The Lagos State Taskforce on Environment and Special Offences, Enforcement Unit, has arrested 40 persons for allegedly trading on the street at night and causing heavy traffic in Ikeja.
The agency’s spokesperson, Mr Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, confirmed the arrests to the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday.
Abdulraheem said that the suspects had been operating illegal, night makeshift shops and restaurants at Alade Avenue, Orishe and Johnson streets, all off Obafemi Awolowo Way in Ikeja.
“They have converted streets to mini- markets and restaurants, thereby causing serious human/vehicular traffic obstructions and serious environmental pollution along those routes and adjoining streets,” he said.
The spokesperson said that the two-day night raid led by the agency’s chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, was carried out when the traders erected makeshift shops and placed barricades on parts of the road, causing traffic impediments.
Abdulraheem noted that the suspects also flouted the state’s laid down environmental laws through indiscriminate disposal of waste and solid materials into the gutters in the area.
He said: “The raid will be a continuous exercise as a step made in the interest of the citizenry who have longed for solutions to the menace of street trading.
“Some of these locations serve as safe haven for suspected criminals and they enjoy the proceeds of their criminal activities there.
“The flooding experienced in some parts of the state is also as a result of improper disposal of waste that end up clogging the drainage channels.
“They also sell drugs indiscriminately there, which is counter-productive to the society,” he further said.
The spokesperson appealed to other recalcitrant street traders and vendors to relocate their stores to designated outlets designed for trading and vacate the streets and inner roads.
Lagos Govt arrests 40 persons for night street trading
Lagos Govt arrests 40 persons for night street trading
Youths warn groups threatening to invade Kogi Govt House
Youths in Kogi State have warned those they described as agents of enemies of the state to desist from painting the wrong picture to outsiders.
The youths, under the aegis of the Kogi Youths Stakeholder Forum, said any attempt by outsiders or defeated politicians to go near the Kogi Government House in the guise of occupying the complex will be vehemently resisted.
The youths described those threatening to occupy the Kogi Government House as a faceless group of ethnic jingoists doing the bidding of embattled paymasters.
They dared anyone to try such and test the popularity of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello and his successor, Governor Usman Ododo.
The youths spoke in a statement jointly signed by the Coordinator, Comrade Tunde G. Muhammed, Yunisa Idris, Yusuf Ndako, Idris Kabir, Osovehe Jimmoh, Itoba Momoh, Agali Oluwafemi, Mayowa Williams, Ocholi Idris, Hassan Gambo and Oloruneffa Jegede.
Parts of the statement read, “Our patience has been tested enough, no one should try anything to undermine democracy in Kogi State or the consequences will not be palatable. They will be shocked.
The youths condemned the talk of invasion being spread by political actors and echoed by ethnocentric agents of destruction in the state as suspicious and an attack on democracy, saying any further oppression would be met with stiff resistance.
According to them, there is a pending court case that has been adjourned and the illegally obtained warrant of arrest is a subject of appeal as it was obtained against a valid court order.
“This needless noise is clearly persecution taken too far as we, the bona-fide citizens of Kogi State, know that no Governor has performed better than Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello since inception. His successor is riding on this solid foundation to deliver even better dividends.
“We categorically reject even the thought of disrupting the peace and stability of our state through unlawful occupation. Our dutiful Governor Usman Ododo was duly elected and the current occupier of the Lugard House. Such threat from whatever quarters is an attempt to overthrow democracy and pave way for anarchy.
“We know the voice of Jacob and hand of Esau and warn all those trying to cause chaos because they have lost at the polls, those conniving with enemies of Yahaya Bello outside, to desist. We have been patient enough in the face of the endless persecution and defamation. We will not allow anything that will be counter-productive to the peace, progress, development and well-being of all bonafide residents of Kogi. Our dear State is currently undergoing a critical period of development and consolidation of democratic values.”
Youths warn groups threatening to invade Kogi Govt House
Tinubu sends minimum wage bill to N’Assembly
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, presented the Minimum Wage Bill to the National Assembly for consideration and passage into law.
In separate letters to both the Senate and the House of Representatives, the President requested an expeditious consideration of a bill to amend the National Minimum Wage Act, 2019, to increase the National Minimum Wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000.
