Lagos Prepares for Dangote Refinery Operations, Guarantees Smooth Traffic Flow

 Lagos Prepares for Dangote Refinery Operations, Guarantees Smooth Traffic Flow

The Lagos State Government has unveiled a comprehensive traffic management plan to ensure free-flowing traffic along the Lekki-Ajah corridor as the Dangote refinery commences operations on Sunday. Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation, Sola Giwa, announced the strategy, reassuring residents and commuters of thorough preparations.

LASTMA Boosted with Advanced Equipment and Personnel

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has been equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and trained personnel to regulate traffic flow in the affected areas. Advanced tow trucks, emergency response equipment, and medical ambulance services are on standby to address potential disruptions.

Strict Adherence to Traffic Regulations

The state government will enforce strict adherence to traffic regulations by tanker operators, particularly during loading and navigation within the Lekki-Ajah axis. Commercial bus operators and mini-bus drivers are cautioned to comply with traffic laws, refraining from picking up or dropping passengers at undesignated bus stops and driving against traffic.

Government Commitment to Citizens' Welfare

The Lagos State Government reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding citizens' welfare and maintaining orderly traffic during this period of industrial activity. By adhering to regulations, residents and commuters can ensure a harmonious and efficient transportation system.

Actress Joan Johnson Opens Up About Her Turbulent Past

 Actress Joan Johnson Opens Up About Her Turbulent Past

Fast-rising actress, Joan Johnson, has shared her heart-wrenching story of overcoming adversity to achieve her dreams. From being a house help and facing sexual harassment to being duped of N4.7m and struggling to make ends meet, Joan has seen it all.

Despite her challenges, Joan has risen above them and is now living her dream as a movie star. She has worked with top Nollywood actors and played lead characters in several productions.

Joan's Love Life

Joan has also opened up about her love life, revealing that she has been hurt badly in past relationships. She prioritizes her career and is unsure if she'll get married. Despite her efforts to make her partners feel special, she's often met with scorn.

A True Survivor

Joan's story is a testament to her strength and resilience. From being a child actor to becoming a superstar, she's proven that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.

Follow Joan Johnson's journey as she continues to soar in the entertainment industry!

Manchester United Adds Sekou Kone to Premier League Squad

 Manchester United Adds Sekou Kone to Premier League Squad

Manchester United has announced the inclusion of Sekou Kone in their Premier League squad for the 2023-2024 season. The news was broken by renowned football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on Friday night.

According to Romano, Kone, an 18-year-old midfielder from Mali, is considered a significant talent for both the present and future. His addition to the squad comes ahead of Manchester United's Premier League clash with Southampton on Saturday.

Kone, who joined the Red Devils from Guidars FC, is expected to be integrated into the under-21 squad as he adjusts to life in England. His inclusion in the Premier League squad signals a bright future for the young midfielder.

Manchester United's Squad Boost

The addition of Sekou Kone to Manchester United's Premier League squad is a significant boost to the team's midfield options. With his talent and potential, Kone is expected to make a meaningful contribution to the team's success in the upcoming season.

"Tragedy struck on the Gbòde Jedo River in Ogun State

  "Tragedy struck on the Gbòde Jedo River in Ogun State

"Tragedy struck on the Gbòde Jedo River in Ogun State when a boat ferrying wood merchants capsized, leaving two people unaccounted for. The victims, Ahohe Seido and Dogbon, were part of a group transporting firewood to the Benin Republic when a sudden storm caused the boat to overturn. Rescue efforts managed to save two individuals, but the search for the missing duo continues. The Ogun State Police Command has launched an investigation and is collaborating with local divers to locate the missing persons."

Or, in a slightly different tone:

"A devastating boat accident occurred on the Gbòde Jedo River in Ogun State, resulting in two people going missing. The boat, carrying wood merchants, was headed to the Benin Republic when a fierce storm hit, causing it to capsize. While two individuals were rescued, Ahohe Seido and Dogbon remain unaccounted for. The authorities are working tirelessly to find the missing pair, with the Ogun State Police Command leading the search efforts."

"Legal proceedings have been initiated by a lawyer against Bola Tinubu, the Police Council, and others, contesting the purportedly unlawful prolongation of the IGP's tenure."

 "Legal proceedings have been initiated by a lawyer against Bola Tinubu, the Police Council, and others, contesting the purportedly unlawful prolongation of the IGP's tenure."

"President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigeria Police Council are facing a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The case, filed by lawyer and human rights activist Maxwell Opara, challenges the legality of extending the tenure of Inspector General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun. Opara seeks a court order to stop Egbetokun from continuing to act as IGP, arguing that the tenure extension under the amended Police Act is unlawful."

