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Panic As Traders, land Owners, developers protest demolition of shopping plaza in Lagos

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1 year ago

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Panic As Traders, land Owners, developers protest demolition of shopping plaza in Lagos

Panic As Traders, land Owners, developers protest demolition of shopping plaza in Lagos

 

 

A group of traders, land owners and property developers, have protested over what they described as “unlawful’ demolition of their multi-million naira shopping plaza” by officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency.

 

 

 

 

Panic As Traders, land Owners, developers protest demolition of shopping plaza in Lagos

 

 

 

 

According to them, officials of Lagos State Building Control Agency accompanied by policemen and thugs, stormed the plaza, a three- storey building at  7, 9, and 11, Akinsemoyin Street, by Breadfruit Street, Balogun, Lagos, and demolished the property.  The traders said they were not served any prior notice before the demolition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

According to the protesters, in what appears to be a land-grabbing scheme, the property was later reassigned to another developer, who started building immediately.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The traders, who demanded that they should be restored to the property and duly compensated for their loss, carried placards with different inscriptions, some of which read: ‘Sanwo-Olu, call LABSCA, LASURA, LASPPA to order,’ ‘Sanwolu do not be silent,’ ‘Sanwolu, you said our rights as Lagosians would be protected,’ ‘LABSCA GM, how much did you collect for this job,’ ‘LASURA GM, how much did you collect for this hatchet job,’ ‘Sanwolu must speak up about his involvement in the demolition of our shopping Plaza,’ among others.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The traders alleged that despite being extorted by Lagos State government officials, who demanded payments of N2.5 million and N2 million respectively into two separate accounts (a GTB account number 0169226434 owned by one Olusogo Titilola, and a Wema Bank account number, 0243550566 owned by the House of Ghufraan,  supplied by LABSCA officials for the regularisation of all documents relating to the building, they still went ahead to demolish their property.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Addressing newsmen during the protest, the developer of the demolished building, Mr. Chidozie Chikelu, Executive Director, Good Wave Resources Limited, who leased the land from the Akinsemoyin family, said: “After leasing the land from the Akinsemoyin, we followed due process to ensure that the land was free from previous acquisition or encumbrances that could render it ineligible to be sold or leased.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“We also got the necessary building permit to build on the land after following due process. We got a letter from the Office of the State Surveyor-General dated July 13, 2021, with reference number 05G 272/2022/VOL X/64, signed by the duo of Tejuosho Adenike. A (Mrs) – Assistant Surveyor-General and Mr. Dada Oluwafemi, Principal Surveyor, on behalf of the Surveyor-General, Lagos State, gave the approval for the building to commence.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spokesman for the traders, Emeka Ojiego told of how they were all woken up on August 20, 2023,  to the news that officials from the Lagos State Building Control Agency, LABSCA, Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency, LASURA, Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority and a combined team of armed policemen had invaded the site of the building located on 7, 9 and 11 Akinsemoyin Street, by Breadfruit Street, Balogun, Lagos with the clear mandate to bring the building down.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speaking on the incident, the two members of the Akinsemoyin family, Oyeku Akinsemoyin and Gbenga Akinsemoyin, condemned the reckless invasion of their family land.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“That land where the demolished complex was built belongs to our family. We have owned the rights to the land since it was acquired in 1944. It is a freehold and there has never been any contention over it up till now. We the Akinsemoyin family duly signed a 15-year agreement leasing this land to Chidozie Chikelu, the developer and CEO of Good Wave Resources Limited.”

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Director General NSC, Bar. Bukola Olopade Extends Christmas Greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South and Across Nigeria

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9 hours ago

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December 21, 2024

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Director General NSC, Bar. Bukola Olopade Extends Christmas Greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South and Across Nigeria

Director General NSC, Bar. Bukola Olopade Extends Christmas Greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South and Across Nigeria

 

 

By Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo

 

 

In a heartfelt message, The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, has extended warm festive greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South, Ogun State, and across Nigeria as the nation embarks on the joyous celebration of Christmas.

 

Director General NSC, Bar. Bukola Olopade Extends Christmas Greetings to Christians in Abeokuta South and Across Nigeria

 

Recognizing the significance of this time of year, Olopade emphasized the essence of unity, love, and gratitude that the Christmas season embodies. He urged citizens to reflect on the virtues of compassion and generosity, which are particularly vital in fostering peace and harmony in communities.

 

 

 

“Christmas is a time for joy, reflection, and togetherness. It reminds us of the values of love and kindness, which are fundamental to our social fabric,” said Olopade. “As we celebrate this festive season, let us remember those in need and extend a hand of support to one another.”

 

 

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, acknowledged the challenges that many have faced over the past year, including economic hardships and social unrest, yet he expressed optimism for the future. “In the spirit of Christmas, let us embrace hope and look forward to a brighter tomorrow. Our unity and resilience can overcome any challenges we face.”

 

 

 

Olopade also highlighted the importance of sports in promoting peace and national unity, noting that the NSC is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all Nigerians can participate in sports and recreational activities. He encouraged communities to engage in sports events during the festive period as a means to strengthen bonds and celebrate togetherness.

