FG To Shut Down Third Mainland Bridge From Nov 1- Minister

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said comprehensive rehabilitation of the 11.8-kilometer Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos would begin on November 1 and would last for three months.

Umahi said this on Saturday while inspecting the under deck, lagoon sections of the Third Mainland Bridge, and other bridges, Channels reports.

The minister, a team of engineers, directors of the Federal Ministry of Works, and journalists inspected the lagoon sections of the Third Mainland, Carter, Independence, and Falomo Bridges.

He also inspected the deteriorating Marina shoreline, the failing portions of the Five Cowries Bridge located inside Zone Two Police Headquarters in Onikan, Ijora Bridge, and Marina Bridge in Apapa.

[30/10, 15:06] Honeydeebags: He said the entire stretch of the Third Mainland Bridge would undergo total resurfacing with minimal discomfort to road users, and the repairs would be carried out by midnight during the weekend.

He stated that he inspected the top surface of the bridge on Friday before embarking on an inspection of the Lagoon portions.

He noted that patching various sections of the top surface of the bridge had led to undulating surfacing, saying it was not healthy for its safety, hence the need to remove and relay the entire asphaltic covering.

 Umahi said, “We are going to mill out the excess asphalt and retain only two millimetres.

Speaking further, the minister stated that the proposed maintenance of the Third Mainland Bridge was the first phase meant to secure the integrity as well as aesthetics of the upper deck components of the bridge.

He explained that the maintenance of the aesthetics would include the replacement of the railings and the installation of solar-powered lights and CCTV cameras for optimal bridge security.

He, however, assured that the three-month maintenance work would be without discomfort to motorists, saying, it would take place between midnight and 4.00 a.m. and during weekends.

He disclosed also that more than one contractor would be engaged due to the emergency nature of the work, which would end in Phase Four; which will entail the repairs of deflected slabs, bearings, piers, and pile caps.

 He stressed that most bridges were about 60 years old and had outlived their design lifespan, hence the need for constant rehabilitation.

Umahi, who is a civil engineer, said the Marina Shoreline had deteriorated and was threatening the foundation of some parts of the Blue Rail Line, hence the need for urgent protection that had begun.

Marina shoreline is gone,” he said.

The minister warned that henceforth a 10-year maintenance responsibility would be attached to projects for contractors to bear repair costs within the period if the road failed.

He added that contractors who constructed roads that failed within two years risked jail terms in line with global practices to curb shoddy constructions.

The Third Mainland Bridge was earlier closed for 24-hour repairs from midnight on October 21 to midnight on October 22 for emergency resurfacing of some bad portions

62 Years Old Yeni Kuti recognised as World Dance Master

Omoyeni 'Yeni' Anikulapo-Kuti, dancer, singer and initiator of the annual music festival, Felabration, has been recognised as World Dance Master by the World Masters Committee.

Yeni’s partner, Theo Lawson, who likened the award to the Nobel Prize, disclosed this on his Facebook page on Wednesday 25 October 2023.

Lawson also posted a photo of the certificate awarded to Yeni.

She wrote:

“YENI KUTI- ‘WORLD DANCE MASTER!’ It’s no joke, after over 40 years on stage, on the road and in classrooms, my dearest YK Power gets recognised as a World Dance Master. Issued by the World Masters Committee, it is like the Nobel Prize of dance. Congratulations my Love

The World Masters Committee wrote on the certificate: “The World Masters Committee is very pleased to award this certificate of the World Master of his/her country to the above-named person with all the honour, rights and privileges pertaining thereto.

The World Masters Committee, based in South Korea with member countries from across the globe, is devoted to promoting the power of culture and maintaining the idea of creating one world through arts and culture.

Born in England on 24 May 1961, Yeni is the eldest child of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti. The 62 years old conceived the idea of Felabration, a music festival organised to celebrate the life and contributions of her father Fela to the global music industry and the Nigerian nation.

Yeni had her primary and post-primary education in Nigeria after leaving England at the age of two. She holds a diploma in journalism from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism.

A dancer and dance teacher, she joined her brother Femi Kuti’s band in 1986 as a singer and dancer after quitting her job as a fashion designer. She currently manages the Afrika Shrine and works as a curator with Femi at the shrine.

