Travel Expert Warns Rising Costs Threaten Detty December
Mr. Gbenga Onitilo, Chief Executive Officer of TravelDen, has cautioned that unchecked price hikes could erode the appeal of Nigeria’s popular Detty December festivities. Speaking with journalists in Lagos on Thursday, Onitilo said many visitors were already voicing frustrations over inflated costs, warning that the trend could dampen enthusiasm for the holiday season and hurt the tourism sector. He described the current pricing landscape as “unsustainable,” noting that some hotels, event organisers, and service providers were charging between three and six times their usual rates. “Accommodation, entertainment, and hospitality services have gone overboard. We are gradually creating an environment that discourages returning Nigerians and international visitors,” he said. READ OTHER STORIES: https://nigeriananchor.com/3-injured-as-ndlea-officers-battle-drug-dealers-in-edo/ https://nigeriananchor.com/money-laundering-gbajabiamila-seeks-creation-of-gaming-regulatory-associations-to-tackle-menace/ https://nigeriananchor.com/host-communities-threaten-to-shutdown-oil-production-over-3-pia-fund/ Onitilo explained that Detty December gained momentum in 2024 through social media, which showcased Nigeria’s rich nightlife, food culture, concerts, and tourism experiences. The season, he added, became a homecoming highlight for Nigerians in the diaspora eager to reconnect with local culture. However, he lamented that some operators now set prices targeting foreign currency spenders, neglecting affordability—a key element of Nigeria’s festive tradition. “If this continues, many Nigerians will choose other destinations with structured, reasonably priced holiday experiences,” Onitilo warned, citing Ghana and Rwanda as examples of countries with better-regulated festive economies. He urged government intervention to stabilise pricing through regulation, stakeholder engagement, and possible subventions to protect the seasonal economy. “This year, many stakeholders prepared well, but we have taken pricing out of order,” he said. “Bars, restaurants, and hotels are pushing limits unnecessarily.” Onitilo emphasised that sustaining Detty December would require collaboration, fair pricing, and long-term planning to keep Nigeria competitive and attractive to both local and international holidaymakers.
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.
Binis Didn’t Found Lagos, Balogun Of Eko Counters Benin Monarch
The Balogun of Eko, Abisoye Oshodi, has disputed claims made by the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, regarding the founding of Lagos. During Oba Ewuare II’s recent visit to Lagos State, he said that the Binis were responsible for founding certain parts, if not all, of Lagos. However, Oshodi, in a video circulated online, refuted this claim, asserting that Lagos was never founded by the Binis. “Incorrect,” remarked Oshodi, addressing Oba Ewuare II respectfully. “Lagos existed prior to the arrival of your ancestors. They settled on a small island known as Eko, but they did not establish it. The island predates their arrival.” Oshodi clarified that the Binis introduced a taxation system upon their arrival but did not create the island. He highlighted the presence of various tribes like the Awori’s, Isheri’s, and Olofin’s before Lagos’ establishment. The dispute between the two monarchs has triggered widespread debates on social media platforms, sparking discussions about Lagos’ historical origins and the diverse cultural influences that shaped the region.
