Lagos Archives | Page 6 of 8

5-time Olympian Bose Kaffo drives talents hunt in Lagos

Fola Badmus8 months ago8 months ago05 mins

With music flowing out of the big speakers mounted at strategic corners on the dusty Irede street in Okerube-Abaranje around Ikotun in downtown Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State, participants who were thrilled at the maiden Sports Fiesta organised by Bose Kaffo Innovations have appealed for more in the New Year. Children, right from age eight moved joyfully to the rhythm as they engaged one another in table tennis, basketball and snooker despite the heat from searing sun. Participants from the street and it’s adjoining areas as well as passerbys jumped on the opportunity at participating in different sports at no fee. While some adults including women tried to roll back the years with some nostalgic strokes on the boards, the children found their levels on the mini-table tennis setups provided by the High Performance expert. Wheelchair basketballers aslo got on the act with a demonstration game. It was the first of experience for many who were awed by the presence of the 5-time Olympics legend who brought sports with entertainment right to their doorsteps. Sports Fiesta appeared to have hit the soft spot of an area where constant hustling on the streets and the rat-race for daily needs have deprived the residents of the awareness about their innate talents. Birthing a sports fiesta in this locality known for other different activities was according to some observers was like making an oasis in the desert. For Bose Kaffo who became the first woman on the continent to participate in five Olympics, watching the raw joy and excitement on their faces described the atmosphere as soul-satisfying. On the sideline, adults were given medical support by Zeniva Pharmacy who checked their sugar level and also provided antimalarial drugs. As time winds down and the volunteers signalled for all activities to end, most of the participants wore long faces as they stopped reluctantly while appealling for more. The hunger has been ignited as it was indeed an eye-opening event. “I enjoyed the Sports Festival and it was very amazing!” Said Farouk a teenager. “I have not seen something like this before.This is my first time of seeing something like this right on our street. I’m very happy and excited. This is going to help me to be a sportsman and I thank the sponsor of Sports Fiesta.” The Amazon has been so resolute with her mission at sparking a change of awareness right at the lowest rung of the country’s pool of talents. According to the Sports Ethics and Integrity expert, her plan, barring any financial limitations is to expand the impactful outdoor programme to different areas of the state where it’s teeming young and restless populace in the suburbs yearn for sporting platforms to display their hidden talents. “This is fulfilling! Can you see how excited they are? This my dream has been in the works for some years now and I’m glad that it’s eliciting this reaction from them. They’ve played table tennis, basketball and snooker. You know, this is how you activate interest among the young ones who could be superstars in the nearest future. With more support we hope to do more,” she stated.

Fuji musician Obesere plans 60th birthday party

Fola Badmus9 months ago9 months ago01 mins

Popular Fuji musician Abass Akande populary known as Obesere is set to celebrate his 60th birthday. The party is slated to hold in Lagos. Obesere also known as Omo Rapala who was born in 1965, will be 60 years old on 20th of this month. One of the singer’s associates, Waheed Salaudeen aka Buruj disclosed this on social media on Thursday. He hinted that only those with the lace and tags will gain access into the venue, saying fans that are interested in the cloth should contact Adunola Bello on 0803 462 7186. Obesere forced his way into the limelight through his unusual music style and slangs usage that throws his fans into a frenzy.

Lagos warns Nightclubs against overcrowding

Fola Badmus9 months ago9 months ago03 mins

The Lagos State Safety Commission has observed a concerning trend of overcrowding in several clubs and lounges across the city in recent days. This was recently disclosed by the Director-General/CEO, Lagos Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola, who stated that despite the Government’s support of the vibrant nightlife and the economic benefits it brings, it must be emphasised that there is a paramount need for nightclub owners/operators to strictly adhere to the authorised occupancy limits as approved by the Commission. According to him, on no account should any nightclub allow overcrowding, which poses significant safety risks, including the potential for fire hazards, smoking in public spaces, compromised emergency exits, and increased likelihood of accidents. These risks, he said, endanger not only the lives of patrons but also the staff and the general public. Mojola noted that the State Government strongly urge all owners and operators of hospitality venues to strictly comply with the safety measures and occupancy limits set forth by the Lagos State Safety Commission. These regulations are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone. He disclosed further that the Commission has commenced rigorous inspections to ensure compliance, adding that any establishment found to violate these safety regulations will face immediate closure and further legal actions as deemed necessary. He declared that the Commission appreciates the cooperation of all stakeholders in maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for all, saying, “Let us work together to keep Lagos safe and thriving”. The Government, therefore, enjoined stakeholders to contact the Commission on 07000SAFETY for further guidance on compliance.

