New Year Eve: Crossover service must end by 11pm — CAN
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| CONVOCATION: Rector of Evangel Faith Theological Seminary, Rev. (Prof.) Johnson Atanda Olatunde (JP) 3rd left; Rev Suleimon Yakubu Lento (2nd left) and other men of God during the 2020 Convocation of Evangel Faith Tehological Seminary held recently at the premises of Evangelical Faith Church, Akintunde Street, Mafoluku-Oshodi. |
THE Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in a statement by its President, Reverend Samson Ayokunle, said: “We are not happy that we would not be able to enter into the new year prayerfully in joint fellowship with our brothers and sisters. We, however, urge you all to abide by the directives of each state government on this so as to prevent the spread of the infection.
“There is no sacrifice that is too much in order to put an end to the pandemic once and for all. One thing that is certain is that the end of Covid-19 is here at last in the mighty Name of Jesus Christ.
“CAN advises that, where the government places an embargo on the Crossover Night service, churches may meet earlier to praise and give God praises for the gift of life despite the pandemic and to place their requests for 2021 before God. In those states, services should be closed about 10:30 pm or at most 11pm to enable worshippers to return home on time.”
Close service by 11pm, get home before 12am – Lagos CAN
The Lagos State chapter of CAN in a statement by its chairman, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, also supported the CAN and FG, and urged all churches in the state to end service by 11pm.
Adegbite gave the directive at a press conference, where he debunked a report in some media that the association was at loggerheads with the state government over the crossover night.
“As part of our responsibility as a law abiding organisation and in response to the appeal made to us by the state government, we hereby direct that all churches should ensure that the services on December 31, 2020, ends at 11pm, so as to allow attendees get to their respective homes and places of rest on or before 12 midnight when the curfew will start,” Adegbite said.
Close service early, off streets before 1.00am – Osun govt
The state government had earlier directed that there should be no countdown to New Year ceremonies or cross-over services under any guise, as part of its measures at curbing the spread of the Coronavirus.
In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Funke Egbemode, the state government said its sensitivity to the mood of the season has necessitated a review of its earlier position.
The statement reads: “The government of Osun State has decided to allow cross over religious gatherings, being sensitive to the mood of the season.
“But any organisation holding cross over service must note that they are expected to close the service early and everyone must be off the streets by 1:00am.”
Ondo threatens church leaders who flout ban on crossover service
But Chairman, Ondo State Inter-ministerial Committee, Prof Adesegun Fatusi, warned: “We hereby, call on all the people in Ondo State to celebrate the end of the year with a deep sense of responsibility and a strong commitment to safety and resist any call by anyone, no matter how highly placed, for them to disobey government order and, therefore, put themselves at the risk of Covid-19 and its consequences as well as legal penalties, including fines and jail terms as specified in the Ondo State COVID-19 laws.” Fatusi, in response to the call on Christians to disregard the government directive relating to the curfew currently in operation from 10pm to 4am , warned that “Covid19 is primarily a health issue, and not a religious issue. It is, therefore, not in the domain or area of competence of any religious group and for CAN leadership to indicate that technical decisions on health matters cannot be validly made by the state government without first consulting with the Association is implausible and absurd.”
Oyo approves crossover service, bans carnivals
Governor Makinde has allowed religious organisations to conduct cross-over services on December 31, 2020, as he lifted the 12am to 4am curfew imposed on states by the Federal Government.
According to a statement by Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Taiwo Adisa, via a statement shared on the state’s twitter, stated that the 12am to 4am curfew earlier imposed on states by the Federal Government has been lifted.
“The governor has also warned citizens and residents of Oyo State to ensure strict compliance with the guidelines, protocols and advisories as laid down by the Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force aimed at limiting the transmission of the disease in our communities.
“Secondly, he has directed that enforcement of these guidelines and protocols in accordance with the law will be applied as appropriate, enjoining individuals and organizations to comply and by so doing ensure that we all spread the joy of this season and not the virus.”
Meanwhile, the state government has said that there would no longer be street carnivals in order to ensure strict compliance and curtailment of the Covid-19 guidelines and protocols in the state, even as 50 deaths were recorded.
