Focus On The Real MVPs!

The journey into Africa's economic development can not be complete without mentioning the impact of the 'sometimes overlooked' small and medium scale enterprises. This edition on 'The Real MVPs', is focused on the Oluwo Fish Market, Epe, North of Lekki Lagoon, Lagos State, south-west Nigeria. 

 

                          

                                                   

From shrimps, lopsters, snails, crayfish, all kinds of sea food. This publication showcase a small/medium scale, but robust business which through the years have been a bedrock support to the nation's growing economy.

      

Dominated by women of the Epe community and environs, thanks to the Lagoon. Interestingly, women called the shots in fish farming and trading in most river-rine communities across Nigeria, and overtime have built a formidable business empire.

Baskets of Seafood on stand

                               

Some of these women do the fishing, storage, as well as smoking for preservation, and sell in both whole-sale and retail; while some buy the sea food off local fisher-men, and re-sell. 

                           

This age-long enterprise, has over time leveraged local women. One of the traders who spoke with our reporter, said she has been in the fish business for over 25-years and like other traders in the market, supports her family from the proceeds.

More pictures of some of the Sea Food sold at the Oluwo Market:

 

Entrance to Oluwo Market, Epe

These women, with little or no formal education, exposure or credit facilities, successfully called the shots in the fish-market, and immensely contributed to growing the nation's economy. 

They are the real MVPs.

Kidnap Kingpin Evans Pleads Guilty In Court!

Notorious kidnapper Chikwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as  Evans pleaded guilty to a two count charges of conspiracy and kidnapping brought against him by the Lagos State government.

Kidnap Kingpin: Evans (extreme left) and some members of his gang before Ikeja High Court  on Wednesday, August 30th, 2017

The suspect Evans,  who was arraigned alongside five other suspected members of his gang, and was represented by his counsel, Olukoya Ogungbeje, pleaded guilty to the charges before a Judge, at Ikeja High Court, in Lagos State, Nigeria, on Wednesday, 30th August, 2017.

The kidnap kingpin was best known for his kidnap exploits and huge ransom amounting to millions of Dollars, collected from his victim's family especially around the Festac/ Amuwo Odofin axis of Lagos state.

Evans and the four males arraigned were afterwards remanded at the Kirikiri Maximum Prison, while the female suspect was remanded at the Kirikiri Female Prisons. 

Further hearing on the case was adjourned to October 19, 2017.

Rivers State Ritual-Story Update: Arrested Divisional Police Officer Escapes!

A Rivers State, Nigeria, Police officer arrested in connection to the escape of a 23-year-old suspected ritualist, identified as Ifeanyi Maxwell Dike, recently paraded for raping and ritual killing of an eight-year-old girl, has escaped from Police custody.

The suspected ritualist, Ifeanyi Maxwell Dike, during parade  

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) whose arrest was ordered on Monday, August 28, 2017, by the Rivers State Police Command, was suspected to be involved in telephone calls with John-bosco Okoroeze, a Police Sargent dismissed for allowing the escape of the suspected ritualist, Ifeanyi Maxwell Dike. 

The suspected ritualist, Ifeanyi Dike, reportedly confessed to the crime during Police interrogation, and stated that he was not the only one involved in the ritual killing. 

What is the Rivers State Police Commissioner doing about these "series of escapes" development?

The public is counting on the Police Authority for Justice on this case.

Find link to a previous publication on this story below:

https://rovinginformant.blogspot.com/2017/08/man-hunt-for-ritualist-ifeanyi-maxwell.html 

Houston's Catastrophic Flooding Expected To Continue For Days!

The devastating effect of Hurricane Harvey that swept through the gulf coast of Texas continues Sunday, August 27, 1017, as the entire Metropolitan Houston, the fourth largest populated city in the United States is flooded. About five people have been so far reported dead, and a dozen others injured.

The National Weather Service earlier issued a direct warning that "catastrophic flooding in the Houston metropolitan area is expected to worsen and could become historic".

The National Hurricane Center reported that the torrential rain, which started on Sunday, is expected to continue for days. 

President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Texas on Tuesday, August 29th, 2017.

Rescue operators are working round the clock to save lives, emergency lines have been opened for distress calls.

Photo-Speaks!

Photo-Speaks: 

Man-Hunt For Ritualist, Ifeanyi Maxwell Dike!

Confusion engulfs the Rivers State Police Command Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, after a 23-year-old man identified as Ifeanyi Maxwell Dike, paraded over the weekend for raping and ritual killing of an eight-year-old girl, escaped from Police custody.

The suspect, Ifeanyi Maxwell Dike

The 200 level student of the Faculty of Science, University of Port-Harcourt, abducted the girl on Friday, August 18, 2017, raped and killed her, thereafter plugged out her eyes, cut off her tongue, one of her breasts, and vagina, before stuffing her remain in a polythene bag and waited till around early hours of Saturday (1:am), August 19, 2017, to dispose of it at a nearby refuge. He was apprehended by men of the vigilante group, who suspected his movement and stopped him for questioning. 

