Connect with us


BIG STORY

Lagos Lawmakers Move To Criminalize Street Begging

Published

on

Members of the Lagos State House of Assemblyt, on Tuesday, debated the possibility of enacting legislation to combat street begging throughout the state.

If passed, the law would also make it illegal for residents to encourage street begging. Giving money to a street beggar would be a crime in this case.

Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the House, who branded street begging as a threat to the state, concurred with MPs in plenary that criminal elements have taken over the streets disguised as beggars.

Reacting to the motion brought by Hon. Abiodun Orekoya and some of his colleagues, Dr. Obasa noted how previous administrations in the state made efforts to curb street begging, but that the challenge had not abated.

Obasa emphasised the need for a law that would criminalise street begging and also penalise individuals who give money to beggars on the roads.

“When we address the source, then we can curb it. When you go on the road, you find children within the ages of five and six begging. It means there are established groups of people benefitting from this. They warehouse and provide for them.

“Beyond the child rights law, we should come up with another law that speaks to begging and giving. We must come up with genuine law and institutions that handle begging.

The Speaker said the proposed law should aim to establish a centre where individuals who wish to give alms can do so, while the centre would ensure that the alms reach those in need.

“The law will create a fund to be managed by people with integrity so that if you are in need, you would go there,” he said.

He said while this would help people fulfil their religious beliefs about alms giving, it would also help curb street begging, reduce crime on the road and promote greater responsibility among residents.

The Speaker said the smart city goal of the state cannot be achieved when beggars adorn the roads, inhibiting free movement and engaging in crime which include drug peddling and stealing from motorists.

He questioned how children as young as five or six manage to travel from other states to Lagos, suggesting that some individuals may be sponsoring and accommodating them.

Calling for a holistic approach to end the challenge, the Speaker said it was better to tackle it from the source which include discouraging giving directly to the beggars on the road.

Obasa also urged local government chairmen to come up with ideas to manage street trading rather than thinking of outrightly chasing traders off the streets.

“Street trading happens across the world. It is for our council chairmen to come up with ideas to better manage the activities of traders in their domains.

“How do you build a shop and put it at N30 million? What will the traders be selling there?
If you remove them all, where do you also want them to go?” He asked.

BIG STORY

Old English Supermarket Opens In Ibadan, Expands South-West Presence

Published

on

OldEnglish Superstores & Bakery has officially opened a new outlet in Bodija, Ibadan, further extending its reach across South-West Nigeria.

The firm is known for its high-quality bakery products and affordable groceries. Old English Supermarket has become a household name, providing unbeatable prices and a top-tier shopping experience.

The newly launched Bodija branch located at 39 Oshuntokun Avenue, Bodija Estate, adds to the brand’s rapidly expanding network of outlets in the region. Offering a broad range of products, from their signature bread to fresh produce and essential household items, the supermarket is designed to meet the diverse needs of Ibadan’s growing population.

During the opening ceremony, Akogun Lanre Alfred, the visionary entrepreneur behind Old English, shared his excitement about the new venture. “We are thrilled to bring Old English to the vibrant city of Ibadan. Our mission has always been to provide affordable, high-quality goods to families, and this new outlet is another step toward achieving that goal,” he said. “We are committed to ensuring that our customers experience convenience, affordability, and exceptional service in every location we open.”

With five successful outlets already operating in Lagos and Ogun states, the Bodija branch represents a key part of Old English’s ongoing expansion plan. Alfred added, “Our goal is to become the largest retailer in Nigeria and Africa. We want to help families save money while offering them access to fresh, nutritious food and high-quality goods at low prices.”

The company’s success stems from its customer-centric approach, combining visionary enterprise with diligent service. By adopting a mass distribution model that incorporates the input of stakeholders at every level, Old English has been able to seamlessly integrate accountability with commercial success.

As the supermarket chain continues to grow, Old English is determined to maintain its high standards of quality and customer satisfaction. The expansion in Ibadan, along with other outlets planned for the future, reflects the brand’s dedication to making premium goods and services easily accessible to all.

For Ibadan residents, the new Old English Supermarket in Bodija is a welcome addition, offering a reliable and affordable shopping option that aligns with the needs of the community.

“We’re here to make life easier for families,” Alfred emphasized. “By saving them money on groceries and other essentials, we’re giving them more room to live better. That’s what Old English is all about.

Continue Reading

BIG STORY

Lagos, Ogun Warn Residents As Oyam Dam Plans Water Release

Published

on

The Lagos and Ogun state governments have warned residents living in flood-prone areas, especially those near riverbanks, to temporarily relocate or prepare for possible flooding due to the planned release of water from the Oyan dam.

The release, managed by the Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA), is an annual process to regulate dam levels during the rainy season.

Last year, flooding caused by water release from the dam affected residents of Isheri Riverview Estate and surrounding areas.

To prevent a similar situation, both state governments have advised communities in low-lying areas to take precautions, including moving to safer locations, as the release could cause rivers to overflow and result in severe flooding.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, confirmed that advocacy efforts were underway, urging people in vulnerable areas like Ajilete and Owode-Onirin to relocate.

The Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, noted that the dam’s water release volume would be increased to create more reservoir space.

However, OORBDA assured the public that the release would not cause flooding, and the dam has undergone regular maintenance to prevent any failures.

Continue Reading

BIG STORY

Federal Government Declares October 1 As Public Holiday In Celebration Of Independence Day

Published

on

The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Tuesday, October 1, 2024, as a public holiday to commemorate the country’s 64th Independence Day celebration.

This announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who congratulated Nigerians both at home and abroad on this historic occasion.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo commended the resilience and hard work of Nigerians, emphasizing that their sacrifices will not go unnoticed.

He encouraged citizens to reflect on the enduring efforts of the nation’s founding heroes, reminding them that the dream of a prosperous and united Nigeria can only be realized through collective action and national unity.

He also “reiterated the need for Nigerians to reflect on the labour of our heroes past and be inspired for the tasks ahead, realising that a Nigeria of our dream can only be built when we unite”.

“While wishing Nigerians a Happy Independence Day Anniversary, Dr. Tunji- Ojo urged the citizens to continue to be steadfast in nation-building,” the statement reads.

The federal government had announced that this year’s Independence Day anniversary will be a “low-key event” due to the economic hardship and spiralling inflation bedevilling millions of households.

Continue Reading



 

Join Us On Facebook

Most Popular