 

 

 

As part of his Christmas message, Olopade called on everyone to prioritize the welfare of others, particularly the less fortunate. He urged individuals and organizations to consider charitable acts that can uplift those in need during this season of giving.

 

 

 

In closing, Bar. Bukola Olopade wished all Nigerians a Merry Christmas filled with love, peace, and joy. He expressed hope that the spirit of the season would inspire a renewed commitment to community service and cooperation among citizens.

 

 

 

As the festivities continue, the Chairman’s message resonates with the values of compassion, unity, and hope, encouraging all to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

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OGSTEP Empowers Over 15,000 Artisans and Traders with Skills Development

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14 hours ago

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December 21, 2024

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OGSTEP Empowers Over 15,000 Artisans and Traders with Skills Development

The Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) has successfully trained over 15,000 artisans and traders as part of its ongoing skills development initiative under the Ogun State Skills Fund (OSF).
This was disclosed by the Skills Development Specialist, Engr. Adesegun Fatoki, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Obas’ Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. He revealed that the training program recorded 6,605 participants in Vocational/ICT skills, 4,989 in Entrepreneurship, and 5,288 in Functional Literacy Training.
Engr. Fatoki explained that the OSF training is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage their income and businesses. “So far, over 4,000 beneficiaries have completed their training in the first batch, while the second batch is currently underway across various trades. The third phase will target market women, artisans, and traders, bringing the initiative closer to grassroots communities,” he stated.
He encouraged artisans, market women, and traders to register for the ongoing third batch of the training by visiting www.osf.ogunstate.gov.ng. He assured that the program focuses on demand-driven skills and operates at various training centers across the state.
Emphasizing the government’s commitment to the program’s success, Engr. Fatoki reassured stakeholders that the initiative is non-partisan and designed solely for the benefit of market women, artisans, and traders.
In response, representatives of various groups expressed gratitude to the state government for the initiative and pledged to mobilize their members to take part in the training.
Speaking earlier, the Project Gender Specialist, Mrs. Ewajesu, highlighted the program’s goal of empowering artisans and traders with critical skills to thrive in today’s competitive economic landscape. She explained that the training also improves participants’ literacy and business management capabilities, enhancing productivity and strengthening the state’s economy.
Mrs. Ewajesu urged participants to make the most of the opportunity, noting that the skills acquired would position them for greater success in their respective trades.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Remo, Ijebu, Yewa, and Egba Traders’ Associations, who expressed optimism about the program’s positive impact on their communities.

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Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: Ooni’s Ex-Queen Hospitalised as IG Leads Probe into Stampede

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21 hours ago

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December 21, 2024

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Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: Ooni’s Ex-Queen Hospitalised as IG Leads Probe into Stampede

Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: Ooni’s Ex-Queen Hospitalised as IG Leads Probe into Stampede

 

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has taken over investigations into the tragic stampede at a children’s funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, which claimed the lives of 35 children and left six others injured. The incident occurred when over 7,500 participants, far exceeding the expected 5,000, rushed to gain entry to the event.

The funfair was reportedly organised by Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the former queen of the Ooni of Ife, in collaboration with Ibadan-based broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat.

Naomi, who was arrested alongside Hamzat, reportedly collapsed on Friday and was rushed to the Police Hospital at Eleyele for medical attention. A senior hospital staff member confirmed the development, stating, “Both of them are currently at the hospital. The police have secured the premises, and no further details can be disclosed.”

Eight individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident, according to Oyo State Police Command spokesperson Adewale Osifeso. A police source revealed that the Inspector General of Police has now taken charge of the case, stating, “For further details, you’ll need to contact Abuja.”

Victims and Medical Response

The Chairman of the Medical Advisory Council at Adeoyo State Specialist Hospital, Dr. Adeoye Allen-Taylor, confirmed that four children remain on admission. He added that some casualties were brought in dead and that the Oyo State Government is covering all medical expenses.

At the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, five fatalities were reported, though none of the bodies were taken to the hospital’s mortuary. The Public Relations Officer of UCH, Funmi Adetuyibi, confirmed the death toll.

Government and Public Reactions

In response, the Oyo State Government mandated strict safety measures for all public events, especially those involving children and the elderly. Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Dotun Oyelade, warned event organisers of severe penalties for compromising public safety.

Governor Seyi Makinde, describing the tragedy as “painful and preventable,” announced the cancellation of his December 25th birthday celebrations to honor the victims. “There will be no birthday celebration this year. I will remain indoors to reflect,” the governor stated while receiving a condolence delegation from the South-East PDP, led by Senator Adolphus Wabara.

Condolences from PDP and Fayemi

The South-West chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expressed its condolences to the Oyo State Government and families of the victims. PDP Publicity Secretary Chief Sanya Atofarati attributed the tragedy to economic hardships, which he said pushed families to seek free entertainment for their children.

Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, also extended his sympathies, urging authorities to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The investigation continues, as authorities work to uncover the causes of the tragedy and ensure accountability.

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