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INDEPENDENCE BRIDGE IN LAGOS REOPENS TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has ordered the immediate reopening of the Independence Bridge in Lagos to vehicular traffic. This directive comes after the bridge was closed for planned maintenance and rehabilitation works. According to the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, “The Ministry expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to the motoring public by the closure and appealed for their understanding and cooperation.” Although the bridge has reopened, the necessary repair works will be carried out at a later time, as clarified by the Federal Ministry of Works. The ministry’s decision to reopen the bridge is likely aimed at easing traffic congestion in the area, while ensuring that the necessary repairs are completed as soon as possible.

PRESIDENT TINUBU MEETS LAGOS LAWMAKERS AMID LEADERSHIP CRISIS

A closed-door meeting between President Bola Tinubu and members of the Lagos State House of Assembly is currently underway at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The lawmakers, including Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, arrived at the villa in two coaster buses, with Obasa joining his colleagues about 30 minutes later. The meeting is believed to be connected to the recent leadership crisis in the state House of Assembly, which saw Obasa impeached by some of his colleagues before being reinstated after the intervention of political leaders, including the Governing Advisory Council (GAC). Despite his reinstatement, sources indicate that the tensions resulting from the impeachment are still simmering. The meeting with President Tinubu may be an effort to address these issues and find a resolution. Details of the meeting are still emerging, but it is clear that the President is taking a proactive approach to addressing the crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

GAS TANKER EXPLOSION UNDER OTEDOLA BRIDGE CLAIMS MULTIPLE LIVES, DESTROYS PROPERTIES

A devastating gas tanker explosion occurred under the Otedola bridge on Monday night, leaving a trail of destruction and loss of life in its wake. According to eyewitnesses, the gas tanker, which was traveling from CMD to link the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, lost its brake and fell under the bridge before bursting into flames. The explosion had a ripple effect, with nearby buildings and vehicles catching fire. A nearby mechanic village was completely destroyed, with all cars and a repair centre for Marwa vehicles going up in flames. Tragically, a mechanic who was waiting to deliver a car to its owner was burnt to death. The police have confirmed that four houses, 15 vehicles, and an unspecified number of people lost their lives in the disaster. The condition of patients in a nearby hospital, located inside a nearby estate, could not be ascertained as they were shouting for help. The explosion and subsequent fire have left the community in shock, with many residents counting their losses. The authorities have begun an investigation into the cause of the accident, but for now, the focus is on providing support to those affected by the tragedy.

11 RESCUED FROM COLLAPSED BUILDING IN LAGOS

A rescue operation is underway in Lagos after a building under construction collapsed on Wednesday. The incident occurred at Oriwu Street, Lekki Phase 1, at approximately 4:00 pm. According to reports, 11 people have been rescued so far, while a total of 14 persons have been taken to Lagos Island General Hospital for treatment. Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command and other emergency responders have been mobilized to the scene to provide assistance. The police command has assured that operatives will remain on the ground to provide security for the ongoing rescue operation. The cause of the building collapse is yet to be determined.

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT TAKES BOLD STEPS TO TACKLE LAND GRABBING MENACE

The Lagos State government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling the menace of land grabbing, which has hindered property transactions and threatened real estate investments in the state. According to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, “property transactions in Lagos State have been greatly hindered by the activities of the omo-onile and ajagungbales.” The Lagos State Task Force has been at the forefront of the battle against land grabbers, with the recent arrest and prosecution of 12 suspected land grabbers who were allegedly terrorising occupants of NERDC Road, Alausa, Ikeja. Chairman of the agency, Adetayo Akerele, warned that the agency “won’t sit back and watch Lagosians get cheated out of their landed property or structure.” The Lagos State government has also enacted a law to prohibit forceful entry and illegal occupation of landed properties, as well as violent and fraudulent conducts in relation to landed properties in the state. The law, which was enacted in 2016, still stands regardless of anyone’s status in society. In addition, the Epe community has invoked ancestral spirits against land grabbers and formed a local task force to tackle the menace. The Aladeshonyin of Odo-Noforija in Epe, Babatunde Ogunlaja, warned that land grabbers “should stay off or be ready to incur the wrath of our ancestors because I will resist any unlawful seizure of land by individuals or groups.” Ogunlaja also urged affected individuals to report land encroachment cases, assuring them of swift action. “We will work closely with law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to ensure that justice is served and that land-owners can live without fear,” he said. The Lagos State government’s efforts to tackle land grabbing have been commended by stakeholders, who noted that the menace has led to conflicts on land, resulting in destruction of properties and loss of lives. As Pedro stated, “resolving land-grabbing issues is of great importance to Governor Sanwo-olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S.PLUS agenda.”

