This is the online version of Ten Things on the Record, a weekly newsletter where we curate a list of things you need to know if you live or work in Lagos. Subscribe for free here.
1. Budget of renewal
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has presented the 2024 budget of ₦2.246,234 trillion to the State Assembly in Alausa, Ikeja.
According to the governor, the budget christened “Budget of Renewal” will alleviate the economic challenges Lagosians face due to high inflation and a cost-of-living crisis. “As a government, we are not unmindful of these pains and shocks, and we have one most important task at this time: to cushion the effects of these tough decisions and alleviate the burdens of the people,” the Governor said. The governor plans to accomplish this by completing various roadway and transportation projects.
Around Ikeja and beyond
2. Lagos gets new CP
According to the Vanguard, Adegoke Fayoade assumed duty on Thursday as the new Commissioner of Police in Lagos, replacing Idowu Owohunwa, who was recently promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police.
The new police commissioner assured residents of the state of a secure and crime-free Christmas and New Year holiday season. Speaking on Thursday, Mr Fayoade promised a strong security system that would protect all areas of Lagos, including the air, land, and water.
3. Kidnapping spike
The alarming rise in kidnappings in Lagos State has prompted concerns among residents. According to the Punch, kidnappers recently abducted two individuals and demanded a hefty ransom of N500 million.
4. Religious noise pollution
The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, on Wednesday, met with leaders of religious institutions in a bid to discuss ways of curtailing noise pollution from worship centres, the Punch reported. This is after the agency revealed that it received over 2,500 petitions in weeks against churches and mosques for noise pollution.
5. Judge health
The Chief Judge of Lagos, Kareem Alogba, advised judges to retire if they are not in good health, the Cable reported. This is coming months after President Bola Tinubu signed into law a bill that extends the retirement age of the Federal High Court and State High Court judges from 65 to 70 years.
From the Record
6. Air hazard
Passengers and travelers have expressed frustration over frequent conveyor belt breakdowns at the newly opened Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) terminal in Lagos. Chaos ensued on Sunday as the conveyor belts malfunctioned, impacting passengers and airport workers at the terminal.
7. Housing laws
The Lagos State Government has unveiled its plans to review the Property Law of Lagos State 2010 and the Rental Law of Lagos State 2011.
The State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu disclosed this at the just concluded 5th Lateef Jakande Housing Lecture Series Organised by the Real Estate Developers Association.
8. Mohbad fallouts
Nigerian singer Afeez Fashola, aka Naira Marley, is taking legal action against actress Iyabo Ojo, claiming she spread untrue and damaging content on her Instagram over the death of singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, aka Mohbad.
9. Sabi Chef
At the inaugural Sabi Chef street food competition, held at Victoria Island’s Muri Okunola Park last Friday, Olaoluwa Akintayo, a personal chef, emerged as the overall winner among the four victorious contestants. You can watch the highlights on our Instagram.
The Record also caught up with Akintayo to discuss his journey to becoming an award-winning personal chef.
10. Mental health in Lagos
In our bi-weekly Twitter space on Tuesday, we discussed practical tips and insights on managing your mental health in Lagos.
This edition of Ten Things was written by Sultan Quadri.
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