society
WE’VE ENSURED SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN BUILDING COLLAPSE – LASG …Identifies 149 Distressed Buildings, Demolishes 40
The Lagos State Government on Monday said it was gratifying to report significant reduction in occurrences of building collapse across the State, revealing that a total of149 distressed buildings were indentified at different locations out of which 40 have so far been demolished in the last one year.
Speaking at the annual Ministerial Press Briefing to mark the third year anniversary of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Rotimi Ogunleye said another 38 distressed buildings have equally been earmarked for removal in the next phase, while others would follow suit.
Ogunleye, who reiterated the commitment of the present administration to go all out against any form of illegal developments and contraventions, said in the last one year, removal was effected on structures illegally built on setbacks, drainage channels and incompatible uses which resulted in public complaint and disaffection.
“It gives me satisfaction to report that during the year under review, the State recorded a significant reduction in building collapse. This was achieved through collaboration with stakeholders as well as intensive Post-Construction Audit of buildings by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA).
“In a systematic approach to curtail occurrences of building collapse, 149 distressed buildings were identified at different locations out of which 40 of such have been removed, while the next phase of 38 of the structurally defective structures have been earmarked for removal. Others would follow suit to safeguard lives and property,” Ogunleye said.
Giving details on how the distressed buildings were discovered, the Commissioner said the Ministry embarked on intensive audit through the Lagos State Material Testing Laboratory, and in the process, visited the 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas of the State to inspect both on-going construction sites and completed buildings suspected to be distressed.
“Consequently, 1,842 sites were visited; 1,392 Test Advice Notices were served and information on buildings identified as distressed were forwarded to LASBCA,” Ogunleye said.
On compensation of owners of structures which were demolished for developmental projects, Ogunleye said it was indeed instructive that as part of the inclusive governance model of the present administration, both property owners with Certificate of Occupancy and other documents, as well as those without such but with prove of ownership, have been compensated and still being considered.
“The administration of Governor Ambode has been benevolent in dealing with owners and developers whose structures were affected by the construction of roads and other forms of infrastructural development.
“There have been instances where the government even approved compensation for people whose only proof of ownership were pictures taken in front of the structures because the Governor does not want to subject the people to inconveniences as a result of the removal of their structures for public projects,” Ogunleye said.
He said following detailed inventory, enumeration, evaluation exercises and analysis of submitted documents, work had reached advanced stage to compensate house owners whose structures were demolished for construction of Orile/Badagry road expansion, Agric-Ishawo Road in Ikorodu, Epe Road expansion project, Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road, Free Trade Zone Resettlement Land and Adiyan Waterworks Phase II, among others.
On other activities of the Ministry, Ogunleye said eight Master and Model City plans have so far been developed for Lekki, Badagry, Ikoyi-Victoria Island, Ikeja, Alimosho, Mainland Central, Apapa and Agege-Ifako, while additional four to be ready in second quarter of 2018 were being prepared for Epe, Ikorodu, Oshodi-Isolo and Revised Ikeja Model City Plan, as well as in Kosofe.
He said from April 2017 to March 14, 2018, a total of 2,023 planning permit applications were received with 1,237 approved and others at various stages of processing, while due to adoption of technology to fast-track the process through the Electronic Planning Permit (e-pp) Platform, applicants can now have their permits within ten days.
He said in order to clear backlog of applications and to encourage regularization of developments without permit, the State Government has also granted six months amnesty starting from March 1 to August 31, 2018, advising property owners to fully utilize the opportunity.
On the relocation of Okobaba Sawmill in Ebute-Metta to modern Sawmill at Timberville, Agbowa in Ikosi Ejirin LCDA, Ogunleye said the project was now ready for operational take-off save for provision of additional transformers and link road, adding that government was currently working with relevant stakeholders on modalities of movement of their equipment to the new site.
He added that the relocation of Mile 12 Market to Imota was taking longer than projected due to topography challenges and expansion of the scope of the project to accommodate other markets, assuring that it would however be completed by the second quarter of 2018.
On Katangowa ICT Park, Ogunleye said the project would commence with upgrading of roads to the site, adding that the project would remove the chaos currently associated with Computer Village, Ikeja.
“When ready, the project would be the biggest ICT Park in West Africa and will offer 4,000 shops, exhibition halls, hotel, industrial park, warehouses, keeklamps, helipad, malls, banking halls, parking lots, conference centre, food courts, security and power, among others,” he said.
NASRE: Building A Safety Net For Nigeria’s Journalists
At a time when Nigeria’s media industry is strained by economic uncertainty, job instability, and shrinking newsroom resources, the Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) is redefining professional solidarity. More than a network of editors, it is emerging as a critical support system for journalists navigating an increasingly precarious landscape.