NDLEA Seizes 2 Tons Of Illicit Drugs In Lagos, Kogi, 5 Other States
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted more than two tons of illicit substances in Lagos, Ogun, Edo, Ekiti, Anambra, Ondo and Kogi in the last one week. Its spokesman, Mr Femi Babafemi, stated on Sunday in Abuja, that the agency’s operatives stormed a warehouse at Obi Camp in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo on Monday, Nov. 20. They seized 338kg of Indian hemp concealed in sacks of charcoal in the raid. NDLEA operatives also raided Ikhin Forest in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo on Saturday, Nov. 25 and seized 235kg of the same psychoactive substance. “A suspect, Onah Ikechukwu (32) was arrested at Jattu in Etsako West Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday, Nov. 22. “The operatives seized 11,690 capsules of tramadol, 295 bottles of codeine syrup and various quantities of Molly, Indian hemp and Methamphetamine from the suspect. “Another raid on Wednesday, Nov. 22 at Enu-Owa Street, Lagos Island, led to the seizure of 40,500 ampoules of pentazocine injection and 440,000 pills of tramadol in a store belonging to one fleeing Ebuka Amechi. “Not less than 135,600 capsules of tramadol and 950gm of Indian hemp were seized from two suspects – Afamefuna Ibekwe (37), and Sunday Onweh (41) at Nkpor, Akuzor and Ose-Ogbaijo, Onitsha, respectively,’’ he stated. Babafemi added that 37,360 pills of different psychoactive drugs and 250 bottles of codeine syrup were recovered from one Muhammed Khamis (22) on Thursday, Nov. 23 on the Okene-Lokoja-Abuja Expressway. The drugs were being transported from Onitsha, Anambra to Abuja, Babafemi stated. NDLEA operatives in Ekiti seized 288kg of Indian hemp at Odo-Owa Forest in Ijero Local Government Area of the state on Saturday, Nov. 25. “At least, 116kg of Indian hemp were seized from a suspect, Chinagoram Obaru (24) who was arrested at Iju Forest on Thursday, Nov. 23,’’ he added. Babafemi also stated that 859kg of Indian hemp, concealed among bags of sugar in a truck for onward transportation to Mokwa, Niger state were recovered. The consignment, he added, was loaded at Ogbese in Ondo State and hidden among bags of cement in a truck before it was trans-loaded into another articulated vehicle in Ogun. On Friday, Nov. 24, NDLEA operatives in Ogun arrested two suspects – Adamu Ibrahim and Nura Sani at Ileke trailer garage, on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa commended the officers and men over the seizures and arrests. He charged them to remain vigilant and to double their efforts, especially as criminal networks had become desperate to make quick money preparatory to the Yuletide season.
Lottery Regulation Feud: Supreme Court Hears Lagos, Ekiti Suit Against FG, March
Fifteen years later, the Supreme Court on Monday, fixed March 13, 2024 to hear a suit filed in 2008, by the Attorney General of Lagos State against the Federal Government, in respect of who controls and regulates the gaming and lottery sector. Ekiti state was joined as co-Plaintiff in the suit following an order of the court made on October 6, 2020. The Attorney General of the Federation is the 1st Defendant while the National Assembly is 2nd Defendant. The Attorneys General of 34 other States, were joined as defendants by the Supreme Court on November 15, 2022. A 7-man panel of the Supreme Court led by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, fixed the date at a resumed sitting on Monday. Bode Olanipekun SAN, announced appearance for Lagos State Government while Adetunji Osho appeared for Ekiti state. The Federal Government (1st Defendant) was represented by Innocent Daa’gba, while Ifeanyi Mrialike represented the National Assembly. The Attorneys General of the 33 States were duly represented and announced appearances. However, there was no legal representation for Kwara state despite being served with hearing notice. The Supreme Court ordered Jigawa and Kaduna State Governments to put their houses in order by resolving the issue of legal representation before the next hearing date. Meanwhile, the apex court panel unanimously deemed all the processes filed out of time by the defendants as duly and properly filed, having been regularized. The application by the Attorney General of Oyo state to join as co- Plaintiff having been withdrawn, was struck out by panel. Justice Kekere-Ekun advised that all the State Governments that are on one side in accordance with their respective interests should present a common argument in order to save the time of the court on the hearing date. Speaking to judiciary correspondents at the Supreme Court, Innocent Daagba, said he had filed processes and submissions of the Federal Government since 2020, adding that the processes have been regularized by the court, which clears the coast for hearing of the matter. Recall that on 15 August 2022, the Federal Government (the Nigerian Lottery Regulation commission and the Nigerian Lottery Trust fund) won against Lagos and other States, on the issue of multiple regulation in the gaming sector. The Bookmakers association of Nigeria had initiated the lawsuit to determine the legitimate regulators of gaming businesses because they complained about paying multiple taxes and licensing fees to States and the Federal Government. In the Suit NO: FHC/L/CS/15992020, filed before Hon. Justice I.N Oweibo of the Lagos High Court, the Judge declared that the Federal Government should be the sole regulator of gaming business in the country as the constitution is clear on the position of lottery in the exclusive list and the National Assembly can legislate on lottery matters. Despite the judgement, there is still not an end to the back and forth bickering between the bookmakers and State Governments on multiple taxation and regulation. On July 19, 2023, Justice Iniekenimi Oweibo of the Federal High Court (FHC) in Lagos State ruled that the Federal Government, through the National Assembly, had the exclusive right to legislate and control lottery activities in the country. Few months after the FHC judgement, a Lagos State High Court delivered another judgement holding that matters pertaining