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Gbajabiamila Probe ‘missing N10bn NASS funds in 2019’ SERAP tells Lawan

Probe ‘missing N10bn NASS funds in 2019’, SERAP tells Lawan, Gbajabiamila

 

 

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Senate President Dr Ahmad Lawan, and Speaker of House of Representatives Mr Femi Gbajabiamila to “promptly probe and refer to appropriate anti-corruption agencies fresh allegations that N10bn of public money budgeted for the National Assembly is missing, misappropriated or diverted.”

 

SERAP said: “The grim allegations that N10,051,283,568.82 of public money is missing are documented in the 2019 audited report by the Auditor-General of the Federation.”

 

In the letter dated 11 December 2021 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “Addressing the allegations would improve public confidence and trust in the ability of the National Assembly to exercise its constitutional and oversight responsibilities, and to adhere to the highest standards of integrity in the management of public funds.”

 

SERAP said: “Little can be achieved by the National Assembly in the fight against corruption if the leadership and members do not first confront the spectre of alleged corruption and mismanagement within their ranks.”

 

SERAP is also urging Dr Lawan and Mr Gbajabiamila: to “identify the lawmakers and staff members suspected to be involved, and hand them over to appropriate anti-corruption agencies to face prosecution, if there is sufficient admissible evidence, and to ensure full recovery of any missing public funds.”

 

The letter, read in part: “As part of its legislative and oversight functions, the National Assembly has a key role to play in the fight against corruption in the country. But the National Assembly can only effectively perform its anti-corruption role if it can demonstrate exemplary leadership to probe the allegations of corruption and mismanagement involving the legislative body.”

 

“According to the Auditor-General Report for 2019, the House of Representatives paid N2,550,000,000.00 to members as running costs between July and December 2019, but failed to account for the money, contrary to paragraph 1011(i) of the Financial Regulations. There was no evidence to show what the funds were used for, and no documents to back-up the spending.”

 

“The Auditor-General is concerned that the money may have been ‘diverted.’” He wants the money recovered.”

 

“The House of Representatives also reportedly paid N258,000,000 as cash advances to 59 officers between February and December 2019 but has failed to account for the money. The officers were paid the money despite the fact that they have not accounted for the previous cash advances.”

 

“The House of Representatives also reportedly paid N107,912,962.45 as repairs and maintenance allowance for unspecified residential quarters but failed to account for the money. The money spent was also in excess of the cash advances threshold of N200,000.00 as stipulated by the Financial Regulations.”

 

“These fresh allegations amount to fundamental breaches of the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 [as amended] and the country’s international obligations including under the UN Convention against Corruption and the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption.”

 

“SERAP is concerned that allegations of corruption continue to undermine economic development, violate social justice, and destroy trust in economic, social, and political institutions. Nigerians bear the heavy economic and social costs of corruption. The National Assembly therefore has a responsibility to curb it.”

 

“Ensuring the effective investigation of these fresh allegations, and full recovery of any missing public funds would strengthen the country’s accountability framework, and show that the National Assembly can discharge its constitutional responsibility of amplifying the voices of Nigerians, and act in the best interest of the people.”

 

“We would be grateful if you would indicate the measures being taken to address the allegations and to implement the proposed recommendations, within 14 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter.”

 

“If we have not heard from you by then as to the steps being taken in this direction, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel the leadership of the National Assembly to implement these recommendations in the public interest, and to promote transparency and accountability in the National Assembly.”

 

“The House of Representatives also reportedly collected N1,594,807,097.83 as PAYE, car and housing loans from 17 members between February and December 2019 but failed to show receipt of remittance to relevant revenue authorities. The Auditor-General wants the money recovered.”

 

“The House of Representatives also reportedly paid N1,010,598,610.97I from salary account but without any document to show for the payment, contrary to paragraph 601 of the Financial Regulations. The Auditor-General wants the money recovered.”

 

“The Senate reportedly collected N219,645,597.08 as housing loans from 107 senators’ salary arrears between July and December 2019 but failed to remit the money.”

 

“The Senate also reportedly recovered N123,320,916.72 being car loans to senators between July and December 2019, but there was no evidence that the money was remitted to the treasury. The Auditor-General wants the money recovered and remitted.”

 

“The Senate reportedly collected N176,267,255.31 as PAYE from staff salaries but there was no evidence that the money was remitted to the relevant tax authorities, contrary to paragraph 235 of the Financial Regulations. The Auditor-General wants the money recovered and remitted.”

 

“The Senate also reportedly collected N277,411,116.29 as Value Added Tax (VAT), and Withholding Tax (WHT) but failed to remit the money to the relevant tax authorities. The Auditor-General wants the money recovered and remitted.”

 

“The Senate reportedly paid N1,718,130,630.24 for the supply of vehicle and other office equipment between February and December 2019 but failed to account for the money, contrary to paragraph 110 of the Financial Regulations. The Auditor-General is concerned that the money may have been diverted.”

 

“The Senate also reportedly paid N657,757,969.05 for supply of motor vehicles, motor cycles and other office equipment between July and December 2019, but failed to show any document for the payment, contrary to paragraph 1705 of the Financial Regulations. The Auditor-General wants the money recovered.”

 

“The Senate also reportedly paid N423,370,000.00 for the supply of utility vehicles and production of National Assembly Logo between August and November 2019 but without any documents. The Auditor-General wants the money recovered.”

 

“The National Assembly Service Commission reportedly paid N31,927,760 as cash advances to 59 staff but failed to account for the money. The Auditor-General wants the money recovered.”

 

“The National Assembly Service Commission also reportedly collected N276,749,014.68 as stamp duty from contractors and service providers but failed to remit the money to appropriate tax authorities.”

 

“According to the Auditor-General Report for 2018, the Nigerian Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies deducted N577,634,638,20 as taxes but failed to remit the money to the relevant tax authorities. The Auditor-General wants the money recovered and remitted.”

 

“The Nigerian Institute of Legislative and Democratic Studies also reportedly spent N47,750,000.00 to buy residential building without due process, and contrary to Section 27 (1) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act and Financial Regulation 301.”

 

“SERAP notes that the Auditor-General in the 2015, 2017 and 2018 reports documented that over N8bn of public money budgeted for the National Assembly is missing, misappropriated or diverted.”

 

The letter was copied to Mr Abukabar Malami, SAN, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice; Professor Bolaji Owasanoye, Chairman Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC); Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa, Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); and chairmen of the Public Accounts Committees of the National Assembly.

 

 

 

Kolawole Oluwadare

SERAP Deputy Director

12/12/2021

Lagos, Nigeria

Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org

Twitter: @SERAPNigeria

Website: www.serap-nigeria.org

For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202

 

 

 

 

AMCON : Appeal Court Grants Jimoh İbrahim 14 days Leave To File Appeal 

 

The Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos has ruled that Barr. Jimoh Ibrahim be granted time to file his appeal within 14 days.

Ibrahim had brought before the court an application for extension of time to file his appeal.

The appellate court, therefore, granted his prayer, giving him 14 days within which he must file his appeal.

In his reaction to the ruling, Jimoh Ibrahim expressed happiness over the court’s ruling, assuring that the court ruling would be complied with promptly as he would file the appeal on Monday.

Ibrahim, in a statement he made available to the newsmen, alleged that the social media was wrongly communicated on the court’s decision by AMCON.

He, therefore, commended the court for granting him the extension.

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ANOTHER MADE-IN-NIGERIA VESSEL AT NAVAL DOCKYARD PRESIDENT BUHARI COMMISSIONS NNS OJI

AT NAVAL DOCKYARD, PRESIDENT BUHARI COMMISSIONS NNS OJI, ANOTHER MADE-IN-NIGERIA VESSEL

PRESIDENT BUHARI: BISI AKANDE IS THE TYPE OF PERSON I CAN GO INTO THE JUNGLE WITH

President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Lagos described Chief Bisi Akande, a former interim Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) party, as a ‘‘perfect public officer,” and the type of person he could go into the jungle with.

Speaking at the public presentation of ‘‘My Participations,” the autobiography of Chief Bisi Akande, the President said the author has retained his ‘‘inflexible integrity,” in and out of public office, never accepting or offering bribes.

The President, who heaped praises on the former governor of Osun State, further described him as a decent, truthful, and friendly person as well as an administrator of the first order, whose leadership qualities made him the unanimous choice as the first Chairman of the APC.

President Buhari used the occasion to narrate his first meeting with Akande, his passion for Nigeria, achievements, and disappointment as governor of Osun State as well as his many battles to wrest power from the then ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party.

”My first personal contact with Chief Akande was, if I recall correctly, in 2006 when preliminary consultations were coming to fruition for a grand coalition to unseat the PDP Government.

”Those efforts eventually came to nothing.

”Neither he, nor I, nor many of our friends and associates gave up as, in Chief Akande’s words: “the country was going down and down under PDP” (p.396 of My Participations), ” he said.

The President also narrated how Akande had risen to prominence from his participation in the Constituent Assembly established by the Military Government of General Olusegun Obasanjo.

”He was always in the thick of things through the difficulties and political discontinuities of the 1980s and 90s.

‘‘He emerged as Governor of Osun State in 1999 when the military handed over to the civilians.

”Chief Akande had a horrendous baptism as Governor of Osun State with discord from his own party; his State Assembly (including an attempt to impeach him without any reason whatsoever); from the trade unions and from his own deputy Governor!

”On top of that, he inherited a deeply indebted Treasury, huge arrears of salary, allowances, and pensions. Enough challenges to overwhelm many aspiring leaders.

”Bisi Akande stood four square and faced all the challenges head-on and overcame most of them.

”His first action was to stop payment of “critical allowances” a euphemism for government money customarily shared by the big boys in Osun State.

”This set the tone of his Administration,” the President said.

Recounting the achievements of the former Governor of Osun State, President Buhari noted that it is on record that within one year, Akande had paid off all the salary and other arrears, showing his mettle as a competent and serious administrator.

”By 2003 Chief Akande had virtually sanitised governance in Osun State having cleared some of the troublemakers from his government and, though reluctant to serve a second term, he was persuaded to run again,” he said.

Reflecting on the political history of the author, particularly his bid to seek a second term as Governor of Osun, President Buhari declared:

” It is common knowledge that Akande was the victim – along with other AD Governors – of a diabolical double-cross which ended his gubernatorial career. Only the steadfast Asiwaju Bola Tinubu escaped the electoral massacre masterminded by President Obasanjo.

”Desperately disappointed though he was, and being a good Muslim, he accepted this setback as part of the trials of life. He looked to the future of service to the country.”

Reminiscing on APC’s ascent to governance at the Federal level in 2015, President Buhari said:

”Chief Akande was in the thick of further attempts in 2011 and 2014 to fuse together different groups and dislodge PDP from governance.

”The key to his thinking which coincides with mine is that Nigeria can only be successfully managed by alliances between major groups.

”Although we failed in 2011 but by persistence and knowledge that PDP was driving the country towards disaster, several major parties were able to finally coalesce into APC in 2014 .

”Chief Akande was unanimously chosen as the first Chairman of this great coalition.

”Throughout the difficult negotiations, I found Akande truthful, steady and always with an eye to the ultimate goal.

”In or out of office, he has retained his inflexible integrity. On p.400 of his book, he wrote: ‘I never gave to or demanded bribe from anyone all my life.’ A perfect gentleman. A perfect public officer, he said.

Quoting a famous Hausa saying, ”Labarin zucciya a tambayi fuska” (loosely translated -if you want to know what is in a man’s heart watch his face), President Buhari affirmed that Akande has a permanent smile on his face, saying ”He is the type I will go into the jungle with.”

On the book, President Buhari recommended it to students of Nigeria politics and the general public alike.

”This book is a historical document. Students will find this an invaluable source of Nigeria’s politics, notably between 1999 and 2020,” he said.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

December 9, 2021

 

AT NAVAL DOCKYARD, PRESIDENT BUHARI COMMISSIONS NNS OJI, ANOTHER MADE-IN-NIGERIA VESSEL

President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Lagos commissioned a Seaward Defence Boat (SDB) III, built by the Nigerian Navy.

The indigenously constructed SDB, NNS Oji, is the third of its series to be locally built at the Naval Dockyard Limited, Lagos solely by Navy engineers after the successes of NNS Adoni, and NNS Karaduwa, commissioned in 2016 by President Buhari.

Speaking at the event, which also marked the inauguration of some recently acquired platforms and the keel-laying ceremony for the construction of Boat-IV and Boat-V, President Buhari said the new inductions to the Naval fleet would boost their capability in securing Nigeria’s maritime domain.

He charged all naval personnel to maintain professionalism and ensure good use of the newly built and recently acquired platforms including NNS LANA, KANO, IKENNE, ABA, SOKOTO and OSUN.

‘‘We should note that we are in a critical period where our country is faced with a serious decline in our revenue and the security challenges we are facing.

‘‘The present realities, therefore, call for prudent resource management, innovativeness, accountability and careful maintenance.

‘‘I wish to reiterate that despite these challenges, our administration is very determined to ensure that the Navy is well supported to achieve its statutory responsibilities.

‘‘Let me assure you that the Government will continue to support the ideals of the Nigerian Navy in the performance of its constitutional duties. God bless the Nigerian Navy, God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Onward Together,” he said.

The President commended the Nigerian Navy for maintaining a steady course in its drive for local content development which is in tandem with the philosophy of this administration.

He said the Federal Government’s commitment to properly equip the Navy with the right mix of platforms has seen the Service take delivery of NNS LANA in May this year from France.

‘‘I commend the business dependability of Messrs OCEA Shipyard – France, the builders of our Navy’s first-ever purpose-built Offshore Survey Vessel for a conclusive and successful execution of the contract.

‘‘Local partners should share in this commendation for their efforts at local facilitation as outlined in the Government’s local content policy,’’ he said.

President Buhari acknowledged that the Federal Government is aware of the Navy’s dedication towards ensuring the security of the vast oil and gas industry in the nation’s maritime environment as well as sea lanes of communications.

According to him, given the present high dependence on oil and gas revenues, the Navy is undeniably a major contributor to the economic well-being of Nigeria.

‘‘Arrests of those involved in illegalities have yielded results as some pirates, illegal bunkering syndicates, pipeline vandals and other miscreants have been convicted during this year.

‘‘Such successes were made possible through the enforcement of our new anti-piracy law on Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Act 2019.

‘‘Furthermore, the provision of the new policy directives by the current administration of the Navy codified in such documents as the Nigerian Navy Strategic Plan 2021-2030; the Chief of the Naval Staff Strategic Directive 2021-5 and the Total Spectrum Maritime Strategy have given the Service credible guidelines and leverage for improved operational efficiency,’’ he said.

The Commander-in-Chief also used the occasion to laud the Navy’s efforts in the fight against maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea region, praising the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral AZ Gambo and all the officers, ratings and civilian staff of the Navy for remarkable achievements.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

December 9, 2021

 

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS LT. GEN THEOPHILUS DANJUMA (RTD) ON 84TH BIRTHDAY

President Muhammadu Buhari rejoices with former Chief of Army Staff, businessman and philanthropist, Lt. Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma on his 84th birthday, December 9, 2021, joining family and friends to celebrate with the elder statesman.

President Buhari congratulates the career military officer, who served meritoriously with many decorations, and renowned philanthropist for his contributions to development of the country, both within and outside government, leaving historic marks in education, health and infrastructure, and supporting many families and communities with the TY Foundation.

As the octogenarian turns 84, the President notes his position in promoting democracy and good governance, and his encouragement to leaders.

President Buhari prays for his good health and strength.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

December 9, 2021

 

NO ONE INVOLVED IN THE OROMONI KILLING WILL BE SPARED, ASSURES PRESIDENT BUHARI

For several days now, the nation has been gripped by the news of the tragic incident at Dowen College, in Lagos with morbid details constantly emerging of how our young son, Sylvester Oromoni (Junior) met his death.

President Muhammadu Buhari condemns the killing of Sylvester, one of our bright youngsters doing excellently in school, bringing joy to the family and if this incident is truly arising from bullying or cultism, the President assures that it must act as a trigger leading to a permanent solution to this recurring problem.

“I share the anger and grief up and down the country following this incident. On behalf of my family and I, and the government of the federation, I convey our heartfelt condolences to the Oromoni family, the government and people of Lagos State and give the firm assurance that this incident will be thoroughly investigated and the appropriate punishment meted out to all those who are culpable.”

The President urges the Police to continue the ongoing investigation until they get to the root of the matter in order for the law to take its course, assuring that justice will be done, no matter who is involved.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

December 8, 2021

 

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS VICTIMS OF BANDITS IN SOKOTO

President Buhari has expressed sadness over the recent gruesome attack on innocent travellers in Sokoto State.

Reacting to the incident on Wednesday, President Buhari said, “I am very distressed at the manner of death visited on these hapless citizens who were undertaking a legitimate journey to another part of the country.

“It shows that the evil this administration is confronting is one that requires the support and involvement of all Nigerians.

“I extend deep condolences to the families of the victims as I assure that the security agencies will continue to give their all to bring to an end the operations of these despicable people.”

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

December 8, 2021

 

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI LEADS NATION TO A HEAVY-HEARTED FAREWELL TO GENERAL WUSHISHI

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday led the nation to a sorrowful funeral of former Chief of Army Staff, General Muhammadu Inuwa Wushishi who was buried in Kaduna after combined, well-attended, military and Muslim ceremonies.

The body of the deceased veteran, draped in the National Flag and ushered into the cemetery by a military honour guard by Generals was lowered into the grave at 2:00pm.

President Buhari who was represented by a delegation led by the Minister of Defence, Major-General Bashir Magashi (Rtd), expressed his condolences and that of the nation to the family of the late General and the Government and people of Niger State through the Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello.

The President joined several other leaders who paid tributes to the man who strengthened Nigerian Military’s support to civil authority under democracy, following many years of military rule as Chief of Army Staff, describing him as one of the country’s most respected citizens.

In a letter to Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, Governor of Niger State, personally signed by him, President Buhari said: “l wish to commiserate with you on the death of the former Chief of Army Staff, General Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi.

“General Wushishi was a thoroughbred professional soldier, an officer and a gentleman whose contributions to the fatherland are immeasurable.

“He had a distinguished military career and we are proud of his impressive service to the country. He was an epitome of discipline and dedication to service, and a role model for both the officers and the rank and file.

“I also extend my condolences to his family, the Nigerian Army, as well as the Government and people of Niger State.

“My Allah repose his soul.”

Speaking on behalf of the widow, Hajiya Kande and the rest of the family, a former Head of State, General AbdulSalam Abubakar said it mattered a lot to all of them that the President sent an important delegation to the burial.

Prayers were said for the well-being of the President and of the nation.

The delegation included the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Faruk Yahaya, the Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media and Publicity) Garba Shehu and the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mohammad Nami.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

December 8, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI CONDOLES WITH BORNO STATE GOVT, ELDERS OVER PASSING OF FORMER MINISTER, BUNU SHERIF MUSA

President Muhammadu Buhari commiserates with Government and people of Borno State over the passing of former Minister of Mines, Power and Steel, Alhaji Bunu Sherif Musa, sharing the grief of family members over the loss.

The President condoles with Borno State Elders’ Forum, friends and associates of the former Minister, who served variously as Minister of Industries (1985), Mines, Power and Steel (1986-89), Aviation (1989), Water Resources (1990) and Employment, Labour and Productivity (1990-92).

President Buhari affirms that the former Minister contributed to the development of the country and his community, taking up many responsibilities, including Nigeria’s Ambassador to France.

The President prays for repose of his soul, urging the family to find solace in his investment in humanity.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

December 6, 2021

 

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI FELICITATES WITH PRESIDENT ADAMA BARROW OF THE GAMBIA ON RE-ELECTION

President Muhammadu Buhari sends warm felicitations to President Adama Barrow of The Gambia over his re-election for a second term of five years.

The President congratulates the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for dutifully handling the electoral process, while commending the Gambians for their high sense of civility, maturity and patriotism.

President Buhari assures President Barrow and all Gambians of Nigeria’s commitment and partnership as they collectively work on making the country better and stronger for posterity.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

December 6, 2021

 

 

December 6, 2021

Press Statement

PDP Affirms Expulsion of Erring Members In Kebbi Chapter

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has affirmed the expulsion of some of its members in Kebbi state, by the Kebbi state chapter of the party.

The expelled members are;

1.Garba Abubakar Besse

2.Ibrahim Usman Manzo

3.Muhd Ruwa R.K

4.Musa Ibrahim Manzo

5.Umar Yakubu Kamba

6.Abdulmalik Haliru Milton

7.Haruna Shayau

8.Isiyaku Daudu

9.Saleh Gambo

10.Bello Muhd Gulmare.

11 Junaidu Wasagu

12.Muhd Idris Afan

13.Abubakar Kurunkudu

14.Hajiya Yalli

  1. Haruna Isa

Their expulsion is sequel to the decision of the state chapter and ratification by the NWC in line with the provision of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended).

The PDP urges all members in Kebbi state to remain calm, united and focused, and not allow any agents of destabilization to derail our party in the collective quest to rescue the state as well as the nation from the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan

National Publicity Secretary

 

 

December 6, 2021

Press Statement

PDP NWC Schedules Conduct of 8 LGA Congresses in Niger State

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has scheduled the conduct of Congresses in the remaining eight local government areas of Niger State for tomorrow, Tuesday, December 7, 2021.

This is sequel to the unanimous decision of the National Working Committee (NWC) at its 541st meeting on Monday, December 6, 2021, in line with the provisions of the PDP Constitution 2017 (as amended).

All party leaders, critical stakeholders, aspirants for respective party positions and teeming members of our party in the affected eight local government areas are by this, guided accordingly.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan

National Publicity Secretary

 

 

December 6, 2021

Press Statement

PDP Savours Governor Emmanuel’s Listing In Africa’s Inspiring Individuals

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulates Akwa-Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, on his recognition as one of the 100 inspiring individuals in Africa in the 2021 African Regional Awards.

This recognition by the African Regional Journal is a well-deserved and resounding testament of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s unique leadership proficiencies and laudable achievements in all critical sectors, in line with the manifesto of the PDP and visions of our founding fathers.

Our party is very proud of Governor Emmanuel’s efforts in stabilizing Akwa-Ibom state to create the enabling peaceful atmosphere for enhanced productivity as well as harmonious living in a multifarious state.

The PDP celebrates Governor Emmanuel’s giant strides in human capital and infrastructural developments in critical sectors, including manufacturing, food production, aviation, maritime, real estate, commence, retailing, energy, education, heathcare, hospitality, among others.

Governor Emmanuel’s feat in the establishment and successful management of highly specialized ventures such as the Ibom Air, Ibom Deep Sea Port, Ibom Industrial Park/Jetty in addition to power, refinery and gas processing plants as well as state of the art health facilities in the state, shows that with the right type of leadership, our nation can indeed achieve success in such critical areas.

This award reinforces our counsel to the Federal Government to understudy Governor Emmanuel’s leadership template in Akwa-Ibom as a model for national cohesion, rapid economic recovery, job creation, infrastructural development, ventures in specialized sectors and prudent management of resources.

The PDP congratulates Governor Emmanuel on the award and urges him to see the recognition as the call to redouble his effort in the development of not only his state but the nation at large.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan

National Publicity Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

DEATH OF DOWEN COLLEGE’S STUDENT HEARTBREAKING – SANWO-OLU’S WIFE

…Takes Advocacy Against Sexual And Gender-Based Violence To Schools

 

Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu on Monday commiserated with the parents of the 12-year-old student of Dowen College, Lekki in Lagos, Sylvester Oromomi who died last week, describing it as heartbreaking.

 

Already, the state government has sealed off the college following the gruesome death of Oromomi, who was a boarding student of the college.

 

Speaking during an advocacy visit to some schools in furtherance of the ongoing 16 Days of activism against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, the First Lady described the incident as unfortunate, saying never again should it reoccur in the state.

 

“I am aware that the Lagos State Government is at the moment investigating the incident and honestly it is something we are not very happy about. It’s a big slap on the face of the education sector, the community, and Lagos State as a whole.

 

“It is a case that is being investigated and for the parents and everybody involved, honestly, we commiserate with them and send our condolences.

 

“As I said, the case is being investigated and I will not be able to say much on it at the moment,” Sanwo-Olu said.

 

She said the advocacy visit to schools was aimed at catching the students young and enlightening them on the need to work against all forms of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

 

“As we all know, the world is commemorating the 16 days of activism against SGBV. It commences on November 25 and it will end on December 10 which is Human Rights Day. The program is being championed globally by United Nations and our theme this year is “Orange The World: End Violence Against Women Now.”

 

“The advocacy is also being championed by the Nigeria Governors’ Wives Forum, NGOs and so many other private individuals and organizations to ensure that there is zero tolerance to gender-based violence all over Nigeria and Lagos in particular,” she said.

 

She explained that the visit to the respective schools was the third leg of the advocacy efforts, saying that a similar enlightenment program had been held for the community groups and religious leaders by her office.

 

“For the Office of the Lagos State First Lady, we decided that our advocacy is to do community sensitization at the grassroots level which we did on November 29 and then we followed it up with sensitization visit to our religious leaders in our communities. This is the third way of our advocacy, going into the schools.

 

“We realized that it is good to catch them young and so when we plant this seed in the children, it will gradually germinate and it helps us to ensure that our students have the correct mindset and understand why these vices exist and what the law says about the vices in the country.

 

“I am happy with the response we are getting. The students are interested in knowing about Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and joining the train to stamp it out in our state. We have distributed some resource materials that will help the teachers, the students, and the parents Associations in the respective schools to know more and work against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in our communities,” she said.

