News
We’ve forgiven Sterling Bank CEO for ‘Agege bread’ Easter message, says CAN
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) says it has forgiven Abubakar Suleiman, chief executive officer (CEO) of Sterling Bank, over the bank’s controversial Easter message.
In celebration of Easter, Sterling Bank had posted an Easter message wherein the bank compared the resurrection of Jesus Christ with ‘Agege’ bread.
The message, which was shared on social media platforms and also sent to its customers via email, showed a picture of a golden-brown bread divided into two with the caption ‘Like Agege Bread, He Rose!’”
The advert elicited harsh reactions on social media, especially from Christians.
CAN had described the advert as “provocative and insensitive” and called for the “immediate removal” of Suleiman.
But in a statement on Saturday signed by Joseph Daramola, its national secretary, the association said it had forgiven the CEO.
It said this followed an acceptable and genuine apology letter written apology to it by the bank on April 20, 2022 which was personally signed by Suleiman.
“Equally, some well meaning and highly placed Nigerians have been appealing to CAN to forgive in the Christian spirit and in consonance with the message of Easter,” the statement reads.
“As a result of this development, CAN has resolved to forgive Sterling Bank and its Chief Executive. We always remember that ‘to err is human and to forgive is divine.’
“In taking this step, we are following the footsteps of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ who asked God to forgive those who nailed Him to the cross unjustly and has taught us to forgive always.”
CAN therefore called on Christians in the country to also forgive the bank and its management.
“Those who are considering stopping patronising the bank as a result of the blunder should stop the process but instead continue doing business with the bank,” the statement reads.
“We appeal to corporate institutions especially the banks to be more sensitive, considerate and professional in handling their public messages. Whatever that can cause religious crises in the country should be avoided at all costs, both by the government and the business sector.
“We appreciate our youths who heeded our directive and refused to be dragged into the streets to protest against the bank as being touted in some quarters.
“Finally, We acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of the well meaning Nigerians who intervened in the matter.”
News
Driver escapes death as 40ft container falls on car in Lagos
A yet-to-be-identified driver luckily escaped death on Monday morning when a 40-foot-laden container fell onto a Toyota Camry, with registration number LSR 293 HJ, at Mile 2, en route to Apapa Ports, Lagos.
The accident, according to an eyewitness, happened at about 8 a.m.
Fortunately, the driver of the car was rescued by the prompt intervention and coordinated response of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other emergency services, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).
The victim received immediate medical attention after being rushed to the hospital by the joint rescue team.
Security during the operation was effectively maintained by officers from the Kirikiri Police Division, who ensured a secure and orderly environment for the emergency responders.
Following the rescue, the Toyota Camry was successfully removed from beneath the container.
As of 9.30 am, efforts to evacuate the fallen container were in full swing, while LASTMA officers managed the scene to ease traffic congestion and restore normalcy.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, reiterated the critical importance of proper container securing by truck drivers and owners.
He stressed that negligence in this regard endangers lives and property, urging strict compliance with road safety protocols to avert such catastrophic occurrences.
“LASTMA remains unwavering in its commitment to ensuring the safety and efficiency of Lagos roadways and continues to work collaboratively with relevant stakeholders to uphold traffic laws and enhance public safety,” Bakare-Oki stated.
News
Lagos state government removes illegal shop extensions blocking drainage channels in Lagos Island
The Lagos State government has cleared illegal shop extensions obstructing drainage systems and a government-provided water tap in Lagos Island.
The exercise was conducted by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), led by its General Manager, Arc. Gbolahan Oki.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by Adu Ademuyiwa, Director of Public Affairs at LASBCA, via the agency’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday.
The enforcement operation focused on Idi-Oluwo Street, where shop extensions had blocked critical drainage channels and access to potable water, leaving the community without essential resources.
Arc. Gbolahan Oki highlighted the adverse impacts of these illegal structures on residents, noting that several shop owners had constructed extensions over public drains and a government-provided water tap, causing significant disruptions to the area.
“In a proactive effort to ensure public safety, orderliness, and the smooth flow of traffic, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has taken decisive action by removing illegal shop extensions obstructing drainage systems and community water supplies along Idi-Oluwo Street, Lagos Island.
“Leading the LASBCA Enforcement Team, the General Manager, Arc. Gbolahan Oki, highlighted the adverse impacts of these illegal structures on residents. He noted that several shop owners had built extensions over public drains and water tap, causing significant disruptions,” the statement read in part.
The statement revealed that one of the removed extensions had blocked access to a government-provided water tap, cutting off the entire community’s supply of potable water. The swift removal of these illegal structures restored water access to the affected area.
Arc. Gbolahan Oki emphasized the need for residents to respect public infrastructure and take collective responsibility for preserving community resources.
Furthermore, the statement noted that Arc. Gbolahan Oki issued a one-week ultimatum to traders at Idi-Oluwo, directing them to address the identified violations or face stringent legal consequences.
At Mankanra Market, the LASBCA team uncovered several environmental infractions, including shanties obstructing walkways, which compromised the market’s functionality and safety.
Additionally, the statement highlighted that Hon. Princess Lara Oyekan-Olumegbon, representing Lagos Island Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, praised LASBCA’s proactive efforts.
She urged market leaders to ensure their members adhere to state regulations on sanitation and structural integrity, warning that defaulters would face penalties as prescribed by law.
The LASBCA team also visited Bombata Market, where Arc. Oki advised market leaders to prioritize cleanliness and foster an orderly trading environment.
He assured them of a follow-up inspection within three months to confirm compliance with required standards and maintain the improvements.
News
Lagos state government shuts establishments in Gbagada, Ogudu, others over noise pollution, environmental violations
The Lagos State government has shut down several establishments located in Gbagada, Ogudu, Ojodu, and Agidingbi for violating noise pollution and environmental laws.
The enforcement operation was carried out by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), under the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources.
This development was announced on Sunday in a post by Tokunbo Wahab, the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, via his official X (formerly Twitter) account.
The exercise led to the closure of establishments including Divine Perfection Ministry, Eagle Paints Nig Limited, Daveoris Global Ventures Limited, and Ene Global, which were found to have disregarded environmental regulations despite receiving prior warnings.
“In a decisive move to combat noise pollution and other environmental infractions, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has sealed several establishments across Lagos, including Gbagada, Ogudu, Ojodu and Agidingbi.
“This action is part of the agency’s ongoing commitment to creating a healthier and more sustainable environment for all Lagosians.
“The establishments sealed include: Divine Perfection Ministry, Eagle Paints Nig Limited, Daveoris Global Ventures Limited, and Ene Global.
“These establishments were shut down for failing to adhere to environmental standards despite prior notices,” Wahab’s tweet read.
The sealings aim to promote a healthier environment, addressing the harmful effects of noise pollution and other infractions on public health and quality of life.
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