Tag: Lagos Government

  • Building housing restaurant collapses in Lagos, many feared dead

    Building housing restaurant collapses in Lagos, many feared dead

    A tragic incident occurred on Saturday morning as a building housing a local restaurant known as Equal Right collapsed on Oremeta Street in the Ojodu-Berger area of Lagos State, leaving many feared dead.

    According to eyewitnesses, the structure came crashing down around 8 a.m., catching occupants by surprise.

    Emergency response teams and local residents have since launched search and rescue efforts, attempting to pull survivors from the rubble.

    As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of casualties remains unclear, but fears are growing that several lives may have been lost in the disaster.

  • Lagos issues travel advisory as container-laden truck crashes at Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge

    Lagos issues travel advisory as container-laden truck crashes at Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge

    The Lagos State Government on Wednesday urged motorists and other road users to use alternative routes following a crash involving a container-laden truck at the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge near Admiralty Road. The truck destroyed the height barrier structure, blocking the access road.

    The incident occurred on Tuesday evening when the truck collided with the steel height barrier while attempting to ascend the bridge with a 40-foot container. The truck became stuck at the entrance of the bridge as the broken height barrier got trapped between the container and the front of the trailer.

    As a result, traffic flow has been severely disrupted, causing significant gridlock at the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge and surrounding areas.

    Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) were promptly deployed to manage the situation and restore smooth traffic movement. As of 10 a.m., the traffic had been diverted to the Lekki Phase 1 tollgate corridor.

    Taofiq Adebayo, Director of Public Affairs for LASTMA, urged motorists to remain calm and drive safely around the area. He also advised motorists and road users not currently in traffic to use alternative routes, such as Ikoyi Kingsway Road, to reach their destinations.

  • Lagos Govt frowns upon non-compliance with rent payment system, seeks stakeholders’ cooperation

    Lagos Govt frowns upon non-compliance with rent payment system, seeks stakeholders’ cooperation

    The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to enforcing a rent payment system that allows for monthly, quarterly, or yearly payments, with a cap of one-year advance payment.

    The government has called for voluntary compliance from stakeholders to ensure the smooth implementation of the system, which is intended to benefit rent seekers.

    In this regard, the government has been engaging with relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful rollout of the system. The State Government has also urged professionals and trade groups in the real estate sector to be responsive to public concerns about frequent rent increases and excessive fees that are being charged in violation of the Lagos State Real Estate Law.

    Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Barrister Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, made these points during a meeting with executives of the Estate, Rent, and Commission Agents Association of Nigeria (ERCAN).

    Both officials expressed concern over unethical practices among estate agents, which have led to rising rent defaults. They reminded practitioners of the Lagos State Real Estate Transaction Law, which specifies that agents are entitled to a maximum of 10% chargeable fees on real estate transactions.

    Akinderu-Fatai also encouraged estate agents and related bodies to take action against quacks who encourage property owners to raise rent arbitrarily and impose fees not stipulated in the state’s real estate law.

    Furthermore, he urged ERCAN members to promote the adoption of monthly, quarterly, and yearly rent systems among their members.

    The Commissioner emphasized that the Lagos State Government is ready to collaborate with all stakeholders to promote the rent payment system, curb indiscriminate practices, make rent more affordable, and ensure the interests of property owners and tenants are protected.

    The President of ERCAN, Mr. Godwin Aleke, affirmed the association’s commitment to rent affordability and pledged to assist the Lagos State Government in promoting the new rent payment system. Aleke also expressed the association’s readiness to work alongside other professional bodies and stakeholders to improve the real estate industry in Lagos.

    The meeting was part of an ongoing strategic engagement with stakeholders to address issues related to rent and excessive fees charged by agents in Lagos State. The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing, Engr. Abdulhafis Toriola, and directors from the ministry.

  • Demand for used bras soars in Lagos

    Demand for used bras soars in Lagos

    That the second-hand underwear market in Lagos is experiencing significant growth is not news.

    What is news, perhaps, is the rising demand for used bras.

    Some women say that their decisions when buying bras are based on some factors which include affordability, durability, and quality.

    Many say they go for the fairly used bras, popularly known as “Okrika”, because they are mostly available, affordable and durable.

    Apart from busy markets such as Tejuosho, Balogun and Katangowa, in Lagos State, thrift bras can be found in smaller markets, stores and from roadside traders.

