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Lagos State Allocates ₦14.9 Billion to Subsidize Public Transport Amid Economic Hardship

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago14 mins

As part of measures to cushion the effects of the current economic hardship in the country, the Lagos State government on Tuesday revealed that it has subsidised the public transport fare with N14.9bn to ease commuters’ burden. This was disclosed by the state’s Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, during the 2025 ministerial briefing to mark the second year of the second term of the State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, led administration in office held at the state government Secretariat located in Alausa, Ikeja area of the state. Flanked at the briefing by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, Special Advisers to the Governor on Transportation and Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, among others, Osiyemi said the State Government established the Lagos Bus Service Limited (LBSL) to save commuters’ time and money and enhance socioeconomic development of the state. Osiyemi said, “LBSL moved 60,882,000 passengers from May 2019 to February 2025. LBSL currently moves over 42,266 passengers daily, averaging 1000 daily bus trips. “LBSL average fare for February was N542.66 while informal public transport fare was N1,097.73. “Since inception, the LBSL average fare has been N261.67 cheaper than the average fares in Lagos. LBSL has implicitly subsidised fares for the Lagosians transported to an estimated sum of N14.9 billion.” The commissioner further explained, “LBSL Driving School produced an additional 144 drivers for 3,537 certified high-capacity bus drivers as of 18 March 2025. He added, “Public transport is safer than private cars in terms of accident rates and severity. Public transport enhances the overall safety and security of passengers. Public transport moves more people with fewer vehicles. Reduces Congestion — Public transport reduces traffic congestion and travel time.” Harping on the state government’s bus reform initiative through the Lagos Metropolitan Transport Authority, LAMATA, Osiyemi disclosed that an additional three rolling stocks are expected in May to enhance service delivery with the increasing number of passengers on the Blue Line Rail. He said, “The State Governor inaugurated the Blue Line Rail in the state in December 2022. The first phase of the infrastructure works for the rail project (Marina to Mile 2) has commenced operation. “The Blue Line is one of seven Lagos metro rail lines, spanning from Marina to Okokomaiko. The first phase has already commenced with commercial passenger operations and has transported more than two million passengers. “The full Line is 27km from Marina to Okokomaiko. Construction of phase 2 from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko started in December and is expected to carry 500,000 passengers daily.”

LAWMA Warns Against Illegal Recycling, Vows to Prosecute Violators

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has warned property owners and residents against allowing illegal recycling and scavenging activities within their premises. The agency stressed that such acts are against the state’s waste management laws and would not be tolerated. In a public notice, LAWMA noted that unregulated recycling and scavenging pose serious health and environmental risks and contribute to insecurity in communities. The agency emphasized that any property found encouraging these unauthorized activities would face strict penalties, including prosecution. Residents were advised to engage only LAWMA-accredited waste collectors and recyclers to ensure proper and safe waste disposal. LAWMA also urged Lagosians to report suspicious activities related to illegal waste sorting and scavenging in their areas. Reaffirming its commitment to a cleaner and safer Lagos, LAWMA said its enforcement teams will intensify monitoring across the state. The agency concluded by appealing to the public to support its efforts in achieving a healthier and more organized waste management system.

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Man bags 17-year jail term for defiling 7-year old

Our Reporters4 months ago4 months ago02 mins

Justice Rahman Oshodi, of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Tuesday, 18th February, 2025, convicted and sentenced a man, Sunday Okoronkwo, to 17 years imprisonment at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre, for defiling his neighbour’s seven-year-old granddaughter. His name will be registered in the Sexual Offenders Register as maintained by Lagos State. The trial judge, Justice Rahman Oshodi, sentenced Okoronkwo following his guilty plea to the amended two counts of child sexual abuse by penetration. Oshodi said: “You sexually abused a seven-year-old child who was your neighbour’s granddaughter.” “The prosecutrix’s evidence, which was corroborated by both your confessions, established that you had sexual intercourse with her.” “You have elected to enter into a plea bargain agreement wherein you pleaded guilty to attempting to commit sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault. “The maximum sentence for attempting to commit sexual assault by penetration is 14 years imprisonment, whilst sexual assault carries a maximum term of three years imprisonment.” According to the prosecution, the offences contravened Sections 262 and 263 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015. Okoronkwo was therefore sentenced to 14 years imprisonment on count one and 3 years imprisonment on count two and both jail terms would run consecutively.

