Taskforce nabs 21 illegal street traders in Lagos

The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Taskforce) has arrested 21 suspected street traders during an operation to clear illegal trading in the state. The taskforce’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mr Abdulraheem Gbadeyan, confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday in Lagos. Please Read: Echoes of ‘iya shukudi’ in Trade fair Demolitions He said the enforcement was carried out at Iyana-Iba and Ojo areas along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway. According to him, the exercise was part of the agency’s ongoing clean-up drive against street trading, illegal ticketing, unauthorised road blockages, and unapproved bus stops. Gbadeyan said the team visited Iyana-Iba and adjoining roads where traders had resumed selling on the newly constructed roads, obstructing traffic and defacing the environment. He added that 21 suspects, including 15 males and six females, were arrested, while their goods and wares displayed on the roads were seized. Normalcy, he said, had been restored to all affected areas following the enforcement exercise. Read Also: The ShopRite Empty Shelves Video: Critical Economic Analysis Gbadeyan noted that all suspects would be prosecuted, while the confiscated items would be forfeited in line with the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Laws of 2017 and Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018. The taskforce chairman, CSP Shola Akerele, warned traders against displaying goods on highways and walkways, as such acts obstruct traffic flow and cause congestion. Gbadeyan also urged street traders, unathorised revenue collectors, and operators of unauthorised bus stops to desist or face the full weight of the law. 

Echoes of ‘Iya Shukudi’ in Trade Fair demolitions

An opinion piece condemning Nigeria’s failure to prioritize citizens’ security and welfare, citing deadly federal roads, poor infrastructure, elite indifference, and policy choices under successive governments, with sharp criticism of the Tinubu administration during the Christmas travel season.

