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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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PRESIDENT BUHARI: WORLD LEADERS MUST REINFORCE PARTNERSHIPS TO ADDRESS HUMANITY’S COMMON CHALLENGES

PRESIDENT BUHARI: WORLD LEADERS MUST REINFORCE PARTNERSHIPS TO ADDRESS HUMANITY’S COMMON CHALLENGES

Amid the global surge in cases of COVID-19, President Muhammadu Buhari Friday in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, stressed the need for world leaders to work together and reinforce partnerships to limit the catastrophic consequences of the pandemic.

Speaking at Nigeria Day during EXPO DUBAI 2020, the President declared that the theme of the very important global event, “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future” has placed a moral burden on all relevant stakeholders, across national boundaries, to urgently work together for a better and brighter future.

‘‘The concerted efforts by world leaders, working together, enabled us to limit the catastrophic consequences of this pandemic.

‘‘Such level of continuing understanding and pragmatic partnerships are needed and must be reinforced to ensure that our world is a better place that addresses humanity’s common challenges to guarantee sustainable development and progress for the global community,’’ he said.

President Buhari told the EXPO that Nigeria, like other countries in the world, was impacted negatively by the COVID-19 pandemic, compounding national efforts in addressing insecurity, fighting corruption and diversifying the nation’s economy.

Nonetheless, he noted that the present administration in Nigeria has registered significant progress within a short period of time and is still making headways in key sectors of the economy.

‘‘Therefore, the Nigerian delegation is participating in this EXPO with great prospects for positive outcomes, while assuring the world of our determination and readiness to partner with relevant investors in our bid to tackle a number of challenges to make Nigeria a better country.

‘‘Nigeria is participating in this epoch-making event in order to explore opportunities that are capable of unlocking the huge potentials that abound in our country, as it makes conscious efforts to be a strategic partner of choice for the global community.

‘‘It is my pleasure, therefore, to invite all participating countries, organizations and other private sector operators to take full advantage of opportunities being provided by the EXPO 2020, by linking up with the Nigerian team, to collaborate with us in diverse areas of interests for our mutual benefits,’’ he said.

The Nigerian leader thanked Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), for inviting him to the Expo and especially to attend Nigeria’s Day event, which offers a great opportunity to show-case the potential of Africa’s largest economy.

The President described Expo Dubai 2020 as the single most important global event of its kind to take place in the Middle East, Africa and the South East Asian regions in recent years.

‘‘We are proud to be a part of this dynamic evolution of pragmatic partnerships that are both creative and innovative for the progress of the country.

‘‘I heartily congratulate the UAE authorities for the painstaking work to create this state of the art complex that has connected our world within our fingertips as we share international best-practices as well as opportunities that abound in all our countries,’’ he said.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

December 3, 2021

 

 

 

Lagos, Nigeria                                                           03 December, 2021

Wentors announces Mfon Ekpo as new board member to further drive diversity and inclusion of women in the tech industry through mentorship 

Wentors is excited to announce that we are adding a new member to our board who will bring an additional layer of expertise and insight to our work in the personal development industry. In the past year, we have worked nonstop to make sure that even more women in technology participate and are retained in the technology industry and we have done this by providing these wentees with access to expert guidance from women in top tier organizations across the world.

“We are not in a hurry to fill up board member roles, but one thing we are intentional about doing is that as we find the people we are looking for and as the opportunity presents itself, we take it,” EduAbasi said as she made this announcement to the team at Wentors before deciding to make the news public.

We believe the timing and person is both right for us.

Mfon Ekpo has championed the cause and has received national and international recognition for helping women in Africa, Europe and the United States translate their ideas into strategic income-generating and sustainable businesses in diverse industries including tech. It is this wealth of knowledge and expertise she brings to Wentors.

We know as we intensify our drive to nurture women in technology everywhere, Mfon Ekpo is the right addition to the board.

Mfon Ekpo, who is currently the CEO of The Discovery Centre, a training organization that specializes in developing effective and technological advanced systems, strategy and structure for organizational and individual development.

An astute professional with multiple degrees in Maritime Law, Business Law, Journalism, Neurolinguistic programming, Project Management and Negotiation, Mfon, an international speaker and a coach to top CEOs, industry and though leaders, who has also worked and trained for the British High Commission, The Supreme Court of Nigeria, National Judicial Institute and the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria amongst others.

We realize that there is a gap in the technology industry especially for women in technology and we want to make mentorship more accessible and Mfon’s diverse plethora of professional experience would help us create more viable solutions for women in technology and the industry at large.

As an organization, we are excited about this move and as we build a community that nurtures women in technology everywhere, we look towards the work ahead and the impact we would create together.

 

###

 

About Wentors 

Wentors is a global organisation focused on increasing the rate of participation and retention of women in technology through mentorship. In the past year it has grown from a team of just 4 members to a rapidly evolving community of over 2000 women in technology across the world with ambassadors in 12 countries across Africa, Europe and the Americas.

So far, Wentors has impacted over 2000 women in technology with its programs and with a bold ambition to impact over 8 million women in technology by 2030, the organisation considers itself an advocate for women in technology.

For partnerships, sponsorships or more information about Wentors, visit www.wentors.com or mail@wentors.com.

 

 

PDP’LL SUPPORT PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE WITH CAPACITY TO SALVAGE NIGERIA – WIKE

*I WON’T IMPOSE MY SUCCESSOR

Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has explained that only a courageous person with the capacity and vision to salvage the country will be supported to fly the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election.

He clarified that although the party is yet to decide whether such candidate will be from the southern or northern part of Nigeria, one thing is certain, the candidate will be one who can confront the evil tactics of All Progressives Congress, APC.

Speaking on African Independent Television, AIT, on Thursday, Governor Wike said the process to determine who PDP will field as its presidential candidate will be a turbulent one.

“Let nobody come and tell you that in arriving at a presidential candidate that it will be easy. No way, it can never be. You know, there are two types of turbulences. There is turbulence that will not have a crash, which is a normal turbulence. There are turbulences that there is likely to be a crash.

“Our own turbulence in PDP is the normal turbulence, which I believe we will get through it, but APC turbulence is a turbulence that is likely to lead to a crash.

“PDP has redeemed its position towards what Nigerians are expecting, because Nigerians are tired of what is going on in the country. So, they need an alternative, and the only alternative as it is today is the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP).”

Governor Wike said as a firm and courageous person, who having demonstrated such selfless leadership in Rivers State, he will only support a presidential candidate who will not mortgage the party for other selfish interest.

“And so, if you want to run for presidency under PDP, I will not support somebody who’ll just want to bear the name of former presidential candidate, I will not agree to that. I must see that you are prepared for it, and to confront this evil called APC.”

Governor Wike boasted that he feels fulfilled that PDP got it right with a peaceful conduct of its national convention that saw the emergence of a new competent national working committee, (NWC).

He dismissed insinuations in some quarters that PDP governors had forced on an early convention because they wanted sole control of the party. According to him, any true party man will love a PDP that is stable, focus and forward looking.

The governor maintained that already the new leadership of the PDP, waiting to be sworn-in on the 9th December 2021, have started engaging Nigerians and other party members on identifying what the problems are and how to address them properly.

Governor Wike said Nigerians are tired of the misrule of APC and will not allow their evil to continue beyond 2023.

“Nigerians are waiting. Nigerians cannot have this type of evil come up again in 2023. We will be doing a disservice to Nigerians to allow this to continue.”

He said PDP is already aware of the antics of the APC controlled Federal Government to ensure it holds on to power at all cost. According to him, APC is already gearing up to deplore unconstitutional means to frustrate the conduct of a free and fair 2023 general election.

Governor Wike expressed strong reservation on the likelihood of President Muhammadu Buhari ever assenting to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.

“The president will not sign the Electoral Act Amendment Bill. The signs are already there. It is dead on arrival. The president does not disappoint people.”

He stated that the seemingly disagreement between members of the national lawmakers and APC governors over the Electoral Act Amendment Bill is devised to frustrate it.

The governor wondered why the president would be seeking INEC’s advice on a law that is already passed by the National Assembly. He asserted that issues of security and cost implication will be used eventually as reasons why presidential ascent will be declined.

Governor Wike said the current Senate and House of Representatives controlled by the APC lack the capacity to use veto power to override President Buhari if he refuses to accent to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.

Speaking on how his successor will emerge, Governor Wike reassured that the leadership of the party will meet to decide who to support at the appropriate time.

Governor Wike maintained that he is obliged to ensure that PDP wins the 2023 governorship election, but he not impose any candidate on the party.

“There is no right thinking Rivers person who will say Wike’s administration has not done well for Rivers State. And so, I believe everybody will want somebody who has something positive to add.

“One mistake I will not make is to impose somebody. From my experience as a student of history, reality has shown that it is difficult for you to say Joseph is the man I can trust. Until you give somebody power and money, that is only when you will know whether that person is trustworthy or not.”

Governor Wike said God will not allow someone that will destroy all the remarkable progress the State has made over the years to be the next governor. According to him, God will ensure that it is only someone who is courageous, firm and ready to protect the interest of Rivers State that will succeed him.

“Rivers state is a state that so many people have interest. It is a state that you have to put your feet on the ground. It is a state that you have to annoy a lot of Nigerians, and a lot of Nigerians will hate you. But what is important is for you to know what is good for your people, and stand for your people. Do not allow personal interest to sway you against the interest of your people.”

 

 

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF WORKS AND HOUSING

 

           Headquarters, Mabushi P.M.B. 111, Garki – Abuja, Nigeria

                                      

                                 PRESS RELEASE                       

 

 

Jubilation, commendations as President Buhari Commissions Nnewe – Oduma Road

  • Urges road users against abuse
  • Nigerians to expect more delivery of projects in a season of completion and impact – Fashola

 

Jubilation, commendations and gratitude rent the air as President Muhammadu Buhari commissioned the Nnewe – Oduma – Uburu road covering 26.27 kilometres with 14 kilometres spur to Ishiagu connecting  Enugu and Ebonyi states, today 2nd December, 2021.

 

The President who was represented by the  Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu made a passionate appeal to road users to desist from acts such as overloading of vehicles and trucks, spilling of petroleum products on the roads and conversion of road shoulders to Permanent parking places which could damage the road.

 

“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.

 

Buhari who again emphasized his administration’s commitment to Infrastructural development gave the assurance that Nigerians will be witnessing more completion and delivery of projects.

 

The Enugu state Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who was represented by the State’s Commissioner for Works and infrastructure, Sir Greg Nnagi described road contruction as the cradle of civilisation. He noted that the underlying benefits of road construction is that it opens up the door of economic advantage and boost the economy of the people.

 

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

 

He said, ” This road will take its pride of place as one of the most critical infrastructure implemented by the Federal Government”.

 

Fashola, in an address read on his behalf by the Director Highways, South  Zone, Engr. Bola Aganaba, noted that the road being handed over was a continuation of the good tidings being delivered across the country. “I am happy to reiterate that this is the third of many more project Completion and Handovers our country will experience in the next few weeks and months as we enter what l call a season of completion and impact,” he said.

 

 

expressed appreciation for the SUKUK funding which is currently aiding the progress of work on 44 roads across the nation.

 

 

Fashola said, “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 commended all the stakeholders both in the private and public sectors who contributed to the actualization of the project.

 

His Royal Highness Igwe Patrick  Oshiekwe the Ohazulume I of Ukete – Oduma, Aninri Local  Government Area of Enugu State, expressed happiness and commended the President  for the project.

 

Road users in the area who were obviously filled with  joy  expressed their gratitude to Mr President .

 

Mr. Patrick  Ekwe said, “The project is helping us very well. It was very hard for us to travel to anywhere but today it is very easy, if you want to go to Lagos from here, you will leave today and come back tomorrow.  Before it took us a whole day to go to Enugu but now you can go and come back within 2 hours.”

 

Kingsley  Nicholas said, ” God will continue to bless President Muhammadu Buhari, the God that put the project into his mind and for his willingness to help the people of Oduma, may the good God continue to bless him.”

 

For Princess Nkem Ngirim the project will help the people to take their goods to the market and boost their economy. She said, ” We thank our able President Muhammadu Buhari for remembering us, giving us access road to other places.”

 

She added that a journey that used to take them about 5 hours can now be covered within 30 minutes.

 

It could be recalled that the 304 kilometre Sokoto – Tambuwal -Jega -Kontagora – Makera road in Sokoto and Kebbi States and the Vandeikya -Obudu Cattle Ranch road in Benue and Cross River states were recently commissioned on November 25th and 29th 2021 respectively.

 

Boade Akinola 

Director Press and Public Relations

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

SANWO-OLU: LAGOS’LL REMAIN REFERENCE POINT FOR IMPACTFUL, INNOVATIVE EDUCATION

 

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education and technology, saying his government will ensure that Lagos State remains the reference point for impactful, inclusive and innovative education.

 

He said education and technology would continue to occupy prime positions in his government because quality education and educational leadership are both critical to the execution of the T.H.E.M.E.S development agenda of his administration.

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu made the statement at the 2021 annual Governor’s Lecture of the Lagos State University (LASU) Alumni Association with the theme “Educational leadership and technology as viable options for economic recovery and nationhood: The experience of Lagos State,” held at LASU main campus, Ojo on Thursday.

 

The Governor said his administration is committing substantial resources to the provision of quality education that is needed to actualise economic recovery in a digitised world because the State Government recognises the transformational gains of integrating quality education with innovative technological solutions for economic recovery.

 

He said the State Government is closing the digital divide by collaborating with the private sector to deploy metropolitan fibre optics across the State, noting that his administration has implemented 3,000km of metro fibre connection.

 

“Our administration understands the key role that education and technology play in transforming the society, which explains why we made education one of the major pillars of our T.H.E.M.E.S Development Agenda (Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and Environment, Education and Technology, Making Lagos a 21st Economy, Entertainment and Tourism and Governance and Security).

 

“In the last two years, we have made extensive investments in education and technology but a major take away from the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on how we live, socialize and conduct business is the need for policymakers to determine how we can further use technology for sustainable economic growth.

 

“There must be intentional efforts by all stakeholders to promote equitable and quality education so that the products of our schools are equipped with the critical skills needed to proffer lasting solutions to our socio-economic problems. There is also no better time than now to deepen productive discourse on how we will continue to utilize technology to make life more meaningful.

 

“The indubitable fact is that technology now has a significant impact on the business and economic environment and we must as a matter of urgency accelerate the adoption of new technologies for sustainable development and economic stability,” he said.

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu said knowledge expansion is a crucial component of the 21st-century academic system and therefore tasked educators and educational leaders to harness the power of technology to produce skilled graduates who are able to drive long-term economic recovery.

 

“In Lagos State, we have been able to achieve some of our educational goals through a systematic blend of our curriculum with technology and the selfless efforts of our educators. We now operate an improved educational system with enhanced institutional capacity for digital learning,” the governor said.

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu also commended the LASU Alumni for remaining passionate about the continued growth and development of the institution as well as being worthy ambassadors of the school and remaining loyal to LASU long after they passed through the school.

 

“All over the world, alumni associations have become strategic players in educational and governmental issues: I am proud of your association’s commitment to ensuring that LASU becomes one of the best universities in the world; I assure you that this is my administration’s goal too and we will continue to create the enabling environment for LASU to thrive,” he said.

 

Speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello said Governor Sanwo-Olu has demonstrated quality leadership in the governance of the State and in the administration of all the tertiary institutions in Lagos State.

 

She said Governor Sanwo-Olu’s prompt response to all issues pertaining to the Lagos State University and the entire State is unprecedented.

 

“The  Governor has demonstrated quality leadership and support for the University by the prompt release of monthly subvention for payment of salaries, immediate release of funds for accreditation, commencement of the construction of over 9,000-bed space students hostel on Ojo Campus and the release of additional N4 billion to the 2022 University Budget.

 

“Mr. Governor has also taken steps to renovate and revamp the Epe Campus of the University, unprecedented support of the Lagos State University College of Medicine and various ongoing projects across our campuses,” she said.

 

The Vice Chancellor said LASU management would continue to align with the six points strategic goals of the University to achieve the mandate of the institution and therefore urged the Governor to continue to support in meeting the needs of the institution.

 

The Vice Chancellor while commending LASU Alumni Association for consistently demonstrating its commitment to the development of the school said the association had brought about growth and development of networks for mutual support.