The bill also sought to reduce the period for reviewing the minimum wage from five years to three years.
Tinubu had agreed on ₦70,000 as the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers during a meeting with Organised Labour last week.
Details later…
Tope, The According journalist, has over a decade of experience in health reporting, environmental issues and investigative journalism, and currently covers the National Assembly, specifically the Senate
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I’ve daughters too – Akpabio apologizes to Natasha Akpoti for ‘night club’ comment
Senate President Natasha Apoti-Uduaghan has apologized to the Chairman of Senate Committee on Local Content, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, for rebuking her.
Last week Thursday, Akpabio had cautioned Akpoti-Uduaghan on the floor of the Senate, saying she was not in the night club.
The Senate was in session when Akpabio said those in favour of the second reading of a bill to say ‘Aye’, while those against should say ‘Nay’.
The ‘Nay’ response came the loudest and as the Senate President contemplated his next action, Akpoti-Uduaghan rose to explain why she and some others were against the second reading of the proposal.
“Mr President, we don’t want it to be killed. We just want a bit of modification. We don’t want the bill killed but there should be slight modification.”
Responding to her, Akpabio said, “You see Senator Natasha, in the chamber, you have to be recognized before you speak. We’re not in a nightclub.”
However, Akpabio has said his “night club” remark was reported out of context.
Speaking on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday, the Senate President said: “We are still learning, even those of us who have been in the Senate for 16 years, we are still learning.
“But in the cause of speaking with one of my distinguished sisters on not speaking when not recognized, I made reference to the fact that we are not in a night club where people have to shout above the noise of the music.
“The social media went agog, my wife called me that they published her number and she received around 2,000 to 3,000 calls per day.
“I’m happy with the interest generated by Nigerians with what goes on in this chambers because we are here for their interest.
“The communication was totally misunderstood, instead of making meaning with what we said, they went into private abuses; I don’t want to say what they did to me.
“I will not intentionally denigrate any woman, I have a wife and four daughters and I always pray that God will lift a girl to the highest zenith in Nigeria politically and in business. So Senator Natasha I want to apologize to you if you felt offended.
“There is nothing I will say that would not be misrepresented, I felt I should tender a public apology to you.”
I’ve daughters too – Akpabio apologizes to Natasha Akpoti for ‘night club’ comment
Edo Guber: Vote candidate who’ll deliver dividends of democracy – INEC tells female voters
Ahead of the September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo State, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has urged young female voters to vote for a candidate that would brighten their future with people-oriented programmes and policies.
TVN reports that the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in Edo State, Dr Anugbum Onuoha, gave the advise in Benin City at a one-day awareness creation seminar for young female voters.
Onuoha also charged the young female voters not to be intimidated by anybody as they exercise their franchise in voting for candidates of their choice.
He also tasked them to sensitize the electorate on the need to vote for a candidate that can bring development to the state.
“Come out and vote whoever you want to vote for. Don’t be intimidated by anybody. Vote for persons that you think can bring development to Edo State.
“That is the only way, because if you miss it your future will be at stake. But if you want your future to be bright vote for somebody that can bring development to the state.
“It is your fundamental right to vote for the person that you think can deliver so that at the end of the day you will have dividends of democracy,” the REC said.
Edo Guber: Vote candidate who’ll deliver dividends of democracy – INEC tells female voters
I have no blending plant outside Nigeria, NNPC GCEO replies Dangote
The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, has said he does not own a blending plant outside Nigeria.
Kyari stated this on Tuesday, reacting to claims by the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, that some officials of the NNPC have blending plants in Malta.
Amid the crisis surrounding his $20bn refinery, Dangote had said: Some of the terminals, some of the NNPC people and some traders have opened blending plants somewhere off Malta. We all know these areas. We know what they are doing,” Dangote said.
Reacting in a post on his X handle, Kyari said he had been inundated with calls from family members and friends, asking if he truly owns a blending plant in Malta.
Kyari stated that he does not own or operate any business directly or by proxy anywhere in the world with the exception of a local mini agric venture.
He also said he is not aware of any employee of the NNPC, that owns or operates a blending plant in Malta or anywhere else in the world.
