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Alaba Traders and Stakeholders Assured Justice – Committee

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Alaba Traders and Stakeholders Assured Justice – Committee

Demolition exercises are done to save lives, says LASG.

The seven-man technical committee on Alaba International Market demolition, which was set up by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, has assured traders and stakeholders of justice.

The General Manager, of Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Gbolahan Oki, who led the committee members on an assessment of the Alaba Market demolition site, disclosed this amidst protests by some affected traders.

He said the recent demolition of distressed buildings in the market located in Ojo Local Council was neither a witch hunt nor intended to acquire the land but to protect lives.

Oki, who visited the market amid a heavy downpour alongside his counterpart in the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), Kehinde Osinaike, explained that the demolition was simply to enforce building regulations and laws and to prevent building collapse.

They were led on the trip by the Permanent Secretary of their parent parastatal, the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluwole Sotire.

Recall that southeast leaders in the market, led by Imo Governor, Hope Uzodimma, met with Sanwo-Olu to put to rest allegations of tribal bias behind the demolition exercise.

According to him, most of the demolished buildings were without permits, and the necessary documentation demanded by the state government was also not provided.

“All we are after is that the lives of traders and other Nigerians are extremely important to the Lagos State Government.

“I have seen people painting buildings that are dilapidated and that are not good; it is not painting that makes a building new. Our lives are more important,” he said.

Oki urged owners of distressed buildings marked for demolition to remove them within two weeks to prevent disaster, or else the government would move in to take action.

“My mandate is to remove anything that is dilapidated and harmful to the people that even own it,” he said.

The General Manager said Sanwo-Olu has set up a committee to look into the demolition without causing disaffection among the traders at Alaba International Market.

He said LASBCA officials were usually prevented from enforcing laws by people who failed to get building plan approvals or those who did illegal conversions of their properties.

He assured protesters carrying placards that the government had their interests covered with the appointment of an additional 17-man sub-committee, compromising their market leadership, for quicker resolution of issues.

Oki explained why distressed buildings were being demolished and the need for some of the traders to regularise.

He said this was because of issues with land grabbers selling one land to several people as well as the need to correct haphazard development.

Earlier, the general manager and his team had a meeting with the leadership of the Alaba International Market traders at the LASBCA head office in Ikeja before they all embarked on the trip to the market.

During the meeting, the market leaders who are members of the seven-man technical committee set up to look into the issues of demolition in Alaba International Market discussed the way forward.

The LASBCA boss explained processes and procedures guiding laws on physical developments and what must be done to comply with the regulations.

He said that there was no ethnic coloration to the decisions of the government, whose only motive was to prevent building collapse and ensure the safety of the lives of the traders and other Nigerians.

Secretary to the seven-man Technical Committee, Chris Maduka, commended the government’s action to sanitize the market.

Maduka said it had brought them closer and was in the best interest of everybody to save traders from touts extorting them with various conflicting taxes and illegal levies.

During the on-the-spot assessment of the market, Maduka appealed for the cooperation and understanding of the traders affected by the demolition exercise.

He said that using protest or violence would defeat the purpose for which Sanwo-Olu set up the Committee.

Some of the affected traders carrying placards with various inscriptions at the market pleaded with Sanwo-Olu to fast-track the assignment of the committee to restore their means of livelihood.

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Govt, Labour Congress meeting ends in deadlock.

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Govt, Labour Congress meeting ends in deadlock.

Govt, Labour Congress meeting ends in deadlock.
Details of the meeting between the Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have emerged.

The meeting ended in a deadlock on Monday.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, called the meeting, which failed to address any of the issues raised by the Union.

However, the minister expressed optimism that the issues raised by the Nigerian workers would be addressed.

He said the FG would resolve the issues before the deadline.

“We must also recognize the economic realities that confront us.

“As we address the concerns of our workforce, we must be mindful of striking a balance that promotes economic growth and secures sustainable progress for our nation.

“Today, I call upon each one of you to join hands in an open-minded and constructive dialogue, enabling us to bridge any gaps that may exist between the interests of workers and the ultimate goal of driving economic advancement,” he said.

NLC President Ajaero said: “In the ultimatum we gave and in the NEC resolution, the issue of NURTW was clearly stated, and at the time, the issue had not degenerated the way it is now. That was why we had to bring it along.

“On the other issues, you can see that there was no agreement on any; there is no CNG anywhere, and refineries are not working, nor gas.