 

In his address, the Chairman of the occasion, Senator Seye Ogunlewe, stressed the need for additional universities in Lagos State, saying having more universities in the state will provide the opportunity for youths, especially Lagos indigenes and residents to be admitted into universities.

 

 

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

DECEMBER 2, 2021

PRESS RELEASE

 

SANWO-OLU: LAGOS’LL REMAIN REFERENCE POINT FOR IMPACTFUL, INNOVATIVE EDUCATION

 

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education and technology, saying his government will ensure that Lagos State remains the reference point for impactful, inclusive and innovative education.

 

He said education and technology would continue to occupy prime positions in his government because quality education and educational leadership are both critical to the execution of the T.H.E.M.E.S development agenda of his administration.

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu made the statement at the 2021 annual Governor’s Lecture of the Lagos State University (LASU) Alumni Association with the theme “Educational leadership and technology as viable options for economic recovery and nationhood: The experience of Lagos State,” held at LASU main campus, Ojo on Thursday.

 

The Governor said his administration is committing substantial resources to the provision of quality education that is needed to actualise economic recovery in a digitised world because the State Government recognises the transformational gains of integrating quality education with innovative technological solutions for economic recovery.

 

He said the State Government is closing the digital divide by collaborating with the private sector to deploy metropolitan fibre optics across the State, noting that his administration has implemented 3,000km of metro fibre connection.

 

“Our administration understands the key role that education and technology play in transforming the society, which explains why we made education one of the major pillars of our T.H.E.M.E.S Development Agenda (Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and Environment, Education and Technology, Making Lagos a 21st Economy, Entertainment and Tourism and Governance and Security).

 

“In the last two years, we have made extensive investments in education and technology but a major take away from the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on how we live, socialize and conduct business is the need for policymakers to determine how we can further use technology for sustainable economic growth.

 

“There must be intentional efforts by all stakeholders to promote equitable and quality education so that the products of our schools are equipped with the critical skills needed to proffer lasting solutions to our socio-economic problems. There is also no better time than now to deepen productive discourse on how we will continue to utilize technology to make life more meaningful.

 

“The indubitable fact is that technology now has a significant impact on the business and economic environment and we must as a matter of urgency accelerate the adoption of new technologies for sustainable development and economic stability,” he said.

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu said knowledge expansion is a crucial component of the 21st-century academic system and therefore tasked educators and educational leaders to harness the power of technology to produce skilled graduates who are able to drive long-term economic recovery.

 

“In Lagos State, we have been able to achieve some of our educational goals through a systematic blend of our curriculum with technology and the selfless efforts of our educators. We now operate an improved educational system with enhanced institutional capacity for digital learning,” the governor said.

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu also commended the LASU Alumni for remaining passionate about the continued growth and development of the institution as well as being worthy ambassadors of the school and remaining loyal to LASU long after they passed through the school.

 

“All over the world, alumni associations have become strategic players in educational and governmental issues: I am proud of your association’s commitment to ensuring that LASU becomes one of the best universities in the world; I assure you that this is my administration’s goal too and we will continue to create the enabling environment for LASU to thrive,” he said.

 

Speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello said Governor Sanwo-Olu has demonstrated quality leadership in the governance of the State and in the administration of all the tertiary institutions in Lagos State.

 

She said Governor Sanwo-Olu’s prompt response to all issues pertaining to the Lagos State University and the entire State is unprecedented.

 

“The  Governor has demonstrated quality leadership and support for the University by the prompt release of monthly subvention for payment of salaries, immediate release of funds for accreditation, commencement of the construction of over 9,000-bed space students hostel on Ojo Campus and the release of additional N4 billion to the 2022 University Budget.

 

“Mr. Governor has also taken steps to renovate and revamp the Epe Campus of the University, unprecedented support of the Lagos State University College of Medicine and various ongoing projects across our campuses,” she said.

 

The Vice Chancellor said LASU management would continue to align with the six points strategic goals of the University to achieve the mandate of the institution and therefore urged the Governor to continue to support in meeting the needs of the institution.

 

The Vice Chancellor while commending LASU Alumni Association for consistently demonstrating its commitment to the development of the school said the association had brought about growth and development of networks for mutual support.

 

In his address, the Chairman of the occasion, Senator Seye Ogunlewe, stressed the need for additional universities in Lagos State, saying having more universities in the state will provide the opportunity for youths, especially Lagos indigenes and residents to be admitted into universities.

 

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

DECEMBER 2, 2021

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

WE’LL WALK FOR PEACE WITH YOU, LASU STUDENTS TELL SANWO-OLU

…As Governor Commissions Biggest Students’ Arcade In Nigeria

Lagos State University (LASU) students on Thursday expressed their readiness to participate in the proposed Peace Walk, being organised by the State Government to herald the healing of Lagos in the aftermath of last year’s EndSARS protests in the State.

The students of the state-owned tertiary institution who came out in large numbers to welcome the Governor, who is also the Visitor of the institution, said they have all resolved to participate in “A Walk for Peace” with the Governor for peace and prosperity of the State.

LASU students made their resolve on the Peace Walk known through their Student Union President, Comrade Oladipupo Uthman Badmus on Thursday during the sitting of the Students Representatives Council, the legislative arms of the Students Union Government.

The sitting was the first Council session to be held at the newly built Students Arcade of the school, which was commissioned by Governor Sanwo-Olu on Thursday.

The LASU Students Arcade is the largest Student Union Building in any Nigerian tertiary institution.

Speaking during the sitting, which was witnessed by Governor Sanwo-Olu, the Vice Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Tunji-Bello, Special Adviser to Governor on Education, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab and members of the institution’s Governing Board, among others, President of the Student Union, Comrade Oladipupo Uthman Badmus and Speaker of the Students Representatives Council, Rt. Hon. Mustapha Adejuwon, who led students to welcome Governor Sanwo-Olu described him as Youth-Centric Governor.

They commended the Governor’s giant strides in Lagos State, especially in the education sector.

“To Mr. Governor, Sir, it is what you signed up for but we are indebted to you. Be rest assured, whenever you walk, we will work with you. We will be by your side. Whenever you run, we will run with you to the end,” Badmus assured on behalf of LASU students.

Governor Sanwo-Olu who had the first session with the Students Representatives Council, charged the students to join hands with the State Government and LASU management for the institution to make it competitive among notable universities in the world.

Governor Sanwo-Olu during the sitting announced a donation of two brand new big buses to the Student Union to ease movement around the campus as well as other gadgets and equipment for students’ use.

He said: “I want to tell you that we are in this journey together and together, we will build the biggest university in the whole of Africa and it will compete with the greatest universities in the entire world.

“I feel highly honoured that all of you have turned out in large numbers to come and see the possibilities of what we can do collectively.

“This arcade will provide the right atmosphere for the leadership of the Student Union of LASU and opportunity for students management better relationship. It would provide an opportunity to engage with the wonderful youths in LASU, because this is also a building to develop the future leaders that are leaders here today.”

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY                

DECEMBER 2, 2021

Co-Creation HUB, MIT GOV/LAB & Gatefield  Partners Ekiti State Govt on Nigeria’s 1st Governance Innovation Lifecycle Challenge and Accelerator.

 

Co-Creation Hub in partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Governance Lab (MIT GOV/LAB, Gatefield, and the Ekiti State Ministry of Health and Human Services has launched the first-ever governance innovation accelerator in Nigeria.

The Governance innovation lifecycle challenge and accelerator will leverage a specially designed human-centred design framework to implement an approach to governance innovation that can address critical areas of need in healthcare service delivery, enhance government responsiveness, and encourage changes in individual and collective behaviour that can ensure better health outcomes for inhabitants of Ekiti State.

The program kicked off on the 29th of November 2021, with the welcome event, held at the State Governor’s house in Ado-Ekiti. With the Executive Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi giving his seal of approval and support of the program. In attendance was the Honorable Commissioner of Health and Human Services Dr. Oyebanji Filani, The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Human services Ekiti State, Mr. Jide Akinleye, and amongst other dignitaries.

The official launch event was held on the 30th of November, 2021. In attendance were representatives from the Ekiti State Ministry of Health including The Honorable Commissioner of Health and Human services  Ekiti state, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Health Dr Jimlas Ogunsakin and other key dignitaries, as well as key representatives from the partner organizations.

In the course of the program, Co-creation Hub and other stakeholders will work with the Ekiti State Ministry of Health to develop informed prototypes of governance innovations that can improve service delivery in the healthcare sector, specifically the quality of care and public health security. The partnership will work closely with two teams that are composed of key stakeholders from the Ministry of Health.

Over the next 4 days, the teams will be trained and introduced to a governance innovation process and framework to prepare them for an 8-month accelerator, at the end of which, the state teams would have been trained and supported with innovation knowledge to undertake research and co-create an innovative governance solution.

The development and the progress of the accelerator programme will be closely monitored and reported upon throughout the duration of the project.

 

 

 

Fathima Beckmann promoted to Vice President of Global Inclusion, ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI) 

Beckmann to Lead a Global Team in Driving DE&I Strategies for VCNI 

LAGOS, December 2, 2021 – ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI) has announced the appointment of Fathima Beckmann to Vice President of Global Inclusion for VCNI. Reporting into Marva Smalls, EVP, Global Head of Inclusion, ViacomCBS, and Raffaele Annecchino, President & CEO, VCNI, Beckmann will be responsible for leading a global team in driving diversity and inclusion strategies and initiatives for VCNI.

“As our business continues to expand internationally, it is important that our commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion also grows, so that we are always working toward exceeding the needs of our employees and audiences around the globe,” said Marva Smalls, EVP, Global Head of Inclusion, ViacomCBS. “I couldn’t be more pleased that Fathima, a proven leader and committed champion of our DE&I efforts, will be taking on this crucial role to complement our international team and bring a centralized inclusion focus across our global business.”

“Fathima is an experienced global leader with a proven track record in mobilising and inspiring multicultural teams to a common purpose and vision with social impact,” said Raffaele Annecchino, President & CEO, VCNI. “In this important role, we are confident she will excel in advancing our diversity, equity and inclusion goals and drive meaningful change across our vast VCNI global footprint.”

Since joining the company in 2017, Beckmann has served as Communications Director for ViacomCBS Networks Africa, leading corporate, consumer and internal communications across Africa.

Beckmann has championed thought leadership and employee engagement on initiatives that drive impactful change through youth culture led edutainment on Gender Based Violence, Human Rights and Mental Health through the BET Global Good Award, Stop The Violence Campaign, MTV Generation Change and MTV Shuga.

Beckmann has collaborated with industry partners to effect positive change, mentorship, skills and development with UNICEF, World Food Program, Malaria No More and Global Citizen through initiatives from the International Day of the Girl Child, Africa Day, Youth Month and the “Draw the Line” campaign. She holds a Fostering Inclusion and Diversity Certificate from Yale University, is a WICT Rising Leaders Program 2021 graduate, and a Cum Laude BA Degree in Communications from the University of South Africa.

“I am honoured and excited to join our progressive and committed leaders Marva Smalls and Raffaele Annecchino in further strengthening our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at VCNI,” said Fathima Beckmann, VP of Global Inclusion, VCNI. “We have a critical responsibility to elevate the voices and issues that matter most to our employees, audiences and communities around the world and foster a culture of respect and belonging.”

 

 

EndSARS: I’ll join Sanwo-Olu for peace walk, says Segun Awosanya  

 

A rights activist and member of the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on the Consolidated Report on General Police Brutality Cases and Report of Lekki Incident Investigation, Mr. Segun Awosanya on Thursday said he will join Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in the proposed Peace Walk, which is one of the steps being taken by the Governor to herald the healing of Lagos to bring closure to the last year’s EndSARS protests and the Lekki toll gate incident.

 

Awosanya who is currently in London, said he will join Governor Sanwo-Olu for the Peace Walk if he is Nigeria at the time of the walk because he is more concerned about a peaceful society.

 

“Because I am an advocate for peace, justice, equity and fairness, I will walk with anybody who wants peace,” Awosanya, popularly known as Segalink told Seun Okinbaloye during a live interview on Channels Television when he asked whether he would join the Peace Walk proposed by Governor Sanwo-Olu to kick start the healing process.

 

Awosanya while speaking on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television on Thursday, said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration is doing  everything possible to ensure peace in Lagos and the government should be encouraged for a peaceful society.

 

He said the decision of Lagos State Government based on its White Paper to accept 11 recommendations, reject one, accepted six with modifications and forwarded 14 to the Federal Government for consideration out of the 32 recommendations made by the Judicial Panel of Inquiry, is a good development that should be encouraged.

 

Awosanya said “injustice is what we should insist must be corrected” and going by the White Paper released by the Lagos State Government, some of the issues raised in the report of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry have been addressed.

 

He said the decision of the Lagos State Government to forward to the Federal Government, the recommendation of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry that October 20 should be made a national day is commendable.

 

Awosanya, who started the #EndSARS online, also advised that those who are dissatisfied with the Lagos State Government’s White Paper should approach the court to express their grievances against the government decision.

 

Also speaking during the programme, a Constitutional lawyer, Mr. Wahab Shittu, said the White Paper released by Lagos State Government is commendable because it shows that the State Government only rejected only one out of the 32 recommendations made by the Judicial Panel of Inquiry.

 

He said the claim by the White Paper in respect to the deceased at the tollgate as against the report of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry is in order because evidence can only be based on facts.

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Wentors announces Mfon Ekpo as new board member to further drive diversity and inclusion of women in the tech industry through mentorship

Wentors announces Mfon Ekpo as new board member to further drive diversity and inclusion of women in the tech industry through mentorship  

Lagos, Nigeria                                                           03 December, 2021

Wentors is excited to announce that we are adding a new member to our board who will bring an additional layer of expertise and insight to our work in the personal development industry. In the past year, we have worked nonstop to make sure that even more women in technology participate and are retained in the technology industry and we have done this by providing these wentees with access to expert guidance from women in top tier organizations across the world.

“We are not in a hurry to fill up board member roles, but one thing we are intentional about doing is that as we find the people we are looking for and as the opportunity presents itself, we take it,” EduAbasi said as she made this announcement to the team at Wentors before deciding to make the news public.

We believe the timing and person is both right for us.

Mfon Ekpo has championed the cause and has received national and international recognition for helping women in Africa, Europe and the United States translate their ideas into strategic income-generating and sustainable businesses in diverse industries including tech. It is this wealth of knowledge and expertise she brings to Wentors.

We know as we intensify our drive to nurture women in technology everywhere, Mfon Ekpo is the right addition to the board.

Mfon Ekpo, who is currently the CEO of The Discovery Centre, a training organization that specializes in developing effective and technological advanced systems, strategy and structure for organizational and individual development.

An astute professional with multiple degrees in Maritime Law, Business Law, Journalism, Neurolinguistic programming, Project Management and Negotiation, Mfon, an international speaker and a coach to top CEOs, industry and though leaders, who has also worked and trained for the British High Commission, The Supreme Court of Nigeria, National Judicial Institute and the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria amongst others.

We realize that there is a gap in the technology industry especially for women in technology and we want to make mentorship more accessible and Mfon’s diverse plethora of professional experience would help us create more viable solutions for women in technology and the industry at large.

As an organization, we are excited about this move and as we build a community that nurtures women in technology everywhere, we look towards the work ahead and the impact we would create together.

 

###

 

About Wentors 

Wentors is a global organisation focused on increasing the rate of participation and retention of women in technology through mentorship. In the past year it has grown from a team of just 4 members to a rapidly evolving community of over 2000 women in technology across the world with ambassadors in 12 countries across Africa, Europe and the Americas.

So far, Wentors has impacted over 2000 women in technology with its programs and with a bold ambition to impact over 8 million women in technology by 2030, the organisation considers itself an advocate for women in technology.

For partnerships, sponsorships or more information about Wentors, visit www.wentors.com or mail@wentors.com.

 

 

PDP’LL SUPPORT PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE WITH CAPACITY TO SALVAGE NIGERIA – WIKE

*I WON’T IMPOSE MY SUCCESSOR

Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has explained that only a courageous person with the capacity and vision to salvage the country will be supported to fly the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election.

He clarified that although the party is yet to decide whether such candidate will be from the southern or northern part of Nigeria, one thing is certain, the candidate will be one who can confront the evil tactics of All Progressives Congress, APC.

Speaking on African Independent Television, AIT, on Thursday, Governor Wike said the process to determine who PDP will field as its presidential candidate will be a turbulent one.