 

The schools visited include Dolphin Senior High School and Dolphin Junior High School, Tapa, Lagos Island under Education District Three; as well as Aje Comprehensive Junior High School and Aje Comprehensive Senior High School, Sabo-Yaba, Lagos under Education District Four.

 

The First Lady donated laptops, industrial cooking gas, and other educational materials to each of the schools, just as she assured that more schools and other critical organizations would be visited.

 

Responding on behalf of the students, Permanent Secretary, Education District III, Dr. Olufolayimika Abiose-Ayandele commended the First Lady for her interest and passion for the welfare and safety of students in the state.

 

She said the advocacy visit to schools on SGBV by the First Lady was another clear testament to her commitment to ending the menace of rape, defilement, and all forms of sexual abuse in the state.

 

The event was also attended by representatives of the Parents Forum, Old Students Associations, Community Leaders, and stakeholders in the be education sector, while there was a special SGBV Talk by Programme Manager of Youth Empowerment Foundation, Mrs. Morenike Omiagboje; and Programme Manager of Women Consortium of Nigeria (WOCON), Mrs Atinuke Ogunbayo.

 

SIGNED

OLUBUKONLA NWONAH

ASSIST DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS

OFFICE OF LAGOS STATE FIRST LADY

DECEMBER 6, 2021

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

WINNER EMERGES IN MAIDEN SANWO-OLU YOUTH SOCCER FIESTA 

 

  • Surulere wins Gold, Cash Prize in BOS Cup

 

  • Ifako Ijaiye-Ojokoro, Agege teams are runners-up 

 

The frills and thrills of the maiden Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu (BOS) Youth Cup came to the pinnacle on Sunday, with the final round’s team jostled for the first prize – a gold cup.

 

Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena in Onikan, formerly Onikan Stadium, came alive for the final match played between Surulere and Ifako Ijaiye-Ojokoro teams.

 

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu personally declared the event open with a kick-off of the ball.

 

Ex-international goalkeeper of the national team, Dosu Joseph, Technical Director of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Austin Eguaveon, Coach of the National Under-17 team, Fatai Amoo, and members of the State Executive Council graced the final fixture.

 

Youths under the age of 21 across the State’s 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) took part in the soccer contest organised by the Governor’s Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) to complement youth development programmes of the Sanwo-Olu administration and curb restiveness.

 

The participants were brought together under the BOS Academy platform on which they were screened and certified to take part in the tournament. Each council was represented by a team.

 

The final round started after the third place fixture won by Agege team against Lagos Island East side.

 

About 30 minutes into the first half, Surulere team led by Yusuf Lukman, destabilised the opponent’s team with a goal.

 

At 77 minutes, the Ifako Ijaiye-Ojokoro team led by Marvelous Ajayi, however, came back with an equaliser.

 

The match ended in a tie, resulting to penalty shootout at the end of which Surulere team coasted to victory with 5-4

 

The winning team went home with a cash prize of N1.5 million and golden trophy. Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, presented the trophy on behalf of the Governor.

 

A member of the Ifako Ijaiye-Ojokoro team, Timilehin Lawal, got the prize for the Most Valuable Player (MVP), while Abdulazeez Agbaje of the Surulere team went home with the Highest Goal Scorer prize.

 

Also, Akpan Oyena of Agege team was rewarded with Best Goal Keeper of the tournament.

 

Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Mr. Anthony Adeboye, said the soccer fiesta achieved its intended objectives of leaving positive impacts on the youths, families and communities across the State,

 

He said: “In the last three week, we have seen our young people coming to the field to display great football skills and pour out energy that could have been diverted to vices. Having participated in all activities that culminated into the final round, I have no doubt that the objectives of the tournament have been realised, as we witnessed excitement on the faces of all participants.

 

“Inclusion is part of the ‘Greater Lagos’ agenda of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration and this football competition has further bridged the gap between the Government and the youth. We are highly elated that the maiden edition has been widely received by young people across the State. The subsequent edition promises to be bigger and more impactful.”

 

The first runner-up, Ifako Ijaiye-Ojokoro team, got N1 million cash prize and silver medals, while the second runner-up, Agege, got N750,000 cash prize and bronze medals.

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

DECEMBER 5, 2021

 

 

 

Only God gives power, Okowa tells leaders  

 

Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has urged leaders to always acknowledge God as the source of their lifting in any position they occupy.

 

Okowa gave this charge on Sunday at the thanksgiving service in honour of the Chairman Isoko North Local Government Council, Hon. Christian Iteire at The Eagles Assembly, Asaba.

 

Represented by his Deputy, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, the governor said it was good for leaders in positions of authority to always return all the glory to God as their source because only God could give true power to men.

 

He said man cannot achieve anything unless God approves of it.

 

He commended the Isoko North boss for recognising what God had done for him and his family, adding that God would continue to uplift him.

 

The governor lauded the Isoko political class for coming to celebrate with the Chairman and his family and charged them to remain united for the overall good of the people.

 

“My heart-felt congratulations to Hon. Christian Iteire and his family and the good people of Isoko North Local Government Area.

 

“Hon. Iteire is an integral part of us in the Delta Political family, so his celebration today is a celebration for all of us.

 

“I thank all of you for coming to join him in this thanksgiving,” the governor said.

 

In a sermon titled “Encountering the Never-Give-Up Grace” Pastor Uwem Offiong said with God the later end is always greater and better than the beginning.

 

He described the Council Chairman as a committed member of the Church, adding that he was always punctual and dedicated to work of God.

 

The cleric said God alone deserved all the glory for making Iteire the Council Chairman and prayed for a successful tenure and greater blessings ahead of him.

 

The celebrant in his remarks said he was grateful to God for remembering him after many years in politics.

 

Flanked by his wife, Gloria, Iteire gave thanks to God while appreciating Pastor Offiong and his wife for their support and prayers.

 

“We have every good reason to thank God because I have been in politics for a long time and it has not been an easy adventure until recently.

 

“I have had some appointments in the past but God made me Council Chairman when I was busy lobbying to be something else.

 

“I thank my leaders in Isoko North whom God used to make me Council Chairman.

 

“While thanking God for this awesome favour, I promise to lead the people of Isoko North to greater heights,” Iteire said.

 

The thanksgiving service was attended by top government functionaries including Senator James Manager, Deputy Speaker Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ochor Ochor, Chief Whip Delta State House of Assembly Hon Pat Ajudua, Hon. Charles Emetulu, Commissioner for Energy Engr. Jonathan Ukodhiko, Commissioner for Project Implementation and Audit Engr. Ovie Oghoore, Special Adviser to the Governor on External Relations Prince Johnson Erijo, former Secretary to the State Government, Chief Ovuozourie Macaulay and DESOPADEC Commissioner Dr and Mrs Paul Oweh.

 

Others include Chairman Isoko North PDP, Prince Godwin Ogorugba, former Chairman of Isoko South Chief Itiako Ikpokpo. Dr Peter Emaziye, Comrade Nelson Egware, Mr Jonathan Umukoro, Chief Emmanuel Edevor, Vice Chairman Chief Frank Ozue, Richard Isagba, Sunny Governor, Chief Matthew Amudede, Members of Isoko North Legislative Arm led by Hon. Francia Udubra, Secretary to the Local Government Hon Ejoor Igbuduma, among others.

 

 

*Obaseki seeks int’l partners’ support to strengthen impact of agric programmes*

 

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has urged international donors to support the government in executing sustainable agricultural programmes to check food security.

 

The governor made the call during a courtesy visit by the Joint Mission of the Federal Government of Nigeria, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) led by the IFAD Country Programme Manager, Dr. Patrick Habamenshi, at the Government House in Benin City.

 

While commending IFAD on its impactful role across Africa, Obaseki said the assistance provided by the Fund can help leapfrog systems and institutions in Nigeria and Edo State.

 

He noted, “We have failed to create the real market for agricultural produce, economic culture, subsidizing agricultural produce and mixed pricing of exchange rate. These are some of the fundamental macro economic issues, which is not taking us anywhere. Agricultural business is a serious business in the country. Some of the macro economic situations are changing.

 

“As a government, our focus is how to be serious and help address the challenges. 50 to 60 years ago, our communities, society, and the economy were driven by agriculture. Commodity boards, farm institutions were well-organized, and people had a culture, but not anymore.”

 

Obaseki said, “As a governor for five years, I have not really seen the impact as I try to measure the impact by asking what has really changed? Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) Office carry a lot of signboards with all sorts of assisted programmes but yet no much impact or difference has been made in agricultural production and output. This is the major challenge, amongst other problems.

 

“Some assistance you are providing is to help us re-enact agriculture again because that is the only thing that can sustain us. Maybe the young ones don’t want to go into agriculture but technology has made things easy. Working together, we would like to deal with serious issues.”

 

“As you will not solve all our problems for us but help and assist us to accelerate our development and look at specific areas and be clear on the expectations and deliverables.

 

“Some of our institutions are so weak. That is why you can’t implement some of the programmes. We should look at how to strengthen some of these institutions to take advantage of what you are bringing to the table,” he added.

 

The IFAD Country Programme Manager in Nigeria, Dr. Patrick Habamenshi said the delegation are in Edo State to carry out an implementation support mission, focusing on the state as it has one of the most dynamic programmes in Nigeria.

 

He commended Governor Obaseki for the counterpart funding he made to the programme which contributed to the success of the programme, noting, “We understand that the programme needs to get aligned with the strategy of the state government and we can’t implement a programme in the state that is disconnected from what the state government is trying to achieve.

 

“We would work with your team to see how to remodel and make the programme have its developmental objectives aligned to yours.”

 

06 December, 2021

  

“We need to double down on our efforts to flatten the curve” – CACOVID 

…urges Nigerians to get vaccinated and stay safe 

The private sector-led coalition against COVID-19 (CACOVID) has intensified its efforts in the fight against the deadly coronavirus and is urging Nigerians to do the same.

In a statement signed by the Assistant Director, Central Bank of Nigeria, Osita Nwasinobi, the coalition urged Nigerians to consciously take steps to remain safe.

“Nigeria has faced deadly viruses in the past and has surmounted them. In all of those incidents, one thing that was common was our unified front. The same is needed now if we are to combat the deadly new variant of the coronavirus – Omicron. We must maintain social distancing in public gatherings, wear our face masks, avoid poorly ventilated areas, wash and sanitize our hands regularly. Most importantly we must get vaccinated.”

“CACOVID is urging all Nigerians to get vaccinated and put an end to the spread of the coronavirus in Nigeria. Let’s work together to make Nigeria virus-free,” he stated.

So far, Omicron has been detected in more than 20 countries, a number that has been steadily ticking up as efforts to track the variant increase around the world. As of Wednesday, there were more than 261 million confirmed cases of the COVID-19 globally (5.2 million deaths), with the Delta variant continuing to dominate.

 

It has become expedient that we all adhere to the precautionary measures highlighted by the WHO whilst getting vaccinated. Contrary to many false reports the vaccines are effective and can reduce the risk of getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.

 

CACOVID further encourages Nigerians to take preventative measures to protect themselves from the virus, such as frequent handwashing, wearing a face mask in indoor and outdoor public places, and maintaining social distance.

 

###

 

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CSOs Statement of Solidarity with SERAP We

EXPECT COMPLETION, DELIVERY OF MORE ROADS- BUHARI … As FG Commissions Kano – Maiduguri Road, Section III

CSOs Statement of Solidarity with SERAP 

 

We, the undersigned civil society organizations urge the Government of President Muhammadu Buhari to put an end to the intimidation and harassment of Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), an independent anti-corruption watchdog, and end escalating intimidation and aggression towards human rights defenders and journalists.

 

Following SERAP’s public interest cases brought against the Government, presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu issued a statement warning the organization to “desist from putting out its divisive, irresponsible, and bare-faced publicity stunts”. According to Mr Shehu, “SERAP should stop the publicity stunt and end the repeated ridiculous claims that it is bringing legal action against the Government and/or President of Nigeria.”

 

We are seriously concerned that this intimidatory tactic by the government against SERAP solely for peacefully carrying out its mandates illustrates the growing repression of civil society, attacks on journalists, and restriction of civic space in Nigeria.

 

Continuous and increasing attacks and intimidation against civil society organizations, human rights and journalists in the country is antithetical to Nigeria’s international human rights obligations including under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights both of which the country has ratified.

 

We are concerned that the attack on SERAP is clearly aimed at creating a climate of intimidation against civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and journalists in the country. The targeting of civil society organizations and human rights defenders will have a chilling effect on the promotion and protection of human rights and respect for the rule of law in the country.

 

The Government must strongly condemn the threats, harassment, and intimidation of SERAP and other groups, human rights defenders and journalists and ensure a conducive environment for them to carry out their work and operate freely without any fear of reprisals.

 

Signed by

 

  1. Amnesty International Nigeria
  2. Human Rights Watch
  3. Adopt A Goal Initiative
  4. Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD)
  5. Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC)
  6. Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre
  7. Enough is Enough Nigeria (EiE Nigeria)
  8. Femi Falana SAN
  9. Access to Justice
  10. Sterling Centre for Law & Development
  11. Justice Support Network
  12. Paradigm Initiative
  13. Connected Development (CODE)
  14. Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA)
  15. Justice for Peace and Development Initiative
  16. M.H.O.G Foundation
  17. TechHerNG
  18. Sesor
  19. Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development (CEHRD)
  20. Baobab for Women’s Human Rights
  21. Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)
  22. Global Rights
  23. NOPRIN
  24. Alliances for Africa (AfA)
  25. Nigerian Feminist Forum (NFF)
  26. Centre for Impact Advocacy
  27. Rights Enforcement and Public Law Centre (REPLACE)
  28. Premium Times Centre For Investigative Journalism (PTCIJ)

 

 

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF WORKS AND HOUSING

 

Press Release

Thursday, December 9th, 2021 

 

EXPECT COMPLETION, DELIVERY OF MORE ROADS- BUHARI 

… As FG Commissions Kano – Maiduguri Road, Section III 

… SUKUK funding aiding progress of our Road projects – Fashola

…State Government, residents , commuters commend FG, Minister 

 

As the progressive train of the season of completion and impact arrived in the North East on Thursday, President Muhammadu Buhari has told Nigerians to expect more completion and delivery of road projects across the nation.

 

The President spoke in Azare, Bauchi State during the commissioning and handing over of the 106.341 Kilometers Kano -Maiduguri Road, Section III (Azare-Potiskum) in Bauchi and Yobe States.

 

The President was represented at the commissioning ceremony by the Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Maryam Katagum.

 

President Buhari reiterated the commitment of his administration to Infrastructural development and gave the assurance that Nigerians would be witnessing more completion and delivery of projects.

 

The President who emphasized his administration’s commitment to economic growth through infrastructural development, appealed to road users to desist from acts that could damage the road.

 

According to him, activities such as overloading of vehicles and trucks, spilling of petroleum products on the roads and conversion of road shoulders to permanent parking places damages the road and reduces its life span.

 

“We must all do our best to avoid these practices, report them when they occur and act in a lawful manner to stop them”, he said.

 

The Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Muhammed commended President Muhammad Buhari for approving the dualization and extension of two major highways that connect the state’s metropolis.

 

The highways are the dualization and extension of Kano Road, from Giwa Academy, Abubakar Tafawa University Main Campus, Nigerian Air Force Base- Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport with a distance of 17.7kms and the expansion of Maiduguri-Awala- Bauchi State University.

 

The Governor who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Baba Tela, noted that the roads were near completion and expressed optimism that the state government would be reimbursed by the Federal Government as soon as the state of the economy improves in the country.

 

He further applauded the collaborative effort between the Federal and Bauchi State government to restore the Bauchi-Ningi Road and Bogoro- Bauchi -Dawaki Road damaged by flood during the last rainy season.

 

He also expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari and Works and Housing Minister, Mr Babatunde Fashola SAN for bringing the project to conclusion.

 

In his address, the Minister of Works and Housing, represented by the Director, North East, Engr. Celestine Shausu, stated that the SUKUK funding option which the Federal Government adopted is currently aiding the progress of work on 44 roads across the nation.

 

“The SUKUK is currently contributing to progress of work on 44 roads across Nigeria and as we complete them, events like this will hold,” he said

 

Fashola commended all the stakeholders both in private and public institutions who have contributed to the actualization of the project.

 

In his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Housing, Mr Babangida Hussaini who was represented by the Federal Controller of Works, Engr. Salihu Ahmed said that the Kano-Maiduguri Section III (Azare -Potiskum) connects four Local Government Areas in Bauchi (Azare and Dambam) and Yobe  (Nangere and Potiskum) States respectively.

 

 

His Royal Highness, the Emir of Katagum, Alhaji Dr Umar Farouq II, commended the Federal Government for completing the road which was abandoned for more than 20 years by previous administrations.

 

He said that the road was important to the socio-economic development of the benefiting communities.

 

He applauded the administration of President Muhammad Buhari, for completing the projects he met on ground when he came on board, adding that governance should be a continuous process.

 

Various members of the community and road users on the project spoken to expressed appreciation and gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola SAN, for ensuring the completion of the road, stating that the work has brought a lot of relief to them and improved their socio-economic activities in many ways.

 

While delivering the vote of thanks, General Manager, Messrs Mothercat, Engr. Raffi Kevorkian thanked the Federal Government for finding the company worthy of carrying out the construction work and also appreciated the community for their cooperation during the construction work.

 

He pledged the company’s cooperation with the Federal Government of Nigeria in the delivering of quality and durable roads for her citizens.

 

The commissioning and hand over of Azare- Potiskum Section III (Azare – Potiskum) is the fourth in the series after the Sokoto – Tambuwal -Jega -Kontagora – Makera Road in Sokoto and Kebbi states,  Vandeikya -Obudu Cattle Ranch Road in Benue and Cross River states, and Nnewe-Oduma Road Section in Enugu and Ebonyi States.

 

 

 

Boade Akinola 

Director Press and Public Relations

Thursday, December 9th, 2021

GOVERNOR SANWO-OLU’S PRESS STATEMENT:

 

 

LET’S PIVOT TO WORK FOR PEACE

 

Since my last address to you, the good people of Lagos State on Tuesday 30, November 2021, during which I expressed a desire to lead a Walk for Peace, following the outcome of the work of the Judicial Panel on Restitution for Victims of SARS Related Abuses and Other Matters, I have been inundated with deep expressions of solidarity from various groups and people declaring their readiness to join me on the symbolic walk.

 

Indeed, I owe a special debt of gratitude to our youths and students, who reached out to either members of my team or directly to me, expressing their readiness to join me on the planned Walk for Peace. They include many of our Civil Society Leaders, business leaders within and outside of Corporate Lagos, religious leaders, members of the Diplomatic Community, entertainers, Market Associations, Trade Associations and Women Groups who have committed time and resources to preparing for the Peace Walk. I thank you all.

 

When the unseen enemy called Covid-19 began to ravage the world and indeed our nation, I assumed the role of the Incident Commander in our quest to protect the lives of our people. We subjected ourselves to the dictates of science. We chose to be guided not by our emotions, but expert opinions rooted in science. Between Tuesday 30, November 2021 that I made my address and now, we have seen a significant rise in cases associated with the Omicron variant of this pandemic.

 

Given this development, I am constrained to stand down all preparations for the Walk for Peace. I will not endanger the life of any Lagosian in my sincere search for peace. I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of support the initiative received from far and near. The deluge of support is, however, indicative of one thing: our people know the strategic place of peace to our quest for development.

 

 

I look forward to engaging with you as WE TOGETHER WORK FOR PEACE!

 

 

God bless Lagos State.

 

Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Governor, Lagos State.

Thursday, December 9, 2021

PRESS RELEASE

 

SANWO-OLU UNVEILS NEW POWER POLICY TO MEET LAGOS ELECTRICITY NEEDS

 

  • Framework to be implemented with private energy investors

 

An electricity sustainability framework that will provide reliable power to residential and industrial areas in Lagos State has been unveiled by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

 

The Governor, on Wednesday, launched the State’s Electricity Policy at an energy stakeholders’ event organised by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island.

 

The framework forms one of the technical components of the proposed Lagos State Electricity Law currently being developed to drive interventions towards improving access to electricity.

 

Partnership with private players in the power sector is the main thrust of the policy, which requires sustained capital investment in raising the capacity of the existing power infrastructure, while also generating from off-grid network.

 

Sanwo-Olu said the electricity policy unveiled articulated constitutional, legal, engineering and commercial foundations for creating a viable sub-national electricity system that would cater for energy needs of the State, while enabling socio-economic growth for Lagos and the nation.

 

The Governor said the State moved to explore alternative energy supply channels in response to growing demand occasioned by population growth and emergence of new residential and industrial areas. Energy requirement that will keep Lagos economy on the path of growth, Sanwo-Olu noted, has far exceeded the current 1,000 megawatts being supplied from the national grid, necessitating the move to explore alternative sources.

 

He said: “Given Lagos State’s status as the commercial nerve-center and economic hub of Nigeria, it is our firm belief that the attainment of universal electricity access in the State would accelerate the same across other parts of the country. Increased electricity access is one of the priority mandates of this administration, given its significance in driving sustainable economic development.

 

“There will be no economic development without sustainable energy. The economy needs energy to run and our objective as a Government is to deliver sustainable, reliable and affordable electricity to all Lagosians. The electricity policy being unveiled today does not only articulate the problems in the sector, it is also futuristic in the implementation of its provisions.”

 

Sanwo-Olu said the State would ramp up procurement of pre-paid meters for distribution to residents as part of the implementation of the electricity policy. This, he said, would promote transparency in the supply chain, while curbing electricity theft and discouraging estimated billing from the suppliers.

 

The Governor stressed that the set objectives of the electricity policy would only be realisable if the private partners showed equal commitment as the Government to boost capacity in off-grid generation and distribution network.

 

“As a Government, we believe one person cannot do it all. We need ideas and knowledge from each other, and form real partnership for coordination in the implementation of this framework,” Sanwo-Olu said.

 

Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Lere Odusote, said the electricity policy, apart from clearing out constitutional and legal framework for investors’ assurance, also provided for the establishment of an autonomous regulatory body and independent system operator.

 

Odusote said Lagos Government would hinge its partnership with the industry players on well-funded and well-managed generation, transmission and distribution.

 

The State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyo Onigbanjo, SAN, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Titilayo Shitta-Bey, said the framework was the first step to bringing Lagos out from constitutional obstruction that restricted the State from exploring electricity supply options.

 

The tone for the Government’s partnership with the private energy investors was set by a panel of discussion moderated by Soji Awogbade, an energy lawyer and founding partner of Aelex.

 

The panelists included chairman of Ikeja Electric Plc and Egbon Power Plc, Mr. Kola Adeshina; co-founder of Falcon Corporation, Mrs. Audrey Joe-Ezigbo; Chief Executive Officer, Infrastructure Credit Guarantee Company Limited, Mr. Chinua Azubuike; Deputy Chief of Party, Power Africa, Mr. Tunde Gbajumo and Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA).

 

The stakeholders praised the Lagos Government for its commitment to boost power supply through the electricity framework; they argued that the implementation must focus more on supply for industrial consumption and productive activities rather than residential for sustainability of the plan.

 

Stakeholders also urged the Government to explore the options of clean and renewable energy infrastructure in order not to worsen environmental challenges facing the State.

 

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

DECEMBER 8, 2021

PRESS RELEASE

RAPE: SANWO-OLU’S WIFE VOWS TO SPEAK FOR THE VOICELESS

…Takes SGBV Advocacy To Judiciary, Police, NGOs

 

Lagos First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday vowed to continue to be a voice to the voiceless towards stamping out all forms of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), especially rape of women and girls and defilement of minors.

 

She spoke during the continuation of her SGBV advocacy visit to the Lagos State Judiciary, the State Police Command, and various Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) providing shelter for rape victims in the state.

 

The advocacy visit was in furtherance of the ongoing global 16 days of activism against SGBV designed to eliminate violence against women and girls.

 

At the State High Court, Ikeja where she was received by the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, the First Lady commended the judiciary for supporting the fight against SGBV, especially the conviction of perpetrators to send a clear message against the menace.

 

According to her, “It is important we come here to appreciate the Hon Judges and principal officers of the High Court of Lagos. We would like to say a big thank you to the judiciary for all you are doing in Lagos State.

 

“We have realized that we have to visit the special offenses and domestic violence courts and family courts to understand how the judiciary dispenses their cases.

 

“Therefore, we will encourage victims to use these family courts and not jettison their matters and opt for juicy offers by the perpetrators.”

 

She added that her office, in line with efforts of the Nigerian Governors’ Wives Forum (NGWF) would continue to work towards eliminating violence of all sorts against women and girls, and also men and boys.

 

“I am a voice to the voiceless and I will use my position to achieve that to the best of my ability. If someone is being raped somewhere, they should have hope and know that I am their voice.

 

“We cannot achieve this alone, it is a collective effort by all stakeholders, like the Ministries of Health, Education, Youth and Social Development, Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Justice, Judiciary, among others, and that is why we are here,” she said.

 

 

She said it was gratifying that the Sex Offenders Register was now operational in the state to name and shame perpetrators, while the state government has also established Rape Fund for victims and increased the Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) to three.

 

“On our part, a lot has been put in place to raise awareness on SGBV. We have sensitized community and religious leaders. Also, we have started our school advocacy by ensuring that we catch them young and sow seed from a tender age. Our plan is to inaugurate a Students’ Council, where students are made to be advocates in their homes, schools, and communities at large. Quite a number of them were alarmed at the consequences of rape and attempted rape,” she said.

 

At the Police Command, the First Lady emphasized the need for training and retraining of police officers so that knowledge is not terminated due to postings of officers nationwide.

