#EndSARS: Again, Lagos Further Relaxes Curfew from 10pm to 6am

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October 30, 2020

The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government has again yielded to peoples’ appeals by announcing a further relaxation of the 24-hour curfew imposed after the breakdown of law and order, following the hijack of the peaceful #EndSARS protests.

The curfew would now be from 10pm till 6am.

Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, praised Lagosians for observing the curfew, which is expected to restore normalcy in the Centre of Excellence.

He urged all Lagosians to go about their businesses in peace, even as they shun “actions that can threaten our unity.”

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The governor advised purveyors of fake news to stop causing disaffection among Lagosians, who are well known for being peace-loving and friendly.

Meanwhile, the General Manager of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Olajide Oduyoye, has reaffirmed the commitment of its personnel to traffic control across the state, saying the temporary withdrawal of officers resulted from the arson, killings and violence that trailed the #EndSARS protests.

Oduyoye revealed that 12 LASTMA zonal offices were destroyed during the mayhem, while officers were attacked at various locations and, therefore, the agency’s operational efficiency and logistics were disrupted.

He stated that despite the temporary setback, LASTMA has taken stock, re-strategised and its officers have resumed their duties at intersections and junctions across the metropolis.

While assuring members of the public of the agency’s commitment to ensuring free traffic flow on all roads in Lagos State, Oduyoye thanked LASTMA officials for their cooperation, dedication and efforts on effective traffic management across the metropolis.

Speaking on a recent story being circulated on social media, Oduyoye debunked the report which alleged that Sanwo-Olu has directed the officers of the agency not to arrest any motorist who contravenes Lagos State Traffic Law.

The general manager pointed out that the false news story had made the rounds on the social media on previous occasions, adding that the company that generated the initial fake report had apologised, retracted and pulled down the news from its website earlier in the year.

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According to him, “The primary duties of the agency is traffic control and the arrest of recalcitrant drivers as stated in the law that established the agency. The law was later reviewed by Lagos State House of Assembly in year 2018, with that of Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Service. It is, therefore, logical that the governor, who is the number one law-abiding citizen and law enforcement officer in the state, would not flout the law through such pronouncement.

“I must implore all law-abiding citizens of Lagos State, especially motorists, to adhere strictly to the traffic law of the state in order not to run afoul of the law which has consequences. We must all have positive attitudes towards obeying the laws of the state which were made to ensure orderliness and fast-paced socio-economic improvement of individuals, corporate entities and generality of the people.”

Idowu Sowunmi

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Lagos Police Command Arrests Fleeing Sergeant Aiwansone for Shooting Girlfriend

By

Tobiloba Kolawole

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October 30, 2020

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Lagos State Police Command has arrested the fleeing Sergeant Eze Aiwansone, attached to the Special Prorection Unit (SPU) Base 16 in Ikeja for the shooting of his girlfriend, Joy Eze.

The incident occurred on October 8 in Opebi, Ikeja.

The command said the suspect, who had been on the run, was arrested by his elder brother who is an inspector of police in Lagos State and handed him over to the command.

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The State CID Panti has taken over the case on the instruction of Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, for further investigation, said a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

Odumosu has, however, warned police personnel in Lagos State to desist from any act that could tarnish the image of the police, charging them to be committed to the principles of community oolicing for better service delivery and public safety in the state.

Idowu Sowunmi

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Eagles Recall Akpeyi, Uzoho, Ezenwa, Nwakali on Standby for Sierra Leone Game

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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October 30, 2020

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images (2) — File photo: Coach of Nigeria's Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr.

Coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr, has recalled South Africa-based goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi, to his team for the qualifier match against Sierra Leone.

On standby are home-based goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Cyprus-based Francis Uzoho, and former Golden Eaglets captain, Kelechi Nwakali.

Rohr has also called up Captain Ahmed Musa, defender William Ekong, midfield enforcer Oghenekaro Etebo, and 21 others for the game.

