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Tag: Babajide Sanwo-Olu

  • Lagos, Oyo declare public holidays

    Lagos, Oyo declare public holidays

    Lagos State Governor,Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has declared Wednesday, 20th August 202,5, as work work-free day to commemorate Isese Day.

    The announcement was contained in a circular dated August 18th and signed by the State Head of Service, Bode Agoro.

    The circular, which was titled, “Commemoration of Year 2025 Isese Day- declaration of work-free day,’ stated that the declaration was to preserve indigenous culture and traditions.

    Agroro wrote: “It is hereby notified for general information that this Year’s Isese Day celebration will hold on Wednesday, 20th August, 2025.

    “In reaffirming the commitment of the State Government towards pursuing our indigenous culture, traditions and preserving our heritage, while providing necessary support for traditional institutions in the State, Mr Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has declared Wednesday, 20th August, 2025, as Work Free Day for Lagos State Public Service in commemoration of the Day.

    “Consequently, work returns on Thursday, 21st August, 2025 at 8:00am.

    “Accordingly, all Accounting Officers are required to note the contents of the Circular and give it the deserved Service-wide publicity.”

    Meanwhile, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, also approved Wednesday, August 20, 2025, as a public holiday to mark this year’s Isese Day celebration.

    The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, and made available to newsmen in Ibadan, the state capital.

    Adeyemo explained that the governor graciously granted the work-free day to allow traditional religion worshippers and other residents to celebrate the occasion.

    She further stated, “His Excellency has therefore requested that the occasion be used to pray for the peace, unity and stability of the state in particular and the country in general.”

    The statement also directed that the approval be widely publicised to ensure that residents and civil servants across the state are duly informed.

    “Kindly give His Excellency’s approval, as conveyed, the widest publicity it deserves,” Adeyemo stressed.

  • Lagos lost N19.52bn to fire in 2024 – Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos lost N19.52bn to fire in 2024 – Sanwo-Olu

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has called for urgent solutions to the recurring menace of tanker fire accidents, describing them as a significant challenge to the state.

    Sanwo-Olu spoke on Tuesday at the Lagos State International Fire Safety Conference 2.0 in Victoria Island, with the theme, “Leveraging Technology and Community Engagement to Prevent Fire.”

    The governor disclosed that Lagos lost property worth N19.52 billion to fire incidents in 2024.

    The conference, organised by the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS), served as a platform for stakeholders to explore strategies for fire prevention and improved emergency response.

    The governor said the state was adopting innovations such as the “Safety on the Move” initiative to address frequent tanker fires, while intensifying public sensitisation through market, school, factory, and residential visits.

    “Our goal is to ensure every Lagos resident knows how to spot potential fire hazards, prevent fires, stay safe, and help others,” he said, urging the public to be alert to early signs of fire risks.

    Sanwo-Olu commended LSFRS for responding to over 2,500 distress calls in 2023 and urged stakeholders to strengthen the Incident Command System, improve emergency response, and explore modern firefighting technologies.

    He further advised prioritising fire detection, protection, and suppression systems alongside conventional equipment to control outbreaks at the earliest stage.

    Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr Olugbenga Oyerinde, reiterated the state government’s commitment to leveraging technology and community engagement to curb fire disasters.

    “There is a need to rejig our strategies because of the frequent recurrence of fire incidents. We remain unwavering in our commitment to achieving zero fire incidents,” he said.

    “Protecting our communities from fire outbreaks is a collective responsibility that we are all dedicated to.”

    Earlier, Mrs Margaret Adeseye, the Director, LSFRS, recounting the statistics of the number of fire incidents in the state, said property worth N117.12 billion were saved by the agency from fire in 2024.

    She disclosed that the estimated property lost was N19.52 billion.

    Adeseye said victims rescued alive were 450, while 91 were rescued dead.

    “The agency issued 7,039 compliance certificates and visited 7,870 commercial companies to ascertain their compliance level with fire safety code.

    “However, 831 did not comply with fire safety code.

    “In 2023, 2,573 fire incidents were recorded but in the year 2024, we had a sharp drop of 1,952,” she said.

