Metro
Residents, motorists lament over bad roads in Lagos
Motorists and residents in Lagos State are now having a hectic time moving from one place to another as a result of potholes and craters that have taken over major and link roads in the state.
The potholes that were caused by persistent rainfall now constitute an embarrassment to a state known as the center of excellence.
The appalling state of some roads and the plight commuters go through to navigate them can only be better imagined. More worrisome is the fact that the potholes are conspicuous everywhere, even on roads close to Local Government Secretariats, such as Egbe-Idimu Local Council Development Area, Agege and the Lagos State House, Ikeja, spreading across federal, state and local government areas.
Unfortunately, the effect of recent heavy rainfall has exposed shoddy works done on most of the dilapidated roads in recent times.
The Lagos State Public Works, LSPW and Drainage Corporation was created in the late 70s with the vision to be a formidable name in road rehabilitation and construction.
Its mission is to be responsible for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of all roads, to make them accessible all year round, by responding promptly to all situations.
Like every agency of its kind, it has also gone through different periods of reforms under different leaders, but its core mandate remains unchanged.
Executive Order on Road Rehabilitation
In his efforts to address this teething problem, on May 30, 2019, after the swearing-in ceremony, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu directed the Lagos State Public Works Corporation to commence patching and rehabilitation of bad roads in the metropolis with immediate effect.
The governor gave the directive when he signed his first Executive Order to address the issue of traffic control and management, fixing of potholes on the roads, sanitation and clearing of drainages in the state.
While signing the Order, Sanwo-Olu said: “I think we have to make some points about issues that happen around transportation, potholes on our roads, blockages and the rest. I think it’s something we need to tackle immediately.”
He explained that the Order was to also ensure the attainment of zero-tolerance for environmental abuse, including illegal and indiscriminate dumping of refuse and construction of structures on drainage points and
Similarly, he directed the Office of Drainage Services in the Ministry of the Environment to commence aggressive cleaning of all secondary and tertiary drainage systems across the state to ensure the free flow of rainwater during the rainy season.
LG chairmen unresponsive
Despite this executive policy and directive, the state of the roads in Lagos is degenerating to the detriment of the public coupled with present economic challenges.
A drive through most of the roads across 20 local government areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs, will reveal the bad state of some of the roads.
The chairmen of the councils seem not to be alive to their responsibilities over the deplorable state of the roads as they often leave bad spots unattended to, claiming that the roads belong to either state or federal governments.
Places largely affected within the metropolis are Ikeja, Kodesho flyover, Awolowo Road, Oba-Akran, Old Agege Motor Road, Olojo Drive leading to Nigeria’s largest electronic market –Alaba International market; Mile 2 under bridge enroute Nigeria’s largest and busiest port complex, Apapa, Oshodi, Egbeda, Ikotun, Egbe Ejigbo, Jakande Estate, Igando-Ikotun, all in old Alimosho, and many others leading to the nation’s busiest airport–Murtala Muhammed International Airport Ikeja.
Other places calling for urgent attention include Aiyetoro Street Meiran, Imota, Sabo, Itamaga in Ikorodu; Ifosi Road, Iyana Ejigbo, Magbon Agege, Alagbole Ajuwon Road, Idumu Ejigbo Road and Idowu Anisere Ikotun Road.
The Third Mainland Bridge, which hosts the highest vehicular movement in the state, is no exception.
Drivers, motorists, residents lament
Apart from the traffic jam, vehicles often break down due to severe impacts and pressure on the roads.
A driver, Gabriel Ifeanyi, lamented the poor state of the road, saying it is always one of the major complaints from commuters.
Ifeanyi said: “The state of the roads is not a good representation of Lagos. Most foreigners we pick up from the airport complain of the poor state of the roads. They complain about the state of the road that links major hotels on the Mainland and the Island.
“Look at the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, it is almost a no-go area. You dare not take the expressway because stagnant water and waste have taken over a large section of the road.”
Ahmed Hassan, a car owner, said: “Commercial drivers worsen the situation of the road. Also, the poor quality of materials used by those responsible for road repair contributes to the potholes.