“Let nobody come and tell you that in arriving at a presidential candidate that it will be easy. No way, it can never be. You know, there are two types of turbulences. There is turbulence that will not have a crash, which is a normal turbulence. There are turbulences that there is likely to be a crash.

“Our own turbulence in PDP is the normal turbulence, which I believe we will get through it, but APC turbulence is a turbulence that is likely to lead to a crash.

“PDP has redeemed its position towards what Nigerians are expecting, because Nigerians are tired of what is going on in the country. So, they need an alternative, and the only alternative as it is today is the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP).”

Governor Wike said as a firm and courageous person, who having demonstrated such selfless leadership in Rivers State, he will only support a presidential candidate who will not mortgage the party for other selfish interest.

“And so, if you want to run for presidency under PDP, I will not support somebody who’ll just want to bear the name of former presidential candidate, I will not agree to that. I must see that you are prepared for it, and to confront this evil called APC.”

Governor Wike boasted that he feels fulfilled that PDP got it right with a peaceful conduct of its national convention that saw the emergence of a new competent national working committee, (NWC).

He dismissed insinuations in some quarters that PDP governors had forced on an early convention because they wanted sole control of the party. According to him, any true party man will love a PDP that is stable, focus and forward looking.

The governor maintained that already the new leadership of the PDP, waiting to be sworn-in on the 9th December 2021, have started engaging Nigerians and other party members on identifying what the problems are and how to address them properly.

Governor Wike said Nigerians are tired of the misrule of APC and will not allow their evil to continue beyond 2023.

“Nigerians are waiting. Nigerians cannot have this type of evil come up again in 2023. We will be doing a disservice to Nigerians to allow this to continue.”

He said PDP is already aware of the antics of the APC controlled Federal Government to ensure it holds on to power at all cost. According to him, APC is already gearing up to deplore unconstitutional means to frustrate the conduct of a free and fair 2023 general election.

Governor Wike expressed strong reservation on the likelihood of President Muhammadu Buhari ever assenting to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.

“The president will not sign the Electoral Act Amendment Bill. The signs are already there. It is dead on arrival. The president does not disappoint people.”

He stated that the seemingly disagreement between members of the national lawmakers and APC governors over the Electoral Act Amendment Bill is devised to frustrate it.

The governor wondered why the president would be seeking INEC’s advice on a law that is already passed by the National Assembly. He asserted that issues of security and cost implication will be used eventually as reasons why presidential ascent will be declined.

Governor Wike said the current Senate and House of Representatives controlled by the APC lack the capacity to use veto power to override President Buhari if he refuses to accent to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.

Speaking on how his successor will emerge, Governor Wike reassured that the leadership of the party will meet to decide who to support at the appropriate time.

Governor Wike maintained that he is obliged to ensure that PDP wins the 2023 governorship election, but he not impose any candidate on the party.

“There is no right thinking Rivers person who will say Wike’s administration has not done well for Rivers State. And so, I believe everybody will want somebody who has something positive to add.

“One mistake I will not make is to impose somebody. From my experience as a student of history, reality has shown that it is difficult for you to say Joseph is the man I can trust. Until you give somebody power and money, that is only when you will know whether that person is trustworthy or not.”

Governor Wike said God will not allow someone that will destroy all the remarkable progress the State has made over the years to be the next governor. According to him, God will ensure that it is only someone who is courageous, firm and ready to protect the interest of Rivers State that will succeed him.

“Rivers state is a state that so many people have interest. It is a state that you have to put your feet on the ground. It is a state that you have to annoy a lot of Nigerians, and a lot of Nigerians will hate you. But what is important is for you to know what is good for your people, and stand for your people. Do not allow personal interest to sway you against the interest of your people.”

 

 

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF WORKS AND HOUSING

 

           Headquarters, Mabushi P.M.B. 111, Garki – Abuja, Nigeria

                                      

                                 PRESS RELEASE                       

 

 

Jubilation, commendations as President Buhari Commissions Nnewe – Oduma Road

  • Urges road users against abuse
  • Nigerians to expect more delivery of projects in a season of completion and impact – Fashola

 

Jubilation, commendations and gratitude rent the air as President Muhammadu Buhari commissioned the Nnewe – Oduma – Uburu road covering 26.27 kilometres with 14 kilometres spur to Ishiagu connecting  Enugu and Ebonyi states, today 2nd December, 2021.

 

The President who was represented by the  Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu made a passionate appeal to road users to desist from acts such as overloading of vehicles and trucks, spilling of petroleum products on the roads and conversion of road shoulders to Permanent parking places which could damage the road.

 

“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.

 

Buhari who again emphasized his administration’s commitment to Infrastructural development gave the assurance that Nigerians will be witnessing more completion and delivery of projects.

 

The Enugu state Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who was represented by the State’s Commissioner for Works and infrastructure, Sir Greg Nnagi described road contruction as the cradle of civilisation. He noted that the underlying benefits of road construction is that it opens up the door of economic advantage and boost the economy of the people.

 

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

 

He said, ” This road will take its pride of place as one of the most critical infrastructure implemented by the Federal Government”.

 

Fashola, in an address read on his behalf by the Director Highways, South  Zone, Engr. Bola Aganaba, noted that the road being handed over was a continuation of the good tidings being delivered across the country. “I am happy to reiterate that this is the third of many more project Completion and Handovers our country will experience in the next few weeks and months as we enter what l call a season of completion and impact,” he said.

 

 

expressed appreciation for the SUKUK funding which is currently aiding the progress of work on 44 roads across the nation.

 

 

Fashola said, “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 commended all the stakeholders both in the private and public sectors who contributed to the actualization of the project.

 

His Royal Highness Igwe Patrick  Oshiekwe the Ohazulume I of Ukete – Oduma, Aninri Local  Government Area of Enugu State, expressed happiness and commended the President  for the project.

 

Road users in the area who were obviously filled with  joy  expressed their gratitude to Mr President .

 

Mr. Patrick  Ekwe said, “The project is helping us very well. It was very hard for us to travel to anywhere but today it is very easy, if you want to go to Lagos from here, you will leave today and come back tomorrow.  Before it took us a whole day to go to Enugu but now you can go and come back within 2 hours.”

 

Kingsley  Nicholas said, ” God will continue to bless President Muhammadu Buhari, the God that put the project into his mind and for his willingness to help the people of Oduma, may the good God continue to bless him.”

 

For Princess Nkem Ngirim the project will help the people to take their goods to the market and boost their economy. She said, ” We thank our able President Muhammadu Buhari for remembering us, giving us access road to other places.”

 

She added that a journey that used to take them about 5 hours can now be covered within 30 minutes.

 

It could be recalled that the 304 kilometre Sokoto – Tambuwal -Jega -Kontagora – Makera road in Sokoto and Kebbi States and the Vandeikya -Obudu Cattle Ranch road in Benue and Cross River states were recently commissioned on November 25th and 29th 2021 respectively.

 

Boade Akinola 

Director Press and Public Relations

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

SANWO-OLU: LAGOS’LL REMAIN REFERENCE POINT FOR IMPACTFUL, INNOVATIVE EDUCATION

 

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education and technology, saying his government will ensure that Lagos State remains the reference point for impactful, inclusive and innovative education.

 

He said education and technology would continue to occupy prime positions in his government because quality education and educational leadership are both critical to the execution of the T.H.E.M.E.S development agenda of his administration.

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu made the statement at the 2021 annual Governor’s Lecture of the Lagos State University (LASU) Alumni Association with the theme “Educational leadership and technology as viable options for economic recovery and nationhood: The experience of Lagos State,” held at LASU main campus, Ojo on Thursday.

 

The Governor said his administration is committing substantial resources to the provision of quality education that is needed to actualise economic recovery in a digitised world because the State Government recognises the transformational gains of integrating quality education with innovative technological solutions for economic recovery.

 

He said the State Government is closing the digital divide by collaborating with the private sector to deploy metropolitan fibre optics across the State, noting that his administration has implemented 3,000km of metro fibre connection.

 

“Our administration understands the key role that education and technology play in transforming the society, which explains why we made education one of the major pillars of our T.H.E.M.E.S Development Agenda (Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and Environment, Education and Technology, Making Lagos a 21st Economy, Entertainment and Tourism and Governance and Security).

 

“In the last two years, we have made extensive investments in education and technology but a major take away from the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on how we live, socialize and conduct business is the need for policymakers to determine how we can further use technology for sustainable economic growth.

 

“There must be intentional efforts by all stakeholders to promote equitable and quality education so that the products of our schools are equipped with the critical skills needed to proffer lasting solutions to our socio-economic problems. There is also no better time than now to deepen productive discourse on how we will continue to utilize technology to make life more meaningful.

 

“The indubitable fact is that technology now has a significant impact on the business and economic environment and we must as a matter of urgency accelerate the adoption of new technologies for sustainable development and economic stability,” he said.

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu said knowledge expansion is a crucial component of the 21st-century academic system and therefore tasked educators and educational leaders to harness the power of technology to produce skilled graduates who are able to drive long-term economic recovery.

 

“In Lagos State, we have been able to achieve some of our educational goals through a systematic blend of our curriculum with technology and the selfless efforts of our educators. We now operate an improved educational system with enhanced institutional capacity for digital learning,” the governor said.

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu also commended the LASU Alumni for remaining passionate about the continued growth and development of the institution as well as being worthy ambassadors of the school and remaining loyal to LASU long after they passed through the school.

 

“All over the world, alumni associations have become strategic players in educational and governmental issues: I am proud of your association’s commitment to ensuring that LASU becomes one of the best universities in the world; I assure you that this is my administration’s goal too and we will continue to create the enabling environment for LASU to thrive,” he said.

 

Speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello said Governor Sanwo-Olu has demonstrated quality leadership in the governance of the State and in the administration of all the tertiary institutions in Lagos State.

 

She said Governor Sanwo-Olu’s prompt response to all issues pertaining to the Lagos State University and the entire State is unprecedented.

 

“The  Governor has demonstrated quality leadership and support for the University by the prompt release of monthly subvention for payment of salaries, immediate release of funds for accreditation, commencement of the construction of over 9,000-bed space students hostel on Ojo Campus and the release of additional N4 billion to the 2022 University Budget.

 

“Mr. Governor has also taken steps to renovate and revamp the Epe Campus of the University, unprecedented support of the Lagos State University College of Medicine and various ongoing projects across our campuses,” she said.

 

The Vice Chancellor said LASU management would continue to align with the six points strategic goals of the University to achieve the mandate of the institution and therefore urged the Governor to continue to support in meeting the needs of the institution.

 

The Vice Chancellor while commending LASU Alumni Association for consistently demonstrating its commitment to the development of the school said the association had brought about growth and development of networks for mutual support.

 

In his address, the Chairman of the occasion, Senator Seye Ogunlewe, stressed the need for additional universities in Lagos State, saying having more universities in the state will provide the opportunity for youths, especially Lagos indigenes and residents to be admitted into universities.

 

 

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

DECEMBER 2, 2021

PRESS RELEASE

 

SANWO-OLU: LAGOS’LL REMAIN REFERENCE POINT FOR IMPACTFUL, INNOVATIVE EDUCATION

 

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education and technology, saying his government will ensure that Lagos State remains the reference point for impactful, inclusive and innovative education.

 

He said education and technology would continue to occupy prime positions in his government because quality education and educational leadership are both critical to the execution of the T.H.E.M.E.S development agenda of his administration.

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu made the statement at the 2021 annual Governor’s Lecture of the Lagos State University (LASU) Alumni Association with the theme “Educational leadership and technology as viable options for economic recovery and nationhood: The experience of Lagos State,” held at LASU main campus, Ojo on Thursday.

 

The Governor said his administration is committing substantial resources to the provision of quality education that is needed to actualise economic recovery in a digitised world because the State Government recognises the transformational gains of integrating quality education with innovative technological solutions for economic recovery.

 

He said the State Government is closing the digital divide by collaborating with the private sector to deploy metropolitan fibre optics across the State, noting that his administration has implemented 3,000km of metro fibre connection.

 

“Our administration understands the key role that education and technology play in transforming the society, which explains why we made education one of the major pillars of our T.H.E.M.E.S Development Agenda (Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and Environment, Education and Technology, Making Lagos a 21st Economy, Entertainment and Tourism and Governance and Security).

 

“In the last two years, we have made extensive investments in education and technology but a major take away from the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on how we live, socialize and conduct business is the need for policymakers to determine how we can further use technology for sustainable economic growth.

 

“There must be intentional efforts by all stakeholders to promote equitable and quality education so that the products of our schools are equipped with the critical skills needed to proffer lasting solutions to our socio-economic problems. There is also no better time than now to deepen productive discourse on how we will continue to utilize technology to make life more meaningful.

 

“The indubitable fact is that technology now has a significant impact on the business and economic environment and we must as a matter of urgency accelerate the adoption of new technologies for sustainable development and economic stability,” he said.

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu said knowledge expansion is a crucial component of the 21st-century academic system and therefore tasked educators and educational leaders to harness the power of technology to produce skilled graduates who are able to drive long-term economic recovery.

 

“In Lagos State, we have been able to achieve some of our educational goals through a systematic blend of our curriculum with technology and the selfless efforts of our educators. We now operate an improved educational system with enhanced institutional capacity for digital learning,” the governor said.

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu also commended the LASU Alumni for remaining passionate about the continued growth and development of the institution as well as being worthy ambassadors of the school and remaining loyal to LASU long after they passed through the school.

 

“All over the world, alumni associations have become strategic players in educational and governmental issues: I am proud of your association’s commitment to ensuring that LASU becomes one of the best universities in the world; I assure you that this is my administration’s goal too and we will continue to create the enabling environment for LASU to thrive,” he said.

 

Speaking earlier, the Vice Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello said Governor Sanwo-Olu has demonstrated quality leadership in the governance of the State and in the administration of all the tertiary institutions in Lagos State.

 

She said Governor Sanwo-Olu’s prompt response to all issues pertaining to the Lagos State University and the entire State is unprecedented.

 

“The  Governor has demonstrated quality leadership and support for the University by the prompt release of monthly subvention for payment of salaries, immediate release of funds for accreditation, commencement of the construction of over 9,000-bed space students hostel on Ojo Campus and the release of additional N4 billion to the 2022 University Budget.

 

“Mr. Governor has also taken steps to renovate and revamp the Epe Campus of the University, unprecedented support of the Lagos State University College of Medicine and various ongoing projects across our campuses,” she said.

 

The Vice Chancellor said LASU management would continue to align with the six points strategic goals of the University to achieve the mandate of the institution and therefore urged the Governor to continue to support in meeting the needs of the institution.

 

The Vice Chancellor while commending LASU Alumni Association for consistently demonstrating its commitment to the development of the school said the association had brought about growth and development of networks for mutual support.

 

In his address, the Chairman of the occasion, Senator Seye Ogunlewe, stressed the need for additional universities in Lagos State, saying having more universities in the state will provide the opportunity for youths, especially Lagos indigenes and residents to be admitted into universities.

 

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

DECEMBER 2, 2021

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

WE’LL WALK FOR PEACE WITH YOU, LASU STUDENTS TELL SANWO-OLU

…As Governor Commissions Biggest Students’ Arcade In Nigeria

Lagos State University (LASU) students on Thursday expressed their readiness to participate in the proposed Peace Walk, being organised by the State Government to herald the healing of Lagos in the aftermath of last year’s EndSARS protests in the State.

The students of the state-owned tertiary institution who came out in large numbers to welcome the Governor, who is also the Visitor of the institution, said they have all resolved to participate in “A Walk for Peace” with the Governor for peace and prosperity of the State.

LASU students made their resolve on the Peace Walk known through their Student Union President, Comrade Oladipupo Uthman Badmus on Thursday during the sitting of the Students Representatives Council, the legislative arms of the Students Union Government.

The sitting was the first Council session to be held at the newly built Students Arcade of the school, which was commissioned by Governor Sanwo-Olu on Thursday.

The LASU Students Arcade is the largest Student Union Building in any Nigerian tertiary institution.

Speaking during the sitting, which was witnessed by Governor Sanwo-Olu, the Vice Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Tunji-Bello, Special Adviser to Governor on Education, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab and members of the institution’s Governing Board, among others, President of the Student Union, Comrade Oladipupo Uthman Badmus and Speaker of the Students Representatives Council, Rt. Hon. Mustapha Adejuwon, who led students to welcome Governor Sanwo-Olu described him as Youth-Centric Governor.