 

She also harped on the issue of preserving evidence such that victims do not tamper with evidence such as used condoms, torn clothes, pants, body discharges, among others.

 

The First Lady equally visited some NGOs – CeceYara Foundation which is a child advocacy center for abused children and God’s Home for Women Foundation where she donated cash gifts and information materials on SGBV including books and stickers.

 

At the High Court, she donated books and other gift items, while the police Command got a photocopying machine and Desktop Computer from the First Lady in support of the fight against SGBV.

 

Responding, Justice Alogba said the special offenses cases were being given prompt attention in order to ensure the eradication of the menace of SGBV, just as he assured the First Lady that the judiciary would leave no stone unturned towards stamping out the menace.

 

On his part, CP Hakeem Odumosu commended the First Lady, and urged the citizens to support the fight against rape and other similar crimes.

 

The CP promised to use the donated equipment specifically for SGBV purposes to update data on the issue.

 

Obey court judgments or face contempt proceedings, SERAP tells Buhari govt

 

 

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked the government of President Muhammadu Buhari to “immediately take meaningful steps to implement several judgments obtained by SERAP against the Federal Government to raise money to fund the budget, reduce the growing level of borrowing, and address the escalating rule of law crisis in the country.”

 

SERAP said, “Unless the judgments are immediately implemented, SERAP will consider pursuing contempt proceedings against the Federal Government in national courts, and international sanctions against the administration for its persistent disobedience of court judgments.”

 

According to the organization, “among the several judgments the Buhari administration has failed to obey is the judgment by the ECOWAS Court of Justice in Abuja, which awarded N30m as compensation for the ill-treatment of journalist Agba Jalingo, who faced trumped-up and politically motivated charges of treason.”

 

The statement, read in part: “Another judgment the Buhari administration is failing to implement is the judgment by the ECOWAS Court which found the government responsible for abuses by oil companies and directed it to hold to account the companies and other perpetrators of oil pollution in the Niger Delta.”

 

“We urge President Buhari to without further delay publicly instruct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mr Abubakar Malami SAN to ensure the effective implementation of all of the judgments obtained by SERAP and other outstanding judgments.”

 

Femi Falana SAN, who presented SERAP Law Report to the public today at the Media Briefing organized by SERAP in collaboration with the MacArthur Foundation, USA, said: “We are surprised that the Buhari administration took a swipe at SERAP for going to court to challenge acts of corruption and official impunity. In any country that professes to practice rule of law, it is height of ‘primitivity’ for government to challenge the act of going to court by the citizens.”

“This was firmly rooted in the case of Ojukwu v Gov of Lagos State which was decided during the military era. The victory over the military junta came through protests and other acts challenging official impunity in court and other lawful fora.”

“It is quite ironical that those who have protested against misrule and impunity are the past are now in bed with those in government and clamps down on attempt protest by the citizens.”

The Media Briefing titled “Rule of Law Crisis: How failure of the Buhari government to enforce court judgements is contributing to grand corruption and impunity in Nigeria” was held at the Radisson Hotel, Isaac John Street, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

 

Falana also said: “SERAP has embarked on public interest litigation in order to promote accountability and transparency in line with the tenets of the rule of law and constitutionalism. The publication of SERAP Law Report could not have come at a better time than now that anti-democratic forces are bent on imposing fascism on the country.”

 

“It is sad to note that many of the judgments delivered in favour of SERAP have been ignored by the Federal Government contrary to Section 287 of the Constitution which has imposed a binding obligation on all authorities and persons in Nigeria to comply with the verdicts of all courts. I enjoin SERAP to take advantage of the provisions of the law to enforce the judgments without any further delay.”

 

SERAP also said, “The failure and/or refusal to enforce and implement legally binding judgments of court is entirely inconsistent and incompatible with Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.”

 

The statement, read further: “It is unacceptable to take the court, which is the guardian of justice in this country, for a ride. A democratic state based on the rule of law cannot exist or function, if the government routinely ignores and/or fails to abide by court orders.”

 

“The persistent and deliberate disobedience of judges’ decisions would, ultimately, shatter citizens’ confidence and trust in the ability of the justice system to render justice for victims of corruption and human rights violations.”

 

“Obedience to the rule of law by all citizens but more particularly those who publicly took oath of office to protect and preserve the Constitution is a desideratum to good governance and respect for the rule of law. In a constitutional democracy like ours, this is meant to be the norm.”

 

“The implementation of these judgments will be a special moment for the government’s anti-corruption agenda and the supremacy of the rule of law in Nigeria, as it would go a long way in protecting the integrity of our legal system.”

 

“Implementing the judgments will provide the government the much-needed resources to fund national budgets, reduce the growing level of borrowing, and serve as effective deterrent to corrupt public officials and improve public confidence and trust in the administration’s oft-repeated commitment to fight corruption, respect human rights and observe the rule of law.”

 

“Implementing the judgments will also would be in keeping with Nigerians’ expectations, and entirely consistent with President Buhari’s oft-expressed commitment to ‘kill’ corruption–whether by public officials or private contractors—and help to build citizens’ trust and confidence in the ability of this government to take head-on the systemic corruption in Nigeria.”

 

“In his inaugural speech on May 29, 2015 President Muhammadu Buhari stated that ‘insecurity, pervasive corruption, the hitherto unending and seemingly impossible fuel and power shortages are the immediate concerns’.”

 

“Unfortunately, President Buhari’s government has made little to no progress in fulfilling the promises made to Nigerians to fight grand corruption, end impunity of perpetrators, respect the rule of law, and ensure access of socially and economically vulnerable Nigerians to basic public goods and services.”

 

“The government’s promise to fight corruption and end impunity imposes a moral and legal responsibility to protect the rule of law, ensure sustainable development and full respect for Nigerians’ constitutionally and internationally guaranteed human rights, as well as to obey court judgments.”

 

“The promises also impose a responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability at all levels of government, and mean that government and public officials should timely and consistently respond to Freedom of Information requests from Nigerians.”

 

“Lack of progress in the fight against grand corruption and the promise to obey the rule of law is further buttressed by the fact that many high-ranking officials suspected of corruption rarely end up in jail, as suspects continue to exploit the flaws in the justice system to the point where individuals are profiting from their crimes.”

 

“The government’s disdain for the rule of law is also illustrated by the tendency to pick and choose which court orders it complies with. This selective application of the rule of law invariably undermines the independence and integrity of the judiciary, and is counter-productive to the government’s own fight against corruption.”

 

“Other high-profile judgments obtained by SERAP that the Federal Government is refusing and/or failing to obey include the following: The first of such judgments is the judgment by Honourable Justice Hadiza Rabiu Shagari delivered on 5 July, 2017 ordering the Federal Government to tell Nigerians about the stolen asset it allegedly recovered, with details of the amounts recovered.”

 

“The second judgment, by Hon. Justice Mohammed Idris, on 26 February, 2016 ordered the Federal Government to publish details on the spending of stolen funds recovered by successive governments since the return of democracy in 1999.”

 

“The third judgment, by Hon. Justice Oguntoyinbo on 26 November, 2019 ordered the Federal Government to challenge the legality of states’ pension laws permitting former governors now serving as ministers and members of the National Assembly to collect such pensions, and to recover pensions already collected by them.”

 

“The fourth judgment, by Hon. Justice Mohammed Idris on 28 May 2018, ordered the Federal Government to prosecute senior lawmakers suspected of padding and stealing N481 billion from the 2016 budget; and to widely publish the report of investigations into the alleged padding of the 2016 budget.”

 

“The fifth judgment, by Hon. by Justice Obiozor, on 4 July 2019 ordered the Federal Government to publish the names of companies and contractors who collected public funds since 1999 but failed to execute any electricity projects.”

 

“The sixth judgment, by the ECOWAS Court of Justice in Abuja, delivered on 19 November, 2009 ordered the Nigerian authorities to provide free and quality education to all Nigerian children without discrimination.”

 

 

 

 

Kolawole Oluwadare

SERAP Deputy Director

8/12/2021

Lagos, Nigeria

Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org

Twitter: @SERAPNigeria

Website: www.serap-nigeria.org

For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202

  1. GOVERNOR’S CORONAVIRUS PRESS STATEMENT– DECEMBER 07, 2021

Fellow Lagosians,

Firstly, I would like to commiserate with all Lagos residents who lost their loved ones during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our hearts go out to you and the Incident Command System will continue to do everything that we can to mitigate the impact of this pandemic.

Secondly, most of the continents of the world – including Africa – are now experiencing a fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, Lagos State is not left out as we are also experiencing the beginnings of a fourth wave with current positivity rate at 6%. This is against the positivity rates of 0.1% as at the middle of November 2021.

Based on our analysis, the fourth wave was brought by the non-adherence to the laid down protocols to mitigate this pandemic. I would want to use this opportunity to, once again, plead with everyone to get vaccinated and join hands with the Lagos State Government in managing this wave of the pandemic in this festive season by following the guidelines we have set, especially regarding use of face masks, public gatherings and travelling in and out of Lagos State.

Epidemiology Update

As of the 5th of December 2021, Lagos State had recorded a total of 78,564 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Of this number, 71,977 have recovered in community and 612 are being managed actively in community. Over the course of managing the COVID-19 pandemic, about 6,066 patients have been admitted into our various COVID-19 care centres in Lagos: with 686 registered fatalities.

Let me take this opportunity to, once again, urge all residents of Lagos State to take advantage of EKOTELEMED and our home-based care programme. Please, reach out to EKOTELEMED on our toll-free number 08000EKOMED (08000356633) if you have any symptoms associated with COVID-19 or have tested positive for the virus.

Travel Protocols

Based on the review of the current guidelines on travel protocols, the Presidential Steering Committee has released new rules which must be followed by all passengers arriving in Nigeria. These include:

  1. A COVID-19 PCR test to be done within 48hrs before departure.
  2. Post-arrival Day 2 COVID-19 PCR test
  3. All partially and unvaccinated individuals to self-isolate for 7 days following arrival into the country and a Day 7 release PCR test.
  4. All outbound passengers to demonstrate evidence of full vaccination against COVID-19
  5. Negative PCR test result within 48hrs from the time to boarding a flight out of Nigeria.

It is important to note that the review of the protocols was based on science, national experience and global developments. The Lagos State Government will do all within its power to enforce these new mandates and will prosecute anyone found wanting in compliance with them through our mobile courts.

Regulation of Day 2 and Day 7 tests for inbound passengers for International Flights

While it is a stringent requirement that all inbound passengers perform a Day 2 test within 48 hours of arrival into the country; and an additional Day 7 PCR test for all partially or unvaccinated inbound passengers, we cannot stress enough how important the strict adherence to these protocols are.

These tests are mandatory to assist the State monitor the inflow of positive passengers, which we have identified as a veritable source of our waves and community spread.

Based on this, we will commence the prosecution of those that refuse to submit themselves for these mandatory tests by blacklisting their passports for 1 year.

This would be carried out in partnership with the Presidential Steering Committee. In addition, all foreigners that flout the rules would be subject to possible deportation. Therefore, I implore all intending inbound passengers to perform their required tests at any of the private laboratories within the Lagos State Private Laboratory Consortium as and at when due.

Fake Covid Test Results And Vaccination Cards

It is also pertinent to mention at this point that we have received very disturbing information about intending outbound passengers procuring fake Covid test results and/or vaccination cards for travel purposes.  This is a very worrisome trend for us to note and we are currently working with the NCDC, DSS and the Police to investigate and bring to book the criminal gangs involved in this reprehensible activity.

We implore everyone to desist from patronizing these gangs, as anyone found with a fake COVID test result and/or vaccination card will also be liable to prosecution and very stiff penalties.

 

Our State Mobile Courts will be used to prosecute all those involved in flouting the regulations; as well as those engaged in the fraudulent production of fake covid test results and vaccination certificates.

 

Testing Protocols

Up until today and into the future, the Lagos State Government is still offering free COVID-19 testing at all our public facilities for those that fit our case definition for COVID-19 infections. If anyone has any symptoms indicating a possible infection, please proceed to any of our public laboratories to get tested. We are also still operating our 10 sample collection sites at the level of our LGAs and encourage residents to proceed to these centres to get their samples taken if they feel ill or have been exposed to anyone who has an infection. It is also important to reiterate that our private laboratories are still available for those who want to test outside of the public health response.

 

Booster Doses

I am also very happy to announce that the Presidential Steering Committee, in partnership with the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency and the Federal Ministry of Health, has approved the administration of booster doses for anyone with the criteria below:

  1. Any persons 18 years and above;
  2. Time interval of 6 months or more after receiving the second dose of Astra Zeneca, Moderna or Pfizer Bio-N-Tech; or
  3. Time interval of 2 months or more after receiving the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

Consequently, all Lagos residents should proceed to any of our public health facilities to receive these vaccines for free and at any of our 30 private priority health facilities to access them for an administrative fee of N4,500 per dose.

 

 

Mitigating the Fourth Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Our approach to mitigating the effects of the ongoing wave of the COVID-19 pandemic include the following:

  • Increasing the percentage of vaccinated residents of Lagos State from 1.6% to 30% within one year. I have specifically mandated the Lagos State Ministry of Health to administer 8 million doses to 4 million residents by the 25thof December 2021 under the Count Me In campaign. We have deployed a robust strategy that involves the private sector to improve access to vaccines.

We are launching 30 private priority sites for those who want to be vaccinated within a private health facility. While vaccination at public centres remains free, there is an administration fee (N4,500 per dose and N6,000 for two doses) at private centres. To register for the vaccination, please visit the registration portal at https://nphcda.vaccination.gov.ng/

Over the next couple of days, the Lagos State Government will release policies to facilitate the uptake of vaccines to achieve desirable herd immunity.

Guidelines for Social Events and Gatherings During the Festive Period

All Social Events must be duly registered to obtain Event Safety Clearance from the Lagos State Safety Commission website: www.lasgsafetyreg.com prior to holding; and the guidelines set out below must be strictly adhered to.

o   Where possible events should be held outdoors.

o   Occupancy limit at any event must not exceed 60% of maximum design capacity of the event centre.

o   Every attendee of a social gathering MUST present their Vaccination Cards or digital bar code page showing at least first dose but preferably double dose full vaccination.

o   In unvaccinated people, a negative PCR within 72 hours will be an exemption.

o   Everybody, irrespective of vaccination status, MUST be subject to Rapid Diagnostic test (Antigen) to be conducted AT THE EVENT VENUE OR within 24hrs prior to the event at designated laboratories. (Request for rapid tests at the venue requires an application through the Safety Commission).

o   Under 18 years of age are unvaccinated and the above applies.

o   Guests and service providers with high temperature (above 37.5) are to be politely turned back and referred to paramedics or the emergency response team on ground.

o   All guests and service providers at the event must wear a nose mask or face shield before entry.

o   All guests and service providers must endeavour to wash their hands before entering the venue or use hand sanitisers after which temperature checks should be carried out.

o   Hand sanitisers to be positioned at the entry point and different spots within the venue.

In Conclusion

Despite the huge financial obligation and constraints associated with managing this pandemic, our administration will continue to do everything within its power to ensure the preservation of the lives and livelihood of residents of Lagos State. As always, I would like to thank all members of our Emergency Operations Centre and our Incident Command System, in addition to all our health workers in the public and private sectors, without leaving out our colleagues in the federal institutions for their dedication and commitment in the management of this response. Once again, I implore all residents of Lagos to comply with all guidelines and join hands with the government in the management of this pandemic.

 

Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu

Governor of Lagos State

December 7, 2021

  • PRESS RELEASE

 

OMICRON VARIANT: WE’LL PROSECUTE ANYONE FLOUTING COVID-19 GUIDELINES, TRAVEL PROTOCOLS- SANWO-OLU

…Offenders’ passports to be blacklisted for one year.

…Gov warns against procurement of fake COVID-19 test results

 

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday said his government through the courts will prosecute anyone found wanting in compliance with the current guidelines on travel protocols released by the Presidential Steering Committee.

Sanwo-Olu said Lagos State Government in partnership with the Presidential Steering Committee will commence the prosecution of those that refuse to submit themselves for the mandatory tests by blacklisting their passports for a period of one year.

“All foreigners that flout the rules would be subjected to possible deportation. Therefore, I implore all intending inbound passengers to perform their required tests at any of the private laboratories within the Lagos State Private Laboratory Consortium as and when due,” the governor said in a statement he issued and signed on Tuesday.

The current guidelines on travel protocols released by the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19, which must be followed by all passengers arriving in Nigeria are; a COVID-19 PCR test to be done within 48hrs before departure; Post arrival Day 2 COVID-19 PCR test; All partially and unvaccinated individuals to self-isolate for seven days following arrival into the country and a Day 7 release PCR test; All outbound passengers to demonstrate evidence of full vaccination against COVID-19; and Negative PCR test result within 48hrs from the time to boarding a flight out of Nigeria.

Governor Sanwo-Olu assured Lagosians that despite the huge financial obligations and constraints associated with managing the COVID-19 pandemic, his administration will continue to do everything within its power to ensure the preservation of the lives and livelihood of residents of Lagos State.

He said Regulation of Day 2 and Day 7 tests for inbound passengers for International flights are mandatory to assist Lagos State monitor the inflow of positive passengers, which it has identified as a veritable source of waves and community spread of the virus.

The governor also warned against intending outbound passengers procuring fake COVID test results and/or vaccination cards for travel purposes, disclosing that “the State Government is currently working with the NCDC, DSS and the Nigerian Police Force to investigate and bring to book the criminal gangs involved in this reprehensible activity.”

“We implore everyone to desist from patronizing these gangs, as anyone found with a fake COVID test result and/or vaccination card will also be liable to prosecution and very stiff penalties.

“Our State Mobile Courts will be used to prosecute all those involved in flouting the regulations; as well as those engaged in the fraudulent production of fake covid test results and vaccination certificates. To this end, the Lagos State Ministry of Health is collaborating with various enforcement stakeholders from the Ministry of Justice and the Task Force to ensure prompt prosecution of these individuals.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu said Lagos like in other parts of the world, including Africa, is experiencing the beginning of a fourth wave with a current positivity rate of six per cent, which is against the positivity rates of 0.1 per cent as of the middle of November 2021 in the State.

“Based on our analysis, the fourth wave was brought by the non-adherence to the laid down protocols to mitigate this pandemic. I would want to use this opportunity once again to appeal to everyone to get vaccinated and join hands with the Lagos State Government in managing this wave of the pandemic in this festive season by following the guidelines we have set, especially regarding the use of face masks, public gatherings and travelling in and out of Lagos State,” he said.

Speaking on efforts being put in place by the Lagos State Government to mitigate the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Sanwo-Olu said his administration has deployed a robust strategy that involves the private sector to improve access to vaccines.

“Our approach to mitigating the effects of the ongoing wave of the COVID-19 pandemic includes increasing the percentage of vaccinated residents of Lagos State from 1.6 percent to 30 percent within one year. I have specifically mandated the Lagos State Ministry of Health to administer eight million doses to four million residents of Lagos State people by the 25th of December 2021 under the Count Me In campaign.

“We are launching 30 private priority sites for those who want to be vaccinated within a private health facility. While vaccination at public centres remains free, there is an administration fee (N4,500 per dose and N6,000 for two doses) at private centres. To register for the vaccination, please        visit     the       registration      portal at https://nphcda.vaccination.gov.ng/

“Over the next couple of days, the Lagos State Government would release policies to facilitate the uptake of vaccines to achieve desirable herd immunity,” the governor said.

As parts of the measures put in place to curb the spread of the virus, especially during the festive period, Governor Sanwo-Olu said occupancy limit at any event must not exceed 60 percent of maximum design capacity as stipulated by the Lagos State Safety Commission, adding that attendees of social gatherings must present their Vaccination Cards or digital bar code page showing at least first dose but preferably double dose full vaccination.

Speaking on the Epidemiology Update, Governor Sanwo-Olu disclosed that: “As of the 5th of December 2021, Lagos State had recorded a total of 78,564 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Of this number, 71,977 have recovered in the community and 612 are currently being managed actively in the community. Over the course of managing the COVID-19 pandemic, about 6,066 patients have been admitted into our various COVID-19 care centres in Lagos: with 686 registered fatalities.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu who commended the frontline workers and health workers at the State and federal levels for their dedication and commitment in the management of the response to the pandemic implored all residents of Lagos to comply with all the COVID-19 guidelines and join hands with the government in the management of the pandemic.

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

DECEMBER 7, 2021

PRESS RELEASE

 

OMICRON VARIANT: WE’LL PROSECUTE ANYONE FLOUTING COVID-19 GUIDELINES, TRAVEL PROTOCOLS- SANWO-OLU

…Offenders’ passports to be blacklisted for one year.

…Gov warns against procurement of fake COVID-19 test results

 

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday said his government through the courts will prosecute anyone found wanting in compliance with the current guidelines on travel protocols released by the Presidential Steering Committee.

Sanwo-Olu said Lagos State Government in partnership with the Presidential Steering Committee will commence the prosecution of those that refuse to submit themselves for the mandatory tests by blacklisting their passports for a period of one year.

“All foreigners that flout the rules would be subjected to possible deportation. Therefore, I implore all intending inbound passengers to perform their required tests at any of the private laboratories within the Lagos State Private Laboratory Consortium as and when due,” the governor said in a statement he issued and signed on Tuesday.

The current guidelines on travel protocols released by the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19, which must be followed by all passengers arriving in Nigeria are; a COVID-19 PCR test to be done within 48hrs before departure; Post arrival Day 2 COVID-19 PCR test; All partially and unvaccinated individuals to self-isolate for seven days following arrival into the country and a Day 7 release PCR test; All outbound passengers to demonstrate evidence of full vaccination against COVID-19; and Negative PCR test result within 48hrs from the time to boarding a flight out of Nigeria.

Governor Sanwo-Olu assured Lagosians that despite the huge financial obligations and constraints associated with managing the COVID-19 pandemic, his administration will continue to do everything within its power to ensure the preservation of the lives and livelihood of residents of Lagos State.

He said Regulation of Day 2 and Day 7 tests for inbound passengers for International flights are mandatory to assist Lagos State monitor the inflow of positive passengers, which it has identified as a veritable source of waves and community spread of the virus.

The governor also warned against intending outbound passengers procuring fake COVID test results and/or vaccination cards for travel purposes, disclosing that “the State Government is currently working with the NCDC, DSS and the Nigerian Police Force to investigate and bring to book the criminal gangs involved in this reprehensible activity.”

“We implore everyone to desist from patronizing these gangs, as anyone found with a fake COVID test result and/or vaccination card will also be liable to prosecution and very stiff penalties.

“Our State Mobile Courts will be used to prosecute all those involved in flouting the regulations; as well as those engaged in the fraudulent production of fake covid test results and vaccination certificates. To this end, the Lagos State Ministry of Health is collaborating with various enforcement stakeholders from the Ministry of Justice and the Task Force to ensure prompt prosecution of these individuals.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu said Lagos like in other parts of the world, including Africa, is experiencing the beginning of a fourth wave with a current positivity rate of six per cent, which is against the positivity rates of 0.1 per cent as of the middle of November 2021 in the State.

“Based on our analysis, the fourth wave was brought by the non-adherence to the laid down protocols to mitigate this pandemic. I would want to use this opportunity once again to appeal to everyone to get vaccinated and join hands with the Lagos State Government in managing this wave of the pandemic in this festive season by following the guidelines we have set, especially regarding the use of face masks, public gatherings and travelling in and out of Lagos State,” he said.

Speaking on efforts being put in place by the Lagos State Government to mitigate the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Sanwo-Olu said his administration has deployed a robust strategy that involves the private sector to improve access to vaccines.

“Our approach to mitigating the effects of the ongoing wave of the COVID-19 pandemic includes increasing the percentage of vaccinated residents of Lagos State from 1.6 percent to 30 percent within one year. I have specifically mandated the Lagos State Ministry of Health to administer eight million doses to four million residents of Lagos State people by the 25th of December 2021 under the Count Me In campaign.

“We are launching 30 private priority sites for those who want to be vaccinated within a private health facility. While vaccination at public centres remains free, there is an administration fee (N4,500 per dose and N6,000 for two doses) at private centres. To register for the vaccination, please        visit     the       registration      portal at https://nphcda.vaccination.gov.ng/

“Over the next couple of days, the Lagos State Government would release policies to facilitate the uptake of vaccines to achieve desirable herd immunity,” the governor said.

As parts of the measures put in place to curb the spread of the virus, especially during the festive period, Governor Sanwo-Olu said occupancy limit at any event must not exceed 60 percent of maximum design capacity as stipulated by the Lagos State Safety Commission, adding that attendees of social gatherings must present their Vaccination Cards or digital bar code page showing at least first dose but preferably double dose full vaccination.

Speaking on the Epidemiology Update, Governor Sanwo-Olu disclosed that: “As of the 5th of December 2021, Lagos State had recorded a total of 78,564 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Of this number, 71,977 have recovered in the community and 612 are currently being managed actively in the community. Over the course of managing the COVID-19 pandemic, about 6,066 patients have been admitted into our various COVID-19 care centres in Lagos: with 686 registered fatalities.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu who commended the frontline workers and health workers at the State and federal levels for their dedication and commitment in the management of the response to the pandemic implored all residents of Lagos to comply with all the COVID-19 guidelines and join hands with the government in the management of the pandemic.

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

DECEMBER 7, 2021

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

LAGOS FIRST LADY SENSITIZES 1,000 TRANSPORT WORKERS ON RAPE, GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

…Hooliganism, Sale Of Alcoholic Drinks Now History In Our Parks, Says MC Oluomo  

 

 

Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu on Thursday urged members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to key into the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and become ambassadors of the advocacy to stamp the menace out of the society.

