Isjijabah launches tricycles with safety shield against Covid-19

Oredola Adeola| Alhaji Abiola Azeez, Al-Istijabah, Chairman Zone C, TOOAN of NURTW and Board of Trustee Member, Lagos State NURTW, has launched a new set of tricycles that come with in-built safety shield for commuters in compliance with the Covid-19 regulations and guidelines for transport workers in Lagos State.

The unveiling ceremony which was held on Wednesday at the Lagos NURTW State Headquarter in Agege, Lagos State was conducted by Alh. Musiliu Akinsanya, MC Oluomo, NURTW state Chairman in the company of state excos, Lagos State Commissioner of Transportation and representatives of LASTMA, VIO, Area G Police Command and other top dignitaries. Alh. Akinsanya while cutting the ribbon commended Alh. Istijabah for the innovative and exceptional leadership he has brought to the Union.

Alh. Istijabah in his reaction to the commendation disclosed that he launched the tricycle in compliance with guidance issued both by the Federal and State Government on COVID-19, limiting the number of people riding Keke to three persons (driver plus two passengers) at any given time. Mr. Nitesh Kumar, representing the Wandel/Simba Groups, revealed that the tricycles produced by Simba Groups, distributors of TVS branded tricycles comes with protective partitions erected between the rider and passengers. The safety shield is a transparent acrylic sheet, which serves to protect riders and passengers from one another While onboard.

Speaking on behalf of the Zone C Chairman, Comrade Rowland Igbauma, the Zonal Secretary said that Alh. Istijaba purchased the tricycles specially with safety accessory, as a result of the pivotal roles played by workers in the country's transport sector, in containing the spread of the virus. According to him, the Zone has plan to release over 2000 of the shielded tricycle as Palliative for its members during this period. He added that the new tricycle is a palliative to members of the Zone, who have been hit by the impact of the Covid-19 guidelines by the government.

Com.Roland said, "We have made it affordable and accessible through all the 20 branches under the Zone. Members will have opportunity to own the tricycles through cheap and affordable conditions. We want our members to enjoy the benefit of associating with the Zone. That is why we are releasing the tricycle through the branches. "We are determined to make payment and ownership of the tricycles easy for the members. We are going to help them process and maintain the tricycle. Speaking about enforcement of compliance orders for operators, Mr Roland disclosed that the Zone will be working with the branches in regulating activities of the operators.

New York Police arrest killer of GOKADA founder

Oredola Adeola with agency reports

The New York Police Authorities have arrested the suspected killer of the Fahim Saleh, leading tech entrepreneur who is also the founder of popular GOKADA motorbike taxi app and commercial bike operating in Nigeria.

GOKADA founder, Fahim Saleh

The 33-year-old, Fahim Saleh, became popular for his role in creating popular ride-sharing companies in Nigeria and Bangladesh. He is a son of Bangladeshi immigrants based in US. He founded his first company while still in high school. He went on to co-found the ride company Pathao, which is popular in Bangladesh and Nepal, in 2015.

 His body was found decapitated and dismembered in his Manhattan apartment on Tuesday. According to the New York Police, the suspect Tyrese Haspil, 21, was the GOKADA founder's executive assistant who allegedly decapitated and dismembered his boss in his New York room.

The Police have arrested and charged him with second-degree murder.Further investigation shows that murderer allegedly owed Saleh tens of thousands of dollars.

 Haspil is accused of using a taser on Saleh and then fatally stabbing him on Monday.

Rodney Harrison, NYPD Chief of Detectives told reporters after the arrest on Friday that the suspect handled [Saleh's] finances and personal matters.

Harrison said, "It is also believed that he owed the victim a significant amount of money. Saleh's body was discovered by his cousin who checked on him on Tuesday afternoon after he had not been seen for several days."

According to US media reports, CCTV footage from the building in which Saleh lived showed him entering a lift with a man wearing a mask on Monday.

His body was dismembered with an electric saw placed nearby, police said.

19 Northern states support FG's cancellation of school resumption

The Commissioners of Education in 19 Northern States have supported the decision of Mallam Adamu Adamu, Minister of Education,  to suspend school reopening in order to protect the school against spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Last week, the Minister reversed his earlier announcement, authorising schools to reopen for students participating in Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (SSCE) and Junior Secondary Certificate Examinations (JSCE).

Meanwhile, the commissioners after a virtual meeting on Saturday, issued a communique in Kaduna State  to consider school reopening and other issues to strengthen the education sector.