Also expressing anger over the bad state of roads, a tricyclist, Seyi Alogba, questioned the usefulness of the levies the state government generates from commercial drivers in the state.
Alogba said: “Look at the roads. The government is not even bothered about it. Look at the potholes on ACME Road where you have the secretariat of the All Progressives Congress, APC. Go to the Ogba bus stop towards Area G, it is completely a shame to the state. The state of the road and the flood is enough to discourage the police officers in that axis.”
“Look at the roads constructed by Dangote in the Apapa-Oshodi area using cement. That road will last 40 years instead of the 10-year average lifespan of roads built with asphalt. Can the state do a similar thing? Where is the political will? Sanwo-Olu must understand he would be assessed at the end of his government,” a concerned resident lamented.
Jibowu flyover needs urgent action
Recently, some concerned Lagos residents and motorists raised the alarm over the failed portion of the Jibowu Flyover, calling on relevant authorities to act fast to prevent possible loss of lives and property in the state.
They, however, called the attention of the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi and the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, who supervises the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to embark on immediate investigation and rehabilitation of the flyover in the interest of the public.
The affected part of the flyover is between Jibowu by Total Fuel Station/Fadeyi Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, inward Ojuelegba, along Ikorodu Road, Surulere Local Government Area of the state. The particular spot could be seen on the way to Ikorodu.
A resident, who simply identified herself as Florence Philips, alerted members of the public to avoid the spot as much as possible.
Philips said: “Please let us help our state to prevent a bad occurrence. Please let us inform relevant authorities at the federal and state levels, in particular, the Minister of Works and Deputy Governor in the state to do the needful before it is too late.”
Also, Mr Sesan Adewale, a motorist, expressed serious concern over the fast dilapidating flyover, saying: “The time to act is now. It’s obvious that the flyover has failed and could collapse at any moment if nothing is done to salvage it.”
Rainfall stalls repair works on Third Mainland Bridge
The Lagos State Government, through the LPWC, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Works had earlier planned to embark on palliative works on the failed sections of the Third Mainland Bridge for two consecutive Sundays but was postponed following a heavy downpours that prevented take-off of the project.
According to the government, the proposed work was scheduled to be strictly executed in two phases with phase one focusing on only the most critical sections on the Iyana Oworonshoki inward Adeniji Adele/Lagos Island.
We‘re addressing the issue —LSPW boss
Meanwhile, the LSPWC has blamed the disruption of its scheduled road maintenance and rehabilitation on the continuous rainfall being experienced in most parts of the state.
The General Manager of the Corporation, Engr. Lateef Somide, while speaking on the ongoing efforts of his agency to make Lagos roads motorable despite the rains, said: “The corporation has been significantly handicapped by the rainfall pattern being experienced in Lagos this year 2023 because road maintenance and rehabilitation operation can only be carried out efficiently under clement weather.”
He said further that even though the current situation is a manifestation of global warming which has caused varying degrees of devastation to countries across the world, its impact on Lagos roads has been particularly significant due to the high water nature of the topography in most of the state.
This, according to him makes the usage of hot Asphalt which is the major material for road pavement not suitable in wet weather.
He said: ‘’What we have noticed in the past couple of months is that while waiting for the ground to dry after a particular rainfall to address damaged sections of the road, another downpour occurs within a space of two to three days’’, adding that ‘’despite that, we carefully use weather forecasts in planning our operation, there are many instances where rain falls sooner than our men left the sites, thus compromising the integrity of the work done.’’
Somide said for this reason, the corporation has resolved to use more interlocking paving stones to fix road defects in the state to avoid using Asphalt Premix which may not stand the test of time due to weather conditions.
He added that in spite of the weather conditions, his men had recently carried out maintenance work on sections of roads which include: Egbeda-Idimu, Ikotun-Igando, Ilupeju, Isheri-Olowora, Lateef Jakande, Lasu-Iba and Ado Badore Road by Church of Ascension, among others.
The Trans-African Youth Development Initiative (TAYI), has conferred the Nelson Mandela “Africa Patriot Award of Excellence” on Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze for his visionary leadership and contributions to nation building.
