Bills Signed into Law in Lagos State!

By virtue of one of the Bills recently signed into Law by Governor B.R. Fashola, it is now an offence for a man to impregnate a woman and thereafter desert  her!

Other Bills signed into Law include amendments to provisions of the Emergency Management Agency Law,  Criminal Justice Administration in the Courts, Rules on criminal conduct. While assenting to the Bills, Fashola said the various amendments to the laws were needed in order to tackle the problem of crime and delay in administration of justice in Lagos State.

The Criminal Code used in the State was enacted as far back as 1914! O yes. It is an old Law and the need to amend it can not be over emphasized. While I want to appreciate the efforts of the Lagos State Government, I would like to say that the effectiveness of these Laws (particularly the one that affects the deserted woman) rest more on ENFORCEMENT!

This is Lagos!

Right now, Lagos State is a city submerged in water. This is the outcome of the continuous rain pour experienced yesterday, Sunday 10, July 2011.

When I woke up this morning, I moved at a faster pace, so we would leave the house before the rush hour. By the time we drove out of the compound, we spent at least 40 minutes trying to get to the main road! As soon as we hit the road, I noticed it was exceptionally FREE! Where are all the vehicles? My brother called me, just to warn me not to dare attempt passing through Mile 2 (Apapa/Oshodi-Express road). I thanked him and told him we now drive through an alternative longer route!

Thankfully, I was in the office by 9.00am! Miracle!

I heard Apapa-Oshodi Express Road was a "no go" route. People have been trapped there for hours! I saw some pictures of the flood on line and some were even sent via MMS to phones. Mehn! The whole thing is devastatingly annoying! WHAT?!

One story brought tears to my eyes. It was the story about the little boy that died as a result of the flood. Read more here.

Here are some more pictures I saw online at  http://community.vanguardngr.com

 

The State Government declared today as a work free with a view to reducing the anticipated traffic jam! Well I heard the news while I was almost at work... Well, I really have no choice but to come to work sha

This is Lagos! Eko o ni baje o o o!

Agege Bread!

Agege bread needs no description as it is very popular especially in Lagos and its environs. I believe this bread originated from the Agege area of Lagos State. I remember when I used to travel by train to Jos those days, as soon as the train makes a brief stop at the Agege station, we (my friends and I) MUST buy some loaves. Back then, Agege bread was a master piece! The bread had various impressions on them, adding to the “beauty” LOL!

I love Agege bread . . . but I do not eat it as frequently as I would have ordinary loved to. This is because Hubby feels Agege bread is not prepared under proper hygienic conditions! See me see wahala o! Na today? Bread wey I don dey chop since even before I know am! As if to buttress his point he once showed me a lady cleaning Agege bread with a piece of cloth before packaging. Well that would not deter me o! For years, I have been eating this Agege bread and nothing do me 0! You see, those days, as a child, Agege bread was the loaf known to us then. Even when “oyinbo” sliced bread began to flood the market, Agege bread was the in thing for us (and I believe most people then).

I still remember once when an Uncle came visiting and gave me and my siblings some money, I told my mother that I’d like to eat Agege bread with “ewa agoin” (Togolese beans). The next weekend, I asked her to give me my money (50 kobo) so I could buy the bread and beans. . . LOL!

Agege bread vs. Sliced Bread, which do you prefer?

Bad Roads = Traffic Jam!

Elections are round the corner. So many politicians are garnering all they can in order to make it. However, for those who have no interest to be "re-elected" are just sitting back doing NOTHING! There are so many bad roads within the area I live. I live in Isolo, and I can state categorically that there are more pot holes/craters on the route I pass, than smooth roads.

One of such bad spot is the road by the Five Star bus stop down where Emzor Plc. is located. This road has other Companies and it links to the popular Aswani market. That road is so bad that on an average day, after work, it takes at least 1 hour to drive through that stretch of road.

For starters, this road is very close to the Isolo LCDA Office! I have always asked (nobody in particular) "what is the Chairman of the Isolo LCDA doing?

        
                     

However, on my way to work this morning, I notice that these bad spots had been patched. The patch work is such that I'd describe as a shoddy work. With the volume of traffic on that road, that patched road will carve in again!

The next bad point I want to address is the Jakande Estate at the Ejigbo LDCA. The road leading into the Estate is very bad! So bad that the ripple effect is felt even along the Isolo/Mushin Road! I do not have pictures of that road, but I was told that something is being done. For how long? I wonder.

I am a tax payer. Every month I pay as I earn, a quantum of my salary is paid as tax! Why can't I enjoy something as basic as good road or even stable power supply?