The communique was signed by the Commissioner of Education, Kaduna, Dr Shehu Makarfi, who is also the Chairman of the Northern States School Exchange Programme.

The meeting was attended by commissioners of 13 of the 19 northern states namely, Kaduna, Bauchi, Gombe, Niger, Nasarawa, Adamawa, Taraba, Kogi, Kwara, Katsina, Kano, Borno and Jigawa.

The commissioners applauded the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, for taking a decisive stand against school reopening and pledged their full support.

According to them, keeping schools closed considering the spike in cases of COVID-19 across the country is a sure step in ensuring that children remain safe.

“We have, therefore, resolved that schools should be reopened only when it is safe to do so and when states have complied with the minimum COVID-19 safety protocols as outlined by the NCDC.

“We will also participate in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination and other examinations only when it is safe to reopen schools and when coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Education,” they said.

The commissioners also resolved to carry out a holistic assessment of schools to determine safety status for reopening and submit reports to their respective governors for consideration.

“Schools’ infrastructure, such as dilapidated classrooms, students’ hostels, source of safe water, sanitary facilities, including hand washing equipment and security are critical and should be improved.

“We will equally clear schools of bushes and grasses, as well as fumigate school’s surroundings to support learning and ensure safety when schools resume,” they said.

The Commissioners however charges  the Federal Government to support states in putting safety measures in place for school reopening, adding that most of the state do not have sufficient funds to meet expected standard.

Lagos Area Boys hold Pa James hostage, demand settlement from Funke Akindele's gift

Oredola Adeola

Veteran actor Kayode Olasehinde “ Ajirebi ” better known as Pa James,  has cried out over repeated harassment and hostages on him by Lagos Area boys following actress Funke Akindele's promise to rent an apartment for him.

Pa James in a statement said, "Gbese de(I am in trouble) area boys held me down that I should settle them because my sister Jenifa Funke Akindele bought me a new house. I am so grateful to Jenifa, if not for her, where will I be staying today bc flood swept away my house. But see me with another unexpected wahala, that my level has changed, area boys will not allow me free movements again, that I should settle them. The truth is that Jenifa rented me an apartment, a high class one. But I pray someone will take it up there and buy me a house. She has done her best. Kudos to her!!!.

Recall that, on July 7 ,Pa James via Instagram   cried out for help after his belongings got soaked following the incessant rainfalls in Lagos .

Pharm(Mrs) Akinbile-Yusuf cancels, reschedules "controversial" LAGOS DIGITAL PARTY

Following the criciticm that greeted the purported plan by the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Pharmacist (Mrs.) Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf to host Lagos Digital Party, the event earlier scheduled  to hold on Friday, July 10, 2020, has been cancelled and rescheduled indefinitely.

Recall that The Editorials earlier broke the news and also shared editorial viewpoint on what should be the major focus of the tourism ministry amidst tourism potentials of Lagos State.

The virtual party which was the first major activity to be initiated since the Commissioner took over the affairs of the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, was widely condemned by major tourism stakeholders.

This action of the new Commissioner was widely condemned by both tourism writers and major players in the sector, who had expressed joy at the interest and commitment earlier shown by the Commissioner towards uplifting the hospitality and tourism industry in the state despite impact of Covid-19 pandemic.


The Commissioner who announced the cancellation and indefinite postponement of the virtual party on Thursday, disclosed that the decision was reached after meeting some musicians who have also expressed interest in participating in the event for wider mileage.

Akinbile-Yusuf  disclosed that the entertainers paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry on Thursday to express plan to collaborate with the State Government to expand the scope of the virtual party.

 She said, "Although the Ministry initially planned to feature only Disc Jockeys at the event, the musicians which comprise of hip-hop artistes and Fuji singers insisted on contributing their quota to the digital event, thus necessitating the postponement.

"The postponement would also allow more Lagosians to be aware of the event aimed at repositioning the entertainment industry towards achieving a Greater Lagos.

Explaining the rationale behind the event, Akinbile-Yusuf noted that the event is a way of experimenting with the new norms in the entertainment industry

She further disclosed that the Ministry planned to use the Digital Party to take Lagosians out of depression, entertain them and also create awareness about the new trend in the entertainment industry.

She however apologised to intending participants for any inconvenience which the postponement may have caused Lagosians, especially promising  that the virtual party will meet the entertainment needs of the populace.

She urged Lagosians not to be overwhelmed by the present situation across the world in respect of the COVID-19.