 

She spoke at the State Headquarters of NURTW located in the Oko-Oba area of Agege during a sensitization visit organized by her office for over 1,000 transport union workers in line with the ongoing global 16 days of activism against SGBV.

 

“We have been moving across the state with this advocacy. This time around we decided that we are coming to meet our brothers and sisters of the NURTW here. This is the first time I am coming here and I am happy to be with you. We are reminding everyone that we should not be involved in domestic violence and sexual violence.

 

“These are things that are wrong and we should not take them lightly. We must kick these crimes out of Lagos State. When a woman says no, her no should mean no and it must be respected. When you see something, you must say something and do something. You all must be our ambassadors against the menace,” she said.

 

The First Lady said like all other professions, it was unlikely to have one or two bad eggs among transport workers, adding that others must work to expose and shame such members so that they do not continue to soil the collective image of the transport union.

 

She said the State Government had enacted a law that supports the Sex Offenders Register to name and shame perpetrators of sexual crimes, just as she spoke against encouraging intake of all sorts of sachet alcoholic beverages and mixtures which could trigger mental health and SGBV issues.

 

She said in addition to the earlier unveiling of signposts against SGBV in some Local Government Areas, efforts would soon be made to declare car parks and bus parks as Rape Free Zones, among other initiatives to stamp out the menace.

 

Also speaking, the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat urged parents to wake up and be vigilant in protecting their children against sexual predators, saying it had been observed that abuse of minors was now rampant.

 

In his welcome remarks, the State Chairman of NURTW, Alhaji Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo commended the First Lady for the advocacy against SGBV, saying members of the union were happy to receive her.

 

He said it was gratifying to note that hooliganism and the sale of alcohol have now become history in the bus parks controlled by the NURTW, adding that no efforts would be spared to sustain peaceful conduct by members of the union.

 

“Personally, I have never tasted alcohol in my life. I have never smoked cigarettes as well. I will never be in a position to encourage drug abuse and sexual abuse by our members.

 

“It is also worthy to note that the issue of hooliganism especially during the change of leadership in the parks is now a thing of the past in our Union. We also have children who we are praying to God to be successful in life. Therefore, we will continue to speak out against acts of violence in any form,” Akinsanya said.

 

At the advocacy visit, an expert on SGBV matters and a retired director in the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Mrs. Ibudunni Alakija-Ladapo anchored a special lecture on SGBV, while various information materials were distributed to members of the NURTW who were drawn from across the state.

 

SIGNED

OLUBUKONLA NWONAH

ASSIST DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS

OFFICE OF LAGOS STATE FIRST LADY

DECEMBER 9, 2021

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

SANWO-OLU DIRECTS FULL EXCISION ON UNTITLED LAND IN LAGOS TO CURB LAND GRABBING

 

  • Governor: ‘Those sabotaging e-GIS system to be purged out of Govt’

 

  • Monthly tenancy set to kick off in Lagos

 

The incessant issue of land grabbing may become a thing of the past anytime soon in Lagos State, as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu orders complete excision on untitled land across the State.

 

The Governor’s directive represents a major turning point in land administration in Lagos, as the exercise would enable the State Government to carry out documented delineation on communal land and land owned by the families. At the end of the exercise, the issues of land grabbing by thugs working for land owners are expected to be curbed.

 

Sanwo-Olu gave the order at the Lagos Real Estate Market Place Conference and Exhibitions organised by the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island. The two-day event with the theme: “Lagos: 21st Century Real Estate Investment Hub”, is the second edition to be held by the agency.

 

Land is a limited asset in Lagos, which is a coastal State. Activities of land-grabbers have created an unpredictable climate in land acquisition in Lagos, robbing private real estate investors and individuals of fortunes.

 

Sanwo-Olu said a technical committee will be set up to fine-tune the framework for the excision process on untitled land, with the objective to granting Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) to land owners for transparent sales of the asset.

 

The Governor condemned an effort by State officials to frustrate and sabotage the full take-off of the State’s Enterprise Geographic Information System (e-GIS) project initiated to automate approval of land surveys and allocation titles in one talk shop. Sanwo-Olu issued a stern warning, saying he would be ruthless in purging out saboteurs in the ranks of Government.

 

He said: “One of the issues we are working on is the ownership of land. There is a large parcel of land across Lagos that doesn’t have the Government title.

 

“It is to announce to this gathering that I’ve made up my mind that we are going to do excision for untitled land. This process will kick off next year and we will set up a committee whose composition will represent all traditional divisions in Lagos. With equity and fairness, we will yield proper titles on all the land, so that the issue of land grabbing can be reduced to minimum.

 

“We will also be carrying out genuine reform in our Survey Department. We need to have our e-GIS platform up and running after 10 years that it was initiated. I’m expressing my disappointment in some Government officials sabotaging these efforts. I will look for the culprits and I will be ruthless in meting out punishment. I will ensure these saboteurs have no place in my Government.”

 

By next year, Sanwo-Olu said a new policy of monthly tenancy on property occupancy would kick off in Lagos. The concept, he said, is not to punish the landlord or reduce the expected revenue of the property owner.

 

He said monthly tenancy would ease off pressure of yearly rent on tenants, as the new policy is designed to make people pay their rents according to their monthly earnings. The policy, Sanwo-Olu said, emanated from an agreement reached by association of tenants, consortium of financiers and the Government.

 

Addressing the cause of high affordability of property in Lagos, the Governor said the State’s partnership with the private sector had raised the housing stock but added that non-availability of long-tenure mortgage bonds made it impossible for low-income earners to benefit.

 

The Government, he said, is thinking out of the box to design a financing model that would reduce burden on mortgage applicants, while also charging real estate developers to reduce the cost of developing property by engaging local competence for skills outsourced to foreigners.

 

He said: “We should not just build property only for consumers, we must also build skills and integrate them in our built environment to showcase great output. Technical and vocational skills are things we must deliberately harness and reflect in our work. At the end of the day, we must be able to design a housing development and ownership model that is fit for our purpose and peculiar to our local needs.”

 

Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said real estate remained the most sought after investment, noting that the market, apart from creating sustainable jobs, also has the highest potential of growing the economy of any nation.

 

She said the State Government realised the need for investors and consumers to know policies put in place and how the knowledge of all the policies could assist stakeholders in making informed decisions in investing in the real estate market.

 

Benson-Awoyinka said: “As a Government, we have realised this fact and as such, have been making business friendly policies that can assist would-be investors and consumers to operate in a conducive business environment. LASRERA has strengthened its efforts to make this sector more vibrant by ensuring that practitioners operate within the ambit of the law.

 

“The agency has registered over 100 individuals and organisations that approached the Government to regularise their operations with us. We have seen positive results from this undertaking, as the State, through the LASRERA, has resolved several reported cases of fraudulent practices brought to the attention of the agency in a very professional manner.”

 

As regulator, the Special Adviser urged investors and consumers to make LASRERA their first point of contact before investing in real estate in any part of Lagos.

 

There was a panel discussion with the theme: “How the real estate sector can drive social implications and opportunities in Lagos”, moderated by the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Sam Egube.

 

Audience at the conference comprised stakeholders in the built industry, including property developers, landlords, market facilitators and potential property buyers.

 

The stakeholders agreed that the Government’s primary business in the real estate sector must be maintenance of rule of law and effective regulations to protect investors and consumers.

 

Stakeholders also called for improvement in housing finance and introduction of affordable insurance policy in the sector.

 

They said LASRERA, as the regulator, should be an enabler that must make the market happen and not be a police in the sector. They urged the Government to resolve issues around titling of property to bring back confidence in the real estate market.

 

  

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

DECEMBER 7, 2021

PRESS RELEASE

 

SANWO-OLU, GBAJABIAMILA TASK FARMERS TO REDUCE FISH IMPORTATION

 

  • As NIFFR holds three-day training on code of conduct for responsible fisheries in Lagos

 

To reduce the importation of fish in Nigeria, governments and farmers have been tasked to work toward attaining self-sufficiency in fish production for the sustainable livelihood of fisherfolks in Nigeria.

 

The advice was given on Tuesday by the Speaker of House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the leadership of the National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research (NIFFR) at the opening ceremony of a three-day training on Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries in Lagos State organised by Ata Global Services Ltd in conjunction with NIFFR.

 

The training, which was facilitated by Gbajabiamila took place at Watercress Event Centre in Ikeja with the aim of training fish farmers on the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries for Fisheries Policy Makers, Officials and Fisherfolks in Lagos State.

 

Speaking at the event, Gbajabiamila, who was represented by his Senior Legislative Aide, Mr. Fuad Laguda, said the programme was organised by the Speaker for continuous empowerment of the people of Lagos State and Nigeria in general.

 

He charged the participants to make good use of what they learnt during the three-day training so that they will be able to give back to society to improve Nigeria’s economy by reducing foreign importation of fish into the country.

 

In his goodwill message, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the training programme aligned perfectly with his administration’s efforts toward development of aquaculture to meet the fish demand of Lagosians.

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, commended the management of the National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research on its efforts at sustaining the legacy of past leadership in the implementation of the mandate, which is strategic to achieving food security with regards to fish production.

 

He said the training programme by the institute is a step in the right direction to expose youths to opportunities in fish farming.

 

“It is a thing of concern that given our natural endowment in terms of water resources, a lot of our hard-earned foreign exchange is being expended on the importation of fish as a result of our inability to meet our local demand. It is however heartwarming that as a result of strong commitment from the Federal Government to resuscitate and develop the agriculture sector, a lot of progress is being achieved as evident in the drastic reduction of many food imports, including fish and fish products.

 

“I am happy to note that this training programme aligns perfectly with the efforts of the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State in the areas of development of aquaculture, to meet the fish demand of our population,” he said.

 

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Governing Board, Chief Mutiu Are urged farmers to echo the need for policy consistency on the part of the government, as well as sustained engagement by development partners in order to transform the latent potentials in Nigeria’s freshwater fisheries sector into tangible results.

 

Are, who was represented by the Acting Executive Director, NIFFR, Dr. (Mrs) Stella Ovie, said the three-day training is a top-level, high-impact and strategic intervention platform to re-orientate, re-invigorate and propel to international standards the fisheries industry in Lagos State.

 

He said Lagos State has a real capacity to positively impact and promote the domestication of responsible practices in the nation’s fishery sector in line with the well-publicised vision and policy focus of the Federal and Lagos State governments.

 

“This particular training programme on Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries for Fisheries Policy Makers, Officials and Fisherfolks in Lagos State is especially dear to us for several reasons. Firstly, Lagos State as the acclaimed ‘Centre of Excellence’ in Nigeria is in a prime position to influence the dissemination of fisheries industry best practices across the country.

 

“Secondly, in line with the policy focus of the Lagos and Federal governments to promote the Lagos mega-city project, it is expected that an economic sector as vast and impactful as that of Lagos State needs to be shaped and upgraded to world standard,” he said.

 

Speaking in her capacity as Acting Executive Director of NIFFR, Dr. Ovie said the goal of the institute is to attain self-sufficiency in fish and fisheries production for sustainable livelihood of fisherfolks through aquaculture and rational exploitation of inland aquatic resources in Nigeria.

 

She said the training facilitated by Gbajabiamila in empowering Lagos youths, is very critical in transforming the unemployed citizens, not only to successful entrepreneurship but also employers of labour in their own right.

 

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

DECEMBER 7, 2021

 

 

 

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AKPABIO BLESSING TO NIGERIA - NIGER DELTA YOUTHS

AKPABIO, BLESSING TO NIGERIA – NIGER DELTA YOUTHS

  • WARN DETRACTORS

 

Youths in the Niger Delta on Saturday lauded Senator Godswill Akpabio for launching the Strategic Implementation Work Plan (SIWP), describing the plan as a noble ideal and the most desirable objective in the region’s development policies.

‘’SIWP is one of the best things that have happened to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. It will ensure rapid development of the region’’

The youths in a statement in Port Harcourt applauded the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio for choosing the right method of putting the policies of the current administration into effect, respecting the opinions of the Niger Delta people and discarding the yoke of corruption.

‘’Senator Godswill Akpabio is a blessing to Nigeria. He is installing the culture of transparency and accountability in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The statement underscored Akpabio’s approach to the development of the Niger Delta region, a vision of what a great Niger Delta of the future should be and termination to the plundering of the national wealth through NDDC.

Signed by the Chairman of the Niger Delta Progressives Movement (NDPM), Mr Julius Ita, the youths described the pronouncements of Ijaw Interest Advocates and Niger Delta People’s Forum as ‘’irresponsible, parochial and sheer nonsense’’.

‘’Members of Izanzan Intellectual Camp and Niger Delta People’s Forum are blind to reason’’

The youths applauded Akpabio for inspiring the Niger Delta people, guiding the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) along a road accepted by the stakeholders and working increasingly in order to develop the region.

‘’Senator Godswill Akpabio deserves support and encouragement’’

The statement also emphasised Akpabio’s straightforwardness of purpose, integrity, dedication to the region’s development priorities, and outstanding job performance.

‘’Chief Godswill Akpabio is working closely with the stakeholders and doing what is right’’.

They urged President Muhammadu Buhari to reject the counsel of the Ovie of Idjerhe kingdom, IIA Coordinator, Arerebo Yerinmene and NDPF Chairman, Chief Boma Ebiakpo.

The youths also urged them to adopt the development principle of emphasizing those things that are positive about the former governor of Akwa-Ibom State.

‘’Our goal is to set matters right. The Ovie of Idjerhe kingdom, IIA Coordinator, Arerebo Yerinmene and Chairman, Niger Delta People’s Forum, Chief Boma Ebiakpo are ignorant of what the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs is doing. They are also putting back the hands of the clock of our progress’’

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DELIVERY OF MORE ROADS- BUHARI EXPECT COMPLETION

EXPECT COMPLETION, DELIVERY OF MORE ROADS- BUHARI 

CSOs Statement of Solidarity with SERAP 

 

We, the undersigned civil society organizations urge the Government of President Muhammadu Buhari to put an end to the intimidation and harassment of Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), an independent anti-corruption watchdog, and end escalating intimidation and aggression towards human rights defenders and journalists.

 

Following SERAP’s public interest cases brought against the Government, presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu issued a statement warning the organization to “desist from putting out its divisive, irresponsible, and bare-faced publicity stunts”. According to Mr Shehu, “SERAP should stop the publicity stunt and end the repeated ridiculous claims that it is bringing legal action against the Government and/or President of Nigeria.”

 

We are seriously concerned that this intimidatory tactic by the government against SERAP solely for peacefully carrying out its mandates illustrates the growing repression of civil society, attacks on journalists, and restriction of civic space in Nigeria.

 

Continuous and increasing attacks and intimidation against civil society organizations, human rights and journalists in the country is antithetical to Nigeria’s international human rights obligations including under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights both of which the country has ratified.

 

We are concerned that the attack on SERAP is clearly aimed at creating a climate of intimidation against civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and journalists in the country. The targeting of civil society organizations and human rights defenders will have a chilling effect on the promotion and protection of human rights and respect for the rule of law in the country.

 

The Government must strongly condemn the threats, harassment, and intimidation of SERAP and other groups, human rights defenders and journalists and ensure a conducive environment for them to carry out their work and operate freely without any fear of reprisals.

 

Signed by

 

  1. Amnesty International Nigeria
  2. Human Rights Watch
  3. Adopt A Goal Initiative
  4. Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD)
  5. Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC)
  6. Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre
  7. Enough is Enough Nigeria (EiE Nigeria)
  8. Femi Falana SAN
  9. Access to Justice
  10. Sterling Centre for Law & Development
  11. Justice Support Network
  12. Paradigm Initiative
  13. Connected Development (CODE)
  14. Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA)
  15. Justice for Peace and Development Initiative
  16. M.H.O.G Foundation
  17. TechHerNG
  18. Sesor
  19. Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development (CEHRD)
  20. Baobab for Women’s Human Rights
  21. Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)
  22. Global Rights
  23. NOPRIN
  24. Alliances for Africa (AfA)
  25. Nigerian Feminist Forum (NFF)
  26. Centre for Impact Advocacy
  27. Rights Enforcement and Public Law Centre (REPLACE)
  28. Premium Times Centre For Investigative Journalism (PTCIJ)

 

 

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF WORKS AND HOUSING

 

Press Release

Thursday, December 9th, 2021

 

EXPECT COMPLETION, DELIVERY OF MORE ROADS- BUHARI 

… As FG Commissions Kano – Maiduguri Road, Section III 

… SUKUK funding aiding progress of our Road projects – Fashola

…State Government, residents , commuters commend FG, Minister 

 

As the progressive train of the season of completion and impact arrived in the North East on Thursday, President Muhammadu Buhari has told Nigerians to expect more completion and delivery of road projects across the nation.

 

The President spoke in Azare, Bauchi State during the commissioning and handing over of the 106.341 Kilometers Kano -Maiduguri Road, Section III (Azare-Potiskum) in Bauchi and Yobe States.

 

The President was represented at the commissioning ceremony by the Honourable Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Maryam Katagum.

 

President Buhari reiterated the commitment of his administration to Infrastructural development and gave the assurance that Nigerians would be witnessing more completion and delivery of projects.

 

The President who emphasized his administration’s commitment to economic growth through infrastructural development, appealed to road users to desist from acts that could damage the road.

 

According to him, activities such as overloading of vehicles and trucks, spilling of petroleum products on the roads and conversion of road shoulders to permanent parking places damages the road and reduces its life span.

 

“We must all do our best to avoid these practices, report them when they occur and act in a lawful manner to stop them”, he said.

 

The Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Muhammed commended President Muhammad Buhari for approving the dualization and extension of two major highways that connect the state’s metropolis.

 

The highways are the dualization and extension of Kano Road, from Giwa Academy, Abubakar Tafawa University Main Campus, Nigerian Air Force Base- Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport with a distance of 17.7kms and the expansion of Maiduguri-Awala- Bauchi State University.

 

The Governor who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Baba Tela, noted that the roads were near completion and expressed optimism that the state government would be reimbursed by the Federal Government as soon as the state of the economy improves in the country.

 

He further applauded the collaborative effort between the Federal and Bauchi State government to restore the Bauchi-Ningi Road and Bogoro- Bauchi -Dawaki Road damaged by flood during the last rainy season.

 

He also expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari and Works and Housing Minister, Mr Babatunde Fashola SAN for bringing the project to conclusion.

 

In his address, the Minister of Works and Housing, represented by the Director, North East, Engr. Celestine Shausu, stated that the SUKUK funding option which the Federal Government adopted is currently aiding the progress of work on 44 roads across the nation.

 

“The SUKUK is currently contributing to progress of work on 44 roads across Nigeria and as we complete them, events like this will hold,” he said

 

Fashola commended all the stakeholders both in private and public institutions who have contributed to the actualization of the project.

 

In his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works and Housing, Mr Babangida Hussaini who was represented by the Federal Controller of Works, Engr. Salihu Ahmed said that the Kano-Maiduguri Section III (Azare -Potiskum) connects four Local Government Areas in Bauchi (Azare and Dambam) and Yobe  (Nangere and Potiskum) States respectively.

 

 

His Royal Highness, the Emir of Katagum, Alhaji Dr Umar Farouq II, commended the Federal Government for completing the road which was abandoned for more than 20 years by previous administrations.

 

He said that the road was important to the socio-economic development of the benefiting communities.

 

He applauded the administration of President Muhammad Buhari, for completing the projects he met on ground when he came on board, adding that governance should be a continuous process.

 

Various members of the community and road users on the project spoken to expressed appreciation and gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola SAN, for ensuring the completion of the road, stating that the work has brought a lot of relief to them and improved their socio-economic activities in many ways.

 

While delivering the vote of thanks, General Manager, Messrs Mothercat, Engr. Raffi Kevorkian thanked the Federal Government for finding the company worthy of carrying out the construction work and also appreciated the community for their cooperation during the construction work.

 

He pledged the company’s cooperation with the Federal Government of Nigeria in the delivering of quality and durable roads for her citizens.

 

The commissioning and hand over of Azare- Potiskum Section III (Azare – Potiskum) is the fourth in the series after the Sokoto – Tambuwal -Jega -Kontagora – Makera Road in Sokoto and Kebbi states,  Vandeikya -Obudu Cattle Ranch Road in Benue and Cross River states, and Nnewe-Oduma Road Section in Enugu and Ebonyi States.

 

 

 

Boade Akinola 

Director Press and Public Relations

Thursday, December 9th, 2021

GOVERNOR SANWO-OLU’S PRESS STATEMENT:

 

 

LET’S PIVOT TO WORK FOR PEACE

 

Since my last address to you, the good people of Lagos State on Tuesday 30, November 2021, during which I expressed a desire to lead a Walk for Peace, following the outcome of the work of the Judicial Panel on Restitution for Victims of SARS Related Abuses and Other Matters, I have been inundated with deep expressions of solidarity from various groups and people declaring their readiness to join me on the symbolic walk.

 

Indeed, I owe a special debt of gratitude to our youths and students, who reached out to either members of my team or directly to me, expressing their readiness to join me on the planned Walk for Peace. They include many of our Civil Society Leaders, business leaders within and outside of Corporate Lagos, religious leaders, members of the Diplomatic Community, entertainers, Market Associations, Trade Associations and Women Groups who have committed time and resources to preparing for the Peace Walk. I thank you all.

 

When the unseen enemy called Covid-19 began to ravage the world and indeed our nation, I assumed the role of the Incident Commander in our quest to protect the lives of our people. We subjected ourselves to the dictates of science. We chose to be guided not by our emotions, but expert opinions rooted in science. Between Tuesday 30, November 2021 that I made my address and now, we have seen a significant rise in cases associated with the Omicron variant of this pandemic.

 

Given this development, I am constrained to stand down all preparations for the Walk for Peace. I will not endanger the life of any Lagosian in my sincere search for peace. I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of support the initiative received from far and near. The deluge of support is, however, indicative of one thing: our people know the strategic place of peace to our quest for development.

 

 

I look forward to engaging with you as WE TOGETHER WORK FOR PEACE!

 

 

God bless Lagos State.

 

Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Governor, Lagos State.

Thursday, December 9, 2021

PRESS RELEASE

 

SANWO-OLU UNVEILS NEW POWER POLICY TO MEET LAGOS ELECTRICITY NEEDS

 

  • Framework to be implemented with private energy investors

 

An electricity sustainability framework that will provide reliable power to residential and industrial areas in Lagos State has been unveiled by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

 

The Governor, on Wednesday, launched the State’s Electricity Policy at an energy stakeholders’ event organised by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island.

 

The framework forms one of the technical components of the proposed Lagos State Electricity Law currently being developed to drive interventions towards improving access to electricity.

 

Partnership with private players in the power sector is the main thrust of the policy, which requires sustained capital investment in raising the capacity of the existing power infrastructure, while also generating from off-grid network.

 

Sanwo-Olu said the electricity policy unveiled articulated constitutional, legal, engineering and commercial foundations for creating a viable sub-national electricity system that would cater for energy needs of the State, while enabling socio-economic growth for Lagos and the nation.

 

The Governor said the State moved to explore alternative energy supply channels in response to growing demand occasioned by population growth and emergence of new residential and industrial areas. Energy requirement that will keep Lagos economy on the path of growth, Sanwo-Olu noted, has far exceeded the current 1,000 megawatts being supplied from the national grid, necessitating the move to explore alternative sources.

 

He said: “Given Lagos State’s status as the commercial nerve-center and economic hub of Nigeria, it is our firm belief that the attainment of universal electricity access in the State would accelerate the same across other parts of the country. Increased electricity access is one of the priority mandates of this administration, given its significance in driving sustainable economic development.

 

“There will be no economic development without sustainable energy. The economy needs energy to run and our objective as a Government is to deliver sustainable, reliable and affordable electricity to all Lagosians. The electricity policy being unveiled today does not only articulate the problems in the sector, it is also futuristic in the implementation of its provisions.”

 

Sanwo-Olu said the State would ramp up procurement of pre-paid meters for distribution to residents as part of the implementation of the electricity policy. This, he said, would promote transparency in the supply chain, while curbing electricity theft and discouraging estimated billing from the suppliers.

 

The Governor stressed that the set objectives of the electricity policy would only be realisable if the private partners showed equal commitment as the Government to boost capacity in off-grid generation and distribution network.

 

“As a Government, we believe one person cannot do it all. We need ideas and knowledge from each other, and form real partnership for coordination in the implementation of this framework,” Sanwo-Olu said.

 

Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Lere Odusote, said the electricity policy, apart from clearing out constitutional and legal framework for investors’ assurance, also provided for the establishment of an autonomous regulatory body and independent system operator.

 

Odusote said Lagos Government would hinge its partnership with the industry players on well-funded and well-managed generation, transmission and distribution.

 

The State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyo Onigbanjo, SAN, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Titilayo Shitta-Bey, said the framework was the first step to bringing Lagos out from constitutional obstruction that restricted the State from exploring electricity supply options.

 

The tone for the Government’s partnership with the private energy investors was set by a panel of discussion moderated by Soji Awogbade, an energy lawyer and founding partner of Aelex.

 

The panelists included chairman of Ikeja Electric Plc and Egbon Power Plc, Mr. Kola Adeshina; co-founder of Falcon Corporation, Mrs. Audrey Joe-Ezigbo; Chief Executive Officer, Infrastructure Credit Guarantee Company Limited, Mr. Chinua Azubuike; Deputy Chief of Party, Power Africa, Mr. Tunde Gbajumo and Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA).

