Metro

Driver Slumps, Dies As Union Laments Hostile Working Condition

Published

2 years ago

January 15, 2024

A driver with LagRide, a Lagos State-owned ride-sharing app, Adebayo Padmore, has collapsed and died in the Lekki area of the state.

The PUNCH learnt that Padmore, who was the National Deputy President of the Amalgamated Union of the app-based transporters of Nigeria, was about to begin work on Monday, January 8 when the incident happened.

The spokesperson for the union, Jossy Adaraniwon, who spoke with our correspondent on Sunday said the deceased who was in his mid-40s had opened his car bonnet to check the engine oil when he collapsed on the spot.

Adaraniwon, who lamented what he alleged as the hostile working conditions of ride-hailing companies in Nigeria said the victim was rushed to the hospital where he later died.

He said, “Bayo had worked the night before and decided to take some rest in his car on one of the streets in Lekki. He woke up around 5 am to start work and while preparing, he opened his bonnet to check the engine oil. It was at the point of going back into his vehicle that he slumped. Our colleagues who were there had to pour water on him quickly and later took him to a nearby hospital but he did not make it alive. It was an unfortunate incident because he was still part of our Zoom meeting on Sunday evening and he did not sound like he was not feeling fine.”

Adaraniwon revealed that the medical report obtained from the hospital indicated that the deceased died of cardiac arrest which is associated with fatigue and accumulated stress.

Speaking further, he explained that Pademore’s death was not unconnected to the pressure on the job.

He said, “The great Padmore’s death is one that cannot be exonerated from the hostile condition of work by platforms like Lagride, Uber, Bolt and InDriver resulting from high commission, low fares, high daily target, higher asset repayment, and lack of healthcare insurance and anti-workers policy that subject platform workers to prolonged working hours, fatigue, low earnings, lack of healthcare, lack of rest time and struggle to meet the daily target, family time and needs.

“As a union, our demand for adequate regulation and welfare of platform workers remains unflinching until victory is assured. Our call to the Lagos Ride management is to render necessary support and compensation for the deceased’s family and adopt a platform worker-friendly policy immediately.”

It was gathered that the deceased had been buried in his hometown in Oyo State on Thursday.

The union embarked on a nationwide protest in June 2023, while withdrawing services of its drivers from the public.

The drivers, who said they could no longer work under the new fuel pump price conditions, noted that they had previously appealed to the companies to reduce their commissions on the grounds that they did not reflect industry benchmark commissions.

Metro

JUST IN: Fire Guts Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone In Igbesa

Published

12 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Editor

A fire broke out on Sunday at the Ogun State Guangdong Free Trade Zone in Igbesa.

As of this report, there has been no official statement on what caused the incident. However, a resident said the fire was triggered by a gas explosion from a foam-producing company in the industrial park.

The source added that the fire spread quickly, affecting nearby houses before emergency responders arrived.

Details later…

Metro

AAU Postpones Resumption Date

Published

1 day ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

The management of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, has approved, on behalf of the university’s Senate, the postponement of students’ resumption and commencement of academic activities.

In a statement,
Otunba Mike Aladenika,
Head, Information, Public Relations & Protocol, AAU, said the decision became necessary to enable the university to complete ongoing renovation works on student structures and facilities, aimed at enhancing the overall teaching and learning experience.

“According to him, the management is committed to providing a conducive environment for academic excellence and believes that this temporary adjustment will ultimately benefit our students.

“While the university management intends to announce a new resumption date, any student(s) still in our hostels are advised to vacate with immediate effect to allow for effective ongoing renovation works

“In light of this development, the university regrets to announce that the 140th Inaugural Lecture, originally scheduled for Thursday, 15th January 2026, and ongoing examinations have been postponed.

“A new date for the lecture and the completion of the examinations will be communicated to all stakeholders in due course.

“The university appreciates the understanding and cooperation of students, parents, and guardians on this matter.

“We urge all students to adhere to the new resumption date and prepare for a productive academic session.

“Parents and guardians are kindly requested to ensure their children/wards are aware of and comply with the revised resumption schedule.”

Metro

Protest Rocks Ekpoma Over Incessant Kidnapping

Published

1 day ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

Residents of Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State on Saturday protested against incessant kidnappings in the area.

Ekpoma, in recent times has been under attack by kidnappers who snatched residents from their homes.

The protest grounded commercial activities as students of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, also joined in the protest.

The protesters, in anger, also pulled down campaign billboards for the 2027 general elections mounted in the university hosting town.

Speaking on the protest, Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Austin Eigbiremolen, assured that adequate security would be deployed to Ekpoma.

According to him, the kidnappers would be chased away from the area in no distance time.

Also reacting to the protest, Edo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, dismissed was top of the security situation in Ekpoma, adding the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, was already in Ekpoma.

Ikoedem said nine persons who were kidnapped on Friday were rescued unhurt after the Eagle Combat Drone Unit was deployed to the forest alongside local hunters.

“In the heat of the rescue operation, the kidnappers’ camp was located through real-time aerial intelligence.

“The ground troops stormed the camp, forcing the kidnappers to flee and abandon two locally fabricated AK-49 rifles.

“The victims, including five children were rescued unhurt. This landmark deployment underscores the transformative role of technology in modern policing and sets a new benchmark for operational enhancement in Edo State,” she said.