Coordinator of Oyo State Task Force on COVID-19, Prof Temitope Alonge, who gave the revelation during a press briefing, reminded the private health care providers and all individuals in the state to continue to make use of the testing centres available in all local government areas in the state.
Ogun cancels crossover service, as CAN appeals to churches to close 11pm
He said, the governor directed that all bars, nightclubs, pubs and event centres, recreational centres in the state have also been closed down indefinitely. The governor further directed that all markets are to open strictly between 8 am and 4 pm while maintaining social distancing and observing all COVID-19 protocols, including the use of face mask, provision of hand sanitizer, and/or hand-washing equipment at every strategic point within their malls, shops, business premises, etc. Governor Abiodun further directed that religious and worship centres should not exceed 50 percent of their capacity. All services must also be in compliance with all COVID-19 protocols. “In order to stem the spread of the second wave of the disease, Governor Abiodun advised that “there should be no gatherings of more than 50 people at any event or ceremonies, such as conferences, congresses, office events, concerts, seminars, sporting activities, cross-over nights, end of year parties, weddings, naming, birthdays, anniversaries, street carnivals, etc until further notice”.
While urging citizens to celebrate in moderation, Gov. Abiodun wished the people prosperous 2021, saying they should take personal responsibilities and stay within their residences and not embark on travels within and outside the State to ensure they neither transmit nor contract the virus. “For religious centres, the League of Imams and the Christian leaders adopted the earlier positions taken in the wake of COVID-19 earlier in the year such as all worship activities must be observed by not more than 50 percent of capacity” ‘All congregants must wear their face masks appropriately (that is, No facemask, No entry)” “There should be reliable sources of running water” “Worship centres should be adequately cleaned and disinfected before and after services” “There should be provision of alcohol-based sanitiser which must be used before and at intervals of every 20 minutes as well as after service” Worship centre should provide adequate toilet facilities with water, It is paramount for Muslims to perform ablution at home and go to Mosque with their personal praying mats”
“The use of Air-conditioners should be discouraged while worship centres should be well ventilated with the use of fans” “There should not be any handshake/hugs by worshippers” He added that government will not hesitate to impose severe sanctions (including, but not limited to lockdown) on any Worship Centre that fails to comply with the laid down guidelines “No social gathering should exceed 200 people while two meters social distancing must be observed in such gatherings.
Meanwhile, the State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria has directed all Christian worship centres in the state to close cross over service by 11 pm.
FCT okays crossover service, vows to shut down shop malls, markets
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Abuja has approved the conduct of crossover night service for churches in Abuja. The FCTA urged churches to heed strictly to the Coronavirus protocols.
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| FCT Minister, Muhammad Musa |
He stated that a combined team of the Task Force will be going round to monitor compliance during the service.
Attah said there is a need for worshippers to support any decision of the government that would promote the progress and development of the territory.
He said: “as enforcement team that take directive from FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello and the Commissioner of Police, we are working in collaboration with leaders of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at all levels and league of Imams.
“We had discussions with religious leaders on the need to obey the COVID-19 protocols, so all those who will be engaging in crossover night worship service must adhere strictly to the guidelines. They should put on their face mask, provide washing hand basin as well as keep physical distancing”.
According to him: “all the worship Centres should not be overcrowded”. He urged worshippers to join the programme through online platforms. “For those who will not comply we would not overlook them to jeopardize the lives of others, those that fail to comply will be brought before the court for prosecution. Again, the centre where the protocol is flouted will be shut. “We appeal to religious leaders and the worshippers to obey the COVID-19 protocols,” Attah added. He insisted that any worship centre found contravening the COVID-19 protocol will be made to face the wrath of the law.
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| FCT Minister of State, Ramatu Tijanni. |
Also, Chief Press Secretary, CPS to the FCT Minister, Anthony Ogunleye, who gave the update of the health workers in a statement, yesterday, noted: “Since the first case of Covid-19 was recorded in the FCT, a total of 476 health workers inclusive of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory staff, drivers and other auxiliary personnel have been infected by the virus.