IGP REDEPLOYS CP JIMOH MOSHOOD AS LAGOS STATE POLICE COMMISSIONER

In a strategic move to bolster internal security and enhance operational effectiveness, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun Ph.D., NPM., has redeployed CP Jimoh Moshood as the new Commissioner of Police for Lagos State. The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement, said CP Jimoh Moshood previously served in key positions including CP Communications Ops, Force Headquarters, Force Public Relations Officer, and CP Eastern Port, Rivers State before now. Adejobi stated that his extensive background in communications, administration and public relations, combined with his operational expertise, uniquely qualifies him to head the Lagos State Police Command. CP Moshood’s appointment is expected to strengthen coordination among units, enhance community engagement, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism in Lagos State. Olumuyiwa Adejobi quoted the Inspector-General of Police as charging CP Jimoh Moshood to uphold the rule of law and maintain operational excellence as he assumes his new role and to lead with unwavering integrity, enforce discipline, and implement proactive strategies to safeguard lives and property. Adejobi emphasized that CP Moshood’s wealth of experience makes him well-suited for the Lagos State role, and his appointment is expected to strengthen security operations, enhance community engagement, and uphold professional standards in Lagos.

PSC APPROVES APPOINTMENT OF MOSHOOD JIMOH AS COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, LAGOS STATE COMMAND

The Police Service Commission has approved the appointment of Olohundare Moshood Jimoh as the new Commissioner of Police for Lagos State Command. CP Jimoh, who hails from Kwara State, has had a distinguished career in the Nigeria Police Force, serving as former Force Public Relations Officer and later Deputy Commissioner, Airport Police; Deputy Commissioner, Finance and Administration and Deputy Commissioner General Investigation. In a statement, the Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, said CP Jimoh appeared before the Commission, which was chaired by DIG Hashimu Argungu, a retired DIG and mni. Ani stated that other members present at the meeting included Justice Adamu Paul Galmuje, a retired Justice of the Supreme Court and Honourable Commissioner representing the Judiciary, and DIG Taiwo Lakanu, Honourable Commissioner representing the Police. CP Jimoh brings a wealth of experience and professional training to his new role, having undergone courses in Combat Operations, Mobile Training College Maiduguri; African Union Mission in Darfur Sudan; and Weapons of Mass Destruction Countermeasure Training Institute, United States, among others. He is also a recipient of the Presidential Award for Public Relations Personality of the Year, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the development and use of Public Relations by the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations. Ikechukwu Ani noted that CP Jimoh’s appointment is a testament to his exceptional leadership qualities and dedication to service. Ani stated that the Commission is confident that CP Jimoh will bring his expertise and experience to bear in his new role, and wished him success in his new assignment.

PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMENDS IFC’S $50 MILLION INVESTMENT IN LAGOS FREE ZONE

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for its continued confidence in Nigeria’s economy. The President made the commendation following IFC’s $50 million equity investment in the Lagos Free Zone, a Tolaram initiative to support the development and expansion of Nigeria’s first deep-sea port-based, private special economic zone. In a statement, the Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, stated that President Tinubu described the investment as a testament to the growing trust of global financial institutions in Nigeria’s economic direction under his administration. Onanuga added that the President emphasized that such strategic partnerships reinforce the country’s position as a prime destination for foreign direct investment and industrial growth. “The expansion of the Lagos Free Zone is critical to our vision of positioning Nigeria as the gateway for trade and investment in West Africa and across the continent,” President Tinubu said. Onanuga stated that the Lagos Free Zone, strategically integrated with the Lekki Deep Sea Port, is designed to ease import and export operations, strengthen Nigeria’s role in regional and global value chains, and create a more efficient business environment. Bayo Onanuga also noted that the IFC’s investment will support land development, industrial expansion, and logistics infrastructure within the 860-hectare zone, ensuring full integration into Nigeria’s broader economic diversification strategy. The President also acknowledged Tolaram’s long-standing commitment to Nigeria’s economic development, noting that the group’s deepening investments reflect Nigeria’s strong potential as an investment destination. Onanuga stated that President Tinubu welcomed the company’s continued efforts to drive industrialisation, create jobs, and foster economic growth. Bayo Onanuga added that while appreciating the IFC’s investment, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment that attracts even larger, transformative investments across key sectors. Onanuga stated that President Tinubu also highlighted the IFC’s growing partnership with Nigeria, including its $70 million support for power sector initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s energy security. “We value the IFC’s commitment to Nigeria’s economic progress and look forward to deeper engagements that will drive large-scale infrastructure projects, strengthen our industrial base, and create thousands of jobs for Nigerians,” the President added.

TEACHER CAUGHT ON CAMERA ASSAULTING 3-YEAR-OLD PUPIL ARRESTED, CHARGED TO COURT

A 45-year-old teacher, Stella Nwadigbo, has been arrested and charged to court for physically assaulting a 3-year-old pupil, Abayomi Michael, at Christ-Mitots International School in Ikorodu, Lagos State. The incident was captured on camera and sparked widespread outrage across social media platforms. According to the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Nwadigbo was arrested on Tuesday, January 8, 2025, immediately after the incident. Adejobi vowed that justice must be served, stating, “Child Abuse: One Stella Nwadigo, aged 45, the teacher who physically abused the 3-year-old Abayomi Micheal of Christ-Mitots School in Ikorodu, has been arrested by the police… Justice must be served.” The teacher has pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court. The Lagos State Ministry of Education has also launched an investigation into the incident, with the matter escalated to the relevant departments for further action. The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, confirmed the teacher’s arrest and stated that an investigation had begun. “The teacher has been arrested and is currently in police custody. The police will commence an investigation, and we hope she will be charged in court after the outcome of their findings,” she said. The incident has sparked outrage among Nigerians, with many calling for stricter measures to address child abuse in educational institutions. A social commentator, VeryDarkMan, threatened to lead a protest at the school if the teacher was not held accountable. “To the owners of Christ-Mitots, you have just 24 hours to explain why the teacher treated that child in such a way… Look at how she slapped that child. Imagine if he had fallen, and God forbid, they would likely invent a story about him falling while playing,” he said. The Chief Operating Officer at Advocates for Children and Vulnerable Persons Network, Ebenezer Omejalile, emphasized the need for appropriate interventions, including a thorough medical examination, psychological treatment, and efforts to rebuild the child’s self-esteem. “The perpetrator should face the wrath of the law so that she will serve as a deterrent to others… Lastly, I expect the Lagos State Ministry of Education, through the Quality Assurance Department, to move in as swiftly as possible,” he added.

GRIMALDI GROUP LAUNCHES DIRECT SHIPPING SERVICE FROM CHINA TO LAGOS

In a groundbreaking move, the Grimaldi Group has introduced the first-ever direct shipping service from China to Lagos, Nigeria. This innovative initiative aims to tackle the long-standing challenges faced by Nigerian importers, including delays caused by trans-shipment and high logistics costs. The Grimaldi Group, a multinational logistics and shipping company, is a leading global operator of maritime transport services. Founded in 1947, the company has a long history of providing high-quality shipping and logistics solutions to customers worldwide. With a fleet of over 130 vessels and a presence in more than 30 countries, the Grimaldi Group is well-positioned to facilitate international trade and commerce. The direct shipping service is expected to significantly reduce transit times and costs, making it easier and more efficient for Nigerian businesses to import goods from China. This development is a major boost to Nigeria’s economy, as it will enable importers to receive their goods more quickly and at a lower cost. While no official statement was provided by the Grimaldi Group, the launch of this direct shipping service is seen as a major milestone in improving trade relations between China and Nigeria.

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