They commended the Governor’s giant strides in Lagos State, especially in the education sector.

“To Mr. Governor, Sir, it is what you signed up for but we are indebted to you. Be rest assured, whenever you walk, we will work with you. We will be by your side. Whenever you run, we will run with you to the end,” Badmus assured on behalf of LASU students.

Governor Sanwo-Olu who had the first session with the Students Representatives Council, charged the students to join hands with the State Government and LASU management for the institution to make it competitive among notable universities in the world.

Governor Sanwo-Olu during the sitting announced a donation of two brand new big buses to the Student Union to ease movement around the campus as well as other gadgets and equipment for students’ use.

He said: “I want to tell you that we are in this journey together and together, we will build the biggest university in the whole of Africa and it will compete with the greatest universities in the entire world.

“I feel highly honoured that all of you have turned out in large numbers to come and see the possibilities of what we can do collectively.

“This arcade will provide the right atmosphere for the leadership of the Student Union of LASU and opportunity for students management better relationship. It would provide an opportunity to engage with the wonderful youths in LASU, because this is also a building to develop the future leaders that are leaders here today.”

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY                

DECEMBER 2, 2021

Co-Creation HUB, MIT GOV/LAB & Gatefield  Partners Ekiti State Govt on Nigeria’s 1st Governance Innovation Lifecycle Challenge and Accelerator.

 

Co-Creation Hub in partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Governance Lab (MIT GOV/LAB, Gatefield, and the Ekiti State Ministry of Health and Human Services has launched the first-ever governance innovation accelerator in Nigeria.

The Governance innovation lifecycle challenge and accelerator will leverage a specially designed human-centred design framework to implement an approach to governance innovation that can address critical areas of need in healthcare service delivery, enhance government responsiveness, and encourage changes in individual and collective behaviour that can ensure better health outcomes for inhabitants of Ekiti State.

The program kicked off on the 29th of November 2021, with the welcome event, held at the State Governor’s house in Ado-Ekiti. With the Executive Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi giving his seal of approval and support of the program. In attendance was the Honorable Commissioner of Health and Human Services Dr. Oyebanji Filani, The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Human services Ekiti State, Mr. Jide Akinleye, and amongst other dignitaries.

The official launch event was held on the 30th of November, 2021. In attendance were representatives from the Ekiti State Ministry of Health including The Honorable Commissioner of Health and Human services  Ekiti state, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Health Dr Jimlas Ogunsakin and other key dignitaries, as well as key representatives from the partner organizations.

In the course of the program, Co-creation Hub and other stakeholders will work with the Ekiti State Ministry of Health to develop informed prototypes of governance innovations that can improve service delivery in the healthcare sector, specifically the quality of care and public health security. The partnership will work closely with two teams that are composed of key stakeholders from the Ministry of Health.

Over the next 4 days, the teams will be trained and introduced to a governance innovation process and framework to prepare them for an 8-month accelerator, at the end of which, the state teams would have been trained and supported with innovation knowledge to undertake research and co-create an innovative governance solution.

The development and the progress of the accelerator programme will be closely monitored and reported upon throughout the duration of the project.

 

 

 

Fathima Beckmann promoted to Vice President of Global Inclusion, ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI) 

Beckmann to Lead a Global Team in Driving DE&I Strategies for VCNI 

LAGOS, December 2, 2021 – ViacomCBS Networks International (VCNI) has announced the appointment of Fathima Beckmann to Vice President of Global Inclusion for VCNI. Reporting into Marva Smalls, EVP, Global Head of Inclusion, ViacomCBS, and Raffaele Annecchino, President & CEO, VCNI, Beckmann will be responsible for leading a global team in driving diversity and inclusion strategies and initiatives for VCNI.

“As our business continues to expand internationally, it is important that our commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion also grows, so that we are always working toward exceeding the needs of our employees and audiences around the globe,” said Marva Smalls, EVP, Global Head of Inclusion, ViacomCBS. “I couldn’t be more pleased that Fathima, a proven leader and committed champion of our DE&I efforts, will be taking on this crucial role to complement our international team and bring a centralized inclusion focus across our global business.”

“Fathima is an experienced global leader with a proven track record in mobilising and inspiring multicultural teams to a common purpose and vision with social impact,” said Raffaele Annecchino, President & CEO, VCNI. “In this important role, we are confident she will excel in advancing our diversity, equity and inclusion goals and drive meaningful change across our vast VCNI global footprint.”

Since joining the company in 2017, Beckmann has served as Communications Director for ViacomCBS Networks Africa, leading corporate, consumer and internal communications across Africa.

Beckmann has championed thought leadership and employee engagement on initiatives that drive impactful change through youth culture led edutainment on Gender Based Violence, Human Rights and Mental Health through the BET Global Good Award, Stop The Violence Campaign, MTV Generation Change and MTV Shuga.

Beckmann has collaborated with industry partners to effect positive change, mentorship, skills and development with UNICEF, World Food Program, Malaria No More and Global Citizen through initiatives from the International Day of the Girl Child, Africa Day, Youth Month and the “Draw the Line” campaign. She holds a Fostering Inclusion and Diversity Certificate from Yale University, is a WICT Rising Leaders Program 2021 graduate, and a Cum Laude BA Degree in Communications from the University of South Africa.

“I am honoured and excited to join our progressive and committed leaders Marva Smalls and Raffaele Annecchino in further strengthening our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at VCNI,” said Fathima Beckmann, VP of Global Inclusion, VCNI. “We have a critical responsibility to elevate the voices and issues that matter most to our employees, audiences and communities around the world and foster a culture of respect and belonging.”

 

 

EndSARS: I’ll join Sanwo-Olu for peace walk, says Segun Awosanya  

 

A rights activist and member of the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on the Consolidated Report on General Police Brutality Cases and Report of Lekki Incident Investigation, Mr. Segun Awosanya on Thursday said he will join Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in the proposed Peace Walk, which is one of the steps being taken by the Governor to herald the healing of Lagos to bring closure to the last year’s EndSARS protests and the Lekki toll gate incident.

 

Awosanya who is currently in London, said he will join Governor Sanwo-Olu for the Peace Walk if he is Nigeria at the time of the walk because he is more concerned about a peaceful society.

 

“Because I am an advocate for peace, justice, equity and fairness, I will walk with anybody who wants peace,” Awosanya, popularly known as Segalink told Seun Okinbaloye during a live interview on Channels Television when he asked whether he would join the Peace Walk proposed by Governor Sanwo-Olu to kick start the healing process.

 

Awosanya while speaking on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television on Thursday, said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration is doing  everything possible to ensure peace in Lagos and the government should be encouraged for a peaceful society.

 

He said the decision of Lagos State Government based on its White Paper to accept 11 recommendations, reject one, accepted six with modifications and forwarded 14 to the Federal Government for consideration out of the 32 recommendations made by the Judicial Panel of Inquiry, is a good development that should be encouraged.

 

Awosanya said “injustice is what we should insist must be corrected” and going by the White Paper released by the Lagos State Government, some of the issues raised in the report of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry have been addressed.

 

He said the decision of the Lagos State Government to forward to the Federal Government, the recommendation of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry that October 20 should be made a national day is commendable.

 

Awosanya, who started the #EndSARS online, also advised that those who are dissatisfied with the Lagos State Government’s White Paper should approach the court to express their grievances against the government decision.

 

Also speaking during the programme, a Constitutional lawyer, Mr. Wahab Shittu, said the White Paper released by Lagos State Government is commendable because it shows that the State Government only rejected only one out of the 32 recommendations made by the Judicial Panel of Inquiry.

 

He said the claim by the White Paper in respect to the deceased at the tollgate as against the report of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry is in order because evidence can only be based on facts.

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JULIUS BERGER WINS ITF’S “BEST IN TRAINING CONTRIBUTION 2021” AWARD

JULIUS BERGER WINS ITF’S “BEST IN TRAINING CONTRIBUTION 2021” AWARD

 

ALHAJI INUWA SUMAILA OF THE ITF PRESENTS THE “BEST IN TRAINING CONTRIBUTION 2021” AWARD OF THE INDUSTRIAL TRAINING FUND (ITF) TO JULIUS BERGER’S SENIOR TRAING MANAGER, AKIN OGUNFUYI IN ABUJA, RECENTLY

 

Nigeria’s engineering construction flagship, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, has won the “Best in Training Contribution 2021” award of the nation’s Industrial Training Fund (ITF).

The Senior Area Manager, Alhaji Inuwa Sumaila on behalf of the Director-General of the ITF, presented the award to Julius Berger at the ITF Corporate Head Office in Maitama Abuja.

At the ceremony in Abuja, Julius Berger was cited and celebrated by the ITF as a patriotic corporate citizen. According to the ITF, Julius Berger has proven to be consistently compliant and committed to the important development and improvement of the country’s human capital index. The company was enjoined to continue to uphold its patriotic commitment not only to the development of visibly strong and durable infrastructures for Nigeria, but also to maintain its leading contributions to deepening knowledge and skills acquisition and transfer to Nigerians.

The company’s Senior Training Manager, Mr Akin Ogunfuyi, led Julius Berger’s delegation to the award ceremony where he received the award on behalf of the engineering construction leader. Akin said Julius Berger has over the decades become an institution in Nigeria’s corporate space, and the company would progressively continue to meet all its statutory as well as its corporate social responsibility to Nigerians. According to Akin, Julius Berger seriously believes that a well trained workforce is a productive asset with a multiplier effect for a growth-oriented gross domestic product and its attendant increasing purchasing power for citizens.

It would be recalled that Julius Berger Nigeria Plc recently won and retained for the 6th consecutive time its position as the “MOST VALUABLE BRAND” in the nation’s building and construction services sector at the TOP 50 BRANDS awards of #IAMBRANDNIGERIA 2021.

admin
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PDP Congratulates Olisa Metuh at 56

PDP Congratulates Olisa Metuh at 56,

November 28, 2021

Press Statement

… Says He Worked Hard to Stabilize the Party

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulates its former National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, as he celebrates his 56th birthday, describing him as a courageous democrat and party man who made sacrifices for the stability of the PDP.

Our party deeply appreciates Chief Metuh’s sacrifices and dedication to the PDP, particularly, his fearless stand in holding forth and lifting the banner of hope after the unfortunate loss of the 2015 general elections.

Despite the threats and harassments, Chief Metuh remained a strong and undeterred voice of opposition, in exposing the failures of the government of the day, constructively projecting our party’s alternatives and options for good governance while demanding the democratic tenets of transparency, accountability, fairness, social justice and personal liberty of citizens.

The PDP notes Chief Metuh’s effort, as a political strategist, in rallying and galvanizing party formations across the country both in government and in opposition.

This is in addition to his commitment in providing the platform for the nurturing of our youths in political participation as well as laying a firm foundation for building a very strong social media army in our party.

Moreover, Chief Metuh, who is the longest serving member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) had remained a loyal party man and never allowed the travails he suffered as the spokesman of our party to detract from his commitment to the ideals of the PDP particularly in the quest to rescue our nation from the misrule of the APC.

Our party joins family members, relations, friends and associates in felicitating with Chief Metuh at this auspicious occasion and prays to God to bless him with many more decades in good health and sound mind.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan

National Publicity Secretary

 

 

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI EXPRESSES SOLIDARITY AGAINST GENDER BASED VIOLENCE

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday expressed solidarity with Nigerian women as they observe 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Against Women & Girls from November 25 to December 10, 2021.

The President spoke when he received in audience the Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen in State House, Abuja.

According to the President, “women are the bedrock of the society and are largely responsible for stabilising the home front. My faith in the capability of Nigerian women remains steadfast as exemplified by the key positions they occupy in the present administration.

“I assure you that I will always be here for you and you can count on my support in your activities.”

The Minister had briefed President Buhari on various enlightenment activities of her Ministry towards the international campaign.

She further explained that the 16-day activism with the theme, “Orange the World: END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN NOW!” which started Thursday, November 25 which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women will continue until Friday, December 10, 2021, the World Human Rights Day.

Dame Tallen thereafter presented the President with commemorative items to mark his identification with Nigerian women.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

November 30, 2021

 

 

 

GOVERNOR BABAJIDE SANWO-OLU’S SPEECH TO THE PEOPLE OF LAGOS STATE ON THE LEKKI TOLLGATE INCIDENT – DELIVERED ON TUESDAY 30 NOVEMBER, 2021

 

My dear good people of Lagos State,

 

It is with great sense of responsibility that I address you today on the reactions that have trailed the release of the #EndSARS Judicial Panel of Inquiry Report submitted to me two weeks ago, and how it has played out in public discourse since then.

 

I believe — and have always been vocal about this — that we owe it to you, the people of Lagos, to constantly speak and engage with you. In easy times, in difficult circumstances, we will never shy away from making our case to you, while also ensuring that we listen to you.

 

I will start by saying that we, as an administration, are determined that the next steps that will be taken in this process of coming to terms with the events of October 2020, must bring closure to a painful episode in the history of our State, with the release of the White Paper later today.

 

This, in my view, is a moment that beckons us to define who and what we are as a people.

 

To be a Centre of Excellence, we must be a Centre of Truth. To be a smart city, we first must be a just one.

 

To be a prosperous state, we must establish ourselves as a peaceful entity. And to achieve the Greater Lagos of our dreams we must learn to live in harmony, even amidst inevitable disagreement.

 

In times like these, with anger and animosity too quick and fast at hand, it is easy to hide behind our own prejudices, treating them as deeper truths instead of the superficial lies they are.

 

It is far too easy to take sides and choose emotion over fact, even when the truth is to be found in shades of nuance. It is easy to choose darkness over light; to take perverse delight in playing unhelpful games of cynicism and suspicion; to cling to beliefs that do not carry the weight of verifiable evidence.

 

To become a champion of prejudice is to own a fleeting and false victory. It is a victory of rancor over reason, of vengeance over justice, of anger over compassion.

 

Today, I stand before you to declare that I reject this path; and I invite you all to do same.

 

The choice confronting us today is between restoring greater harmony or doing greater harm. I choose harmony over harm. As your Governor, it is my task to explain why all Lagosians should join me on this path that promises a more beneficial future.

 

Fellow Lagosians, let me at this point bring to the fore some very important context that we must never lose sight of. You will recall that the Judicial Panel of Inquiry was originally inaugurated to investigate allegations of police brutality committed by the disbanded SARS in Lagos state.

 

In the aftermath of what happened on October 20, 2020, I decided to expand the mandate of the Panel to include investigating what really happened at the Lekki Tollgate that night.

 

As a matter of good faith and a sincere commitment to uncovering the truth, we constituted a panel of individuals that we believed were independent, credible, and representative of the various stakeholder community interested in the movement against police brutality.

 

Apart from the Chairman of the panel being a respected retired jurist, various stakeholders including the youths, #EndSars protesters, the police and civil society groups were represented on the panel.

 

I am sure no member of the panel can claim that the state government made any attempt to influence them in any way throughout the duration of its sitting.

 

While I commend the panel for undertaking its task to the best of its abilities, it is however regrettable that the panel’s work and the leakage of an unauthorized version of the report have generated much tension. Sadly, a deep wound has been reopened.

 

The heated exchanges among various shades of opinion on the report have unfortunately put us all at the risk of missing the larger picture; the fact that what we all seek in common is a land in which we are all safe and secure, law enforcement agents are trusted, and justice is guaranteed for all.

 

As I have stated earlier, we have no intention to engage in histrionics or further inflame passion on a matter that has generated intense interest and controversy nationally and internationally. Our decisions and actions will be based entirely on the law, the weight of evidence and an unblemished respect for the truth.

 

Let me at this juncture say that I have never been in any doubt as to the sincerity, patriotism and noble motivations of both organizers of and participants in the movement to see an end to the human rights abuses by the now disbanded Special Anti- Robbery Squad (SARS).

 

It is also on record that the Federal Government accepted all the demands of the protesters, including the immediate scrapping of SARS. The National Economic Council (NEC) also recommended the establishment of State Panels of Inquiry into cases of police brutality. And the Lagos State Government was the first to set up its own panel.

 

I can boldly say that no State took the advocacy for police reforms and justice in the face of documented brutality more seriously than we did in Lagos. We have so far paid N420million in compensation to victims of police brutality, in line with the recommendations of the panel.

 

My good people of Lagos State, you will also recall that, in solidarity with the protesters, I joined our youths at various points during the demonstrations, particularly at the Lekki Tollgate and Alausa.