Adeboye, Oyedepo, Kumuyi, Olukoya, Adeyemi, others adjust crossover service hour
The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has cancelled crossover service in its churches nationwide and has ordered members to connect with the virtual service of the church.
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, said the church’s cross-over service would start by 6pm virtually. while members were encouraged to link up with the service online. A top official of the church said, “There is no physical cross-over service; we are linking with Daddy (Adeboye) virtually.”
This latest instruction supersedes previous instructions mandating church members to carry out crossover service in line with individual state guidelines on COVID-19.
In addition to this, the church stated further that the January Holy Ghost Service (the first of the year 2021) taking place on Friday, January 8, will be held virtually.
Members were advised to tune in to Dove Television and other electronic media to link up with the General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye’s End of Year message and other aspects of the crossover programme.
According to the church, this development becomes necessary in order to comply with the federal and various states’ guidelines concerning COVID-19 prevention in the country.
Also, the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries led by Dr Daniel Olukoya said the church’s cross-over service would hold physically between 9pm and 11pm while it would continue virtually into the New Year.
A circular dated December 29, 2020, and signed by Pastor Gbesan Adebambo, the church’s Assistant General Overseer in charge of Administration, partly read, “The leadership of this ministry has directed that, in view of the government safety and health regulations, coupled with the imposed curfew between 12am and 4am, the cross-over night service on the 31st of December, 2020, would now hold from 9pm to 11pm on Thursday.”
The Living Faith Church Worldwide aka Winners’ Chapel led by Bishop David Oyedepo has also said the church’s cross-over service would hold between 6pm and 8pm.
A member of the church said, “My pastor announced it on Sunday and he said it was the instruction from CanaanLand,” the member said.
Lagos-based church, Covenant Christian Centre, said the crossover service of the church would hold physically between 7pm and 9pm.
The senior pastor of the church, Poju Oyemade, stated this in a broadcast on Tuesday, adding that a second service would hold virtually and would be televised between 11pm to 1am.
Furthermore, the Deeper Christian Life Ministry led by Pastor William Kumuyi would hold cross-over service starting from 10pm.
“We are having it based on district and location basis. We are not going to have large gatherings like the previous years. We are starting by 10pm,” said an official of the church who said he was not permitted to speak on the matter.
Lagos-based church, Daystar Christian Centre led by Pastor Sam Adeyemi, has also announced that the church’s cross-over service would hold strictly online between 7pm and 9pm on Thursday.
Second wave caused by poor adherence to guidelines - NMA
The second wave of the Covid19 pandemic has been blamed on poor and non-adherence to the recommended non-pharmaceutical guidelines.
Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Plateau State chapter, Dr Innocent Emmanuel, who disclosed this in Jos, said, “We need to go back to the basics by ensuring adherence to the Covid-19 non-pharmaceutical guidelines, as we cannot afford another lock down and the economic challenges that come with the pandemic. “It is pertinent that we adhere to the rules to ensure that we do not have the morbidity and mortality that comes with the virus,” he said.
January will be tough - PTF
Speaking, at yesterday’s briefing by Presidential Taskforce on Covid-19, Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, Dr Chikwe Iheakwazu said, “We just faced the worst week since we started responding to this outbreak. We had more cases in Nigeria last week than in any other previous week since the beginning of the outbreak.
“Pictures and videos from across the country paint a very disheartening situation because it appears that our messaging, our appeals to Nigerians over the last few months have not been heeded and we have gone ahead with business as usual. Events centres are full, social activities are full and it is no surprising that cases are rising.
“January will be a tough month, no doubt about it. So, we have to brace ourselves for the consequences of the activities that we have decided to carry out in December. Our colleagues, the Chief Medical Directors, CMDs are here today because of the pressures that we face across the country. Our treatment centres are filling up, we are struggling to keep up, we are struggling to find the facilities and oxygen to manage.