    Mrs Peace Okeke, also known as ‘Lady Bra’ among her customers in Festac Town, in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of the state, says she has been in the trade for more than 18 years.

    According to Okeke, since she has been in the business, many of her customers have come to trust high quality and first grade thrift bras.

    Okeke, who sells both thrift and new bras, says for those seeking affordability, durability and comfort, these first grade second-hand bras are increasingly popular option.

    “I have been in the business for the past 18 years, and I have seen how people’s preferences changed.

    “Most people prefer it. One, it’s durable, long-lasting, when in use. Secondly, it’s cheap, it’s affordable. Anybody can afford it,” she said.

    She notes that new bras, particularly from top-tier international brands, can cost between N15,000 and N50,000, or more, for one, but the thrift bras offering similar quality are available for as low as N5,000.

    “People buy the new ones but for the average person, especially those with limited income, they can get thrift bras for N5,000 comfortably.

    “You can as well get three bras for the same price as one new bra, and they will last as long as you need them to,” she explains.

    While some may hesitate to buy second-hand bras, especially due to social stigma or concerns over hygiene, Okeke stresses the value in opting for thrift items.

    She says thrift bras are the better choice for those on a budget.

    “The economic situation in the country is hard. Some people have the money to get that of N15,000 or N20,000.

    “I will advise those that cannot afford to, instead of spending N15,000 on one bra, you can use that N15,000 to get three good bras.

    “They will last you as long as you want without spoiling, unless you decide to change your underwear,” she said.

    On the hygiene aspect, Okeke says washing them properly with warm water and salt is the simple solution.

    She says her customers have not reported any issues with hygiene and infections, and that some even use the same cleaning method for thrift underwear, which she says sells in large quantities.

    “Even people go as far as using it to wash thrift pants and they wear it. No germs. No diseases,” she says.

    Also, Mrs Aisha Lawal, a trader at Orile Market, says the economic hardship has pushed many women to seek out thrift bras as an alternative.

    “I sell both new and fairly used bras but the fairly used ones sell faster, and many women prefer them because they are stronger, cheaper and last longer than the new ones,” she says.

    Lawal, who has been in the business for over 15 years says with as low as N1,500 to N2,000, customers can get a good quality thrift bra while the new one of the same quality will cost N20,000 or more.

    She says durability and affordability is the selling point of thrift bras.

    “Unlike many new bras that can lose their elasticity and quality quickly, especially cheaper mass-produced ones, thrift bras often sourced from reputable regions like the UK, are known for their resilience.

    “Even those with larger busts, often overlooked in mainstream stores, can find a well-fitting and long-lasting bra from thrift stores at a reasonable price.

    Lawal also advises buyers to soak their thrift bras in hot water and disinfectant before washing to get rid of any germs.

    Acknowledging the source of quality bras, Lawal says, “some of these fairly used bras come from the UK and USA, and they are of better quality than the cheap, new ones.”

    Again, one of the concerns of people are hygiene and proper care about second-hand items, especially underwear.

    According to Mrs Olayemi Adebayo, she buys thrift bras that are in good condition because they are more affordable and most times better than the new ones.

    Adebayo says she has not had issues with hygiene because she washes it properly before use.

    Mrs Tolu Adebiyi, who is a banker, however says that apart from quality, hygiene and perception of used items are major considerations for her when buying underwear.

    “I only buy new bras. I believe undergarments should be personal and new. I don’t feel comfortable wearing something that someone else has used.

    “I understand that fairly used bras are more affordable but I will rather save and buy new ones,” she says.

    Remilekun Moses, a lingerie businesswoman, says thrift trends will not impact underwear brands in the market.

    “They have their market share and offer more stylish and sensual designs using lluxury fabrics,’’ she says.

    According to Moses, who is a digital marketer, the local and international underwear brands are expanding their reach by targeting the middle and upper class through social media.

    Thrift is becoming more than just a trend, it is a lifestyle for many.

    People are increasingly turning to second-hand goods, not only to save money but also because they are often made with higher quality materials that last longer.

    For many, thrift bras are no longer seen as second-rate option but as smart, practical solution that deliver both quality and affordability.

  • Lagos and the menace of indiscriminate parking

    Lagos and the menace of indiscriminate parking

    Lagos is a rapidly growing and bustling city where everyone daily focuses on varied pursuits. However, one significant issue that often gets overlooked is random and careless parking of vehicles. This problem impacts people’s daily activities in diverse ways. While this may seem like a minor inconvenience at first glance, its effects transcend the immediate frustration of finding a parking spot or the attendant gridlock.