Some time ago (not too long ago) I read a tweet purportedly posted by the Governor of Lagos State. It was to the effect that anyone who knows of any bad road should call these numbers: 07098107021 / 07023326147. The alternative was to go online and fill a form stating your name; residential address and telephone number.

So, my fellow Lagosians, if you know of any bad road call or go online to make a report.

Ekó ó ni baje o!

Restricting Motorcycles in Lagos State!

Lagos, Nigeria: From today, September 1, 2010, it will no longer be "business as usual" for commercial motorcyclists popularly known as OKADA.

With effect from today, no okada should be seen on the highways within the Lagos metropolis.

They have also been restricted from carrying pregnant women and women with children on strapped to their back.

In addition, school children and anyone under 18 years should not be found on any okada.

So many people have reacted to this ban/restriction. Some are of the firm view that the ban would lead to more crime in the state, while others believe the ban would reduce the inflow of patients in the Lagos State Orthopedic Hospital (Igbobi). Different people with different views.

What do you think? Will this ban/restriction be effective?

My Issue with BBC's "Welcome to Lagos"

The controversial documentary depicting Lagos State as a slum where poverty and disease trive has been generating alot of reactions from Nigerians.

I just watched it on Solomonsydelle's NIGERIAN CURIOSITY.

After watching the documentary, I was so angry with the BBC for sending wrong signals to the entire world! Haba! Wetin Nigeria do them? Whenever they (BBC) air any documentary about Nigerians, it is always on poverty, disease etc. WHY? Why are they not showing the world the beautiful side of Lagos that attracts them here in the first place?

Please go there and watch. When you watch you will (I believe) know where I am coming from!

Eko o ni baje!

Making Nigeria Roads Safe!

On my way to work today, I heard on the radio today that the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) will begin to clamp down on motorists with fake drivers license. This warning was issued by the Lagos State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission Mr. Jonas Agwu. This great quest will purge the system and society of drivers with fake driver’s license. About time!

Mr. Agwu further advised anyone applying for a driver’s license or renewal of a driver’s license must be physically present before the driver’s license is issued or renewed. This means very soon, the quality of motorists/drivers will be greatly improved. Well done Mr. Agwu!

The need to purge our roads of half baked drivers cannot be over emphasized! With all due respect to the FRSC, most motorists in Nigeria today do have a valid driver’s license! For those that have, at least 70% or more have their licenses by proxy. That is the license holder was not physically presence before the license was issued! It is that bad. That is why we have a lot of problems on our roads!

Some time ago, our car was hit from behind by a commercial bus. Immediately, the bus driver came out and was ranting and cursing. He claimed there was no damage to our car, so why the fuss! Anyway, Hubby was in a very good mood, so he simply called a Police man and reported the incident. When the bus driver saw that Hubby was not throwing back words, he started begging! Mehn! The change of behavior was very swift! The guy prostrated and said “Daddy, please I am sorry! My conductor did not tell me there was a car beside me. I am sorry.” At this point, I told him it was too late, because the Police have been invited into the matter. When we got to the Police Station, the bus driver was asked to produce his driver’s license and vehicle particulars! Believe it or not, this guy could not presence any of the documents.

So what gave this guy the courage that he can drive on our roads? Who certified him a fit and proper driver for the Nigeria roads? There are a thousand others like him.

This problem is not limited to commercial bus drivers alone. Some private car owners and/or drivers are also affected. For this other category, they get their driver’s license by proxy! That is they do not present themselves for tests before been issued a drivers license! Too bad. Last year, one of my friends showed me a driver’s license issued in her name. We had the following conversation:
Dee!: When did you start driving?
My friend: Aunty Dee!, I am still learning o.
Dee!: So how did you get this?
Friend: Someone got it for me.
Dee!: Without testing you?! I will not enter any car driven by you! How can you join the band wagon to procure a drivers license by proxy? I am not happy with you.
Seeing I was not down with the whole thing, my friend just changed the topic.

When the society is filled with people who are not “qualified” to drive on the roads, you can imagine the high rate of accidents and other avoidable incidents on the roads.

We complain about traffic and rough drivers, most of the time, it is people who are not properly tested that start the problems faced on our roads! The commercial bus drivers boldly refuse to clear off the high ways to pick their passengers. When there are four vehicles on a slow lane, the fifth one, usually a commercial bus or a car driven by an ex-commercial driver, will form a second or third lane. In Lagos, the okada riders (motorcyclists) do not obey traffic rules! They are simply untouchable! There are so many vehicles on the roads that are not “road worthy”, yet they have a road worthiness permit.

