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Residents, motorists groan as Ogun community roads collapse

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4 months ago

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Residents and business owners on Tuesday lamented the deplorable state of the roads in Sango-Ota along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway in Ogun State.

In separate interviews with our correspondent on Tuesday, they also recounted their daily bitter experiences while plying the route, adding that the road had deteriorated over the years.

During a visit to the area on Tuesday, PUNCH Metro observed that roads leading to the Sango Ota bridge from inward Lagos State were riddled with water-logged potholes. This was a similar sight at the other exit of the bridge towards the Ifo area.

On both sides of the bridge, the roads were seen to have completely collapsed, making the route almost impassable for motorists.

It was also gathered that the rainy season had further compounded the woes of the residents as the damaged portions of the roads leading to the Ijoko road were flooded.

The vehicles plying the route were seen meandering through the flooded portions of the road.

Initial efforts made by PUNCH Metro to speak with business owners were unsuccessful, as they muttered words indicating their countless interactions with the media with no result to show.

Those who offered to speak vented their anger while lamenting how the situation of the roads in the community had brought untold hardship upon them.

A clothing store owner, Adefemi Falode, described the effect of the roads on his business as depressing.

He said, “We have just been managing, we have been neglected in this area. We can’t be living like no government exists in this state. The roads keep getting worse every day. It got damaged to this level because it did not get any attention from the government. The effect is depressing and the rain has made things worse. The roads get so bad that those who go through this area don’t bother to look at what we are selling. We are frustrated.“

A resident and businessman, Pastor Mathew Adeleye, told PUNCH Metro that he had lost customers who ought to patronise the products he produces in his factory, located in the community.

He said, “ I am an industrialist and most of our customers, who come from neighbouring states, especially Lagos, always refuse to come. By implication, we are losing business. At the mention of Sango Ota, they will tell you that the place is too stressful for them. This is how other businesses are being affected. So, most of us suffer unsustainable costs of production. I have personally carried out palliative works on some of the bad portions to reduce the suffering.”

Speaking on how it had affected him as a transport worker, a tricyclist, Idris Sanni, said the bad road frequently damaged his tricycle.

He said, “I have been a regular customer at the mechanic workshop due to the bad roads. This is a similar complaint by my colleagues. We are losing most of our profits to the repair of our tricycles.”

We also observed how the damaged roads resulted in a gridlock along the area and slowed vehicular movement in some other parts.

A pedestrian who identified himself simply as Ayodeyi, said this had been a regular sight in the area.

He said, “When a road is bad, traffic will become a regular occurrence. Most of our relatives no longer consider visiting us. The government is well aware of our situation, but they are not bothered. They only come here to do facelifting and in a matter of weeks, the roads return to their former state.”

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Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Spends Second Night In EFCC’s Cell Over N1.3 Trillion Alleged Fraud

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16 hours ago

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November 7, 2024

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Immediate past governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, who was arrested and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has spent second night in the custody of the anti-graft commission.

 

Okowa is currently being investigated and detained over the alleged diversion of N1.3 trillion.

 

The N1.3 trillion reportedly represents the 13% derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023.

 

According to sources within the commission, Okowa was invited to the EFCC office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he’s subsequently detained by officials.

 

One of the sources stated, “Okowa was at our Port Harcourt office following an invitation from investigators probing the allegations against him. He was then arrested. The commission is investigating him regarding the N1.3 trillion 13% derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023.

 

“He is also accused of failing to account for the funds, as well as another N40 billion he allegedly claimed was used to acquire shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas. He reportedly bought shares worth N40 billion in one of the country’s major banks, representing an 8% equity stake, to support the offshore LNG project. The funds are alleged to have been misappropriated for other purposes.

Investigators are also examining the alleged diversion of funds by the former governor to acquire estates in Abuja and Asaba, Delta State. He is currently being held at the EFCC facility in Port Harcourt.

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Lagos Government Shuts Down Redeemed Church, Celestial Church, Clubs, Event Centres Over Noise Pollution

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1 day ago

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November 6, 2024

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The Lagos State government has shut down a branch of Pastor E. A. Adeboye’s Redeemed Christian Church of God, a Celestial church, nightclubs and event centres over noise pollution.

The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who made this known on Wednesday, said the churches, clubs and event centres were sealed on Tuesday by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) in the Ogudu, Gbagada, Iyana Ejigbo, Isolo, Ajao Estate, Oshodi, Ilasamaja, and Okota areas of the state.

The sealed establishments include: Redeemed Christian Church of God, Celestial Church of God, OMA Nightclub and Lounge, Lounge & Lodging, Bridge Spot Bar, Okiki Event Center and Hall, Emota Paradise Hotel (Phase 2), CF Hotel & Suites, House 27 Hotel & Suites, Echo Spring Hotel, and Smile T Continental Hotel.

The commissioner in a post on X said, “In a bid to address noise pollution and other environmental violations, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) took action yesterday, closing down several establishments across different parts of the state.

“This enforcement drive, focusing on areas like Ogudu, Gbagada, Iyana Ejigbo, Isolo, Ajao Estate, Oshodi, Ilasamaja, and Okota, is part of LASEPA’s continuous efforts to uphold environmental standards and safeguard public health.

“The affected establishments include Honourable Lounge & Lodging, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Celestial Church of God, OMA Nightclub and Lounge, Bridge Spot Bar, Okiki Event Center and Hall, Emota Paradise Hotel (Phase 2), CF Hotel & Suites, House 27 Hotel & Suites, Echo Spring Hotel, and Smile T Continental Hotel.”

 

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Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja: Tinubu directs flags be flown at half-mast

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1 day ago

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November 6, 2024

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President Bola Tinubu has directed that Nigeria’s national flags be flown at half mast for seven days across the country to mourn the passing of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

The late Army chief, who was appointed by Tinubu on 19 June 2023, was said to have passed away on Tuesday night after a prolonged illness.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, in a statement on Wednesday by his office Director of Information & Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, said the president expressed regret over Lagbaja’s death.

Akume said, “President Bola Tinubu has expressed regret following the death of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, after a brief illness at the age of 56.

“The President has directed that national flags be flown at half mast throughout the country for seven days in honour of the departed Army chief.

“He profoundly appreciates the services of the departed to the nation and wishes the family the fortitude to bear the great loss.”

Meanwhile, the Ministers of Defence, Mohammed Badaru and Bello Matawalle, have commiserated with the president, the military, and Lagbaja’s family over his death.

In a statement by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Henshaw Ogubike, the ministers described Lagbaja’s death as a great loss to his family, the Army, and the nation at large.

“The passing on to eternal glory shocked us at the Ministry of Defence, as our working relationship with him was commendable; he exhibited the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation with us in the discharge of our mandate.

“The late Chief of Army Staff contributed significantly to internal security operations across Nigeria and also exhibited a high level of professionalism.

“He will be greatly missed by the family, the military, and the nation, as he served the nation with commitment and dedication,” the statement added.

 

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