At least five persons have been rescued from the scene of a building collapse in Surulere area of Lagos State.
The Director General of the State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Femi Osanyintolu told Channels Television that the incident occurred on Thursday evening on Rufai street, off Makinde street, in Ojuelegba.
It was a sad day in Lagos, as an 18-seater yellow bus heading towards Ojuelegba area of the state was engulfed by fire.
The incident occurred on Monday, April 17, at the Alaka Bridge, very close to the National Stadium in Surulere.
It is not clear exactly how many people were on the bus, but witnesses said there were passengers who could not be rescued due to the intensity of the fire.
Channels Television also gathered that the wounded victims have been taken to an undisclosed hospital.
The body of Dr. Allwell Orji, who jumped off the third mainland bridge into the Lagos lagoon on Sunday, March 19, has now been recovered.
The body was discovered at about 4:00 pm on Wednesday, around the CMS area of the lagoon by officers of the Lagos State Police marine.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni, said members of the late doctor’s family have identified the body.
“Just to be sure, we have called the driver, who was with him when the incident happened, and of course his younger brother who had been with us (Austin Orji) and they have positively identified the body to be that of Dr. Allwell.
“As the practice is, we will continue with our investigation to do all the other necessary things before the body can be released to the family.
“The thing happened towards the Adekunle area but as usual with tidal waves, the body was moved almost about seven kilometers from the main spot.”
He, however, stated that as soon as autopsy and other examinations are concluded, the body would be sent to the family.
Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has indicated his government’s readiness to take over the management of the National Stadium in Surulere.
Mr Ambode made this known in Lagos on Wednesday during an inspection tour of the facility, in company of the Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung.
The governor said his decision was necessitated by the dilapidated state of the 38,000 capacity stadium which used to be a cynosure of all eyes, stressing the need to give hope to the teeming sporting youth in Nigeria.
Mr Dalung also registered his displeasure over the condition of the facility, attributing it to poor management.
He called on the Lagos State government to ensure that persons of credibility and integrity were appointed for the management of the stadium when completed, so as to make it a pride of glory in the sporting world.
The minister further challenged the government to ensure that the renovation was completed in six months, just in time to host the country’s national teams.
The National Stadium, Lagos has been left to dilapidate since 2002 and is no longer a beehive of activities as it was in the past.
Disturbed by the condition of the facility, the Lagos State government is set to expedite actions that will ensure the stadium regains its lost glory in no distant time.
The Federal High Court Sitting in Lagos has fixed May 31 to rule on the preliminary objections filed by the Eko Electricity Distribution Company, The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission and the Attorney General of the Federation.
They are all listed as defendants in a suit filed by some aggrieved residents of Itire, Ijesa and Ikate communities in Surulere area of Lagos State.
The resident staged a peaceful protest in court on Monday to condemn the high electricity tariffs which they say does not match supply.
Justice Saliu Saidu has listened to the objections of the defendants who have challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear the suit.
Counsel to the plaintiffs, however, said that the Federal Government needs to review the privatization process.
The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA, appears set to tackle the challenge of pollution head on.
A hotel said to be owned by one of Nigeria’s ex-footballers has been sealed up, as the hotel authorities are accused of emitting carbon monoxide through its power generating set and causing air pollution.
Some churches, mosques, and clubhouses in different parts of the state have also been sealed on account of noise pollution.
Facilities in areas like Ketu, Ikorodu, Ibeju-Lekki, Victoria Island and Surulere were affected by the exercise.
There were reports that the owners had been contacted by LASEPA but they refused to address the issues raised by the agency.
Members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday took to the streets in what they termed a one million man march.
From Maryland area to the Surulere area of Lagos mainland and stopping at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, party leaders sought more support at the polls.
Supporters of the party’s presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari and members of the APC chanted and gyrated to political songs in praise of the APC candidates.
As the marchers made a final stop at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, the leaders seized the opportunity to address the crowd on the forthcoming elections.