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Victor Osimhen, the leading marksman who missed out of this month’s friendlies against Algeria and Tunisia, will return to the team just as midfielder Joseph Ayodele-Aribo and South Africa –based goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi.

Switzerland –based goalkeeper Sebastian Osigwe will hope to earn his first cap for Nigeria, while defenders Kevin Akpoguma and Zaidu Sanusi, who impressed in the friendlies in Austria, have been handed opportunities to add to their caps.

There are seven players on standby, including defender Abdullahi Shehu, Uzoho, Ramon Azeez and Samson Tijani, and forward Paul Onuachu.
The players lined up for the friendly match are:

Goalkeepers: Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa); Sebastian Osigwe (FC Lugano, Switzerland); Maduka Okoye (Sparta Rotterdam, The Netherlands).

Defenders: Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Leon Balogun (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Chidozie Awaziem (FC Boavista, Portugal); William Ekong (Watford FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Fulham FC, England); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Kevin Akpoguma (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany).

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Midfielders: Oghenekaro Etebo (Galatasaray, Turkey); Tyronne Ebuehi (FC Twente, Netherlands); Frank Onyeka (FC Midtjylland, Denmark); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland).

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Unattached); Alex Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Emmanuel Dennis Bonaventure (Club Brugge, Belgium); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain); Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Chidera Ejuke (CSKA Moscow, Russia).

Thenff.com stated that the players are expected to report at the Protea Hotel Emotan in Benin City on November 9.

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2021 AFCON Qualifier Moved from Asaba to Benin on Technical Grounds – NFF

By

Tobiloba Kolawole

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October 30, 2020

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images — Amaju Melvin Pinnick, President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) says it moved the 2021 AFCON qualifier between the Super Eagles and Leone Stars of Sierra Leone from its original venue, Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State, to Benin City, Edo State capital on technical grounds.

NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, had ìn February this year stated in a statement announcing that the 15,400 – capacity Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, would host the Super Eagles versus Leone Stars in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match earlier scheduled for Friday, March 27, 2020. The match was however postponed due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which crippled sports and business activities around the world.

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The NFF made a u-turn last week by moving the match to the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Edo State.

According to the Guardian, an official of Delta Sports Commission on Thursday said that the choice of Benin City for the 2021 AFCON qualifier between Nigeria and Sierra Leone was on ‘technical ground.’

“We actually prepared to host the match, but our government has since converted the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba to a COVID-19 isolation centre. To move the equipment from the stadium will take some time. Apart from that, it will be difficult to get the pitch ready for such a big match within a few days. The NFF must have put all these into consideration.

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“We are not angry about the sudden change of venue. The choice of Benin City for the match is okay. Maybe, before the next game, the government would have moved the COVID-19 isolation centre from Stephen Keshi Stadium”, he said.

Named after former Super Eagles captain and coach, late Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, the Asaba stadium, was famous for hosting several international events, including Asaba 2018 African Senior Athletics Championship, as well as matches involving the Super Eagles and the Nigeria U23 squad since it was opened two years ago.

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South-East Governors to Engage Youths

By

Tobiloba Kolawole

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October 29, 2020

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The Southeast Governors says the forum will engage with the youth to address their peculiar concerns within the zone.

The Chairman Southeast Governors forum and the Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi made this known in a communique after a closed door meeting held at the Government house, Enugu.

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Umahi urged the youth to sheath their sword to enable the forum work out modalities to meet their demands.

According to Governor Umahi, the southeast Governors sympathises with the families and victims of the post EndSARS protests noting that the governors ensure the security of lives and properties.

Various stakeholders in the region both the National Assembly and Federal Executive Council members and other religious and traditional leaders were present during the meeting.

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Nigeria Football Federation Gets FIFA’s $1m Palliative, $600, 000 Mini Stadia Fund

By

Tobiloba Kolawole

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October 29, 2020

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FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks with Amaju Melvin Pinnick, President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), during the 66th FIFA Congress in Mexico City, Mexico, May 13, 2016. REUTERS/Edgard Garrido

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has finally received a $1 million palliative it was promised by the world football governing body, FIFA.