 

I received the charter of demands of the protesters and promised to pass them on to the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari.

 

I kept my word and passed on the demands to the President, who promised to act promptly on the issues raised.

 

However, perhaps as a result of entrenched lack of trust between the government and the governed over the years, the protesters responded to the government’s concessions with skepticism, and the demonstrations continued, even growing in intensity.

 

Regrettably, what had been very well organized and peaceful protests were subsequently hijacked in different parts of the country, particularly in Lagos.

 

In the ensuing descent into anarchy, many of our compatriots were caught up in the violence. Several policemen were killed. Public and private property, including critical infrastructure, were set on fire, leading to losses estimated at several billions of naira.

 

At that point, I imposed a curfew to restore normalcy in Lagos. We had only one goal in mind: the maintenance of law and order, and protection of citizens going about their daily lives. This is more than a legal duty. It is a sacred obligation under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which I swore to uphold.

 

In my inaugural speech on May 29, 2019, I said:

 

“Let us explore how we can establish a harmony of interests and avoid the growing tendency to focus on those things that differentiate and divide one Lagosian from another. By dint of providence, this small tract of land intersected and surrounded by waterways and lagoons has become home to roughly twenty-two million people, with their various dreams and aspirations.”

 

It is my earnest desire that all of us — the government, the youth, protesters, the police, and other security agencies — learn the appropriate lessons from the #EndSars protests, particularly the Lekki Tollgate incident, with a view to averting any recurrence to the detriment of our dear state.

 

It is a testimony to our strength and resilience as a people that, despite the huge losses incurred because of these terrible incidents, we have bounced back, with our economy as vibrant and virile as ever. I have no doubt whatsoever that our prospects are as bright as ever and the best lies ahead of Lagos State and Nigeria.

 

My Dear Lagosians, let me remind you of our collective strength as a people. We are that social collective who through the resilience of our Spirit confronted an unseen enemy called Covid- 19. In our common resolve, we overcame the worst of the pandemic.

 

We are the great people who triumphed over the terrible explosion at Ado-Soba, an incident in which many lives and property were lost. Just a month ago, we rose above the differences in our tribes and tongues; we rallied our inner strength to rescue survivors of the collapsed Ikoyi building and console those who lost their loved ones.

 

THE TESTAMENT TO THE RESILIENCE OF OUR SPIRIT RESTS IN HOW WE RISE AFTER EVERY ADVERSITY. THIS IS WHO WE ARE. THIS IS THE TRUE SPIRIT OF LAGOS.

 

Our resilient and irrepressible spirit also propels us to show our empathetic nature in the face of tribulations has long defined us as a people; and is also at the root of the just clamor for an end to Police brutality.

 

Going forward, dear Lagosians, we shall facilitate better communication between our youths and the state’s security machinery to resolve issues before they become intractable. We will make it easier for our young people to initiate formal complaints on human rights violations through the Ministry of Justice.

 

We will also improve the coordination between the state government and the security agencies, including the police and the military. In this vein, we are studying how to improve security policy formulation, information sharing, and clarifying rules of engagement in times of social unrest.

 

Just as we have established a mechanism to compensate all those who lost homes, businesses, and livelihoods to the violent destruction of October 2020, we shall also establish a detailed procedure for the just compensation of citizens with verified claims of police brutality committed during the protests.

 

In December, I will be leading A WALK FOR PEACE to herald the healing of our land. Let me use this occasion to extend an open invitation to our youths, members of the diplomatic corps, civil society groups, students and the media as well as other stakeholders to join me.

 

FOLARIN FALANA (FALZ). DEBO ADEBAYO (MR. MARCARONI). DELE FAROTIMI. TEMITOPE MAJEKODUNMI. SEGUN AWOSANYA(SEGALINKS). ADETOUN (JUST DETOUN). SEUN KUTI. CP HAKEEM ODUMOSU. CSP YINKA EGBEYEMI.

 

JOIN ME ON THIS HISTORIC MARCH FOR OUR DEAR LAGOS. NOBODY WILL BUILD THIS CITY FOR US. LET US SHOW THE WORLD WHO WE ARE. WE ARE LAGOSIANS. A PEOPLE OF GREAT RENOWN, DRIVEN BY THE IRREPRESSIBLE SPIRIT OF LAGOS.

 

God bless Lagos State

God bless Federal Republic of Nigeria.

BABAJIDE OLUSOLA SANWO-OLU

GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE NOVEMBER 30, 2021

 

 

 

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI CONDOLES WITH FAMILIES OF POLICEMEN MURDERED IN GRUESOME MANNER

President Muhammadu Buhari sympathizes with families of policemen reportedly murdered in the Southeast by misguided separatist elements, who videotaped the bestial killings, and proceeded to share it widely on social media.

The President laments the horrific nature of the bloodletting, which indicates that some minds are completely overtaken by hatred, and reduced to the basest level imaginable.

Noting that the three abducted policemen, two of whom were later brutally executed, were serving the country, and providing security to those who ironically turned against them, President Buhari sends heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, praying for God’s comfort in their deep sorrow.

He equally sympathizes with all those who have lost loved ones in the different theatres of insecurity that had rocked the country, charging them to take solace in the inevitable victory of good over evil.

As the areas where insecurity was once fiercest in the country experience some measures of calm now, President Buhari assures that the same would be replicated round the country, and the people would no longer mourn and sorrow from wanton loss of lives.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media and Publicity)

November 30, 2021

 

 

EndSARS: SANWO-OLU CALLS FOR HARMONY

…Invites youths for Peace Walk to herald ‘healing of Lagos’

Lagos State deserves true healing after the disturbances that trailed last year’s protests against police brutality, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said on Tuesday.

He said only sustenance of harmony can guarantee the realisation of aspirations of all residents.

Sanwo-Olu spoke in a live broadcast held at the State House, Alausa, on the State Government’s position on the recommendations of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry on EndSARS submitted a fortnight ago.

The Governor said the State currently faced the hard choice of restoring harmony or doing itself a great harm, urging residents to join his administration in strengthening harmony and put the State on the path of peace.

Sanwo-Olu asked residents to reject those fueling anarchy and suspicion, clinging to unsubstantiated belief that carried no weight of verifiable evidence, while choosing emotion over facts.

His administration, he said, is ready to facilitate better communication between the youths and the State’s security machinery to resolve issues before they become intractable.

He said he would be leading ‘A Walk for Peace’ in December to herald the healing of the land, extending an open invitation to the youths, members of the diplomatic corps, civil society groups, students and the media as well as other stakeholders to join him in the Peace Walk.

The Governor specifically invited Folarin Falana (Falz), Debo Adebayo (Mr. Marcaroni), Dele Farotimi, Temitope Majekodunmi, Segun Awosanya (Segalinks), Adedotun (Just Detoun), Seun Kuti, Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu and Commander of Rapid Response Squad (RRS), CSP Yinka Egbeyemi and others to join him in the “historic march for our dear Lagos.”

He said: “Nobody will build this city for us. Let us show the world who we are. We are Lagosians. A people of great renown, driven by the irrepressible spirit of Lagos. It is a testimony to our strength and resilience as a people that, despite the huge losses incurred because of these terrible incidents, we have bounced back, with our economy as vibrant and virile as ever. I have no doubt whatsoever that our prospects are as bright as ever and the best lies ahead of Lagos State and Nigeria.

“We will make it easier for our young people to initiate formal complaints on human rights violations through the Ministry of Justice. We will also improve the coordination between the state government and the security agencies, including the police and the military. In this vein, we are studying how to improve security policy formulation, information sharing, and clarifying rules of engagement in times of social unrest.

“Just as we have established a mechanism to compensate all those who lost homes, businesses, and livelihoods to the violent destruction of October 2020, we shall also establish a detailed procedure for the just compensation of citizens with verified claims of police brutality committed during the protests.”

Speaking on last year’s EndSARS protests and the events that followed, especially the hijack of the protests by hoodlums, which led to the destruction of public and private property worth billions of naira, the Governor said the Government, the youth, protesters, the Police and other security agencies have learned the appropriate lessons from the EndSARS protests, particularly the Lekki Tollgate incident, with a view to averting any recurrence to the detriment of the State.

On mixed reactions following the release of the report of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry, Sanwo-Olu said his administration remained committed to the process that would bring a closure to a “painful episode” in the history of the State.

The much-expected White Paper, the Governor pledged, will be issued later in the day.

He recalled that the panel was originally inaugurated to investigate allegations of police brutality committed by the disbanded SARS and in the aftermath of what happened on October 20, 2020, he decided to expand the mandate to include investigating what happened at the Lekki Tollgate that night.

He said: “As a matter of good faith and a sincere commitment to uncovering the truth, we constituted a panel of individuals that we believed were independent, credible, and representative of the various stakeholder communities interested in the movement against police brutality.

“Apart from the chairman of the panel being a respected retired jurist, various stakeholders including the youths, #EndSARS protesters, the police and civil society groups were represented on the panel. I am sure no member of the panel can claim that the State Government made any attempt to influence them in any way throughout the duration of its sitting.

“While I commend the panel for undertaking its task to the best of its abilities, it is however regrettable that the panel’s work and the leakage of an unauthorised version of the report have generated much tension. Sadly, a deep wound has been reopened.

“The heated exchanges among various shades of opinion on the report have unfortunately put us all at the risk of missing the larger picture; the fact that what we all seek in common is a land in which we are all safe and secure, law enforcement agents are trusted, and justice is guaranteed for all.

“We have no intention to engage in histrionics or further inflame passion on a matter that has generated intense interest and controversy nationally and internationally. Our decisions and actions will be based entirely on the law, the weight of evidence, and unblemished respect for the truth.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu, while expressing his administration’s commitment to end human rights abuses, said he has never been in any doubt as to the sincerity, patriotism and noble motivations of both organisers of EndSARS protests and those who participated in the movement to see an end to the human rights abuses by the now disbanded Special Anti- Robbery Squad (SARS).

He said it is also on record that the Federal Government accepted all the demands of the protesters, including the immediate scrapping of SARS, adding that the National Economic Council (NEC) also recommended the establishment of State Panels of Inquiry into cases of police brutality and the Lagos State Government was the first to set up its own panel.

He said: “I can boldly say that no State took the advocacy for police reforms and justice in the face of documented brutality more seriously than we did in Lagos. We have so far paid N420 million in compensation to victims of police brutality, in line with the recommendations of the panel.

“My good people of Lagos State, you will also recall that in solidarity with the protesters, I joined our youths at various points during the demonstrations, particularly at the Lekki Tollgate and Alausa.

“I received the charter of demands of the protesters and promised to pass them on to the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari.

“I kept my word and passed on the demands to the President, who promised to act promptly on the issues raised.  However, perhaps as a result of entrenched lack of trust between the government and the governed over the years, the protesters responded to the government’s concessions with skepticism, and the demonstrations continued, even growing in intensity.

“Regrettably, what had been very well organized and peaceful protests were subsequently hijacked in different parts of the country, particularly in Lagos. In the ensuing descent into anarchy, many of our compatriots were caught up in the violence. Several policemen were killed. Public and private property, including critical infrastructure, were set on fire, leading to losses estimated at several billions of naira.

“At that point, I imposed a curfew to restore normalcy in Lagos. We had only one goal in mind: the maintenance of law and order, and the protection of citizens going about their daily lives. This is more than a legal duty. It is a sacred obligation under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which I swore to uphold,” the governor explained.

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

NOVEMBER 30, 2021

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI CONDOLES WITH DR COSMAS MADUKA, FAMILY OVER WIFE’S PASSING

President Muhammadu Buhari commiserates with the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Coscharis Group, Dr Cosmas Maduka, over the passing of his wife, Charity, urging prayers for the family at the trying period.

President Buhari joins friends and associates of Maduka family and business group in mourning Mrs Maduka, who was the Vice President of Coscharis Group, and demonstrated virtues in managing her home and businesses effectively.

As wife, mother and partner, the President notes the strength and contributions of the matriarch to the Maduka dynasty and country at large, working as a professional teacher, caterer, administrator and, most significantly, a committed evangelist.

President Buhari prays that the Almighty God will receive the soul of the departed, and comfort the family.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

November 29, 2021

 

 

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF WORKS AND HOUSING

              Office of the Special Adviser on Communications

           Headquarter, Mabushi P.M.B. 111, Garki – Abuja, Nigeria

                                      

                                 PRESS RELEASE

 

SEASON OF COMPLETION, IMPACT CONTINUES AS BUHARI COMMISSIONS VANDEIKYA-OBUDU CATTLE RANCH ROAD

  • “The road is a story of the capacity of patriotic Nigerians. They are not only nation builders but also the heart of our economy”, President says 
  • Stresses the need for safety, compliance to traffic regulations on the part of commuters to reduce hazards as more of the nation’s roads are being made motorable  
  • “We want you alive to witness and be part of the prosperity and promise of Nigeria”, the President tells Nigerians
  • These projects represent major investment in road Transport infrastructure, a commitment of the Buhari administration as a driver for economic growth and prosperity – Fashola

 

Barely a week after commissioning the 304 kilometre Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Kontagora-Makera Road, President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday continued the “season of completion and impact” with the official flag-off of the Vandeikya-Obudu Cattle Ranch Road (Phases I and II) in Benue State.

 

President Buhari, who was represented at the occasion by the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Senator George Akume, said the roads being turned out by his administration represented the story of the capacity of Nigerians, employed both directly and indirectly, as not only nation builders but also the heart of the economy, as represented by the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, which he described as “drivers of our economy”, who were responsible for the supply of the various materials and equipment for the construction of the roads.

 

Also describing the roads as “a statement of economic efficiency and ease of doing business”, Buhari explained that by substantially reducing the travel times of commuters on the completed ones the roads also form part of the prosperity being created for the country by his administration adding, “because reduced journey times means reduced expense on travel, because time is money”.

 

The President pointed out that Vandeikya-Obudu Cattle Ranch Road, like all other roads being built by his administration, also symbolized change as it included such road furniture as the lane markings and Route Assurance signs which, he observed, “had all but disappeared on our highways”, adding that his administration’s commitment to change has restored them.

 

Explaining that the lane markings would help 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, the President declared, “For your safety and that of other road users, I implore you not to exceed 100 KM.  We want you alive to witness and be part of the prosperity and promise of Nigeria. I wish you safe and happy motoring”.

 

He also stressed the need for safety and compliance to traffic regulations as more of the nation’s roads were being made motorable and travel experiences more pleasurable, adding that safety consciousness on the part of motorists would reduce hazards on the roads to the barest minimum.

 

The President, who also called for strict compliance to the nation’s Highway Code in order for the road and others being built across the country to attain their design life, said the better travel experience being enjoyed by commuters on the current new and well-built roads, as against the old and previously unmotorable roads, represented one of the critical elements of change promised Nigerians by the present administration.

 

Still emphasizing his concern for the safety of commuters on the roads, Buhari declared, “Now that we have these new and well-built roads, we have duties to ourselves and to other road users. One of those duties is to ensure that we drive in accordance with the law as stipulated in the Highway Code”, adding that the “maximum driving speed on this and other Federal Highways nationwide is 100 (hundred) KM and no more”.

 

He also cautioned against abuse of the roads saying as the Federal Government committed to delivering on its promise to give Nigerians good and quality road network, it was incumbent on the people not to abuse the roads in order to enable them service the nation through their design life.

 

Such abuses, the President said, include overloading of vehicles and trucks which, according to him, accelerates pavement damage, spilling of petroleum products which dissolves the road components and allows water to penetrate and converting the road shoulders to permanent parking places, which brings the onset of road failure from the shoulder.

 

“We must all do our best to avoid these practices, report them when they occur and act in a lawful manner to stop them”, the President said adding that the commissioned road, which links Benue and Cross River State, “has been built to the highest quality of design and workmanship and if well used and not abused, should last for the designed service life”.

 

In his remarks earlier, the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, while commending all those who contributed to the realization of the “Season of Completion and Impact”, especially the investors in the first and second SUKUK and other agencies of government, added that the Vandeikya-Obudu Cattle Ranch Road represented the second of many more project Completion and Handovers Nigerians would experience in the next few weeks and months.

