Attention: The Bridge At Ijora Terminus Is In Grave Sitaution!

The bridge and road situation, at the Ijora Railway Terminus, Lagos- Nigeria needs attention. 

See video below: 

 

  

For How Long Will Commuters Continue Being A Pawn To Cold-Hearted Hikes In Transportation!

It's no longer news that transporter take advantage of the high logistics demand especially during festive seasons like the Yuletide, to hike transport fares.

The video below was taken at the CMS garage bus-stop, where a transport company abruptly increased it's fares to 500 naira.

As at Monday, 23rd December, 2019, commuters were forced to pay a whooping 500 naira from the CMS bus-stop (Lagos-Island) to Ajah (Lekki Peninsula axis). This trend has become a norm, due to the fact that the transport sector is not regulated. Commercial vehicle owners can get up one morning and increase fares without due consultation(s) and nobody blinks. 

For how long will this situation continue?

Christmas In Lagos!

Clips of Christmas lightnings/ decorations around the Victoria Island and Ikoyi axis of Lagos state - Nigeria.

We hope you enjoyed this video, you can leave your Christmas stories in the comment section.

Haulage Truck Gutted In Lagos!

A truck loaded with mattresses gut was completely gutted, along Lekki-Epe express way, Tuesday evening, December 17th, 2019, sometimes around 7:20 and 7:45pm; between Marwa & Lekki Phase one bus-stops. 

According to eye witnesses, who happened to be occupants of the vehicle, the fire suddenly started, prompting them to abandon their personal belongings, while fleeing. This situation, caused a little traffic along the busy high-way, as some of the other road users made quick turns into the alternative route.

The driver of the vehicle and his assistant were seen wailing uncontrollably, as they watched helplessly while the vehicle and the goods burn.

By the time Men of the Fire -Service arrived, the vehicle and everything in it was completely razed.

There was no reported casualties.  

Clip of the incident below:

CYND's 7-Days Ultimatum: A Call For Peaceful Resolution!

A Few days after members of the Indigenous People of the Biafra (IPOB) movement claimed responsibility to the near-attack on Nigeria's Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, in Madird-Spain, while attending a climate change conference; a group, identified as Concerned Youths of Niger Delta (CYND) have reportedly given a seven-day ultimatum for the IPOB to apologize to the Minister, or all properties belonging to people of the Igbo ethnic group living and doing business in Ikwere-land (Minister Amaechi's Home-land) would be destroyed if such action repeats itself.

Describing the attack as "national embarrassment", CYND's National Coordinator, Commander Chikaru Oronda Ndamati, while briefing News men in Port-Harcourt, Rivers state capital city, cautioned the IPOB against unleashing their anger on the Transport Minister, or other national leaders over personal grievances.

The CYND group is reportedly made up of six Niger-Delta states: Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross-River, Delta, Edo and Rivers states.

Here's a Call for Peaceful resolution of issues that tend to divide us.

Explosion Rocks Idimu Pipeline!

Pipeline explosion rocked Iyana-Odu area of Idimi, Lagos state, in the early hours of Thursday, December 5th, 2019. 

Exposed Pipes at the area of explosion

Exposed Pipes at the area of explosion

According to eye-witnesses and residents who spoke with our reporters on anonymity terms, between the hours of 7:30 and 8am, there was a deafening sound from the pipeline area, then an explosion and inferno from a leaking pipe. 

This situation saw residents, who were hitherto getting ready to start their day,  running out of their houses, some, almost naked.

It was gathered that Thursday's fire was the fourth-time in 2019. As at the time of this report, there was no official report of the cause of explosion.

 A resident said it might have been triggered off by leaking pipes in the area, as a result of vandalism, thereafter, candles thrown into the small nearby river by members of prayer houses around the area, might have started the fire.

Highlights From Style by Zenith 2019!

Child Abuse: Lagos State Government Gives Out Emergency Numbers!

Photo Source: LSG Twitter handle

Weeks After Reprisal Attacks, Businesses Are Back At The Malls!

The great loss suffered by enterprises after the reprisal attacks on shops located in Shoprite Malls, forced many businesses to shut-down for a while. A recent visit to the mall visit shows that most of the enterprises are back and running.

Take a look at the following video: 

Businesses located in Shoprite malls around Lagos- Nigeria, were attacked in the reprisal on recent xenophobic attacks on foreigners and their enterprises in South Africa. The situation has since been brought under control.

