Tuesday 31 January 2017

Illegal Constructions Blocking Canal Flow!

It's a matter of months before the rainy season comes. With so many un-attended canals in the environment, it seems despite the many hazards of the 2016 flood in most parts of Lagos and other Nigerian urban and rural areas, ranging from loss of lives and properties to displacements, no workable plan(s) to address the situation appears to be in motion. 

Vision of the Lagos State Ministry of Environment for example, indicates that the ministry intends bringing about: “A flood-free, hygienic and beautiful Lagos.”.... achievable through its Mission of promoting: “.......a clean, healthy, sustainable Environment for the well being of citizenry through the application of best practices in Environmental Management.”  Images in these pictures above and below however indicates otherwise. 

Apart from over-grown weeds and debris abandoned in canals, houses are constructed very close to canals thereby blocking free flow of water, resulting in flood. 




It beats the imagination of any well meaning mind, leaving one to ponder on these questions: 

*  Who authorised the sales of these lands and constructions? 
* What practicable plans does the Ministry of The Environment in Nigerian States have on 'Greening' and on curtailing impending flood?

Below is a picture of a well planed canal area in a 'developed country'. 


This picture can actually be replicated all over canal areas in Lagos and other Nigerian states. 








Friday 27 January 2017

Parts Of Ojuelegba Bridge calling For Attention!

Part of the fly-over, bridge at Ojuelegba bus-stop, Surulere, Lagos, ascending the bridge from Barracks Bus-Stop is gradually degenerating. 



Somethings needs to be done about this situation to avoid impending catastrophe. 



Thursday 26 January 2017

Lagos Popular Foodstuff Market!

Photos of the newly completed Ultra Modern Complex at the popular Oyinbo food stuff market, Ebute Metta, Lagos- Nigeria.






Oyingbo market is known majorly for sales of food items at very cheap price. Traders from markets across the state, and individuals throng the market on daily basis to purchase in wholesale for retail marketting, or simply to stock their houses. 




It is believed that with this development, some level of orderliness will be restored in the environment which was hitherto characterised by chaos owing to the vehicle and human traffic the market attracts.



LAWMA Your Attention Is Needed At Ilaje Bus-Stop!

Pile of stinking dirt at Ilaje bus-stop, (behind Oshodi bus terminus) along Lekki-Epe express way, Lekki Peninsula axis, Lagos, Nigeria.


Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) take note.

Wednesday 25 January 2017

Kuwaiti Prince Executed For The Murder Of His Nephew!

Kuwait on Wednesday, January, 25th, 2017 executed a member of its royal family Prince Sheikh Faisal Abdullah Al Sabah, who was found guilty of the murder of another prince, his nephew Shaikh Basil Salem Sabah Al Salem Al Sabah in 2011.  

Shaikh Basil Salem Sabah Al Salem Al Sabah (murdered, Left) Sheikh Faisal Abdullah Al Sabah (Right)
Kuwaiti media reported that "Shaikh Faisal who works as a captain in the Kuwaiti army had gone in June 2010 to visit Shaikh Basil at the Maseelah palace owned by the late Emir. The two princes were sitting together with other people, when the alleged killer told his nephew that he wanted to speak with him in private. The two princes left the main room and, seconds later, guests heard shots. Upon entering the room, they found Shaikh Basil wounded and promptly took him to Mubarak Al Kabeer Hospital where he was declared dead. Medical staff said that the prince had been shot several times at close range, according to reports. The police arrested the alleged killer and started an investigation into the case."





Thursday 19 January 2017

State Of Emergency In Gambia?

Consequent to Gambia's incumbent Yahya Jammeh's refusal to step down despite intervention from Dignitaries and other West African Heads of States to respect the election result, accept defeat and hand over power to President elect  Adama Barrow, the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) seems to be left with no choice but fulfil its promise to consider sending in military 'if persuasion did not work'. 


Armoured Battalions was seen on Thursday, January 19, 2017, entering the Gambian bother from SenegalThis came hours after Adama Barrow was sworn in as Gambia's President, witnessed by Foreign Diplomats in the Gambia's Embassy in Dakar, Senegal. 


After initial allegiance to Yahya Jammeh’s administration, My job is security, to make sure this country is peaceful and is secure, that is my primary role and that is what I’m paid for. As we speak now, I’m paid by the government of the day, that is Yahya Jammeh’s government. He’s my commander-in-chief as we speak now. I have only one commander-in-chief as we speak.” Gambia's Chief of Defence staff Qusman Badjie retracted his stand recently when he reportedly stated that his Troop will not involve itself militarily, as it is a "political dispute."

As pressure mounted, the United States embassy in Gambia reportedly told citizens to leave the country as soon as possible. 