 

Fashola, who was represented by the Director Highways, North Central Zone, Engr. Rugba Emenoge, listed other such roads to include the 142.2 x 2 (dual) Kilometre Kano- Maiduguri Road (Section II) between Shuwarin and Azare, connecting Jigawa and Bauchi States, the 106.3 x 2 Kilometre Kano-Maiduguri Road (Section III)  between Azare and Potiskum, connecting Bauchi and Yobe States and Nnewe- Uduma- Uburu Road covering 26.27 Kilometers with 14 Kilometers spur to Ishiagu connecting Enugu and Ebonyi States, in Ebonyi State.

 

Expressing delight at the commissioning of the Vandeikya-Obudu Cattle Ranch Road, the Minister declared, “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”.

 

The Minister, who noted that the SUKUK was currently contributing to progress of work on 44 roads across Nigeria, aside the impact of the funding in the completion of major road projects such as the Azare – Potiskum, Shuwarin – Potiskum and Sokoto-Tambuwal- Kontagora Roads, also 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. “And there is more to come”, he said.

 

Members of the Vandeikya community, including traditional rulers, who turned out in large numbers, expressed their gratitude to the Federal Government, President Buhari and the Minister of Works and Housing for starting the project and seeing it to completion.

 

HAKEEM BELLO

SPECIAL ADVISER,

COMMUNICATIONS

TO THE HON. MINISTER

29th November, 2021

 

PRESS RELEASE

WE’RE DETERMINED TO COMPLETELY STAMP OUT RAPE, OTHERS – SANWO-OLU

…As First Lady Holds 2nd Community Forum For NGOs, Political Groups

…Says Suspects In Defilement Of 10-Year-Old Girl Must Be Prosecuted

 

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Monday reiterated the commitment of his administration to completely stamp out rape and other forms of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), saying various initiatives have been put in place including strengthening of institutions to end the menace in the state.

 

Sanwo-Olu spoke at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, during the second community sensitization programme for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Political Groups organized by the Office of the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu.

 

The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, said in the last two years, significant gains have been recorded in the war against Domestic and Sexual Violence.

 

“Institutions have been strengthened to respond appropriately, policies have been formulated and introduced in ensuring we provide holistic care and support to survivors, and we are also gradually ending the culture of impunity as evidenced in the convictions secured by the Ministry of Justice. In simple terms, we are indeed walking the talk.

 

“The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT) has now transformed into the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, as well as the enactment of a law that now supports the Sex Offenders Register.

 

“It is gratifying that the agency has leveraged technology through the introduction of the Gender-Based Violence Virtual and Referral System which provides uninterrupted access to GBV services. This enables survivors to have access to trained GBV service providers 24/7 through the established toll-free helpline (0 8000 333 333).

 

“In view of the public health implications as a result of the aftermath of Sexual Violence, the State Government, under the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme has recently launched an Intervention Fund which now ensures survivors of sexual violence are able to access immediate medical attention at all Primary health Centers, General Hospitals and designated private hospitals at no cost,” the Governor said.

 

Earlier, the First Lady, who was represented by the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat said the programme was aimed at discussing issues that are germane to the welfare and wellbeing of citizens, especially SGBV.

 

She said Lagos was delighted to join the rest of the world to commemorate this year’s 16 days of activism against SGBV as declared by the United Nations, with the theme: “Orange the World: End Violence Against Women Now!”

 

Alluding to the case of a 10-year-old girl who was defiled by a 34-year-old married man said to be her father’s friend recently in Lagos, the First Lady said every necessary effort must be made for the prosecution of the perpetrator in accordance with the law.

 

“In Lagos State, we have zero tolerance for rape, defilement, and associated crimes. We have worked assiduously through a multi-sectoral stakeholders Initiative coordinated by my office to fight the menace in our state.

 

“It is gratifying that through these efforts, we have been able to record some landmark feats. These include the declaration of Surulere, Bariga, and Alimosho as rape free zones, presentation of three utility vehicles to critical agencies to support the fight against the menace, establishment of the  Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency and the Sex Offenders Register that will provide a quantum leap in terms of the legal framework to significantly and frontally tackle the menace of domestic and sexual violence, name and shame perpetrators and most importantly provide adequate medical and legal support to the victims, among others,” she said.

 

As part of the programme, participants were lectured on the following topics: Training and Empowerment of Victims of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence; Boy Child Advocacy: The Need to Correct the Imbalances in Gender Preference For a Secured Society; Sexual and Gender-Based Violence: Insight, New Law and Response Protocol; and Awareness, Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Tuberculosis.

 

Free medical services were also held for participants as well as enlightenment talk by the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA); Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA); Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) and health talk by Mercy International Medical Mission and Stop TB Partnership.

 

SIGNED

OLUBUKONLA NWONAH

ASST DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS

OFFICE OF LAGOS STATE FIRST LADY

NOVEMBER 29, 2021

 

FINAL ROUNDS OF BOS YOUTH CUP KICK OFF WEDNESDAY

…Semi-final, Friday, December 3 & Final, Sunday, December 5

…As 20 teams battle for U-21 Cup in Lagos

After weeks of football activities among youths in Lagos State at the grassroots level, the final of the BOS Youth Cup would be played on Sunday, December 5, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan.

The BOS Youth Cup, a football competition for youths under 21 years across all councils in Lagos State, is part of efforts by the Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration to curb restiveness and promote sports and youth development in Lagos State.

The first edition of the BOS Youth Cup, which started in October, emanated from the office of the Senior Special Assistant (Sports) to the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu alongside SSAs from related youth and social development ministries, under the BOS Academy.

According to a member of the Protocol and Logistic Committee of the BOS Youth Cup, Mr Tayo Sanyaolu, over 20 matches have been played so far across the State by the 20 teams, which were divided into five groups.

He said the team with the highest points in each group would qualify into the quarter-final, adding that three best losers would be picked to join the five group leaders to make eight teams in the quarter-finals.

The quarter-final matches would be played on Wednesday, December 1 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium while the semi-final of the tournament would be played on Friday, December 3 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan.

Over 5,000 youths took part in the screening exercise for the BOS Youth Cup held across the 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Areas in 20 centres to select players and teams taking part in the football tournament.

The trials of eligible players with LASSRA cards and shortlisting of 23 players, comprising three goalkeepers and 20 outfield players for the BOS Youth Cup took place at Local Governments (LGAs)/Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) level for Intra-scouting matches among the councils to select All-Star Players for the 20 LGAs for the competition.

Speaking to journalists recently about the competition, the Lead of the Technical Committee of the BOS Youth Cup, Mr Anthony Adeboye, said the football tournament has been well accepted by the target youths, saying that the turn-out of young people for the competition at every location is encouraging.

He said the BOS Youth Cup is one of the events for grassroots football development, noting that professionals are not allowed to play in the tournament that it is strictly for participants who are residents of a local government.

Adeboye also disclosed that some scouting agencies and corporate organisations within and outside Nigeria are involved in the BOS Youth Cup tournament for football development, empowerment and academic scholarship for players participating in the competition to bring glory to themselves, families, local governments and Lagos State.

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

LASG REITERATES COMMITMENT TO FOOD SECURITY, FARMERS’ PRODUCTIVITY

…As Commissioner, National Coordinator, agripreneurs hail Lagos APPEALS Project

Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to food security and farmers’ productivity in the State through the Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) Project.

Speaking at the Pre-7th Implementation Support Mission of the Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support Project, held over the weekend at the APPEALS Project State Coordinating Office in Agege, Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, said agriculture remains one of the major drivers in achieving sustainable economic growth.

She said food security can be achieved in Lagos and Nigeria at large through the application of technological advancement and most importantly through self-commitment to a better Nigeria.

Olusanya in her keynote address said the APPEALS Project is directly contributing to the 17 goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as the six pillars of the THEMES agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration by exploring and investing in the use of innovation and technology to create competitive advantage in ensuring that Lagos attains a 21st century economy.

She charged APPEALS Project to continue to contribute immensely to the actualisation of the project’s objective of enhancing agricultural productivity of small and medium-scale farmers and improving value addition along the chosen priority value chains, which are poultry, aquaculture and rice in Lagos State.

“Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Agriculture is providing maximum support to the project in ensuring that the contributions of these value chains to food security, local production, improvement of livelihood as well as the creation of export markets are sustained.

“A total of 2,691 farmers, SMEs have been supported directly with physical inputs and equipment across poultry, rice and aquaculture while 3,516 stakeholders have benefitted indirectly. Also, 1,621 Women and Youth Empowerment beneficiaries have been trained and their empowerment implementation is in progress. About 8,000 farmers have received training and technology demonstrations with strong evidence of a positive resultant effect on the Project Development Objective.

“The State through the leadership of Mr. Governor; Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has remained supportive to APPEALS project as with other Donor/World Bank Assisted Projects in the State through regular payments of counterpart contributions.”

Olusanya also commended Lagos APPEALS Project team for enhancing farmers’ productivity in Lagos State, adding that “The State Steering Committee (SSC) and State Technical Committee (STC) have been performing their oversight functions in ensuring that the project implementation remains on course and our interaction with project stakeholders with a level of interventions through monitoring is so far satisfactory. However, Lagos State being a State of Excellence is always striving to be better.”

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Hakeem Adeniji, who is the Chairman, APPEALS Project State Technical Committee, said the implementation of the project has received a lot of support from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The National Coordinator of APPEALS Project, Mr. Mohammed Sanni Jobdi, who was represented by Dr. Salisu Garba, said the project at the national level is encouraged by what Lagos APPEALS project is doing.

He also commended Lagos State Project Coordinator of APPEALS, Mrs. Oluranti Sagoe-Oviebo and her team for meeting the yearning and aspirations of thousands of farmers in line with the objectives of the Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support Project.

Sagoe-Oviebo said APPEALS Project has impacted lives and boosted farmers’ productivity in Lagos State.

She also commended Governor Sanwo-Olu, Commissioner for Agriculture, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, National Coordination Office of APPEALS Project and other major stakeholders for their commitment toward ensuring the success of Lagos APPEALS Project.

Chairman, Lagos State chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Otunba Femi Oke; President, Lagos State Catfish and Allied Farmers Association, Alhaja Nurat Atoba and Representative of Poultry Association of Nigeria, Mr. Olufemi Stephen, who spoke respectively during the event commended what APPEALS Project is doing to farmers in Lagos State in the three value chain – aquaculture, rice and poultry.

They said they have felt the impacts of the Lagos APPEALS Project and promised to continue to work with the project to boost food security and feed Lagos and Nigeria at large.

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PRESIDENT BUHARI TO ATTEND EXPO 2020 DUBAI

PRESIDENT BUHARI TO ATTEND EXPO 2020 DUBAI

President Muhammadu Buhari departs Abuja today Wednesday to attend EXPO 2020 Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

EXPO 2020 Dubai, with the theme, “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”, creates the environment for Nigeria to join over 190 countries to forge true and meaningful partnerships “to build a better future for everyone.”

The Expo will provide another opportunity for the Nigerian delegation to highlight significant strides in the economy in the last six years as a basis for making the country an important destination for foreign direct investment.

Aside touring the Nigerian Pavilion at the Expo on Friday, Nigeria’s National Day, the President will also receive in audience prospective investors as well as meet with His Highness, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai.

On Saturday, President Buhari will be the Special Guest of Honour at the special Trade and Investment Forum themed: Unveiling Investment Opportunities in Nigeria. It is put together to mark Nigeria’s presence at the gathering by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.

The President will be accompanied by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo; Finance, Budget and National Planning, Hajia Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed; Defence, Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi (retd); Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika; and Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammad Abubakar.

Others are: Ministers of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire; Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Pantami; Mines and Steel Development, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite; Minister of State, Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Maryam Katagum, the National Security Adviser , Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (retd), Director-General of National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Ahmed Rufai Abubakar and the Chairman/CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission , Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

President Buhari is expected back in Abuja on Sunday, December 5, 2021.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

December 1, 2021

 

 

LET’S ENHANCE OUR PEOPLE-TO- PEOPLE RELATIONS TO AVOID UNHEALTHY COMPETITION, PRESIDENT BUHARI TELLS PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA

President Muhammadu Buhari Wednesday in Abuja urged stronger emphasis on people-to-people relations between South Africa and Nigeria to evolve a bond that will be of benefit to both countries and the entire African continent.

President Buhari, who received President Cyril Ramaphosa, at the State House, reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to improving a “special relationship’’ with South Africa, which will translate into gains for the continent, particularly in education, science, trade and investment, tourism and security.

At the opening of the 10th Session of Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) held in his office, President Buhari said: “Mr. President, permit me to state that some of the challenges identified during the last Bi-National Commission (BNC) have not been completely addressed. We need to ensure that our people-to-people relations are enhanced to a point where there would be no need for unhealthy competition.

“In this regard, we need improvement in educational and scientific cooperation, mines and energy resources, transport and aviation, tourism, youth exchange programmes, trade and investment and military cooperation, to mention but a few.”

President Buhari told ministers and government delegates of both countries that a strong bond of brotherhood between Nigeria and South Africa would be of great benefit to Africa as a catalyst for economic, technological, social and cultural development and as a force for peace and security on the continent.

Adding: “Let me at this point re-iterate my commitment to ensure that the special relationship between our two countries is continually strengthened.’’

President Buhari said it was fulfilling that despite all the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the BNC was still holding on schedule.

“It is also gratifying to observe that this has been brought about by the dogged commitment of senior officials from our countries.

“More importantly, it is gratifying to note that despite the pandemic, our timelines for implementing some decisions of the 9th BNC have been met. Similarly, discussions are ongoing on new and important areas of cooperation between our two countries.

“I must commend the Honourable Ministers and senior officials of both our governments for their sustained effort in breathing life into the bilateral agreements between our countries. I am aware that the Senior Officials Meeting and Ministerial Meetings which preceded this Presidential BNC were successfully concluded,’’ he added.

At the end of the Summit, President Buhari expressed his delight at its successful conclusion, calling it, “heartwarming and a source of great pride that we have been able to further cement the special bond of fraternal friendship between our two countries.”

He also remarked that the agreement on Early Warning Mechanism would “improve the people-to-people relations of our two countries. Similarly, our two countries have established high level official communication channels for diplomatic consultations, trade and investment, and will, shortly, inaugurate the Nigeria – South Africa Youth Dialogue. I am confident that these vehicles of engagement and cooperation will serve our mutual interests.”

The Nigerian President commended the South African leader for initiating the Nigeria – South Africa Youth Dialogue which he (President Buhari) also endorsed.

“I hope that beyond being a vehicle for mutual learning and understanding by our youth, it would also foster the kindred spirit of humanity towards others as prescribed in the great South African traditional philosophy of Ubuntu. That would lay a solid foundation for the realization of the Africa that we want,” he said.

President Buhari appreciated President Ramaphosa and his delegation for the visit.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

December 1, 2021

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI REJOICES WITH OGBONNAYA ONU AS HE TURNS 70

President Muhammadu Buhari felicitates with author, engineer, former governor of Abia State and current Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu as he turns 70 December 1, 2021.

The President celebrates the accomplished politician and administrator as a gentleman who has over time proved to be “a dedicated patriot in words and deeds,” devoting energy for the unity, progress and development of the Nation.

“Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, as a true leader, you have continued to use your wisdom and knowledge to champion the cause of your people. At all times, you display a great understanding and provide deep insights regarding the complexities of our fatherland.

“I rejoice with you, your family and friends on this landmark celebration. As you continue to espouse a prosperous and a technologically driven Nigeria, my prayer is that God Almighty will bless you with longer years in good health in the service of the country,” the President remarked.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

December 1, 2021

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HOST COMMUNITIES COMMEND FG AS BUHARI COMMISSIONS SOKOTO-TAMBUWAL-KONTAGORA-MAKERA ROAD

HOST COMMUNITIES COMMEND FG AS BUHARI COMMISSIONS SOKOTO-TAMBUWAL-KONTAGORA-MAKERA ROAD

 

 

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

  • President calls for compliance to the nation’s transport regulations, Highway Code to enable roads last their design life
  • “This is the first of many more project Completion and Handovers our country will experience in this season of completion and impact”, says Fashola
  • Political leaders, Traditional Rulers, Commuters praise FG, Fashola for commitment to infrastructure development, testify to ease of doing business
  • “We are overwhelmed that despite numerous challenges, this administration has delivered on most of its mandates”, Emir of Yauri

 

Host communities along the Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Kontagora-Makera Road corridor, Thursday, hailed the Federal Government as President Muhammadu Buhari formally commissioned and opened the road for use calling on commuters to always comply with the nation’s Highway Code in order for the road and others being built across the country to attain their design life.