Please note that only the FRSC, in collaboration with the state government, has the power and authority to produce driver's license.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Long live Lagos State!
Ekọ ó ni bajé!

January 27, 2002 - Commemorating the victims

It was a beautiful Sunday in January 2002.  We just returned from Church. I had bearing entered my room when there was a sudden vibration. I rushed out and I saw hubby standing in the sitting room with shock all over his face! "What was that?" I asked. He replied, "I don't know." Some minutes later, another I felt another vibration and this time I asked hubby "Is this an earthquake? Abeg o!"

These vibrations were so serious that louvres were rattling and other items in the house were moving! That was why I thought it was an earthquake. There were also thunderous sounds following the vibrations. Somewhere in between all these, I saw the breaking news on television that the explosions and vibrations were as a result of bomb exploding in the armoury in Ikeja Military Cantonment! What!!!!

I did not know the extent of the damage and havoc until I went to work the next day. My office was somewhere on the Island. The whole office was scattered as if it was burgled. Files were all over the floor; tables upturned...

Most of that day was spent talking about the incident...

The news had it that somany lives were lost as a result of stampeding. Some people were looking for their loved ones. It was such a dark period in the city of Lagos.

I stopped by at my Mum's place in Isolo on my way home after work. There were large cracks on the walls and most of her dishes were broken. I got more tales about the whole incident. I was informed that people ran out of the houses out of fear and panic. Not knowing what was happenning. She said, thankfully, she waited, tried to understand before taking any action. She added that a friend of hers who lives in Ajao Estate jumped from a balcony and broke her leg in the process. My Mum was still in shock. I encouraged her to calm down and rest. My brother's gist was different. He said he was outside with some friends when the whole thing started. He saw people running down the street in panic and like a typical Lagosian, he was about to run as well. Fortunately, a neighbour called him back and told him to stay within the compound. He said the neighbour told him not to panic.

The most shocking news was that as a result of the panic and stampede, several people, including children, women and men were drowned in the Oke-Afa Canal! Some bodies have been claimed but some were not claimed. The unclaimed bodies were buried in a mass grave by the canal. A cenotaph was later erected at the mass grave for the unclaimed bodies. Year after year, the Lagos State Government set out some few hours to lay wreaths at the cenotaph in Oke-Afa.

It is exactly 8 years after that black Sunday in Lagos. The activities around that site for the past one week has got me thinking. The roads were patched and padded. The cenotaph now wears a new look. Enough beautification has taken place there. I even hear the Governor of  Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola will be on ground to give a befitting commemoration for the people buried at there.
Let us say prayers for the families that lost their loved ones on that ill fated day - Sunday 27, January 2002.

Apapa-Oshodi Express Way again!

Hmmmm!

When will the Federal Government do something about the bad roads in Lagos State? This thing is getting very embarrassing! Haba!

I spent four unproductive hours on the Apapa-Oshodi Express Way this morning. The reason? It rained and because of the bad state of the roads, there was so much flood on the road. I once called it river trinity, but I think I should rename it to "Apapa-Oshodi Ocean". The flooded road made it very difficult to drive smoothly.

In the process of driving carefully, the person driving this vehicle, found himself/herself in this condition

Pedestrians had to wade through the flood as well

After driving wading through the first part of the flood, this is what I saw.

The trailer in the above picture rammed into a pedestrian bridge and then a section of the bridge collapsed. As a result, the traffic was terrible.

These are the pictures from the second half.

I am looking forward to the day it will rain and the roads in Lagos will be flood free.

Related Links

Craters on the Road

River Trinity

Eko o ni Baje

. . . craters on our roads!

There has been a little break from the rains. At least there had been no rain for some days now. I thought with this little dryness, there would be a free flow of vehicular movement on the Apapa/Oshodi Expressway. For the period it rained, I was always resuming late. It is not news that the roads are bad, but whenever there is any little rainfall, there will be traffic jam. The sort of traffic commuters are faced with is really alarming! What is going on?

There are so many pot holes on our roads. These pot holes are better described as craters because they have graduated to another level! Just imagine a hole wide and deep enough to contain three large tyres, like that of a trailer! Yes. That is how wide some of these craters are. The craters along the Apapa/Oshodi express way are awesome! Every day these craters expand and if a driver is not careful, the car could get stuck in one! Especially when covered with rain water.

As if that is not enough, the trailers and other large trucks have taken over the road leaving little or no space for smaller cars to drive through.