The award, which recognizes Izeze as an African Patriotic Leader, was presented in Asaba on Monday.
The group described the commissioner as a “golden fish with no hidden habitat,” whose visionary leadership and commitment to humanity have distinguished him among African public office holders.
In his address, TAYI’s country representative in Nigeria, Amb. Bakare Luqman, said the organization, which represents the voices of 1.2 billion young people in the Commonwealth, closely monitors the contributions of public office holders and honors those who positively impact their communities.
He praised Izeze’s role in ensuring adequate security, promoting community development, upholding the rule of law, advancing education, empowering youths, and fostering religious tolerance.
“Sir, you have demonstrated indelible commitment to the transformation of good governance in Nigeria through your office and selfless service to humanity,” Luqman said, noting that Izeze’s work aligns with the development agenda of President Bola Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
He added that Izeze’s dedication to youth emancipation and nation-building has earned him respect across Africa. “Indeed, the recipient has won the heart of African youths by his conduct and credentials as a distinguished leader, dogged fighter, bastion of hope and a statesman par excellence,” Luqman stated.
The ceremony also served as a platform for TAYI to highlight its forthcoming continental conference themed “A Holistic Approach to Quality Assurance in African Higher Educational Institutions, Pragmatic Interventions by Supply and Demand Actors.”
The summit, scheduled for September 11–13 in Kigali, Rwanda, will bring together stakeholders from across Africa to chart pathways for educational development.
TAYI further called on governments, entrepreneurs, and public office holders to support its initiatives aimed at youth empowerment, skills development, and peacebuilding.
Concluding the ceremony, Luqman expressed hope that the recognition bestowed on Izeze would inspire other leaders to emulate his people-centered approach to governance and national development.
Responding, Comrade Izeze expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, dedicating the award to God, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, and the supportive people of Delta State.
He described the honor as both humbling and inspiring, noting that it would serve as a call to even greater service. “This award is not just about me; it is about the vision we share as a people, that governance must be about the people, their well-being, and their future,” Izeze said.
The commissioner praised TAYI for its steadfast commitment to youth development across the continent, commending its programs that tackle social ills, promote education, and empower young people with leadership and entrepreneurial skills.
“This recognition is a reminder that the work we do in public office is constantly being observed, measured, and evaluated. It challenges me to redouble my efforts in ensuring that our roads and infrastructure projects translate to real opportunities for our people, particularly the youths who are the heartbeat of our nation,” he added.
Izeze further assured that he would continue to work in alignment with the MORE Agenda of Governor Oborevwori, which emphasizes meaningful development, opportunities for all, realistic reforms, and enhanced peace and security.
He called on Nigerian youths to remain committed to the values of patriotism, integrity, and hard work, urging them to see themselves as partners in nation-building.
“The future of Africa lies in the hands of its young people. If we channel our energy positively, there is no limit to what we can achieve as a continent,” he said.
The commissioner concluded by dedicating the award to God, Governor Oborevwori and all Deltans whose resilience, faith, and support make the work of governance not only possible but impactful,” assuring them that the recognition would only strengthen his resolve to deliver on his mandate.
Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, has paid glowing tribute to the late former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Moses Oisakede, on the 26th anniversary of his passing.
Oisakede, who died on September 1, 1999, was remembered by Izeze as “a rare breed of student leader whose life of service was marked by courage, integrity, and an unyielding commitment to the welfare of his fellow students.”
Recalling Oisakede’s 1997 handover speech as Students’ Union President of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Izeze noted that the late activist stood out as the only union leader who boldly invited a probe of his own administration, leaving behind a financial surplus and disciplining corrupt executives.
“His moral courage and transparency remain exemplary to this day,” he said.
The Commissioner described Oisakede as a visionary who championed affordable education, resisted exploitative practices, improved students’ accommodation and welfare, advanced transportation options, and ensured uninterrupted academic calendars through constructive, non-violent resistance.
He also recalled Oisakede’s role in hosting the 14th NANS Convention and honouring fallen comrades with monuments.