SHAME! Nigeria (African Giant) loses seniority in committee of nations to Ghana

 By Princewill Odidi, Atlanta

African leaders on Sunday voted to choose Ghana as the new headquarters to house the new Africa free-trade zone. With the new trade zone comes a new airline hub for Africa, to be built in Ghana.

Fourteen years ago Donald Duke had initiated discussions on the need for an airline hub to serve Africa & to be situated in Calabar. Unfortunately, the dream died with Tinapa.

It is important that Africa has its own hub, but unfortunately our political leadership just do not understand how these things work, so they never take it seriously.

 To travel to most African countries within Africa from Nigeria, you have to first travel either to Frankfurt or Amsterdam before you can connect to headquarters of most African countries! CGI will be financing an airlines hub in Ghana following the situating of the Africa free-trade zone (in Ghana).

Under the Addis Ababa-based African Union’s rules, all of its 55 members may bid to host the headquarters. Kenya, Ghana, eSwatini, Madagascar and Egypt were all in the race. Ethiopia and Senegal pulled out. On Sunday, Ghana emerged. Almighty Nigeria was not even mentioned or considered.

This is what a good visionary leadership brings to its people. Ghana's political leadership since Rawlings has stabilized. Ghanaians understand the importance of electing very educated people to lead their country.

Take for example, United Nations headquarters is in New York; it couldn’t be in Togo or Venezuela because America provides world leadership so, naturally, America had to house the UN.

That’s how it works. Second , America provides the bulk of UN funding, so traditionally they have to house the UN; the same argument goes as to why America houses the World Trade Center and the World Bank.

Now, Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa. We finance and fund Ecowas and make a significant commitment and contribution to African Union. Housing the headquarters of the African free-trade zone should not even be in contention. It should naturally come to us, but when our leaders seem not to understand the value we hold in global affairs, new comers poke their hands in our eyes.

To be factual, we need a leadership and a team of advisers that know what to do and how the international system works *if* Nigeria must rise again.
Gradually Nigeria has lost her birthright, her big brother status. If not, how do you explain the fact that the African free-trade zone headquarters is not in Lagos or Abuja; rather it's going to Ghana & Africa's airline hub is also going to Ghana?

The was a time all of Africa quaked when Nigeria roared. What happened to the Giant of Africa? Gradually the Giant lost its seniority in the committee of nations to little Ghana, a country with a population a little above Cross River State!

 Ghana is what it is today because of investments from Nigeria. If all Nigerian investments are withdrawn from Ghana, their entire economy may not compete with that of Eti-Isa local government of Lagos state.
See what good leadership has turned Ghana into. It has become a place we send our kids to attend good schools because our school system has failed!

This all started when we refused to welcome black Americans who wanted to relocate to Nigeria and help develope an African country. Our Senate turned down the offer; Ghana opened her doors, gave 250 black Americans automatic Ghanaian citizenship. The positive PR that gesture has given Ghana among world nations is enormous.

Virtually all African countries signed the free-trade zone pact over a year ago; Nigeria and South Africa initially abstained. Now that Nigeria decided to join, given the fact that virtually all of Africa needs Nigeria more than we need them (given the size of our economy and access to raw materials, whose tariff-free movement within Africa would boost other economies), why didn’t Nigeria insist on housing the free-trade zone headquarters - as a prerequisite for joining the zone? Our leaders just cannot see the future.

Last week South Africa became the 65th. country to offer visa-free entry to holders of Ghanaian passports. Leadership is all about capacity and vision; and it is obvious Ghana is getting it right.

Nigeria has everything required to lead Africa. We have the intellectuals, the wealth, great men with vision, but focused and visionary leadership has remained a challenge since independence.

Ethnicity, religion, zoning and primitive partisanship has continued to hold us back. We pray our children in their own generation wake up the sleeping giant. Africa shall rise again.

Excitement as camera captures first-known group of Cross River gorillas

Wildlife Conservation Society(WSC) has released the first-known camera-trap images of a group of Cross River gorillas with a number of infants of different ages. The photographs have understandably generated a lot of excitement among Cross River gorilla conservation stakeholders.

The images were captured in the Mbe Mountains in Nigeria. About 50 cameras were set up in 2012 and multiple images have been captured in Cameroon’s Kagwene Gorilla Sanctuary and in Nigeria’s Mbe Mountains community forest and Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary. But Cross River gorillas are notoriously difficult to capture together on camera and no images had captured multiple infants.