 

The stakeholders praised the Lagos Government for its commitment to boost power supply through the electricity framework; they argued that the implementation must focus more on supply for industrial consumption and productive activities rather than residential for sustainability of the plan.

 

Stakeholders also urged the Government to explore the options of clean and renewable energy infrastructure in order not to worsen environmental challenges facing the State.

 

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

DECEMBER 8, 2021

PRESS RELEASE

RAPE: SANWO-OLU’S WIFE VOWS TO SPEAK FOR THE VOICELESS

…Takes SGBV Advocacy To Judiciary, Police, NGOs

 

Lagos First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday vowed to continue to be a voice to the voiceless towards stamping out all forms of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), especially rape of women and girls and defilement of minors.

 

She spoke during the continuation of her SGBV advocacy visit to the Lagos State Judiciary, the State Police Command, and various Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) providing shelter for rape victims in the state.

 

The advocacy visit was in furtherance of the ongoing global 16 days of activism against SGBV designed to eliminate violence against women and girls.

 

At the State High Court, Ikeja where she was received by the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, the First Lady commended the judiciary for supporting the fight against SGBV, especially the conviction of perpetrators to send a clear message against the menace.

 

According to her, “It is important we come here to appreciate the Hon Judges and principal officers of the High Court of Lagos. We would like to say a big thank you to the judiciary for all you are doing in Lagos State.

 

“We have realized that we have to visit the special offenses and domestic violence courts and family courts to understand how the judiciary dispenses their cases.

 

“Therefore, we will encourage victims to use these family courts and not jettison their matters and opt for juicy offers by the perpetrators.”

 

She added that her office, in line with efforts of the Nigerian Governors’ Wives Forum (NGWF) would continue to work towards eliminating violence of all sorts against women and girls, and also men and boys.

 

“I am a voice to the voiceless and I will use my position to achieve that to the best of my ability. If someone is being raped somewhere, they should have hope and know that I am their voice.

 

“We cannot achieve this alone, it is a collective effort by all stakeholders, like the Ministries of Health, Education, Youth and Social Development, Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Justice, Judiciary, among others, and that is why we are here,” she said.

 

 

She said it was gratifying that the Sex Offenders Register was now operational in the state to name and shame perpetrators, while the state government has also established Rape Fund for victims and increased the Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) to three.

 

“On our part, a lot has been put in place to raise awareness on SGBV. We have sensitized community and religious leaders. Also, we have started our school advocacy by ensuring that we catch them young and sow seed from a tender age. Our plan is to inaugurate a Students’ Council, where students are made to be advocates in their homes, schools, and communities at large. Quite a number of them were alarmed at the consequences of rape and attempted rape,” she said.

 

At the Police Command, the First Lady emphasized the need for training and retraining of police officers so that knowledge is not terminated due to postings of officers nationwide.

 

She also harped on the issue of preserving evidence such that victims do not tamper with evidence such as used condoms, torn clothes, pants, body discharges, among others.

 

The First Lady equally visited some NGOs – CeceYara Foundation which is a child advocacy center for abused children and God’s Home for Women Foundation where she donated cash gifts and information materials on SGBV including books and stickers.

 

At the High Court, she donated books and other gift items, while the police Command got a photocopying machine and Desktop Computer from the First Lady in support of the fight against SGBV.

 

Responding, Justice Alogba said the special offenses cases were being given prompt attention in order to ensure the eradication of the menace of SGBV, just as he assured the First Lady that the judiciary would leave no stone unturned towards stamping out the menace.

 

On his part, CP Hakeem Odumosu commended the First Lady, and urged the citizens to support the fight against rape and other similar crimes.

 

The CP promised to use the donated equipment specifically for SGBV purposes to update data on the issue.

 

Obey court judgments or face contempt proceedings, SERAP tells Buhari govt

 

 

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked the government of President Muhammadu Buhari to “immediately take meaningful steps to implement several judgments obtained by SERAP against the Federal Government to raise money to fund the budget, reduce the growing level of borrowing, and address the escalating rule of law crisis in the country.”

 

SERAP said, “Unless the judgments are immediately implemented, SERAP will consider pursuing contempt proceedings against the Federal Government in national courts, and international sanctions against the administration for its persistent disobedience of court judgments.”

 

According to the organization, “among the several judgments the Buhari administration has failed to obey is the judgment by the ECOWAS Court of Justice in Abuja, which awarded N30m as compensation for the ill-treatment of journalist Agba Jalingo, who faced trumped-up and politically motivated charges of treason.”

 

The statement, read in part: “Another judgment the Buhari administration is failing to implement is the judgment by the ECOWAS Court which found the government responsible for abuses by oil companies and directed it to hold to account the companies and other perpetrators of oil pollution in the Niger Delta.”

 

“We urge President Buhari to without further delay publicly instruct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mr Abubakar Malami SAN to ensure the effective implementation of all of the judgments obtained by SERAP and other outstanding judgments.”

 

Femi Falana SAN, who presented SERAP Law Report to the public today at the Media Briefing organized by SERAP in collaboration with the MacArthur Foundation, USA, said: “We are surprised that the Buhari administration took a swipe at SERAP for going to court to challenge acts of corruption and official impunity. In any country that professes to practice rule of law, it is height of ‘primitivity’ for government to challenge the act of going to court by the citizens.”

“This was firmly rooted in the case of Ojukwu v Gov of Lagos State which was decided during the military era. The victory over the military junta came through protests and other acts challenging official impunity in court and other lawful fora.”

“It is quite ironical that those who have protested against misrule and impunity are the past are now in bed with those in government and clamps down on attempt protest by the citizens.”

The Media Briefing titled “Rule of Law Crisis: How failure of the Buhari government to enforce court judgements is contributing to grand corruption and impunity in Nigeria” was held at the Radisson Hotel, Isaac John Street, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

 

Falana also said: “SERAP has embarked on public interest litigation in order to promote accountability and transparency in line with the tenets of the rule of law and constitutionalism. The publication of SERAP Law Report could not have come at a better time than now that anti-democratic forces are bent on imposing fascism on the country.”

 

“It is sad to note that many of the judgments delivered in favour of SERAP have been ignored by the Federal Government contrary to Section 287 of the Constitution which has imposed a binding obligation on all authorities and persons in Nigeria to comply with the verdicts of all courts. I enjoin SERAP to take advantage of the provisions of the law to enforce the judgments without any further delay.”

 

SERAP also said, “The failure and/or refusal to enforce and implement legally binding judgments of court is entirely inconsistent and incompatible with Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.”

 

The statement, read further: “It is unacceptable to take the court, which is the guardian of justice in this country, for a ride. A democratic state based on the rule of law cannot exist or function, if the government routinely ignores and/or fails to abide by court orders.”

 

“The persistent and deliberate disobedience of judges’ decisions would, ultimately, shatter citizens’ confidence and trust in the ability of the justice system to render justice for victims of corruption and human rights violations.”

 

“Obedience to the rule of law by all citizens but more particularly those who publicly took oath of office to protect and preserve the Constitution is a desideratum to good governance and respect for the rule of law. In a constitutional democracy like ours, this is meant to be the norm.”

 

“The implementation of these judgments will be a special moment for the government’s anti-corruption agenda and the supremacy of the rule of law in Nigeria, as it would go a long way in protecting the integrity of our legal system.”

 

“Implementing the judgments will provide the government the much-needed resources to fund national budgets, reduce the growing level of borrowing, and serve as effective deterrent to corrupt public officials and improve public confidence and trust in the administration’s oft-repeated commitment to fight corruption, respect human rights and observe the rule of law.”

 

“Implementing the judgments will also would be in keeping with Nigerians’ expectations, and entirely consistent with President Buhari’s oft-expressed commitment to ‘kill’ corruption–whether by public officials or private contractors—and help to build citizens’ trust and confidence in the ability of this government to take head-on the systemic corruption in Nigeria.”

 

“In his inaugural speech on May 29, 2015 President Muhammadu Buhari stated that ‘insecurity, pervasive corruption, the hitherto unending and seemingly impossible fuel and power shortages are the immediate concerns’.”

 

“Unfortunately, President Buhari’s government has made little to no progress in fulfilling the promises made to Nigerians to fight grand corruption, end impunity of perpetrators, respect the rule of law, and ensure access of socially and economically vulnerable Nigerians to basic public goods and services.”

 

“The government’s promise to fight corruption and end impunity imposes a moral and legal responsibility to protect the rule of law, ensure sustainable development and full respect for Nigerians’ constitutionally and internationally guaranteed human rights, as well as to obey court judgments.”

 

“The promises also impose a responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability at all levels of government, and mean that government and public officials should timely and consistently respond to Freedom of Information requests from Nigerians.”

 

“Lack of progress in the fight against grand corruption and the promise to obey the rule of law is further buttressed by the fact that many high-ranking officials suspected of corruption rarely end up in jail, as suspects continue to exploit the flaws in the justice system to the point where individuals are profiting from their crimes.”

 

“The government’s disdain for the rule of law is also illustrated by the tendency to pick and choose which court orders it complies with. This selective application of the rule of law invariably undermines the independence and integrity of the judiciary, and is counter-productive to the government’s own fight against corruption.”

 

“Other high-profile judgments obtained by SERAP that the Federal Government is refusing and/or failing to obey include the following: The first of such judgments is the judgment by Honourable Justice Hadiza Rabiu Shagari delivered on 5 July, 2017 ordering the Federal Government to tell Nigerians about the stolen asset it allegedly recovered, with details of the amounts recovered.”

 

“The second judgment, by Hon. Justice Mohammed Idris, on 26 February, 2016 ordered the Federal Government to publish details on the spending of stolen funds recovered by successive governments since the return of democracy in 1999.”

 

“The third judgment, by Hon. Justice Oguntoyinbo on 26 November, 2019 ordered the Federal Government to challenge the legality of states’ pension laws permitting former governors now serving as ministers and members of the National Assembly to collect such pensions, and to recover pensions already collected by them.”

 

“The fourth judgment, by Hon. Justice Mohammed Idris on 28 May 2018, ordered the Federal Government to prosecute senior lawmakers suspected of padding and stealing N481 billion from the 2016 budget; and to widely publish the report of investigations into the alleged padding of the 2016 budget.”

 

“The fifth judgment, by Hon. by Justice Obiozor, on 4 July 2019 ordered the Federal Government to publish the names of companies and contractors who collected public funds since 1999 but failed to execute any electricity projects.”

 

“The sixth judgment, by the ECOWAS Court of Justice in Abuja, delivered on 19 November, 2009 ordered the Nigerian authorities to provide free and quality education to all Nigerian children without discrimination.”

 

 

 

 

Kolawole Oluwadare

SERAP Deputy Director

8/12/2021

Lagos, Nigeria

Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org

Twitter: @SERAPNigeria

Website: www.serap-nigeria.org

For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202

  1. GOVERNOR’S CORONAVIRUS PRESS STATEMENT– DECEMBER 07, 2021

Fellow Lagosians,

Firstly, I would like to commiserate with all Lagos residents who lost their loved ones during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our hearts go out to you and the Incident Command System will continue to do everything that we can to mitigate the impact of this pandemic.

Secondly, most of the continents of the world – including Africa – are now experiencing a fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, Lagos State is not left out as we are also experiencing the beginnings of a fourth wave with current positivity rate at 6%. This is against the positivity rates of 0.1% as at the middle of November 2021.

Based on our analysis, the fourth wave was brought by the non-adherence to the laid down protocols to mitigate this pandemic. I would want to use this opportunity to, once again, plead with everyone to get vaccinated and join hands with the Lagos State Government in managing this wave of the pandemic in this festive season by following the guidelines we have set, especially regarding use of face masks, public gatherings and travelling in and out of Lagos State.

Epidemiology Update

As of the 5th of December 2021, Lagos State had recorded a total of 78,564 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Of this number, 71,977 have recovered in community and 612 are being managed actively in community. Over the course of managing the COVID-19 pandemic, about 6,066 patients have been admitted into our various COVID-19 care centres in Lagos: with 686 registered fatalities.

Let me take this opportunity to, once again, urge all residents of Lagos State to take advantage of EKOTELEMED and our home-based care programme. Please, reach out to EKOTELEMED on our toll-free number 08000EKOMED (08000356633) if you have any symptoms associated with COVID-19 or have tested positive for the virus.

Travel Protocols

Based on the review of the current guidelines on travel protocols, the Presidential Steering Committee has released new rules which must be followed by all passengers arriving in Nigeria. These include:

  1. A COVID-19 PCR test to be done within 48hrs before departure.
  2. Post-arrival Day 2 COVID-19 PCR test
  3. All partially and unvaccinated individuals to self-isolate for 7 days following arrival into the country and a Day 7 release PCR test.
  4. All outbound passengers to demonstrate evidence of full vaccination against COVID-19
  5. Negative PCR test result within 48hrs from the time to boarding a flight out of Nigeria.

It is important to note that the review of the protocols was based on science, national experience and global developments. The Lagos State Government will do all within its power to enforce these new mandates and will prosecute anyone found wanting in compliance with them through our mobile courts.

Regulation of Day 2 and Day 7 tests for inbound passengers for International Flights

While it is a stringent requirement that all inbound passengers perform a Day 2 test within 48 hours of arrival into the country; and an additional Day 7 PCR test for all partially or unvaccinated inbound passengers, we cannot stress enough how important the strict adherence to these protocols are.

These tests are mandatory to assist the State monitor the inflow of positive passengers, which we have identified as a veritable source of our waves and community spread.

Based on this, we will commence the prosecution of those that refuse to submit themselves for these mandatory tests by blacklisting their passports for 1 year.

This would be carried out in partnership with the Presidential Steering Committee. In addition, all foreigners that flout the rules would be subject to possible deportation. Therefore, I implore all intending inbound passengers to perform their required tests at any of the private laboratories within the Lagos State Private Laboratory Consortium as and at when due.

Fake Covid Test Results And Vaccination Cards

It is also pertinent to mention at this point that we have received very disturbing information about intending outbound passengers procuring fake Covid test results and/or vaccination cards for travel purposes.  This is a very worrisome trend for us to note and we are currently working with the NCDC, DSS and the Police to investigate and bring to book the criminal gangs involved in this reprehensible activity.

We implore everyone to desist from patronizing these gangs, as anyone found with a fake COVID test result and/or vaccination card will also be liable to prosecution and very stiff penalties.

 

Our State Mobile Courts will be used to prosecute all those involved in flouting the regulations; as well as those engaged in the fraudulent production of fake covid test results and vaccination certificates.

 

Testing Protocols

Up until today and into the future, the Lagos State Government is still offering free COVID-19 testing at all our public facilities for those that fit our case definition for COVID-19 infections. If anyone has any symptoms indicating a possible infection, please proceed to any of our public laboratories to get tested. We are also still operating our 10 sample collection sites at the level of our LGAs and encourage residents to proceed to these centres to get their samples taken if they feel ill or have been exposed to anyone who has an infection. It is also important to reiterate that our private laboratories are still available for those who want to test outside of the public health response.

 

Booster Doses

I am also very happy to announce that the Presidential Steering Committee, in partnership with the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency and the Federal Ministry of Health, has approved the administration of booster doses for anyone with the criteria below:

  1. Any persons 18 years and above;
  2. Time interval of 6 months or more after receiving the second dose of Astra Zeneca, Moderna or Pfizer Bio-N-Tech; or
  3. Time interval of 2 months or more after receiving the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

Consequently, all Lagos residents should proceed to any of our public health facilities to receive these vaccines for free and at any of our 30 private priority health facilities to access them for an administrative fee of N4,500 per dose.

 

 

Mitigating the Fourth Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Our approach to mitigating the effects of the ongoing wave of the COVID-19 pandemic include the following:

  • Increasing the percentage of vaccinated residents of Lagos State from 1.6% to 30% within one year. I have specifically mandated the Lagos State Ministry of Health to administer 8 million doses to 4 million residents by the 25thof December 2021 under the Count Me In campaign. We have deployed a robust strategy that involves the private sector to improve access to vaccines.

We are launching 30 private priority sites for those who want to be vaccinated within a private health facility. While vaccination at public centres remains free, there is an administration fee (N4,500 per dose and N6,000 for two doses) at private centres. To register for the vaccination, please visit the registration portal at https://nphcda.vaccination.gov.ng/

Over the next couple of days, the Lagos State Government will release policies to facilitate the uptake of vaccines to achieve desirable herd immunity.

Guidelines for Social Events and Gatherings During the Festive Period

All Social Events must be duly registered to obtain Event Safety Clearance from the Lagos State Safety Commission website: www.lasgsafetyreg.com prior to holding; and the guidelines set out below must be strictly adhered to.

o   Where possible events should be held outdoors.

o   Occupancy limit at any event must not exceed 60% of maximum design capacity of the event centre.

o   Every attendee of a social gathering MUST present their Vaccination Cards or digital bar code page showing at least first dose but preferably double dose full vaccination.

o   In unvaccinated people, a negative PCR within 72 hours will be an exemption.

o   Everybody, irrespective of vaccination status, MUST be subject to Rapid Diagnostic test (Antigen) to be conducted AT THE EVENT VENUE OR within 24hrs prior to the event at designated laboratories. (Request for rapid tests at the venue requires an application through the Safety Commission).

o   Under 18 years of age are unvaccinated and the above applies.

o   Guests and service providers with high temperature (above 37.5) are to be politely turned back and referred to paramedics or the emergency response team on ground.

o   All guests and service providers at the event must wear a nose mask or face shield before entry.

o   All guests and service providers must endeavour to wash their hands before entering the venue or use hand sanitisers after which temperature checks should be carried out.

o   Hand sanitisers to be positioned at the entry point and different spots within the venue.

In Conclusion

Despite the huge financial obligation and constraints associated with managing this pandemic, our administration will continue to do everything within its power to ensure the preservation of the lives and livelihood of residents of Lagos State. As always, I would like to thank all members of our Emergency Operations Centre and our Incident Command System, in addition to all our health workers in the public and private sectors, without leaving out our colleagues in the federal institutions for their dedication and commitment in the management of this response. Once again, I implore all residents of Lagos to comply with all guidelines and join hands with the government in the management of this pandemic.

 

Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu

Governor of Lagos State

December 7, 2021

  • PRESS RELEASE

 

OMICRON VARIANT: WE’LL PROSECUTE ANYONE FLOUTING COVID-19 GUIDELINES, TRAVEL PROTOCOLS- SANWO-OLU

…Offenders’ passports to be blacklisted for one year.

…Gov warns against procurement of fake COVID-19 test results

 

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday said his government through the courts will prosecute anyone found wanting in compliance with the current guidelines on travel protocols released by the Presidential Steering Committee.

Sanwo-Olu said Lagos State Government in partnership with the Presidential Steering Committee will commence the prosecution of those that refuse to submit themselves for the mandatory tests by blacklisting their passports for a period of one year.

“All foreigners that flout the rules would be subjected to possible deportation. Therefore, I implore all intending inbound passengers to perform their required tests at any of the private laboratories within the Lagos State Private Laboratory Consortium as and when due,” the governor said in a statement he issued and signed on Tuesday.

The current guidelines on travel protocols released by the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19, which must be followed by all passengers arriving in Nigeria are; a COVID-19 PCR test to be done within 48hrs before departure; Post arrival Day 2 COVID-19 PCR test; All partially and unvaccinated individuals to self-isolate for seven days following arrival into the country and a Day 7 release PCR test; All outbound passengers to demonstrate evidence of full vaccination against COVID-19; and Negative PCR test result within 48hrs from the time to boarding a flight out of Nigeria.

Governor Sanwo-Olu assured Lagosians that despite the huge financial obligations and constraints associated with managing the COVID-19 pandemic, his administration will continue to do everything within its power to ensure the preservation of the lives and livelihood of residents of Lagos State.

He said Regulation of Day 2 and Day 7 tests for inbound passengers for International flights are mandatory to assist Lagos State monitor the inflow of positive passengers, which it has identified as a veritable source of waves and community spread of the virus.

The governor also warned against intending outbound passengers procuring fake COVID test results and/or vaccination cards for travel purposes, disclosing that “the State Government is currently working with the NCDC, DSS and the Nigerian Police Force to investigate and bring to book the criminal gangs involved in this reprehensible activity.”

“We implore everyone to desist from patronizing these gangs, as anyone found with a fake COVID test result and/or vaccination card will also be liable to prosecution and very stiff penalties.

“Our State Mobile Courts will be used to prosecute all those involved in flouting the regulations; as well as those engaged in the fraudulent production of fake covid test results and vaccination certificates. To this end, the Lagos State Ministry of Health is collaborating with various enforcement stakeholders from the Ministry of Justice and the Task Force to ensure prompt prosecution of these individuals.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu said Lagos like in other parts of the world, including Africa, is experiencing the beginning of a fourth wave with a current positivity rate of six per cent, which is against the positivity rates of 0.1 per cent as of the middle of November 2021 in the State.

“Based on our analysis, the fourth wave was brought by the non-adherence to the laid down protocols to mitigate this pandemic. I would want to use this opportunity once again to appeal to everyone to get vaccinated and join hands with the Lagos State Government in managing this wave of the pandemic in this festive season by following the guidelines we have set, especially regarding the use of face masks, public gatherings and travelling in and out of Lagos State,” he said.

Speaking on efforts being put in place by the Lagos State Government to mitigate the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Sanwo-Olu said his administration has deployed a robust strategy that involves the private sector to improve access to vaccines.

“Our approach to mitigating the effects of the ongoing wave of the COVID-19 pandemic includes increasing the percentage of vaccinated residents of Lagos State from 1.6 percent to 30 percent within one year. I have specifically mandated the Lagos State Ministry of Health to administer eight million doses to four million residents of Lagos State people by the 25th of December 2021 under the Count Me In campaign.

“We are launching 30 private priority sites for those who want to be vaccinated within a private health facility. While vaccination at public centres remains free, there is an administration fee (N4,500 per dose and N6,000 for two doses) at private centres. To register for the vaccination, please        visit     the       registration      portal at https://nphcda.vaccination.gov.ng/

“Over the next couple of days, the Lagos State Government would release policies to facilitate the uptake of vaccines to achieve desirable herd immunity,” the governor said.

As parts of the measures put in place to curb the spread of the virus, especially during the festive period, Governor Sanwo-Olu said occupancy limit at any event must not exceed 60 percent of maximum design capacity as stipulated by the Lagos State Safety Commission, adding that attendees of social gatherings must present their Vaccination Cards or digital bar code page showing at least first dose but preferably double dose full vaccination.

Speaking on the Epidemiology Update, Governor Sanwo-Olu disclosed that: “As of the 5th of December 2021, Lagos State had recorded a total of 78,564 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Of this number, 71,977 have recovered in the community and 612 are currently being managed actively in the community. Over the course of managing the COVID-19 pandemic, about 6,066 patients have been admitted into our various COVID-19 care centres in Lagos: with 686 registered fatalities.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu who commended the frontline workers and health workers at the State and federal levels for their dedication and commitment in the management of the response to the pandemic implored all residents of Lagos to comply with all the COVID-19 guidelines and join hands with the government in the management of the pandemic.

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

DECEMBER 7, 2021

PRESS RELEASE

 

OMICRON VARIANT: WE’LL PROSECUTE ANYONE FLOUTING COVID-19 GUIDELINES, TRAVEL PROTOCOLS- SANWO-OLU

…Offenders’ passports to be blacklisted for one year.

…Gov warns against procurement of fake COVID-19 test results

 

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday said his government through the courts will prosecute anyone found wanting in compliance with the current guidelines on travel protocols released by the Presidential Steering Committee.

Sanwo-Olu said Lagos State Government in partnership with the Presidential Steering Committee will commence the prosecution of those that refuse to submit themselves for the mandatory tests by blacklisting their passports for a period of one year.

“All foreigners that flout the rules would be subjected to possible deportation. Therefore, I implore all intending inbound passengers to perform their required tests at any of the private laboratories within the Lagos State Private Laboratory Consortium as and when due,” the governor said in a statement he issued and signed on Tuesday.

The current guidelines on travel protocols released by the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19, which must be followed by all passengers arriving in Nigeria are; a COVID-19 PCR test to be done within 48hrs before departure; Post arrival Day 2 COVID-19 PCR test; All partially and unvaccinated individuals to self-isolate for seven days following arrival into the country and a Day 7 release PCR test; All outbound passengers to demonstrate evidence of full vaccination against COVID-19; and Negative PCR test result within 48hrs from the time to boarding a flight out of Nigeria.

Governor Sanwo-Olu assured Lagosians that despite the huge financial obligations and constraints associated with managing the COVID-19 pandemic, his administration will continue to do everything within its power to ensure the preservation of the lives and livelihood of residents of Lagos State.

He said Regulation of Day 2 and Day 7 tests for inbound passengers for International flights are mandatory to assist Lagos State monitor the inflow of positive passengers, which it has identified as a veritable source of waves and community spread of the virus.

The governor also warned against intending outbound passengers procuring fake COVID test results and/or vaccination cards for travel purposes, disclosing that “the State Government is currently working with the NCDC, DSS and the Nigerian Police Force to investigate and bring to book the criminal gangs involved in this reprehensible activity.”

“We implore everyone to desist from patronizing these gangs, as anyone found with a fake COVID test result and/or vaccination card will also be liable to prosecution and very stiff penalties.

“Our State Mobile Courts will be used to prosecute all those involved in flouting the regulations; as well as those engaged in the fraudulent production of fake covid test results and vaccination certificates. To this end, the Lagos State Ministry of Health is collaborating with various enforcement stakeholders from the Ministry of Justice and the Task Force to ensure prompt prosecution of these individuals.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu said Lagos like in other parts of the world, including Africa, is experiencing the beginning of a fourth wave with a current positivity rate of six per cent, which is against the positivity rates of 0.1 per cent as of the middle of November 2021 in the State.

