Our Reporters

LASG to begin E-Call Up system on Lekki-Epe corridor 

In a significant move to avert severe congestion by articulated trucks and improve the efficiency of logistics operations within the Lekki-Epe Free Trade Zone corridor, the Lagos State Government has announced the commencement of the e-call-up system for managing truck movements within the axis from 23rd September, 2024. The commencement date was earlier extended on Stakeholders’ request to give adequate room for full compliance. The e-call-up system is ready for implementation as a sustainable, effective and technology-driven solution for truck movement in the Lekki-Epe Corridor. Disclosing the new commencement date, the State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi explained that the application of an e-call system will help synchronise the movement of trucks assessing the Lekki Deep Seaport and other industries within the corridor, starting from Eleko junction to Lekki Free Trade Zone. Highlighting the State and Federal Government plans for road network expansion and intermodal transport systems to streamline vehicular traffic and enhance free movement in one of Lagos’ most critical economic zones, Osiyemi opined that the e-call system will control the corridor. Also speaking on the development, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, who is saddled with the enforcement of the e-call-up system, stated that an interim arrangement is being put in place to decongest the roads through evacuation of all illegal tankers from the red zone by a joint Taskforce of the State, LGAs/LACDAs, Security Agencies and Stakeholders, urging truck operators and logistics companies to comply with the new system to ensure its success. The e-call-up system, an advanced digital platform, is designed to regulate the entry and exit of trucks in the Lekki-Epe area by scheduling and coordinating their movements. This system will help prevent the chaotic traffic situations often caused by the indiscriminate parking and movement of trucks within the corridor. The Lekki-Epe corridor, a key economic hub in Lagos, is home to numerous industries, including the Lekki Free Trade Zone, the Dangote Refinery, and the Lekki Deep Sea Port. The efficient movement of goods and services in this area is crucial for the state’s economy, making the e-call-up system an essential tool for sustainable development.

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Gattuso buys his team iPhone 16

Rino Gattuso’s Hajduk Split has roared back to prominence in Croatian football with a memorable week capped by a crucial victory.  The former Milan and Napoli coach  faced a challenging period, including the resignation of sporting director Nikola Kalinic, but responded emphatically on the eve of the most anticipated match – the clash against arch-rivals Dinamo Zagreb. Hajduk secured a 1-0 away victory, thanks to a goal from former Inter Milan player Marko Livaja, propelling them to the top of the Croatian league table. After six rounds, Gattuso’s team remains undefeated with an impressive record of four wins and two draws. This success comes despite initial skepticism and criticism following their elimination from the Conference League preliminaries and the unpopular decision to “cut” local hero Ivan Perisic. Gattuso and his players have silenced their critics, and the 2006 World Cup winner decided to make a grand gesture after the final whistle.  In addition to dedicating the victory to Nikola Kalinic, Gattuso surprised his players and staff by gifting each of them a brand new iPhone 16. This personal investment of approximately 40,000 euros serves not only as a reward but also as a means to further strengthen the bond within the group.

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Asari Dokubo recruits new ‘Army’

Former Niger-Delta Militant leader Asari at the weekend initiated new members into his fold.  In a video that has gone viral, Dokubo was seen administering what look oath of allegiance of the members.  The new boys, who are in white t-shirts, took turns, kneeling before their leader and drank a substance that looked like water.  Asari was president of the Ijaw Youth Council for a time beginning in 2001 and later founded the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force which became one of the most prominent armed groups operating in the region.

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Serie A: Lookman fires Alatanta past Fiorentina 

Ballon d’Or nominee Ademola Lookman netted the winner in Atalanta 3-2 win over Fiorentina in a Serie A tie on Sunday.  The red-hot midfielder had grabbed an assist in the 21st minute before putting icing on the cake for the Europa League winners before half time.  In a post match interview, the Nigerian insisted he is ‘enjoying’ his football with Atalanta after a tumultuous summer. Lookman made his first Serie A appearance of the season after pulling out due to transfer interest from big clubs, but now that he is back in the fold, he made an immediate difference with an assist and a goal for Atalanta. “Happy to be back in front of our fans and play football here. Enjoying it, we’ve got a strong squad this season and happy to play, so we go on,” Lookman told DAZN when asked about his rather turbulent summer. Atalanta will be up against Premier League contenders Arsenal in the Champions League on Thursday, a very special game for Lookman, who was born in London. “We’re very pleased to be in the Champions League this season. We deserved that and have to demonstrate it. We want to show the same drive and mentality that we had today to come back from behind.”