Worrisome Fire Out-Breaks In Nigerian Markets!

Recent fire out-breaks in some popular markets around the country calls for concern. It would be recalled that in mid October, a tanker, loaded with the PMS product, fell, spilling it's content around the MCC, Upper Iweka, and the Ochanja market areas, in the commercial city of Onitsha, eastern Nigeria. Lives were lost and properties worth millions of Naira destroyed in the inferno. A couple of days later, a similar incident occurred at the Omaba phase 2 area, Onitsha, and another at the popular Otowodo-market in Ughelli, Delta state. 

On Tuesday, 5th of November 2019, between the hours of 9 and 10 in the morning, fire reportedly broke out in one of the buildings which housed several enterprises on the busy Martins street, Balogun-Market, in the Lagos-island axis. There were no confirmed reports of casualties, however, properties running into millions were lost. 

Photo Credit: Lasg on Twitter

The Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during his visit to the scene of the incident on Wednesday, November 6th, promised to provide support and relief materials to affected individuals, he also mention the need to complete the modern and safer market project in the area. 

According to official report, the fire incident was caused by factors that could have been avoided and even though emergency services were on ground promptly. The building could not be rescued due to congestion and other issues.

Eyewitnesses interviewed by our correspondent at the scene said the incident was caused by electrical fault.

Nigerian Communities In Need Of Government Intervention!

Take A Look At How People Endanger Their Lives!

Popular Ochanja Market In Onitsha Razed!

Properties worth billions of Naira, was lost when tragedy struck at the Popular Ochanja market, in Onitsha, eastern bank of the River-Niger, Anmabra State, Nigeria.

Photo Source: Twitter

The incident happened on Wednesday, 16th October, 2019, at about 12:44pm. According to reports, a tanker loaded with the PMS product fell, spilling its content all the way through the  MCC, the Upper-Iweka and Ochanja market areas of the commercial Hub.

Although the actual number of casualties can not be confirmed as at the time of this report, eye-witness reports indicates that lives were lost and so many people sustained divers degrees of injury. 

It was gathered that the Anambra State Fire Service was no where in sight during the inferno. People were seen in videos and pictures making rounds, throwing packed water, otherwise known as pure-water in an effort to stop the fire.

Tax Talk!

Security Issues In Lagos State: Sanwo-Olu Meets Police IG!

Following security concerns, arising from series of clashes between cultist groups in Lagos state, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday, 8th October, met with the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, Nigeria's capital city.

Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu in a hand-shake with the IG of Police, Mohammed Adamu

There have been unsettling developments, especially around the Lekki Peninsula axis, following deadly clashes between cultists. A recent incident was on the 7th of October, when motorists were attacked and robbed during the fight between two gangs in the Jakande and Igbo-Efo areas. The attacks saw pedestrians and commuters scampering to safety. 

Photo Speaks: Our Maintenance Culture!

Under Jubilee Bridge at Ajah, Lekki-Lagos, shortly after commissioning, in May, 2017.

Current state of Jubilee Bridge at Ajah, Lekki-Lagos. October, 2019.

Days After Reprisals, Shops Still Counting Their Losses!

A fourth night after 'reprisal' attacks, shops in the popular Novare-Mall, Sangotedo, Lekki area of Lagos State- Nigeria, are yet to recover. A recent visit to the mall, as seen in pictures below, revealed that most shops are yet to re-open for business, while the few opened ones show signs of slow recovery.

Shops located in malls where the Shoprite and Games stores are, were attacked in a "reprisal", following various reports of xenophobic attacks on foreigners and their enterprises, majority of whom are Nigerians, living in South-Africa. There have been a global out-cry against xenophobia.

Security Risk Alert: Non Functional Street-Lights Around Lagos, Calls For Attention Around!

One of the major challenges facing Nigeria, and most countries around the globe, is the need to put adequate security measures in place to prevent crimes. Albeit, Tannenbaum, 1943:2, assertion in Teeters, 1995:63, "No society is free from crime and it is to be accepted that "crime is an ever-present condition, even as sickness, disease, and death". Crime-preventive-measures, is a vital area most school of thoughts acknowledged, for the well-being and development of a society. Hence, the need for effective checks in place; as lack of these, have over time resulted in dire situations.

Grave attacks leading to loss of lives, properties and the most challenging, a lot of people have had to live with the trauma of counting their 'unexpected' losses. For this, governments the world over, have spent huge sums of money on security measures. Ranging from terrorism, to the minutest crimes, plans are put in place to curtail these attacks and in some cases, prevent a re-occurrance.