NAFDAC seizes unregistered food products worth N3.8bn

Fola Badmus9 months ago9 months ago01 mins

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control’s Investigation & Enforcement Directorate raided a warehouse at Apongbon Oke Arin Market, following a tip-off about the sale of unregistered food products. Various unregistered items valued at N3,818,802,720 were seized during the operation, and the facility has been placed on hold pending further investigation. The warehouse management, according to statement on NAFDAC’s X handle, has been summoned for questioning, and appropriate sanctions will follow after investigations.

Lagos to intensify sensitisation against quacks parading as materials test laboratory

Fola Badmus10 months ago10 months ago04 mins

The Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency (LSMTL) is set to commence aggressive advocacy to eradicate quackery and curb sharp practices, as part of stringent measures to check subpar performance within the built sector. The General Manager of LSMTL, Engr. Olayinka Abdul, who disclosed this on Saturday during a workshop to upskill consultant partners in regulating building and construction materials across the State, stated that all efforts will be mobilised in creating awareness for Lagos residents to conduct their tests at only accredited Laboratories registered as the Agency’s affiliates. While urging officials of the Agency to intensify advocacy across all Media outlets to avert the open hawking of concrete, steel and soil tests on the streets, the General Manager suggested that such deliberations be extended to E-commerce platforms, being part of recommendations by members of Council For the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). Still speaking, Engr. Abdul averred “This training is to charge Engineering professionals to work more on preserving the ethics and legacies of their profession. Thus, I implore you via this medium to exude professionalism and avoid results falsification, results misrepresentation or create fast-track results to please clients at the detriment of the durability of the building’s structural integrity as well as the credibility of the Engineering profession”. “Stay in your lane as Technical Consultants. Yours is to state the results of the tests and advise the client to give such laboratory feedback to a Structural Engineer who will analyse it for them. You are expected to diagnose, let the experts analyse the symptoms and disease as it affects the structure”, she added. Engr Abdul underscores the critical role LSMTL plays as a citadel of Engineering Education with tertiary institutions like the Lagos State University (LASU) and the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), to embark on research-based operations that will empower professionals, solve real-life problems as soil topography and town development to curb mediocrity in all its forms. The General Manager emphasised that there was a need for professionals to conduct all statutory tests using appropriate gadgets for accurate readings that will guide the construction of structures that will stand the test of time. The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of certificates of participation to participants at the interactive session.

UK, Italy, Turkey, Qatar-bound cocaine, meth consignments intercepted in Lagos, Abuja

