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Lagos Government Reaffirms Commitment to Restoring Drainage Channels, Begins Enforcement on Illegal Structures
Lagos Government Reaffirms Commitment to Restoring Drainage Channels, Begins Enforcement on Illegal Structures....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Lagos State Government has announced its unwavering stance on enforcing the restoration of right-of-way for all drainage channels across the state. The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, reaffirmed this commitment during an on-site assessment of drainage channels on Wednesday.
Wahab highlighted the state’s determination to rectify environmental infractions that have drastically altered the landscape, especially in flood-prone areas. He revealed that contracts have been awarded for critical restoration projects, specifically in areas such as Ishashi and Oke-Odan, to address illegal structures that have obstructed drainage channels.
Enforcement to Begin September 5
“The governor has awarded contracts for the restoration of some critical projects on this axis around Ishashi, Oke-Odan, where we have witnessed people purposely building on the channel,” Wahab stated. He confirmed that contravention notices had been served to individuals encroaching on drainage paths, and enforcement would commence on Thursday, September 5, 2024.
The commissioner noted that illegal structures built along System 40 drainage channel in Ojo Local Government Area had severely narrowed the primary channel, contributing to frequent flooding in the region. He stressed that the government would enforce the restoration of the standard seven-metre drainage setback, with plans to restore a 15-metre setback at the Alaba International Market outfall.
Despite this, local House of Assembly representative, Mr. Olusegun Ege, advocated for a smaller setback of less than 10 metres. Wahab, however, maintained that the government would not compromise on ensuring the safety and sustainability of the city’s infrastructure.
Call for Cooperation and Compliance
Wahab assured residents that the weather conditions had been favorable for moving forward with the project. “We will clean up the drains and restore the right-of-way, then take ownership of the public infrastructure,” he explained. He reiterated that urban development requires deliberate planning and enforcement, and the government will continue to take necessary actions to preserve public spaces.
The commissioner also advised property developers and homeowners to avoid encroaching on public infrastructure such as drainage channels, warning that the government would eventually take action to reclaim its properties.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Mr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, echoed Wahab’s sentiments, expressing disappointment at developers and business owners who have illegally converted right-of-way into private property. He emphasized the dangers posed to other property owners and urged residents to support the government’s efforts to create a safe, clean, and flood-free Lagos.
Collaboration with Market Authorities
During the tour, the President-General of Alaba International Market, Chief Nnamdi Amajioyi, pledged the cooperation of market executives in resolving the flooding issues. He expressed optimism that implementing the government’s plans would finally address the market’s long-standing flood problems.
The inspection tour also included key officials such as the Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage Services, Mr. Mahamood Adegbite, as well as heads of agencies and directors. The team visited various locations, including the Isheri/Aiyetoro/Ologe Primary Channel, Ojo Town, and several channels in Alaba Rago and Alaba International Market.
Former Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, has accused Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North in the National Assembly, of misleading his constituents over the proposed creation of Anioma State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that Okowa made the remarks on Tuesday while speaking at a meeting with All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Oshimili South Local Government Area. The gathering is part of ongoing consultations linked to his 2027 Senate ambition.
Okowa said that contrary to Nwoko’s position, people of Delta North actually support the creation of Anioma State within the South-South geopolitical zone, with Asaba as its capital, rather than aligning it with the South-East.
He criticised Nwoko’s approach, describing the push as misleading and poorly thought out, while recalling the role of an Asaba indigene who fought for the city to become the capital of Delta State.
According to him, the current agitation for Anioma State has been handled in a unilateral manner, without proper consultation with the wider population.
Okowa stressed that such a major political demand should not be driven by individual interests, insisting that collective agreement is necessary.
He argued that leaders must remain connected to their people and consider majority opinion, warning against decisions taken without broad consultation.
He also noted that the process of creating new states is not currently at a critical stage in the legislative timetable, suggesting that the agitation at this time may be misplaced.
Okowa maintained that the push for Anioma State should remain a collective aspiration, adding that when the time eventually comes, it should reflect the genuine will of the people of the area.
The trial of Ali Bello, nephew of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, was on Tuesday delayed at the Federal High Court in Abuja after his newly appointed defence counsel sought an adjournment.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
At the resumed hearing before Justice James Omotosho, defence counsel, Ahmed Raji (SAN), informed the court that he was only recently briefed on the matter and required time to properly study the case file.
He explained that the prosecution had already been informed of the development and pleaded for an adjournment to allow adequate preparation for the defence.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Bello, who currently serves as Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo.
He is standing trial alongside Dauda Sulaiman on an amended 16-count charge involving alleged misappropriation and money laundering of about ₦10.27 billion.
However, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), objected to the adjournment request, arguing that proper legal procedure under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, was not followed.
He stated that the previous defence counsel, A.M. Aliyu (SAN), ought to have formally notified the court in advance regarding the change of counsel.
Despite the objection, Justice Omotosho granted the request in the interest of fair hearing.
The case was subsequently adjourned to May 5 and May 6, 2026, for continuation of the trial.
Bello and his co-defendant are accused of involvement in the alleged diversion of public funds running into billions of naira through questionable financial transactions, a case that has continued to attract public attention due to its political implications.
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday received a delegation of stakeholders from Enugu State at the State House in Abuja.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The delegation was led by the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, during a high-level engagement focused on development priorities in the state and the wider South-East region.
During the meeting, President Tinubu assured the stakeholders of continued federal attention to key infrastructure challenges, particularly in transport and power.
Addressing the delegation, he noted that major projects such as the Port Harcourt–Enugu rail line, ongoing power sector reforms, and other critical infrastructure needed for economic growth would receive greater attention from his administration.
Governor Mbah recently left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), a development that has continued to generate political reactions.
Meanwhile, the PDP has reacted to the wave of defections from its ranks to the APC, saying the affected governors and political leaders would soon regret their decisions.
The opposition party made the comment after the APC ruled out automatic tickets for defecting governors.
PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, accused the defectors of acting out of personal interest rather than the welfare of citizens, adding that their actions were not surprising.
He further stated that the APC does not truly value its members and described the situation as the beginning of regret for those who left the PDP.
Several governors, including those from Akwa Ibom, Delta, Enugu, Taraba, Rivers, and Kano States, alongside lawmakers and other political figures, have recently moved from the PDP to the APC.
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