“Every night we are faced with phone calls of patients desperate for care. So, unfortunately, January will be a tough month for all of us. It will be tough but we still have an opportunity to do what we need to do, liaising with state governors to be more purposeful in implementing the measures that we have collectively agreed on. We have seen some of them doing that but many of the states in the country haven’t and pretend as if there will be no consequences. This is the reality we face and so we have got to brace ourselves for January.” Iheakwazu added that in terms of the new variant of the virus, there was no change in presentation of symptoms except that it is more transmissible which would mean more cases, including critical ones and possible increase in case fatalities.
Minister of State, Health, Dr Olorunnimbe Mamora lamented the growing wave of misinformation in the country warning Nigerians not to self-medicate.
He said, “We have seen occasions where some patients might even want to force the hands of the attending clinicians regarding a particular drug that they have read online or heard that it works. But so far, what we know is that aside Dexamethasone which has been established to help to some extent in hospitalised patients and of course the administration of oxygen where and when required, no other treatment has been found to be effective in Covid-19.”
Chairman of the PTF and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Mr Boss Mustapha said, “Our TPR analysis shows that 16 out of every 100 tests carried out are positive. We are also seeing increasing transmission among younger people and this is not considered good and safe. We must therefore, exercise utmost restraint by taking responsibility. “Data shows that despite the resources already made available to sub-national entities, testing is very low across states in varying degrees. This is not helping our National Response. Indeed, some states have not reported any infections in several weeks.
“Reports received also point to the fact that laboratories recently established in the states are not working optimally. You will recall that we moved from two laboratories to about 90 (Public & Private) located in all states of the federation.
“Their inability to function optimally has resulted in unacceptable levels of delay in receiving results and pressure on the National Reference Labs. We wish to urge all states to reopen all laboratories and ensure that testing is expanded and turnaround time for results is substantially reduced. In the same vein, states should please keep their Isolation/Treatment Centres open because of the rising cases of infection nationwide.”
Seized passports
“The PTF has worked out additional quarantine protocols to be observed by travelers arriving from the UK and South Africa. This is in keeping with our determination to minimize any possibility of importation of the virus. “With effect from January 1, 2021, the passports of the first 100 passengers who failed to take their day seven post-arrival PCR test will be published in the national dailies. The passports, as a deterrence, will also be suspended till June 2021.”
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LASG raises alarms over fake Coronavirus test results on sale
*Says 236,212 tested so far; recorded 28,885 cases, 241 deaths
*Sets up 10 oxygen centres in high burden LGAs
*Vows to eliminate extortionist cabals causing Apapa gridlock
Lagos State Government has raised alarm over sales of fake Coronavirus test results in the state, warning that processes are being put in place to clamp down on both buyers and sellers.
The state government stated that in order to properly treat critical Coronavirus cases, the state has completed 10 oxygen centres across 10 Coronavirus high-burden local government areas in the state.
The state also threatened to deactivate the passports of travellers who refused to comply with Coronavirus testing protocols.
Lagos, which is the epicentre of the pandemic in Nigeria, has recorded over 28,885 cases, with 241 fatalities.
This came as the World Bank said that the pandemic has further exposed the weaknesses of education systems around the world and might have increased Learning Poverty Rate by 10 points, from 53 per cent to 63 per cent in low and middle income countries, like Nigeria.
Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, who briefed newsmen, said: “Positivity in the state for inbound travellers is on the rise as Nigerians in Diaspora return to spend Christmas in Lagos.
Fake tests results on sale — LASG
Abayomi said: “It has come to our attention that a number of people are patronizing individuals that sell fake COVID-19 results. We are currently putting in processes to identify both buyers and sellers and we will not hesitate to prosecute either to the full extent of the law.”
Frowning on non-compliance on the part of inbound travellers, he said a significant number of the people who registered on the Lagos State COVID-19 portal for post-arrival test have been tested while there are a number of people who paid for the test, but did not show up for testing.
“Efforts are being made through our logistics arm to reach this group of people. These attempts have been met with challenges as several people used fake contact information while registering on the testing portal.”
Stating that for the sake and safety of the general public, such people should come for testing immediately, he threatened to submit their details to the Presidential Task Force for deactivation of their passports.