    According to Adeseye, fire safety is not just about equipment but about the people.

    “We fight not to fight the fire but life and future. Fire safety is not securing equipment but about the people.”

  • Gov Sanwo-Olu swears in 57 Lagos council chairmen

    Gov Sanwo-Olu swears in 57 Lagos council chairmen

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, on Sunday, swore in newly elected Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the 20 local government areas(LGAs)and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs).

    Speaking at the ceremony held at the Sports Ground of the Governor’s Office, Lagos House, Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu urged the council leaders to deliver inclusive governance, fairness, and quality leadership at the grassroots.

    He charged them to uphold trust, accountability and to use the autonomy granted to local governments wisely for the benefit of their communities.

    “This is not the time for politics, govern with empathy and equity regardless of those who voted or those who did not vote for you.

    “You have been called to service, and I strongly believe that you will deliver good governance, being the closest government to the people

    “We have given you the platform, the tools and the opportunity. This is not the time for politics; it is a time to work.

    “I urge all of you to use your office to drive the THEMES+ development agenda in your various councils. Govern with empathy and equity,” he said.

    The governor assured that his administration would continue to support and train the newly elected officials to help them maximise their leadership potential.

    He also advised them to be deliberate and thorough in constituting their cabinets, stressing the need to appoint competent and people-oriented individuals.

    “Your emergence is a call to duty,” Sanwo-Olu said adding,  “You must show Lagosians that they made the right choice. Be deliberate about service delivery and align with our vision of a greater Lagos,” he said.

    In his remarks, Mr Bolaji Robert, Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, said the election results reflected public confidence in the newly elected leaders.

    “The victory of today’s sworn-in chairmen and their deputies is not just political, it is a demonstration of public trust and a call to deepen democracy at the grassroots,” he said.

    Speaking on behalf of the new council leaders, the Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki LGA, Mr Sesan Olowa, expressed gratitude to the governor for creating an enabling environment and for his continued support for local governance.

    “We are grateful to the electorate for this mandate and to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support.

    “We assure the people that we will not disappoint—we will deliver grassroots governance that works for all,” Olowa said.

    The event drew party leaders, traditional rulers, civil society groups, and residents who gathered to witness the historic ceremony.

  • Gov Sanwo-Olu reacts after voting in Lagos LG election

    Gov Sanwo-Olu reacts after voting in Lagos LG election

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu voted at exactly 11:09 a.m. on Saturday at Polling Unit 006, Saint Stephens Nursery and Primary School, Lagos Island Local Government.

    Officials of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) arrived at Ward E3, Polling Unit 006, at approximately 7:30 a.m. for the Lagos State council polls.

    The governor, accompanied by his wife, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, acknowledged some earlier logistics issues in certain areas, which he said had been resolved.

    “Everything is okay here,” he said. “Although the unit is heavily populated, voting is progressing well, and the officers are present. I’ve voted successfully.

    “Party agents are here, and it’s extremely peaceful. I’ve seen some logistics issues on TV, but I believe they’ve now been resolved,” the governor said.

    He noted that some officers experienced delays reaching their polling units, but expressed gratitude for the calm and favourable weather.

    “I commend LASIEC. This election is very important, and I believe results will be compiled later in the day,” he said.

    The governor stressed the importance of local government as a vital tier for grassroots development and public service delivery.

    “It is vital people realise this is the closest government to them. I’ve fulfilled my civic responsibility,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    He urged Lagos residents to come out and vote, describing the process as peaceful and encouraging wider participation.

    “I know there were some initial logistics hiccups at certain polling units, but I understand those have now been addressed. Let’s continue to come out in large numbers and vote,” the governor appealed.

    LASIEC is conducting elections into 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across the state.