The irony of all these is that the Apapa/Oshodi Expressway is a very MAJOR road in Lagos. It is a major road which leads to one of the major ports in the Country - Apapa Harbour. Everyday hundreds of trucks, trailers and containers ply that route in order to get to the Port. The amount of revenue generated from that port can not be over emphasised. The question now is -"WHY IS THAT ROAD NEGLECTED! WHY?!

Sometime last week, the minister of works was in Lagos to examine the deplorable state of the road. News had it that he was trapped for just two hours and his aides and officials "advised" him not to go any further! Why? How then would he know the state of the road? In my opinion, the minister would not appreciate what commuters who ply this route go through. On a typical day, when the traffic jam is at its peak, people remain on a spot for as long as one hour. It does not matter if you leave your house at 5am, once the road has traffic, you cannot escape it! It is that bad. I am speaking from experience.

Apapa/Oshodi Express way in pictures!

- Flood on the road!

Well no matter what I still believe . . . "Eko o ni baje"

God help us!

Eko o ni baje (2)

Lagos State has changed! Yes O! There is a great wind of change sweeping through Lagos State. This wind of change is ridding Lagos of all vices!

One of such include the indiscipline and reckless nature of drivers, especially the commercial bus drivers! These group of people have been known for their gross indiscipline. Now they drive with some sense of "orderliness" You hardly see them weaving in and out of traffic for fear of having their vehicles impounded by the law enforcement agents.

Also, it is now illegal to trade on the streets of Lagos. This is very common at major bus stops like Obalende, Mushin, Oshodi etc. I drive through Oshodi most days and I must say, the traffic I experience on that route, especially on my way home after work, is very bad! However, this is now a thing of the past thankfully. These days, the drive home is so smooth that I get home before the day gets dark!

On a typical Tuesday, driving through the Osolo Way (off airport road) is an almost impossible task. This is because of the activities of the traders in the popular Aswani market.

Well, that was in the past! Now the whole road is free as all the traders have been "advised" to move into the market. No more street trading.

Illegal structures are being pulled down! In the course of these beautification of Lagos State, so many people are affected either because their shops were demolished or because their houses were demolished! I am not a holding brief for the State Government, but I must say the actions of the Governor are in order. The demolished structures, were illegal in the first place. Most of them were built over canals and gutters, thereby blocking the drainage system. Some were even built on the roads, obstructing the free flow of vehicles on the roads. Some even display their wares on the rails! Why would any sane human being put himself or herself to such risk by trading on the road or on the rail? The truth of the matter is that over the years, the State Government "closed its eye" to these wrongs. Not any more!

Governor Fashola is out to ensure that Lagos State gets a new look. Yes, a Brighter and Rewarding Future is very certain for the people of Lagos State. Well done Babatunde Raji Fashola!

Eko o ni baje!

Sirens!

On my way home after work yesterday . . . the traffic was helele!! I mean it was the very one! This is one major reason I do not like to drive! I know say if hubby reads this he'll just call me lazy. Why not? He has been making things easy for me. We go out in the morning together . . . drops me at my place of work, continues the journey to his own office and thereafter he picks me up after work! Abeg God bless you jare! I only drive whenever he is out of town.

Back to my gist . . .there we were crawling jejely in the traffic and hoping we'd get home before it gets dark. The traffic was moving small small o. . .all of a sudden, I heard the sound of a siren blaring annoyingly behind us! O I just hate it when that sound comes up and we are all in traffic. Where do they expect us to move to? Well the truth is that I do not shift my ground for them sha. If you see space, pass. . . if not stay for queue like others! The only siren I allow are ambulances. At least I know that the ambulances are used for emergencies. Why do these people just intimidate other motorists?! This guy tried to squeeze pass but no car would let him. He just kept blaring the siren, disturbing every body. . . when he saw that the traffic was stand still, he adviced himself to put he darn thing off! I guess every driver was thinking like me at that very moment.

The other day one of such siren noise makers hit one cool car in its attempt to wriggle through the traffic. Gbosa! The owner of the cool car stepped out of his car and then examined the extent of the damage. . . the drama that followed was something else. . . but I was happy the rough driver met his match!

What do you guys feel about sirens and all?

Hoodlums on the prowl!

What is it with these hoodlums with a lady's hand bag?

