LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT Archives

Noise Pollution: Lagos Govt To Seal Churches, Mosques, Others; Lists Offenders

The Lagos State Government has taken a firm stance against noise pollution, revealing its intent to seal off a number of establishments in the Alimosho area of the state, which have been identified as major offenders. The decision, communicated through the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), aims to curtail the disruptive impact of noise pollution on both residents and the environment. The list of establishments slated for closure includes churches, mosques, eateries, and hotels. These are: “His Glory Cloud Church, Sure Word and Power Bible Church, Soliheena Central Mosque, Mountain of Power Deliverance, Cherubim & Seraphim Church, Iberuoluwa Mosque, Chirozz Hotel, Mayoral Hotel, West End Lounge & Bar, The Establishment Hotel, and Ayoola Foods.” In its statement, the government emphasized that these measures are being implemented to address the identified instances of noise pollution and other environmental transgressions. The move comes as part of a broader effort to create a more peaceful and harmonious living environment for Lagos residents while preserving the city’s ecosystem. The decision has sparked discussions about the importance of maintaining a balance between religious or business activities and the well-being of the community. While freedom of worship and business operations are essential, the government seeks to ensure that these activities are conducted within acceptable noise levels and environmental standards. As the affected establishments face the prospect of closure, it remains to be seen how they will respond and whether adjustments can be made to align with the government’s objectives of reducing noise pollution in Lagos.

Lagos Government Shuts Down Alaba International Market

Officials of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit have taken decisive action against Alaba International Market, Ojo. The operation took place during the early hours of Monday, and was revealed through an official statement posted by Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab. Commissioner Wahab disclosed that the renowned Alaba International Market had been sealed due to a combination of serious environmental violations. The primary reasons cited for this action were the market’s poor waste disposal practices, failure to settle outstanding waste bills, and a host of gross environmental sanitation offences. Recall that Ladipo Market in Mushin was reopened after being close for various environmental infractions.

Many ENDSARS Protesters Still Languishing In Lagos Prisons –Amnesty Int’l

Amnesty International has reported that a total of fifteen protesters, arrested in 2020 during the #EndSARS protests, are still being arbitrarily detained three years after the movement that shook Nigeria. The majority of these detainees are held in Kirikiri Medium Correctional Centre and Ikoyi Medium Security Correctional Centre in Lagos, without trial. According to human rights group, charges filed against the protesters include theft, arson, possession of unlawful firearms, and murder, some of whom have alleged torture. Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, expressed concern, stating, “Our investigation shows the Nigerian authorities’ utter disdain for human rights. Three years in detention without trial is a travesty of justice. The protesters must be immediately and unconditionally released.” The report also highlighted the ongoing issue of police brutality in Nigeria despite claims of comprehensive police reforms following the #EndSARS protests. “The police continue to commit violations of human rights, including extrajudicial killings, harassment, arbitrary detention, and extortion with almost absolute impunity,” he said, adding that Amnesty International documented the unlawful killing of at least six people by law enforcement officers in the past year. Amnesty International further called on Nigerian authorities to take concrete and effective measures to end police impunity, including giving clear directives to the police not to violate human rights. It also urged genuine reforms to address widespread human rights violations by the police. The #EndSARS protests in Nigeria began on October 8, 2020, in response to the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and police brutality. The protests led to casualties, including peaceful protesters and individuals hired to confront the protesters. Despite claims, police reforms, and ongoing investigations, concerns about human rights abuses and justice persist.

LASG Reopens Ladipo, Mile 12 Markets

The Lagos State Government has reopened Ladipo Market, Mushin, after meeting the most essential criteria set for reopening sealed markets. The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, said this in a statement on Monday. Wahab said business activities would commence at the popular spare parts market, after its recent closure for various environmental infractions. Wahab noted that the administration of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu priotised the issue of clean environment, public health, and safety in line with the THEMES Plus agenda. This, he said, informed the recent drive to enforce strict compliance with waste management best practice across markets in the state. Also commenting on the reopening of the market, the Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to environmental sustainability and public safety, particularly within markets and around business facilities. Gbadegesin said the goal was to ensure all markets in Lagos State followed laid down environmental rules, resulting in a safer and healthier business environment for buyers and sellers. He urged the traders to support the efforts of the state government, by adhering strictly to the environmental laws, as market that runs foul risked indefinite closure Earlier on Monday, the state government reopened the Mile 12 International Market after meeting the required conditions.