Pasuma launches free JAMB forms for Lagos students

Our Reporters4 months ago4 months ago01 mins

Frontline Fuji musician Alhaji Wasiu Alabi Odetola popularly known as Pasuma Wonder has launched free Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms for secondary students in Lagos State. The initiative, according to the Musician, is aimed at giving back to grassroots in memory of his late mother Alhaja Adijat Kubura Odetola. “I hereby launch free JAMB forms to all Secondary Schools in and Omole Phase 1 (Ikeja), the Musician wrote on his X handle formerly Twitter. Pasuma was raised by his mother, Alhaja Adijat Kubura Odetola, also known as Iyawo Anobi, whom he frequently acknowledges in his music as a significant source of support.

Sanwo-Olu gives contractor 12 months to complete 280-bed Ojo General Hospital

Our Reporters4 months ago4 months ago06 mins

The pace of work on the General Hospital project being constructed in Ojo town in Lagos State may improve rapidly, given Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s renewed commitment to push the project to completion. The Governor, on Tuesday, gave a 12-month deadline to the contractor handling the project when he led an on-the-spot tour of the project site to assess the progress of the construction work. Besides, the Governor also flagged off the construction of 27-block shopping complex along LASU-Iyana Iba Road. Sanwo-Olu, accompanied on the tour by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and members of the State cabinet, was received by Ojo residents led by their traditional leaders. Sited on 6.5 hectares along Lagos-Badagry corridor, the Ojo General Hospital is a 280-bed infrastructure being developed by the Sanwo-Olu administration to ramp up medical care in Lagos West Senatorial District. When completed, the multi-specialist hospital will be the biggest healthcare facility in the district, complementing other primary and secondary care facilities operating in the zone. The hospital borders Ojo military cantonment, Lagos State University and also Lagos Rail Mass Transit (BLUE LINE) infrastructure. Sanwo-Olu said the hospital was being developed to address inadequate medical facilities in the area, stressing that the infrastructure would bring about a new care experience for residents in the area. He said: “We have just taken a tour to see the construction work being carried out on this hospital project. Our word here is to encourage the contractor, who, we believe, is dealing with a big task, given the magnitude of the project. We will give the contractor all the support and encourage them to give their best. Whatever is to be done on our own part, we will fulfil our obligations. “Based on the pace of work, we are hoping the project should have been completed in the next 12 months, which means that the contractor should hand over the project by the end of the year. We will push everything to ensure that this task becomes a reality in the next 12 months. We extend our appreciation to stakeholders in the community for being part of this journey but we urge them to be patient while the construction continues.” Sanwo-Olu said when the project is completed, the hospital would be part of the infrastructure initiated by his administration to bring improvements to the Ojo area. Listing other ongoing projects in the area, the Governor noted that the hospital project had been sited in front of the Blue Line which will terminate at Okokomaiko. “There is a complete renewal of infrastructure in this axis, which shows that our Government is working to fulfil its promises to our residents in Ojo and Badagry Division,” Sanwo-Olu said. Aside from the medical departments, the project is being developed with four blocks of Doctors’ residence. The semi-detached accommodation comprises eight units of three-bedroom apartment in each block, making a total of 64 apartments. Facilities in the main hospital building will include delivery theatre and wards, paediatrics, pharmacy, Oncology and Gynaecology, Accident and Emergency, Intensive Care Unit, surgical wards, dialysis centre, administrative unit, and outpatient department The ancillary facilities include morgue, central laboratory, equipment storage facility, laundry, bank, engineering department and parking lot. Turning the sod to flag off the construction of the Platinum Shopping Complex, Sanwo-Olu said: “This is an attempt to achieve regeneration not only to improve infrastructure but also to reclaim the aesthetic properties of the environment and improve people’s lifestyles. All the infrastructure projects being sited in this area are designed to improve the socio-economic power of our citizens in this corridor.” The shopping complex is being developed by Almera Global Investment Services — a private developer— in collaboration with Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC), and Ojo Local Government Areas. The project will be constructed in four phases. Each block will have 30 shops, resulting in a total of 1,500 shops.