The march may be a form of exercise, nevertheless, it was largely a political statement; especially in a strategic state like Lagos where, not only number matters, but the commerce makes the decision of voters and leaders significant.
Among notable members who led the march were the APC National Leader, Bola Tinubu; the APC governorship candidate in the state, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; and Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mr. Adeyemi Ikuforiji and others.
National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said it recorded over 8,000 disaster victims majorly from fire and windstorm disasters in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo State, in the first two months of the 2015.
Giving a breakdown of the victims figure, the agency said 8,046 persons were affected in seven major different incidents with Lagos State having 1,064 victims.
Iwaya community recorded 652 persons, while Berlin fire had 412 traders.
The NEMA said it had provided relief materials to the victims of these disasters, through Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).
In Ogun State, Igbo Aje Market, Ilaro had 306 traders affected by a market fire outbreak that occurred on January 27.
About 6,676 persons were affected in four different incidents of wind and rainstorm disasters that occurred in 6 communities of Ilaro in Afijio Local Government Area (LGA); Lagbondoke and Agunpopo communities of Atiba LGA, Irewole and Isokan communities in Oyo West LGA and Oko town in Surulere LGA in Oyo state.
All these incidents occurred between February 9 and 10, 2015.
The assessment of damage extent showed that two persons were injured in Irewole Community of Oyo West LGA.
About 1,251 shops were affected in all these three states.
Meanwhile, NEMA said it had delivered relief materials to victims of fire disaster at Iwaya Community in Yaba area of Lagos State, through Lagos State Government.
The relief materials includes: 300 bags of cement, 400 bundles of roofing sheets, 500 pieces of wax prints as women wears, 200 pieces of Guinea Brocade as men wears, 100 pieces of Children wears, 100 bags of garri, 40 cartons of three-in-one tea, 60 packets of zinc nails, 60 bags of three inches nails, 150 bags of rice, 500 pieces of blankets, 500 pieces of mosquitoes treated nets and other assorted consumables were handed over to LASEMA, for distribution to the Iwaya community victims in conjunction with the respective Local Government and community authorities.
Also, NEMA released 400 bags of cements, 300 bundles of roofing sheets, 100 bags of rice, 100 bags of garri, 250 pieces of Mosquitoes treated nets, 500 ceiling boards, 100 bags of three inches nails, 20 bags of sugar and 75 cartons of Indomie to LASEMA to be distributed to the victims of Fire disaster at Berlin market, Marina, Lagos.
NEMA is imploring Nigerians to embark on tree planting, as a measure to guard against wind/rainstorm as well as prevent soil erosion while creating serene environment for all.
The long arm of the law has caught up with a 25-year old driver named Kehinde Ajayi who stole his boss’ car in Akure and was about to sell it in Lagos.
The thief was said to have stolen the Honda Accord car otherwise known as “Evil Spirit” with plate number: MUS 328 BZ where it was parked at the premises of a church in Akure and driven it to Lagos.
He had used a small knife to remove the number plates on the car which also had in it the owner’s personal belongings – laptop computer, phones and documents.
The car owner, a female lecturer in a tertiary institution in Ondo State, who chose to remain anonymous, reported the theft on June 2 at the Okuta- Elerinla, Akure Division of the Nigeria Police Force, Ondo State Command.
Detectives were able to locate the car with the aid the car tracking device on it.
According to the detectives who effected the arrest, the thief was caught in Bode Thomas area of Surulere in Lagos where his attempt to sell the car worth 4 million Naira for just 1 Million Naira failed.
Lamenting his action, Kehinde told reporters that he decided to steal the car after considering what to do in order to make it in life.
He pleaded for mercy and forgiveness from God and his boss, the owner of the car.
The spokesman for the Ondo State Police Command, ASP Wole Ogodo, appealed to members of the public to always ensure they employ people that are trusted, stressing the need for a surety for such employees.
Police said the suspect would be charged to court as soon as possible.
Remember 2Face’s customized diamond encrusted microphone given to him by luxury designer Malivelihood? He performed with it for the first time on stage at Star Music Trek 2014 grand finale, which held at Eagles Club, Surulere on Saturday May 31, 2014.
