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Lagos Council Demands Fumigation Fees, Certificates from Churches

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Officials of the Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area of Lagos State have been accused of demanding money for fumigation and certificates from churches in the community.

Our correspondent learnt that the council officials demanded N15,000 from some churches for fumigation and clearance certificates.

The pastor of a Pentecostal church, who asked not to be identified, said when the officers approached him, he informed them that some private individuals had already fumigated his church.

“They asked if those who did the fumigation gave us a certificate and we said no.

“They said we should prepare for them because when they come for inspection, they would demand a certificate of fumigation from us.

“We told them it’s not part of the listed items by the Lagos State Government. But they insisted that it’s a requirement for them.

“We asked how much it would cost and they said N15,000. We were surprised and told them that we did not have any money and that we had given a lot of palliatives to the community.

“After some haggling, they said we should pay N10,000, which we said we could not afford. A community leader told them not to come to our church yesterday (Sunday), and we would sort it out this week,” the pastor said.

But the General Overseer of the Temple Rebuilders Ministry, Pastor Barnabas Otoibhi, said his church was not harassed by the council workers.

Otoibhi, however, recalled representing the Christian Association of Nigeria in the area at a meeting of the council on June 11, where the issue of fumigation was discussed.

“It was a meeting with religious organisations and we were addressed by the Secretary to the local government, Taoheed Abiola; and Special Assistant on the Environment, Yusuf Adesanya.

“We were told that churches would fumigate and the cost would be paid at 50 per cent ratio to be shared by the church and the government.

“We were told that they would do inspection to ensure everyone complied with the rules. There was no mention of fumigation certificates,” he added.

The Chairman of the Oshodi/Isolo LGA, Bolaji Ariyoh, said whatever was being demanded by the council was in compliance with a directive of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

“If it is the regulation, there is nothing anyone can do about it. I don’t remember the amount, but if that is the bill given to them, then it is meant to be paid,” he said.

However, the Vice-Chairman, Daisi Oso, said the council was not billing anyone or demanding any certificate.

“It is not in our purview to check any church. It is the Lagos State Government that is doing it and there is an agency in charge of that. As a local government, we don’t know about it,” he said.

Oso, however, noted that there was an environmental unit in the council responsible for the fumigation of all public places, including churches and mosques.

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Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun, Oyebanji, Obasa to Be Honoured at Awo-UK

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Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Abayomi Oyebanji and Dapo Abiodun of Lagos, Ekiti and Ogun states respectively, will, in addition with the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Mudasiru Obasa, be given Special recognitions for their roles in supporting the creative industry and leveraging on it as a strong vehicle for socio-polictal development.

The Honours would be presented to the deserving awardees at the premium show of Awo, the Musical, which would be taking place at The Shaw Theatre in Euston London in May, 2024.

In a statement, made available to The Boss, the Executive Producer of the Play, Mr Joseph Edgar, who doubles as the Chairman of the Duke of Shomolu Productions, opined that the awardees through a very well thought out policy initiatives, continue to explore the full potentials of the Creative industry in achieving significant milestones, especially in the areas of job creation, infrastructural development, education, tourism among others.

He further stated that Governor Sanwo-Olu has remained a strong driving force for theatre in Lagos.

“Gov Sanwo-Olu has remained a main backer of theatrical productions, and even attended a few including the debut showing of Awo at the Glover Hall in Central Lagos.

Prince Dapo Abiodun, on his own part, has also remained a driving force in the artistic renaissance Arts and culture is receiving in Ogun State.

Governor Oyebanji of Ekiti State was the main backer of the phenomenally successful play – Fajuyi, which depicted the life of the late Col. Adekunle Fajuyi, who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country. Under his administration, Ekiti State has won several international laurels in arts and culture which could be traced to his administrations direct involvement in the sector.

Rt. Hon. Obasa also leads the most visionary sub-national legislative house, providing secure legislative framework for the continued delivery of cohesive dividend of democracy to the people of Lagos.