Lagos Govt. reaffirms commitment to sustainable development

Our Reporters5 months ago3 weeks ago05 mins

The Lagos State Government on Tuesday reaffirmed its readiness to partner with stakeholders to make Lagos a model of sustainable development in Africa. The State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu made this known at the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) 23rd Chief S.I. Edu Memorial Lecture held at CIBN Centre, Victoria Island, adding that to make a meaningful impact; collaboration is essential as government policies alone will not suffice. “We need the private sector, civil society, and our academic institutions to join hands in building a more sustainable future. Investing in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and eco-friendly technologies not only protects our environment but also stimulates economic growth”, he said. The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, who represented the Governor, said the annual event serves as a crucial reminder of the need to harmonize economic aspirations with preserving the natural environment. He added that the 2025 theme speaks to the heart of a pressing challenge as the evidence of climate change is all around and poses significant threats to communities, especially in Lagos, a coastal city vulnerable to flooding and erosion. He said that Climate-positive growth entails integrating sustainability into every facet of economic planning and development, stressing that Lagos has implemented several key initiatives to drive this change. He explained that the Lagos State Energy Master Plan aims to create a stable environment for investment and expand renewable energy policies, carefully considering factors such as energy access, affordability, environmental impacts, and investment needs. He said complementing the aforementioned is the Lagos Integrated Energy Resource Plan, a comprehensive blueprint for the State’s energy initiatives, adding that this plan sets ambitious goals, which include the provision of a reliable and sustainable power supply as well as significantly improving electricity supply to critical public infrastructure. He explained that the Lagos Renewable Energy Transformation Project is actively working to create a cleaner and more secure energy future for the state by leveraging innovative renewable energy solutions and enhancing energy efficiency across the board. He said these initiatives have resulted in a demonstrable increase in solar energy adoption in the past few years, showcasing the commitment to clean and a sustainable urban planning initiative. Examples, according to him, include the development of green spaces in previously underutilized areas, which have also contributed to a healthier environment. Sanwo-Olu added that the transformation of the dumpsite at Olawale Dawodu Road in the Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA into a 5-A-side Astro-Turf Football pitch, consisting of parking and open space for recreation, has helped mitigate the urban heat. He said the legacy of Chief S.L. Edu reminds everyone that environmental stewardship is a responsibility everyone shares; as such, there is a need to empower young people with the knowledge and tools to become active participants in building a greener future. He added that this could involve supporting environmental clubs in schools, organising community clean-up drives, or promoting educational campaigns on sustainable practices. The Governor stated further that there is a need to prioritize environmental education and community engagement for the young people who are the custodians of tomorrow to understand the value of conservation and sustainability.

Prerogative of Mercy: Sanwo-Olu pardons 52, commutes death sentences to life imprisonment

Our Reporters5 months ago5 months ago03 mins

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recently, and on the recommendations of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, approved the release of 52 inmates from various correctional facilities across the State and the commutal of six death row inmates to Life Imprisonment. According to a statement signed by Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the order was for the immediate release of 35 inmates while others are to be released after serving additional terms of three – six months. According to him, the Prerogative of Mercy is in line with Mr. Governors’ powers under Section 212 (1) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria (As amended) and the commitment of the present administration to decongest correctional facilities in Lagos State as part of the Justice Sector Reforms in the State. The Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy in reaching its recommendations exercised due diligence in its deliberation of the applications brought before it in line with the applicable guidelines with information provided by the Authority of the correctional facilities, the nature of offence the inmate was convicted for, period of incarceration, age, health condition and the behavioural conduct of the inmate. Before their release, the correctional centres are to confirm that arrangements have been put in place for the rehabilitation and integration into the society of the convicted inmates recommended for release. While admonishing the inmates to be of good behaviour, the Commissioner said Mr. Governor’s release order is to be complied with after completion of the administrative process by the correctional facilities.

Lagos lawmakers impeach Speaker amid fraudulent allegations

Our Reporters5 months ago5 months ago02 mins

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, accusing him of multiple statutory and financial infractions. Mr Obasa was subsequently replaced by his deputy Lasbat Meranda. Mrs Meranda, who represents Apapa Constituency 1, was also a former chief whip of the House. The removal came days after it was reported how Mr Obasa oversaw the withdrawal of N43.5 billion for back up vehicles for lawmakers, as well as other controversial activities. Mr Obasa, 52, was first elected Speaker on June 8, 2015, resuming office alongside former one-term governor Akinwunmi Ambode. Repeated charges of fraud and political thuggery have marked his speakership. In 2020, Peoples Gazette published a series of investigations detailing how Mr Obasa diverted Lagos funds to his personal firms and bank accounts. Sahara Reporters at the time also uncovered Mr Obasa’s assets across Lagos. He was invited to be questioned by the EFCC after the anti-graft office became overwhelmed by media reports of Mr Obasa’s mismanagement. He denied all allegations, and no charges were filed after he met with detectives.