was possible through  efforts of Gov. Dapo Abiodun to lay a solid foundation for sports development.
    He expressed optimism that the festival would leave a legacy of capacity building, skills transfer, economic growth, sporting facilities and infrastructural development in the annals of the state.
    “The festival will serve as an affiliation of the limitless potential by revealing shared values of excellence, thoroughness, industriousness and hospitality of the state,” Isiaka said.
    He assured that the state government would provide necessary infrastructure, facilities and accommodation for a befitting festival.
    He also hinted that government would collaborate with relevant stakeholders, employ modern technologies, provide top-notch security and medical services for safety and wellbeing of all athletes, coaches and officials.
    Isiaka stated that the committee was responsible for overseeing a seamless, hitch-free festival for the 36 states of the federation and FCT.
    He said that it would also steer the affairs of the event, urging members to bring their wealth of experience and expertise to bear in order to achieve a world-class festival.
    “The committee will work with me as commissioner, to prepare and present a formidable team that is capable of representing the Gateway state in the various sporting events,” he said.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that  some members of the committee are  great sportsmen and women, sports administrators of high repute, media practitioners and technocrats.
    Among them are, Chief Falilat Ogunkoya, Prince Tunji Onatolu, Alhaji Ganiu Majekodunmi, Mr Adesola Faleti and Mr Biodun Alabi.
    Responding on behalf of other committee members, Prince Tunji Onatolu expressed appreciation to the state government for giving them the opportunity to serve, promising to work assiduously to ensure a successful festival. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    YAF/CHOM/SOA
    ==============
    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Oluwole Sogunle

  • Saudi Temperature: NACHON urges pilgrims to avoid direct sunlight

    Temperature

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Mina (Saudi Arabia), June 14, 2024 (NAN) The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has advised Nigerian pilgrims to use umbrellas to protect themselves from the scorching sun.

    The Executive Chairman of NAHCON, Malam Jalal Arabi, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Friday in Mina, a valley located eight kilometres South-East of the city of Mecca.

    NAN reports that this year’s hajj is taking place in sweltering temperatures that test the endurance of worshipers during the mostly outdoor rituals.

    He implored the pilgrims to always seek shade whenever possible to avoid direct sunlight.

    Arabi said,” It is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, even if they do not feel thirsty.

    ” Pilgrims are also advised to pay close attention to all health advisories and instructions provided by the medical team.

    ” To limit sun exposure, pilgrims should avoid going outside during peak heat. They should also stay cool by refraining from walking on or touching hot surfaces like rooftops.”

    Meanwhile, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health has issued a heat advisory for the pilgrims in the wake of scorching surface temperatures, which pose a significant health risk.

    The ministry highlighted the intense heat in Makkah as a major challenge for hajj, adding that prolonged sun exposure could be dangerous.

    NAN reports that on Saturday morning, pilgrims will proceed from Mina to the plain of Arafat for the major ritual of standing.

    Spanning approximately 33 square kilometers, Arafat hosts over two million pilgrims each year. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng),

    SSI/BRM

    =============

    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Flood: LASG demolishes street gates, fences, security post in Okota

    One of the gates/fence causing flood at Victory Estate Okota Lagos, demolished by LASG on Friday (NAN)

     

    Flood
    By Moses Omorogieva
    Lagos, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Government has demolished some street gates, security post and fences of houses constructed on drainage channels and canals in Okota area of the state.

    The operation was carried out on Friday by the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) and Ministry for Environment, led by Corps Marshall, Maj. Olaniyi Cole rtd.

    A Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) who monitored the exercise reports that the operation was carried out at Liberty, Paris, Victory and Hosanna Goodness Estates, all located in Okota area.

    NAN observed that some  street gates, house fences, including security post were allegedly built on drainage channels and canals.

    It  was also observed that a security post’s toilet was constructed on a drainage, as well as many illegal structures, including Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) houses with their shrines built close to a major canal in the area.

    Cole said that some residents of the estates petitioned the Commissioner for Environment on the incessant flooding they always faced once it rained  due to the blockage of the canals and drainages by the illegal structures.

    Cole said they were given the order to pull down all illegal structures, stressing that the affected estates and houses were given 48 hours to remove the structures.

    He said that for every land approved by the government, the construction of the fence must have 10 metres distance to/from the canal and drainage.

    OPC house with strine demolished along the canal

     

    Mr Adekoya Adedeji, from the Drainage Office, Lagos State Ministry for Environment, linked the flooding situation in many parts of the state to human activities.

    Adedeji said for the operation on Friday, some people deliberately blocked the waterways by building fences, shanties and houses on the way.

    “People must have understanding that all that government is doing is for the interest of all.

    “As government, we will not rest on our effort to ensure that all illegal structures on canals, drainages and other public ways responsible for flooding are cleared for a flood free Lagos,” he said.

    Some residents of the estates who spoke with NAN commended the government for the bold step to clear the illegal structures.

    Mr Austin Odinaka, a resident, said the street gate constructed around his street always caused flooding, causing them to take longer journey out of the estate.

    Another resident, simply identified as Sunny, said they tried to intervene when they were constructing some street gates, but they were ignored by the initiators of the construction.

    Sunny, however, blamed some Lagos State Government Officials and traditional ruler of the area, who collected money and allowed the illegal structures to be constructed.

    A victim, whose illegal structure was marked for demolition along the canal, Mrs Nancy Okafor, said she purchased the land from one Mr Odo Chibuzor, at the sum of N536,000, with receipt given to the Corps Marshall as evidence. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

    MIO/VIV

    =====

    Edited by Vivian Ihechu