    This seemingly unharmful issue weaves into the fabric of daily lives, subtly disrupting the equilibrium and affecting everything from emergency response times to business growth and the effective implementation of government policies.

    For instance, parking in an undesignated parking spot might seem harmless until the ripple effects begin to impact emergency response times (by causing delays), hinder business growth (by reducing accessibility), and complicate the implementation of government policies (by straining the limited available resources or complicating implementation).

    Indiscriminate parking comes with attendant harsh and depressing implications on commuters and pedestrian movements. Since roads have suddenly become excessively narrow as a result of vehicles that are parked on either side, the safety of commuters and pedestrians become seriously compromised.

    Many have lost their lives while jogging or walking along the road. No thanks to roadside parking! Consequently, many who would have loved to engage in walking for pleasure and fitness have to think twice before engaging in such a risky venture.

    No matter how much energy is put into courting foreign and local investments, the enabling environment must, first and foremost, be created before such investment can thrive. Traffic gridlock is, no doubt, bad for business. And roadside parking is partly responsible for most of the traffic gridlock in Lagos.

    There is, of course, also a huge implication for emergencies. Consider, for instance, a medical emergency where an ambulance, rushing an accident victim to the hospital, faces severe delays due to a gridlock caused by randomly parked vehicles. Such obstructions can exacerbate a patient’s condition.

    This writer once watched a pregnant woman in labour rushed into the car by her desperate husband, hoping to quickly get her to the hospital. Sadly, this apparently simple task was complicated because of a few wrongly parked cars at the entrance of their house.

    Perhaps more saddening is the fact that illegal parking hampers the swift intervention of first responders during emergencies. For instance, it makes it tougher for firefighters and other first responders to navigate their way through locations of fire disasters. This often results in valuable time lost, and sometimes needless loss of lives and properties.

    It is, thus, clear that indiscriminate parking can encumber the operations of emergency workers, and worsen health conditions. Interestingly, nobody pays attention to the deadly but superficially harmless act of random parking as a major hindrance to smooth emergency operations.

    Parking issues can significantly impact businesses, often in ways we might not immediately notice. In the business world, where every minute counts and first impressions matter most, even a supposedly innocuous parking problem can disrupt important meetings, cost valuable deals, and strain professional relationships.

    Haphazard parking can obstruct access to key business locations. This may result in missed appointments, failed deals, and ultimately, lost opportunities. The ripple effects of these disruptions go beyond individual businesses, it impacts the broader economic environment.

    While it may not seem obvious, this could slow down economic growth, cause needless stress, and bring about unnecessary conflicts.

    No matter how robust and future-focused the traffic management initiatives of the government are, ostensibly simple activities such as illegal parking can thwart these efforts if not properly managed.

    It is commendable that the Lagos State government is keen on implementing a carefully designed parking management system, as evidenced by the creation of the Parking Authority and Parking Policy. However, these renewed efforts in parking management might not yield the expected results if people do not embrace a proper parking culture.

    We all speak so highly of the so-called ‘saner societies’ where things work fine. What we always forget to note is that those societies are strictly governed by extant laws and rules. Breaking such rules attracts heavy penalties that cannot be escaped, no matter how influential or well-connected you are.

    The saner society that we all clamour for can only become a reality when everyone joins hands together to always do the right thing.  No matter the commitment of the government toward solving the State’s peculiar traffic challenge, all will amount to nothing without the backing of the residents.

    We must always be willing to do the right thing. Nothing works fine in a chaotic environment. Lagosians are, therefore, urged to imbibe a good parking culture that not only aligns with the existing regulations but also puts the welfare of others into consideration. This is the only way that we can all live to enjoy the ‘Greater Lagos’ of our collective aspiration.

    The Lagos State government, through the Lagos State Parking Authority, LASPA, is ever-committed to transforming parking management. By leveraging thorough urban planning, significant infrastructure investment, and a strong parking policy, the government is working with all stakeholders to provide innovative and sustainable solutions to parking.

    The establishment of LASPA and the introduction of the Lagos State Parking Policy underscore the government’s determination to tackle parking issues with a strategic, science-based approach.

    On the whole, the need to embrace a civilized and properly regulated parking culture cannot be over-emphasized, given the complex and indispensable nature of the transport sector in Lagos. By the time all the ongoing initiatives of the government aimed at efficiently regulating parking in the state become visible and effective, coupled with renewed efforts to promote an intermodal transport system, it is expected that more robust public transportation would evolve in the state and Lagosians would be the better for it.