 

And the Minister of Works and Housing, while corroborating the President’s call, the 304 kilometre road represented the first of many more project Completion and Handovers Nigerians would experience in the next few weeks and months as the nation enters what he described as “a season of completion and impact”.

 

The President, who was represented by the Attorney- General and Minister of Justice of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, said as the Federal Government commit to delivering on its promise to give Nigerians good and quality road network, it was incumbent on the people not to abuse the roads in order to enable them service the nation through their design life.

 

The President, who listed such abuses to include overloading of vehicles and trucks, spilling of petroleum products and converting the road shoulders to permanent parking places, explained that while overloading accelerates pavement damage, spilling of petroleum products dissolves the road components and allows water to penetrate. Converting the road shoulders to permanent parking places, he said, brings the onset of road failure from the shoulder.

 

“We must all do our best to avoid these practices, report them when they occur and act in a lawful manner to stop them”, the President said adding that the commissioned road, which links Sokoto and Kebbi State, “has been built to the highest quality of design and workmanship and if well used and not abused, should last for the designed service life”.

 

Saluting all Nigerians who contributed in the construction of the road, President Buhari declared, “This road is a story of the capacity of our people, the patriotic Nigerians who were employed directly to build this road, the scores of suppliers employed indirectly who are responsible for providing the machines utilized in the construction” describing them as “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”.

 

“This road is also a statement of economic efficiency and ease of doing business. This is because the travel time of averagely four hours before construction has now reduced to two hours since the completion of the road”, he said noting that the road also forms part of the many roads to prosperity being constructed across the country “because reduced journey times means reduced expense on travel, because time is money”.

 

According to the President, the road also symbolizes change as it includes such road furniture as the lane markings and Route Assurance signs which, he observed, “had all but disappeared on our highways”, adding his administration’s 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”.

 

Citing travel experience on new and well-built roads as another element of change from the old and previously unmotorable roads, Buhari declared, “Now that we have this new and well-built road, we have duties to ourselves and to other road users. One of those duties is to ensure that we drive in accordance with the law as stipulated in the Highway Code”, adding that the “maximum driving speed on this and other Federal Highways nationwide is100 (ONE HUNDRED) KM and no more”.

 

Formally declaring the road open to traffic, President Buhari reiterated, “For your safety and that of other road users, I implore you not to exceed 100 KM.  We want you alive to witness and be part of the prosperity and promise of Nigeria. I wish you safe and happy motoring”.

 

In his remarks earlier, Fashola listed other roads that would soon be commissioned across the country to include Section II covering 142.2 x 2 (dual) Kilometers between Shuwarin and Azare, connecting Jigawa and Bauchi States, Section III covering 106.3 x 2 Kilometers between Azare and Potiskum , connecting Bauchi and Yobe States, Vandeikya-Obudu Cattle Ranch Road covering 24 Kilometres connecting Benue and Cross River States and Nnewe- Uduma- Uburu Road covering 26.27 Kilometers with 14 Kilometers spur to Ishiagu connecting Enugu and Ebonyi States.

 

The Minister, who said the President had approved that Ministers from the various States where projects have been completed should represent him to perform the handover formalities, added, “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”.

 

“This occasion affords another opportunity to acknowledge the impact of the SUKUK funding in the completion of Azare – Potiskum, Shuwarin – Potiskum and Sokoto-Tambuwal- Kontagora Roads”, the Minister said adding that the SUKUK was currently contributing to progress of work on 44 roads across Nigeria “and as we complete them, events like this will hold”.

 

He expressed gratitude to the investors in the SUKUK and 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 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.

 

Others to whom the Minister expressed gratitude included 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 preside 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. “And there is more to come”, he said.

 

Commending the Federal Government also, the Senator representing Kebbi Central Senator District and Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Senator Adamu Aliero said that since the construction of the road in 1973, it has not undergone any major repair to the extent that it became a death tap. “Because of the very bad nature of the road then, about 40 people lost their lives on the road. But thank God that today, the story has changed completely,” he said.

 

He hailed the Federal Government for the other projects being embarked upon in the state and implored them to maintain the projects saying, “ To whom much is given, much is expected and we expect the good people of Kebbi State to support  our great Party, the APC and the government of President Muhammadu Buhari and demonstrate their support in the next election.”

 

In a similar vein, Honourable Muhammed Shehu Koko, a House of Representative member representing the area commended President Muhammadu Buhari saying that the people of Koko and the entire Kebbi State are very impressed and happy for the road project.

 

He said, “Honourable Minister, as you are aware, Kebbi people are mainly farmers and they have started enjoying the road in moving their farm produces from their farms to the market with ease.”

 

The Emir of Yauri, His Royal Highness, Dr. Muhammad Zayyanu Abdullahi in his own remarks said the rehabilitation of the road was very crucial to the socio-economic development of the people and the neighbouring ECOWAS States.

 

He acknowledged with gratitude the efforts of the present Government for initiating and completing the rehabilitation works on the road which, according to him, was constructed in the 70s and never received any major rehabilitation work until the tenure of President Buhari’s administration.

 

“We are overwhelmed that despite numerous competing demands and other global challenges, this administration is able to deliver on most of its mandates and would forever be remembered for fixing our economy”, the Traditional Ruler said.

 

Others who commended the government included the core road users such as the motorists and motorcyclists who said their businesses have been enhanced by the new road.

 

 

Boade Akinola

Director (Press and Public Relations)

26/11/2021

 

 

 

 

 

Niger Delta Youths task Buhari, Akpabio on NDDC forensic report

 

Youths in the Niger Delta region on Sunday called on stakeholders in the country to make greater efforts to support the development plan of the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

They also praised Akpabio for providing a comprehensive solution to the problems of the region.

‘’The key leaders in the region stand firmly behind Senator Godswill Akpabio. We give our full backing to the changes taking place in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDCC). The forensic audit report has clearly indicated new directions’’

At an expanded assembly in Warri, the Niger Delta youths urged President Muhammadu Buhari to take time to study the report of the NDDC forensic audit and implement to the letter all recommendations made by the panel.

They commended Akpabio for carrying out truly profound ground-breaking changes aimed at bringing about far-reaching improvement of the conditions of the people in the region.

‘’We are on the side of Senator Godswill Akpabio’’

A statement by the President of the Niger Delta Youth Vanguard (NDYV), Dr. Timothy Amaku praised Akpabio for paying greater attention to the development of road network in the region, maintaining all round cooperation with the stakeholders and coming out with new ideas, alternatives and prospects for Niger Delta development.

The statement underscored Akpabio’s ingenuity, depth of commitment and the realistic nature of the policies of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

The Niger Delta youths described the action of the leaders of Anioma Youth Forum Worldwide as mischievous.

‘’The position of Nnamdi Ofonye, Frank Odum and Ekwukwo Elvis runs counter to the interests of the Niger Delta people and expands the frontiers of the enemies of progress in the region.. It contributes not only to stagnation but retrogression and underdevelopment’’

The statement also emphasized the needs of the region, Akpabio’s effective response to the Niger Delta situation and deep commitment to peace.

‘’NDDC has begun to have a positive impact on several communities in the Niger Delta region’’ the statement said.

 

 

EndSARS report: SERAP sues Buhari, wants court to order arrest of suspects

 

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and 116 concerned Nigerians have filed a lawsuit asking the Federal High Court in Abuja to “direct and compel President Muhammadu Buhari to take immediate steps to ensure the arrest of soldiers and police officers indicted by the Lagos #EndSARS panel report for the shooting of peaceful protesters at the Lekki toll-gate, and police brutality cases.”

 

In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1482/2021 filed last Friday, SERAP is also asking the court to “direct and compel President Buhari to bring to justice anyone suspected to be responsible for the shooting of peaceful protesters, and to ensure access to justice and effective remedies for victims, including adequate compensation.”

 

In the suit, SERAP is arguing that: “It is in the interest of justice to grant this application, as it would improve respect for Nigerians’ rights, the rule of law, and public confidence in government institutions, as well as reduce the growing culture of impunity of perpetrators.”

 

SERAP said: “The safety of protesters in Nigeria remains as precarious as ever, and impunity for crimes against them is growing. Impunity emboldens perpetrators. A failure to bring to justice those indicted for the shooting of peaceful protesters is, in itself, a violation of the rights to life and human dignity.”

 

According to SERAP: “The flagrant lack of accountability for past violations of the rights of protesters has given rise to a growing sense of powerlessness, and resentment not only among victims and their families, but among the general public.”

 

SERAP also said: “The failure to promptly arrest, and bring to justice those suspected to be responsible for the shooting of peaceful protesters, and to ensure access to justice and effective remedies for victims and their families amounts to a travesty of justice, as justice delayed is justice denied.”

 

SERAP is also seeking “an order of mandamus to direct and compel President Buhari to ensure that those still being detained solely for peacefully exercising their human rights are immediately and unconditionally released, and all charges against them are dropped.

 

SERAP is further seeking “an order of mandamus to direct and compel President Buhari to ensure full and effective respect for the human rights of everyone across the country, including the rights to life, dignity, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association.”

 

Joined in the suit as Respondent is the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN.

 

The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare and Opeyemi Owolabi, read in part: “The Buhari administration has the constitutional responsibility to allow victims of human rights violations to find out the truth in regard to acts committed, to know who the perpetrators of such acts are, and to obtain justice and adequate compensation.”

 

“The right to life is an inherent, core, and non-derogable human right, regardless of the circumstances, and even in times of armed conflict or states of emergency. Summary, extrajudicial, or arbitrary executions are clearly prohibited under the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 [as amended] and international law.”

 

“The UN Principles on the Effective Prevention and Investigation of Extra-Legal, Arbitrary, and Summary Executions affirm that ‘extra-legal, arbitrary, and summary executions’ cannot be carried out under any circumstances.’”

 

“According to the principles, ‘governments shall prohibit orders from superior officers or public authorities authorizing or inciting other persons to carry out any such extra-legal, arbitrary or summary executions. All persons shall have the right and the duty to defy such orders.’”

 

“International law requires that the use of lethal force, such as firearms, is an ‘extreme measure’ that should only be considered when strictly necessary in order to protect life or prevent serious injury from an imminent threat.”

 

“Articles 2(1) and 2(3) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to which Nigeria is a state party require State Parties to ‘undertake to respect and ensure’ and provide effective remedies for violations of the rights in the Covenant.”

 

“The remedies must be accessible and effective remedies and take into account the special vulnerability of certain categories of person.”

 

“The General Assembly of the United Nations adopted a set of principles relating to states’ obligations to the victims of serious violations of international human rights law that makes clear that states are obligated to investigate violations of international human rights law thoroughly and impartially, and where appropriate, take action against those allegedly responsible.”

 

“States also have the duty to investigate and, if there is sufficient evidence, the duty to submit to prosecution the person allegedly responsible for violations.”

 

“President Buhari has a constitutional duty, being the Chief Executive Officer of the Federation and the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, to ensure access to justice and effective remedies for victims, and that there is no impunity for allegations of human rights violations.”

 

The suit followed the submission of the Lagos #EndSARS panel report on the Lekki shooting incident and police brutality cases to the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The leaked report is said to have indicted some soldiers and police officers for “the shooting of protesters, leading to grievous injuries and deaths.”

 

The panel reportedly found that “the shooting of protesters at the Lekki toll-gate on October 20, 2020 was unwarranted, excessive, provocative and unjustifiable in the circumstances of the state of the protests, which was peaceful and orderly.”

 

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

 

 

 

Kolawole Oluwadare

SERAP Deputy Director

28/11/2021

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

 

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Niger Delta Youths task Buhari

Niger Delta Youths task Buhari, Akpabio on NDDC forensic report

Niger Delta Youths task Buhari, Akpabio on NDDC forensic report

 

Youths in the Niger Delta region on Sunday called on stakeholders in the country to make greater efforts to support the development plan of the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

They also praised Akpabio for providing a comprehensive solution to the problems of the region.

‘’The key leaders in the region stand firmly behind Senator Godswill Akpabio. We give our full backing to the changes taking place in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDCC). The forensic audit report has clearly indicated new directions’’

At an expanded assembly in Warri, the Niger Delta youths urged President Muhammadu Buhari to take time to study the report of the NDDC forensic audit and implement to the letter all recommendations made by the panel.

They commended Akpabio for carrying out truly profound ground-breaking changes aimed at bringing about far-reaching improvement of the conditions of the people in the region.

‘’We are on the side of Senator Godswill Akpabio’’

A statement by the President of the Niger Delta Youth Vanguard (NDYV), Dr. Timothy Amaku praised Akpabio for paying greater attention to the development of road network in the region, maintaining all round cooperation with the stakeholders and coming out with new ideas, alternatives and prospects for Niger Delta development.

The statement underscored Akpabio’s ingenuity, depth of commitment and the realistic nature of the policies of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.

The Niger Delta youths described the action of the leaders of Anioma Youth Forum Worldwide as mischievous.

‘’The position of Nnamdi Ofonye, Frank Odum and Ekwukwo Elvis runs counter to the interests of the Niger Delta people and expands the frontiers of the enemies of progress in the region.. It contributes not only to stagnation but retrogression and underdevelopment’’

The statement also emphasized the needs of the region, Akpabio’s effective response to the Niger Delta situation and deep commitment to peace.

‘’NDDC has begun to have a positive impact on several communities in the Niger Delta region’’ the statement said.

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ABAVO CHRONICLE ABIA REPORTERS ABIA SUN ABIGBORODO SUN ABRAKA STATESMAN ABUJA ABUJA CHRONICLE ABUJA GAZETTES ABUJA GUIDE ABUJA MORNING NEWS ABUJA NEWS ABUJA NEWSPAPERS ABUJA NOW ABUJA STAR ABUJA TELEGRAM ADAMAWA RECORD ADEJE DAILY ADEJE FACTS
PRESIDENT BUHARI HAILS CHIEF JACKSON GAIUS-OBASEKI AT 76

PRESIDENT BUHARI HAILS CHIEF JACKSON GAIUS-OBASEKI AT 76

PRESS RELEASE

 

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS PRINCE ARTHUR EZE AT 73

President Muhammadu Buhari rejoices with Prince Arthur Eze on the occasion of his 73rd birthday November 25, 2021.

The President joins family, friends and well-wishers in celebrating a man who through dint of hard work and good fortune has devoted his resources to help those in need, reaching out generously to under-privileged people and families, communities, academic, religious and health institutions.

President Buhari is delighted that Prince Eze has used his massive investments in the oil and gas sector to contribute to the development of the nation’s economy, provide gainful employment to many Nigerians, and extended his business empire beyond the shores of the country.

As the Ozoigbondu marks another year, the President prays God Almighty to grant him good health, happiness and peace, with more fruitful years to serve God and humanity.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

November 25, 2021

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI HAILS CHIEF JACKSON GAIUS-OBASEKI AT 76

President Muhammadu Buhari sends warm felicitations to former Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr Jackson Gaius-Obaseki on his 76th birthday, November 25, 2021.

President Buhari congratulates the renowned oil and gas expert for his dedication to national development, particularly in one of the cornerstones of the economy, consistently instituting reforms, counselling leaders and opening up opportunities for more investments.

The President notes the historic role the former Chairman of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), who currently chairs Brass LNG, played in repositioning of the sector by stimulating necessary policy reviews and legal frameworks to ensure competitiveness and inclusiveness, especially regarding the communities.

As Dr Gaius-Obaseki turns 76, President Buhari commends his foresight in the energy sector, and shared experience to prepare the nation for the challenges and gains.

The President prays for all round wellbeing of the former Group Managing Director of the NNPC, and his family.

Femi Adesina

Special adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

November 24, 2021

 

 

PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS FORMER HIGH COMMISSIONER TO UK, DR DALHATU TAFIDA AT 81

President Muhammadu Buhari joins family, friends and associates of former Nigeria’s High Commissioner, United Kingdom, Dr Dalhatu Sarki Tafida, to celebrate his 81st birthday, November 24, 2021.

The President warmly felicitates with the dedicated public servant, who had variously worked for a greater nation, serving variously as Medical Doctor, Consultant Physician/Permanent Secretary, Chief Consultant Physician to a President, Commissioner of Education and Minister of Health.

President Buhari notes the wisdom and experience that the former High Commissioner had always brought to every national assignment, setting standards, motivating others to achieve goals, and uplifting many in his community and across the nation.