  • Sanwo-Olu reacts as LASU tops list of most preferred universities in Nigeria

    Sanwo-Olu reacts as LASU tops list of most preferred universities in Nigeria

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Thursday applauded  Lagos State University (LASU) for being the most sought-after institution in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

    Sanwo-Olu also urged the university community to  collaborate with other bodies through in the achievement of  Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    The governor spoke at the 2025 SDGs Certification Training for Deans, Directors and Students of LASU at the university’s main campus, Ojo. The governor was represented by his Special  Adviser  on SDGs, Dr Oreoluwa Finnih.

    LASU  topped the list of most sought-after institutions in the country in the 2025 UTME, with 79,000 candidates. The University of Lagos came second with 58,645 candidates choosing it as their first choice of institution.

    The governor said at the training that the state government and its agencies were known for excellence.

    Sanwo-Olu said that SDGs were aimed to tackle socio-economic challenges, urging the university community to collaborate with relevant agencies in contributing to the achievement of  SDGs.

    According to him, inward-looking solutions will continue to put the state ahead of others.

    “As an institution, you should be concerned about what the state is doing to achieve the SDGs and key into it with a view to solving community challenges.

    “The state has been creating awareness on what it is doing on SDGs; therefore, bring knowledge-driven solutions while state government offers platforms to achieving such,” he said.

    Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of LASU, Prof.  Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, said that the university had been encouraging its staff and students to solve societal problems.

    Olatunji-Bello was represented by her Deputy (Academics), Prof. Taiwo Afisi. She described all the 17 SDGs as essential to humanity.

    She said that the university community would deploy scientific approaches to contribute to achieving the goals.

    Dr Farzana Sharmin,  Associate Economic Affairs Officer at United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, said that Africa had made progress in its efforts at achieving the SDGs.

    She, however, said that a lot still needed to be achieved. Sharmin spoke on the  2025 Africa Sustainable Development Report Progress.

    “I recommend investment in skills, youth education, leveraging solidarity through cooperation, mobilisation of finance and strengthening partnerships,” she said.

    The official also recommended strengthening of institutions for sound economic governance, investment in data infrastructure, and using emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.”

  • Gov Sanwo-Olu rallies APC ahead of Lagos LG election

    Gov Sanwo-Olu rallies APC ahead of Lagos LG election

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Wednesday said the ruling APC would not concede any ground to opposition parties in the July 12 council elections.

    He made this statement while urging party leaders and members to mobilise voters at the APC Lagos West 1 Senatorial District Mega Rally held in Ifako-Ijaiye.

    Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, charged stakeholders to work hard and prevent the opposition from winning any seat in the 57 councils.

    He said: “We are a party of the people, delivering democratic dividends. We are proud of our achievements and must continue the good work.

    “Let us unite and support our candidates. This will help us secure victory again in 2027 for APC across Lagos State.

    “We are here to mobilise votes for July 12. Our target is to win all 57 LGs and LCDAs and the 376 councillorship seats.

    “We are not giving away any inch. This is our territory. Let us claim what belongs to us through collective effort and resolve.”

    Sanwo-Olu urged members to make President Bola Tinubu and the APC proud by ensuring overwhelming victories across the councils during the upcoming elections.

    He said the President had implemented significant reforms aimed at securing a better future and addressing longstanding national challenges.

    “APC is performing at federal, state, and local levels. We should proudly promote what the APC is achieving. Let us mobilise and secure victory in all councils.

    “We are the only credible party in Lagos and our performance speaks for us. We shall not allow our party to be embarrassed.

    “Let us enlighten our people about the good works of our party and the efforts of the President to rebuild Nigeria.

    “Our President is performing well. So are our state government, National Assembly, council chairmen, and councillors. We have reasons to be confident and proud.

    “Our projects are visible — road construction, hospitals, schools and more. We have done a lot and will continue to do even more,” he said.

    Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, called on all party stakeholders to work together, saying only the APC could meet the people’s needs.

    Obasa urged Lagos West I Senatorial District not to lag behind. He advised members to mobilise those with PVCs for the July elections.

    Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Presidential aide on SDGs, relayed President Tinubu’s compliments to members, saying he is committed to resetting the nation.

    She said the President expected Lagos to take the council elections seriously. She urged members to mobilise friends, family, and neighbours to vote for APC.

