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

The Duke of Sussex Flew Commercial Plane To Initiate Eco-Tourism Project In Amsterdam!

The Duke of Sussex, arrived Amsterdam, Netherland, to inaugurate a new eco-tourism project.

Prince Harry is expected to make an important speech later in the day, on the role of the travel industry and how it can help save the world.


Photo credit: TIM ROOKE/SHUTTERSTOCK