News
Peter Obi Reacts to Recent demolition on Alaba market demolition by Lagos govt
Mr Peter Obi of the Labour Party, LP, has reacted to the recent demolition of some buildings at the Alaba International Market by the Lagos State Government.
Obi said although some of the demolitions might be excusable, they had left many victims, mostly ordinary people who he believed were either innocently ill-informed or misguided.
He said the primary duty of any government is to care for and protect its citizens.
In a statement issued via his verified Twitter handle on Tuesday, the former Anambra State governor advised that “necessary corrective measures to planning or zoning violations by governments, need not be punitive or unduly insensitive.”
Recall that the Lagos Government had on June 16 begun the removal of what it described as distressed buildings in the Alaba International Market located in the Ojo Local Government Area of the state.
DAILY POST reports that the enforcement team of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA and the Lagos State Task Force embarked on the joint exercise.
Following the controversy that trailed the exercise, the government insisted that the exercise was a measure to prevent disaster.
However, Obi maintained that Nigerian citizens should not be subjected to the additional stress of unexpected hardship.
The statement read: “Recently, there have been reports of widespread government demolition of so-called ‘illegal’ structures erected by some innocent Nigerian citizens in error. We face a paradox: with a 70 million housing deficit and vast unmet housing needs nationwide, some resort to self-help by building structures that serve as homes, businesses, SMEs offices and stores. Invariably, some of these structures were either not approved or were built with the tacit collusion or approval of the local authorities.
“While some of these ongoing demolitions may be excusable, they have nonetheless, left many victims, mostly ordinary people who erred innocently or were ill-informed or misguided. Necessary corrective measures to planning or zoning violations by governments need not be punitive or unduly insensitive.
“There should always be room for compassion and humane correction in taking any remedial action. I respectfully appeal to various governmental authorities to marry the need to enforce compliance with extant regulatory regimes, with consideration for human feelings and necessary compassion.
“In Nigeria, we live in a time of extreme difficulties for citizens because of stagnated income, spiralling inflation, huge unemployment escalating socio-economic costs and high costs of living.
“Nigerian citizens should therefore, not be subjected to the additional stress of unexpected hardship. Moreover, the various concerned governments should consider paying compensation to those who have lost properties and livelihoods in these unfortunate demolitions to ameliorate their suffering. Such compensation should fall under the rubric of eminent domain that is applicable for properties and assets acquired or demolished in the public interest.
“It cannot ever be overemphasized that the primary duty of any government is the responsibility to care for and protect her citizens.”
A building has collapsed at 333 Borno Way, Alagomeji, in the Ebute Meta area of Lagos, Nigeria, sparking urgent rescue and emergency response efforts.
The incident occurred today, September 15 and emergency services have since been deployed to the scene. The exact cause of the collapse is still under investigation, and it remains unclear how many people may be trapped or injured.
Dr. Femi Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), has urged members of the public and concerned relatives to contact him directly for verified information and updates regarding the ongoing situation.
Residents are strongly advised to steer clear of the area to allow emergency crews full access for rescue operations.
More details to follow as the story develops.
News
Abimbola Adebisi is new PPRO Lagos Command
Adebisi brings “a wealth of academic, professional, and operational experience” into her new role.
•Abimbola Adebisi
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has approved the appointment of Superintendent of Police Abimbola Adebisi as the new Police Public Relations Officer for the Lagos State Command.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Babasayi Oluseyi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, the Command said Adebisi brings “a wealth of academic, professional, and operational experience” into her new role.
The new PPRO holds a BA (Ed) in English Language and Literature from Tai Solarin University of Education, a Postgraduate Diploma in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution, and a Master of Arts (MA) in English Language from the National Open University of Nigeria.
Her appointment comes after the previous spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin was promoted to the position of the Force Public Relations Officer.
The statement further noted her professional training, “She has a Certificate in Child Protection from the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, Accra, Ghana, alongside certifications in Human Rights, Human Psychology, and Conflict Management.“
She has equally attended the Advanced Detective Course at the Police Staff College, Jos.”
Image credit : Reuters
Guinness World Record on Monday officially confirmed Nigerian celebrity chef Hilda Baci’s largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice, with a staggering total weight of 8,780 kilogrammes (19,356 lb 9 oz).
Announcing the confirmation via X (formerly Twitter), Guinness World Records wrote: “New record: Largest serving of Nigerian style jollof rice – 8,780 kg (19,356 lb 9 oz) achieved by Hilda Baci and Gino in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.
The feat was accomplished in partnership with food brand Gino at Victoria Island, Lagos, and has now been formally recognized by Guinness World Records.
Baci, who first rose to global fame with her headline-grabbing cook-a-thon in 2023, has once again placed Nigerian cuisine on the world stage with this remarkable achievement.
Ahead of the confirmation, Guinness World Records had sent her words of encouragement, reposting a video from the Friday event and writing:“What’s cookin’?
Best of luck to @hildabacicooks who’s attempting a new record for the largest serving of Nigerian-style jollof rice today.
The record-breaking cooking event was held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, attracting a massive crowd of supporters, celebrities, and food enthusiasts who gathered to witness history being made.
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