For the Nigerian situation, being security-conscious can never be overrated. All through the year, there abound official and unofficial reports of criminal attacks: pick-pockets, rapes, exertera, most of which are encouraged by the lack of measures in place.

As the "ember-months" approach, the need to tighten security across the nation can not be over-flogged, if indeed, the government truly cares for the people. To ensure a significant reduction in crime-rate, functional street-lights, incorruptible security personnel on strategic places, especially at nights, need to be top among other measures. Otherwise, what would be obtained will be a case of repetition of unproductive efforts.

Jubilee fly-over (Bridge), Ajah, Lagos

An example is the current situation, as portrayed in the pictures above and below, of the ascent of the Jubilee fly-over, from Ajuwa to Ilaje Bus-stop, or descent from Ilaje, into Ajuwe, Ajah area, Lekki-Lagos State, Nigeria, at night.

These pictures indicate that non of the street lights from this end on-wards, towards the Ibeju-Lekki axis, are currently functioning.

Jubilee fly-over (Bridge), Ajah, Lagos

A situation which leaves motorists at the mercy of their head-lights and, or corporate or privately owned structures along the express-way, to provide needed visibility.

Obianuju Mbanusi writes.

Africa's Many Challenges In The Face Of Potentials!

Six out of the ten fastest growing global economy,  are in Africa. Suffice to say 

that Nigeria failed to make the list. This could be owed to the hypocritical approach of the governments, in ensuring that genuine policies aimed at leveraging on the country's potentials, to build a formidable economy stands. There have been numerous attempts to enact policies that would have seen the sprout, sustenance of industries and ultimately, an all-round economic development; but like apparitions, they fizzled away before they were able to make any meaningful impact. As a result, the nation's economy continued to dwindle, up to it's current state, where it's no longer recognized among world's fastest growing economies. 

Fareed Zakaria, on a recently aired CNN's "What in the world" stated: ..."Africa continues to face massive problems in the form of corruption and mismanagement, not to mention natural-conflict. So would the continent's promising growth statistics reflects the simple fact that Africa is rich in natural resources, and a growing world-economy has created high demand for these products. Africa would however, demand the world's attention over the coming decades. It would have 1 billion people to its population by 2050, and 2 billion more by the end of the century; at which point, more than one in three people on the planet would be African. That demographic boom could create enormous problems, if it’s not accompanied by jobs and political stability. But it could provide the world with energy and dynamism, as populations age and growth slows than most of the rest of the world".

In what could be described as  a perfect example of the many problems the African continent is confronted with on all sides, and which have overtime, stalled its development. A Nigerian business man has cried out against the Nigerian Customs Authority, following what he termed the unlawful seizure of over 700 bags of made-in-Nigeria bags of rice recently in Lagos, Nigeria. 

As fragile as the situation seems, there is hope for the continent, Zakaria stated-  "Much of these would depend on Africa's leaders, who would have to finally fulfill the promise of the continent and its people. Too many have stolen from their people for too long". 

Security Agents Attached To Governor's Wife Shot, Killed Protesting Students!

The Security attached to Mrs. Bisi Fayemi, wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Kayoye Fayemi  reportedly killed two students of the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, southwest Nigeria. 

According to reports, on Tuesday, September 10, 2019, students of the Institution were having on a peaceful protest against constant power outage in the School, when the convoy of the First lady, Mrs. Bisi Fayemi, drove past; out of excitement, the students allegedly attacked the convoy. 

Consequently, the security personnel attached to the convoy opened fire on the protesting students, killing one of them, identified as Dada Oluwaseyifunmi Kehinde, on the spot, while another student was injured. The injured student, identified as Joseph Okonofua, a 300 level student of the Biology Education department, was later confirmed dead.

Until his death, Okonofua was the Social Director of Faculty of Education Students Association and a strong admirer of the Police Force.

The first casualty, Dada Kehinde, was reportedly buried on Thursday, September 12th, 2019. 

It was reported that after the shooting the First Lady said she did not give any order to-shoot. Meanwhile, Police authority in the state confirmed the arrest of two students in connection to the attack on the convoy. Two riffles, allegedly seized from the security agents, by the protesting students during the incident have been recovered by the Police.

Former Zimbabwean Leader, Robert Mugabe Is Dead!