to lottery and one-chance betting were subjects under the residual list in the constitution. By this, the judge held that Lagos State had the right to regulate the sector. However, by a further amended originating summons marked SC/1/2008, the Plaintiffs want the apex court to declare “that lottery is not one of the 68 items in respect of which the National Assembly has the Exclusive vires to make laws under Part 1 of the Second Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). They are seeking a declaration that having regard to the clear provisions of Section 4(2) and (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the National Assembly lacks the vires to legally and constitutionally make any Law to regulate and control the operation of lottery in Nigeria. “A declaration that having regard to the clear provision of Section 4(4)(a), (b) and Part ll of the Second Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), matters relating to lottery do not fall within items which the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly are concurrently empowered to make Laws with regard thereto. “A declaration that having regard to the clear provisions of Section 4(7)(a) and (c) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the Lagos State Government, vide the Lagos State House of Assembly has the power to the exclusion of the National Assembly, to make Laws to regulate and control the operation of lottery within Lagos State. More so, the Plaintiffs are praying for, “A declaration that having regard to the clear provisions of Sections 4(4)(b), (7)(a) and 299(a) of the Constitution as amended, the power of the National Assembly to make Laws to regulate and control the operation of lottery is limited by the 1999 Constitution to only the Federal Capital Territory. “A declaration that Sections 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 of the National Lottery Act CAP N145, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, made by the National Assembly are inconsistent with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution. Further more, they want “A declaration that the National Lottery Act CAP N145, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria is inconsistent with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution. In addition, the Plaintiffs want “An order nullifying Sections 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 of the National Lottery Act CAP N145, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria as well as an order nullifying the entirety of the National Lottery Act CAP N145, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria. Also, they are praying for “An order of perpetual injunction restraining the 1st Defendant either by himself, agents’ privies, agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria or Federation of
Tragedy As Building Collapse Kills One In Lagos
A tragic incident unfolded early on Thursday morning as a two-storey building situated at number 34 Oloto Street, Borno Way, off Freeman Street, Oyingbo, in Lagos collapsed, claiming the life of an elderly woman reported to be in her 80s. The unidentified woman gave up the ghost immediately the structure collapsed on her around 7:45 am on Thursday. Following the distress call, responders and concerned citizens swiftly gathered at the scene to provide assistance and address the situation. Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyitolu, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA), confirmed the fatality, noting no additional injuries in the tragic incident. “LASEMA received distress calls at approximately 8:30am, and our response team arrived promptly at 8:42 am,” Oke-Osanyitolu said. “Upon arrival, we discovered a partial collapse of a storey building, caused by the collapse of an internal suspended beam within a room due to the structure’s aging and lack of maintenance.” “Regrettably, an elderly woman lost her life due to the partial collapse,” he added. As of the latest update at 10 am, a joint search and rescue operation is underway at the scene, which has been cordoned off for safety measures. Emergency response units, including the LASEMA Response Team, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, paramedics, and the Lagos Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), are actively engaged to ensure safety and maintain order. “The affected area has been cordoned off, and we have alerted LABCA (Lagos State Building Control Agency) for further necessary actions,” Oke-Osanyitolu emphasized.
Lagos Commuters Stranded As Commercial Drivers Protest Extortion by LASTMA, Others
Thousands of commuters faced major disruptions on Monday in Lagos as commercial drivers initiated a protest against alleged extortion by government agencies. The drivers, pointing fingers at the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other entities, claimed unfair treatment during their daily operations. The state police command convened a meeting with key stakeholders, including representatives from the police command, executives of the Lagos State Government, LASTMA, and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in response. The discussions delved into the grievances raised by the drivers. After the meeting, the stakeholders reached a mutual agreement to work together in ensuring transporters comply with traffic laws and to address reported excesses of law enforcement officers within the state. The NURTW committed to organizing a broader meeting on Monday, November 13, 2023. Prominent figures present at the meeting included Deputy Commissioners of Police Waheed Ayilara (SCID), Fatai Tijani (Operations), Khan Salihu (Administration), Commander Rapid Response Squad (RRS) – CSP Yinka Egbeyemi, Commander Taskforce – CSP Shola Jejeloye. Other attendees comprised Honourable Sola Giwa, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr Bolaji Oreagba – General Manager, LASTMA, and representatives of NURTW Lagos chapter led by Alhaji Sulyman Ojora (Kudeti). The state police command assured the public of adequate security measures and encouraged them to carry out their lawful duties without fear of harassment or intimidation.