 

Senate observes one-minute silence for Benue robbery victims

The Nigerian Senate observed a minute silence in honour of the dead victims of the Otukpo bank robbery in Benue State.

Recall that the awful incident occurred on Friday, October 20, 2023.

The resolution of the Senate to observe a minute silence followed its consideration of a  motion on the urgent need for the police to investigate the incident.

The motion was moved by Senator Abba Moro of the Peoples Democratic Party (Benue South) under matters of urgent public importance, citing Orders 41 and 51 of the Senate Standing Orders.

The Senate also urged the police to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack as well as unravel the mystery of lack of intelligence and alertness on the part of the police on the day of the attack.

Details later…

Yar'Adua's son Ibrahim marries second wife (Images)

Ibrahim, son of former President Musa Yar’Adua, has tied the nuptial knot with his bride, Amira, daughter of former Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Muhammed Babandede. 

The ceremony was a beautiful and joyous occasion, with family members from both sides coming together to bless the newlyweds. Ibrahim and Amira shared tender moments as they held hands and exchanged affectionate glances, and excited to be united in marriage.

The couple had their wedding fatiha on Friday at the residence of the bride’s father in Abuja.

Amira looked stunning in a vibrant teal green and yellow outfit, which she paired with a long veil; while Ibrahim opted for a simple white kaftan paired with a brown cap.

During the payment of the bride price, the groom was represented by Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, while Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, represented the bride.

Ibrahim married his first wife, Saratu Sodangi, who is a lawyer, in 2018.

Notable personalities in attendance included the senator representing the Kebbi Central Senatorial District, Adamu Alero; former governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Shema; business mogul, Dahiru Mangal; and senator representing the Katsina Central Senatorial District, Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, among others

FG to shut Third Mainland Bridge this weekend

The Federal Government on Thursday announced the closure of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos starting from midnight of Saturday, October 21 to midnight of Sunday, October 22 to carry out repairs.

The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, in a statement, said the government was ready to begin comprehensive rehabilitation works on the bridge, starting with repairs of the critical portions.

Kesha said the Federal Government wished to inform the motoring public that it was currently working on plans to carry out comprehensive repairs of the Third Mainland Bridge.

“However, in order to alleviate the pains currently being experienced on the bridge, the Ministry would be carrying out palliative works on the most critically failed sections along the Adeniji bound carriageway on Sunday, Oct. 22 preparatory to the comprehensive repair works,” she said.

She advised motorists to cooperate with the traffic management officials by obeying and observing all diversions as directed for seamless movement.

“However, motorists are encouraged to use alternative routes where possible during the period of the palliative works as the Adeniji bound of the bridge will be closed to traffic from Saturday, Oct. 21 to Sunday, 22nd 12.00 midnight,” she said

Over 7.6 million girls out-of-school in Nigeria- UNICEF

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says about 7.6 million girls, mostly from the northern region, remain deprived of education in Nigeria.

 

MS Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, disclosed this while commemorating the International Day of the Girl 2023 at the Government House with the theme: “Our time is now – our rights, our future.”

She noted that while the accomplishments of girls give hope, the bigger picture brings forth an alarming reality as 7.6 million girls in Nigeria remain deprived of those very opportunities.

According to her, “Nigeria, alarmingly, accounts for 15% of out-of-school children worldwide.

“Yet, only a mere 9% of the poorest girls have the chance to attend secondary school. This is not just a statistic, it’s a wake-up call. However, amidst these challenges, we find glimmers of hope.”

She mentioned that currently, Kano ranked second in the number of out-of-school girls in Nigeria, saying that there was the need, more than ever, to emphasise the transformative power of education, a tool that not only creates opportunities but actively breaks cycles of poverty. 

She observed that the sparkle witnessed by students in the event is a testament to the boundless potential that lies within every girl child as their capabilities illustrate the outcomes that are possible when a girl is empowered.

The students, earlier at a panel of discussion, spoke on various issues, including the challenges of insecurity as a major barrier to girl-child education, as well as the need for girls to participate in many sectors of human endeavour.

Bolanle Raheem: Policeman who killed Lagos lawyer sentenced to death-by-hanging- Court (Nigerians react)

The Lagos State High Court has sentenced Drambi Vandi, who fatally shot Bolanle Raheem, a Lagos-based lawyer, to death by hanging.

