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Olukoyede Restructures EFCC, Appoints Chief Of Staff, 14 Zonal Directors

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Olukoyede Restructures EFCC, Appoints Chief Of Staff, 14 Zonal Directors

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, appointed Mr. Michael Nzekwe as his Chief of Staff.

 

He has also appointed Zonal Directors for each of the 14 Zonal Commands of the Commission as part of the restructuring of the EFCC.

 

According to Olukayode, the ongoing restructuring is meant to reposition and strengthen the EFCC so that it can deliver optimally on its assigned mandate.

 

The anti-graft agency’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, announced the new appointments and changes in a statement on Saturday.

 

Nzekwe, who he described as a top-notch investigator, lawyer and former Commander of the Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC, is a course one officer of the Commission.

 

He has served in various departments in the Commission, including Legal and Prosecution Department, the Department of Operations (now the Department of Investigations), the Department of Internal Affairs ( the Department of Ethics and Integrity), Servicom, and the Asset Forfeiture Department.

 

“A seasoned administrator, he has attended several trainings and courses home and abroad, including the Advance Defence Intelligence Officers Course organised by Defence Intel Agency, DIA. The appointment takes immediate effect and he has assumed duties,” the statement added.

 

In restructuring and repositioning the EFCC, Olukayode upgraded all the Zonal Commands of the commission to the status of departments, with each of them headed by a director.

 

“To this effect, 14 new Directors have been appointed to head each of the Zonal Commands,” Oyewale wrote in the statement.

 

“Additionally, to bolster and fortify the security architecture of the commission, the Security Unit of the EFCC has been upgraded to a Department with a seasoned officer appointed as Director, Security and Chief Security Officer.”

 

Also, a new department has also been created in the Executive Chairman’s office, and it is headed by former Makurdi Zonal Commander of the EFCC, Mr. Friday Ebelo, who also doubles as Director and Coordinator, Special Duties, at the corporate headquarters of the commission.

 

In addition to that, the former Department of Internal Affairs has been renamed Department of Ethics and Integrity and minor reshuffling effected in some departments at the headquarters.

Profile: The Man Dipo Sodipo, The Pope Of One Man Band.

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Profile: The Man Dipo Sodipo, The Pope Of One Man Band.

DIPO SODIPO

 

His name was Dipo Sodipo. His sobriquets were numerous but the Pope seemed to have been his preferred. He was the Czar of the One Man Band, a popular fixture of the Yoruba music scene of the late 80s and 90s.

 

The shrinking of bands at the time could have been an economical response to the austerity that did not exclude the music scene, but one man bands demanded a level of ambidexterity the likes of Pope handled effortlessly. To hold a note on a microphone and hoist a piano chord simultaneously is truly the stuff of genius.

 

Witness the one man band: usually, a pre-programmed rhythm runs amok on his keyboard. Then he gives chase with his vocals and punctuating with simple piano riffs. Ever so often, he allows flourishes of complicated piano chords—but this technical verbiage hardly accounts for how well rendered his music is.

Every one remembers the first time they heard Dipo Sodipo.

 

As with unsung legends, Dipo Sodipo still draws blanks on the internet. There is hardly a biography extending beyond a paragraph. The quick summary of his public life is that he was a keyboardist and vocalist. He was known to be a renegade highlife musician. I wonder if you can really categorize his music highlife. Rather, it feels like a fusion of folk songs, blues, soul, highlife, juju music and a recourse to gospel ever so often.

 

The philosophy imbued in his practice is that of the Yoruba everyman whose worldview is to attempt to be good whilst definitely doing no harm.

 

Dipo Sodipo seemed to have been physically present in Ibadan in the 80s where he studied music and became the Head of Department at the Polytechnic. He was also the lead singer of K12 Voices, before he broke out alone as a one man act.

 

He would belt out memorable medleys like: the soulful: “Iya ni wura”,

the lively “Jekowo Wole Mi” and the cautionary “Bola Bade”.

Sensational “Caro, yellow sisi”

 

Decades after his passing, Dipo Sodipo’s music remains relevant to his growing array of fans.

 

Written by Ige Trevor

Why I relocated to America – Actress Doris Simeon

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Why I relocated to America – Actress Doris Simeon

For nearly a decade, fans of actress Doris Simeon, whose roles in Yoruba films in the 2000s captivated many, continued to yearn for her on-screen brilliance.

