society

HURMA petitions Gov. Ambode on Apapa Iganmu LCDA oppressive policies on Ifesowapo white Sand Trailer Park Owners

Published

8 years ago

October 7, 2018

Sahara Weekly

His Excellency,
Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode,
Executive Governor,
Lagos State.
Lagos House,
Alausa, Ikeja.

CC:

Commissioner for L.G

Chairman House committee on L.G

Chairperson Apapa Iganmu LCDA.

Press.

Dear Sir,

ALLEGED EXPLOITATION FROM DOUBLE TAXATION AND OPPRESSION WITH DIRECT ATTACK BY APAPA IGANMU LCDA ON IFESOWAPO WHITE SAND TRAILER PARK OWNERS

We write to intimate you of allegation of exploitation from double taxation on members of the above named park most of whom are members of HURMA, Apapa Iganmu unit. Also reported at our central office is alleged regular harassment from hoodlums working for the LCDA, for the purpose of illegal money collection. These among other corrupt practices, we want you to address with your esteemed office, as a matter of urgency.

Among other facts, some of which are historical, that you may need to guide your investigation are:

1. That Ifesowapo White Sand Trailer Park is a place owned by some trailer owners who operate legally under Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), who came together on agreement to use their individually acquired land as a parking space and as well repair their faulty vehicles so as to avoid constituting nuisance by the road side.

2. That the group pay yearly revenue with receipt up-to-date for the above parking purpose, to Apapa Iganmu LCDA.

3. That they all pay loading and offloading fee whenever they are out on operation to load at Apapa port.

4. That they are often confronted with the problem of double taxation from Apapa Iganmu LCDA who at times request that they must also pay for loading and offloading for the park in use, an issue that should not arise in any form because they neither load nor offload at that park.

5. That the above issue was once addressed by a former chairman of the LCDA, Hon. Olusola Adebayo (JIMSAM), who admitted that such issue of loading and offloading fee at the parking space should be considered null and void.

6. That same issue was also discussed with the present LCDA chairperson while serving as the Executive Secretary to the LCDA, before the present regime, which she also agreed and put a stop at.

7. That some hoodlums who recently attacked the park operators claimed attachment to the LCDA and this was confirmed by the head of revenue department of the LCDA popularly called Coach, who spoke at a recent meeting with the park operator, on behalf of the executive chairperson.

We therefore demand as earlier stated that you use your esteemed office to promptly investigate and stop further harassment of our people who are peaceful and would prefer that issues are better addressed from the position of law rather than resulting to self help.

In our letter to the LCDA chairperson, (copy attached) we stated that is our believe that double taxation is a financial crime and could be investigated by EFCC and ICPC. We equally reiterated that ignorance is not and should never be an excuse before the law and the Supremacy of Law is guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. But all these were neglected.

Finally, we would appreciate if all monies so far exploited from the poor Nigerians, in the process of their legitimate business, are all returned to them for such might be passed by our office as a proceed of corruption which we have always fought alongside the present federal government.

Thanks for your anticipated prompt
actions.

Yours faithfully,

Comrade Buna Olaitan Isiak
Executive Director

society

Lagos 2027: Obasa hosts Hamzat, Promises Support for Governorship Bid

Published

11 hours ago

April 23, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Lagos 2027: Obasa hosts Hamzat, Promises Support for Governorship Bid

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, on Thursday, played host to Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat at his official residence in GRA, Ikeja, promising to galvanise his expansive political structure to ensure Hamzat’s victory at the forthcoming governorship election.

Dr Hamzat is the presumptive APC candidate for the Lagos governorship seat, and the engagement was part of his ongoing strategic consultations with All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders and leaders.

Speaker Obasa extolled Hamzat’s pedigree, commitment to infrastructure development, and loyalty to the party, adding that for the continued development of Lagos State, every discerning electorate must rally round him.

“I just returned from Abuja, and the conversation remains the same – Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat is the next Governor of Lagos State. You have demonstrated unquestionable loyalty to our great party and even greater competence in serving Lagos. We love you, we support you, and we will do everything to ensure that we win the election,” Speaker Obasa declared.

Responding, Dr Hamzat expressed gratitude for the warm reception while highlighting Obasa’s legislative experience and political network, which he said are invaluable. He reiterated his focus on collaborative governance, saying, “Lagos is a collective project. My consultations are not about personal ambition but about ensuring continuity, innovation, and inclusive development for our people,” Hamzat said.

society

Police Repel Coordinated Kidnap Attack In Sokoto, Launch Manhunt

Published

16 hours ago

April 23, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Police Repel Coordinated Kidnap Attack In Sokoto, Launch Manhunt

Security operatives in Sokoto State have foiled a coordinated kidnapping attempt by armed bandits targeting two communities, killing one suspect and launching a manhunt for others who escaped with injuries.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Ahmad Rufa’i, the operation was carried out in the early hours of Thursday following a distress call received at about 12:30 a.m. reporting simultaneous attacks on Illela Village, also known as Achida Town, and Kwargaba Hamlet.