By UGO ONUOHA  MANY issues have been playing out in Lagos state between the government and residents, especially with those of Igbo extraction. There appears to be no love lost. It has been a cat and mouse relationship since after the February 2023 presidential election in which Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi [an Igbo], defeated a ‘son of the soil’ Bola Ahmed Tinubu, candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress [APC] political party. The defeat of the Jagaban, who was a governor of the state between 1999 and 2007, was deemed an insult, an assault, and a sacrilege. It came as a shock of ‘tsunamic’ proportion because Tinubu, now president of Nigeria, was regarded as the builder and owner of Lagos, a claim that is blatantly untrue. He was regarded as a wily politician and a political strategist like no other. For once he was outed as a giant with clay feet. Since after his governorship, nobody became anything in the state at least, politically without his express approval, anointing, and support. And this includes each and everyone of his successors since 2007. You cannot even aspire to become a local government councillor unless you belong to the camp of ‘Baba sope’. Any beneficiary of Tinubu’s approval who allowed themselves to be suspected of disloyalty or harboured anything short of absolute fealty to the ruler was frozen out, and sent to the Siberia of Lagos. If in doubt, ask the one term governor of the state, Akinwumi Ambode. That the indigenes and residents of Lagos thought he did a good job in his first term was of no consequence. His performance did not guarantee him a second term. He was ousted at the party primary level. It now appears that his rehabilitation is on the horizon after six years and counting of being in the cold. Tinubu is the only governor of the ‘Class of 1999’ in Nigeria who allegedly successfully privatised a state, stork and barrel, for about two decades and counting. So the result of the 2023 presidential election was an aberration and a shock. The political bookmakers did not reckon with that outcome in their widest imagination. It was claimed that the margin of his loss in the informal and unannounced vote tally was staggering. And a huge price must be extracted from any persons or group suspected to have a hand in that humiliating defeat. The Igbo of Lagos were not just merely suspected of voting to defeat the owner of Lagos. Without evidence they were quickly branded as the original sinners, and as harbouring designs to seize the governorship of the state from the indigenes, the economic heartbeat of the Yoruba nation. So, the reprisal was swift and scorching. No Igbo in the state would be allowed to vote in the March 2023 governorship poll unless the enforcers headed by a rich [wealth extracted through extortion and violence], illiterate motor park lout were fully convinced that the Igbo voter would cast their ballot in favour of the ruling party [APC] candidate, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Videos from some enforcers including that from the popular or notorious motor park henchman in Lagos made the rounds. They warned Igbo voters not to come near the precincts of the voting stations unless they committed to voting for the ruling party candidate, and to show evidence that they did so. It was immaterial that it was unlawful to show who you voted for. Many were restrained from casting their ballots in that election including some Yoruba persons and non-Igbo residents of the state. Their crime: they were judged to resemble Igbo. Those who resisted the enforcers and insisted on voting were viciously attacked, bloodied and left for dead. M.C Oluomo who was the head of the enforcers of no voting for the Igbo of Lagos enjoyed, still enjoys, police escorts. And official protection. His godfather now lives in the Rock. RELATED STORIES: The police said Oluomo’s threat to the Igbo was a joke and completely harmless. He followed up the get out of jail template with a choreographed video which showed that his jocular banters with ‘Iya Shukudi’ [Yoruba for Igbo’s Chukwudi’s mother], his alleged long time friend and neighbour, was misconstrued as a threat to the Igbo voters in Lagos. But nobody was fooled. Oluomo has since relocated to Abuja to head the national body of road transport workers union, about the same time that Tinubu assumed the presidency, also in Abuja. Oluomo’s relocation and promotion could be a reward for a job well done. Another person who was alleged to play a role in the fall of Tinubu in Lagos in 2023 was his party man and the governor of the state, Sanwo-Olu. It took time to ‘unmask’ his role though there was no supporting evidence placed in the public domain. In ‘Baba sope’s’ camp mere suspicion is enough evidence. The governor was hounded and publicly humiliated. He was ridiculed and castrated. Obviously, with backing from a higher authority, the speaker of the Lagos state house of assembly was empowered to demean and disgrace the governor. He was reportedly at the brink of impeachment. His alleged manoeuvre to remove the speaker was bursted. Indeed, the governor was forced to swallow his own vomit. Respite came when he managed to find sympathizers who agreed to accompany him to Abuja to pay obeisance to their god. Even the allegations of his using a female socialite, whose birthday party he was said to have sneaked out of state to attend in one exotic island in a far-flung part of the world, to launder money has gone cold. The deity that they worship does not stop demanding for blood sacrifices. That probably explains the governor’s overzealousness in doing-in the Igbo to satisfy his master. And one certain way to get at the Igbo is to destroy their businesses and threaten their livelihoods. In this regard the Lagos state government under Sanwo-Olu appears to be in overdrive. And demolitions of properties owned by

NLC demands probe of UBA Fire, market Infernos

Insists that the fires are totally not accidents of fate The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has demanded an independent probe into the recent United Bank for Africa (UBA) fire and other infernos on Lagos Island. This is according to a statement signed by the Acting President of NLC, Prince Adewale Adeyanju,  on Thursday in Abuja. It would be recalled that on Sept. 16, no fewer than  six people died in the UBA Afriland Building blaze, while several others sustained injuries and remain hospitalised. “Our grief is worsened by the fresh memory of another devastating fire that consumed shops and warehouses in the same axis, destroying livelihoods and goods valued in billions of Naira. “These fires are totally not accidents of fate. They are products of systemic rot, institutional negligence,, and disregard for safety rules which expose citizens to needless deaths and losses,” it said. The NLC said that the sight of workers jumping out of windows to escape the UBA fire was disheartening. “Were there safety precautions in the building design? Were workers trained? Where were crisis management teams?” the statement asked. The congress also expressed concern over recurring market fires in Lagos, calling them an annual ritual that should have been addressed with adequate safeguards. It added that every society was judged by how it safeguarded citizens. “In Lagos, we see the opposite fires without water, collapsing buildings without rescue, citizens without emergency response. “Why do emergency agencies continue to budget billions annually yet arrive unprepared in moments of crisis?. “Why are corporate institutions allowed to compromise safety standards without accountability?” it asked. The NLC,  therefore, demanded the investigation of the fires, compensation for victims, mandatory safety enforcement, and adequate funding for emergency services. “No worker should leave home for work and end up in the morgue because of preventable disasters,” it said. The NLC also warned against reducing the tragedies to mere statistics. “The blood of the workers cries out for justice,” the statement said. The NLC commended NEMA for issuing flood warnings but urged proactive evacuations and long-term solutions to annual flooding linked to water releases from Cameroon. It called on Nigerians to resist normalising tragedies. “We must demand institutions that work, safety that is guaranteed, and governance that protects, not abandons,” the NLC stated.

