AS the world celebrates the beginning of a new year, 2013, today, much water has passed under the bridge of Lagos state. The year 2012, though, full of mixed grills across every sector of the state’s economy, witnessed wild protests against both federal and state governments harsh socio-economic policies.

They all wore swollen faces, with tears trickling down their cheeks. Some stood with hands akimbo and others placed their hands on their heads, watching as their goods were destroyed by fire. No thanks to the explosion that rocked Jankara Market in Isale-Eko area of Lagos State on Boxing Day. Worst hit were residents of the affected buildings who have been rendered homeless by the inferno which lasted over ten hours, defying efforts by fire fighters to contain the situation.

All has not been well in Evbuovbioba in Oredo Local Government Council of Edo State after what the palace of the Oba of Benin, Oba Erediuwa Uku Akpolopolo, alleged as disregard for the custom and tradition of the Benin Kingdom by the Enogie, His Royal Highness Edwin Izevbokun Aigbe, and the Odionwere, Mr John Egharevba.

For Mr. Ozokolie Sunday,a resident of Idumota in Lagos, December 26, 2012 will go down as a day he would live to regret. Ozokolie owned four shops in the popular Jankara market which was gutted by fire on Wednesday. Looking dejected and unable to control his emotions, Ozokolie told Vanguard Metro that he lost goods worth over N15 million to the fire disaster. The shops were located at Numbers 43 and 45 Ojo Giwa Street in the thickly populated Lagos Island Business District.

It is not commonplace for old men to weep in public glare but these elderly citizens could not hold back their tears as they recounted their ordeal arising from many months of neglect and the attendant sufferings. Having given their all to their fatherland during their 35-years of active service, these senior citizens had expected that they would be paid their gratuities and other retirement benefits without much ado. But that was not to be, a situation that has turned them into beggars, depending on foodstuffs from neighbours to eke out their daily living.