“The Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in collaboration with other tactical teams, responded swiftly to the distress call,” he said. “Our operatives, who were already on high alert, engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel and successfully repelled the attack.”

Rufa’i disclosed that the security forces overpowered the assailants after a prolonged exchange of gunfire, neutralising one suspect who was dressed in military camouflage, while others fled with gunshot wounds into the nearby Gundumi Forest.

“An intensive manhunt is ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects who escaped into the forest with varying degrees of injuries,” he added.

However, before the arrival of security personnel, the bandits reportedly shot and killed a member of the Kwargaba community vigilante group. His body has since been recovered and released to his family for burial.

The police spokesperson urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or individuals to the nearest security agency, assuring that efforts are being intensified to ensure the safety of lives and property across the state.

society

The Kendrick Brothers, Cameron Arnett, Kingdom Story Company, Bright Wonder Obasi Train 60 Christian Filmmakers in Nigeria

Published

18 hours ago

April 23, 2026

Sahara Weekly

The Kendrick Brothers, Cameron Arnett, Kingdom Story Company, Bright Wonder Obasi Train 60 Christian Filmmakers in Nigeria

Abuja, Nigeria – April 23, 2026

Successful actors, producers and movie makers like; the Kendrick Brothers, Cameron Arnett, Kingdom Story Company, Bright Wonder Obasi were among the facilitators who trained 60 Christian Filmmakers in Nigeria at the just concluded Africa Gospel Film Project (AGFP) 2026.

The groundbreaking 6-day Intensive Filmmaking Masterclass and Spiritual Formation Program, were 60 emerging Christian filmmakers from Nigeria and Zambia were trained in Abuja was held at the Gospel Cinema International /High Definition Film Academy (HDFA) Facility in Gwarinpa.

The program brought together a distinguished lineup of facilitators from Nigeria and the United States, positioning AGFP as a leading platform for faith-based filmmaking development in Africa.

Among the international facilitators was Stephen Kendrick of the Kendrick Brothers, known for films such as The Forge, War Room, Facing the Giants, and Courageous, Overcomer, Fireproof, who delivered a powerful session titled “Heart of The Filmmaker.” Also featured was Cameron Arnett, who led sessions on “Christ Over Career” and acting for film.

Other notable speakers included Nick Carey (Kingdom Story Company), who spoke on “The Making of a Faith-Based Blockbuster Movie,” as well as Bob Saenz (Screenwriting Masterclass), Beverly Holloway (Acting Masterclass), David Cook, Adam Drake, Prince Daniel (Aboki), Lummie Adevbie, Chris Odeh, and Jennifer Keltner (Identity & Storytelling), among others.

The program opened with a strong spiritual foundation, including worship and a keynote by the Convener, Bright Wonder Obasi, titled “Calling & Identity: Film as Spiritual Influence/Programming,” which challenged participants to view storytelling as a tool for cultural and spiritual transformation.

Participants were grouped into four production studios—House of Gideon, House of Caleb, House of Joshua, and House of David—and underwent three days of intensive masterclasses and workshops across screenwriting, directing, cinematography, acting, editing, and producing, alongside deep spiritual formation.

On Day 4, teams developed and pitched short film concepts for professional review and approval. Day 5 was dedicated to full-scale production, with all four teams executing their projects under real industry conditions.

The program culminated on Day 6 with:

A Pitch-A-Thon, where 20 filmmakers presented original projects for funding and collaboration.

A public screening of four short films produced during the program

Professional feedback from a panel of judges.

Certification of all participants

Awards for best Screenplay, Cinematography, directing, editing, acting, and overall best short film.

The closing ceremony featured a powerful commissioning session led by Pastor Ikenna Okeke, where participants were prayed for and consecrated as “God’s Creative Army.”

Speaking after the event, the Convener, Bright Wonder Obasi, described AGFP 2026 as “a movement to raise storytellers who will shape culture and influence nations through truth-driven films.

Films that honor God”

With its successful debut, AGFP is now preparing for its next edition, following its mandate to train 300 Christian filmmakers across Africa and develop a slate of six global faith-based films over a three-year period.

The Africa Gospel Film Project continues to position itself as a catalyst for purpose-driven storytelling, industry excellence, and spiritual transformation in African cinema.