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Dangote Refinery begins operations, dishes out PMS 

The Dangote Refinery on Sunday began operation as they release the first set of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also known as petrol.  In a post on their official X handle, the Group wrote; “HAPPENING NOW: First set of trucks set for loading of PMS at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.” Earlier last week, the Vice President, Downstream, NNPCL Adedapo Segun revealed that the Dangote Refinery will receive additional 17.8million barrels of crude oil as part of the Federal Government push to drive local production of petroleum products.  According to Adedapo, 6.8million barrels in 7 cargoes of crude oil will be delivered to Dangote Refinery in September, while another 11 million barrels will be delivered in November.  Contrary to media reports that Dangote Refinery will only sell products to NNPCL as sole off taker, Adedapo said that Dangote will sell products to other marketers once the market conditions are right for them to play, adding that NNPCL for now will act in public interest as provider of last resort as provided for in the Petroleum Industry Act.

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Auto parts dealer, businesswoman arrested over UK-bound opioids, cocaine 

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have arrested an Ibadan, Oyo state-based businesswoman, Mrs. Adewunmi Adebola Dorcas and an auto parts dealer, Arinze Ora over attempts to export consignments of opioids and cocaine to London, United Kingdom and Congo Brazzaville respectively. NDLEA officers at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos had on Friday 6th September 2024 intercepted a cargo going to the United Kingdom.  A thorough search of the consignment revealed 924 bottles of codeine-based syrup weighing 135.70kg and 5,250 tablets of rohypnol were hidden in cartons of foodstuffs. The freight agent, Owojori Olanrewaju Sunday who presented the cargo for export was promptly arrested. Further investigation led to the arrest of another suspect, Adewunmi Akeem Temitope, who claimed that his mother, 58-year-old Mrs. Adewunmi Adebola Dorcas sent the consignment to him from Ibadan to deliver to the agent.  A follow up operation on Saturday 7th September led to the arrest of Mrs. Adewunmi in Ibadan where she deals in foodstuffs and cargo export. In his statement, the agent Owojori confessed that he has been working for Mrs. Adewunmi to export cargoes to the UK, adding that he was paid N2,411,000.00 for the job, while he was paid N2.1million for a similar consignment handled for the businesswoman earlier.

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Sowore regains freedom

Nigerian politician and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has regained freedom after his arrest at the Murtala Mohammed International  Airport, Lagos on Sunday.  Sowore, who was arrested on his arrival in Nigeria from United States of America, later regained freedom.  In a post on his official X handle, the Politician stated that he been released by the officials of the Nigerian Immigration.  He wrote;”I have just been released by the Nigerian Immigration after a brief detention and my passport released back to me.” On Thursday, 12 September 2024, a DSS memo ordering the arrest of Sowore upon his arrival in Nigeria was leaked.

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Sowore arrested at Lagos Airport 

Nigerian politician and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has been arrested.  The pro-democracy campaigner was arrested on Sunday morning at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.  The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress in the 2023 election, Omoyele Sowore, has been arrested. In a post via his official X handle, Sowore disclosed that he had been detained by the Nigerian Immigration Service and his international passport had been confiscated. He wrote, “I had just arrived in Nigeria from the USA to the MMIA in Lagos; upon reaching Nigerian Immigration, my passport was seized, and they told me they had orders to detain me.  “This is not un expected because i have always known that It is part of the broader clampdown by the fascist @officialAbat regime on dissent and their fear of the upcoming #FearlessINOctober revolt.  “In case this becomes another prolonged and protracted detention, I urge our citizens to ensure they ALL stop tyranny by all means acceptable and necessary, by engaging in the planned series of direct actions slated for October 1st and beyond.” On Thursday, 12 September 2024, a DSS memo ordering the arrest of Sowore upon his arrival in Nigeria was leaked.

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