“Based on our analysis, the fourth wave was brought by the non-adherence to the laid down protocols to mitigate this pandemic. I would want to use this opportunity once again to appeal to everyone to get vaccinated and join hands with the Lagos State Government in managing this wave of the pandemic in this festive season by following the guidelines we have set, especially regarding the use of face masks, public gatherings and travelling in and out of Lagos State,” he said.

Speaking on efforts being put in place by the Lagos State Government to mitigate the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Sanwo-Olu said his administration has deployed a robust strategy that involves the private sector to improve access to vaccines.

“Our approach to mitigating the effects of the ongoing wave of the COVID-19 pandemic includes increasing the percentage of vaccinated residents of Lagos State from 1.6 percent to 30 percent within one year. I have specifically mandated the Lagos State Ministry of Health to administer eight million doses to four million residents of Lagos State people by the 25th of December 2021 under the Count Me In campaign.

“We are launching 30 private priority sites for those who want to be vaccinated within a private health facility. While vaccination at public centres remains free, there is an administration fee (N4,500 per dose and N6,000 for two doses) at private centres. To register for the vaccination, please        visit     the       registration      portal at https://nphcda.vaccination.gov.ng/

“Over the next couple of days, the Lagos State Government would release policies to facilitate the uptake of vaccines to achieve desirable herd immunity,” the governor said.

As parts of the measures put in place to curb the spread of the virus, especially during the festive period, Governor Sanwo-Olu said occupancy limit at any event must not exceed 60 percent of maximum design capacity as stipulated by the Lagos State Safety Commission, adding that attendees of social gatherings must present their Vaccination Cards or digital bar code page showing at least first dose but preferably double dose full vaccination.

Speaking on the Epidemiology Update, Governor Sanwo-Olu disclosed that: “As of the 5th of December 2021, Lagos State had recorded a total of 78,564 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Of this number, 71,977 have recovered in the community and 612 are currently being managed actively in the community. Over the course of managing the COVID-19 pandemic, about 6,066 patients have been admitted into our various COVID-19 care centres in Lagos: with 686 registered fatalities.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu who commended the frontline workers and health workers at the State and federal levels for their dedication and commitment in the management of the response to the pandemic implored all residents of Lagos to comply with all the COVID-19 guidelines and join hands with the government in the management of the pandemic.

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

DECEMBER 7, 2021

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

LAGOS FIRST LADY SENSITIZES 1,000 TRANSPORT WORKERS ON RAPE, GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

…Hooliganism, Sale Of Alcoholic Drinks Now History In Our Parks, Says MC Oluomo  

 

 

Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu on Thursday urged members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to key into the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and become ambassadors of the advocacy to stamp the menace out of the society.

 

She spoke at the State Headquarters of NURTW located in the Oko-Oba area of Agege during a sensitization visit organized by her office for over 1,000 transport union workers in line with the ongoing global 16 days of activism against SGBV.

 

“We have been moving across the state with this advocacy. This time around we decided that we are coming to meet our brothers and sisters of the NURTW here. This is the first time I am coming here and I am happy to be with you. We are reminding everyone that we should not be involved in domestic violence and sexual violence.

 

“These are things that are wrong and we should not take them lightly. We must kick these crimes out of Lagos State. When a woman says no, her no should mean no and it must be respected. When you see something, you must say something and do something. You all must be our ambassadors against the menace,” she said.

 

The First Lady said like all other professions, it was unlikely to have one or two bad eggs among transport workers, adding that others must work to expose and shame such members so that they do not continue to soil the collective image of the transport union.

 

She said the State Government had enacted a law that supports the Sex Offenders Register to name and shame perpetrators of sexual crimes, just as she spoke against encouraging intake of all sorts of sachet alcoholic beverages and mixtures which could trigger mental health and SGBV issues.

 

She said in addition to the earlier unveiling of signposts against SGBV in some Local Government Areas, efforts would soon be made to declare car parks and bus parks as Rape Free Zones, among other initiatives to stamp out the menace.

 

Also speaking, the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat urged parents to wake up and be vigilant in protecting their children against sexual predators, saying it had been observed that abuse of minors was now rampant.

 

In his welcome remarks, the State Chairman of NURTW, Alhaji Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo commended the First Lady for the advocacy against SGBV, saying members of the union were happy to receive her.

 

He said it was gratifying to note that hooliganism and the sale of alcohol have now become history in the bus parks controlled by the NURTW, adding that no efforts would be spared to sustain peaceful conduct by members of the union.

 

“Personally, I have never tasted alcohol in my life. I have never smoked cigarettes as well. I will never be in a position to encourage drug abuse and sexual abuse by our members.

 

“It is also worthy to note that the issue of hooliganism especially during the change of leadership in the parks is now a thing of the past in our Union. We also have children who we are praying to God to be successful in life. Therefore, we will continue to speak out against acts of violence in any form,” Akinsanya said.

 

At the advocacy visit, an expert on SGBV matters and a retired director in the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Mrs. Ibudunni Alakija-Ladapo anchored a special lecture on SGBV, while various information materials were distributed to members of the NURTW who were drawn from across the state.

 

SIGNED

OLUBUKONLA NWONAH

ASSIST DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS

OFFICE OF LAGOS STATE FIRST LADY

DECEMBER 9, 2021

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

SANWO-OLU DIRECTS FULL EXCISION ON UNTITLED LAND IN LAGOS TO CURB LAND GRABBING

 

  • Governor: ‘Those sabotaging e-GIS system to be purged out of Govt’

 

  • Monthly tenancy set to kick off in Lagos

 

The incessant issue of land grabbing may become a thing of the past anytime soon in Lagos State, as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu orders complete excision on untitled land across the State.

 

The Governor’s directive represents a major turning point in land administration in Lagos, as the exercise would enable the State Government to carry out documented delineation on communal land and land owned by the families. At the end of the exercise, the issues of land grabbing by thugs working for land owners are expected to be curbed.

 

Sanwo-Olu gave the order at the Lagos Real Estate Market Place Conference and Exhibitions organised by the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island. The two-day event with the theme: “Lagos: 21st Century Real Estate Investment Hub”, is the second edition to be held by the agency.

 

Land is a limited asset in Lagos, which is a coastal State. Activities of land-grabbers have created an unpredictable climate in land acquisition in Lagos, robbing private real estate investors and individuals of fortunes.

 

Sanwo-Olu said a technical committee will be set up to fine-tune the framework for the excision process on untitled land, with the objective to granting Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) to land owners for transparent sales of the asset.

 

The Governor condemned an effort by State officials to frustrate and sabotage the full take-off of the State’s Enterprise Geographic Information System (e-GIS) project initiated to automate approval of land surveys and allocation titles in one talk shop. Sanwo-Olu issued a stern warning, saying he would be ruthless in purging out saboteurs in the ranks of Government.

 

He said: “One of the issues we are working on is the ownership of land. There is a large parcel of land across Lagos that doesn’t have the Government title.

 

“It is to announce to this gathering that I’ve made up my mind that we are going to do excision for untitled land. This process will kick off next year and we will set up a committee whose composition will represent all traditional divisions in Lagos. With equity and fairness, we will yield proper titles on all the land, so that the issue of land grabbing can be reduced to minimum.

 

“We will also be carrying out genuine reform in our Survey Department. We need to have our e-GIS platform up and running after 10 years that it was initiated. I’m expressing my disappointment in some Government officials sabotaging these efforts. I will look for the culprits and I will be ruthless in meting out punishment. I will ensure these saboteurs have no place in my Government.”

 

By next year, Sanwo-Olu said a new policy of monthly tenancy on property occupancy would kick off in Lagos. The concept, he said, is not to punish the landlord or reduce the expected revenue of the property owner.

 

He said monthly tenancy would ease off pressure of yearly rent on tenants, as the new policy is designed to make people pay their rents according to their monthly earnings. The policy, Sanwo-Olu said, emanated from an agreement reached by association of tenants, consortium of financiers and the Government.

 

Addressing the cause of high affordability of property in Lagos, the Governor said the State’s partnership with the private sector had raised the housing stock but added that non-availability of long-tenure mortgage bonds made it impossible for low-income earners to benefit.

 

The Government, he said, is thinking out of the box to design a financing model that would reduce burden on mortgage applicants, while also charging real estate developers to reduce the cost of developing property by engaging local competence for skills outsourced to foreigners.

 

He said: “We should not just build property only for consumers, we must also build skills and integrate them in our built environment to showcase great output. Technical and vocational skills are things we must deliberately harness and reflect in our work. At the end of the day, we must be able to design a housing development and ownership model that is fit for our purpose and peculiar to our local needs.”

 

Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said real estate remained the most sought after investment, noting that the market, apart from creating sustainable jobs, also has the highest potential of growing the economy of any nation.

 

She said the State Government realised the need for investors and consumers to know policies put in place and how the knowledge of all the policies could assist stakeholders in making informed decisions in investing in the real estate market.

 

Benson-Awoyinka said: “As a Government, we have realised this fact and as such, have been making business friendly policies that can assist would-be investors and consumers to operate in a conducive business environment. LASRERA has strengthened its efforts to make this sector more vibrant by ensuring that practitioners operate within the ambit of the law.

 

“The agency has registered over 100 individuals and organisations that approached the Government to regularise their operations with us. We have seen positive results from this undertaking, as the State, through the LASRERA, has resolved several reported cases of fraudulent practices brought to the attention of the agency in a very professional manner.”

 

As regulator, the Special Adviser urged investors and consumers to make LASRERA their first point of contact before investing in real estate in any part of Lagos.

 

There was a panel discussion with the theme: “How the real estate sector can drive social implications and opportunities in Lagos”, moderated by the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Sam Egube.

 

Audience at the conference comprised stakeholders in the built industry, including property developers, landlords, market facilitators and potential property buyers.

 

The stakeholders agreed that the Government’s primary business in the real estate sector must be maintenance of rule of law and effective regulations to protect investors and consumers.

 

Stakeholders also called for improvement in housing finance and introduction of affordable insurance policy in the sector.

 

They said LASRERA, as the regulator, should be an enabler that must make the market happen and not be a police in the sector. They urged the Government to resolve issues around titling of property to bring back confidence in the real estate market.

 

  

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

DECEMBER 7, 2021

PRESS RELEASE

 

SANWO-OLU, GBAJABIAMILA TASK FARMERS TO REDUCE FISH IMPORTATION

 

  • As NIFFR holds three-day training on code of conduct for responsible fisheries in Lagos

 

To reduce the importation of fish in Nigeria, governments and farmers have been tasked to work toward attaining self-sufficiency in fish production for the sustainable livelihood of fisherfolks in Nigeria.

 

The advice was given on Tuesday by the Speaker of House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the leadership of the National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research (NIFFR) at the opening ceremony of a three-day training on Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries in Lagos State organised by Ata Global Services Ltd in conjunction with NIFFR.

 

The training, which was facilitated by Gbajabiamila took place at Watercress Event Centre in Ikeja with the aim of training fish farmers on the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries for Fisheries Policy Makers, Officials and Fisherfolks in Lagos State.

 

Speaking at the event, Gbajabiamila, who was represented by his Senior Legislative Aide, Mr. Fuad Laguda, said the programme was organised by the Speaker for continuous empowerment of the people of Lagos State and Nigeria in general.

 

He charged the participants to make good use of what they learnt during the three-day training so that they will be able to give back to society to improve Nigeria’s economy by reducing foreign importation of fish into the country.

 

In his goodwill message, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the training programme aligned perfectly with his administration’s efforts toward development of aquaculture to meet the fish demand of Lagosians.

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, commended the management of the National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research on its efforts at sustaining the legacy of past leadership in the implementation of the mandate, which is strategic to achieving food security with regards to fish production.

 

He said the training programme by the institute is a step in the right direction to expose youths to opportunities in fish farming.

 

“It is a thing of concern that given our natural endowment in terms of water resources, a lot of our hard-earned foreign exchange is being expended on the importation of fish as a result of our inability to meet our local demand. It is however heartwarming that as a result of strong commitment from the Federal Government to resuscitate and develop the agriculture sector, a lot of progress is being achieved as evident in the drastic reduction of many food imports, including fish and fish products.

 

“I am happy to note that this training programme aligns perfectly with the efforts of the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State in the areas of development of aquaculture, to meet the fish demand of our population,” he said.

 

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Governing Board, Chief Mutiu Are urged farmers to echo the need for policy consistency on the part of the government, as well as sustained engagement by development partners in order to transform the latent potentials in Nigeria’s freshwater fisheries sector into tangible results.

 

Are, who was represented by the Acting Executive Director, NIFFR, Dr. (Mrs) Stella Ovie, said the three-day training is a top-level, high-impact and strategic intervention platform to re-orientate, re-invigorate and propel to international standards the fisheries industry in Lagos State.

 

He said Lagos State has a real capacity to positively impact and promote the domestication of responsible practices in the nation’s fishery sector in line with the well-publicised vision and policy focus of the Federal and Lagos State governments.

 

“This particular training programme on Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries for Fisheries Policy Makers, Officials and Fisherfolks in Lagos State is especially dear to us for several reasons. Firstly, Lagos State as the acclaimed ‘Centre of Excellence’ in Nigeria is in a prime position to influence the dissemination of fisheries industry best practices across the country.

 

“Secondly, in line with the policy focus of the Lagos and Federal governments to promote the Lagos mega-city project, it is expected that an economic sector as vast and impactful as that of Lagos State needs to be shaped and upgraded to world standard,” he said.

 

Speaking in her capacity as Acting Executive Director of NIFFR, Dr. Ovie said the goal of the institute is to attain self-sufficiency in fish and fisheries production for sustainable livelihood of fisherfolks through aquaculture and rational exploitation of inland aquatic resources in Nigeria.

 

She said the training facilitated by Gbajabiamila in empowering Lagos youths, is very critical in transforming the unemployed citizens, not only to successful entrepreneurship but also employers of labour in their own right.

 

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

DECEMBER 7, 2021

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AKPABIO BLESSING TO NIGERIA - NIGER DELTA YOUTHS

AKPABIO, BLESSING TO NIGERIA – NIGER DELTA YOUTHS

 

 

AKPABIO, BLESSING TO NIGERIA – NIGER DELTA YOUTHS

  • WARN DETRACTORS

 

Youths in the Niger Delta on Saturday lauded Senator Godswill Akpabio for launching the Strategic Implementation Work Plan (SIWP), describing the plan as a noble ideal and the most desirable objective in the region’s development policies.

‘’SIWP is one of the best things that have happened to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. It will ensure rapid development of the region’’

The youths in a statement in Port Harcourt applauded the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio for choosing the right method of putting the policies of the current administration into effect, respecting the opinions of the Niger Delta people and discarding the yoke of corruption.

‘’Senator Godswill Akpabio is a blessing to Nigeria. He is installing the culture of transparency and accountability in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The statement underscored Akpabio’s approach to the development of the Niger Delta region, a vision of what a great Niger Delta of the future should be and termination to the plundering of the national wealth through NDDC.

Signed by the Chairman of the Niger Delta Progressives Movement (NDPM), Mr Julius Ita, the youths described the pronouncements of Ijaw Interest Advocates and Niger Delta People’s Forum as ‘’irresponsible, parochial and sheer nonsense’’.

‘’Members of Izanzan Intellectual Camp and Niger Delta People’s Forum are blind to reason’’

The youths applauded Akpabio for inspiring the Niger Delta people, guiding the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) along a road accepted by the stakeholders and working increasingly in order to develop the region.

‘’Senator Godswill Akpabio deserves support and encouragement’’

The statement also emphasised Akpabio’s straightforwardness of purpose, integrity, dedication to the region’s development priorities, and outstanding job performance.

‘’Chief Godswill Akpabio is working closely with the stakeholders and doing what is right’’.

They urged President Muhammadu Buhari to reject the counsel of the Ovie of Idjerhe kingdom, IIA Coordinator, Arerebo Yerinmene and NDPF Chairman, Chief Boma Ebiakpo.

The youths also urged them to adopt the development principle of emphasizing those things that are positive about the former governor of Akwa-Ibom State.

‘’Our goal is to set matters right. The Ovie of Idjerhe kingdom, IIA Coordinator, Arerebo Yerinmene and Chairman, Niger Delta People’s Forum, Chief Boma Ebiakpo are ignorant of what the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs is doing. They are also putting back the hands of the clock of our progress’’

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ANOTHER MADE-IN-NIGERIA VESSEL AT NAVAL DOCKYARD PRESIDENT BUHARI COMMISSIONS NNS OJI

AT NAVAL DOCKYARD, PRESIDENT BUHARI COMMISSIONS NNS OJI, ANOTHER MADE-IN-NIGERIA VESSEL

PRESIDENT BUHARI: BISI AKANDE IS THE TYPE OF PERSON I CAN GO INTO THE JUNGLE WITH

President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Lagos described Chief Bisi Akande, a former interim Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) party, as a ‘‘perfect public officer,” and the type of person he could go into the jungle with.

Speaking at the public presentation of ‘‘My Participations,” the autobiography of Chief Bisi Akande, the President said the author has retained his ‘‘inflexible integrity,” in and out of public office, never accepting or offering bribes.

The President, who heaped praises on the former governor of Osun State, further described him as a decent, truthful, and friendly person as well as an administrator of the first order, whose leadership qualities made him the unanimous choice as the first Chairman of the APC.

President Buhari used the occasion to narrate his first meeting with Akande, his passion for Nigeria, achievements, and disappointment as governor of Osun State as well as his many battles to wrest power from the then ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party.

”My first personal contact with Chief Akande was, if I recall correctly, in 2006 when preliminary consultations were coming to fruition for a grand coalition to unseat the PDP Government.

”Those efforts eventually came to nothing.

”Neither he, nor I, nor many of our friends and associates gave up as, in Chief Akande’s words: “the country was going down and down under PDP” (p.396 of My Participations), ” he said.

The President also narrated how Akande had risen to prominence from his participation in the Constituent Assembly established by the Military Government of General Olusegun Obasanjo.

”He was always in the thick of things through the difficulties and political discontinuities of the 1980s and 90s.

‘‘He emerged as Governor of Osun State in 1999 when the military handed over to the civilians.

”Chief Akande had a horrendous baptism as Governor of Osun State with discord from his own party; his State Assembly (including an attempt to impeach him without any reason whatsoever); from the trade unions and from his own deputy Governor!

”On top of that, he inherited a deeply indebted Treasury, huge arrears of salary, allowances, and pensions. Enough challenges to overwhelm many aspiring leaders.

”Bisi Akande stood four square and faced all the challenges head-on and overcame most of them.

”His first action was to stop payment of “critical allowances” a euphemism for government money customarily shared by the big boys in Osun State.

”This set the tone of his Administration,” the President said.

Recounting the achievements of the former Governor of Osun State, President Buhari noted that it is on record that within one year, Akande had paid off all the salary and other arrears, showing his mettle as a competent and serious administrator.

”By 2003 Chief Akande had virtually sanitised governance in Osun State having cleared some of the troublemakers from his government and, though reluctant to serve a second term, he was persuaded to run again,” he said.

Reflecting on the political history of the author, particularly his bid to seek a second term as Governor of Osun, President Buhari declared:

” It is common knowledge that Akande was the victim – along with other AD Governors – of a diabolical double-cross which ended his gubernatorial career. Only the steadfast Asiwaju Bola Tinubu escaped the electoral massacre masterminded by President Obasanjo.

”Desperately disappointed though he was, and being a good Muslim, he accepted this setback as part of the trials of life. He looked to the future of service to the country.”

Reminiscing on APC’s ascent to governance at the Federal level in 2015, President Buhari said:

”Chief Akande was in the thick of further attempts in 2011 and 2014 to fuse together different groups and dislodge PDP from governance.

”The key to his thinking which coincides with mine is that Nigeria can only be successfully managed by alliances between major groups.

”Although we failed in 2011 but by persistence and knowledge that PDP was driving the country towards disaster, several major parties were able to finally coalesce into APC in 2014 .

”Chief Akande was unanimously chosen as the first Chairman of this great coalition.

”Throughout the difficult negotiations, I found Akande truthful, steady and always with an eye to the ultimate goal.

”In or out of office, he has retained his inflexible integrity. On p.400 of his book, he wrote: ‘I never gave to or demanded bribe from anyone all my life.’ A perfect gentleman. A perfect public officer, he said.

Quoting a famous Hausa saying, ”Labarin zucciya a tambayi fuska” (loosely translated -if you want to know what is in a man’s heart watch his face), President Buhari affirmed that Akande has a permanent smile on his face, saying ”He is the type I will go into the jungle with.”

On the book, President Buhari recommended it to students of Nigeria politics and the general public alike.

”This book is a historical document. Students will find this an invaluable source of Nigeria’s politics, notably between 1999 and 2020,” he said.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

December 9, 2021

 

AT NAVAL DOCKYARD, PRESIDENT BUHARI COMMISSIONS NNS OJI, ANOTHER MADE-IN-NIGERIA VESSEL

President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Lagos commissioned a Seaward Defence Boat (SDB) III, built by the Nigerian Navy.

The indigenously constructed SDB, NNS Oji, is the third of its series to be locally built at the Naval Dockyard Limited, Lagos solely by Navy engineers after the successes of NNS Adoni, and NNS Karaduwa, commissioned in 2016 by President Buhari.

Speaking at the event, which also marked the inauguration of some recently acquired platforms and the keel-laying ceremony for the construction of Boat-IV and Boat-V, President Buhari said the new inductions to the Naval fleet would boost their capability in securing Nigeria’s maritime domain.

He charged all naval personnel to maintain professionalism and ensure good use of the newly built and recently acquired platforms including NNS LANA, KANO, IKENNE, ABA, SOKOTO and OSUN.

‘‘We should note that we are in a critical period where our country is faced with a serious decline in our revenue and the security challenges we are facing.

‘‘The present realities, therefore, call for prudent resource management, innovativeness, accountability and careful maintenance.

‘‘I wish to reiterate that despite these challenges, our administration is very determined to ensure that the Navy is well supported to achieve its statutory responsibilities.

‘‘Let me assure you that the Government will continue to support the ideals of the Nigerian Navy in the performance of its constitutional duties. God bless the Nigerian Navy, God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Onward Together,” he said.

The President commended the Nigerian Navy for maintaining a steady course in its drive for local content development which is in tandem with the philosophy of this administration.

He said the Federal Government’s commitment to properly equip the Navy with the right mix of platforms has seen the Service take delivery of NNS LANA in May this year from France.

‘‘I commend the business dependability of Messrs OCEA Shipyard – France, the builders of our Navy’s first-ever purpose-built Offshore Survey Vessel for a conclusive and successful execution of the contract.

‘‘Local partners should share in this commendation for their efforts at local facilitation as outlined in the Government’s local content policy,’’ he said.

President Buhari acknowledged that the Federal Government is aware of the Navy’s dedication towards ensuring the security of the vast oil and gas industry in the nation’s maritime environment as well as sea lanes of communications.

According to him, given the present high dependence on oil and gas revenues, the Navy is undeniably a major contributor to the economic well-being of Nigeria.

‘‘Arrests of those involved in illegalities have yielded results as some pirates, illegal bunkering syndicates, pipeline vandals and other miscreants have been convicted during this year.

‘‘Such successes were made possible through the enforcement of our new anti-piracy law on Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Act 2019.

‘‘Furthermore, the provision of the new policy directives by the current administration of the Navy codified in such documents as the Nigerian Navy Strategic Plan 2021-2030; the Chief of the Naval Staff Strategic Directive 2021-5 and the Total Spectrum Maritime Strategy have given the Service credible guidelines and leverage for improved operational efficiency,’’ he said.

The Commander-in-Chief also used the occasion to laud the Navy’s efforts in the fight against maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea region, praising the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral AZ Gambo and all the officers, ratings and civilian staff of the Navy for remarkable achievements.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

December 9, 2021

 

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS LT. GEN THEOPHILUS DANJUMA (RTD) ON 84TH BIRTHDAY

President Muhammadu Buhari rejoices with former Chief of Army Staff, businessman and philanthropist, Lt. Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma on his 84th birthday, December 9, 2021, joining family and friends to celebrate with the elder statesman.

President Buhari congratulates the career military officer, who served meritoriously with many decorations, and renowned philanthropist for his contributions to development of the country, both within and outside government, leaving historic marks in education, health and infrastructure, and supporting many families and communities with the TY Foundation.

As the octogenarian turns 84, the President notes his position in promoting democracy and good governance, and his encouragement to leaders.

President Buhari prays for his good health and strength.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

December 9, 2021

 

NO ONE INVOLVED IN THE OROMONI KILLING WILL BE SPARED, ASSURES PRESIDENT BUHARI

For several days now, the nation has been gripped by the news of the tragic incident at Dowen College, in Lagos with morbid details constantly emerging of how our young son, Sylvester Oromoni (Junior) met his death.

President Muhammadu Buhari condemns the killing of Sylvester, one of our bright youngsters doing excellently in school, bringing joy to the family and if this incident is truly arising from bullying or cultism, the President assures that it must act as a trigger leading to a permanent solution to this recurring problem.

“I share the anger and grief up and down the country following this incident. On behalf of my family and I, and the government of the federation, I convey our heartfelt condolences to the Oromoni family, the government and people of Lagos State and give the firm assurance that this incident will be thoroughly investigated and the appropriate punishment meted out to all those who are culpable.”

The President urges the Police to continue the ongoing investigation until they get to the root of the matter in order for the law to take its course, assuring that justice will be done, no matter who is involved.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

December 8, 2021

 

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS VICTIMS OF BANDITS IN SOKOTO

President Buhari has expressed sadness over the recent gruesome attack on innocent travellers in Sokoto State.