10 oxygen centres set up in Lagos
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| Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi flanked by others at the commissioning of Permanent Sample Collection Triage and Oxygen Therapy Centre at Eti-Osa LGA. |
On the decentralised Oxygen Therapy Strategy, Abayomi said in order to better manage severe-to-critical cases, the state is in the process of deploying oxygen therapy centres in the following high burden LGAs.
He noted that with the construction and decentralization of the Centres, citizens requiring oxygen therapy would not have to travel a distance to Mainland Infectious Disease Hospital to access care.
Abayomi, while commissioning the Permanent Sample Collection Triage and Oxygen Therapy Centre at Eti-Osa LGA, the facility which located within the premises of the Eti-Osa Maternal and Child Care Centre is one of 10 others strategically located in 10 local government areas of the State with high burden of #COVID19 cases.
He said other Permanent Triage and Oxygen Therapy Centre located in Alimosho, Isolo, Surulere, Gbagada, Ifako-Ijaiye, Ibeju-Lekki, Apapa, Mushin and Amuwo-Odofin areas of the State are almost completed and would be activated in two weeks.
Abayomi explained that the centres which will also serve as a sample collection centres house between four to six beds strictly for critical cases that need oxygen.
He said the structures sited in the state public health facilities will be used for other things such as immunization after COVID-19 pandemic.
Giving details on testing, Abayomi said the state has increased its testing capacity per day between 2,000 and 3,000 per day.
On volume of samples tested by public and private laboratories, the commissioner said a total of 236,212 samples had been tested, of which 213,623 valid initial samples and the balance 22,589 were repeat samples tested; also, 28,774 were diagnosed positive.
He explained that the state has the highest positivity rate in July with 17.8 per cent followed by December 2020, with 13.1 per cent.
He noted that in positivity rate, Eti-Osa LGA still leads with 27 per cent, followed closely by Ajeromi and Surulere with 26 per cent and Amuwo-Odofin with 25 per cent among others.
Abayomi said the state is still testing people free without charging for those that have symptoms, while people testing for other reasons were directed to accredited private laboratories where they will pay.
“If you want to test for reasons such as travel and other work-related activities, please proceed to our accredited private laboratories to receive your COVID-19 tests. You can book for your private COVID-19 tests on our portal, https://covid19.lagosstatebiobank.com for requests within Lagos State; or the national platform, https://nitp.ncdc.gov.ng for inbound and outbound travellers.”
On the second wave, Abayomi said the state had gone into second wave early due to the opening of the economy, general laxity, false sense of security and non-adherence to guidelines, reopening of schools, variants, large religious, congregation, social gatherings and entertainment,
He said currently the state has 437 isolation bed capacities out of which 328 beds are free.
“Currently, 75 persons are on admission while 28 persons are waiting for their results. We are managing the virus better now and our Convalescence research is showing some benefits for patients with respiratory failure.”
COVID-19 raises Learning Poverty Rate to 63% in Nigeria, others — World Bank
The World Bank report entitled “Realising the future of learning: From learning poverty to learning for everyone, everywhere.”
It also noted that about 43.6 per cent of Nigeria’s estimated population of over 150 million between the ages of 0-14, no fewer than 30 million Nigerians could be affected.
This is inclusive of over 13 million Nigeria’s out-of-school children, the highest in the world. Learning Poverty is defined by the World Bank as the inability to read and understand a simple text by the age of 10, adding that when a child cannot read, it further impedes his/her ability to succeed in school and beyond.
According to the bank, too many education systems are not delive-ring even basic skills for all children, let alone preparing them for the demanding world they will live in as adults.
However, the report noted that COVID-19 has opened a window of opportunity for education systems to move to a path of accelerated progress, adding that “it is now possible to bring forward to today elements that many would have thought are part of the future of learning.
“A vision of this future should guide today’s investments and policy reforms so that countries can lay the foundations for effective, equitable and resilient education systems.”
The bank charged countries to chart their own paths with political commitment to carry out investment and reforms in five key areas.
It listed the areas to include learners that are prepared and motivated to learn; teachers that are effective and valued; learning resources including curricula, that are diverse and of high quality. Other areas are schools that are safe and have inclusive spaces and education systems that are well managed.
