NEWS
Woman Narrates How Her Car Was Almost Stolen By LASTMA Tolling Van
A woman has described how men posing as members of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority allegedly came close to stealing her automobile.
The woman, who has not been identified, described how the automobile was almost taken on Tuesday at 2.10 pm but was prevented from doing so because of an electric pole nearby.
The men had already hitched her car to the one they came in and were ready to tow, but fortunately were stopped by an electric pole in the area and residents who shouted, pulling the attention of many.
Seeing that they were starting to draw attention unto themselves, the man abandoned their towing van and the one they were allegedly planning on stealing.
Speaking in pidgin English the woman said, “See how God loves me.
“See my car that a government towing van nearly stole around 2.10 pm today.
“God woke my people up, who began to shout. An electric pole in the area also helped stop the robbery.
“They even have juju in the car, a government towing van belonging to LASTMA.”
“As people in the area began to shout and call for help, the men abandoned their car and mine and ran away.”
Reacting to the story, Adebayo Taofiq, LASTMA’s Director of, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, denied the agency’s involvement in the matter.
In a statement released Tuesday, Taofiq claimed the driver, Adejumo Fatai, was impersonating a LASTMA official.
“DISCLAIMER!!!
“The attention of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority LASTMA has been drawn to a video circulating on social media alleging the use of LASTMA Towing van to steal a vehicle as early as 6 am in the Somolu area of Lagos.
“In a statement released by the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA Mr. Adebayo Taofiq disclosed that the said driver of the towing vehicle was not an official of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority LASTMA.
“It is important to inform the general public, particularly the motoring public that the driver (Adejumo Fatai) has been apprehended and is currently at Pedro Police Station for further investigation.
“Investigations revealed that the arrested towing van driver (Adejumo Fatai) impersonated one of the LASTMA Towing Van Operators with a FAKE identity card and FAKE LASTMA Tow Franchisee’s Sticker.
“The General Manager of LASTMA Mr Bolaji Oreagba however implores members of the public to be wary of these unscrupulous elements trying to dent the image of the Agency.
“In case of any complaint, comment, and observation you can reach Lastma via hotlines 08100565860, 08129928503, 08129928597.”
NEWS
National Assembly In Top Gear For Tinubu’s 2025 Budget Presentation
The National Assembly management team, led by Clerk Sani Magaji Tambawal, has ramped up efforts to ensure a seamless presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The event, scheduled for a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives, is regarded as a significant moment in Nigeria’s legislative calendar.
Preparations include a thorough inspection of the assembly chambers to ensure all facilities are fully functional.
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Deputy Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana, who is overseeing the technical arrangements, confirmed that key systems, including microphones, sound equipment, and other audio-visual tools, have been tested to ensure smooth communication during the session.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure that the National Assembly is fully prepared to receive Mr. President and provide a conducive environment for this significant moment in our democratic process,” Ogunlana stated.
Seating arrangements are also being finalized to accommodate lawmakers, government officials, and other dignitaries expected at the session.
Security measures are being reviewed in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of all attendees. Meanwhile, press accreditation is being managed to facilitate effective media coverage.
The 2025 budget presentation is expected to highlight the government’s economic priorities while reinforcing the partnership between the executive and legislative arms of government.
As the session approaches, the National Assembly has expressed its commitment to upholding Nigeria’s democratic values and providing a platform for transparent governance.
NEWS
Edo: Gov Okpebholo Launches Probe Into Obaseki Administration
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has announced the establishment of a 14-member Assets Verification Committee to examine the financial records and asset management of the previous administration led by Godwin Obaseki.
In a statement released on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor revealed that the committee would be inaugurated on Tuesday, November 26, in Benin City.
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The panel is tasked with creating a detailed account of the state’s assets and liabilities to ensure transparency and accountability.
The committee will be chaired by Ernest Umakhihe, with Anslem Ojezua as Deputy Chairman and Frank Edebor as Secretary. Other members include Kassim Afegbua, Patrick Ikhariale, Taiwo Akerele, Patrick Idiake, Rasaq Bello-Osagie, Fredrick Unopah, Abdallah Eugenia, Patrick Obahiagbon, Kenny Okojie, Lyndsey Tes-Sorae, and Abass Braimoh.
Explaining the rationale behind the committee, Mr. Itua stated, “Despite repeated calls for a more holistic database of the assets and liabilities of the previous administration, the Godwin Obaseki-led government presented a scanty and limited report.”
He added that the initiative reflects the governor’s commitment to his campaign promises.
“In line with the governor’s campaign promise to ensure probity, accountability, and transparency in government, and to deepen the governance process, a committee made up of respected sons and daughters from Edo State has to be constituted,” the statement noted.
The committee’s work is expected to pave the way for a more accountable and developmental governance structure in Edo State.
NEWS
NECO Expands Global Footprints, Accredits Niger, Equatorial Guinea Schools
In a bid to increase its global presence, the National Examination Council (NECO) has accredited more foreign schools.
This was contained in a statement issued under the signature of its Acting Director of Public Relations, Azeez Sanni, on Saturday.
He revealed that the accredited schools are in Niger Republic and Equatorial Guinea.
Recall that last year, the examination body accredited some centres in Niger Republic to enable Nigerian students in the Francophone country to sit for the examinations.
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The statement read, “Determined to broaden its horizon and expand its global presence, the National Examinations Council has accredited more foreign schools to write the Senior School Certificate Examination and the Basic Education Certificate Examination.
“The newly accredited schools, in addition to the existing ones, are in Niger Republic and Equatorial Guinea.
“NECO accreditation team visited the Schools to assess their readiness to write the SSCE and BECE.
“The accreditation 5eam inspected classrooms, laboratories, libraries, computer laboratories, workshops, examination halls and sports facilities to determine their adequacy and suitability for NECO examinations.
“After a thorough evaluation and comprehensive assessment, the schools were granted full SSCE and full BECE accreditation status.”