Founded on the principles of welfare, solidarity, and professional growth, NASRE has positioned itself as a responsive and forward-looking body within the media ecosystem. While many professional associations remain focused on advocacy and training, NASRE distinguishes itself by combining these roles with direct and practical support for journalists and their families.
At the core of its mission is a clear proposition that no journalist should be abandoned in times of need. Through financial assistance, targeted outreach, and sustained engagement, the association has supported members facing hardship, as well as widows and families of deceased practitioners. These largely understated interventions have steadily earned NASRE credibility and respect across the industry.
The organisation’s approach reflects a keen awareness of the pressures confronting media professionals, including irregular pay, job insecurity, and limited institutional backing. In such an environment, NASRE’s welfare initiatives are not merely charitable, they are essential.
Beyond welfare, the association is investing in professional resilience. Through collaboration, networking, and knowledge-sharing platforms, it is equipping editors and practitioners to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving digital media space, where adaptability is no longer optional.
Headquartered in Lagos, NASRE continues to broaden its reach, attracting a growing membership united by the need for a more responsive and supportive professional community. Its expansion signals a shift in expectations within the industry, away from symbolic affiliations towards institutions that deliver measurable value.
For many observers, NASRE represents a necessary evolution, a professional body anchored not just in ideals, but in impact. By combining empathy with structure, it offers a model of what media associations can become in challenging times.
As the industry continues to evolve, organisations like NASRE may prove indispensable. In a profession devoted to telling society’s stories, it is ensuring that the storytellers themselves are not left behind.
Oluremi Tinubu Hosts Wife of New IGP, Talks Welfare, Empowerment for Police Families
The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, today welcomed Mrs. Mutiat Disu, wife of the Inspector General of Police, at the State House in Abuja.
During the meeting, the First Lady encouraged Mrs. Disu to continue championing the welfare and wellbeing of police officers’ families, especially through impactful support for their wives.
Speaking after the meeting, Mrs. Mutiat Disu shared her excitement about partnering with the First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), noting that she is ready to leverage its programs to empower police officers’ wives across the country.
Mrs. Disu, who also serves as the National President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), described the meeting as insightful and inspiring. She emphasized her commitment to using RHI platforms to improve healthcare, welfare, and economic empowerment for POWA members nationwide.
“The purpose of this visit is to tap into her wealth of experience and explore how POWA can benefit from her programs,” she said.
She added that her engagement with the First Lady has already provided valuable direction, especially in areas of social intervention and healthcare support for police families.
“I’m ready to work closely with Mama to ensure our women benefit fully, especially since RHI focuses on uplifting women, and POWA is largely made up of women.”
Mrs. Disu assumed leadership of POWA following the appointment of Tunji Disu as Inspector General of Police on February 24, 2026, succeeding Kayode Egbetokun.
Police Day 2026: IGP Disu Leads Nationwide Walkathon To Strengthen Community Trust
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Tuesday led the management team, alongside officers and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, in a nationwide walkathon to commemorate the 2026 National Police Day.
The event, held across state capitals and the Federal Capital Territory, formed part of activities marking Day Two of the annual celebration, themed “Community Partnership: Building Trust.”
The symbolic exercise, which drew participation from both police personnel and members of the public, was aimed at showcasing unity, discipline, and a renewed commitment to community policing and public safety.
According to the Force leadership, the walkathon underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s resolve to strengthen public trust, deepen engagement with citizens, and enhance collaboration in tackling security challenges across the country.
Participants described the initiative as a practical step toward bridging the gap between law enforcement and the communities they serve, while also promoting physical fitness and mental well-being among officers and civilians alike.
With the theme reflecting a shared responsibility for safety, the Police reiterated that sustainable security can only be achieved through active partnership with the public.
The event concluded with a renewed call for collective action under the banner: “Together We Walk, Together We Secure,” emphasizing unity of purpose in building a safer and more secure society for all Nigerians.
-
society6 months agoReligion: Africa’s Oldest Weapon of Enslavement and the Forgotten Truth
-
news4 months agoWHO REALLY OWNS MONIEPOINT? The $290 Million Deal That Sold Nigeria’s Top Fintech to Foreign Interests
-
society6 months ago“You Are Never Without Help” – Pastor Gebhardt Berndt Inspires Hope Through Empower Church (Video)
-
celebrity radar - gossips2 months agoDr. Chris Okafor Returns with Power and Fire of the Spirit -Mounts Grace Nation Altar with Fresh Anointing and Restoration Grace on February 1, 2026
You must be logged in to post a comment Login
You must log in to post a comment.