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Lagos flags off internship programme
...promises to pay N40,000 monthly to graduates
Governor Sanwo-Olu has flagged off 2020 Lagos State Graduate Internship Placement Programme (LASGIPP), and advised interns to shun complacency.
According to the press release issued by the Lagos State Government, recounting key moments at the flag-off ceremony on Tuesday at Radio Lagos/Eko FM Marquee, Governor Sanwo-Olu challenged graduates under the inters to prove their mettle at their various places of internship.
He assured them of a monthly stipend of N40,000 from the State Government, throughout the period of the internship. He called on the beneficiaries to aim for a higher goal of being financially independent, pursue the bigger picture of being Chief Executive Officers of their individual companies later in future, and not be contented with the stipend.
The Governor, who was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mrs. Yetunde Arobieke, urged the beneficiaries to make the best use of the opportunity, and gather enough experience that would serve as a buffer to securing paid employment or as independent entrepreneurs.
Arobieke advised the interns to make the State Government proud in their respective organisations by being assets and not liabilities to their employers.
In his remark, the Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Wealth Creation, Mr. Jude Idimogu, expressed the belief that the engagement of the graduates as interns despite the myriad of challenges of Y2020 shows the genuine commitment of Governor Sanwo-Olu to gainfully engage the youths.
“The Graduate Internship Placement Programme we are flagging off today is one of the State government’s capacity building programmes developed to change the narrative about our graduates being unemployable and lacking the requisite work environment ethics and culture. It is a unique variant among the numerous programmes designed to reduce the increasing unemployment rate in the country and also accelerate the State’s post-COVID economic recovery.”
The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Segun Dawodu, also assured that applicants under the GIPP, who are yet to be captured, would be included in the subsequent editions of the Programme. In his words he said:
“Year 2021 would witness more of Youth friendly policies and increased engagements with the young generation and some stakeholders in the society, in addition to the promotion of grassroots sporting activities.”
The State Government revealed that the Graduate Internship Placement Programme will help to find a sustainable solution to the issue of unemployment in the state and the persistent increase in the Country.
However, the most relevant statistics from the National Bureau of Statistics reveals that Nigeria’s unemployment rate as at the second quarter of 2020 was 27.1%; this shows that about 21.7 million Nigerians remain unemployed, while 13.9 million Nigerian youths are unemployed.
It is important to note that the Graduate Internship Placement Programme set up by Lagos State is impressive, but the fact that only 4,000 beneficiaries will benefit from the program shows that the program is not yet inclusive enough, as many graduates with no means of livelihood remain uncaptured under this programme.
Apapa gridlock: Lagos takes over traffic mgt from PTT —Sanwo-Olu
...Vows to eliminate extortionist cabal, corruption by port operators
GOVERNOR Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, has announced the setting up a special team by the state government to take over traffic management from the disbanded Presidential Task Team, PTT, to restore sanity to the perennial gridlock in the Apapa axis.
Sanwo-Olu also said that as part of efforts to address the Apapa gridlock, a stakeholders meeting has been slated for next week.
The governor said these when he led a delegation of the state's Executive Council and stakeholders on a first-hand assessment of the traffic situation in Apapa ports and environs.
He inspected places such as Lily Pond truck terminal, Wharf Road, Apapa Port and Tin Can Island Port, Truck Park, all within Apapa environs.
The inspection followed the disbandment of PTT by the Federal Government, as well as outcries by members of the public, over perennial traffic gridlock, which has left residents and workers in the area helpless.
Sanwo-Olu, while addressing newsmen and a horde of truck drivers at Tin Can Port, in the newly constructed Truck Park, decried the level of indiscipline among port players, has vowed to tackle and eliminate the cabal behind the series of extortions been perpetrated by some officials and security personnel in Apapa environ.
His words: “This is not the first time, certainly not the second and in fact, this is about the third or the fourth time, in my administration, that we are trying to solve the Apapa gridlock.
“On all of the time we have come, we knew that we are having a road construction but you can see now that inside Apapa, there is significant progress in this area, particularly on the road construction site. A lot has been done.