After riveting performances from Star Music Trek 2014 debut edition in Nsukka through Makurdi, Umuahia and Orlu, 2Face pulled all the stops for his final performance in Lagos.
Dressed in royal regalia, he took fans through a live performance of various hit tracks including You No Holy Pass, African Queen, Outside amongst many others.
His wife Annie dressed in black sweatshirt and pants stood amongst fans and cheered throughout his performance.
Organisers of the Channels National Kids Cup say they are using this year’s edition to lay the necessary foundation that would assist in the fight against football age cheats at all levels.
The annual tournament is organised for primary school pupils under the age of 13 with the aim of promoting grassroots football development and talent discovery.
Speaking at the official press conference to announce the start of the competition, Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Mr. Steve Judo confirmed the commitment of Channels Television in supporting school sports and football at the grassroots.
According to Mr. Judo, “Our task is to make it possible. Our mission is to provide practical step by step assistance, participating in grassroots sport like football keeps students focused on school work and being part of a team”.
“The tournament became a national affair in 2013 owing to the numerous appeals from governments and people from different states to allow their kids take part, thus “The Channels National Kids Cup””, the MOC Chairman stated.
Commissioner of Sports in Lagos State, Wahid Enitan Oshodi, who was present at the press conference, was full of praise for Channels Television, a TV station he described as one with a difference.
Oshodi said: “We must applaud Channels Television for the support they have been giving to grassroots football yearly. Mr. John Momoh is aware that the governor, Babatunde Fashola has special interest in this tournament and will keep supporting it”.
The sports commissioner explained that the competition would provide kids “a rare opportunity to become great stars like the ones they see on TV”, emphasising that primary schools are the best places to start the talent hunt.
The Chairman, Lagos State Football Association, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, while speaking on the need to eradicate age cheats in Nigerian football, reminded the players and officials not to operate with the win at all cost mentality.
“Not all these children will grow up to be footballers, but the benefit they will get from participating in this tournament is unquantifiable. They may never have any other friends from Kwara State than the ones they’ll meet at the tournament,” Akinwunmi said.
The 6th edition of the Channels National Kids Cup will kick off on Wednesday May 22 at Agege Stadium and the final game will be played on May 27 (Children’s day) at Teslim Balogun Stadium Surulere.
Participating Primary Schools
Kaduna State – Research Model Primary School, Kawo, Kaduna
Jigawa State – Jahun Central Primary School, Jigawa
Delta State – Nana Primary School, Mabiaka Road, Off Esisi Road
Rivers State – Banham Primary School, Aggrey Road, Port Harcourt
Abia State – School Road Primary School, Umuahia
Ebonyi State – 12 Apostles Nursery & Primary School
Kwara State – Bishop Smith Local Government Primary School
Ondo State – St. Anthony’s RCM Primary School, Araromi, Akure
Ekiti State – Irepodun Nursery & Primary School, Ikole-Ekiti
Oyo State – Ibadan Municipal Government (IMG) Primary School 1, Agugu, Ibadan
Ogun State – Samuel Ajayi Memorial Primary School, Abeokuta
Osun State – First Baptist Elementary Primary School, Iwo
Lagos State 1 – Ebute Metta Primary School, Ebute Metta
Lagos State 2 – Toyibat Nursery & Primary School, Gbagada
Lagos State 3 – Ago-Egba African Church Primary School, Ebute-Metta
Lagos State 4 – Dr. Teslim Elias Nursery & Primary School, Lagos Island
It was a sad day in Lagos, as an 18-seater yellow bus heading towards Ojuelegba area of the state was engulfed by fire.
The body of Dr. Allwell Orji, who jumped off the third mainland bridge into the Lagos lagoon on Sunday, March 19, has now been recovered.
Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has indicated his government’s readiness to take over the management of the National Stadium in Surulere.
The Federal High Court Sitting in Lagos has fixed May 31 to rule on the preliminary objections filed by the Eko Electricity Distribution Company, The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission and the Attorney General of the Federation.
