society

Comrade Kayode Opeifa Lauds Police, FRSC And LASTMA Operating In Apapa And Tin Can Port Corridors

Published

5 years ago

December 14, 2020

The objective of its establishment is to return normalcy to Apapa because of the incessant gridlock that is crippling the area, enforce discipline, introduce a workable manual call up system pending the introduction of electronic call-up system by NPA, Dvelip and deoy a working traffic management system, coordinate and control trucks and tanker drivers who are designated to access the seaport to stay off the roads leading to the port.

The presidential task force team comprises of Nigeria Police, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the combined team has been working to ensure the objectives of the establishment of PTT achieved.

While identified some stakeholders behaviour as being responsible for the current unnecessary artificial traffic gridlock at the Tin Can Port, as against the reports that accused officials of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Security Department, Police and the Presidential Task Team on Apapa gridlock who were deployed to manage traffic in the area, of extortion.

Backlog of vessels at seaports, congestion caused by noticeable potholes in both sides of Lagos-Badagry expressway and the current state of rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads project presently on-going can be seen as the cause for the congestion noticed recently around the Mile 2 area.

Also exporters and truckers who are desperate to move their containers into the Port directly instead of through the torqnsit truck parks at Lilly Pond and Tin Can truck parks even while they are aware that they are not to approach the Ports directly.

Various social medium had reported that accusing officials of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Security Department, Police and the Presidential Task Team on Apapa gridlock, who were deployed to manage traffic in the area, where allegedly Involved in massive extortion of truck and tanker drivers, collecting from them unaccounted sum of between 80,000 to 170, 000 naira before they can access the seaports.

During a chat with the Executive Vice Chairman of the Presidential Task Force, Comrade Kayode Opeifa, he denied the allegations as baseless, with no iota of truth and a Corruption Fight Back strategy.

He explained thar there are challenges and said the hardship will soon be a thing of the past even as he backs recent moves by NPA to regulate barging operations and Stripping at the Ports.

He added that enforcement agencies have a new responsibilities to go after the organizers of stripping at other locations such as Warehouse road in Apapa, Marine Bridge, among others now.

Opeifa reveals that Freight Agents and truck owners have persistently lamented over the worsening traffic situation along the port access roads which the Presidential Task Team who were deployed to manage Apapa gridlock has no control over. On extortion by the taskforce, he denied knowledge of such qnd urge any body with information should directly qpproqch him or NPA with proof as moqst have been found to be false or by Middlemen and scammers oeperating as Movers and mostly affecting those who are alway working to subvert due process.

He also commented on the activities of the members of the Community Security who has been supportive and assisting the government in checking the crime rate during traffic trigging along and around Mile 2. Noting that their efforts as long as is peaceful and productive is commendable.

He said; “While cargo stripping isn’t the norm in port business globally, and particularly hazardous as it clogs the port access roads, some stakeholders have turned this practice to the norm while the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has now risen to control it qnd must be supported as its creating prorblem along the port access roads. .”

“Most importers have resorted to stripping at Tin Can to evade possible seizures by Customs and enable them to easily evacuate the goods and the high demand for stripping at the port environment has made the service more expensive than conveying the goods outside the ports.”

“Consequently, other cleared imports were unable to leave the port while exports couldn’t also access the port.”

Opeifa urged that terminal operators and others involved in sharp barge operations and causing additional hindrances on the port corridors should be sanctioned while genuine, terminals qnd manufactures who desired barging for their direct operations should be protected in the interest of inter and multimodal transport.

He commends that Freightreight agents and their truckers who have obtained TDOs should be free from storage charges and demurrages arising from the clogged port access.

According to a top NPA source, this logistics quagmire was what led the Authority to suspend stripping within the Tin Can Island Port premises.

Agents, on the other hand, argued that the stripping fares ranging between N600,000 to N700,000 was sufficient to move the cargoes outside the port environment.

The amount for stripping in the Tin Can Island port area is exorbitant but it is simply a factor determined by market forces. The demand for stripping in this area is so high and there is no space for such activity.

Therefore, those with the facility hiked the prices but importers don’t care because it saves them from the possible dangers with the multiple Customs units on the highways,” an NPA official at Tin Can Island Port said.

Noting that stripping isn’t the ideal practice around the world, the NPA source said, “Stripping became a necessity at Tin Can because of the nature of the cargoes received at the port.

In fact, terminals operating in the Tin Can Island Port environment have been systematically fuelling the chaos in the area as they also ignored NPA’s proposal to only receive trucks that have Terminal Deliver Order (TDO), so that the trucks bringing empties can leave with consignments as some bad eggs in the division have given the group a bad name.

There are more challenges aside issue of stripping and port stakeholders flooding environs of the seaports to cause artificial gridlock as middlemen operating at the seaports given bad names to the PTT

Some truck and tanker motorists who spoke to our correspondent, blamed that most of the challenges being faced at the seaport is as a result of the state of the roads and middlemen operators.