The suspect reportedly dropped the polythene bag and took to his heels. He was caught after a hot pursuit and taken to Okporo Police Station, Port-Harcourt. The suspect confessed to the dastardly act and took the Police to where the vital organs were concealed. The body and the organs have been recovered, paraded and deposited in the mortuary. 

Victim's Father's account of how the suspect escaped:

Father of the victim, Dr. Ernest Nmezuwuba, who was neighbours with the accused at Messiah street, Eliozu area of Port-Harcourt, Obio-Akpo Local government area, Rivers state narrated.

 “After taking the corpse to the State CID with the suspect handcuffed, the Inspector that led me there; the commissioner (CP) said I should come and that they should officially hand this case to the state CID, which I followed up.

“Reaching there, I saw the DSP in charge of the place, we explained to him what happened and the man shouted.

“He (DSP) called one John-bosco to record everything and take statement. We were there with the suspect in handcuff. When we got to the state CID, there was no light in the entire State CID. I wrote my statement with candle; imagine a whole state CID. The John-bosco removed the handcuff from the suspect’s hand for him (suspect) to write his statement.

“At a point, the boy (Dike) said he was thirsty and John-bosco said I should buy pure water for him and I asked him; are you crazy? Is something wrong with you? Why would you ask me to buy water for a person that killed my daughter? Why would I buy water for a ritualist? And I told John-bosco that it was none of my business.

“Some policemen were at the gate with guns while we were at the charge room writing statement. After we finished writing our statement, John-bosco called the IPO to go and put the suspect in the cell. The suspect was not handcuffed at that time.“They did not walk up to a pole when I heard hold am, hold am. He has escaped. Whether he jumped the fence or not, I cannot say because the entire place was dark; it was around 7.30 to 8p.m."

During interrogation, the suspect who was supposed to help the Police with investigations confessed that he was not the only one involved in the ritual killing. 

Photo-Speaks: Lagos Island Link Bridges Needs To Be Fixed!

Arrows in the picture below, of the Onikan - Obalende link bridge in Lagos Island, shows the point where water pressure is gradually cutting through the concrete of the bridge foundation pillars.

Onikan - Obalende link bridge, Lagos 

The current condition of bridges connecting Lagos Island to the Mainland axis, and Victoria Island to Ikoyi, all in Lagos-State calls for urgent attention and fixing.

At Last, Buhari Returns Home!

Nigeria's President, Muhammadu Buhari returns after over three months of "follow-up medical consultation with his doctors" in London, United Kingdom.

President Muhammadu Buhari embarked on his second prolonged visit for medicals Monday evening, May 8th, 2017 after receiving a batch of 82 released kidnapped Chibok Secondary School girls in Aso Villa, Abuja.

Before this trip, Muhammadu Buhari handed over the affairs of the nation to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and assured Nigerians that the country will continue to function normally under the able leadership of the Vice President.

There have been series of protests in Nigeria's capital city, Abuja, for the return of the President.

Of recent was when a group of Nigerians residing in the United Kingdom on Friday, August 19, 2017, staged a #ResumeorResign protest outside President Buhari's London resident. 

Photos From Across Nigeria, Colonial Masters Grave-Yard In Asaba!

Photos of early European Traders/ Colonial Masters grave-yard in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria: Lying in the graves in the photos below are remains of early Colonial Masters and European traders who introduced 'Trade by Barter' to Eastern Nigeria.

Grave of Late Captain Reginald Eric Duncan Campbell, Governor of Asaba Prisons, and second son of late Sir Alexander Campbell, Sargent At Arms to the Queen.

Grave of late James Alexander Malcolm, he died on 25th September, 1888.

Mango Tree by the grave yard, reportedly planted by the early traders/ Colonial masters

History has it that these early traders and colonial masters died in their 20s and 30s,  from Mosquito bites as there was no antidote for Mosquito bites then.  

Five Terrorists Killed As Spanish Police Foil Another Attack In Cambrils!

In an attempt to foil another terrorist vehicle attack, Spanish Police reportedly killed five suspected terrorists putting on explosive belts and travelling in Audi A3 car, early Friday, August 18, 2017. About six people and a Police officer were reportedly injured in the attempt, when the vehicle drove into pedestrians in Cambrils, 70 miles from Las Ramblas, south-west of Barcelona, Spain. 

One person, suspected to be part of the terrorist group was killed and another injured while trying to assemble a bomb in an earlier explosion on Thursday, which destroyed a house in Alcanar Platja. Policemen and firefighters who came to the scene where injured by a second blast in the incidents that has been linked to terror attack.

Thirteen people were killed including a three-year-old child, and over a hundred others of different nationalities injured, when a van vied into a pedestrianised zone, rammed into a crowed in Las Ramblas, a popular tourist street in Barcelona, Spain, Thursday, August 17, 2017. 

Nationals believed to be among the casualties and injured include: Australia, Algeria, Argentina, Belgium, Cuba, China, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Ireland, Macedonia, the Netherlands, Peru, Roumania, Spain, Venezuela.