The judge Ibironke Harrison on Monday found the police officer guilty of murder.

“The court found the defendant guilty on one count of murder. You will be hanged by the neck till you are dead,”

reported how Drambi Vandi allegedly killed Mrs Raheem, an expectant mother, on Christmas Day in 2022 at the Ajah roundabout in Lagos.

The police officer is attached to the Ajiwe police division in the Ajah area of the state. He was suspended two days after the incident.

 The state government had preferred one count of murder of the lawyer against the defendant and subsequently arraigned him.

Since the court trial started in January, the deceased’s husband, sister, police armourer, pathologist and seven others have testified against the defendant.

The prosecution tendered 27 exhibits

 Mr Vandi was the only witness who testified in his defence.

In his testimony before the court, Mr Vandi told the judge that the bullet presented in court, which was said to have killed the deceased, did not come from the rifle he carried on the day of the incident.

He also claimed that he had never seen the bullet until it was tendered in court.

Following the pronouncement, Nigerians have continued to react to the pronouncement on Twitter.

Read some of the reactions:

Saddening to see anyone lose their life, but the death-by-hanging sentencing of killer cop Drambi Vandi is a welcome development.

Policemen who tell us "I'll shoot you and nothing will happen" need to start realising that something -- like death by hanging -- can happen.@Fisayo Soyombo 

I hope it's not just a "Paper Sentence".._@Capello 

Someone has to be there to make sure that the hanging is successful. Make dem no exchange am with another prisoner@AkanPatrick1

Bolanle Raheem's Death: Court to Rule on Killing of Lagos Lawyer by Policeman Today

Justice Ibironke Harrison of a Lagos High Court in Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) will today deliver judgement in the case of an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Drambi Vandi, charged with the murder of a Lagosbased legal practitioner, Mrs Omobolanle Raheem. 

The judge arrived at the decision after parties in the matter adopted their final written addresses. It would be recalled that Vandi was arraigned on January 16, 2023, on a count charge of murder brought against him by the Lagos State Government. But he pleaded not guilty to the charge and the judge subsequently ordered accelerated hearing of the case. In the charge, the Lagos State Government accused Vandi of shooting Mrs Raheem in the chest at Ajah Roundabout on the Lekki expressway on December 25, 2022.

The alleged offence was said to have contravened Section 223 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015. While the trial lasted in the criminal case, the prosecution team, led by a former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State, Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) called 11 witnesses, including eight police officers and a pathologist. Among the prosecution witnesses called was one, Inspector Matthew Ameh, who worked with ASP Vandi at the time of the alleged murder.

The case of the prosecution was closed on February 25, 2023. Three days later, the defendant through his lawyer, Gbenro Gbadamosi, filed a no-case application, praying the court to quash the charge against him. Gbadamosi particularly insisted that the evidence of the prosecution witnesses was inconsistent and did not link Vandi to the alleged murder. But on April 3, 2023, Justice Harrison threw out the no-case submission as initiated by ASP Vandi. In throwing out Vandi’s submission, the trial judge held that the prosecution established sufficient oral and documentary evidence linking ASP Vandi to the alleged crime, which required an explanation from him. Justice Harrison added that the evidence by the defendant would shed light on what happened. The position of the court prompted Vandi to, on May 31, 2023, gave evidence in the matter and also closed his case. His lawyer had initially told the court that Vandi was the sole defence witness. Parties adopted their written addresses on July 13, and the court consequently reserved judgement till 9th October, 2023.

Adeleke declares curfew in Ifon, Ilobu

Osun State Government has swiftly imposed a 24-hour curfew in the Ilobu and Ifon communities to quell escalating tensions and prevent further disturbances.

The directive, effective immediately, comes in response to a communal clash between the two areas, resulting in eight reported casualties.

The conflict, believed to have been ignited by an ongoing land dispute, prompted Governor Ademola Adeleke to take decisive decision.

Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, conveyed the governor’s decision to maintain law and order in these communities.

Governor Adeleke has assumed control of the disputed lands and areas in an effort to restore lasting peace.

Any individuals or groups found engaging in activities within these disputed zones will face legal consequences as determined by the state government.