“I am inundated by enquiries from family members, friends and associates on the public declaration by the President of Dangote Group that some NNPC workers have established a blending plant in Malta thereby impeding procurements from local production of Petroleum products.
“To clarify the allegations regarding the blending plant, I do not own or operate any business directly or by proxy anywhere in the world with the exception of a local mini Agric venture, neither am I aware of any employee of the NNPC, that owns or operates a blending plant in Malta or anywhere else in the world.
“A blending plant in Malta or any part of the world has no influence over NNPC’s business operations and strategic actions.”
The NNPC boss threatened to sanction any official of the NNPC involved in such acts if they truly exist.
“For further assurance, our compliance sanction grid shall apply to any NNPC employee who is established to be involved in doing so if availed and I strongly recommend that such individuals be declared public and be made known to relevant government security agencies for necessary actions in view of the grave implications for national energy security,” he stated.
Dangote has been speaking up following allegations by the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed, that the diesel produced by the Dangote refinery had higher sulphur content than imported ones; a claim Dangote described as an attempt to demarket his refinery.
Ahmed also said the country would continue to import fuel to stop the Dangote monopoly.
Security beefed up as VP Shettima visits Jigawa
Security has been beefed up in Jigawa State amidst the visit of Vice President Kashim Shettima to the state.
TVN observed that from the early hours of the morning, the streets of Dutse, the state capital, were lined with security personnel, to guarantee the safety of the Vice President and his entourage.
Multiple checkpoints were established across the state capital, and traffic was redirected to ensure a smooth and hitch free visit.
The VP will be in Jigawa State to launch and commission some projects initiated by the administration of Governor Umar Namadi.
They include solar projects, empowerment programs and the Fadama CARES programme, among others.
Details later.
Security beefed up as VP Shettima visits Jigawa
Meet Elon Musk’s 20-year-old transgender daughter
The Chief Executive Officer of Tesla and Space X, Elon Musk, on Monday, said he was “tricked” into granting permission for his child to undergo puberty blockers.
“It’s evil. You’re taking kids who are far below the age of consent. It’s very possible for adults to manipulate children who are having an actual identity crisis into believing that they are the wrong gender,” Musk disclosed in a live interview with psychologist Jordan Peterson on X on Monday.
Musk added, “Well, it happened to one of my older boys. I was essentially tricked into signing documents for one of my older boys, Xavier. This was really before I had any understanding of what was going on, and we had COVID going on, so there was a lot of confusion. And I was told Xavier might commit suicide.”
The billionaire business mogul said these while explaining the rationale behind his decision to relocate SpaceX’s headquarters from California, citing the state’s new legislation, Assembly Bill 1955, which enables schools to keep a child’s sexual orientation or gender identity confidential from their parents.
This move came after California Governor, Gavin Newsom, signed the bill into law on Monday, July 15, 2024.
With the revelation, According Online looks at who is Vivian Jenna Wilson, the transgender daughter of one of the world’s richest individuals.
— Named Xavier at birth, Vivian was born a twin with her brother Griffin in 2004 in California.
— She attended Crossroads K-12 school in Santa Monica, alongside her younger siblings, Kai, Saxon, and Damian, where annual tuition costs up to $50,000.
— Vivian reportedly tried to hide her true gender identity from her dad for several years.
— She officially adopted her mother, Justine’s, maiden name at the age of 18 in 2022, according to court filings.
— She filed a petition to change both her name and legal gender, and was quoted as saying she “no longer wishes to be related” to her father “in any way”.
— A Santa Monica judge issued a new birth certificate that reflected her changed name, and gender, while their ruling simply stated: “Xavier Alexander Musk to Vivian Jenna Wilson. The gender of the petitioner is changed from male to female.”
— Vivian filed the petition just three days after her 18th birthday, though the court documents weren’t made public until the day after Father’s Day.
— Vivian and her father reportedly have a strained relationship, with Musk disagreeing with her political views, claiming she believes that all rich people are evil.
— “She went beyond socialism to being a full communist and thinking that anyone rich is evil,” the billionaire said, blaming Vivian’s education at the progressive California school as the reason for her political views.