“Today (Monday) being a public holiday, it is difficult to say that we have achieved a 100 per cent traffic free flow into Apapa.
“We have heard all the complaints from the various stakeholders, the unions, freight forwarders, drivers, everyone has said their own side of the story, it is multi-faceted.
“There have been accusations around cabals collecting money from operators and accusations around being hijacked by some people and there has also been counter-accusation.
“We are trying to bring about cohesive metrics where all the stakeholders in Apapa understand and appreciate the various roles that everybody needs to play and let everybody identify and solve it.
“You are aware that since last year, the PTT had been working. Now, there is a process that is starting where the State Government needs to take over the task force. One of the reasons for this trip is to start that process, to see things for myself.
“The state government is to set up a seamless operation to have a team of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, about 400 to 500, dedicated to Apapa gridlock. We need a team of policemen from Area B dedicated to the same gridlock. We understand what the Ports Police Command is doing because they are also part of the problem.
“More importantly, to be able to speak to all the big men in the office, the ship owners, the port terminal operators, freight forwarders, who are not here with the drivers who we see are the ones bearing the brunt.
“So, when somebody ought to deliver a container and he is being charged for demurrage, that cannot be working operations, it’s not fair. I have seen it again and will go back to see and plot a template.”
Extortionist cabal
On extortion allegations against the police, Sanwo-Olu said: “I have asked them to provide evidence of those people extorting money from you. We are determined to make people scapegoats. It is part of ensuring that we reduce problems around the ease of doing business.
“It is a process and we cannot say we have all the solutions but we have seen the process again, we have seen that we can improve this process and we have identified the stakeholders.
“We need to also go back and see how we can normalize those things and understand that we have a problem here and we have to solve the problem.”
Lagos-bound truck somersaults in Niger, kills 23, injures 22
Twenty three persons lost their lives while 22 others sustained injuries when a truck, fully loaded with cows and 45 persons, skidded off the road and somersaulted into a bush. Confirming the incident, yesterday, Niger State Commissioner of Police, Mr Adamu Usman, said the accident occurred at about 5 am along Bokani-Makera road in Mokwa Local Government Area of the state.
Usman said the truck, with number plate, BBJ 666 XA, was from Dadin Kowa in Kebbi State, en route Lagos when the incident occurred, explaining that the corpses of the deceased and the other 22, who sustained injuries, had been conveyed to the Mokwa General Hospital for postmortem and treatment respectively.
Usman, who attributed the accident to loss of control by the driver, lamented the failure of drivers to obey traffic rules and regulations.
Otuji warns boat operators to provide safety gears for passengers
*As Navy rescues 12 drowning passengers in Lagos
Western Naval Command Information Officer, Commander Thomas Otuji has warned boat operators to be providing safety gears for their passengers and make sure the passengers put it on before they embarked on water journey to avoid loss of life during boat mishap.
Otuji gave the warning during the rescue operation of the 12 drowning passengers at Takwa Bay area in Lagos.
Explaining how they were rescued, Otuji, said: “The personnel were deployed to the scene for search and rescue operations. All passengers on board of the ill-fated boat were rescued and conveyed to the Naval Medical Centre, Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island Lagos, for immediate medical care.
“Once again, boat operators and passengers are strongly advised to adhere to safety guidelines and measures before embarking on any trip. Relevant unions and associations are further advised to ensure that safety gears are provided by their members, passengers and to enforce the compulsory use of the safety gears by all passengers.
“Additionally, boat drivers should be subjected to regular and mandatory training and medical checks. These measures are necessary because the mishap in the first place was caused by an unprofessional boat driver with poor judgement and with no regard to the safety of others while plying the waters.”
The 12 drowning passengers of an outward engine boat, which capsized along Takwa Bay area of Lagos on Sunday night were rescued by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship, BEECROFT, Lagos.
The incident was said to have been caused by waves from another boat transiting the area at about 8:10 pm. A report had it that passengers of the ill-fated boat shouted for help but none was forthcoming, until personnel of the NNS Beecroft, who were at the vicinity on routine patrol, were alerted.
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