The receipt of the long awaited palliative fund was disclosed Wednesday on Twitter by the NFF president, Amaju Pinnick, who revealed further that the Nigerian federation received another $600, 000 from the football body for the construction of two mini stadia in the country.

Pinnick said the federation got the fund on Monday and has also reconfirmed what it is meant for from FIFA.

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“As a further break down, the $1 million for palliatives is composed of $500,000 for men’s football and $500,000 for the women’s game. FIFA has also promised to send the Federation an additional $500,000 sometime in January 2021, also as part of COVID-19 palliative efforts.

“FIFA also sent $600,000 to the federation for the FIFA Forward 2.0 projects in Birnin-Kebbi and Ugborodo. At $300,000 each, it will enable the mini-stadia in both centers to start at a very good pace, as we earmark completion by the end of March 2021”, he stated.

The NFF will also receive the sum of $300,000 on or before Sunday, November 1, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed.

According to Pinnick, “With the $200,000 we have already ring-fenced from our sponsors’ funds for the purpose, the coast will then be clear for us to start the disbursement of funds to the beneficiaries, as captured in our approved template, from next week.

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“Even though we are bolstered by the guidelines from FIFA strictly outlying the purposes of these funds, as well as the approval of the NFF executive board, we will also interface with our auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers, on each and every line item, to ensure the disbursements conform to global best practices.”

The NFF had in August outlined the formula for the distribution of its palliatives to men and women football, as well as all its affiliates, including the Supporters Club and the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).

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Truck Crushes Woman in Front of Father’s Hotel in Ogun

By

Tobiloba Kolawole

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October 29, 2020

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Truck accident in ota — File photo of an accident scene involving a truck and a motorbike.

A truck has crushed a middle-aged woman at Onihale area, near Owode-Ijako, Ogun State on Thursday, the state Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) has said.

According to reports by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Owode-Ijako Unit Commander of TRACE, Mrs Temitope Oseni, who spoke on behalf of the Corps Commander, Seni Ogunyemi, confirmed that the incident happened at about 8.23 am.

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Narrating the ugly incident, Oseni recounted how a FAW truck, marked BHN 1353, inbound Onihale area had lost control due to brake failure and rammed into a motorcyclist and a woman who was about to alight in front of her father’s hotel.

Two boxer motorcycles and four persons were involved in the accident, with a man sustaining injury, Oseni said.

The TRACE unit commander said that the corpse of the deceased had been released to the family for burial, while the injured was taken to Famous Hospital at Iyana-Ilogbo, Ogun, for treatment.

Oseni also commiserated with the family of the victim and prayed God to grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

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To ensure free flow of traffic on the road, the truck and two motorcycles involved in the accident had been removed.

It is however advised that to avert loss of life, truck drivers and owners are to ensure that their vehicles are in good condition before putting them on the road.

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#EndSARS: You Invited Soldiers after Imposing 24-hour Curfew, Nigerian Army Counters Sanwo-Olu

By

Tobiloba Kolawole

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October 29, 2020

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Nigerian Army has berated Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his team for not saying the truth about the invasion of Lekki Toll Gate by soldiers on October 20 to disperse #EndSARS protesters.

The Army, in a statement by its Acting Deputy Director, Public Relations, Headquarters 81 Division, Osoba Olaniyi, said the decision to call in the military was taken by the Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government after a 24-hour curfew was imposed.

“From the onset of the #EndSARS protest, there was no time personnel of 81 Division of the Nigerian Army Lagos were involved. However, the decision to call in the military was taken by the Lagos State Government (LASG) after a 24-hour curfew was imposed.

“This was as a result of the violence which led to several police stations being burnt, policemen killed, suspects in police custody released and weapons carted away.

“The situation was fast degenerating into anarchy. It was at this point that LASG requested for the military to intervene in order to restore normalcy.

