Featured
Early morning fire razes 13 shops in Agbara Market
An early morning infeno on Wednesday consumed no fewer than 13 shops located at the Agbara Market, along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway in Lagos.
The fire which began at about 4.35 a.m. started from one of the container shops opposite the expressway, but its cause has yet to be ascertained.
The 13 shops are all situated in a single line directly opposite the expressway.
A shop owner, Mrs Funmi Olabode, said she was contacted on phone by a neighbour who informed her of the incidence.
She said that she evacuated all her wares before the fire razed her shop, but expressed regrets that she could not rescue the goods of some of her neighbours.
Another shop owner, Mr David Buka, who was also able to rescue his wares, expressed shock at the incidence.
“I don’t even know what to say; I live nearby, and I woke up early because today is supposed to be our market day, only for me to meet this situation,” he said.
Mr Kazeem Sowemimo, who aided in rescuing the goods of some shop owners, said that he works at a Keke Park located in the market and had come out for his day’s work, only to discover the inferno.
He said: “As I come out, I saw fire and saw as everybody was running up and down, so I just began help out.”
Some shop owners who arrived the market later were seen opening their shops and hurriedly carting away their goods before the fire extends to their shops.
There were, however, cries and lamentations by some others, whose shops and goods were razed by the fire.
The team from the Fire Service in Agbara, arrived the Market at about 5.57am and began fire fighting
They, however, declined making comment on the incidence.
Meanwhile, amidst the fire incidence, a gospel preacher with a loud speaker seized the opportunity to preach and warn those helping in the rescue of goods, to steer clear of stealing them.
He said: “People of God, give glory to God in all situations; and all those of you helping to park goods of people, don’t take what does not belong to you; if you steal here, the fire of God will consume you.”
NAN reports that among the shops razed down by the fire, include, recharge card shops, Boutiques, Provision shops, Electronics shops among others.
Efforts to reach any personnel on the incidence proved abortive
Featured
Delta North 2027: Between Legacy and Renewal- Why Victor Ochei Represents The Future
By Austin Edemodu, PhD
The emerging political discourse surrounding the 2027 Delta North Senatorial contest raises a fundamental question about leadership, succession, and the moral obligations of those who have long occupied the public space.
Recent reports suggesting that Ifeanyi Okowa has “accepted” calls by stakeholders to re-enter the senatorial race have, understandably, stirred both interest and concern across the district.To be clear, every Nigerian, including Dr. Okowa, is constitutionally entitled to seek elective office.
However, beyond legality lies a more compelling question; one of equity, fairness, and the sustainability of democratic culture.
Should the political space continually revolve around a single individual who has, by all standards, had an extensive and privileged run in public service?
Dr. Okowa’s political résumé is both rich and undeniable. From his early days as Secretary to Ika North East Local Government, to his roles as Commissioner in multiple strategic ministries, Secretary to the State Government, Senator, and ultimately Governor of Delta State for two consecutive terms, he has occupied some of the most influential offices available within the state and beyond.
His trajectory reflects not just ambition, but opportunity; opportunity that many equally capable individuals have not been afforded.
It is precisely within this context that his reported return to the senatorial contest raises legitimate concerns. At what point does experience give way to overreach?
When does political continuity begin to resemble stagnation? And perhaps more importantly, what message does this send to a new generation of leaders waiting in the wings?
Democracy thrives not merely on participation, but on renewal. It depends on the deliberate cultivation of successors, the encouragement of fresh ideas, and the willingness of established figures to step aside in the interest of broader inclusion.
A system that recycles leadership without fostering transition risks alienating its most vibrant and innovative minds.
This is where the candidacy of Rt Hon. Victor Ochei becomes not only relevant but compelling.
A former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Ochei embodies a blend of legislative experience, administrative competence, and grassroots connection. His career has been defined not by political dominance, but by service across multiple sectors. As an engineer, lawyer, and public servant, his intellectual depth is matched by practical engagement.
His tenure in the state legislature was marked by strategic empowerment initiatives and a demonstrable commitment to constituency development.
Beyond the legislature, his role at NIMASA and his current position as President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation further underscore a capacity for leadership that transcends politics. These experiences have equipped him with a national outlook and administrative discipline, qualities essential for effective representation at the Senate.
Yet, perhaps Ochei’s most distinguishing attribute is his accessibility. In an era where political office is often perceived as distant and elitist, he has maintained an open-door philosophy that resonates with ordinary citizens.
His appeal among youths, women, and grassroots communities is not incidental; it is the product of consistent engagement and inclusive leadership.
The argument, therefore, is not merely about replacing one individual with another. It is about redefining the political trajectory of Delta North. It is about choosing between continuity that risks entrenchment and renewal that promises expansion.
This is not to diminish the contributions of Dr. Okowa, but to recognize that leadership must, at some point, evolve beyond individual dominance.
The future of Delta North cannot be built on the foundations of perpetual recycling. It must be anchored on deliberate transition, generational inclusion, and visionary representation.
As 2027 approaches, the people of Delta North are presented with a choice that goes beyond personalities. It is a choice between the comfort of the familiar and the promise of the possible.
In Victor Ochei lies a candidacy that reflects not just competence, but the urgency of a new direction.
History will not merely remember who held power, but who had the courage to pass the torch.q
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News1 year agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