Cross River gorillas ( Gorilla gorilla diehli ) are the most endangered gorilla subspecies, numbering only around 300 individuals and found only in an isolated region along the Nigeria/Cameroon border.

It is on record that Cross River gorillas are rarely seen, let alone photographed, even by remote cameras. Previously, camera traps at WCS sites in Cameroon and Nigeria have captured just a few images including one from 2012 in Cameroon’s Kagwene Gorilla Sanctuary showing one member of the group missing a hand likely from snare injury.

These recent images are the first time that multiple of infants have been recorded in the same group.

Recall that in 2013, in the Mbe Mountains and Afi Mountains in Nigeria, camera traps photographed a mother carrying a single infant on her back and lone silverbacks on separate occasions.

Extremely shy of humans due to a long history of persecution, Cross River gorillas live in the most rugged and inaccessible parts of their range. Their presence can be detected mainly by indirect signs such as nests, dung and feeding trails.

 They are distributed patchily over a mountainous, forested landscape spanning some 12,000 square kilometers across the transboundary region of Cross River Nigeria and Takmanda-Mone Cameroon.

Once presumed extinct in Nigeria and only “rediscovered” in the late 1980’s, approximately 100 Cross River gorillas live in Nigeria in three contiguous sites in Cross River State – the Okwangwo Division of Cross River National Park (Okwangwo), Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary and the Mbe Mountains community forest.

The Mbe Mountains forest, which is home to about a third of the Nigeria gorilla population, and provide an important link between Afi Mountain and Okwangwo, have been managed jointly by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the Conservation Association of the Mbe Mountains as a community wildlife sanctuary since 2005.

A team of 16 eco-guards recruited from the surrounding communities, trained and employed by WCS conducts daily law enforcement patrols of the sanctuary to protect gorillas and other wildlife. In addition to protection, WCS works with the local communities to raise awareness of conservation and improve livelihoods.

Inaoyom Imong, Director of WCS Nigeria’s Cross River Landscape said: “It is extremely exciting to see so many young Cross River gorillas – an encouraging indication that these gorillas are now well protected and reproducing successfully, after previous decades of hunting. While hunters in the region may no longer target gorillas, the threat of hunting remains, and we need to continue to improve the effectiveness of our protection efforts.”


Professor John Oates, lead author of the first Cross River gorilla action plan in 2007 said: “It is wonderful to see images of gorillas from the Mbe Mountains that show so many young animals, indicating that the population there is in good health.

"Back in the early 1970s it was widely thought that gorillas were extinct in Nigeria, but work subsequently initiated by the Cross River State Government, and later supported and expanded by WCS and local communities, has clearly held the line and given hope for the long-term survival of these primates.”

WCS works to protect Cross River gorillas at additional sites in Nigeria, working with local communities and in cooperation with the Cross River State Government in Afi Mountain and the Nigeria National Park Service in Okwangwo.

 With the outbreak of COVID-19 in Nigeria in February 2020, outreach and livelihood support work with local communities have been temporarily suspended but wildlife protection patrols have continued, in line with WCS's COVID-19 response country action plan, to provide continued effective protection for the gorillas.

WCS is also working in the neighboring Cameroon section of the transboundary area, to protect Cross River gorillas and support management of Takamanda National Park, Kagwene Gorilla Sanctuary, Mone River Forest Reserve, Mbulu and Mawambi Hills in cooperation with the Government of Cameroon and local communities.

Despite the ongoing political and armed conflict in Cameroon, WCS continues to monitor and protect the gorillas with local partners and is working to secure and reestablish field conservation programs as security permits.

Success recorded in the Mbe Mountains is largely attributable to the strong support and commitment of our local community partners.

Reacting to seeing the gorilla images, the head chief of one of the surrounding villages (Kanyang I), Otu Gabriel Ocha said: "I am very happy to see these wonderful pictures of Cross River gorillas with many babies in our forest. This shows that our conservation efforts in partnership with WCS are yielding fruits. I hope that we can continue these efforts so that we can pass the heritage to future generations."

Chief Damian Aria, Village Head of Wula I, said: “Seeing these photos of Cross River gorillas with many infants makes me very happy because they tell me that the population is increasing. I feel honored to be part of the efforts that are producing these results and I commend WCS for their support to protect the natural resources God has blessed us with."