Izeze, who was an acolyte of Oisakede during their NANS years, disclosed that he and other friends remained close to the late leader’s family in Otuo, Edo State, ensuring that his mother has never lacked care since his passing.
“Twenty-six years after his death, Moses Oisakede remains not just a leader of his time but a timeless symbol of selfless service, visionary unionism, and ethical leadership.
“His memory will forever inspire generations of Nigerian students and leaders to come,” Izeze declared.
•He starves me, our children, beat leave me, left me almost naked in public —Wife
A minibus driver complained before a local court in Lusaka, Zambia, that his wife sleeps in leggings to prevent him from making love to her.
Richard Makura, 48, of Kanyama compound was testifying in a case in which his wife, Patricia Mulenga, 40, a business woman sued him for divorce on allegation that he was violent.
According to the Zambian Observer, the two got married in 1996 and have three children.
Patricia told the senior court magistrate, Lewis Mum, sitting with two other magistrates, Abbyshine Michelo and Esther Mulomba at Kanyama Local Court that Richard has been beating her over petty issues since her father in 2004.
She explained that in 2006, he threatened to burn her clothes and was forced to seek refuge at her parents’ home.
She told the court that he once beat her until she fainted.
Patricia stated that in 2015, Richard started working for APG Milling in Mansa but still failed to provide for the family because he only sent home K50 or K100 per month.
She further said that Richard joined her in June 2016 when his contract was terminated but she never saw the benefits he was given.
“When I asked for our children’s school fees, he beat me in public and removed the chitenge material I was wearing.
“I was left in the short skirt I was wearing and in the confusion, he beat a man who wanted to rescue from his hand,” Patricia stated.
In defense, Richard denied being violet but admitted that problem started in 2006 when he had a girlfriend.
He explained that when he came from Mansa, his wife started sleeping in leggings to prevent him from making love to her.
The magistrate, Mumba stated that there was violence in their marriage and since Patricia wanted divorce, the court had no power to continue to live with Richard.
He granted the couple divorce, ordering Richard to compensate Patricia with K6,000 with initial payment of K1,000 followed by monthly installment of K400.
Property acquired together was ordered to be shared equally.
Nigerian Tribune
A man named Hassan has brought his wife, Zainab, before the Grade A Customary Court located in the bustling area of Mapo, Ibadan, Oyo State, in a dramatic bid to end their nine-year marriage.
He attributes his decision to Zainab’s alleged infidelity, which has shattered the trust between them. raising doubts about the child’s lineage.
Zainab, while consenting to the divorce, firmly asserts that Hassan is indeed the biological father of their child, standing her ground amid the turmoil. Click link to continue reading.
In court, Hassan recounted their journey, explaining, “Zainab and I began our relationship in 2017,” shedding light on their earlier, happier days before the cracks in their marriage appeared.
“We later cohabited, and I never asked her hand in marriage.
“We ran our relationship this way for a few years, and I got fed up with it.
“I told her I was no longer interested in our relationship, and she accused me of using and dumping her.
“She insisted I must rent an apartment for her, set her up in a business, and rent a shop to carry out the business.
“I obliged her request and gave her N400, 000 to settle all that she demanded for.
“We parted ways as agreed, but she back not too long after this to inform me that she was pregnant with my child.
“Although I was sceptical about her claim, I took her back.
“I have been responsible for our child’s upkeep till date, making feeding, clothing, her education and health care a priority.
“My lord, Zainab has extorted so much from me by the reason of her claim that the child is mine.
“I do not want to invest all my love and resources in her, only to find out later that she is not my child.
A housewife, Hassana Adamu, has urged a Upper Area Court, Gwagwalada, Abuja , Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to dissolve her 10-year-old marriage to her husband, Danjuma Ali, on the grounds of lack of love and interest.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Hassan told the court that her marriage with Danjuma is blessed with three kids.
“I have lost interest in our marriage and no longer love my husband.
“My husband has abandoned me. He does not enter my room again, and he is no longer interested in me.
“I want the court to dissolve our marriage because of lack of love and interest.”