“The intervention of the military followed all laid down procedures for Internal Security operations and all the soldiers involved acted within the confines of the Rules of Engagement (ROE) for Internal Security Operations,” the statement explained.

On the allegation of massacre at Lekki Toll Gate, the statement said: “The attention of Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian Army has been drawn to a viral video on social media in which it was alleged that civilians’ protesters were massacred by soldiers at Lekki Toll Plaza.

“This allegation is untrue, unfounded and aimed at causing anarchy in the country. At no time did soldiers of the Nigerian Army open fire on any civilian.”

The Army reiterated that in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities, it did not shoot at any civilian as there are glaring and convincing evidence to attest to this fact.

“This allegation is the hand work of mischief makers who will stop at nothing to tarnish the image of the Nigerian Army.

“The general public is hereby enjoined to discountenance this allegation as there is no iota of truth therein,” the statement said.

Idowu Sowunmi

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Lagos Reopens Public and Private Schools November 2

By

Tobiloba Kolawole

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October 29, 2020

1

The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government has approved the re-opening of schools for all classes in public and private schools across the state beginning from Monday (November 2), while boarding house students in public schools are to resume on Sunday (November 1).

Sanwo-Olu, who disclosed on Thursday through Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Folasade Adefisayo, said this has been an unprecedented year with the recent happenings that have regrettably led to frequent closure of schools with attendant learning disruptions faced by all children.

“We pray and hope that there will be no more disruptions in the academic calendar. However, Lagos State Government will always regard the safety of pupils/students, parents and all staff as a matter of priority.

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“We recommend that when schools resume on Monday, teaching and learning should continue unhindered till the end of the term,” Adefisayo said.

The Sanwo-Olu administration, therefore, advised pupils/students to take their studies more serious in a bid to recover the lost period and thereby excel.

Meanwhile, as part of efforts to reduce the rate of unemployment in Lagos State, Sanwo-Olu has approved Internship Programme for 4,000 unemployed graduates in line with his T.H.E.M.E.S agenda for the youth development programme in the state.

Speaking recently on the programme with newsmen, Lagos State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Yetunde Arobieke, said the Graduate Internship Placement Programme (GIPP) is designed to give candidates the opportunity to develop employability and work-ready skills that are needed in securing gainful employment.

She added that the Internship programme would be addressing the third and fourth pillars of the Sanwo-Olu administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S agenda, which are: Education and Technology and Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy, while the beneficiaries would be paid a monthly stipend of N40,000 for the six months duration of the internship.

Arobieke explained that at the end of the internship period, interns would have gained valuable applied work experience, built up their professional skills and would have been exposed to possible entrepreneurial opportunities to strengthen their professional skills and interpersonal relationship.

The commissioner implored interested candidates to apply through the dedicated link for the programme: gipplasg.lagosstate.gov.ng, noting that interested applicants must possess NYSC Certificates or letters of exemption, and must be registered residents of the state with Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA).

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While pointing out that over 50 off-takers have shown interest in having the Interns work in their organisations, Arobieke maintained that the selection process would be transparent after successful candidates would have taken an online test and be trained on employability skills for two weeks and evaluated.

She added that the candidates would subsequently be placed on six months paid internship with private organisations and selected public agencies in line with their qualifications.

Idowu Sowunmi

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FEC Approves N2.9bn For Printing SSCE, Basic Education Exam Material

By

Tobiloba Kolawole

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October 29, 2020

0

The Federal Executive Council has approved the sum of N2.9 billion for the printing of materials for the upcoming Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE), common entrance and basic education exams.

The approval was disclosed by the Minister of Education, Mr Adamu Adamu, during a briefing with State House correspondents after Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja.

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The Minister revealed that that the production of the materials will be contracted to eight printing companies.

Also approved by the FEC was a N900 million fund for the rehabilitation of roads in Gwagwalada township and N719 million for the upgrade of roads in Kwali Area Council.

Adamu confirmed that the road projects are expected to be completed within six months.

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