NEWS
Ilesa Accident: Adeleke Approves Road Expansion Trailer Park
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has directed the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to rehabilitate and widen the Ibodi-Ilesa road at Ilesa to forestall incessant accidents that have claimed lives in recent times.
According to a government statement, made available to Biztellers, Gov Adeleke also directed the creation of a trailer park in the area to stop multiple parking of trailers that has endangered lives of road users in that axis.
He issued the directives while receiving the report of a Committee set up after the unfortunate accident that claimed the life of a female staff of the University of Ilesa.
While condoling the family of the victim again, Gov Adeleek endorsed the compensation package already agreed between the owner of the truck and the family of the deceased even as he regretted that no amount of monetary compensation can replace the loss of a precious life.
While also approving creation of regulations to govern trucking activities along the said road, the State Governor warned companies operating in the state to be mindful of the question of safety and security of their host communities.
He said, “We are putting stiff regulations in place to prevent reoccurrence of such sad incidents in the future. The Ministry of Works will work on expanding the road and the Ministry of Transportation will develop a trailer park.
“Parking of trailers on that narrow road is hereby prohibited. Speed limit should also be enforced with immediate effect.”
Submitting his report earlier, the Committee Chairman who is also the Commissioner for Transportation, Hon Sesan Oyedele narrated the visitation of the Committee members to the families of the deceased, the affected company and the management of the University of Ilesa.
“We commiserated with the family and negotiated with the grieving family. We concluded a settlement under very difficult conditions. We conveyed Your Excellency’s heartfelt sympathy to the affected family”, Hon Oyedele said.
NEWS
FG Continues Probe Into Civil Servants Receiving Salaries Abroad
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to investigating civil servants who continue to receive salaries after relocating abroad, according to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoS), Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack.
Speaking during an event in Abuja marking her first 100 days in office, Walson-Jack debunked claims that the investigation had been abandoned, emphasizing the government’s resolve to address the issue. The event also served as an opportunity to review her tenure in the civil service.
The investigation, launched five months ago by President Bola Tinubu, aims to ensure that civil servants who have relocated for better opportunities no longer benefit from Nigeria’s payroll system. Supervisors and department heads who facilitate such fraudulent activities are also being held accountable.
Walson-Jack revealed that the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) is being employed to scrutinize workers’ movements.
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“You are asking about civil servants who may have ‘Japa’. We know that the issue was raised, and some verifications were carried out. Since then, some returned quickly, while others retired honourably,” she said.
“Right now, we are continuing the process, scrutinising the IPPIS payroll to identify those who are still in the country and those who are not. This will be an ongoing process to ensure that people cannot receive salaries while living abroad,” she added.
Acknowledging progress, Walson-Jack assured that the government would monitor the situation until it is fully resolved.
Reflecting on her tenure, she expressed gratitude to her team, highlighting the support of the ‘Super Permanent Secretaries’ as instrumental to her success.
“The first 100 days in office is a significant milestone. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the achievements made, assess progress, and set goals for the future,” she noted.
Walson-Jack also addressed job racketeering, pledging to work with the Federal Civil Service Commission to eliminate fraudulent recruitment practices.
“Where someone has obtained a job through fraudulent means, we will work with the commission to ensure that the person is sanctioned,” she stated.
This ongoing investigation underscores the government’s effort to restore integrity within the civil service system and ensure accountability at all levels.
NEWS
Driver Escapes Death As 40-Foot Container Crashes Onto Car In Lagos
A potentially tragic accident was narrowly averted on Monday morning when a 40-foot container toppled onto a Toyota Camry with registration number LSR 293 HJ.
The incident occurred around 8 a.m. along the busy route to the Apapa Ports, causing significant traffic disruptions in the area. Miraculously, the driver of the car, whose identity is yet to be disclosed, survived the ordeal and was swiftly rescued by emergency responders.
Eyewitnesses commended the quick intervention of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other emergency agencies, who ensured the driver was extracted from the mangled vehicle and rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical care.
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Officers from the Kirikiri Police Division secured the accident scene, allowing emergency teams to work without interference. Meanwhile, efforts to remove the container and clear the road were still ongoing as of 9:30 a.m.
Speaking on the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, decried the improper securing of containers, which he identified as a recurring cause of such accidents.
“This incident underscores the critical importance of ensuring that containers are properly fastened before being transported. LASTMA remains unwavering in its commitment to ensuring the safety and efficiency of Lagos roadways,” Bakare-Oki said.
The crushed Toyota Camry has since been removed from under the container. LASTMA officials continued operations at the scene to restore normal traffic flow in the area.
This latest incident highlights ongoing safety concerns surrounding container-laden trucks in Lagos, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of road safety measures.
NEWS
NAF Launches Devastating Strike On Terrorist Logistics Hub In Lake Chad
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully carried out a decisive strike against a terrorist enclave in the Lake Chad Basin, delivering a significant blow to militant operations.
Recall that on November 23, 2024, fighter jets from the NAF’s Operation Hadin Kai targeted the notorious Jubillaram area, a known stronghold of terrorist elements in the Tumbuns region.
In a statement issued on Monday, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF, confirmed that the operation was a direct response to recent intelligence.
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“This strategic location, identified through meticulous intelligence efforts, served as a critical food storage site and a sanctuary for terrorist commanders and fighters,” Akinboyewa said.
The airstrike, which followed a string of successful intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, was linked to several recent terrorist attacks, including an assault on Nigerian troops in Kareto on November 16, 2024.
“Intelligence had previously linked terrorists in this location to recent attacks, including the assault on troops in Kareto,” Akinboyewa added.
During the operation, NAF fighter jets launched a precise air interdiction mission, destroying key infrastructure used by the terrorists, including food storage facilities.
This strike disrupted the militants’ logistical operations and significantly weakened their capacity for future attacks.
“The destruction of the terrorist enclave, including food storage facilities, severely disrupted their logistical operations,” Akinboyewa noted.
Following the airstrike, mop-up operations were conducted using cannons to neutralize any remaining hostile elements.
“Mop-up operations using cannons ensured the complete elimination of fleeing hostile elements,” Akinboyewa stated, emphasizing that the operation was a comprehensive success.
The NAF reaffirmed its commitment to continuing operations in the fight against terrorism.
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“This mission demonstrates the NAF’s unwavering commitment to defending our nation and people, acting singly and supporting surface forces in counterterrorism operations,” Akinboyewa said.
“The NAF will sustain these robust independent and joint operations until all enemies of Nigeria’s prosperity and wellbeing are brought to justice.”