Awo is a descriptive musical that traces the life of the great Sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, through the eyes of his beloved wife, the divine Chief (Mrs.) HID Awolowo. In very well curated song and dance sequences, the Play takes audiences through the life of one of the greatest African political stories.

Awo has been shown twice in Lagos and was recently unveiled in Ikenne during celebrations to mark the 115th post houmous birthday of the late Sage.

Dr. Mrs Tokunbo Awolowo Dosunmu, the last surviving daughter of Chief Awolowo and Executive Director of the Awo Foundation, was in attendance with other dignitaries like Mr Kunle Soname of BLFA Football Academy.

Other dignitaries expected at the London showing include Khalifa Mohammad Sanusi II, Chairman, Nigerian Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Segun Awolowo among others.

Awo is written by influential theatre director, Makinde Adeniran fta, but will be produced for the London market with an all Nigerian cast by Dr Lookman Sanusi’s Heavy winds Media Limited under franchise from the Duke of Shomolu Foundation.

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Adeleke Unveils Rehabilitated Govt House, Says Upgrading State Assets’ a Policy

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Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Saturday opened the newly rehabilitated Government House at Osogbo with top officials and dignitaries joining the Governor for inspection of the facilities, prayers and commissioning.

The rehabilitation, according to a statement signed by the governors spokesperson Rasheed Olawale, covers the main house, the completion of an abandoned multi-bedroom Guest House, remodeling of many of the structures, refixing of many derelict facilities and facelift of the entire Government House.

Accompanied by the *Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi; the House Speaker, Hon Adewale Egbedun; the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Igbalaye Teslim; the Chief of Staff, Alh Kazeem Akinleye and members of the State Executive Council*, Governor Adeleke officially moved into the Government House amidst prayers and heavy rain across Osogbo yesterday.

Clerics across the faiths were on ground to offer prayers and bless the House while top leaders presented goodwill messages.

Addressing the dignitaries in a short programme, the Governor said his administration is committed to upgrading state assets irrespective of whether such programmes are inherited or commenced by him.

“I have upgraded the Government House just as I rehabilitated the Governor’s office. We ensured the Government House is rescued from the open neglect we inherited. You can all see the upgraded facilities which now places our state in good stead in the comity of states.

“I met an abandoned Guest House where top dignitaries can be hosted instead of huge bills on outside accommodation. I ordered its rehabilitation and today it is completed. The presidential Lodge I met on the ground was in a terrible state. Our team fixed it.

“Our administration is passionate about upgrading state assets because they are for generations even yet unborn. We must act genuinely on the mantra that government is a continuum. Abandoning projects or state assets as Osun witnessed in recent past is a sign of bad leadership

“As our government is completing old projects and initiating new ones, we are also maintaining and upgrading the old structures, refixing them for effective usage of the state.

“To the good people of Osun state, your Governor has moved into the Government House. I pledge to redouble our efforts at delivering on the five point agenda. We are truly fixated on sustaining the delivery of good governance,” the Governor was quoted as saying.

The Orangun of Oke Ila, HRH, Oba Dokun Abolarin was present to give royal blessings.

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Residents Flee As Community Where 16 Soldiers Were Killed is Razed

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According to a report on Channels Television, the Delta community where 16 soldiers were killed on Thursday has been razed.

The military on Saturday confirmed the killing, and said inveatigation is on to unravel the perpetrators. The slain officers include the commanding officer, two majors, one captain and 12 soldiers.

Tukur Gusau, a brigadier general and Deputy Director, Information, of the Nigerian military, had in his Saturday statement said the military would investigate and bring the culprits to book.

The troops were deployed to restore order between two warring communities: Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State.

According to Channels Television, the Okuama coastal community where the killing of the soldiers took place was razed Sunday morning.

It is not clear who razed the houses in the community or if anyone died from it but the television station reported that residents have fled to the neighbouring Ughelli community for fear of reprisals by soldiers.

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