 

In an interview with actor Kunle Afod, Doris opened up about her hiatus and journey to America, inferring that the decision to leave Nigeria six years ago was personal.

 

She said: “Many people know that my child and his father are in America, and that’s one of the reasons I relocated to America.”

 

Doris married filmmaker Daniel Ademinokan, whom he met on a movie set in 2008 but divorced in 2011. The union produced a son, David. Upon their divorce, the filmmaker moved to America, where he married Stella Damasus, whom he would later divorce.

 

Although fully settled in the US, Doris says she misses home, especially the Nigerian delicacies.

 

“I left Nigeria in 2018, and since then, I haven’t returned to the country. Even though I miss Nigeria, especially the roadside food and street vendors, I long for my family and friends and being on set, especially when I see actors and actresses sharing behind-the-scenes moments on their social media platforms.”

 

The 44-year-old actress stated that she plans to visit Nigeria within the next one to two years.

 

It’s essential to acknowledge that news production incurs expenses, and we take pride in never placing our stories behind a prohibitive paywall.

 

After facing several denials, Doris revealed she got her visa to travel to America in 2012. The actress, who portrayed Da Grin’s girlfriend in 2010 ‘Ghetto Dreamz’ and co-produced ‘Omo Iya Kan’, said her initial attempt was in 2009 in Abuja but was denied, adding that she lost hope afterwards.

 

“I did the one I got in Lagos State, and when I wanted to go for the interview, I went to get a place to sleep on the Island to reach the embassy early because I was living on the Mainland. But I discovered I had left my passport at home. So, I decided to return to Akute on the Mainland to pick it up, but I encountered heavy traffic. When I arrived in Akute, my friend who was living there brought it for me.

 

“There was heavy traffic on the Third Mainland bridge, but I reached the embassy’s parking lot by 7:00 AM and began searching for my visa receipt. I gave up and planned to return home before finding the receipt in my wallet. Upon reaching the embassy, they only asked me what I was going for, and I said an award. They inquired if it was NEA, and I confirmed. They searched the movie online, found my name, and that’s how I obtained my visa,’’ she recalled.

 

The 2010 Zafaa Award winner for Best Indigenous Actress said she only visited America and returned to Nigeria before she decided to move in 2018 permanently.

 

The 2008 AMAA Awards’ Best Indigenous Actress noted that beginning a new life in America wasn’t easy.

 

The actress, currently a hairdresser, said: “If you’re lazy, you’ll suffer, and those who have been here for the past 20 and 50 years aren’t finding life easy. The system wasn’t designed to allow you to afford some bills without working or being given money. If you don’t work, you won’t eat or pay your bills; if the bills aren’t, the person will sleep in the cold. I have done much work since I relocated, such as a delivery job, personal shopper, and hairdresser. I currently work at ‘Heart and Home for Youths, a foster care and group home programs for youth and teen mothers in Maryland. ”

 

The actress, who received the 2015 All Youths Tush Awards AYTA Role Model (Movie) Award, added that one of the most challenging aspects for her was waking up early for work.

 

Doris, who secured her first role at an audition for a cameo in a situational comedy sitcom produced by Wale Adenuga Productions (WAP) titled ‘Papa Ajasco’ said, “The timing can vary depending on the shift, but regardless of the job, individuals still need to wake up early.”

 

Doris began her acting career with roles in three episodes of the Papa Ajasco comedy series and starred in several movies, including Oloju Ede, Alakada, Ten Million Naira, Modupe Temi, Eti Keta, and others.

 

Abuja American school refunds $760,910 school fees paid by former Governor Yahaya Bello in two tranches to EFCC

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Abuja American school refunds $760,910 school fees paid by former Governor Yahaya Bello in two tranches to EFCC

The American International School of Abuja has paid $760,910.84 to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from the $845,852 school fees allegedly deposited by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in respect of five of his children in the school.

 

The fees were to cover a period of 14 years (2021–2035), according to documents filed in court by the EFCC to support its case against the ex-governor.

 

“The American school refunded the school fees in two tranches. Initially, it returned $720,000 to the EFCC and later $40,910,” a top source in EFCC told The Nation.