A Spanish and a Moroccan were arrested in connection to the attack, while the driver of the van who disappeared into the crowed at the scene is believed to still be at large. A man was shot dead after hitting two Police officers at traffic blockade in Sant Just Desvern.

Showing solidarity with Spain, Leaders from across the world has condemned the attack.

United States President Donald Trump has condemned the attack, assuring Spain that the United States will do whatever necessary to help. "The United States condemns the terror attack in Barcelona, Spain, and will do whatever is necessary to help. Be tough & strong, we love you!".

U.S former President Barrack Obama equally commended the attack, he twitted "Michelle and I are thinking of the victims and their families in Barcelona. Americans will always stand with our Spanish friends. Un abrazo".

Owerri Collapsed Building: Surviving Youth Corp Member Dies In Hospital!

Another rescued victims of early Sunday, August 13, 2017, building collapse at 9 Egbu road, close to Fire Service Junction Owerri, Imo is dead.  According to report, Ngozi Oformezie, the surviving member of the Nigerian National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) died on Wednesday, August 17, 2017. 

Oformezie who sustained injuries during the building collapse was rushed to the hospital alongside her 26-year-old friend, Chinedu Isiogugu, after about an 8-hour entrapment in the rubble.

The deceased who survived a leg surgery on Sunday, died at the University Teaching Hospital, Port-Harcourt, where she was transferred to from the Police Clinic Owerri, after developing urinary problem that affected her kidney. 

This brings the number of casualties in the incident to six. Four people, two adults and two babies were confirmed dead at the scene on Sunday. 

Muddy Slopes Remain A Risk With Continuing Rain; As Sierra Leon Embarks On A Week-Long Mourning Period!

Following warning on the out-break and spread of deadly diseases, Sierra Leonians commenced a week of National Mourning as mudslide casualties are laid to rest in a mass burial. 

An over night mudslide hit Freetown's out-sketch Regent community, Monday, August 14, 2017, killing no fewer than 400 people, including children, and leaving about 600 persons as at the time of filling this report, uncounted for. 

As efforts to curtail the spread of diseases in Sierra Leon continues, water borne disease pose a risk for the living, a recent United Nations publication, written by John James revealed. 

Water supplies, storage tanks, soaps, buckets and purification tables are delivered to displaced persons, while members of the communities are educated on the importance of "hand-washing, good hygiene", and on "warning signs of deceases". The report further disclosed that the muddy slopes remain a risk, "especially with continuing rain". 

Photo Speaks: Eyes On Ilaje Community!

Photo Speaks: Ilaje Community, off Ilaje bus-stop, before Ajah, Lekki Peninsula axis of Lagos State, Nigeria.

Ilaje Water front

Nigerians Earnestly AWait Outcome Of Police Investigations On Ozubulu Church Massacre!

..."Our security forces must not stop until everyone involved in the orchestration and execution of today's massacre in St. Philip's Catholic Church, Anambra State, are brought to book by the strong arm of Justice". Part of Nigeria's Senate President, Bukola Saraki's speech after the Ozubulu, Anambra Church massacre. 


Nigerians earnestly wait for the outcome of Police investigation in August 6,  2017 shooting at St. Philip's Catholic Church, Amakwa Ozubulu, which resulted in the death of about 11 people including Pa Cyprian Ikegwuonu, father of Chief Aloysius Ikegwuonu, who was reported to have built St Philip's Catholic Church, scene of the incident. The shooting was attributed to counter-stroke between two indigenes of Ozubulu community.

A couple of days ago news went round of how one of the indigenes of Ozubulu community mentioned in connection to the feud, Chief Aloysius Ikegwuonu, with entourage, paid visits to victims of the shooting in the various hospitals where they are currently receiving treatments. Inline with promises made by the Nigerian Government to bring 'orchestrators' and 'executors' of St. Philip's Catholic Church massacre to book by the strong arm of Justice, individuals named (in any way) in connection to this massacre, should by now be under intense (national and international) investigation, and when there are enough evidence, they should be charged to the Court of Law and brought to book. Otherwise this situation if left unchecked, could signal the rising of "gang shootouts" and swell security issues across the country. 

This is not the time for "dilly-dally"... Nigerians earnestly await the outcome of Police investigations in Ozubulu Church massacre.

Death Toll In Owerri Collapse Building Rises To Five!

One of the rescued victims of early Sunday, August 13, 2017, building collapse at 9 Egbu road, close to Fire Service Junction and opposite Owerri Area Police Command Headquarters, Owerri, Imo state, south-east Nigeria, identified as Chinedu Isiogugu has died, bringing the casualty toll to five. 

Scene of the incident

The 26-year-old died at about 3am, Monday, after undergoing a successful surgery on his legs. Four people, two adults and two babies were confirmed dead at the scene of the incident on Sunday. 

The deceased, a native of Anambra state, and a P.R.O of CDS Charity organisation, during his National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) year, and another Corp. member went into a coma having being trapped for about eight hour in the collapsed building.

Late Chinedu Isiogugu 

The state government has instructed that all on-going constructions in the state go for re-verification before completion.