Recently I was dispossed of my handbag on my way to work. These good for nothing hoodlums were on an okada (motor bike) and in what looked like a movie scene, my handbag was snacthed from me! Fiam! O! I screamed and screamed but no one came to my aid! Well this is Lagos! I understand. Only the "brave" would attempt to do a James Bond move in times like this. Now, this bag was well loaded with all the stuff one can imagine - cash, cheque book, ATM card, phones, bunch of keys, my MK make up etc. But you know what? All that can not compare to my life! Yeah! my life! I am so happy that I was not injured! No harm was done to my person. That gives me a sense of joy!

While I was narrating the event to friends and family members (after I had settled down reasonably) they all said I should thank God for my life and I agree. What if somehing more terrible had happened to me? What if I had been maimed in the process? What if. . . Of all the whys I was asked, the only one I could not answer well was why I did not drive on that day. I guess I was just lazy (as I have been for sometime, 'cos I have been using the commuter buses to get my self to work). My son even said "Mummy make sure you use the car next time, and make sure you hide your bag." If only he knows that even in ones car, these hoodlums still harrass people!

This is two days after the bag was snatched and I can laugh without any remorse. Whenever I get a flash of the incident, I actually laugh out. I let go and let God! I have a new phone, I have replaced my makeup and I have received more cash than I had in my handbag at the time it was snatched by the hoodlums! To God be the glory!

Much Ado about June 12!

The month was June. The date was 12. The year was 1993. Nigerians came out in the millions to cast their votes for their candidates. Every body was happy and were waiting eagerly for the results to be annouced. Alas! The election was ANNULLED! Just like that. The results of the poll were not made public. No reasons were given. The election was just annuled.

The aftermath of that annulment was terrible. There were riots all over the Country. Of course many lives were lost in the process.

Fifteen years after the annulment of the Presidential election, which was described as the freest and fairest election in the history of Nigeria Democracy, Nigerians are now hearing all sorts of declarations/testimonies/confessions with respect to June 12 1993.

First, the then National Electoral Commission (NEC) Chairman, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu recently launched a book titled "Laying the Foundation for Nigeria's Democracy: My Account of June 12, 1993." In his book Prof. Nwosu revealed that the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola actually won the Presidential elections in 1993. (As if Nigerians did not know!). The votes casted, according to Nwosu, was 8,323,3005 for Chief Moshood Abiola while the closest rival, Alhaji Ottman Bashir Tofa polled 6,073,612 votes.

Much as the results have now been made public the question is WHY DID WE HAVE TO WAIT 15 YEARS to get the results "published."

Nigerians expected the book to reveal the person or persons responsible for the annulment, but Nwosu refused to mention any names. Smart guy! Rather, the former NEC Chairman was singing praises in favour of the then Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida. Now that was a surprise. Nwosu practically absolved IBB of any blame! Hmmmmmm!

Anyway, in a recent development, IBB has said he was responsible for the annulment of the June 12, 1993 Presidential Elections. He said he annuled the elections! Gbam!

...River Trinity, Apapa-Oshodi Express Way, Lagos, Nigeria

For people who do not know, there is a river popularly known as river trinity along the Apapa-Oshodi Express way in Lagos State. The river is so called because it is located near the popular trinity bus stop along that road.

Whenever it rains...the rain water on the road makes it almost impossible for any body to drive through. Yes! The water level is at least above the knee level. Very deep indeed.

Yesterday was no exception as the rain poured all day long! Naturally and as expected whenever it rains, after the close of work the whole Lagos metropolis was road locked! The traffic jam was so much that many people got to their various homes as late as 11pm.

Back to the subject matter. The river trinity was the major cause of the traffic jam along the Apapa_Oshodi Expressway yesterday (and most days). Motorists have to wade gently through the water. Now you have to be very careful as there are lots of pot holes on the road. Mehn! It was not a funny O!

This is a clarion call! Lagos State Government please do something about the deplorable state of the roads ASAP so that EKO O NI BAAJE!

EKO O NI BAJE!

This is the new slogan for Lagos State since the emergence of the present Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola. "EKO O NI BAJE simply means
- "Lagos shall not deteriorate."
- "Lagos no go spoil"
- "Lagos will not spoil"

In other words, Lagos shall continue to be the Centre of Excellence!

Since I am a firm believer of POSITIVE affirmations, I truly really appreciate the phrase. This is because every time someone says that phrase, the person is making a positive affirmation for Lagos State! Yes. When we keep saying 'Eko o ni baje' we are unconsiously saying a prayer for the State we live in!

With the on going beautification process in Lagos, I see Lagos State returning to the way it was back in the days!

Well done Mr. Governor. I join millions of people in Lagos and I affirm that truly and surely EKO O NI BAJE!