A truck owner, Friday Marvelous said some middlemen claim to be truck owners and desperately acting like middlemen mostly causing artificial traffic and demanding money expected to settle Nigeria police, Lastma, NPA, FRSC before the truck owners and tanker drivers have access to the seaports.

This criminal behavior and impersonation of PTT recently revealed as untrue and Task force team urges all the truck owners and tanker drivers move their trucks direct to port without paying anything to any middlemen, Marvelous said

He also revealed that PTT didn’t send any middlemen to exhort or collect money from any truck owners before being passed.

As a result of this, PTT have been blackmailing on various social medias, sponsor articles to dent the image of the task force and causing problems most times at the seaports as these are major challenges the team experiencing over time

Marvelous noted that since few days ease of traffic, tankers and trucks better and access to the port ease without unnecessary and trigging of traffic at the moment.

He however said trucks are steady moving towards the seaports aside massive reconstruction of access road causing additional deny to the port and urges the construction companies to fast the projects on time.

A truck Driver, Usman Alli said; “most challenges being experienced is as a result of our bad roads. Most of the roads are in deplorable state and and some of them are currently on-going reconstruction.”

He also laments on the activities of middlemen operators particularly with most of them causing artificial trigging of gridlock at the seaports.

David Emmanuel, a motorists said; “all shareholders need to be blamed. He said those middlemen causing problems at the seaports should be arrested because they can’t continue adding problems to the already bad roads and also blocking those in authority do their jobs.”

He noted that any truck that gails to produce its Terminal Delivery Order, TDO, at the seaports should be sanctioned and also added that the construction company handling projects withing the area should work fast to ease the traffic and frustration people are passing through on daily basis around the axis.

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society

Banwo Questions Bwala’s Credibility After Al Jazeera Interview ‎

Published

9 hours ago

March 12, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Banwo Questions Bwala’s Credibility After Al Jazeera Interview

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‎Public commentator, Dr. Ope Banwo, has criticised Daniel Bwala, the Presidential Spokesperson on Policy Communication for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following a contentious interview on Al Jazeera, describing the appearance as damaging to the credibility of Nigeria’s public communication.

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‎Bwala had appeared on a programme hosted by journalist Mehdi Hasan, where he faced a series of questions about past statements attributed to him. During the exchange, Hasan presented video clips of previous remarks by the government spokesman and asked him to reconcile them with his responses during the interview.

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‎The exchange, which has since circulated widely online, drew attention after Bwala appeared to dispute statements that were subsequently played back during the programme.

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‎Reacting to the development, Banwo said the episode reflected poorly on Nigeria’s representation on international media platforms.

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‎According to him, the availability of digital records and online archives means public officials must be prepared to defend their past statements whenever they appear on global television.

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‎“In the era of instant fact-checking, any public figure going on international television must assume that every previous statement can be easily retrieved,” Banwo said.

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‎He added that the controversy surrounding the interview was particularly troubling because the contradictions presented during the programme were supported with video evidence.

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‎Banwo noted that while political interviews can be confrontational, government representatives should expect tough questioning when appearing before international audiences.

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‎The founder of Naija Lives Matters also expressed concern over Bwala’s reaction during the interview, especially his claim that he was not informed he would be required to defend his personal record.

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‎“A government spokesman should never be surprised by questions about his own public statements,” Banwo said.

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‎During the programme, Bwala also responded to criticism of Nigeria’s governance challenges by arguing that similar problems exist in other parts of the world.

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‎However, Banwo argued that such comparisons do not address the specific issues raised about Nigeria.

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‎According to him, the episode should serve as a reminder of the importance of preparation and credibility when Nigerian officials appear before international media platforms.

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‎The interview has continued to generate reactions across social media and political commentary circles, with observers debating both the conduct of the interview and the implications for Nigeria’s global image.

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society

THE IMPERIAL GOLD COIN OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS UNVEILED AS SYMBOL OF SOVEREIGNTY AND HERITAGE

Published

13 hours ago

March 12, 2026

Sahara Weekly

THE IMPERIAL GOLD COIN OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS UNVEILED AS SYMBOL OF SOVEREIGNTY AND HERITAGE

_[Atlantis City, United Kingdom of Atlantis – March 2026]_ – The United Kingdom of Atlantis proudly announces the introduction of its *Imperial Gold Coin*, a magnificent emblem of sovereignty, authority, and imperial heritage. The exquisite gold coin has been crafted to represent the nation’s regal tradition, economic strength, and the visionary leadership of its monarch.

The centerpiece of the coin features the dignified portrait of *His Imperial Majesty, Professor Solomon Wining*, depicted in full royal regalia. Crowned with a majestic golden crown and adorned with intricately crafted ornaments, the portrait embodies honor, wisdom, and noble leadership befitting a sovereign ruler. The depiction celebrates the monarch’s reign, which is associated with wisdom, development, and the pursuit of justice.