Police clear gridlock on Third Mainland Bridge as residents protest Oworonshoki demolition

Says CP Jimoh directed the use of minimal force to disperse the crowd Residents of Oworo turned out in large numbers, early on Monday to protest the decision of the state government to carry out massive demolition of their houses without adequate notice or compensation, leaving many families displaced. The Police Command in Lagos State says normalcy has been restored on the 3rd Mainland Bridge following a protest staged by residents of Oworo over demolitions in their area. The command Deputy spokesperson, DSP Babaseyi Oluseyi made this known in a statement on Monday in Lagos. He said that the protesters had blocked the section of the bridge near Iyana Oworo Bus Stop, obstructing movement from the Island to the Mainland. Oluseyi said that upon receiving the information, the Commissioner of Police(CP), Mr Olohundare Jimoh, swiftly moved to the scene alongside detachments of the Mobile Police Force, Tactical Units, and Police Mobile Force personnel. “His presence was to ensure immediate engagement, de-escalation, and the protection of lives and property. “CP Jimoh personally interfaced with the protesters in a bid to understand their grievances and persuade them to vacate the bridge, ” he said. The image maker said that when the commissioner appeal failed and the road remained blocked, he ordered the use of minimal force to disperse the crowd. “Despite his appeals, the protesters remained adamant, resulting in continued blockage of the busy route and worsening the distress of commuters, including reports of sick individuals trapped in traffic who required urgent medical attention. “In the interest of public safety and to avert further breakdown of law and order, CP Jimoh directed the use of minimal force to disperse the crowd. “Barricades erected by the protesters were dismantled, traffic obstructions were cleared, and the free flow of vehicles was restored without any loss of life, ” the spokesperson said. According to Oluseyi, the command reassures the public of its neutrality and unwavering commitment to maintaining law, order, and peace across the state. He called on residents to always channel their grievances through lawful means while assuring that the police remained dedicated to protecting the rights of all citizens.

‘One-way’ driver kills tri-cyclist, flees scene – LASTMA

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) says a one-way SUV driver fled after colliding with a tricycle operator, resulting in the operator’s tragic death. LASTMA General Manager, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, made this known in a statement on Sunday by Mr Taofiq Adebayo, Director of Public Affairs. Bakare-Oki stated the fatal crash occurred at Origan, Oko-Afo, along the Badagry Expressway corridor in Lagos State. The crash involved a commercial tricycle with registration MUS 716 QM and a Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC SUV with the custom plate “OSUNFNKE.” Preliminary findings indicate the SUV driver was travelling in the wrong direction — commonly known as “one-way” — from Ile-Epo towards Oko-Afo, flouting traffic rules. According to Bakare- Oki, this serious violation led to a head-on collision with the oncoming tricycle, resulting in fatal injuries to the tricycle operator. The operator suffered severe trauma, including a dislocated knee, and was confirmed dead at the scene. “In a shocking act of negligence, the SUV driver abandoned both his vehicle and the victim’s body and fled the scene. “LASTMA officials quickly secured the site and escalated the matter to the Morogbo Division of the Nigeria Police Force. “Police officers promptly took over the location, while the Federal Road Safety Corps transported the body to Badagry General Hospital mortuary. “To clear traffic, the damaged tricycle and SUV were removed by LASTMA and handed to police for investigation and possible prosecution,” he said. Bakare-Oki condemned the incident, calling the driver’s conduct a grave threat to public safety and a breach of transport laws. “This death highlights the deadly consequences of traffic lawlessness,” he said, expressing deep sorrow over the avoidable loss of life. He lamented that, in spite of ongoing campaigns and enforcement, some drivers still display reckless disregard for traffic rules and other road users. He reaffirmed LASTMA’s mission to ensure safer roads through active traffic control, public education, and strict law enforcement. “This tragedy could’ve been avoided had the driver obeyed traffic signs and regulations,” Bakare-Oki stated. He urged motorists to act responsibly, noting that even one life lost is a tragedy too many. The general manager offered sincere condolences to the deceased’s family, praying they find strength and peace in their grief. LASTMA reminded all road users to respect life and avoid dangerous acts like one-way driving that endanger public safety.