Or, in a slightly different tone:

"Human rights lawyer Maxwell Opara has filed a suit against President Tinubu and the Police Council, contesting the legitimacy of IGP Egbetokun's tenure extension. Opara requests a court injunction to prevent Egbetokun from further serving as IGP, citing violations of the amended Police Act."

The lawyer's main argument is that, according to the Public Service Rules 2023, Egbetokun must retire as a public servant when he turns 60 or completes 35 years of pensionable service, whichever comes first. The lawyer is asking the court to clarify several points, including:

- Whether Egbetokun's position as IGP is subject to the Public Service Rules

- Whether he can continue in office after reaching retirement age

- Whether formal notification is needed when an appointment ends due to retirement

- Whether a terminated appointment can be revived by a later law change

The lawyer seeks court declarations that:

- Egbetokun's position is subject to the Public Service Rules

- He must retire at 60 or after 35 years of service

- No formal notification is needed when an appointment ends due to retirement

- A terminated appointment cannot be revived by a later law change

- Egbetokun cannot remain in office after reaching retirement age

- Only actively employed, non-retired police officers can be appointed as IGP

The suit, supported by an 18-paragraph affidavit, was filed by Pastor Nnenna Maxwell Opara on behalf of the plaintiff, but a hearing date has not been set yet.

The APC withdraws from the Edo election peace accord.

 The APC withdraws from the Edo election peace accord.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has decided to withdraw from signing the peace accord for the Edo State governorship election, citing concerns over unresolved security issues, particularly the killing of a police officer assigned to their candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo. This decision comes less than 12 hours after Governor Godwin Obaseki, while meeting with the Chairman of the Presidential Peace Committee, former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, indicated that his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), might not sign the peace accord. He explained that the PDP has lost confidence in both the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

During a press conference at the party secretariat, Emperor Jarret Tenebe explained that their decision not to sign was influenced by several factors. He highlighted that, despite a police inspector, Onuh Akor, being shot and killed over two months ago along Airport Road while serving as the orderly to the party's candidate, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, no arrests or prosecutions have occurred. This is despite former Commissioner of Police Funsho's claims that the command had identified the suspects involved in Inspector Akor’s murder at the Benin airport.

Tenebe alleged that instead of arresting the suspects, Governor Godwin Obaseki is reportedly harboring them in the government house. He asserted that this police failure has emboldened both Governor Obaseki and his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, to repeatedly attack members of their political party at rallies and business locations.

He criticized the governor for making inflammatory remarks that undermine his role as the Chief Security Officer of the State. Tenebe detailed various attacks on the APC campaign team in communities like Akoko-Edo, Etsako Central, and Esan West while they were mobilizing supporters for the election. 

In response to these attacks, Tenebe noted that Governor Obaseki had remained silent and failed to condemn the violence. Instead, he pointed out that Odion Olaye, Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress in Edo State, had threatened that “Nigeria will burn” if INEC did not declare the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, as the winner of the September 21, 2024 gubernatorial election.

Tenebe also mentioned that several PDP leaders have publicly boasted about their ability to act with impunity, and criticized the police for not addressing the party’s petition, which included names of suspects involved in these incidents.

He stated, “In summary, these incidents highlight Governor Obaseki’s reluctance to promote peace and the security agencies’ failure to ensure a peaceful environment for the upcoming September 21, 2024 election.”

The Pharmacy Council has closed 666 drugstores in Kaduna.

 The Pharmacy Council has closed 666 drugstores in Kaduna.

The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria has closed 666 unauthorized medicine shops in Kaduna State due to their illegal operations and breach of National Drug Distribution Guidelines.

The crackdown, which started earlier this week, targeted various open drug markets and other locations throughout the state where medicines were sold without proper registration and oversight.

This action is intended to ensure the safe and effective distribution of drugs, safeguard public health, and prevent the sale of dangerous substances.

At a press conference in Kaduna on Thursday, PCN Director of Enforcement, Pharm. Stephen Esumobi, reported that the closures included 47 pharmacies, 313 patent medicine stores, and 306 other illegal medicine outlets.

Esumobi mentioned that the PCN team inspected 895 locations during the operation, issuing 9 compliance orders to shop owners found operating illegally.

He stated, "By the conclusion of the enforcement exercise, which began earlier this week, a total of 895 premises were inspected. This included 75 pharmacies, 514 patent medicine shops, and 306 illegal establishments.

"A total of 666 premises were sealed. These included 47 pharmacies, 313 patent medicine shops, and 306 illegal medicine shops."

Esumobi cautioned that the PCN would not hesitate to take additional measures against non-compliant medicine dealers. He also mentioned that the council would support owners of sealed shops who are willing to adhere to the regulations.