 

Continuing, the source said: “Following mutual agreement with the EFCC, the school decided to retain some fees (I think $84,942) for its services.

 

When contacted for official reaction, the Head of Media and Publicity of EFCC, Mr. Dele Oyewale, said: “The school has refunded $760,910 to this commission.”

 

Responding to a question, the top source confirmed that “the school officially sent a letter of offer to refund to the Lagos Zonal Commander of the EFCC before effecting the payment.”

 

The letter said in part: “Please forward to us an official written request, with the authentic banking details of the EFCC, for the refund of the above-mentioned funds as previously indicated as part of your investigation into the alleged money laundering activities by the Bello Bello family.

 

“Since the 7th September 2021 to date, $845,852.84 in tuition and other fees have been deposited into our bank account.

 

“We have calculated the net amount to be transferred and refunded to the state after deducting the educational services rendered as $760,910.84.

 

“No further additional fees are expected in respect of tuition as the students’ fees have now been settled until they graduate from AISA.”

Federal Government Set Deadline for Julius Berger on Bodo Bonny Road

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Federal Government Set Deadline for Julius Berger on Bodo Bonny Road

Umahi gave an update on the Bodo- Bonny road which the FG has set a deadline for Julius Berger Nigeria to finish by the end of the year.

Minister of Works, David Umahi,
has conveyed to Julius Berger, that their requested variations on the 82% completed project are unacceptable, saying that the FG is willing to provide N20b out of the N28b the contractor is requesting.

Umahi said when the N199.923b project was signed, it was scheduled for completion by December 2023 with a caveat that there would be no further variation.

The 39km long road is the first road link between Bonny Island to the rest of Rivers State.

Umahi stated that if the contractor does not accept the Federal government’s offer by Friday and resume work on the site, the previously expired 14-day ultimatum for their return will be enforced.

These clarifications were provided during a meeting in Abuja with the Managing Director of Julius Berger, Lars Ritcher and the Bodo-Bonny Road Peace Committee.

This meeting followed a letter requesting an extra N28b and outlining various additional conditions for the project’s completion.

While cautioning that no contractor has the authority to dictate terms to the Federal government on a contract that has already been agreed upon by both parties, the Minister stressed that his stance was grounded in the legal requirement for both parties to review the contract terms before signing it.

The Minister explicitly stated to the Berger delegation that they should either accept the government’s response to their demands on the project and proceed with it, or voluntarily terminate the project themselves.

He assured the Boddo-Bonny Road Peace Committee that even if Julius Berger decides to abandon the project, it will not stall and the quality of the project will not diminish.
He said with or without Julius Berger, the road would be completed by the end of this year.

Before agreeing to pay N20b out of the N28b requested by Berger for project variations, Umahi had maintained that the Ministry would only allocate N13.8b, resulting in a N15b disparity.

The Minister cautioned Julius Berger to learn to demonstrate humility in its dealings with the client (Federal government) but also show solidarity during economic difficulties, considering the substantial benefits it had received during the country’s prosperous economic times.

He said: “The difference is not even the issue, the issue is Berger’s letter that is annoying, dictating to the nation, and nobody dictates to me, only Mr President that appointed me that can dictate to me.

“If Berger doesn’t accept our conditions, they can walk away. If other contractors are not accepting our conditions, they can walk away, nobody dictates for this country.

“I want all to know that this is a tax credit and it is an Executive Order”.

The Minister noted that Berger got the issue wrong for failing to adhere to the project’s timetable.

The Minister noted if Berger had adhered to the project timetable, it would have been completed on schedule, thereby avoiding the impact of foreign exchange challenges and the escalation of construction material prices.

Regarding the contractor’s letter that the Ministry allegedly did not respond to, Umahi said irrespective of Nigeria LNG Ltd’s (NLNG) potential independent decision to fulfil the remaining conditions of Berger outside of the Tax Credit scheme, the Ministry will not rely on Tax Credit for this purpose.

Breaking down Berger’s letter that the Ministry will make an additional variation in price (VOP) based on the contractor’s reasonable calculation and projection, the Minister affirmed, “We will not”.

He also turned down Berger’s demand that the Ministry approve preliminary additional sand quantities.