Otu Bernard A. Eban, Clan Head of Abo Clan, said: "Seeing this today rekindles my hope that our communities will benefit from ecotourism in the future. We will further strengthen our local laws to protect Cross River gorillas in the Mbe Mountains. I wish to take this opportunity to appeal to our partners to support us more to find sustainable economic alternatives to bushmeat hunting and other activities that destroy our forest."

WCS’s conservation activities with local partners to protect Cross River gorillas in the Mbe Mountains and other sites in Nigeria and across the border in Cameroon, have been supported over the years by donors including the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Arcus Foundation, Darwin Initiative, Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), Rainforest Trust, UNEP GRASP, North Carolina Zoo, Berggorilla and Regenwald Direkthilfe, Kolmarden Foundation, Palmyre Zoo, Paignton Zoo, AZA SAFE Granting Program, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, EAZA Ape Conservation Fund, Zoo New England.

24 hours power supply sure in Coker Estate, Shasha as CDAs, Ikeja Electric sign agreement

Oredola Adeola ]

Electricity Distribution Company, Ikeja Electric, on Tuesday, July 7, 2020. signed a Bi-lateral Power Agreement with resident associations of Coker Estate and Shasha for supply of 24 hours power supply on daily basis.

This was contained in a statement obtained by The Editorials on Tuesday through the distribution company.


The statement revealed that the resident associations through the agreement made a commitment on payment plan and infrastructure.

The contract, which is in line with the company’s Premium Power Purchase Agreement was signed with representatives of Ikeja Electric and representative of the CDAs.

By this agreement, IE will provide the area with electricity supply beyond the existing standards with guaranteed performance levels.


The Distribution company further revealed that there are over 13 locations in Lagos that are enjoying a minimum of 20 hours power supply daily from dedicated feeders through the willing buyer-willing seller alternative power supply initiative.

Ghanaian textile company launches fabric designs to remember Covid-19

Oredola Adeola with agency report|


 A Ghanaian fabric company, Ghana Textiles Printing (GTP) has launched a new line of designs inspired by the Covid-19 pandemic, to remember the impact of the virus.

The fabric company is using artistic symbols including padlocks, keys and planes to depict some of the actions taken by the citizens and government to combat the spread of coronavirus in its line of new fabrics.

Padlocks symbolise the lockdown measures (Photo: BBC)

Stephen Badu, a spokeman of the company told BBC that “GDP is putting a positive twist on a negative phenomenon.

“We are a business that tells stories and we tell our stories through our designs.

"We believe that it is going to leave a mark in the history of the world, and it’s important that generations that come after us get to know that once upon a time, such a phenomenon occurred.” he said

This design with planes shows how Ghana restricted flights in and out of the country (Photo: BBC)

Reported cases of Coronavirus infection in Ghana is put at 21,968, while 17,156 people recovered, despite being  one of country with lowest number of deaths from the virus.

President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo has entered 14-day self-isolation after he was exposed to someone who had contracted the virus within en close circles.

Covid-19 : Awujale of Ijebu land suspends 2020 edition of Ojude-Oba festival

Oredola Adeola,|

His Royal Majesty (HRM)  Oba Dr. Sikiru Adetona, Awujale of Ijebu Land has given order to the Ojude Oba Committee to  suspend the 2020 edition of the Ojude Oba Ceremony billed to hold in August.

This will be the first time since 1892 that  the  famous festival would be cancelled.

In a letter addressed by His Royal Majesty (HRM) Oba A.A Adenugba, Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, to the Balogun, Baba Egbes, Iya Egbes, Giwas and Iyalodes and Horse Riders, the Committee said they are acting on the instruction of HRM Oba Dr. Sikiru Adetona, Awujale of Ijebu Land, who has given order for the suspension of the age-long festival due to Covid-19 pandemic.

The Awujale therefore charged all horse riding families and members of the Regberegbes to take note of the cancellation.


Recall that the Ojude-Oba festival started more than hundred years ago, as an annual religious  festival, that brings the Ijebus (home and abroad) together.It  is celebrated on 3rd day after Id-El-Kabir.

Prophet Samuel backs TB Joshua, WHO's call for collaboration between science, faith in fight against Covid-19

Oredola Adeola|

The founder and General Overseer of Shiloh Word Chapel, Abuja, Prophet I.O Samuel, has called on Christian leaders across the world, to humbly seek the face of God  for higher grace and power, in the fight and win the battle against Covid-19 pandemic.

The Prophet made this known in a statement released to the pressmen on Monday, in reaction to the recent recommendation of World Health Organization( WHO) that science and religious leaders need to work together to combat the spread of the COVID 19 pandemic.