On its part, the United Nations security Council on Thursday, 19th January 2017 reinforced its commitment to Ecowas to “ensure, by political means first, respect of the will of the people.”






President Buhari Begins 'Short Leave'!

According to information made available by Femi AdesinaSpecial Adviser on Media and Publicity to Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari travelled to the United Kingdom on Thursday, January 19th for a 'short leave'. 


Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will act as President until February 6th, when President Buhari is expected to resume office.



Tuesday 17 January 2017

Nigerian Government, BBOG Team Up To Search For Chibok girls!

The Bring Back our Girls (BBOG) team lead by Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, the Minister of Information and culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Defence, Brig. Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali (Rtd), and Journalists on Monday, January 16, 2017, embarked on a mission to Sambisa Forest, Borno State, Nigeria.



The Federal Government team and the BBOG's were on a search of the remaining abducted Chibok school girls using sophisticated cameras fixed on two Air Force jets 



Rann Accidental Bombardment: NAF Promises To Provide Answers!

As Nigerians seek answers to Tuesday morning, January 17, 2017 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) accidental bombardment of a displaced people camp (people displaced by Boko-haram insurgents) in Rann, Kala Balge area, Bornu state northeast Nigeria, the Nigerian Air Force has released a statement stating that it is working to avail Nigerians with details of the incident. 


The statement reads: "The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is saddened today's accidental airstrike by it's fighter jet at Rann, Kala Balge area, Bornu state, in which some innocent lives were lost. While information is sketchy, the Theatre Commander Operation LAFIYA DOLE is taking appropriate steps to avail us with details of the incident. 
The loss occasioned by this unfortunate incident is deeply regretted. The NAF commensurates with those affected and their families and would update the public as soon as detailed facts emerge from the investigation."

According to reports made available, the IDP's camp in Rann, Kala Balge area, Bornu state was accidentally attacked the Nigerian Air Force Tuesday morning, January 17, 2017, at about 9am, killing scores including aid workers and civilians. 




Wednesday 11 January 2017

Memo On Suspension Of Booking Of Fire Extinguisher, Light Sign Violation And Caution Sign!

The memo below, dated 27th December 2016, and signed by the Deputy Corps Marshal was allegedly sent out to commanding officers. 

If this Order is anything to go by, booking of Fire Extinguisher Violation, Caution Sign Violation and Light Sign Violation by Commanding officers is hence "disobedience to standing orders".

Tuesday 10 January 2017

Lagos State Governor Signs 2017 Appropriation Bill!

Lagos state Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode signed a N812.998bn Y2017, 2017 Appropriation Bill aka “Golden Jubilee Budget” into Law recently in Lagos.


Governor Ambode said the bill was in line with the State Development Plan 2012-2025, the Medium Term Expenditure Framework for 2017-2019, based on the State’s Four Pillars of Development Plan which include: 
  • Infrastructure Development
  • Economic Development 
  • Social Development 
  • Security as well as Sustainable Environment.
Governor Ambode signed the bill with a promise that it will be judiciously implemented to consolidate on the modest milestones recorded in the last 18 months and propel the State to a path of prosperity. 
The Governor said the 2017 budget was his administration’s contract with Lagosians to continue to build an all-inclusive economy throughout the year.



Thursday 5 January 2017

Please Call Some LASTMA Officials At Marwa Bus/Stop To Order!

Pictures below was just sent in, it shows officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) stationed at Marwa Bus stop, along Lekki express way, Lagos- Nigeria, seen on Wednesday, January 4, 2017, between 12-20:30 noon detaining a Danfo driver (commercial bus driver) on the busy roundabout for reasons only known to them. 


One thing noticeable was that the demeanour of these officials suggests "they were up to something illegal" as they could not give the passengers of the commercial vehicle any answers (meaningful or not) on why the bus was abruptly stopped. 


The passengers were disembarked instead, and directed to another commercial bus, while the estranged driver pleaded with the officials. One thing is sure, passengers entered the bus at the designated bus/stop a few meters from the point where the bus was stopped. 

Nigerians are tired of these harassment and unlawful obstruction of traffic, and breaking of such laws by officials who are supposed to be prosecutors of offenders of these laws. 

This is a New year and seriously States and the Federal Government should not take likely reports with proves, of some elements in the system who by their acts tend to make mullock the noble efforts of the Government. 

These officials should be re-oriented and maybe...their remuneration reviewed. Anyone not satisfied with their pay, and resolves to breaking the law should be brought to book. 

Forthright Write- Up On Nigeria!