On Berger’s rejection of the fixed exchange rate proposal but that the Ministry should find an alternative solution, Umahi said the contract he inherited was Naira-denominated and would not accept thecontractor’s demand.

“Our position is very simple, we reject the conditions of Julius Berger totally and we ask Berger to please go back to the site to complete the project based on our offer.

“Our offer is unconditional and we say, accept or reject, so you cannot subject our offer to your conditions

“Berger should note that our 14-day termination ultimatum has gone and we will make a proposal, if you did not agree with this,” he warned.

After deciding to pay N20b, the Minister revealed that he would present a proposal to President Tinubu, outlining the conditions stipulated by Berger to the Ministry and the funding disparity.

At that point, he said it is within the President’s authority to either waive the conditions or authorise the Minister to terminate the job.

Addressing the Niger Delta traditional rulers’ concerns about the project’s completion, Umahi said being a seasoned engineer, assured them that terminating the contract would not compromise the quality or timeline of the project.

Although he did not commit to providing the N8b difference, the NLNG representative guaranteed that the company would adhere to the government’s directives on the matter, pending Board approval.

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS JIM OVIA AS CHAIRMAN OF THE NIGERIAN EDUCATION LOAN FUND

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PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS JIM OVIA AS CHAIRMAN OF THE NIGERIAN EDUCATION LOAN FUND

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS JIM OVIA AS CHAIRMAN OF THE NIGERIAN EDUCATION LOAN FUND

 

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Jim Ovia, CFR, renowned banker and businessman, as the Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

Mr. Ovia is the founder of one of Nigeria’s leading banks and a respected business leader, with a surfeit of efforts and benefaction towards nurturing and empowering young Nigerians.

 

He is an alumnus of Harvard Business School and holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Louisiana.

 

The National Student Loan Programme is a pivotal intervention that seeks to guarantee sustainable higher education and functional skill development for all Nigerian students and youths.

 

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund, the implementing institution of this innovation, demands excellence and Nigerians of the finest professional ilk to guide and manage.

 

The President believes Mr. Ovia will bring his immense wealth of experience and professional stature to this role to advance the all-important vision of ensuring that no Nigerian student suffers a capricious end to their pursuit of higher education over a lack of funds and of ensuring that Nigerian youths, irrespective of who they are, have access to higher education and skills that will make them productive members of society and core contributors to the knowledge-based global economy of this century.

 

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

 

April 26, 2024

Yahaya Bello: Kogi Court Summons EFCC Chair Over Alleged Contempt

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Yahaya Bello: Kogi Court Summons EFCC Chair Over Alleged Contempt

A Kogi State High Court sitting in Lokoja has ordered the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, to appear in court on May 13, 2024, to show cause why an order of committal should not be made against him for allegedly disobeying court order.

 

The EFCC boss is facing a contempt charge for carrying out “some acts upon which they (the EFCC) have been restrained” by the Court on February 9, 2024, pending the determination of the substantive Originating Motion.

 

Justice I. A. Jamil, delivering a ruling in Suit No: HCL/68M/2024 and Motion No: HCL/190M/2024, ordered that “the said act was carried out by the Respondent (EFCC) in violation of the order, which was valid and subsisting when they carried out the act. That same act of the Respondent amounts to Contempt.

 

EFCC operatives had laid siege on the residence of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, as early as 8 am on April 17, 2024, with a bid to arrest him, despite a court order restraining them from taking such action, pending the determination of the Originating Motion.

 

Justice Jamil’s order was based on a motion ex-parte filed by Yahaya Bello through his lawyer, M.S. Yusuf, where he prayed to the court for an order to issue and serve the Respondent (EFCC Chairman) with Form 49 Notice to show cause why Order of committal should not be made on Olukoyede.

 

Having listened to the arguments of the Applicant’s counsel, the submission and the exhibits attached in the Written Address, Justice Jamil granted Yahaya Bello’s prayers and ordered Olukoyede to be summoned to appear before the court to answer the contempt charge.

 

Delivering his order on the motion on April 25, 2024, Justice Jamil said, “The applicant’s application before me is to the effect that the Respondent has carried out some acts upon which they have been restrained by this Court on the 9th of February, 2024, pending the determination of the substantive motion on Notice before this Court.

 

“That the said act was carried out by the Respondent in violation of the order which was valid and subsisting when they carried out those acts. That same acts of the Respondent amount to acts of contempt.