LASG Arrests, To Arraign 30 Environmental Offenders

The Lagos State Government has arrested about 30 environmental offenders for improper disposal of wastes and disregard for the state’s environmental laws. They will be arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court on Monday. The environmental laws enforcement team comprises officers from the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), and Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), also known as KAI. The offenders, who were apprehended in different locations, were said to be engaged in acts capable of defacing the environment and derailing efforts to entrench cleanliness in the metropolis. According to Mr Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, the arrest and subsequent prosecution of people engaged in indiscriminate waste disposal shows that it is no longer business as usual. “The state government will not fold its hands and watch some elements derail efforts to maintain sanity in the city. “Today’s action will serve as a deterrent and warning to others. “The era of people hiding under the guise of darkness to dump waste at unauthorised locations is over; anyone caught will be prosecuted,” he told newsmen. He appealed to residents to acquire waste bins and regularly clean up their surroundings as government plans to commence full environmental checks on homes and business premises. The official reminded residents of their legal obligation towards a sustainable environment which included acquiring covered waste bins, shunning reckless waste disposal and mandatory patronage of assigned private operators. “It is imperative for every resident, householders and business owners alike, to be aware of their legal obligations regarding waste management. “Everyone must procure bins, engage with assigned private participants, refrain from indiscriminate waste disposal, maintain drains and clean the frontage of their establishments,” Wahab said LAWMA managing director Muyiwa Gbadegesin, on his part, urged households to imbibe the habit of sorting their wastes at source. “Such waste should be segregated into recyclables and non-recyclables and be disposed at designated waste bins recommended by LAWMA. “If we do this, it will reduce the menace of indiscriminate waste dumping that defaces the cityscape. “The responsibility for maintaining a clean environment is a collective one. It is not the sole duty of LAWMA or the state government. It is the duty of every individual, household and business owner in Lagos. “We are appealing to residents to avoid indiscriminate dumping of wastes in public spaces as it poses significant health and environmental hazards. Violators of environmental laws will face severe legal consequences,” Gbadegesin said.

Elevator Tragedy: Sanwo-Olu hands installer over to police for questioning

The Lagos State Government has handed the installer responsible for the faulty elevator that led to the death of medical doctor Vwaere Diaso at the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island, over to the police for questioning. NIGERIAN ANCHOR had reported that the incident occurred last Tuesday, prompting the government to initiate an inquiry into the accident. In a statement, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Olumide Sogunle, stated that a panel has been set up to investigate the incident. The panel includes experts who will conduct a thorough mechanical and electrical examination of the elevator. The lift installer was immediately interviewed by the panel and handed over to the police for further interrogation to ensure his availability for additional questioning. Representatives of the medical associations and six house officers were appointed as witnesses and allowed to be part of the panel. The panel has been given 48 hours to complete their investigation, and a report of their initial findings is expected on Saturday. The appropriate authorities will take any necessary further actions based on the panel’s report. Meanwhile, the Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has continued its indefinite strike in three hospitals to protest the death of their colleague. Further updates on the investigation and the strike are yet to be confirmed by the appropriate authorities.