Reacting to the incident on Wednesday, President Buhari said, “I am very distressed at the manner of death visited on these hapless citizens who were undertaking a legitimate journey to another part of the country.

“It shows that the evil this administration is confronting is one that requires the support and involvement of all Nigerians.

“I extend deep condolences to the families of the victims as I assure that the security agencies will continue to give their all to bring to an end the operations of these despicable people.”

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

December 8, 2021

 

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI LEADS NATION TO A HEAVY-HEARTED FAREWELL TO GENERAL WUSHISHI

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday led the nation to a sorrowful funeral of former Chief of Army Staff, General Muhammadu Inuwa Wushishi who was buried in Kaduna after combined, well-attended, military and Muslim ceremonies.

The body of the deceased veteran, draped in the National Flag and ushered into the cemetery by a military honour guard by Generals was lowered into the grave at 2:00pm.

President Buhari who was represented by a delegation led by the Minister of Defence, Major-General Bashir Magashi (Rtd), expressed his condolences and that of the nation to the family of the late General and the Government and people of Niger State through the Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello.

The President joined several other leaders who paid tributes to the man who strengthened Nigerian Military’s support to civil authority under democracy, following many years of military rule as Chief of Army Staff, describing him as one of the country’s most respected citizens.

In a letter to Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, Governor of Niger State, personally signed by him, President Buhari said: “l wish to commiserate with you on the death of the former Chief of Army Staff, General Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi.

“General Wushishi was a thoroughbred professional soldier, an officer and a gentleman whose contributions to the fatherland are immeasurable.

“He had a distinguished military career and we are proud of his impressive service to the country. He was an epitome of discipline and dedication to service, and a role model for both the officers and the rank and file.

“I also extend my condolences to his family, the Nigerian Army, as well as the Government and people of Niger State.

“My Allah repose his soul.”

Speaking on behalf of the widow, Hajiya Kande and the rest of the family, a former Head of State, General AbdulSalam Abubakar said it mattered a lot to all of them that the President sent an important delegation to the burial.

Prayers were said for the well-being of the President and of the nation.

The delegation included the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Faruk Yahaya, the Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media and Publicity) Garba Shehu and the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mohammad Nami.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

December 8, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI CONDOLES WITH BORNO STATE GOVT, ELDERS OVER PASSING OF FORMER MINISTER, BUNU SHERIF MUSA

President Muhammadu Buhari commiserates with Government and people of Borno State over the passing of former Minister of Mines, Power and Steel, Alhaji Bunu Sherif Musa, sharing the grief of family members over the loss.

The President condoles with Borno State Elders’ Forum, friends and associates of the former Minister, who served variously as Minister of Industries (1985), Mines, Power and Steel (1986-89), Aviation (1989), Water Resources (1990) and Employment, Labour and Productivity (1990-92).

President Buhari affirms that the former Minister contributed to the development of the country and his community, taking up many responsibilities, including Nigeria’s Ambassador to France.

The President prays for repose of his soul, urging the family to find solace in his investment in humanity.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

December 6, 2021

 

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI FELICITATES WITH PRESIDENT ADAMA BARROW OF THE GAMBIA ON RE-ELECTION

President Muhammadu Buhari sends warm felicitations to President Adama Barrow of The Gambia over his re-election for a second term of five years.

The President congratulates the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for dutifully handling the electoral process, while commending the Gambians for their high sense of civility, maturity and patriotism.

President Buhari assures President Barrow and all Gambians of Nigeria’s commitment and partnership as they collectively work on making the country better and stronger for posterity.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

December 6, 2021

 

 

December 6, 2021

Press Statement

PDP Affirms Expulsion of Erring Members In Kebbi Chapter

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has affirmed the expulsion of some of its members in Kebbi state, by the Kebbi state chapter of the party.

The expelled members are;

1.Garba Abubakar Besse

2.Ibrahim Usman Manzo

3.Muhd Ruwa R.K

4.Musa Ibrahim Manzo

5.Umar Yakubu Kamba

6.Abdulmalik Haliru Milton

7.Haruna Shayau

8.Isiyaku Daudu

9.Saleh Gambo

10.Bello Muhd Gulmare.

11 Junaidu Wasagu

12.Muhd Idris Afan

13.Abubakar Kurunkudu

14.Hajiya Yalli

  1. Haruna Isa

Their expulsion is sequel to the decision of the state chapter and ratification by the NWC in line with the provision of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended).

The PDP urges all members in Kebbi state to remain calm, united and focused, and not allow any agents of destabilization to derail our party in the collective quest to rescue the state as well as the nation from the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan

National Publicity Secretary

 

 

December 6, 2021

Press Statement

PDP NWC Schedules Conduct of 8 LGA Congresses in Niger State

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has scheduled the conduct of Congresses in the remaining eight local government areas of Niger State for tomorrow, Tuesday, December 7, 2021.

This is sequel to the unanimous decision of the National Working Committee (NWC) at its 541st meeting on Monday, December 6, 2021, in line with the provisions of the PDP Constitution 2017 (as amended).

All party leaders, critical stakeholders, aspirants for respective party positions and teeming members of our party in the affected eight local government areas are by this, guided accordingly.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan

National Publicity Secretary

 

 

December 6, 2021

Press Statement

PDP Savours Governor Emmanuel’s Listing In Africa’s Inspiring Individuals

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulates Akwa-Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, on his recognition as one of the 100 inspiring individuals in Africa in the 2021 African Regional Awards.

This recognition by the African Regional Journal is a well-deserved and resounding testament of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s unique leadership proficiencies and laudable achievements in all critical sectors, in line with the manifesto of the PDP and visions of our founding fathers.

Our party is very proud of Governor Emmanuel’s efforts in stabilizing Akwa-Ibom state to create the enabling peaceful atmosphere for enhanced productivity as well as harmonious living in a multifarious state.

The PDP celebrates Governor Emmanuel’s giant strides in human capital and infrastructural developments in critical sectors, including manufacturing, food production, aviation, maritime, real estate, commence, retailing, energy, education, heathcare, hospitality, among others.

Governor Emmanuel’s feat in the establishment and successful management of highly specialized ventures such as the Ibom Air, Ibom Deep Sea Port, Ibom Industrial Park/Jetty in addition to power, refinery and gas processing plants as well as state of the art health facilities in the state, shows that with the right type of leadership, our nation can indeed achieve success in such critical areas.

This award reinforces our counsel to the Federal Government to understudy Governor Emmanuel’s leadership template in Akwa-Ibom as a model for national cohesion, rapid economic recovery, job creation, infrastructural development, ventures in specialized sectors and prudent management of resources.

The PDP congratulates Governor Emmanuel on the award and urges him to see the recognition as the call to redouble his effort in the development of not only his state but the nation at large.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan

National Publicity Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

DEATH OF DOWEN COLLEGE’S STUDENT HEARTBREAKING – SANWO-OLU’S WIFE

…Takes Advocacy Against Sexual And Gender-Based Violence To Schools

 

Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu on Monday commiserated with the parents of the 12-year-old student of Dowen College, Lekki in Lagos, Sylvester Oromomi who died last week, describing it as heartbreaking.

 

Already, the state government has sealed off the college following the gruesome death of Oromomi, who was a boarding student of the college.

 

Speaking during an advocacy visit to some schools in furtherance of the ongoing 16 Days of activism against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, the First Lady described the incident as unfortunate, saying never again should it reoccur in the state.

 

“I am aware that the Lagos State Government is at the moment investigating the incident and honestly it is something we are not very happy about. It’s a big slap on the face of the education sector, the community, and Lagos State as a whole.

 

“It is a case that is being investigated and for the parents and everybody involved, honestly, we commiserate with them and send our condolences.

 

“As I said, the case is being investigated and I will not be able to say much on it at the moment,” Sanwo-Olu said.

 

She said the advocacy visit to schools was aimed at catching the students young and enlightening them on the need to work against all forms of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

 

“As we all know, the world is commemorating the 16 days of activism against SGBV. It commences on November 25 and it will end on December 10 which is Human Rights Day. The program is being championed globally by United Nations and our theme this year is “Orange The World: End Violence Against Women Now.”

 

“The advocacy is also being championed by the Nigeria Governors’ Wives Forum, NGOs and so many other private individuals and organizations to ensure that there is zero tolerance to gender-based violence all over Nigeria and Lagos in particular,” she said.

 

She explained that the visit to the respective schools was the third leg of the advocacy efforts, saying that a similar enlightenment program had been held for the community groups and religious leaders by her office.

 

“For the Office of the Lagos State First Lady, we decided that our advocacy is to do community sensitization at the grassroots level which we did on November 29 and then we followed it up with sensitization visit to our religious leaders in our communities. This is the third way of our advocacy, going into the schools.

 

“We realized that it is good to catch them young and so when we plant this seed in the children, it will gradually germinate and it helps us to ensure that our students have the correct mindset and understand why these vices exist and what the law says about the vices in the country.

 

“I am happy with the response we are getting. The students are interested in knowing about Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and joining the train to stamp it out in our state. We have distributed some resource materials that will help the teachers, the students, and the parents Associations in the respective schools to know more and work against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence in our communities,” she said.

 

The schools visited include Dolphin Senior High School and Dolphin Junior High School, Tapa, Lagos Island under Education District Three; as well as Aje Comprehensive Junior High School and Aje Comprehensive Senior High School, Sabo-Yaba, Lagos under Education District Four.

 

The First Lady donated laptops, industrial cooking gas, and other educational materials to each of the schools, just as she assured that more schools and other critical organizations would be visited.

 

Responding on behalf of the students, Permanent Secretary, Education District III, Dr. Olufolayimika Abiose-Ayandele commended the First Lady for her interest and passion for the welfare and safety of students in the state.

 

She said the advocacy visit to schools on SGBV by the First Lady was another clear testament to her commitment to ending the menace of rape, defilement, and all forms of sexual abuse in the state.

 

The event was also attended by representatives of the Parents Forum, Old Students Associations, Community Leaders, and stakeholders in the be education sector, while there was a special SGBV Talk by Programme Manager of Youth Empowerment Foundation, Mrs. Morenike Omiagboje; and Programme Manager of Women Consortium of Nigeria (WOCON), Mrs Atinuke Ogunbayo.

 

SIGNED

OLUBUKONLA NWONAH

ASSIST DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS

OFFICE OF LAGOS STATE FIRST LADY

DECEMBER 6, 2021

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

WINNER EMERGES IN MAIDEN SANWO-OLU YOUTH SOCCER FIESTA 

 

  • Surulere wins Gold, Cash Prize in BOS Cup

 

  • Ifako Ijaiye-Ojokoro, Agege teams are runners-up 

 

The frills and thrills of the maiden Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu (BOS) Youth Cup came to the pinnacle on Sunday, with the final round’s team jostled for the first prize – a gold cup.

 

Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena in Onikan, formerly Onikan Stadium, came alive for the final match played between Surulere and Ifako Ijaiye-Ojokoro teams.

 

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu personally declared the event open with a kick-off of the ball.

 

Ex-international goalkeeper of the national team, Dosu Joseph, Technical Director of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Austin Eguaveon, Coach of the National Under-17 team, Fatai Amoo, and members of the State Executive Council graced the final fixture.

 

Youths under the age of 21 across the State’s 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) took part in the soccer contest organised by the Governor’s Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) to complement youth development programmes of the Sanwo-Olu administration and curb restiveness.

 

The participants were brought together under the BOS Academy platform on which they were screened and certified to take part in the tournament. Each council was represented by a team.

 

The final round started after the third place fixture won by Agege team against Lagos Island East side.

 

About 30 minutes into the first half, Surulere team led by Yusuf Lukman, destabilised the opponent’s team with a goal.

 

At 77 minutes, the Ifako Ijaiye-Ojokoro team led by Marvelous Ajayi, however, came back with an equaliser.

 

The match ended in a tie, resulting to penalty shootout at the end of which Surulere team coasted to victory with 5-4

 

The winning team went home with a cash prize of N1.5 million and golden trophy. Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, presented the trophy on behalf of the Governor.

 

A member of the Ifako Ijaiye-Ojokoro team, Timilehin Lawal, got the prize for the Most Valuable Player (MVP), while Abdulazeez Agbaje of the Surulere team went home with the Highest Goal Scorer prize.

 

Also, Akpan Oyena of Agege team was rewarded with Best Goal Keeper of the tournament.

 

Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Mr. Anthony Adeboye, said the soccer fiesta achieved its intended objectives of leaving positive impacts on the youths, families and communities across the State,

 

He said: “In the last three week, we have seen our young people coming to the field to display great football skills and pour out energy that could have been diverted to vices. Having participated in all activities that culminated into the final round, I have no doubt that the objectives of the tournament have been realised, as we witnessed excitement on the faces of all participants.

 

“Inclusion is part of the ‘Greater Lagos’ agenda of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration and this football competition has further bridged the gap between the Government and the youth. We are highly elated that the maiden edition has been widely received by young people across the State. The subsequent edition promises to be bigger and more impactful.”

 

The first runner-up, Ifako Ijaiye-Ojokoro team, got N1 million cash prize and silver medals, while the second runner-up, Agege, got N750,000 cash prize and bronze medals.

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

DECEMBER 5, 2021

 

 

 

Only God gives power, Okowa tells leaders  

 

Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has urged leaders to always acknowledge God as the source of their lifting in any position they occupy.

 

Okowa gave this charge on Sunday at the thanksgiving service in honour of the Chairman Isoko North Local Government Council, Hon. Christian Iteire at The Eagles Assembly, Asaba.

 

Represented by his Deputy, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, the governor said it was good for leaders in positions of authority to always return all the glory to God as their source because only God could give true power to men.

 

He said man cannot achieve anything unless God approves of it.

 

He commended the Isoko North boss for recognising what God had done for him and his family, adding that God would continue to uplift him.

 

The governor lauded the Isoko political class for coming to celebrate with the Chairman and his family and charged them to remain united for the overall good of the people.

 

“My heart-felt congratulations to Hon. Christian Iteire and his family and the good people of Isoko North Local Government Area.

 

“Hon. Iteire is an integral part of us in the Delta Political family, so his celebration today is a celebration for all of us.

 

“I thank all of you for coming to join him in this thanksgiving,” the governor said.

 

In a sermon titled “Encountering the Never-Give-Up Grace” Pastor Uwem Offiong said with God the later end is always greater and better than the beginning.

 

He described the Council Chairman as a committed member of the Church, adding that he was always punctual and dedicated to work of God.

 

The cleric said God alone deserved all the glory for making Iteire the Council Chairman and prayed for a successful tenure and greater blessings ahead of him.

 

The celebrant in his remarks said he was grateful to God for remembering him after many years in politics.

 

Flanked by his wife, Gloria, Iteire gave thanks to God while appreciating Pastor Offiong and his wife for their support and prayers.

 

“We have every good reason to thank God because I have been in politics for a long time and it has not been an easy adventure until recently.

 

“I have had some appointments in the past but God made me Council Chairman when I was busy lobbying to be something else.

 

“I thank my leaders in Isoko North whom God used to make me Council Chairman.

 

“While thanking God for this awesome favour, I promise to lead the people of Isoko North to greater heights,” Iteire said.

 

The thanksgiving service was attended by top government functionaries including Senator James Manager, Deputy Speaker Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ochor Ochor, Chief Whip Delta State House of Assembly Hon Pat Ajudua, Hon. Charles Emetulu, Commissioner for Energy Engr. Jonathan Ukodhiko, Commissioner for Project Implementation and Audit Engr. Ovie Oghoore, Special Adviser to the Governor on External Relations Prince Johnson Erijo, former Secretary to the State Government, Chief Ovuozourie Macaulay and DESOPADEC Commissioner Dr and Mrs Paul Oweh.

 

Others include Chairman Isoko North PDP, Prince Godwin Ogorugba, former Chairman of Isoko South Chief Itiako Ikpokpo. Dr Peter Emaziye, Comrade Nelson Egware, Mr Jonathan Umukoro, Chief Emmanuel Edevor, Vice Chairman Chief Frank Ozue, Richard Isagba, Sunny Governor, Chief Matthew Amudede, Members of Isoko North Legislative Arm led by Hon. Francia Udubra, Secretary to the Local Government Hon Ejoor Igbuduma, among others.

 

 

*Obaseki seeks int’l partners’ support to strengthen impact of agric programmes*

 

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has urged international donors to support the government in executing sustainable agricultural programmes to check food security.

 

The governor made the call during a courtesy visit by the Joint Mission of the Federal Government of Nigeria, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) led by the IFAD Country Programme Manager, Dr. Patrick Habamenshi, at the Government House in Benin City.

 

While commending IFAD on its impactful role across Africa, Obaseki said the assistance provided by the Fund can help leapfrog systems and institutions in Nigeria and Edo State.

 

He noted, “We have failed to create the real market for agricultural produce, economic culture, subsidizing agricultural produce and mixed pricing of exchange rate. These are some of the fundamental macro economic issues, which is not taking us anywhere. Agricultural business is a serious business in the country. Some of the macro economic situations are changing.

 

“As a government, our focus is how to be serious and help address the challenges. 50 to 60 years ago, our communities, society, and the economy were driven by agriculture. Commodity boards, farm institutions were well-organized, and people had a culture, but not anymore.”

 

Obaseki said, “As a governor for five years, I have not really seen the impact as I try to measure the impact by asking what has really changed? Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) Office carry a lot of signboards with all sorts of assisted programmes but yet no much impact or difference has been made in agricultural production and output. This is the major challenge, amongst other problems.

 

“Some assistance you are providing is to help us re-enact agriculture again because that is the only thing that can sustain us. Maybe the young ones don’t want to go into agriculture but technology has made things easy. Working together, we would like to deal with serious issues.”

 

“As you will not solve all our problems for us but help and assist us to accelerate our development and look at specific areas and be clear on the expectations and deliverables.

 

“Some of our institutions are so weak. That is why you can’t implement some of the programmes. We should look at how to strengthen some of these institutions to take advantage of what you are bringing to the table,” he added.

 

The IFAD Country Programme Manager in Nigeria, Dr. Patrick Habamenshi said the delegation are in Edo State to carry out an implementation support mission, focusing on the state as it has one of the most dynamic programmes in Nigeria.

 

He commended Governor Obaseki for the counterpart funding he made to the programme which contributed to the success of the programme, noting, “We understand that the programme needs to get aligned with the strategy of the state government and we can’t implement a programme in the state that is disconnected from what the state government is trying to achieve.

 

“We would work with your team to see how to remodel and make the programme have its developmental objectives aligned to yours.”

 

06 December, 2021

  

“We need to double down on our efforts to flatten the curve” – CACOVID 

…urges Nigerians to get vaccinated and stay safe 

The private sector-led coalition against COVID-19 (CACOVID) has intensified its efforts in the fight against the deadly coronavirus and is urging Nigerians to do the same.

In a statement signed by the Assistant Director, Central Bank of Nigeria, Osita Nwasinobi, the coalition urged Nigerians to consciously take steps to remain safe.

“Nigeria has faced deadly viruses in the past and has surmounted them. In all of those incidents, one thing that was common was our unified front. The same is needed now if we are to combat the deadly new variant of the coronavirus – Omicron. We must maintain social distancing in public gatherings, wear our face masks, avoid poorly ventilated areas, wash and sanitize our hands regularly. Most importantly we must get vaccinated.”

“CACOVID is urging all Nigerians to get vaccinated and put an end to the spread of the coronavirus in Nigeria. Let’s work together to make Nigeria virus-free,” he stated.

So far, Omicron has been detected in more than 20 countries, a number that has been steadily ticking up as efforts to track the variant increase around the world. As of Wednesday, there were more than 261 million confirmed cases of the COVID-19 globally (5.2 million deaths), with the Delta variant continuing to dominate.

 

It has become expedient that we all adhere to the precautionary measures highlighted by the WHO whilst getting vaccinated. Contrary to many false reports the vaccines are effective and can reduce the risk of getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.

 

CACOVID further encourages Nigerians to take preventative measures to protect themselves from the virus, such as frequent handwashing, wearing a face mask in indoor and outdoor public places, and maintaining social distance.

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praise Akpabio South-South leaders slam Delta monarch

South-South leaders slam Delta monarch, praise Akpabio

South-South leaders slam Delta monarch, praise Akpabio

Notable leaders in the South-South geo-political zone on Thursday hit back at the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, Obukowho Monday Whiskey, describing his comments on the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio as ‘’reckless’’.

‘’Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, Obukowho Monday Whiskey is wandering about alone’’

The leaders also described the Delta monarch as ‘’a self-seeker, trouble maker and opportunist’’

‘’The temptation to sell out Urhobo and look out for his own petty interest is great. Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, Obukowho Monday Whiskey is prepared to barter away the honour of Idjerhe kingdom and the interests of Urhobo and Ijaw for a job in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) or a handout from top government functionaries ’’

A statement by the Chairman of South-South Front (SSF), Chief John Harry, not only described Whiskey’s outburst as misleading but commended Akpabio for steering the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to greater heights.

‘’ ’Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, Obukowho Monday Whiskey speaks from a place of deep ignorance’’

The statement emphasized objectivity, constructive discussion, competence, devotion and thorough reform.

The leaders rebuked Whiskey for not bringing critical and unemotional apparatus to the examination of problems in the Niger Delta.

They praised Akpabio for his commitment to greater development and adherence to the principles of transparency.

The leaders called Whiskey’s comment ‘’obnoxious and violent’’.

 ‘’The NDDC forensic report marks a vitally important step forward for the Niger Delta region’’

The statement also underscored intelligent leadership, appreciation and respect’’

‘’Senator Akpabio is a quintessential politician. He has done well’’ the statement said.

The leaders called on stakeholders in the country not to be influenced by Whiskey and his sponsors.

‘’The Idjerhe monarch is already losing contact with the purse of the Niger Delta people’’

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IMPACT TO SOUTHEAST NNEWE-ODUMA-UBURU COMMUNITIES CELEBRATE AS BUHARI TAKES SEASON OF COMPLETION

NNEWE-ODUMA-UBURU COMMUNITIES CELEBRATE AS BUHARI TAKES SEASON OF COMPLETION, IMPACT TO SOUTHEAST


PRESS RELEASE

 

NNEWE-ODUMA-UBURU COMMUNITIES CELEBRATE AS BUHARI TAKES SEASON OF COMPLETION, IMPACT TO SOUTHEAST

  • Says road is part of manifestation of his administration’s commitment to improvement in transportation, job creation, prosperity, ease of doing business
  • They are visible and incontrovertible Assets in proof of what Nigeria’s resources are invested in, from a combination of our earned resources, and borrowings – Fashola
  •  Governor Ugwuanyi describes completion, flag-off of road as heartwarming, urges ownership by host communities 
  • Residents of host communities commend FG for restored access to markets, economic benefits

 

It was the turn of Nenwe, Oduma and Uburu communities in Enugu and Ebonyi States  to roll out drums of celebration as President Muhammadu Buhari officially commissioned the 40.37 kilometre Nnewe – Oduma Road linking Enugu and Ebonyi States and bringing to three the number of roads commissioned across the country since the beginning of the Season of Completion and Impact barely two weeks ago.

The other two roads officially commissioned by the President include the 304 kilometre Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Kontagora-Makera Road, commissioned on Thursday, November 25, 2021 and the 24 kilometre Vandeikya-Obudu Cattle Ranch Road (Phases I and II) in Benue State officially flagged of on Monday, November 29, 2021.

 

In his remarks before the official flag-off at the Ezinike-Oduma Village, President Buhari, who was represented at the event by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, said the Nnewe-Oduma Road and others being commissioned represented the manifestation of the commitment of his administration to improving road transport infrastructure, ease of doing business and job creation as well as prosperity to lift people out of poverty.

 

President Buhari, who described the roads already commissioned as “a critical component of our national road network”, observed that one element of change in those roads was “the travel experience on new and well-built roads” as opposed to the not-too-distant unpleasant experiences from the old and previously unmotorable roads.

Also describing the roads as “part of our many roads to prosperity”, the President noted that reduced journey times as a result of the improvement in the road network, meant reduced expense on travel, pointing out reduction in travel expense also meant more money in the pockets of travellers.

According to the President, the roads being commissioned also represent “a statement of economic efficiency and ease of doing business”. He explained that a situation where the previously travel time on a road, which averaged one hour 30 minutes before construction, was reduced to 30 minutes after the completion of the road, both money and time had been saved.

Other elements of change in the roads being turned out by the administration, Buhari said, included the restoration of the  road furniture, such as the lane markings and Route Assurance signs, which he observed, “had all but disappeared on our highways”, adding, “but our commitment to change has restored them, with the markings helping drivers to achieve better lane management and control of their vehicles; while the Route Assurance signs provide information about how much further or longer, the drivers and commuters have to travel and the distance to the next village, town or state”.

Urging commuters not to abuse the road and obey traffic rules and regulations, Buhari, who reiterated that the roads have been built to the highest quality of design and workmanship, added that if they are well used and not abused, they should last for the designed service life pointing out that there are many forms in which commuters abuse the roads.

“Road abuse takes many forms such as overloading of vehicles and trucks which accelerates pavement damage, spilling of petroleum products, which dissolves all the components and allows water to penetrate, and converting the road shoulders to permanent parking places, that brings the onset of road failure from the shoulder”, the President said, adding, “We must all do our best to avoid these practices, report them when they occur and act in a lawful manner to stop them”.

