News

Flooding: Lagos Insists On Demolishing Buildings On Drainage Right-Of-Way

Published

1 year ago

September 5, 2024

In a bid to tackle the persistent flooding in the state, the Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the restoration of right-of-way of all drainage channels in the state.

Mr Tokunbo Wahab, The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, stated this when he undertook an on-the-spot assessment of some drainage channels in the state on Wednesday.

Wahab said the government was determined to restore the environment from all sorts of infractions that had altered the landscape.

He noted that the government had awarded contract on restoration project in the axis in order to accomplish the task of making Lagos flood-free.

“The governor has awarded contract for the restoration of some critical projects on this axis around Ishashi, Oke-Odan, where we have witnessed people purposely building on the channel.

“They have been served notices; so we have to start enforcement along with the contractor who is ready to move to site,” Wahab said.

He said that all concerned had been served contravention notices which had elapsed and as such, enforcement would commence on Thursday, September 5.

He said the law would take its full course as it was observed that some people along the System 40 drainage channel in Ojo Local government Area have built on the canal path and narrowed the primary channel.

He said the development had led to incidents of flooding in the axis.

He stressed that the government would not back down on the enforcement, adding that it would ensure that seven metres drainage setback on all drainage channels were restored.

The commissioner said that 15 metres drainage setback is the standard right-of-way to be restored at Alaba International Market outfall.

He, however, said that the House of Assembly member representing the area, Mr Olusegun Ege, who was also present on the tour, advocated for less than 10 metres to be observed.

“This is just to let people know we are not dropping the ball and the weather has been very favourable so we have no excuse than to just move to the site.

“We will clean up the drains and restore the right-of-way and then take ownership of the public infrastructure.

“The development of any city is a deliberate plan; it is not magical, things will not happen unless the plan is enforced,” Wahab said.

He noted that the ministry had engaged in a series of sensitisation and advocacy, adding that it would not stop enforcement processes where necessary.

According to him, where there is a law in place, there is always provision for enforcement.

Wahab advised developers and homeowners in other parts of Lagos to ensure they did not encroach on public infrastructure such as drainage collectors or channels, be it primary or secondary.

He added that the government would come someday for its infrastructure.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Environment, Mr Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, said the unwholesome practices of some developers and business owners were regrettable.

Rotimi-Akodu said that their habit of converting the right-of-way into land and fully building on it has exposed other property owners to the dangers of loss of property.

He charged all residents to support the government’s efforts in making Lagos a safe, clean, flood-free and sustainable one.

In his remarks, the President-General, Alaba International Market, Chief Nnamdi Amajioyi, said the market executives have shown state officials the challenged areas, adding that they would cooperate to find a lasting solution.

“We have challenges whenever it rains. I believe that if we go by what the ministry said, the problem of flood will be a thing of the past,” Amajioyi said.

The commissioner was accompanied by the the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Mr Mahamood Adegbite, as well as heads of agencies and some directors, during the inspection tour.

The places visited included Isheri/Aiyetoro/Ologe Primary Channel at Anuoluwapo /Oke-Odan Street Ishashi, Ojo Town and Alaba Rago Primary Channel (System 40B).

Others included the Alaba International Market Primary channel (System 40) and the Ojo Local Government Area.

News

Edo Dep. Gov. Idahosa Inducted, Bestowed With Rotary Premium Award

Published

9 hours ago

November 15, 2025

Editor

The Edo State deputy governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has been bestowed with the Rotary Premium Award by the Benin Metropolitan Rotary Club, District 9141 in recognition of his humanitarian disposition.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, the deputy governor was accorded this recognition when the humanitarian organization visited his office to induct him into the club

Idahosa expressed appreciation for the recognition and promised to continue to contribute his best for the betterment of the society and humanity.

“When I was growing up, my prayer to God, was Bless me so that I will be a blessing to the world,” he stated.

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He noted that the recognition was in no doubt, a call for higher responsibilities.