As a member of the Constituent Assembly, 1988-89 and Senate Majority leader, the President affirms that Dr Tafida also played a major role in shaping political developments in the country, and has remained relevant in inspiring many leaders.

President Buhari prays that the Almighty God will grant him good health, strength and longer life.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

November 23, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

NORTH-WEST GOVERNORS VISIT IKOYI COLLAPSED BUILDING SITE

 

  • Commend Sanwo-Olu for instituting tribunal of inquiry

 

North-West governors on Wednesday paid a condolence visit to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu over the Gerrard Road, Ikoyi building collapse, which killed over forty persons few weeks ago. The Governors also sympathised with the people of the State and families of those who died in the unfortunate incident.

 

The North-West Governors Forum represented by its chairman and Kastina State Governor, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari and his Kano State counterpart, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for setting up a Tribunal of Inquiry into the collapsed building.

 

It would be recalled that a 21-storey building, still under construction, collapsed on Monday, November 1 at Gerrard Road, Ikoyi. Fifteen people survived while 45 people died in the unfortunate incident.

 

Speaking during the visit to the Collapsed Building, Masari, who was accompanied by Governors Ganduje and Sanwo-Olu, said they are happy that the Governor of Lagos State has instituted a tribunal of inquiry to unravel issues surrounding the collapsed building.

 

He said: “We are here representing governors of North West to physically come to condole with his Excellency, the Governor of Lagos State, families of the deceased and the entire Lagos community on the unfortunate incident that has happened.

 

“We pray to God that this kind of thing will not happen again. On behalf of the people of North West, accept our sincere condolences and sympathy.

 

“We cannot escape high rise buildings in Lagos but we must ensure that it does not cost lives and properties of people.

 

“We are happy that the Governor of Lagos State has instituted an inquiry tribunal that will unravel what happened here.”

 

Governor Ganduje also commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for taking immediate action to show concern during the collapsed building.

 

He said: “We are here to condole with the people and the government of Lagos State and in particular, condole with families of those who lost their lives and sympathise with them on the very unfortunate situation.

 

“Lagos is a mega city. Comparing it to other megacities in the world and considering the circumstances of Lagos due to lack of adequate land for development, increase in population and high density, the issue of building high rise is absolutely necessary and cannot be avoided. But it is unfortunate that we have found ourselves in what happened.

 

“We are happy that the governor has taken immediate action to show concern about what happened. We are also happy that he appointed an independent technical panel that will examine and find out what actually happened in order to avoid future occurrences. We appreciate Governor Sanwo-Olu’s effort and condole with him and the people of Lagos state, particularly the families of those who lost their lives.”

 

Responding, Governor Sanwo-Olu appreciated the North-West governors for commiserating with the government and people of Lagos State over the Ikoyi collapsed building.

 

He said: “We have had various degrees of tribulations and very difficult moments for us as a state and there have been lessons learnt. We are all aware of the investigation into the collapsed building.

 

“It gladdens me to know that while Lagos is grieving, we are not alone. That is why I am excited and happy that some of my senior colleagues and brothers have come here to express solidarity and to also sympathise with the government and people of Lagos State.”

 

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

NOVEMBER 24, 2021

PRESS RELEASE

 

INFRASTRUCTURE, EDUCATION TOP LAGOS’ PRIORITIES IN 2022, AS SANWO-OLU PROPOSES N1.39 TRILLION BUDGET

 

  • Activates 30-year Devt Plan for State, says sustained funding in key growth sectors to stabilise economy

 

Lagos State has earmarked huge capital expenditure in the 2022 fiscal year to service key growth areas in order to consolidate the recovery of the State’s economy and positively transform residents’ livelihoods.

 

In the proposed N1.388 trillion budget for year 2022 presented to the House of Assembly on Wednesday, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the State would be spending N325 billion to deliver vital infrastructure projects in key sectors to energise and expand the growth of the State’s economy.

 

The key areas of growth identified by the Governor include Works and Infrastructure, Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Agriculture, Transportation, Energy and Mineral Resources, Tourism, Entertainment and Creative Industry, Commerce and Industry, Wealth Creation and Employment.

 

The human capital development drive of the Sanwo-Olu administration is projected to take a leap in 2022, with an allocation of 21.24 per cent combined in the total expenditure to education and health.

 

The financial proposal, christened “Budget of Consolidation”, will be the last full-year fiscal plan of the State before the next general election.

 

Sanwo-Olu said the coming year presented an opportunity for the State Government to consolidate on the progress recorded by his administration, while leveraging investment in-flow, partnership and business-friendly policies to maximally translate his achievements into noticeable positive impact in the lives of residents.

 

About N823.4 billion, representing 59 per cent of the 2022 budget, is earmarked for capital expenditure. Recurrent expenditure, representing 41 per cent, is N565 billion, which includes personnel cost, overhead and debt services.

 

The Governor noted that his administration had clearly articulated its vision in governance through the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda in the last two years, adding that the State was now looking towards the future with the activation of the implementation of a 30-year development plan (2021-2051) which replaced previous 13-year growth plan developed in 2012.

 

He said: “Year 2022 Budget is the next step on our journey to true and sustainable greatness in Lagos. The challenging environment requires that we focus our interventions on areas of greatest social impact and achieving the greatest good for the greatest number in the shortest possible time. Next year is an excellent opportunity for us to consolidate on what we have done so far, and ensure that every effort, investment inflow, partnership, business policy is translating maximally into noticeable positive impact in the lives of our people.

 

“It is in this light that we are presenting the Year 2022 Budget of Consolidation with a size of N1,388,285,459,990.51. This financial proposal is presented with a sense of duty and absolute commitment to the transformation of Lagos to a preferred global destination for residence, commerce, and investment. The budget projects to see a continuing but gradual recovery to growth in economic activity as the global economy cautiously recovers from the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.”

 

Of the total proposed expenditure, N1.135 trillion would accrue from Internally Generated Revenues (IGRs) and federal transfers, while deficit financing of N253 billion would be sourced from external and domestic loans, and bonds projected to be within the State’s fiscal sustainability parameters.

 

The State would be earmarking an aggregate of N137.64 billion, representing 9.92 per cent of the 2022 budget, for the funding of green investment in Environment, Social Protection, Housing and Community Amenities.

 

On Security, the Governor explained that the State’s continued investment in the sector had reaped positive dividends, stressing that more allocation would be channeled to security in 2022 to make Lagos safer for living, working and investment.

 

Despite the global economic downturn, Sanwo-Olu said Lagos had seen more construction machinery deployed to deliver new infrastructure in the areas of roads, rail, housing, health, education and waterways.

 

He said: “There has been significant progress on the Lagos Rail Mass Transit projects, which include both the 27-kilometre Blue line, that will run from Okokomaiko to Marina, and the 32-kilometre Red line that will run from Agbado to Oyigbo and eventually to Marina.

 

“These rails, when completed, will deliver a combined 32.5 million people every month on their respective routes, reducing travel time by over 250 per cent, increasing the productivity and quality of life of our people.

 

“The Red line will come with eight new modern train stations, 10 new overpasses and 13 pedestrian bridges. These ambitious projects are expected to be commissioned in the fourth quarter of 2022.”

 

The outgoing year’s budget, Sanwo-Olu said, performed “remarkably well” despite the challenges encountered by the State, noting that the expenditure performance at the third quarter of 2021 rose to 80 per cent.

 

The Governor said the need to stabilise the State’s economy led to the adoption of far-reaching cost saving measures, including restructuring of local borrowings to reduce overall debt service obligations on Lagos.

 

“The State Government has successfully restructured all existing loan facilities, translating into a reduction in interest rates from an average of 18 per cent to about 12.75 per cent. This year, Fitch, a reputable international rating agency, upgraded the rating of Lagos from AA+ to AAA, reflecting Lagos’ capacity to service its financial obligations, compared with national and international peers, as well as its resilient operating performance during the pandemic,” Sanwo-Olu said.

 

The Governor thanked Lagosians for supporting and standing by his administration in the past two years. He said there were more challenges lying ahead, urging the residents to join hands with him in delivering his programmes for common good. He assured that the pace of governance would be amplified in the coming years.

 

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, praised the Governor for the “outstanding performance” of the 2021 budget, especially in infrastructural renewal and wealth creation among other things, promising speedy and meticulous vetting of the 2022 expenditure proposal.

 

Obasa said the progress under the Sanwo-Olu administration was commendable, but urged the executive arm to look inward and devise other methods of improving the State’s IGR beyond the current sources.

 

He said: “While the projections of this administration are being guided by its THEMES agenda, we need to further strengthen it to touch the lives of the people. It is a known fact that Lagos has the highest foreign debt profile. This loan has been the secret behind most of the infrastructural developments we all see all over the State. Nevertheless, I will advise the executive to focus more on intense projects that will be geared towards alleviating poverty in our State.”

 

The Speaker pledged more legislative support for the executive to achieve all the outlined objectives in the 2022 fiscal year.

 

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

NOVEMBER 24, 2021

25 November 2021

 

Babajide Sanwoolu, Ajoritsedere Awosika, Ebuka, Taaoma, Laycon join Adebola Williams at official launch of African Power Girls

The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwoolu; Chairman, Access Bank PLC, Ajoritsedere Awosika; CEO, RadioNow, Kadaria Ahmed; Group Executive Director, Rainoil Limited, Godrey Ogbechie; were amongst a host of dignitaries who graced the official launch of Adebola Williams’ book – African Power Girls.

Written for kids, especially young girls seeking encouragement to follow their purpose, thrive in their chosen careers, and fulfil their mission, the African Power Girls book summarises stories dating back to the 1900s. The amazing stories captured by the author showcase the strength, freedom, challenges, and victory of spotlighted female legends.

“Narratives deeply entrenched in misogyny and chauvinism, strategically targeted at disempowering and relegating women have long been promoted in many societies in Africa,” said Adebola Williams, while speaking on the purpose of the book. “The continent needs to remember and be inspired by the stories of trailblazers. We must impress it upon the girl child that being female is not a disability; neither is it a disadvantage. Being a woman is a strength, a badge of honour to be worn with pride,” he added.

Held at the Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos, the event saw over 120 secondary school students engage with some of the leading personalities present and also included several interesting book reading sessions.

The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwoolu, represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Folasade Adefisayo, charged attendees to remember that they are special, emulate the spotlighted ‘African Power Girls’ and strive to make a difference in whatever fields they choose.

In her keynote address, the Executive Chairman, Access Bank PLC, Ajoritsedere Awosika, urged the students to treat mistakes as stepping stones to success. She further drove home the importance of commitment and hard work, citing them as key components to living impactful lives that posterity will remember.

African Power Girls features international icons like Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Liberia), Efua Theodora Sutherland (Ghana), Wangari Mathai (Kenya), Miriam Makeba (South Africa), Huda Sha’arawi (Egypt), Nike Davies, Grace Alile Williams (Nigeria), and many more inspirational figures.

More guests who graced the launch event include Kola Adesina, Group Managing Director Sahara Power Group; Danladi Verheijen, Managing Partner, Verod Capital Management; Osayi Alile, CEO, ACT Foundation; Gbolahan Shaba, Managing Director, LATC Marine; seasoned journalist and producer, Adesuwa Onyenokwe; Lawrence Amadi, Partner KPMG; actors, Chioma Akpotha, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Eku Edewor; comedienne, Taaooma; BBNaija and Rubbin’ Minds host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu; singer and song-writer, Timi Dakolo; BBNaija winner, Laycon, renowned singer and photographer, TY Bello; on-air personality, Agatha Amata, amongst others.

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

LAGOS OPEN FOR COLLABORATION, INVESTMENTS FROM WILLING PARTNERS, SAYS SANWO-OLU

 

  • Seeks partnership with Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland

 

  • We’ll partner LASG in circular economy, human development, others – Nordic ministers

 

 

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, said the State is set to harness the potential of its landmass and face challenges headlong with innovative solutions as a 21st Century Mega City.

 

He said with a landmass of less than 0.4 percent, the Lagos State Government was ready and open for collaboration investments from willing partners as well as the political will to address issues on climate change.

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu made the statement while speaking at the Nordic – Nigeria Connect Smart City Lagos 2021, a high-power conference on Smart City solutions and circular economy themed: “Developing a Greener Lagos” held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island on Tuesday.

 

The Nordic countries include Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland.

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu assured foreign partners, especially investors from the Nordic countries that Lagos is ready and open for collaboration for investments from willing partners, noting that Lagos has taken steps to improve ease of doing business.

 

He said issues on the agenda for the conference “are of considerable importance to our planet, especially as we ramp up efforts to forge lasting consensus on tackling climate change,” adding that the timing of the conference could not be more perfect, in the immediate aftermath of COP26.

 

“Lagos is open for collaboration and investment. We have the talent and expertise. We have the financial markets. We have the demographics to support your business cases and plans. We have massive opportunities for the rollout of low-carbon infrastructure and solutions, and we have the political will, as a government, to ensure that your ideas and investments take root and thrive.

 

“We are delighted that many of the investors we are seeing in Lagos are deeply committed to projects that advance the desired goals of climate resilience and environmental friendliness, while also making great business sense and meeting the practical needs of the populace.

 

“I am delighted that we are seeing considerable interest in our ideas and opportunities, from the Nordic countries, which are themselves world leaders in the circular economy, in environmental sustainability, and in the inevitable transition to a net-zero-carbon future,” he said.

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu who identified some of the challenges facing Lagos State with its large population to include, transportation, infrastructure, environment, waste management and Green Energy, among others, said that his administration’s driving force is the T.H.E.M.E.S. developmental agenda.

 

“I am pleased to note that our administration’s governing agenda for Lagos, known as the T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda prioritises that “21st Century” thinking. The ‘M’ in T.H.E.M.E.S. stands for Making Lagos a 21st Century Megacity, while the first E represents Education and Technology, which are the key requirements for the evolution of a Smart’ City,”  he said.

 

He said Lagos State Government is currently building Nigeria’s biggest metropolitan fiber-optic network that will provide high-speed internet access for public institutions and private sectors, as well as investing public funds in start-ups and academic research, through the Lagos State Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC), as part of its commitment to entrenching a culture of innovation.

 

“We are also looking at agricultural systems that can enable us to maximise productivity while minimising environmental impact, considering our limited land resource. We are automating and digitising various government procedures, like land and property registration – which as you know will have a positive environmental impact, in terms of minimising travel to government offices while also reducing the use of paper,” he said.

 

Speaking at the event on behalf of the Nordic countries, Deputy Minister for International Trade, Finland, Ms. Nina Vaskunlahti; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Norway, H.E. Anniken Huitfeldt; State Secretary for Trade and Global Sustainability, Denmark, Mr. Steen Hommel and State Secretary for Foreign Trade and Nordic Affairs, Sweden, Mr. Krister Nilsson, said their countries are set to partner with the Lagos State government in the areas of the circular economy, human development, recycling and waste management and Green transport solution, among others.

 

Also speaking, the Founder, the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Mr. Tony Elumelu commended the Nordic countries for organising the event and interacting with the Lagos State government and business practitioners for investments in the State, noting that entrepreneurship is very key to Africa development.

 

He implored government and public sector leaders to create an enabling environment for investors and foreign partners.

 

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

NOVEMBER 23, 2021

 

 

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

SANWO-OLU MOURNS BABATUNDE OMIDINA (BABA SUWE)

 

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the Omidina family and the Nigerian entertainment industry on the passage of a renowned Nigerian comic actor, Mr. Babatunde Omidina, popularly known as Baba Suwe, who died on Monday at age 63.

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, said Omidina’s demise was painful and a great loss to the deceased family, Nollywood and the country as a whole, especially fans and lovers of the popular Yoruba actor.

 

The Governor urged the deceased family, friends, associates and the movie practitioners to take the death of ‘Baba Suwe’ in good faith and as an act of God.

 

He said: “The late Babatunde Omidina, popularly known as Baba Suwe was a bundle of talent, who used his God-given gift to advance the course of mankind. As an actor, he put smiles on the faces of many people through his comic roles in different movies and television drama series.

 

“No doubt the death of a loved one is usually painful because it is irreparable but we must always take solace in God, especially if the deceased had lived a fulfilled life, just like the late Babatunde Omidina, who was a celebrated actor during his lifetime.

 

“Baba Suwe’s death had left a vacuum that would take some time to be filled in the entertainment industry. I pray that God will grant the late Babatunde Omidina eternal rest and grant the family, colleagues and associates the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

 

 

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

NOVEMBER 23, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

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