FG Inaugurates Lagos P-CNGi Pilot Conversion Centres
The Federal Government has inaugurated a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles pilot conversion centre in Lagos State, through the Presidential-CNG Initiative (P-CNGi). Mr Micheal Oluwagbemi, Chief Executive Officer of P-CNGi, while speaking at inauguration of the FEMADAC Station on Saturday, described the step as significant development. Oluwagbemi said the CNG centre would bring more environmentally sustainable and economically viable future for Nigeria. The facility is situated at KM 42, Lekki-Epe The P-CNGi Steering Committee has announced that seven CNG conversion centres have been established in the country. He said the initiative had also at the weekend handed over converted buses to State House in Abuja. Oluwagbemi said the event was immense significance for Nigerians and the global movement towards responsible energy choices. “Today, as we officially open the Lagos Conversion Centre, we go beyond the inauguration of a facility; we extend a hand to a greener, more sustainable, and affordable future. “We are not just changing how we fuel our vehicles; we are changing lives, one job at a time. “The commissioning of the first of Lagos P-CNGi Pilot Conversion Centres is historic, as it is the first of many such facilities planned under the P-CNGi initiative,” Oluwagbemi said. The engineer said that the initiative with the theme: “Energy Revolution: Powering Tomorrow, Today,” represented Nigeria’s commitment to transitioning to cleaner and more affordable energy solutions. The P-CNGi chief executive officer said that CEO said that the conversion centre was not only a symbol of Nigeria’s dedication to environmental responsibility, but also a beacon of hope for its citizens. He said that the initiative would create jobs and greener opportunities. “More than 1,000 of such centres are planned nationwide in the next few years, with 55,000 conversions planned under the Palliative Program that have kicked off, designed to reduce the cost of transportation, especially mass transit for poor Nigerians. “This works by collaborating with private sector is to expand the conversion centre network of Nigeria from seven to at least 70, while creating over 2,000 jobs converting vehicles from PMS to CNG Bifuel that runs cheaper, cleaner and better. “By embracing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) technology, the initiative addresses the twin challenges of sustainability and fiscal responsibility, which have become integral in the modern world. “This initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to easing the impact of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians by reducing energy costs,” Oluwagbemi said. According to him, the conversion of vehicles to CNG is not just a transition to cleaner energy, it is a promise to generate employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth. The CEO said that the inauguration aligned with the overarching goal of P-CNGi to foster innovation in the energy sector, ultimately benefitting the people of Nigeria. He added: “In a world where environmental consciousness and responsible energy choices are paramount, P-CNGi’s efforts underscore Nigeria’s commitment to leading this global movement. “The initiatives programme director aptly noted, “Challenges will emerge, but with our unwavering commitment, innovative spirit, and collaborative efforts, we are poised to overcome them.”
Gov Sanwo-Olu Reopens Alaba Int’l Market
The Lagos State Government has taken the decision to reopen the Alaba International Market and some markets within the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo. The market was previously closed due to issues related to improper waste management and environmental infractions. Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, clarified that the reopening of these markets was not politically motivated but a strategic move to ensure a clean and healthy environment in and around business facilities. Wahab stated: “The decision to reopen the markets followed rigorous assessment and implementation of stringent environmental standards. These standards were set to guarantee that businesses in the state operate in a manner that is not detrimental to the environment and the well-being of the people.” Collaborating with market officials, the Lagos Waste Management Authority, led by Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, worked tirelessly to ensure that the necessary environmental standards were met. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between commerce and environmental health. “We have standards that each market in the state has to comply with to make our business environment clean and healthy for buyers and sellers,” Gbadegesin explained. “These include proper waste management, zero tolerance for open burning of waste, and zero tolerance for dumping of waste in drainage channels.” Gbadegesin encouraged market users and business owners to commit to environmental sustainability through proper waste disposal, emphasizing that compliance with these standards is crucial to avoiding future market closures.