Sanusi accepts outcome of Ojokoro LCDA APC primary

Mr Mobolaji Sanusi, a chairmanship aspirant has accepted the outcome of the APC primary election in Ojokoro LCDA, Lagos state. Some party leaders reportedly described Sanusi as an imposed candidate. In a statement on Sunday, he said he accepted the party’s final decision without further contest. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that APC Electoral Committee Chairman, Mr Babatunde Ogala, SAN, declared Oluyemisi Rosiji winner of Saturday’s primary at the APC Secretariat. Fifty-five of the 57 expected APC chairmanship candidates for the July 12 Lagos Local Government elections emerged from the party’s just-concluded primaries. Sanusi, a leading aspirant in Ojokoro, disputed the announced 21-2 vote tally, calling it “outrageously concocted” and lacking credibility. He said he participated in the primaries to secure the party’s mandate to run for Ojokoro LCDA chairman. “The score of 21-2 is outrageously concocted. But I accept it. It is absolutely fine by me. “I did not lose the APC ACME Secretariat primary. Those responsible for the laughable score will face their conscience, forever,” he said. However, Sanusi pledged loyalty to the party. “The party has spoken, and that’s final. We’ve moved from complaint to reality,” he said. He reaffirmed his commitment, saying he would contribute to the party’s success going forward, in spite of the outcome. Sanusi, former MD/CEO of Lagos State Signage & Advertisement Agency (LASAA), insisted the result wasn’t due to a lack of qualification or leadership experience. He revealed that 12 out of 18 LCDA leaders, including a key woman leader, had endorsed him as the consensus candidate. Sanusi expressed gratitude to supporters, especially the Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, for his steadfast support. “To him and my thousands of supporters: we have not lost,” Sanusi said, offering reassurance. He added, “Ojokoro has been denied the chance to have a competent, credible, and tested leader for the next four years.”

DINA, film seeking urgent protection for girl-child, premières

A compelling new film, DINA, which is set to ignite conversations on the urgent need to protect adolescent girls from sexual violence and exploitation will be premiered on March 21. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the film, written and produced by Wilson Ukhurebor, and directed by South African cinematographer MG Legend, exposes the harsh realities young girls face. The movie with the theme, “What Society Does to Us”, serves as a wake-up call for stronger protective policies, increased awareness and community-driven interventions to safeguard vulnerable girls across Nigeria. It also calls for immediate action from stakeholders, including families, communities, and policymakers. DINA, which was endorsed by the Lagos State Ministry of Youths and Social Development, and supported by the International Child Safety Report Initiative, aligns with ongoing national and global efforts to combat gender-based violence. The film challenges society to confront the cultural and systemic failures that leave young girls unprotected, urging collective responsibility in securing their future. NAN also reports that DINA will be screened at select locations in Lagos, including a private screening for the media on March 21, and public screening for organised students and key stakeholders. The movie will also be showcased in 10 cinemas across the state, ensuring that educators, students and policymakers engage with its critical message.