Rotary President, Hon. Elizabeth Ativie who gave reasons for the award and investiture, maintained that the induction was based on Idahosa’s humanitarian disposition which is in line with Rotary Club’s doctrine of service above self, humanitarian and community.

“This is a reflection of where your heart is,” she told Idahosa.

The Assistant District Governor of the Club, (AG) Samson Olayiwola of Zone 20, D 9141, later decorated Idahosa with the “Rotarian pin,” the recognized logo of the Rotary Club worldwide.

This was in addition to the presentation of a certificate of membership and embroidered with a sash that uniquely identifies Idahosa as a member of the “RC Benin Metropolitan District.”

News

Doctors’ Strike Continues As NARD Demands Fair Deal, Better Pay

Published

10 hours ago

November 15, 2025

Editor

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called on the Federal Government to immediately conclude a long-delayed Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), as their indefinite strike entered its 15th day on Saturday.

It also demanded a review of the outdated Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

In a statement posted on X on Saturday, the union said: “Dear Nigerians, Doctors Deserve a Fair Deal! For long we’ve waited for a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), a simple, written promise that ensures fairness, clear work terms, and proper pay. But the government keeps delaying, while doctors face rising costs and crumbling morale.

“We demand the immediate conclusion of the CBA and review of the outdated CONMESS salary structure.”

The strike, which began earlier this month, has affected 91 hospitals nationwide, including federal teaching hospitals, specialist institutions, and federal medical centres, disrupting medical services across the country.

NARD said the union’s 19-point demand list is reasonable and necessary for the welfare of doctors and patients.

The list includes the payment of arrears under the CONMESS salary structure, disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, prompt payment of specialist allowances, recognition of postgraduate qualifications, and improved working conditions.

The union stressed that these measures are essential to sustain doctors and maintain a functional healthcare system.

President Bola Tinubu has also directed the Ministry of Health to immediately resolve the strike, noting that the government is addressing the doctors’ demands.

Despite the directive, NARD said delays in finalising the CBA and reviewing salaries have continued to demoralise doctors, many of whom face rising living costs while providing critical medical services.

News

VIDEO: Fayose Speaks About Own Death, Burial

Published

11 hours ago

November 15, 2025

Editor

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has said his body should be buried within four weeks of his death. Fayose also laid out detailed instructions for his burial, including that nobody should visit after he is buried.

He said his body and the burial arrangement should be handled by the Ekiti State Government.

In a six-minute video shared on YouTube by City Edge TV on Saturday, Fayose, who turns 65 today, said: “Remember me for anything. And when I die, let me say this. Death is inevitable. My body belongs to the Ekiti state government… I’m delivering a letter to the governor.”

Fayose added that regardless of when his death occurs, the state government should take charge of his remains.

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“Let us say in another 20, 30 years, 15 years, whatever time, for the glory of God. The Ekiti state government takes over my body, and I must be buried within four weeks. Because the state might not be ready within two, three days, we allow them four weeks.”

Fayose added that his children should wear their own clothes and follow the directives of the government at the time of his death.

About his final resting place, he said: “My grandmother’s home, the mother of my father, I’ve made the garden there. I should be laid to rest there. After my departure, nobody must come there again. Allow me to go. If you want to show me love, if you want to take care of me, do so now.”

The channel also shared a 20-minute video showing popular juju musician King Sunny Ade serenading the former governor on stage while he danced at his birthday thanksgiving reception.

Celebrated by several political figures. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike described Fayose as “a valuable friend and brother, who will never pretend about where he stands on issues,” adding: “Ayodele, my younger brother, may you reach the age of your elder brother in good health, and may God continue to make your days on earth fruitful, with immeasurable blessings.”

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, also congratulated Fayose in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, praising his “remarkable contributions” to the state and describing him as: “A leader who loves and connects well with the people, a respected grassroots politician and mobiliser, and a statesman who will never shy away from bearing his mind in his determination to see a more prosperous state and country.”

Watch the video here