Distinguishing what they call 'ten foundational elements of journalism', authors Bill Kovatch and Tom Rosenstiel, in "The Elements of Journalism," posits that a Journalist’s “first obligation is to the TRUTH.”
Driving home their point, Bill and Tom elucidates that “when citizens have reliable access to information they can trust is truthful (not outright lies or propaganda), they can make better decisions and better govern themselves.”

A recent article by Tyler Cowen, titled "Nigeria could teach the west a few things" is what I call a straightforward report informed by objective investigative Journalismevident in the author's profound findings of the true state of Lagos - Nigeria, as against poor judgement informed by frail media propaganda portrayed against Nigeria and most developing nations on some main stream platforms. It is elating to note that ethical Journalism still thrives and should be encouraged if the Fourth Estate intends maintaining its rightful position of being the societal "Watch-Dog"
CMS bus-stop, Marina, Lagos - Nigeria

"Nigeria Could Teach the West A Few Things"
A trip is often defined by its surprises, so here are my biggest revelations from six days in Lagos, Nigeria.
Most of all, I found Lagos to be much safer than advertised. It is frequently described as one of the most dangerous cities on earth. Many people told me I was crazy to go there, and some Nigerian expats warned me I might not get out of the airport alive.
The reality is that I walked around freely and in many parts of town. I didn’t try to go everywhere or at all hours, and I may have been lucky. Yet not once did I feel threatened, and I strongly suspect that a trip to Lagos is safer than a trip to Rio de Janeiro, a major tourist destination. (In my first trip to Rio I was attacked by children with pointed sticks. In my second I found myself caught in a gunfight between drug lords). Many Lagos residents credit the advent of closed-circuit television cameras for their safety improvements.
So if you’re an experienced traveler, and tempted to visit Africa’s largest and arguably most dynamic city, don’t let safety concerns be a deal killer. 
The surprises mount. For all the negative publicity, many parts of Nigeria, especially Lagos, could and should serve as exemplars for religious tolerance.
The reports of Boko Haram and terror killings are well known, and they reflect the interlocking and sometimes deadly combinations of regional, religious, sectarian and ethnic identities in the country, not to mention extreme inequalities of income and opportunity. Yet Nigeria has about 180 million people and is larger than Texas. The violence is the most frequently reported story in the West, but the underlying reality is far more complex and shows positive features.
For instance, the city of Lagos is in many regards a marvel of religious tolerance. Nigeria is about 50 percent Muslim and 40 percent Christian, and the area surrounding Lagos is also highly mixed in terms of religion. That may sound like a recipe for trouble, but in matters of religion Lagos is almost entirely peaceful. Religious intermarriage is common and usually not problematic, as is the case in many (not all) other parts of Nigeria as well. Many top Nigerian politicians have married outside their religion, kept two separate religions in the family and enjoyed continued political success. 
Consider the scale and speed of this achievement. Lagos, with a population of about 20 million, is larger than many countries. It is the most commercially oriented part of Nigeria, and it grew so large only in the last few decades, as it attracted entrepreneurially minded people from many parts of Nigeria and other African countries. By one estimate, 85 new residents arrive every hour. That may sound chaotic, but in essence Nigeria has in a few decades created an almost entirely new, country-sized city built on the ideals and practice of religious tolerance. The current president, Muhammadu Buhari, is a Muslim who was supported in his election by many Christian leaders, on the grounds that he would fight corruption more effectively. His running mate served as a Pentecostal pastor. 
The recent history of Nigeria, Lagos in particular, is also a counterweight to some recent Western political trends. Many Westerners today fear resurgent nationalism, as illustrated by the U.K's vote to leave the European Union and the election of Donald Trump.
In Nigeria, nationalism is largely a progressive force, bringing the country together and allowing nation-building and infrastructure development. However imperfect or backward these processes might be -- Nigeria has at least 270 distinct ethnic groups and 370 languages -- in Nigeria one is rooting for nationalism to succeed. And it’s in Lagos, the country’s largest and most important window to the outside world, where the understanding of the importance of a common and stable national identity has made such progress. 
Many Westerners used to consider much of Africa backward in this regard, but we Westerners are learning again that national cohesion isn’t always so easy. Perhaps the political spectrum in many Western countries can realign itself in a direction analogous to some features of Nigeria, to ally liberalism and nationalism once again."
Article Copyright: Bloomberg


Tuesday 3 January 2017

Photo Speak - 'Roundabouts To Traffic Lights' Re-Construction Works Coming On!

Very recent photos of on-going work at the re-construction to replace the 4th, 5th and 8th roundabouts with traffic lights along Lekki-Epe express way, Lagos - Nigeria. 




Work going on at an appreciable pace....so far....good. 

If its only to alleviate the hassle of heavy traffic...

Well done Lagos State Government.