“Nothing has been done on the issue of wage awards, cash transfers, or the ASUU issues. However, we believe that between now and the next few days, when the ultimatum expires, something will happen.”

Ajaero said there was no going back on the planned indefinite strike if no progress was made before the expiration of the union’s ultimatum.

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Breaking News: Dramatic Rescue as Fire Engulfs Lekki Shanty

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Breaking News: Dramatic Rescue as Fire Engulfs Lekki Shanty

In a heart-wrenching incident that unfolded earlier today, a shanty settlement in the upscale area of Lekki, Lagos, was engulfed in flames, leaving residents scrambling for safety and hope.

The fire, a relentless force of destruction, threatened to consume everything in its path, but amidst the chaos and despair, two lives were miraculously saved.

The Lekki shanty, like many informal settlements around the world, was a tightly-knit community where people, despite facing severe economic hardships, found a sense of belonging and resilience. However, this morning, their lives took an abrupt turn as plumes of thick, acrid smoke filled the sky, darkening the once-vibrant neighborhood.

The response from local authorities and good Samaritans was swift. Firefighters from the Lagos State Fire Service rushed to the scene, battling against the raging inferno.

Their courage and determination were on full display as they fought valiantly to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading further.

As they worked tirelessly, the streets echoed with the panicked cries and prayers of those who had lost everything.

 

READ ALSO: Ecobank Introduces “EPAC Studios” To Promote Africa’s Creative Industry

 

Amidst the chaos, the heroism of two individuals shone brightly. Mr. Ade, a middle-aged resident of the shanty, emerged as a true savior.

Risking his own life, he braved the flames to rescue his neighbors trapped in their burning homes. With unwavering resolve, he helped carry an elderly woman and a young child to safety, earning the gratitude and admiration of the entire community.

The rescued woman, Mrs. Okonkwo, spoke tearfully of her harrowing experience. She expressed her gratitude to Mr. Ade and the firefighters who had come to their rescue. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the strength and resilience of ordinary people in the face of adversity.

As the hours passed, the firefighters’ efforts finally paid off, and the flames were brought under control. While the shanty had suffered extensive damage, the worst had been averted.

Thanks to the rapid response of the authorities and the bravery of Mr. Ade, the community had not suffered any casualties, save for the trauma of witnessing their homes reduced to ashes.

The aftermath of this devastating fire serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by informal settlements and marginalized communities. It underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures and infrastructure in such areas to prevent such disasters in the future.

In the midst of tragedy, the resilience and heroism displayed by the residents of the Lekki shanty, as well as the valiant efforts of the firefighters, provide a glimmer of hope.

It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of unity in the face of adversity.

While the road to recovery will be long and challenging, the Lekki community will undoubtedly emerge stronger, their bonds forged even tighter in the crucible of this fiery trial.

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‘Cold War’ Between NAPIMS Boss, Bala Wunti And NNPC Head Honcho, Mele Kyari Rages On

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‘Cold War’ Between NAPIMS Boss, Bala Wunti And NNPC Head Honcho, Mele Kyari Rages On

 

During conflicts, being truly brave can be hard to find. Friends can drift apart, and bonds can suffer. This is why Bala Wunti and Mele Kyari need to protect their special friendship.

 

Unfortunately, these two Northern brothers had a big fight a few months ago. Unlike small arguments, they must resist the urge to turn against each other and keep their good relationship intact.

 

As they handle their roles, the lines between their authority and influence often get blurry. This can lead to problems that affect both of them and their jobs. If troublemakers get their way, they’ll make the leaders of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) doubt each other.

 

Naijanewsngr reports that the Group Managing Director of NNPC accused the Managing Director of NAPIMS of not following orders, and NAPIMS tried to tell the President about NNPC’s unfair and unclear actions, causing tension between these organizations.

 

To understand, Nigeria’s investments in the oil sector depend a lot on NAPIMS. It makes sure Nigeria gets a good deal from joint ventures and production sharing contracts, among other things. With so much at stake, some people can act bossy.

 

But during Wunti and Kyari’s time in charge, all these problems from the past disappeared. They trusted each other completely, which frustrated people with hidden agendas in both agencies.

 

No matter how hard troublemakers try, they won’t succeed in making Wunti and Kyari doubt each other. Their friendship is like a healing force for the government’s troubled parts.

 

Source: omonaijablog

 

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