The founder and General Overseer of Shiloh Word Chapel, Abuja, Prophet I.O Samuel

Prophet Samuel commended Prophet TB Joshua  founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN)! for taking a spiritual position on the pandemic which was acknowledged by WHO.

 According to him, I commend my spiritual Father, for saying "Distance Is Not A Barrier for God"

He went further to thank SCOAN founder for being a  vessel used by God for the healing of Corona virus patients through Emmanuel Tv Live; worldwide, a healing process which was also confirmed by WHO.

Recall that a Cameronian medical doctor, Kameni Pierre, was reported to have been healed of Corona virus by Prophet T.B Joshua, while watching the Emmanuel TV channel.

Dr. Michael Ryan, WHO Executive Director of Health Emergencies, had recently reaffirm the readiness  of  international health organization to collaborate with religious body like The Synagogue Church Of All Nation's ( SCOAN) to advance the fight against the corona virus.

Ryan said,  “Certainly, spiritual leadership is very important in a time like this,” He praised the role of faith-based organisations in providing accurate information to communities.

WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, also asked that faith and science should “go together”.

According to him, “We know many religious leaders who would really advise their followers to follow their faith and at the same time use science. The two do not contradict; they go together… We will call on all religious leaders to be in this fight and save lives.”

Prophet Samuel however said,"  It is interesting that the Stone, that the builders rejected has become the Chief Corner Stone.

"My advice to Men of God , Worldwide, for all of us to go on our knees and humbly ask for higher grace and power to fight the pandemic. This is not the time to criticise anyone . Rather, we need joint action spiritually to win the battle, now"

"We don't need long grammer, Christians globally and WHO needs us more than ever before.

"Today's Ministry has gone beyond  the argument that, 'I am For Paul Or Apollos". The pandemic has exposed our weakness as the Body of Christ.

" Lack of faith is driving the Church of Christ backward. We have the responsibility not to allow God(Head of Church) is not mocked by unbelievers this year.

" What we need to fight the battle is Love, Unity of purpose and faith," Prophet Samuel concluded.

FG sets to shut 3rd Mainland bridge on July 24

The Federal Government has announced plan to commence another phase of repair works on the Third Mainland Bridge by July 24. The Controller of Works in Lagos, Mr Olukayode Popoola, on Monday disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

According to him, ongoing consultations on the repair  were towards evolving a perfect traffic management architecture.

He said, "We want to do maintenance work on the Third Mainland Bridge very soon. Most likely on the 24th. We may close it from July 24.

“We are still working out the modalities, and when we perfect the traffic management plan, we will move to the site.

“Everything being expected for the repairs of the bridge arrived in the country that is why we want to start the repairs now,’’ he said.

Sanwo-Olu asks companies, hotels to obtain LSSC clearance ahead of re-opening

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has asked all companies and social event centres ( hotels and restaurants) to register and get clearance from Lagos State Safety Commission( LSSC) for free, in preparation for re-opening. He made this known during his daily briefing on Sunday, at the State House, Marina.

The Governor in his statement however, cautioned owners of the centres to go through the clearance process, noting that the Government will be very strict with enforcement.

The State Govenrment had earlier disclosed that places of worship, events centres, and social clubs will remain closed until further notice.

The Governor also directed civil servants from Grade Level 1 to 12 to continue working from home and improve themselves through dedicated online Learning Management Systems (LMS) portals.

Lagos Tourism Ministry launches first digital party with DJ JimmyJatt, gives free data to participants

Oredola Adeola|

Lagos State Commissioner of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Pharm (Mrs) Uzamat AkinbiIe-Yusuf has revealed plans to launch the first entertainment show since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic in the State

The Commissioner in a statement released at the weekend  disclosed that the virtual event will hold on Friday, July 10, 2020, between 7pm and 11pm.

According to her the virtual party is part of creative innovations being considered by the Ministry in the face of the pandemic.

She further revealed that the ‘Digital Lagos Party’ has been designed to thrill Lagosians with quality musical vibes from popular Nigeria Deejay, Jimmy Jatt alongside Deejay CONEL, stressing that free data would also be provided for participants to live-stream the event on Lagos State Government Facebook Page.

While urging Lagosians and none Lagosians to join the live stream of the evening party, the Commissioner informed that the free data subscription would only be made available during the event for those that joined the party.