Former Zimbabwean President, Robert Gabriel Mugabe is dead. The revolutionist turned politician died in Singapore, Malaysia, following a protracted ailment. 

Robert Mugabe: 1024 - 2019

Mugabe ruled Zimbabwe between 1980 and 2017, when he was forced to relinquish power. He will be remembered as a founding father and for his contributions to the history of the nation. He was aged 95. 

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Government Issues Travel Advisory To Citizens!

Reiterating its commitment to protecting the lives and properties of Nigerians living in South Africa, the Nigerian government has issued a travel advisory warning its citizens to avoid travelling to high-risk and volatile areas in South Africa. 

This came in the height of brewing tension caused by renewed Xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals, majority of whom are Nigerians living in South Africa. The statement, dated September 4th, and released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, condemned the attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa, which has led to the loss of lives and properties worth millions of naira. 

There have been a global out cry against xenophobic attacks. In support of the campaign against these attacks, Rwandan President, Paul Kagame, Malawian President, Peter Mutharika and President of the Democratic Republic of Congo opted out from the World Economic Forum on Africa, holding in Cape Town. 

Some Nigerian entertainers equally condemned the attacks and pulled out of scheduled concerts and events.

Anti-Xenophobic Looting: Sanwo-Olu Vows To Protect Lagosians Against Criminal Elements!

The Lagos State government has reacted to the reprisal attacks on South African owned businesses across the state by hoodlums who hijacked the anti-Xenophobic campaign.

Photos and videos have been circulating, of touts breaking into and carting away properties from Shoprite, PEP and stores located in the same malls. 

Vowing to protect the State against criminal elements, Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, expressed sadness over reported violence and criminal activities, as he warned Lagosians not to allow themselves be used as tools by criminal tools.

"I am saddened by reports of violent and criminal activities against legitimate businesses across Lagos over #Xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

Do not allow yourself be used as a tool by criminal elements.

While the Federal Government takes diplomatic and proactive actions to protect our brothers and sisters, as the Chief Security Officer of Lagos, I will protect the residents of Lagos against any criminal elements flying pretentious nationalist flags". - Sanwo-Olu.

South African Xenophobia: Distinguished Nigerians React!

Following reports of recent killings, destruction and looting of properties owned by Nigerians and people of other nationals living in South Africa, Nigerians and concerned individuals left no stone upturned in expressing their thoughts about these incidents, which have become like a norm in South Africa.

Photo Source: Daily Maverick

Nigeria's Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffery Onyeama: "Received sickening and depressing news of continued burning and looting of Nigerian shops and premises in #SouthAfrica by mindless criminals with ineffective police protection. Enough is enough. We will take definitive measures. @NigeriaGov @DigiCommsNG @GovernmentZA @DIRCO_ZA".

Former Vice President, and an aspirant in the last Presidential elections, Atiku Abubarka: "Reported attacks against Nigerians in South Africa is unacceptable and stands condemned. Urgent steps need to be taken with the SA authorities and the African Union to bring an end to this ill wind that can only end up destroying the fabric of our African brotherhood. -AA".

Nigerian Senator, Ben Murray- Bruce: "I am saddened by the stories and videos coming out of South Africa. I’ve also read reports that the Nigerian embassy in South Africa denied entry to Nigerians who visited to register their displeasure. These incidences are unfortunate. Our citizens deserve better! #Xonophobia".

Country Director For Nigeria, DAI, Dr Joe Abah, :"I am pleased that @ GeofferyOnyeama has taken a tough stand against #Xonophobia by #SouthAfrica, a country Nigeria fought hard to free from apartheid. President @MBuhari must ensure that the lives & businesses of Nigerians there are as safe as those of #SouthAfricans here. Enough!".

Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa: "I condemn in the strongest possible terms the repeated violent attacks against Nigerians in South Africa. The Federal Government must immediately liaise with the South African authorities to protect the lives and livelihoods of all our citizens.#SayNoToXenophobia"

Slapdee: "Dear South Africa, no African is a foreigner in African land. Please do the right thing."

Ryan Cummings: "Following the tweets of the Government of Nigeria and the Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister, its fair to say South Africa is the brink of a diplomatic crisis with Nigeria".

The Nigerian Government, through its Twitter handle, disclosed that four South African Officers were recently arrested in connection to the murder of a South African based Nigerian Business man, identified as Pius Abiaziem. 

Abiaziem was reportedly killed in Easter Cape, by four South African Police officers during interrogation in his residence.

#SayNoToXenophobia