Danjuma in his response , however, said that he still loved his wife.
The judge, Malam Abdulkarim, advised the couple to explore some means of settlement.
Abdulkarim asked the complainant if she was willing to accept back her husband if he did all she wanted, but she answered in the negative.
He then adjourned the case.
Four suspected members of a secessionist group have been killed in a 15-hour gun duel with the Police in Awa, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Command spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement on Friday, said a victim who had earlier been kidnapped and held hostage in the secessionist camp was rescued during the operation.
The Police, in collaboration with a local vigilance group, had stormed the hoodlums’ camp, where various dangerous items were recovered, said Ikenga.
He listed the recovered exhibits to include: two pump-action guns, one fabricated AK-47 rifle, one K2 assault rifle, one locally made hunter gun, one radio transmission box, and three locally made Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
“Others are two empty gas cylinders, two wraps of cable wires, three bags of 50 kg rice, one driver’s license, one National Identity Card, one black Lexus RX 350 Jeep with Reg. No. ACA 340 MA, 3 (Three) Toyota Camry cars with Reg. Nos: ABC 268 FQ, EKY 151 CD and FGG 706 ME.
“Also recovered are: One black Toyota Camry car, five mobile phones (Infinix X6716B, Tecno Spark KL4 and three analogue phones, sleeping materials, one desert boot, one big cooler, and a roll of tarpaulin.”
Ikenga added, “In a sustained effort to rid Anambra State of criminal elements, Police Operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu in collaboration with the Anambra State Vigilante Group (AVG) Agunechemba, acting on credible intelligence, stormed a Secessionist/Terrorist camp at Awa, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State in the early hours of 21st August 2025.
“During the well-coordinated operation that lasted for more than 15 hours, the operatives successfully dislodged the insurgents, rescued a victim who had earlier been kidnapped and held hostage in the camp.
“It was reported that despite the payment of a ransom of ₦20m only by the victim’s family, the hoodlums aborted his release until he was eventually freed by the Joint Security Team.
“In the fierce gun battle that ensued, four of the criminal elements were neutralised.
“The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, assured Ndi Anambra that the Command remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring safety and security.
“He also assured that extensive operations are ongoing in the area to track down and arrest other fleeing suspects as well as destroy other criminal camps in the State.”
BADLUCK: Father Mbaka’s Prophecy On Goodluck Jonathan Resurfaces Amid 2027 Presidential Ambition [VIDEO]
2027: Jonathan’s running mate picked as campaign posters hit internet
2025: Nigeria Missed Out As Ghana Other Meet Top 10 African Countries With Stable Power Supply Emerge
One Day, One Tr0uble: Court Stops David Mark, Aregbesola From Assuming ADC Leadership
VIDEO: Father Mbaka’s Prophecy On Goodluck Jonathan Resurfaces Amid 2027 Presidential Ambition
DOLLAR CRUSHED AGAIN: See Dollar to Naira black market exchange rate
Black Market Dollar (USD) To Naira (NGN) Exchange Rate Today 11th September 2025
2027 Election: ADC Dumps Obi, Amaechi As party Set To Persuades Atiku Over Jonathan
Naira Reduces Dollar Again As New Rate Emerges, See Price Today
Jonathan’s bad luck, By Sam Omatseye
Politics4 days ago2027 Election: What Nigerians should know if Jonathan wins against Tinubu
- News3 days ago
Strike: No More N820/Litre; New Petrol Prices Emerge At Filling Stations; [DETAILS]
- Sports1 day ago
EXPOSED: Osimhen fakes injury for Nigeria – Asamoah Gyan
- News5 days ago
VIDEO: ‘El-Rufai is Ndi Igbo enemy, we don’t want you here – Protesters boo Peter Obi for bringing ex-governor to Owerri
- Politics4 days ago
Fubara Return: New Twist As Suspended Rivers Governor May Lose Seat Over Pending Supreme Court Ruling
- News3 days ago
NO MERCY: Eric Chelle’s sack letter ready as Nigeria battles South Africa
- Business3 days ago
Jubilation as dollar crashed, new rate emerges