She also implored interested participants to follow the social media handles of the Ministry on Facebook and Instagram @lagostourism, Twitter @lagostourismO and subscribe to the Ministry’s YouTube Channel on Lagos Tourism, adding that these are some of the conditions for winning the free data package for the event.

Pharm.AkinbiIe-Yusuf assured participants that the party will be very interactive and fun-filled, adding that participants would also be engaged in brief questions and answers session about Lagos under an atmosphere of fun and relaxation.

Fishing industry symbolises how unproductive we are in Nigeria

Ayo Akinfe

 It is criminal laziness bordering on a crime against mother nature for a country with 853km of Atlantic coastline to be importing fish. I do not know of any other nation in the same position that does so.

Again, this is a another case of crude oil making us lazy. We believed we had enough money to import anything we wanted so we allowed virtually every other sector of our economy to collapse.

Nigeria currently has a deficit of 2.1m tonnes of fish annually as she consumes 3.2m tonnes and shamelessly only produces 1.1m tonnes. Our dismal output comes from a combination of aquaculture, artisanal and industrial fishing.

Apparently, we have some of the largest mackerel stocks in the world but alas, we have not deemed it fit to tap into this resource. Many of the counties we import fish from have the same coastal waters as us.

Among the countries that export mackerel to Nigeria include Russia, Faroe Island, Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands and Mauritania. Sadly, this does not shame us.

In Nigeria, fish is an important part of the household diet, making up around 40% of the country’s protein intake. Our fish consumption is about 13.3 kg per person annually. Just imagine the potential this sector could offer to our economy if we developed it and became a major exporter across the African continent.

Sectors where we should be making a killing include tinned fish, fishmeal for livestock feed, fish oil and frozen fish. All our landlocked neighbours like Niger, Chad, Mali, Burkina Faso, etc should be wholly dependent on Nigeria for their fish supplies.

If you want to see a country taking fisheries seriously look at Russia. They plan to double the revenue the sector generates by 2024, targeting an annual income of $8bn annually. Ask yourself how much help an extra $8bn would be to the Nigerian economy.

Have we even given one bit on consideration to manufacturing trawlers in Nigeria? This is where the coastal states like Lagos, Ondo, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross River need to stand up and be counted. Has any governor of these states ever approached any of say our evangelical pastorprueners for instance and asked them to invest their millions in a boatyard that manufactures fishing trawlers.

 Someone needs to draw up an industrial fishing plan that outlines fish rich coastal waters, includes plans to build processing plants and above all makes the construction of vessels a major objective. Just imagine how many Nigerians this kind of project would employ.

Nigerian doctorate student in Japan returns missing wallet with large sum to owner, rejects percentage cut

Nigerian doctorate student in University of Tsukuba, Japan, Mr Ikenna Nweke, has made the country proud by returning a missing wallet with huge sums of money to the police, and also turned down offer of a percentage by the authorities.

Nweke in his testimony after his action caught global attention, disclosed that, "On the 19th of June 2020, while I was going home from the university, I decided to get my wife her favorite kebab. As I was climbing the staircase around Tsukuba center, I noticed something on the ground.

"As I drew closer, I saw that it was a wallet. When I opened it, I saw a huge sum of money, a credit card, and other valuables.

"I immediately reported to the police. One of the officers was surprised and asked me why I did not take the money. I told him that there was no need for that because I was raised by responsible parents, and that I am also a Christian.

"He told me that according to Japanese law, that I was entitled to 10% of the money found inside the wallet. Again I declined. The look on his face indicated bewilderment.

"Earlier, the owner of the wallet called me to show appreciation.   I  later got a letter from the Ibaraki/Tsukuba Police. They expressed their gratitude towards my incredible and selfless behavior.

"Not every Nigerian is criminal-minded. There are a lot of Nigerians abroad working so hard to erase the bad name given to “us” by the criminal few," Nweke revealed. 

Apart from the global attention his action gained, President Muhammad Buhari has commended him for patriotism and portraying the country is a good manner.

In a statement released by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President, Media & Publicity, President Buhari commended Nweke for projecting the values of honesty, integrity and contentment that should be the hallmark of a people, noting that good virtues and propriety are the hallmark of every culture in Nigeria, while crimes and criminalities are exceptions.

The President disclosed that Nweke’s behaviour, coming at a period that the country needs a positive spotlight and close-up on its real values, clearly signposts what should hold the nation together, inspired by solid foundations laid by most families, religious bodies and communities for success in life.