 

“That the Respondent should be summoned to appear before this Court to answer to the contempt charge.

 

“It’s against the above facts that this Court hereby grants the prayers sought in line with the principle of “Audi Ultra Patem”. To wit:

“An order of this Honourable Court for the issuance of Form 49 Notice to show cause why an order of committal should not be made against the Executive Chairman of the Respondent – Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“An order for service of Form 49-Notice to show why an order of committal should not be made on the Executive Chairman of the Respondent – Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at EFCC Corporate Headquarters, Plot 301/302, Research and Institution District, Abuja.

 

“This matter is adjourned to the 13th of May, 2024 for the Respondent’s Chairman to appear before this Court in answer to form 49 ordered to be served on him.”

OLOOLU: THE FATHER OF ALL MASQUERADES IN YORUBA LAND. 

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OLOOLU: THE FATHER OF ALL MASQUERADES IN YORUBA LAND. 

Recalling the history and importance of one of the greatest masquerades in Ibadan and Yorubaland as a whole, the head of Aje family in Ode Aje, Ibadan, where the Oloolu masquerade originated, Chief Oyerinde, disclosed that their great forefather, Ayo̩rinde Aje, who was a warrior along with Ogunmo̩la, Ajayi Ogbori-e̩fo̩n, Ibikunle, O̩de̩rinde, O̩de̩rinlo̩ went on a war expedition in O̩gbagi in Akoko local government in Ondo State and Oloolu was a great war masquerade in that town and was so powerful such that no one could confront him during the war.

 

”Nobody could defeat Oloolu during that war but it was our father, Ayo̩rinde Aje that fought him and removed his regalia and costumes, before he was brought to Ibadan as a slave.

 

His eyes caught the Egungun’s outfit that attracted him. But as he moved towards the shrine where the outfit was kept, the war captive warned Aje Ayo̩rinde not to go near it because it could put his life in jeopardy.

 

Hence the name Oloolu, that is, O-LU-NKAN, meaning ‘you will put your life in peril. Ayo̩rinde took the advice but ordered his captive to take the outfit along with him back to Ibadan. He also ordered the wife of the captive to accompany her husband to Ibadan. The woman refused. In his annoyance, Ayo̩rinde beheaded her and ordered the captured husband to carry the woman’s head along to Ibadan in addition to the Oloolu outfit.

 

That woman’s head is what is permanently placed on the masquerade. It is the original one. It is because of the head that every woman is barred from setting eyes on the Oloolu. Any woman who sees the real Oloolu – not his pictures – will surely die. It is also true that the first person the Ololu sees on his first day in an annual Egungun festival will die. The Olubadan usually warns the populace to take precautions.

 

During an ancient time in Ibadan, there was famine, ill-health and crisis in the land and all the elders and chiefs were looking for a way out, that was how Ayo̩rinde Aje suggested that Oloolu should carry the rituals to appease the gods, immediately he carried the rituals, there was rain and everything got back to normal in Ibadan.

 

Oloolu helped Ibadan to be what it is today. Since then anybody that is the head of the Aje family becomes the custodian of Oloolu masquerade.

 

No other Egungun must be seen on the streets whenever the Oloolu is out. That Egungun will certainly perish. During the reign of Olubadan Dada, and Egungun called Ipo̩nri-Iku tried it, I was then a small boy, quoted Chief Oyerinde. “Ipo̩nri-Iku came out on the same day the Oloolu was out. He challenged the Oloolu to do his worst.

 

Oloolu then dropped a special cowry on the ground and challenged Ipo̩nri-Iku to pick it up. Ipo̩nri-Iku bent down to pick the cowry. He could not. His backbone was broken instantly. Ipo̩nri-Iku could no longer stand up.

 

His followers had to carry him home. Ipo̩nri-Iku died on the same day. Since that day, no other Egungun has dared to challenge the Oloolu”.

 

According to Chief Oyerinde, ”any area in Ibadan where the people try to fight the Oloolu anytime he is out, such areas will continue to experience bloodshed, and that is what is happening in Opopo Yeo̩sa area till date, because they tried to beat Oloolu there sometimes ago.