Alaba Market Demolition- Ohaneze bemoans plight of Igbo traders

The Ohaneze Ndigbo has expressed concern over the lingering problems in Lagos over the planned demolition of some property at the Alaba Market dominated by Igbo traders. The President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, said this in a statement issued by the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr Alex Ogbonnia on Saturday in Enugu. Ohaneze said since the disturbing news broke out, they had made investigations in order to establish the true state of affairs. Iwuanyanwu said, “The attention of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has been drawn to several fake publications circulating on social media alleging a decision by the Lagos State Government to take actions to victimize the Igbo citizens domiciled in Lagos”. He said based on its investigation, one reliable source, Comrade Chinedu Ukatu, Member, Lagos State Market Advisory Council said, “the Lagos State Environment and Development Authority has been issuing warnings as regards the obstruction of some waterways”. Ukatu, who is also the President Ndigbo-Amaka Progressive Market Association, Lagos, added “all that happened at Alaba and the emergency visit by the state government officials were directly about those blocking the free flow of water through the provided water ways”. Ukatu explained that the directive as “not in any way related to plazas and shops on the markets or along the market road”. He enjoined all and sundry to “disregard the statements and video messages trending on the internet and admonished that such propaganda was not necessary for the Igbos at this time”. Another Alaba resident, Chief Ikechukwu Okolo told Ohaneze that, some structures were erected on waterways, thereby obstructing drainages and causing flooding, especially during the rainy seasons. Okolo stated that, “the owners of the affected structures have since been notified, for months, but as we can see, each time the execution order was to be effected, corrupt Government officials would get compromised, and the flooding challenge continues, until this time”. Chief Evaristus Ozonweke, an Ohaneze chieftain, resident in Lagos, has also validated the above position. Iwuanyanwu urged the Lagos State Environment and Development Authority (LASEDA) to exercise prudence and best considerations in discharging their duties as he asked the Igbo in Lagos to remain calm. He, therefore, indicated a pressing need to visit Lagos and the South West in the next few weeks as he was very optimistic that during the visit, all the challenges confronting the Igbo in Lagos would be addressed.

World Environment Day: Foundation, partners rid Elegushi Beach of plastic waste

As part of activities to mark World Environment Day, an NGO, Sterling One Foundation, and partners have carried out a clean-up exercise at Elegushi Beach to rid it of plastic waste. The event, which took place on Saturday in Lagos, was in commemoration of World Environmental Day (WED). Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the foundation, Mrs. Olapeju Ibekwe, said that plastics had become a threat to the environment, health, and sustainability of the earth. Ibekwe said that the theme of the 2023 WED – “Solutions to Plastic Pollution”, called for collaborative action from governments, businesses, and individuals to work together to put an end to plastic pollution. She said that the foundation was delighted in joining its partners who love and care for the environment to ensure that Elegushi Beach was free of plastics. “It is something that we have always prioritized at the Sterling One Foundation; we prioritise climate action, and one of the ways we ensure that we execute our programs is to adopt beaches for clean up in a sustainable way. “Today we are commemorating WED with our partners. We are picking plastics from the oceanfront to ensure that they do not get into our oceans and be part of the plastic that reports say will be more than fish in the oceans by 2050. “We are also here to sensitise the community on the need for us to be intentional about ensuring that plastic is not just looked at as waste, but also a resource that can go back into our economy and help in job creation and poverty reduction,” Ibekwe said. She expressed gratitude to Sterling Bank and other partners who made the event worthwhile. Also speaking, Dr Mobolaji Gaji, Permanent Secretary, Environmental Services, Lagos State Ministry of Environment, said that plastic pollution was a major challenge to the world. Represented by Mr. Bolajii Osinowo, the Chief Scientist Officer in the Ministry, Gaji said that a minimum of 400 million tonnes of plastic waste were generated annually. Gaji said that if the wastes were left unused, they find their way into drainages, and the wetlands causing challenges to the environment. “It is advisable that we adopt the reduce, reuse, and recycle policy of the Lagos State Government on plastic waste. “This will help to reduce the volume of plastic waste that we generate,” Gaji said. The Permanent Secretary also expressed concern about the use of plastic chopping boards in the kitchen. He said that over time, particles of plastic (micro/nano plastics) find their way to the food we eat, of which is harmful. He added that the burning of plastics to light firewood or charcoal for cooking emits Green House Gases (GHG) into the atmosphere, causing climate change. Also speaking, the Aroba of Ikate Kingdom, Chief Olalekan Bakare, called for a cleaner environment. He expressed gratitude to partners and volunteers who came to help in cleaning the beach. According to him, the Ikate Kingdom along the coast is one of the fastest-growing real estate areas in Lagos State with an increasing population. “It is also very important that whilst we are making sure that the residents and businesses are safe, we also have to make sure that the environment is kept clean. “It is very important to create awareness on waste disposal, recycling, and the importance of keeping the environment clean,” the royal father said.