    But then, we all need to join hands with the government to make this dream a reality by protecting public infrastructure as well as strictly adhering to all traffic rules and regulations.

    * Dabiri is of the Public Affairs Unit, Lagos State Parking Authority, LASPA, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos

  • Diphtheria: Lagos Govt begins emergency vaccination at Kings College

    Diphtheria: Lagos Govt begins emergency vaccination at Kings College

    The Lagos State Government on Tuesday rolled out an emergency vaccination exercise for diphtheria exercise for students and staff of the King’s College Annexe, Victoria Island to immediately curb the spread of the highly contagious disease.

    Meanwhile, top state government officials and the World Health Organisation, WHO, on Tuesday visited and inspected the school to assess the situation and oversee the vaccination campaign.

    Among top government officials who visited the school include the state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, alongside the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, among others.

    Also, the delegation, including the Permanent Secretary, Lagos Health District III, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke, and the Director, Epidemiology, Biosecurity, and Global Health, Dr. Ismail Abdus-Salam, inspected key facilities such as the school’s kitchen, dining hall, dormitories, classrooms, sickbay, sanitary areas, and waste disposal units.

    The inspection aimed to identify potential risk factors and reinforce preventive measures to halt the disease’s spread.

    The swift intervention, led by the Lagos State Ministry of Health and the State Primary Health Care Board, underscores the government’s commitment to preventing further infections.

    Addressing the students, the state commissioner for health,  Prof. Akin Abayomi emphasised the importance of personal and environmental hygiene, urging them to adopt proper handwashing habits and report any symptoms of diphtheria promptly.

    Abayomi reassured parents that the government is actively managing the situation and discouraged them from withdrawing their children from school, as this could further complicate containment efforts.

    He explained that the vaccination campaign is targeting all students with parental consent, as well as school staff, to create a protective ring against the disease.

    He advised members of the public to be vigilant, watch for symptoms such as sore throat, difficulty breathing, and fever, and report any suspected cases to the nearest primary healthcare center.

    On potential side effects of the vaccine, Abayomi reassured students and parents that while mild to moderate reactions can occur, they are rare and manageable.

    He urged anyone experiencing adverse effects to report to the school’s healthcare facility, where medical personnel are on standby to provide necessary care.

    The school’s Principal, Mr. Zachariah Magaji, alongside the PTA Chairman and representatives from the school’s alumni, participated in the facility tour and vaccination exercise.

    The vaccination exercise remains ongoing, with medical teams working swiftly to immunize as many students and staff as possible. Health officials have also ramped up awareness efforts within the school community to ensure students, parents, and teachers understand the symptoms, risks, and preventive measures for diphtheria.

    Also, the Lagos State Government has pledged continued collaboration with federal and state health agencies to monitor the situation and deploy additional resources where necessary.

    The proactive response aligns with broader public health strategies aimed at mitigating the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases in schools and communities.

    They urged residents to take advantage of the state’s free immunisation programmes and adhere to public health advisories to prevent further outbreaks.

    The government reiterated its commitment to strengthening disease surveillance and response mechanisms across all schools and communities in Lagos State.

  • Three-Storey Building Collapses in Lagos, Two Dead

    Three-Storey Building Collapses in Lagos, Two Dead

    Rescue efforts are ongoing at the scene of a three-storey building that collapsed during construction at Oriwu Street in the Lekki Phase 1 area of Lagos State, resulting in the deaths of two adult males.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

    According to the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority, six people sustained serious injuries, while several others remain trapped under the rubble.

    LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Damilola Oke-Osanyitolu, confirmed in a statement on Wednesday that the incident occurred around 4 pm.

    “Following distress calls received via the CRM on the 767/112 Emergency Toll-Free Lines at 1425hrs today, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency activated the state’s Emergency Response Plans and Response Team from its Lekki and Cappa bases,” the statement read.

    “Upon arrival at 1448hrs at the incident scene, LASEMA’s Shark and Eagle Response Teams discovered a three-storey building under construction had collapsed at the aforementioned location.”

    The six injured individuals received immediate medical attention from the LRU Pre-Hospital Care Unit before being transported to Marina General Hospital for further treatment.

    Oke-Osanyitolu added that while the cause of the collapse has not yet been determined, further investigations will be conducted.