President Buhari however wished Nweke all the best in his studies and work as a teaching assistant in same university, urging all Nigerians, home and abroad, to keep celebrating the age-old, irreplaceable attributes of honesty and decorum, and shun the microwaved, get-rich-quick tendencies that bring individual and collective shame.

Ooni of Ife adopts 17-year old artist, offers scholarship up to tertiary institution, employment after graduation

The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has offered scholarship to seventeen-year old, Samuel, who made stunning portrait of him with a pencil drawing.

In a statement released by the Palace, the Ooni disclosed that  he got tagged on Twitter a few months ago by a young man who made a brilliant pencil drawing of him. He noted that the boy was invited to the palace in appreciation for his work.

According to the Ooni, " The 17 year old superlative Samuel who is just about to graduate from secondary school has been adopted by me ( Ooni),  his fees till his tertiary education will be taken care of by me, and he will be gainfully employed right here in my palace.

"Its clear that if we all work together as a people, irrespective of our special positions or privileged social status, we can deliver access to sustainable socioeconomic opportunity that suit our people. It was an endless gratitude for me meeting his mother who is a corn seller and who demonstrates an incredible heart of motherhood. She reveres in awe of the Stool of Oduduwa at the sight of me.

"I thank God for the position he has put me in. Since my ascension, my Royal Stool is dedicated to ambitious young Nigerian populations who are daily pushing hard through the barriers of economy instability and uncertainties to gain better livelihood and reconstruct the multifarious challenges that are existential to our survival as a nation.

Oba Ogunwusi  further reaffirm his commitments to continuing in the mission of discovering beautiful souls like Samuel, who need help. He promised to  continue to help and support outstanding talents.

Primary, JSS3 resumption pending, as Lagos Govt. asks SS3, TEC3 students to resume by Aug.3

Oredola Adeola|

The Lagos State  Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has asked students in  Senior Secondary School (SSS) 3  and Technical Education(TEC) 3, to resume by August 3, 2020.


The Governor made the announcement on Friday at a Press Briefing in the state house. According to him,  # COVID19 has disrupted our businesses and schools. He indicated that the resumption is only for students in SSS3 and TEC 3.

 He said, "In line with the updated guidelines from the Presidential Task Force on #COVID19 , they will resume on August 3 to prepare for mandatory public exams.

"This resumption will be strictly monitored and must follow established public health guidelines and protocols in the State. The permission to re-open only applies to day-schools. Boarding activities are excluded.

The Governor noted that instructions for JSS3 will come soon after due consultation. He also said that pupils in Primary Six will be graded by their already recorded Continuous Assessment (CA) to pass over to secondary schools.

He further asked students in tertiary institutions  in the state to continue their online academic activities which are at various advanced stages.

Governor Sanwo-Olu swears-in Engr. Famuyiwa as Agbado/Oke-Odo Council Chairman

Oredola Adeola |

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has sworned in Dr. David O. Famuyiwa, who was the former Vice Chairman of Agbado-Oke Odo LCD,  as the substantive Chairman of the LCDA, following the demise of the Executive Chairman, Late Dr. Augustine Arogundade, who passed-on June 2, after a brief illness.  

The swearing-in ceremony was held on Tuesday at the banquet hall of the State House in Alausa, Ikeja.  The new Executive Chairman of the Council, took an oath in consonance with the 2015 Local Government Administration Law of Lagos State, Chapter 89, Section 24 and 25.

Governor Sanwo-Olu in his earlier remark eulogised the Late Arogundade's leadership style and people-oriented programmes, charging Dr.Famuyiwa to sustain the legacies of his predecessor, by focusing on the people.

He however charged him to complement the efforts of his administration in the delivery of dividends of democracy to Lagosians.

He also emphasised on the need for the new Council Chairman to focus on construction and maintenance of community roads, waste management, primary healthcare and education as well as security of lives and property.
The new Chairman of Agbado/Oke-Odo LCDA Mr. Famuyiwa Oladapo David in his inauguration speech after taking the Oath of Office paid glowing tributes to Late Arogundade who gave him opportunity to jointly run the affairs of the council without rancour.

He however promised continuity of all ongoing programmes and projects embarked upon by the late council boss. He also vowed to increase the speed of execution and implementation of some of the programmes in order to catch up with the limited period left to complete the tenure.

Speaking to the residents and leadership of the councils, who streamed the inauguration online inline with the Covid-19 regulation, Dr.Famuyiwa promised to show exceptional leadership in handling the affairs of the Council.