Lagos To Inaugurate Largest Food Logistics Hub In 2024 -Sanwo-Olu
The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has disclosed that the first phase of the largest food logistics hub in West Africa will be inaugurated in 2024 to boost food security in the state. Sanwo-Olu stated this while addressing journalists at the grand finale of the 2023 World Food Day celebration at the Nigeria Police College, Ikeja, Lagos. The governor, accompanied by Ms Abisola Olusanya, State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Oluwarotimi Fashola, Special Adviser to the governor on Rice Initiative and members of the state executive council inspected various agricultural produce and product on display. Farmers from the 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas participated in the fair. The programme tagged: Farm Fair, Shop, Eat and Learn” is to commemorate the 2023 World Food Day with the theme: “Water is Life, Water is Food, Leave No One Behind”. The World Food Day is an annual celebration by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations on Oct.16, to encourage action on food insecurity. “A part from the middle level markets that we are building, we are building the largest food logistics hub in the whole of West Africa. “You were part of the ground breaking ceremony which we did last year and I want to inform you that before this time next year, we should have finished the phase one of the project. “It is the largest logistics hub in the whole of West Africa, you can take a trip there independently and see for yourself, the amount of work that is going on there. “That logistics food market is supposed to be the central hub where all sort of food in Lagos will come in, it has cold storage and dry storage and all sorts. “Our plan, if you remember that two years ago, we flagged with our five-year plan, it will now take them to the middle level market; we have built about three of them and we are building additional five. “The middle level markets will now take it from main hubs before it now goes to last mile, the corner show markets and the markets that all of you see in the state,” he said. The governor said the state had a robust integrated plan that would ensure food sufficiency and food adequacy in Lagos. He noted that the plan became important because food security globally was becoming an issue. “We have a robust integrated plan at ensuring that food sufficiency, food adequacy in Lagos is secured because food security globally is becoming an issue. “For us as a government, we need to be able to help the market, we need to be able to help the farmers and we need to help our citizens. “That’s why I have come here personally to come and celebrate with them, to come and celebrate them and to come and say it to them that we will not leave them alone. “We will continue to bring about infrastructure and funding to ensure that the theme for this year leave know one behind,” he said. The governor encouraged more people to go into rice cultivation to sustain the state’s rice mill in Imota, Ikorodu. “We are looking for paddy rice growers in Lagos because we have the biggest rice mill and we are also collaborating with other states. “Our rice mill still needs a lot of paddy. It does not matter the quantity of tonnes of paddy that they grow, we will buy it off them. “The same thing with other paddy growers in the country and we need to begin to ensure that food is also affordable and accessible. “We know that the price of food has gone up but with intervention like this, that brings market closer to the consumers, am sure that all of the produce that have been brought here today will be picked up and bought-up,” he said. Sanwo-Olu said that his administration was committed to encouraging farmers, while assuring that farming was important to his administration to ensure that food was affordable and accessible for all. “I am here this afternoon to give them all the encouragement, to show to the world that Lagos can begin to show the way for urban farming. “We do not have a lot of land but the little one that we have, we are encouraging our farmers to continue to support the need of the citizens because we know that we need to grow what we eat and eat what we grow. “We can collaborate with other neighbouring states and other parts of the country to bring all of these produce to Lagos because the population is here. “For me, it is to continue to encourage of the Ministry of Agric and all of their officers, extension workers and project managers to continue to help and hold these farmers. “Especially in the aquaculture farming, piggery, fishing, poultry and all of the other areas in which we can excel. “It’s another year of celebration to celebrate them, to thank them, and for the media to know that farming for us is important. Earlier, Ms Abisola Olusanya, State Commissioner for Agriculture, said farmers and farmers’ groups with exceptional produce would be recognised and awarded prizes at the event. Olusanya noted that farmers, fishermen, and processors from the entire length and breadth of the state participated in the celebration. She said that the farmers had put in a lot of work in their different value chains to feed Lagosians and as the saying goes, “no farmer, no nation”. Dr Femi Oke, the Chairman All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Lagos and South-West Zone, said insecurity, flooding and poor funding pose a great danger to food security in the country. Oke urged the federal and state governments to increase budgetary allocation to the agricultural sector to increase funding to farmers. He also called for reduction in interest rates for farmers and agro processors to reduce the price of food commodities. “It is not too conducive for a farmer to