Senate Presidency: Sanwo-Olu receives ‘Stability Group’, supports Akpabio

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sunday expressed support for the ambitions of Sen. Godswill Akpabio and Sen. Barau Jibrin as President and Deputy President of the 10th Senate, respectively. Sanwo-Olu expressed his support at a consultative visit to Lagos House, Marina, when he received members of the “Stability Group’’, consisting 69 senators-elect, who already endorsed Akpabio and Jibrin. He said the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination process to pave the way for election of senate leadership was in order. He noted that Akpabio’s team possessed the political credentials and leadership qualities to bring about uncommon transformation in the country. The governor said he aligned with APC’s zoning decision having read the legislative agenda initiated by the Akpabio-led group to raise the bar of law-making. He stressed that it was instructive that the group was prepared to collaborate with the incoming administration of the President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu. He urged the senate leadership nominees to make purposeful legislations their priority, while maintaining harmonious working relationships with other arms of government without compromising legislative independence. “Having discussed plans and agenda presented by `Stability Group’ led by Sen. Akpabio extensively, I believe it is appropriate that we, in Lagos State give them our official endorsement. “This is a project for the stability of the country which will benefit Nigerians, especially the people who elected these distinguished lawmakers-elect. “They are committed to working harmoniously with the Executive arm of government and this will bring about a win-win for all our citizens and for democracy. “We are encouraging other lawmakers-elect who are yet to be on this group to fall in line. “I also appeal to the `Stability Group’ to continue its consultation and collaboration and not to take anyone for granted,’’ Sanwo-Olu said. He added that members of the group had assured him that they would make the senate leadership as inclusive as possible. “The diversity they are preaching is reflected in the number of senators-elect in the group; it is not one party. The membership cuts across all parties that are represented in the National Assembly. “I believe the incoming 10th National Assembly will be about great possibilities and shaping new course for the nation. “Given the outstanding profile and experience Sen. Akpabio and his group are bringing to the table, I believe there will be new standards and new legislative records will break. “I will only urge the incoming senate leadership to surpass whatever achievements recorded by the 9th Senate,’’ the governor added. Akpabio, a former Senate minority leader representing Akwa Ibom Northwest, described Tinubu as “God’s own choice’’ for the country’s leadership. He noted that the incoming Tinubu administration required the support of dynamic legislative leadership to work together to deliver promises made to Nigerians. The former Akwa Ibom governor said he would deploy multi-faceted, multi-dimensional and national approaches to law-making, if he became senate president. He said that the Senate under his leadership would have a complete control over its affairs without being confrontational with the Executive arm of government. Akpabio said that he and his proposed deputy would work with the Tinubu administration to make the country better and make laws that would support development. “The `Stability Group’ of the 10th Senate is made up of men and women of integrity. We came to present ourselves to the Lagos State governor and to solicit his support. “He has thrown his support behind us; he has shown so much hospitality. Today, he endorsed my humble self as President of the 10th Senate and Sen. Jibrin as Deputy Senate President-designate. “We are not taking this support for granted. This team has senators-elect from different political backgrounds and parties,’’ he said. Akpabio added that the group was determined to ensure collaboration and support for the incoming administration of Sen. Tinubu whose presidency is a nationalistic project that will bring positive development to Nigeria. “We want Sen. Tinubu to replicate what has happened in Lagos in the last 24 years of democracy to cover the rest of the country. “Particularly, we are challenged by the economy; we want to see serious improvement in Internally-Generated Revenue of the nation to enable us to repay our loans. “We want to see more foreign direct investments. We will support Tinubu through favourable legislations to ensure Nigeria remains investment-friendly and the business destination in Africa,’’ Akpabio stressed.