Another first for Lagos as Gov. unveils Africa’s first AI feature film

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has unveiled Africa’s first feature film on Artificial Intelligence, titled Makemation, on Sunday. Speaking at the unveiling in Marina, Sanwo-Olu said the AI film, produced by human development expert, Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, will make its cinematic debut in Lagos on Friday, Apr. 18. He praised the producer and cast, assuring creatives of his willingness to collaborate on transformative ideas that project and develop the state’s creative industry. Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in essential infrastructure that will enable the creative sector to thrive. “This production highlights the power of collaboration. We need more partnerships like this. Our role is to enable and create platforms for you to excel. “This is the most innovative industry. See this government as a partner in shaping the future we all desire,” he said. Producer Akerele-Ogunsiji said the film explores themes such as STEM education, digital skills, financial literacy, and gender equality. She noted that Makemation, starring Richard Mofe-Damijo, Tony Umez, Shaffy Bello, Ibrahim Chatta, Toyin Afolayan, and Ali Nuhu, examines the intersection of real life and AI. The film also explores AI’s transformative power and its impact on the fourth industrial revolution, she explained. “Viewers will see young people designing bras that detect breast cancer. We must move beyond consuming innovation and start building our own. “Nigerian films should showcase our indigenous innovations. This film is for the future. Success isn’t reserved for a select few,” she said. Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, highlighted the government’s efforts to empower creatives over the past six years. She said the ministry has trained nearly 20,000 young Nigerians in filmmaking, content creation, and other creative fields through strategic partnerships. Institutions such as EbonyLife Academy, Gidi Creatives, AMA Creative Academy, and Delyork Academy have collaborated on these initiatives, she added. She stressed that technology is key to the industry’s future, with Lagos positioning itself as a leader in digital innovation. “Our visit to San Francisco to engage with tech entrepreneur Ghazi Shami was a strategic step toward fostering strong digital partnerships. “We aim to build a globally competitive workforce ready to dominate the creative economy,” she added. She noted that the government has provided grants to filmmakers to support high-quality productions capable of competing internationally. “By investing in local storytelling, we ensure our narratives reach global audiences while creating jobs within the industry,” she said. Ali Nuhu, Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation, commended Sanwo-Olu’s support for filmmakers. “As part of the cast, I am excited about this project. The governor’s support is commendable. “We now need the media’s backing to create buzz around this innovation,” he said. Microsoft’s Country Manager, Olatomiwa Williams, stressed the need to equip young Nigerians with responsible AI skills. She advocated for collaborations between tech hubs, government, schools, and private organisations to expand AI education. “This initiative is inspiring. With government support, we must focus on educating Nigerians on responsible AI use,” she said. Livespot360 Co-Founder, Oluwadamilare Art Alade, highlighted AI’s role in preserving cultural heritage. Makemation features Nollywood stars, tech experts, public officials, and social media talents in an unconventional mix. The four-quadrant family drama blends pop culture, research, and AI into an engaging, high-tension, and comedic masterpiece.

Breaking News: Fire guts Ladipo market, Lagos

Destroys goods worth millions of Naira Fire on Tuesday gutted some shops in the Ladipo market destroying goods worth millions of Naira. The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday. He said that the agency received distress calls through its 767 and 112 emergency toll-free lines at about 00.09hrs concerning the fire outbreak. ”LASEMA immediately activated the state’s emergency response plans and response team from its Cappa Base. ”Upon arrival at 00.16hrs at the scene of the incident, it was discovered that a warehouse surrounded by shops was gutted by the fire. ”Investigations revealed that the inferno was caused by an electric power surge after public electricity power supply was restored to the area,” he said. Oke-Osanyintolu said that there was no record of injury or loss of life during the incident. ”Valuable goods worth a fortune were however, destroyed by the inferno,” he said. He said that the goods destroyed include electronics, generating sets, bicycles, auto spare parts, phones, and home appliances. The permanent secretary said that occupants of the warehouse have been sensitised on the appropriate safety measures to take to prevent a re-occurrence in the future.