 

Oloolu is so great that he gives the barren children, he provides for the needy, he prospers business among other good things he can give an individual who is ready to serve him”

 

The Oloolu masquerade is an individual masquerade. It has its unique attire which looks like an elongated pyramid made from different pieces of clothes and a net.

 

The most bizarre piece of the Oloolu masquerade is that it has the skull of a woman as its crown. As the Oloolu dances round the city in its strange rhythm with a female skull dangling on its head, the bearer proudly displays the human bone while accompanying the dreaded cult figure.

 

The bearer of Oloolu must not wear shoes nor carry any kind of load on his head. Also, he must not go to bed with any of his wives 30 days before coming out.

 

In fact, a few days before the festival opens, all females must vacate his compound and return after the Oloolu festival is over. Besides, he must not carry a child on his shoulders with his feet slung round his neck.‎

 

Of all the Egunguns worshipped in Ibadan and probably in all of Yorubaland, none is as dreaded as the Egungun Oloolu (Oloolu Masquerade).

 

This cult figure is believed to have immense supernatural powers and one of these is the ability to mysteriously kill the first person, man or woman who sets his or her eyes on the Oloolu (in his weird costume which is usually kept inside its own special shrine).

NAFDAC shuts down unregistered bakeries and water packaging companies in Plateau state

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NAFDAC shuts down unregistered bakeries and water packaging companies in Plateau state

The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed several unregistered bakeries and water-packaging companies operating without the agency’s approval in Plateau State.

According to Mr. Shaba Mohammed, the Director of the North Central Zone, various water-packaging firms were found producing under poor Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), warranting their closure.

 

Additionally, numerous patent medicine stores were sealed for peddling expired and unregistered medical products.

 

The NAFDAC shutdown

The raids were part of NAFDAC’s routine inspection and surveillance efforts in Dengi (Kanam), Wase, Yelwa Shendam, Shendam, and Namu (Qua’anpan) local government areas (LGAs) by Regulatory Officers from the North Central Zonal Office in Jos.

 

Mohammed emphasized NAFDAC’s commitment to safeguarding public health through an effective regulatory framework, ensuring that only quality food, drugs, and other regulated products are manufactured, distributed, and consumed.

He reiterated the agency’s resolve to prevent the sale of unauthorized and unregulated products to Nigerian consumers.

Furthermore, Mohammed urged the public to exercise vigilance and opt for NAFDAC-registered products only, cautioning against the consumption of uncertified goods.

 

He encouraged individuals to report any violations, such as the sale of expired or adulterated products, to the nearest NAFDAC office.

 

Warning against the production and sale of unwholesome products, Mohammed stressed that appropriate sanctions would be applied to offenders. He advised aspiring entrepreneurs to seek guidance from NAFDAC offices on product registration procedures in line with approved guidelines.

Demolition of properties along Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Right of Way begins Saturday

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Demolition of properties along Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Right of Way begins Saturday

The Federal Controller of Works for Lagos State, Olukorede Kesha, has announced that demolition of properties within the first 3km of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway within Lagos State will commence on Saturday, April 27, 2024.

 

Kesha made this announcement during a video press release on Thursday where she provided updates on the Ministry’s projects in Lagos State.

 

She also called on the affected property owners with concerns to visit the Ministry of Works secretariat in the state before the demolition begins on Saturday.

 

“For the first 3km, anything within the Right of Way of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway will be brought down from Saturday morning.

So, that is why we want to use this medium to reach out to as many as we cannot put calls across to,” she stated.

Kesha also stated that all property owners whose buildings have been marked and identified as obstructing the right of way of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway corridor will be fairly dealt with, and no structure will be demolished without adequate compensation.

 

She also disclosed that funds for compensating the affected structures within the project corridor have been secured and are ready for disbursement.

 

News continues after this ad

 

“We are not going to demolish anybody’s house without adequate compensation or relationship with the person,” Kesha said.

What you should know

About a week ago, the federal government formed a compensation committee consisting of representatives from the ministry, the Lagos State government, affected communities, and other stakeholders.

This committee is responsible for reviewing, assessing, and compensating landowners impacted by the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Expressway.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, stated that the compensation process for property owners along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway would adhere to the Federal Government’s approved rates.

Hitech Construction Limited, the contractor handling the project, will be responsible for compensating the affected properties along the project corridor.

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