Police arrest man for raping corps member in A’Ibom
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 44 years old, Paul Edu, for allegedly raping a member of the National Youth Service Corps in the state.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Waheed Ayilara, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing newsmen at the command’s headquarters, Ikot Akpan-Abia, Uyo Akwa Ibom State
He said that the suspect, a son of the landlord to an NYSC member, was arrested on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Ukana Iba village, Essien Udim Local Government Area of the state, at about 3:15 pm, after ordering her to his house where he had carnal knowledge of her.
He said, “On 20/7/2024 at about 3:15 pm, a National Youth Service Corps member residing at Ukana Iba village in Essien Udim reported that at about 3:00 am one Paul Samuel Edu 44yrs (her landlord’s son) came knocking at her door.
“That on opening the door, the said Paul brandished her with a machete and directed her to follow him to his room for a talk or else he would harm her.
“On reaching the suspect’s room, he bolted the door, tore her clothes and had carnal knowledge without her consent. The suspect was arrested, and one machete and a slaughter knife were recovered from him. The investigation is ongoing.”
The CP also announced other breakthroughs recorded by the command within the period under review, including the arrest of a suspected kidnapper and recovery of firearms, the arrest of suspects for vandalisation, arrest of an armed robbery syndicate and child trafficking suspects among others.
He said that the command also uncovered an armoury in a private mortuary at Ekeya, in the Okobo local government area of the state, adding that operatives of the command stormed the place (mortuary) after receiving intelligence following the arrest of a kidnapping syndicate.
According to the Commissioner the syndicate led by a wanted kidnapper, one Ubong Effiong Archibong, also known as ‘Condiment’, was allegedly responsible for the kidnapping and killing of several persons in the state.
“Operatives of the Command through credible information and a painstaking investigation recovered firearms and ammunition used by a notorious kidnapping syndicate led by a wanted kidnapper, one Ubong Effiong Archibong, a.k.a Condiment.
“The kidnapping syndicate is responsible for the kidnapping and killing of several persons. The said firearms were recovered at a private mortuary being used as the armoury at Ekeya, Okobo L.G.A.
“The firearms are Two (2) AK-47 Rifles, Two (2) G3 Rifles, One (1) Double Barrel Rifle, One (1) Single Barrel Rifle, Five (5) Magazines and Seven (7) Live Ammunition.”
Five other popular songs by Mike Ejeagha
Legendary folklore musician, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, is gaining massive recognition with his song ‘Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche’ 41 years after its release.
The song, a folklore about the cunningness of the Tortoise and the strength of the Elephant went viral again when comedian, Brain Jotter, recently used it in one of his videos.
The video has since garnered 29.1 million times with over 30,000 comments on Instagram while accumulating 19.6 million views on TikTok and over 23,000 comments.
Up until his newfound fame, Ejeagha now 91, many of the new generation listeners knew little about the musician known for his rich narratives that capture the essence of Igbo folklore and tradition.
Ejeagha first went mainstream post-Civil War when he released the album ‘Omekagu’ with Polygram Records then Phillips Records. He is reported to have 33 albums to his name with several classic records.
Here are other great songs of the singer. Though not widely recognised, offer a fascinating glimpse into the breadth and depth of Ejeagha’s musical journey.
1. Akanchawa
The song captures the essence of hope and resilience. It delves into the personal struggles and triumphs of everyday people, weaving a narrative that is both poignant and uplifting.
2. Uwa Mgbede
“Uwa Mgbede” offers listeners a contemplative journey. The song, which translates to “Evening World,” reflects on the quiet moments of life, drawing on the imagery of the evening to evoke a sense of calm and introspection.
3. Ezi Nwa Mgbeke
Another of Ejeagha’s songs is “Ezi Nwa Mgbeke”. It tells the story of a young village girl and her adventures. The song exemplifies the singer’s storytelling ability, blending traditional Igbo folklore with his creative flair.
4. Enyi Ga Achi
Enyi ga Achi is a blend of idioms, proverbs, and folklore. It tells the story of friendship and what it should be.
5. Onye Uri Utaba
This is a folk song that tells the story of a poor man who steals and blames his actions on poverty. The singer admonishes that one shouldn’t let poverty push him to lose his self of dignity.