Fola Badmus10 months ago10 months ago08 mins

Attempts by drug syndicates to export large consignments of cocaine, methamphetamine and opioids through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, Abuja to the United Kingdom, Italy, Turkey and Qatar have been thwarted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, who in series of intelligence led operations recovered the illicit drugs and arrested the masterminds. A total of 13 parcels of cocaine weighing 4.40kg cocaine going to the United Kingdom via Frankfurt on a Lufthansa Airlines flight were intercepted by NDLEA officers at the export shed of the Lagos airport on 5th November 2024 while a businessman linked to the consignment, Ekeocha Anayo Nelson, was tracked and arrested on 8th November. The bid by another businessman, Adegbite Solomon (aka Obama) to export 7,800 pills of tramadol, 180 tablets of rohypnol, and 60 bottles of codeine to Italy was also foiled at the departure hall of the Lagos airport on Monday 11th November when NDLEA operatives arrested him after recovering the opioids concealed in food and other items while attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Italy. He claimed to have travelled to Europe through the Mediterranean Sea and earned a living as a street beggar before delving into logistics business. Also related is the arrest of another businessman, Anoke Kingsley Roomy with 1,100 pills of tramadol 225mg hidden in his luggage while attempting to board his Ethiopian Airlines flight going to Istanbul, Turkey at the terminal 1 of the Lagos airport on Friday 15th November. Following credible intelligence, NDLEA officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation, DOGI, and their counterparts from the FCT Command of the Agency on Friday 15th November raided a hotel room at the Federal Housing Authority estate, Lugbe, Abuja, where they arrested two suspects: Omeh Uchenna Jude, 36, and Anene Valentine Chigozie, 34. Recovered from them was 1.8kg methamphetamine, which they were preparing to travel with to Qatar. Another suspect, Akande Moruf Olasunkanmi, was arrested with 1.8kg methamphetamine by operatives of a Special Operations Unit in NDLEA at his 9 Durojaiye street, Lawanson area of Surulere, Lagos home after weeks of intelligence and surveillance. In another intelligence led operation, officers of an NDLEA task force on Saturday 16th November foiled the attempt by a trans-border trafficker, Emmanuel Okechukwu Okeke to smuggle 50,000 pills of tramadol 225mg from Ghana into Lagos. The pills were concealed in the body compartments of a Toyota Hummer Bus belonging to GUO Transport Company, driven by the suspect. The vehicle was intercepted at Ijanikin area of the Lagos-Badagry expressway while coming from Ghana. In Edo state, not less than 997kg cannabis was recovered during raids in parts of the state. While 680kg cannabis and a Sienna bus marked FST-320 AE were seized at a bush path to Oghada forest in Oghada, Orhionmwan LGA, 180.5kg of same substance was recovered from a suspect, Cecilia Ibe, 31, at Ofosu forest, Ovia South West LGA and 136.5kg evacuated from a building in Otuo community, Owan East LGA on Thursday 14th November. A suspect, Ifejimagha Chinonso was on Wednesday 13th November nabbed with 88.3kg cannabis by NDLEA operatives on patrol along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway while personnel of Kano Command of the Agency on Friday 15th November arrested Ahmed Goni, 30, at Gadar Tamburawa, Kano- Zaria road where they recovered from him 65,730 capsules of tramadol. In Kwara state, NDLEA operatives arrested a suspect Adio Sulaiman with 120.8kg cannabis and some litres of codeine at Gaa Odota in Ilorin West LGA, while Kelechi Obichere, 42, was nabbed with 75kg cannabis at Eziobodo, Owerri West LGA, Imo state on Thursday 14th November. A total of 563.74 kilograms of same psychoactive substance were recovered from a 60-year-old suspect Anthony Anakabi, following his arrest at Iyalode, Iyana church area of Ibadan, the Oyo state capital. With the same vigour, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week. These include: WADA enlightenment lecture to students and staff of Government Day Secondary School, Bazza, Adamawa; Community Secondary School, Ogan-Ama, Rivers state; NKST Secondary School, Adikpo, Benue state; Government Secondary School, Tambuwal, Sokoto state; Government Girls Secondary School, Kunchi, Kano; Ebele Chu Group of Schools, Nkpor Onitsha, Anambra; and Army Cantonment Senior Boys High School, Ojo, Lagos state, among others. While commending the officers and men of MMIA, DOGI, DI, Oyo, Lagos, Imo, Kwara, Kano, and Edo Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) stated that their operational successes and those of their compatriots across the country especially their balanced approach to drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts are well appreciated.

Elegbeta: Lagos Govt removes shanties, dislodges illegal occupants

Fola Badmus10 months ago10 months ago03 mins

In consolidation of existing efforts aimed at reducing the spate of environmental nuisances to the barest minimum in the metropolis, the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) popularly known as KAI effected the removal of 54 illegal shanties which harboured 84 illegal occupants and eight make-shift toilets beneath Eko Bridge at the Ebute-Ero area of the State on Monday. This disclosure was made by the Corps Marshal of the Agency, Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole (rtd) who led the dislodgement operation. According to the Corps Marshal, ‘‘The Elegbeta Water Channel which spans the Lagos Lagoon right under the Eko Bridge around the Ebute-Ero axis turned home to miscreants, illegal occupants occupying the waterfront, usually in the habit of promoting indiscriminate dumping of refuse into the lagoon, activating the base of the bridge as a criminal hideout and enjoining open defecation, urination have been removed after serving the squatters a seven-day abatement notice which was not adhered to’’. Cole appreciated the laudable leadership of the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, stressing that the mandate of the Agency to maintain a cleaner and greener environment as enshrined in the THEMES+ agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains paramount and sacrosanct to the collective cleanliness of the State’s environs. The Corps Marshal also sounded a strong warning to environmental defaulters, usually in the habit of indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains and water bodies, and erection of illegal structures on road setbacks, lay-bys, kerbs, medians and verges. He maintained that the law will soon catch up with all those involved in due course and deal decisively with defaulters who show clear disregard for the State’s environmental laws. The KAI boss also echoed the need for commuting Lagos residents to make appropriate use of pedestrian bridges instead of crossing highways, affirming that defaulters will be arrested and prosecuted on a daily to serve as a deterrent to others. Also, Cole enjoined Lagosians to be more safety-conscious as the yuletide approaches as he made a case for law enforcement to be provided with community-based intelligence when security issues are identified.

Lagos Women Run: Organisers target over 10,000 runners for 9th edition

Fola Badmus11 months ago11 months ago24 mins

The organisers of the annual 10km Lagos Women Run has said they are targeting over 10,000 runners for the 9th edition of the race coming up on November 9, 2024.