He commended Nigerians who have contributed and are still contributing, in one form or the other, to the construction of the roads saying the roads also represent a story of the capacity of patriotic Nigerians who were employed directly to build the road and the scores of suppliers employed indirectly who are responsible for providing the machines utilized in the construction. “These are not only nation builders to whom we offer our salutations, they are the heart of the Nigerian economy, the micro, small and medium enterprises that drive our economic growth”, he said.

In his own remarks, the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, expressed joy that the Season of Completion and Impact, which began from the North West barely a fortnight ago, has revealed the Buhari administration’s investment commitments in road transportation and the impact on the citizenry adding that it has also brought to the fore the administration’s commitment to infrastructure as a driver for economic growth and prosperity.

According to Fashola, who was represented by the Director Highways, South East Zone, Engr. Bola Aganaba, “These projects represent major investment in road Transport infrastructure, which is a commitment of the Buhari administration as a driver for economic growth and prosperity. They are visible and incontrovertible Assets in proof of what Nigeria’s resources are invested in, from a combination of our earned resources, and borrowings”.

Reiterating that the commissioning and handing over of Nnewe-Oduma Road was the third in the series of handovers in the Season of Completion and Impact, the Minister, who noted that it represented another example of what the country would experience in more days and weeks to come, listed the handovers that will follow to include the 142.2×2 (Dual) kilometres between Shuwarin and Azare connecting Jigawa and Bauchi States and Section III  of the 106.3×2 kilometres between Azare and Potiskum connecting Bauchi and Yobe States.

Paying glowing tribute to investors in the first and second SUKUK, the Minister, who noted that the Fund has contributed immensely to the completion of many roads and currently contributing to progress of work on 44 roads across Nigeria, said the impact had seen to the funding to completion, major road projects such as the Azare – Potiskum, Shuwarin – Potiskum and Sokoto-Tambuwal- Kontagora Roads, among others.

 

He thanked the Ministry of Finance, and the members of the National Assembly, “especially the Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Works in the 8th and 9th Assembly for their support as well as the Debt Management Office for their role in previous SUKUKs which, according to him, have been most innovative and impactful nationwide, and for the SUKUK still being expected.

 

Fashola also thanked the Ministry’s staff and contractors who, he acknowledged, “have worked very hard to bring these projects to conclusion” as well as the host communities for their cooperation without which progress would have been impossible. “I hold them out as examples of what peace can achieve, and the investments that collaboration and some sacrifice can deliver if we embrace partnership with Government”, he said.

 

The Minister’s gratitude also went to the Federal Executive Council, which included all Ministers in the first term and the current term, for their support, the President and Vice President “who presided for long hours over the Council meetings” and the Governors of Bauchi, Jigawa, Benue, Cross Rivers, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Enugu and Ebonyi, who, according to him “bear witness to fruits and the evidence of change by the Buhari administration, adding, “And there is more to come.”

 

In his remarks, the Enugu State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who was reporesented by the Commissioner for Works in the State, Engr. Greg Nnaji expressed appreciation to both the Federal Government, Prersident Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing for the synegy which saw to thw completion of the project, which according to him began in 2013.

 

Describing road construction as the cradle of civilization, Ugwuanyi, who expressed joy at witnessing the  handover of the road, recalled the harrowing experience on that commuters went through before the Buhari administration took the road to completion stage adding that with the completion, the people of Enugu and Ebonyi, who he said are farmers, would easily bring their farm produce to the various markets with ease.

 

He, however, urged the people to take ownership of the road adding that the protection of the road against abuse and other forms of abuse would ensure its long and full life span and would continue to provide for  the communities the ease of doing business as well as boosting their economy.

 

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers and members of the beneficiary communities, the Chairman of Oduma Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Daniel Njoku, Diji 1 of Ezinesi Oduma, also poured encomiums on President Buhari, the Minister of Works and Housing for seeing to the completion of the road which, according to him, was but abandoned until the coming of the present administration.

 

“Every Oduma indigene will recall that in the past we travelled by Okada to Nnewe with spare clothing as a result of the bad road”, he said, adding that the people also found it difficult to transport their agricultural produce to neighbouring markets, a situation which, according to him, had since changed with the completion of the road.

 

A bread maker, who plies the road constantly on business, Mr. Mkwachukwu Chinweba, commended the Federal Government, President Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing for their consistency and commitment which saw to the completion of the work explaining that as a result of the condition of the road he relocated to Onitsha where he was doing his bread business but returned in 2016 when the road was rehabilitated by the present administration.

 

Explaining that the land of Oduma is called Alanni meaning land of food, Chinweba said the people, who, according to him, were farmers, suffered over the years as a result of lack of access to markets  to sell their farm produce adding that with the road now completed, the people could now access the markets while people from other lands also come to Oduma to buy food leading to economic benefits for the farmers.

 

For Princess Adaeze Oje, a housewife, farmer and also native of Oduma, the completion of Nnewe-Oduma Road has brought economic development to the town and its people with prices of farm produce now competitive and the people of Oduma who had been forced to stay in other towns to do their businesses now coming home to carry on such businesses and bringing development to the town.

 

Rev. Father Titus Udeh, Parish Priest of Saint Nicholas Parish Oduma, in an interview, recalled the hardship encountered by the people of Oduma before the completion of the road, thanking God that he has used the present administration with President Buhari at the head and Fashola as the executor to build the Nnewe-Oduma Road, which according to him has enhanced the socio-economic affairs of the community.

 

Also thanking God for giving the community a gift in the person of Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Father Udeh said the road has greatly changed the outlook of the community pointing out that the completion of the road has drawn many sons and daughters of the community, who he noted comprise of rich business people, back home leading to the erection of many beautiful houses.

 

Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Housing, Mr. Babangida Hussaini, who was represented by the Federal Controller of Works in Enugu State, Engr. Olufemi Oyekanmi, gave a brief introduction of the project saying the 40.27 kilometre road constructed by Messrs Reynolds Construction Company, was done in two sections with Section One starting from Nnewe Junction and terminating at Oduma Junction with Spur to Uburu Road and Section II starting from Umagu Village in Ishiagu and terminates at Mile 2 Roundabout in Ebonyi State.

 

The colourful event was marked with many traditional dances with several groups displaying before the very obviously jubilant members of the communities and visitors including top officials of the Construction Company. The different groups that made appearance included the Eribi Ogene Group, the Ogene Youngsters and the Omaba Masquerade, among others.

HAKEEM BELLO

SPECIAL ADVISER,

COMMUNICATIONS

TO THE HON. MINISTER

4th December, 2021

 

 

 

SERAP wants court to stop Buhari, others from shutting down telecoms

 

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit asking the court for “an order of perpetual injunction to restrain President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami from unlawfully shutting down telecommunication networks in any part of the country.”

 

In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1323/2021 filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja SERAP is asking the court to “determine whether the shutdown of telecommunication networks in any part of Nigeria by the Buhari administration is unlawful, and a violation of the rights of access to correspondence, freedom of expression, information, and the press.”

 

SERAP is also asking the court to “determine whether the shutdown of telecommunication networks in any part of the country is inconsistent with the principles of legality, proportionality and necessity, and the rights of access to correspondence, freedom of expression, information, and the press.”

 

The suit, which has been assigned to Honourable Justice Ahmed Mohammed at Court 4, is fixed for hearing on 11th January, 2022.

 

Joined in the suit as Defendant is the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

 

SERAP is arguing that, “Large-scale shutdowns of communication networks are a form of collective punishment. Shutdowns exert significant chilling effects, with direct implications on participatory democracy, whose existence depends upon an active and informed citizenry capable of engaging with a range of ideas.”

 

According to SERAP, “The Buhari administration has constitutional and international legal obligations to enable access to the Internet for all, as access to the Internet is inextricably linked to the exercise of freedom of expression and information.”

 

SERAP is also arguing that, “Access to information, the ability to exercise the right to freedom of expression and the participation that internet and telecommunication networks provide to all sectors of society is essential for a truly democratic society.”

 

SERAP said: “The rights to freedom of expression and information may be restricted only in specific circumstances. Restrictions on these rights must be provided by law, proportionate, and necessary for respect of the rights or reputations of others or for the protection of national security or of public order, or of public health and morals.”

 

SERAP is also arguing that, “While the authorities have a legal responsibility to protect, ensure and secure the rights to life and property, any such responsibility ought to be discharged in conformity with constitutional and international human rights standards.”

 

SERAP said: “The suspension of internet and telecommunication networks in Zamfara and Katsina states is particularly egregious, and suggests a disturbing trend, especially given the escalating repression and restriction of civic space in Nigeria. Shutdowns should never become an entrenched practice in the country.”

 

The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare and Kehinde Oyewumi, read in part: “Internet and telecommunication shutdowns amount to inherently disproportionate interference with the rights to freedom of expression and information. Necessity requires a showing that shutdowns would achieve their stated purpose, which in fact they often jeopardize.”

 

“In their 2011 Joint Declaration on Freedom of Expression and the Internet, four special mandates on freedom of expression emphasised that ‘Cutting off access to the Internet, or parts of the Internet, for whole populations or segments of the public can never be justified, including on public order or national security grounds.’”

 

“The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has affirmed the principle of non-interference with access to internet and telecommunication networks and stressed that States including Nigeria ‘shall not engage in or condone any disruption of access to the internet and other digital technologies for segments of the public or an entire population.’”

 

“In June 2016, the UN Human Rights Council, condemned ‘measures to intentionally prevent or disrupt access to or dissemination of information online in violation of international human rights law.’ The Council called on all States, including Nigeria, to refrain from and cease such measures.”

 

“The rights to freedom of expression and access to information are protected by Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, 1999 [as amended], Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights both of which Nigeria has ratified.”

 

“These rights must be protected online as they are protected offline.  Access to the Internet is a fundamental right. Access to the internet is also a necessary precondition for the exercise and enjoyment of other human rights online and offline.”

 

“Shutdowns generate a wide variety of harms to human rights, economic activity, public safety and emergency services that outweigh the purported benefits. Any shutdown has the potential to affect millions of internet and telecommunication users, and those on the margins of society are most impacted by it.”

 

“The suspension of the internet and telecommunication networks in Zamfara and Katsina states, without any legal justification, is inconsistent with the principles of necessity and proportionality. The suspension is a form of collective punishment of Nigerians resident in these states.”

 

“The imposition of any restrictions should be guided by the objective of facilitating the right, rather than seeking unnecessary and disproportionate limitations on it. Restrictions must not be discriminatory, impair the essence of the right, or be aimed at causing a chilling effect. Internet and telecommunication shutdowns fail to meet all of these conditions.”

 

It would be recalled that the NCC recently ordered telecom operators to suspend all telecommunications networks in some states, including Zamfara State, and at least 13 local government areas of Katsina State purportedly to check “banditry”/terrorism.

 

 

 

Kolawole Oluwadare

SERAP Deputy Director

5/12/2021

Lagos, Nigeria

Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org

Twitter: @SERAPNigeria

Website: www.serap-nigeria.org

For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202

 

 

Presentation of Certificate of Return and Inauguration of the Newly Elected National Officers of Our Party.

The National Convention Organizing Committee (NCOC), in collaboration with the National Working Committee (NWC), of our Great Party, the PDP, wishes to invite all our Former Presidents and Vice Presidents, Governors and Former Governors, Serving and Former Members of the BOT, Members of the National Assembly, all Members of NEC, Stakeholders of our Party, the International Communities, CSOs and Media to the very special and noble occasion of Presentation of Certificate of Return and Swearing-In Ceremony of the newly elected National Officers as follows:-

ALL MEMBERS OF NWC AND NEWLY ELECTED NATIONAL OFFICERS ARE KINDLY REQUESTED TO BE AVAILABLE AS FOLLOWS:

Date: Friday December 10, 2021

Venue: Abuja International Conference Center (AICC), Central Area, Abuja, FCT.

Time: 9:30Am

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan

Secretary, Publicity Sub-Committee/National Publicity Secretary

 

 

December 4, 2021

Press Statement

PDP Releases NWC Transition Schedule of Events

…To Inaugurate NWC-Elect on Friday, December 10

Consequent upon the successful conduct of the October 30 and 31 2021 elective National Convention and in keeping with due process of internal democracy, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved the schedule of events for smooth transition from the outgoing to incoming national officers of the party

Accordingly, the Valedictory Session of the outgoing National Working Committee (NWC) has been scheduled to hold on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at the NEC Hall of the National Secretariat, Abuja at 11am.

Correspondingly, the presentation of Certificate of Return and Swearing-In Ceremony of the newly elected national officers has been scheduled for Friday, December 10, 2021 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, by 9:30am.

All party leaders, critical stakeholders and our teeming members nationwide should note this accordingly.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan

National Publicity Secretary

 

December 3, 2021

Press Statement

PDP Mourns Former Senate President Joseph Wayas

…Says He Stood for Rule of Law, Equity, True Federalism

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) mourns the death of elder statesman and former President of the Senate, Senator Joseph Wayas, describing it as a monumental national loss.

Senator Wayas was a very courageous democrat, an exceptional statesman, who made personal sacrifices in standing for justice, equity, rule of law and true federalism in our country, both as a political leader and a private individual.

As a commissioner in the old southeastern state, member of the Constituent Assembly and later the President of the Senate, Senator Wayas exhibited uncommon patriotism towards the unity, stability and development of our dear country.

The PDP is sad that Senator Wayas left the scene at the time the nation needed his wealth of experience and stabilizing role the most.

Our party commiserates with the Wayas family, the people of South South and the institution of the Senate, and prays God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan

National Publicity Secretar

 

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Lagos Speaker Gbajabiamila commissions 5 roads in Ikorodu

Speaker Gbajabiamila commissions 5 roads in Ikorodu, Lagos

…Commends Rep. Jimi Benson for attracting development to Ikorodu

The Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, on Friday commissioned five roads facilitated by the chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Rep. Babajimi Benson in the Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos State.

The road projects, which involved the construction of link roads in the Sabo area of Ikorodu, linked Ayangbadejo street, Kaz Avenue, Ajeborigbon Street, Nike Olubodun Street and Ajoke Oduyebo Street.

At the event, which had in attendance traditional rulers led by the paramount ruler of the Ikorodu division, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu Kingdom, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, APC Lagos State Chairman-Elect, party leaders, officials of the Lagos state government and residents, the Speaker congratulated the people for being beneficiaries of the projects and commended Rep. Babajimi Benson for representing his constituents well.

He said: “I am here to support Rep. Babajimi Benson and the people of Ikorodu on the commissioning of these roads. I am happy when my members are doing well and Rep. Benson is doing well. He has proven himself as a good representative, even in Abuja.”

Before the commissioning ceremony, the Speaker visited the palace of the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi on a courtesy visit.

The Oba, who had his chiefs in attendance, thanked the Speaker for the visit. He said even though the Speaker had visited him several times before, this was the Speaker’s first official visit.

Gbajabiamila thanked the traditional ruler for receiving him so warmly. He also thanked the Kabiyesi for always providing constant support and guidance.

Speaker Gbajabiamila also visited the constituency office of Rep. Benson and was shown around the office, including the office of the radio station, Ikorodu FM 106.1, which is located within the grounds of the constituency office. The Speaker was invited to say a few words to radio listeners and he enjoined them to be peaceful, praying that the new year will be a prosperous one for the country.

Signed:

Lanre Lasisi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria

 

 

 

UPU at 90: Okowa lauds Urhobos’ contribution to Nigeria’s devt.

 

Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on Friday, commended the people of Urhobo for their immense support and contributions to the development of the state and country.

 

Okowa gave the commendation in his remarks at the 90th Anniversary of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) held at Urhobo Cultural Centre, Uvwiamuge-Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

 

He said that UPU had, as a socio-cultural group and through its human resources, played remarkable role in the development of the state and Nigeria in the 90 years of its existence.

 

According to him, UPU has played a major role in the advancement of not just the Urhobo nation but the advancement of Delta and Nigeria.

 

The governor thanked the leadership of the union for using its relationship with the people to ensure peace and organise them  for purposeful development and being of great assistance to any government in power in the state.

 

“I know the role the UPU has been playing in helping to build peace in Urhoboland and in trying also to extend hand of friendship to other ethnic groups across the state.

 

“By the time our people in Delta State relate as one, then you would have helped government to solve its problems because once you have been able to establish peace it becomes much  easier to develop the state,” he said.

 

Okowa commended traditional rulers in the state for their support, saying “at every point in time I always thank traditional rulers for the role they have played individually and collectively to the growth and development of the state.

 

“They have always been a strong support behind all the governments of this state but particularly in my time, they have done a lot to help in stabilising government and to ensure that we have been able to live in unity as a people.

 

“Let me also thank the kings for their support to the UPU which had contributed in making it the oldest ethnic nationality group in Nigeria,” he stated.

 

He lauded UPU for the honour done to some illustrious sons and daughters, adding that it would help in encouraging others to put in their best in the growth and development of the nation.

 

He acknowledged the cordial relationship between the Urhobos and their neighbours, and said that a hand of friendship was very important “because he who extends hand of friendship wants to have a friend”.

 

“I don’t believe that we must fight everything through; sometimes a kind word or a conversation can help you to get to where you want to be,” he said.

 

He admonished governorship aspirants to exercise restraints in their consultations and campaigns.

 

“I want to appeal to our sons and daughters who seek to be governor. It is usually best when you approach it on the basis of friendship.

 

“It is usually best that we are choosy on the kind of words that we use in the public so that we don’t start any round of fights.

 

“No matter how provoked, any person aspiring to the position of leadership must learn to control his anger and speak peacefully to people because in so doing, he attracts friends to himself,” he said.

 

He called on Urhobo people to prune down the number of aspirants in the governorship race, advising that it was in their best interest to reduce the numbers.

 

“When there are too many sons and daughters in a race, it creates its own challenge and I believe that the elders have understood this.

 

“There is a need to trim down and I believe that the time is now.

 

“I thank you for the support you have given me as a people through the course of governance in the last six and half years.

 

“It is my prayer that Delta will remain peaceful and united and whoever is coming will recognise the fact that we are better off as united people and once this is done we will continue to be stakeholders in our own state,” Okowa added.

 

Earlier In his welcome address, President-General of UPU, Chief Moses Taiga, had said that UPU was celebrating 90 years, a decade short of a century, adding that the union was Nigeria’s oldest surviving socio-cultural organisation.

 

He said that UPU saw education as the light that would illuminate Urhoboland and liberate its people.

 

Taiga told the gathering that UPU was working on bequeathing an economic legacy to future generations with the proposed establishment of Okugbe Microfinance Bank which was awaiting operational license from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

 

Taiga said that the Urhobos would build alliances with other ethnic nationalities in the South-South and beyond to proffer a new destiny for Nigeria as the nation tottered to a new beginning.

 

“While we do not support secessionist agitations, we align with the call for the restructuring of Nigeria in line with the tenets of federalism.

 

“We support the call for the relocation of the headquarters of all oil companies to the Niger Delta and the call for election results to be transmitted electronically.

 

“Urhobos are in support of states’ collection of Value Added Tax (VAT), the enactment of Anti-Open Grazing Laws, the establishment of State Police and other such progressive factors that will make Nigeria great again,” he stated.

 

The ceremony featured presentation of awards to deserving sons and daughters who distinguished themselves in various disciplines and made Urhobos proud in the past 90 years.

 

GOV AKEREDOLU: WE ARE DETERMINED TO PUSH OUR PEOPLE OUT OF POVERTY

  • Says Entrepreneurship Only Solution To Unemployment
  • Ibukun Awosika, Folorunso Alakija, Others Speak At Ondo Unemployment Summit

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has said his administration is determined to push the people of the state out of poverty and unemployment through entrepreneurship knowledge economy, innovation and technology.

The Governor disclosed his readiness to invest more in entrepreneurship development and provision of grants for startups and those badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Arakunrin Akeredolu spoke on Friday at the Inaugural Unemployment Summit held at the International Centre for Culture and Events (DOME).

Speakers at the summit include Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, Apostle Folorunso Alakija and founder of Africa’s Leadership University, Fred Swaniker.

While declaring the summit open, Governor Akeredolu explained that the letter ‘D’ in his second term agenda which is simply encapsulated in the acronym ‘REDEEMED’ stands for Digital Revolution and Entrepreneurship.

The Governor noted that the digital revolution and Entrepreneurship is not just an agenda but his passion to see that the unemployment rate in the state is reduced.

“Unarguably, we have come to the point of deliberating extensively as a State to take actions to tackle this problem of unemployment once and for all. We have always been concerned that the only enduring solutions to the unemployment issues are for our youths to embrace entrepreneurial development.

“This type of Summit is not the first in Nigeria, but it is significant because of the peculiarity of the seasons we are in as a country and because we have decided to refer to it as ‘Unemployment Summit’ and not employment summit, as we would rather address the problem first before the solution.

“You will recall that our State had hitherto been known and referred to as a Civil Service State. The little Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) we get is recycled around the public service and our capacity to generate more IGR was limited.

“We observe that keeping the civil service culture, in no time, the state will be in chaos hence the birth of the Ondo State Entrepreneurship Development Agency (ONDEA) for Poverty Eradication, Job Creation and Economic Development,” Arakunrin Akeredolu said.

The Governor said ONDEA was birthed with the mandate to create a master plan for massive job creation in the State, foster economic growth and engender business knowledge transfer for indigenous based entrepreneurs, MSMEs and job seekers.

He added: “A lot of people might not know the importance now, the fact about entrepreneurship is that it is the engine that creates new jobs and it is a great panacea for economic development.

“We are building the right foundation and it might take some time. Many of these entrepreneurial initiatives have great benefits that are not just for now, but for long after our administration, because that is when the narrative of this State would have changed.

“Our people would be more self-driven and self-conscious, and we have started seeing the impact. This Agency, within just a year Of Creation has trained thousands of people and there has been various empowerment of young people to support them with interest-free loans and grants.”

In her Keynote Address, the Grand Matron, Africa Young Entrepreneurs Organization A.Y.E, Apostle Folorunso Alakija, commended the administration of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for opening up the state economy through entrepreneurship.

Apostle Alakija who presides over several entrepreneurial establishments said opening up the eyes and minds of the youth to employable potentials around them through the creation of Ondo State Entrepreneurship Agency, ODEA, is highly salutary.

In her speech, a top rated business woman and motivational speaker, Mrs Ibukunoluwa Awosika said entrepreneurship is the panacea to the daily increasing growth of unemployment and poverty which has become a cankerworm affecting the fabric of Nigerian nation.

Mrs Awosika who noted with satisfaction the Ondo State example in poverty and unemployment management, said the prosperity of Nigeria depends largely on the intervention of the private sector through the productive engagement of the youth populace in entrepreneurship.

Richard Olatunde

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.

December 3rd, 2021.

 

 

Be trustworthy, steadfast, Okowa urges politicians

 

Governor of Delta, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, on Friday, urged politicians in the country to be truthful and steadfast in order to remain relevant in the scheme of things.

 

Okowa gave the advice when he paid a condolence visit on the family of the late PDP Chairman in Ughelli North, Hon. Lawrence Agbatutu at his residence in Agbarho.

 

Governor Okowa said late Agbatutu was his genuine friend, a man that was bold, selfless and reliable, praying that God should grant his soul eternal rest.

 

He noted that the late Agbatutu was one man that supported him politically in 2019 and promised to remain a father to his children.

 

While condoling with the deceased family, the governor told the children not to feel that the world had come to an end as a result of their father’s death, stressing that God will be there for them at all times.

 

He thanked PDP leaders in Ughelli North for being there for the bereaved family and urged them to maintain the bond of unity between the Agbatutu family and the party.

 

“I want to condole with the family of Lawrence Agbatutu on this sad loss. He was a very bold man, bold politically and he was a man that will tell the truth all the time and l loved him for that.

 

“He was somebody who you could exactly say where he was. He never at any point in time, played the game of l am neither here or there.

 

“I think that is good for politics and that is what actually endeared him to me. He worked very hard for our party.

 

“He truly worked for the party, he believed in the party and he put in everything in him towards working with the rest of the leadership to get the party working.

 

“I want you to be rest assured that I will open up my line of communication to you and I will do my best to ensure that the role he would have played in your lives, l will play that role,” the governor assured the children.

 

Welcoming the governor and his entourage to their residence, the eldest daughter of the deceased, Dr. (Mrs.) Omonefe Moses thanked him for the condolence visit.

 

She disclosed that members of the family were not unaware of the enormous positive role the governor played in the life of their departed father.

 

While saying that she was a direct beneficiary of the governor’s magnanimous gesture, she thanked him for being a nice man to their family.

 

Dr. (Mrs.) Moses, therefore, appealed to Governor Okowa to see them as his adopted children as their backbone was no more.

 

“We are not unaware of the good role you played in the life of our father until his death. I am a direct beneficiary of your magnanimous gesture.

 

“On behalf of my siblings, l thank you immensely for being a nice man to our family. I plead with you to see us as your adopted children as our backbone is gone,” she added.

OAU TO HONOUR GOV AKEREDOLU WITH DISTINGUISHED GREAT IFE ALUMNUS AWARD

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Aketi , SAN, will tomorrow, Saturday, December 4, 2021 be conferred with the Obafemi Awolowo University Distinguished Great Ife Alumnus Award.

The Governor is among the 60 graduates of the institution to be honoured with the award of excellence as part of the activities marking its 60th Anniversary.

A letter personally signed by the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede, and addressed to Governor Akeredolu said “the award of excellence for very passionate, supportive and dedicated Great Ife ambassadors who have contributed over the past 60 years, is to further show the University management’s appreciation.

The Obafemi Awolowo University is Governor Akeredolu’s alma mater. The award ceremony holds in Lagos tomorrow.

Signed:

Olabode Richard Olatunde

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.

December 3rd, 2021.

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