The golden coin itself signifies *prosperity, stability, and the enduring legacy* of the Atlantis Kingdom. Gold, historically a universal symbol of power, wealth, and permanence, reflects the strength and vision of the kingdom’s leadership and its aspirations for lasting greatness.

Encircling the royal portrait is the carefully engraved inscription *“United Kingdom of Atlantis”*, reinforcing the state’s identity any the authority of its sovereign ruler. The lower rim of the coin prominently displays the name *Solomon Wining*, commemorating the monarch whose leadership is linked to noble governance and national advancement.

The phrase *“Gold Coin”* highlights not only the currency’s intrinsic value but also its symbolic significance as a representation of the kingdom’s economic structure and royal treasury. Beyond its aesthetic elegance, the coin serves as a *mark of sovereignty*, a seal of authority, and a reminder of the royal institution governing the United Kingdom of Atlantis.

The Imperial Gold Coin represents:
– *Unity* among citizens,
– *Loyalty* to the crown,
– A vision of a kingdom built upon *justice, prosperity, and noble leadership*.

Every detail—from the engraved crown to the polished golden surface—makes the coin a timeless emblem of imperial prestige and national pride. It stands as both a symbol of wealth and a monument to the legacy of royal leadership, reminding all who behold it of the enduring power and majesty of the United Kingdom of Atlantis.

The United Kingdom of Atlantis is a sovereign nation dedicated to upholding traditions of regal governance, cultural heritage, and economic prosperity, guided by the wisdom of its imperial leadership.

_Notes to Editors_:
The Imperial Gold Coin is intended for commemorative and symbolic purposes, representing the nation’s imperial heritage and royal authority.

society

Ajadi Visits Ibadan Chief Imam, Receives Blessings

Published

21 hours ago

March 12, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Ajadi Visits Ibadan Chief Imam, Receives Blessings

The leading gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the Grand Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Imam Abdul Ganiy Abubakir Agbotomokekere, at his Oja’ba residence in Ibadan, where discussions centred on leadership, integrity, and the role of prayers in governance.

Ajadi, who described the revered Islamic cleric as a spiritual pillar in Oyo State, said his visit was to seek prayers and wise counsel as he continues consultations ahead of the 2027 governorship race.

While addressing the Chief Imam, Ajadi commended his consistent prayers for Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria, noting that religious leaders remain critical stakeholders in nation building.

“I have come to seek your prayers and spiritual blessings because of your important role in promoting peace, unity and moral guidance in our society,” Ajadi said.

“I also want to appreciate your continuous prayers for the progress of Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole. My prayer is that Almighty Allah will continue to grant you sound health and long life to witness many more Ramadan seasons on earth.”

Speaking further, the PDP gubernatorial aspirant emphasised the need for leadership driven by compassion, fairness and accountability, stressing that his political aspiration is rooted in service to the people.

“My ambition is not just about occupying an office but about serving the people with sincerity and fear of God. We must continue to encourage politics that will bring development and improve the welfare of our people,” he added.

While speaking with journalists after the visit, Ajadi also assured the people of Oyo State and Nigerians at large that the internal crisis and political tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been brought under control by the grace of God. He expressed optimism that the party would emerge victorious in all elective positions in the 2027 general elections.

In his response, Sheikh Agbotomokekere advised the governorship hopeful to remain focused on the principles of good governance, warning against corrupt practices often associated with politics.

The respected Islamic scholar noted that while politics is practised differently by individuals, only leaders with integrity and fear of God can truly deliver the dividends of democracy.

“Politics is practised by different kinds of people. Some play politics in a corrupt way, while others practise it with sincerity. My prayer is that you will be among those who will practise democracy in the right way if you become governor,” the Chief Imam said.

He reminded the aspirant that human ambition can only be fulfilled by divine approval, stressing that ultimate power belongs to God.

“Whoever is seeking a position should know that only Allah can make such an ambition come true. Whether a person becomes famous or remains unknown is also by the will of Allah,” he said.

Offering prayers for the politician, the cleric added: “Many people may be struggling for a position meant for one person, and it is only God who knows the rightful person. I pray that Almighty Allah will make you the chosen one among all the contenders.”

Using a football analogy to further illustrate his point, the cleric advised Ajadi to be wary of political distractions and misleading influences.

“On the football field, sometimes spectators believe they understand the game more than the players themselves. I pray that you will not be misled by so-called political gurus and that God will guide your steps aright,” he said.

Sheikh Agbotomokekere, the 18th Chief Imam of Ibadanland, is widely respected across South-Western Nigeria for his scholarship, spiritual leadership and advocacy for peaceful coexistence among religious and political groups.

Observers say the visit forms part of Ajadi’s ongoing consultations with key stakeholders, traditional rulers and religious leaders as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle in Oyo State.

The cleric offered special prayers for peace in Oyo State, successful leadership, and continued unity among the people despite political and religious differences.