    Rep. James Faleke, representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, expressed confidence that APC would win all 57 council areas in the upcoming polls.

    “There is no other party in Lagos. APC is dominant. We are seeing visible development everywhere, and we expect more from the incoming chairmen.

    “We must appreciate our President for granting us these 37 LCDAs. Let’s all go out and vote for APC to secure total victory,” Faleke said.

    Chief Rabiu Oluwa, APC Lagos West Senatorial Leader and Governance Advisory Council (GAC) member, urged members to campaign rigorously and not remain complacent.

    “This election is very important. It is a test run for the 2027 general elections. We must not take it lightly or stay idle.

    “LASIEC won’t write results. The outcome depends on our votes. We must get involved and mobilise all party faithful across the state,” he said.

    The rally attracted thousands of APC supporters across the 18 councils in Lagos West 1 Senatorial District.

  • Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu reconciliation excites lawmaker

    Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu reconciliation excites lawmaker

    Mr Jude Idimogu, a former Lagos lawmaker, has praised President Bola Tinubu as an exemplary father after reconciling with his political godson, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    Tensions between Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu escalated recently after the President was allegedly said to have ‘snubbed’ the governor.

    Though the cause of the disagreement remains unclear, Sunday’s meeting was reportedly mediated by the Governance Advisory Council, the top decision-making body in Lagos APC.

    At the gathering, GAC Chairman Prince Tajudeen Olusi welcomed Tinubu and appealed to him to forgive anyone who may have wronged him, including Governor Sanwo-Olu.

    The President then reportedly declared, “It’s all over now. All is forgiven,” prompting the governor and GAC members to prostrate in apparent appreciation.

    Responding, Idimogu, a deputy leader of Ndigbo in Lagos APC, told NAN that Tinubu had again demonstrated leadership worthy of emulation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    “President Tinubu has once more shown he is a father figure, rising above any personal issues with Governor Sanwo-Olu, who is a performing and loyal leader.

    “This proves Asiwaju is a compassionate and visionary leader. He has displayed a heart large enough to accommodate and forgive.

    “Choosing the Eid Kabir celebration to forgive and reconcile with Sanwo-Olu shows that Tinubu truly fears and honours God,” he said.

    Idimogu thanked the President for accepting back his political godson and expressed hope that no such rift would arise again in the future.

    He added that with the issue resolved,  Sanwo-Olu could now focus fully on governance and improving the lives of Lagos residents.

    “We must also commend Sanwo-Olu for his humility and calmness. He is soft-spoken, intelligent, and has served the state excellently.

    “Sanwo-Olu is God-fearing. Any offence he may have committed was surely unintentional.

    “Sometimes we offend unknowingly. But when it becomes clear, a good leader must apologise. I’m glad he did.

    “We must now move forward and work in unity as we prepare for the 2027 election, which the President will win, God willing,” Idimogu said.

    He maintained that Tinubu would emerge victorious in 2027, regardless of any opposition coalitions or alliances.

    “Tinubu is God’s choice to rebuild Nigeria. We are confident he will complete a second term successfully, in good health,” he said.

    Idimogu thanked the GAC, led by Chief Tajudeen Olusi, for wisely stepping in to help resolve the dispute.

    He also commended Lagos APC leaders for having internal mechanisms that prevent issues from escalating publicly.

    Idimogu urged Nigerians, especially Northern leaders, to rally behind the President for national progress.

    He prayed for Tinubu’s long life, strength, and wisdom to continue leading the nation toward recovery and growth.

    According to him, the President’s efforts at repositioning the country have been meaningful and are already yielding results.

    He also appealed to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, to forgive any wrongs in the recent legislative dispute.

    “For progress, forgiveness is vital. We wrong God, yet He forgives us. So, we must do the same for one another,” he said.

  • Reconciliation between Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, great relief – APC chieftain

    Reconciliation between Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, great relief – APC chieftain

    A former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in South Africa, Mr Bola Babarinde, has described the reconciliation between President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as a great relief.

    Babarinde made the remark in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

    Tinubu had declared that he has forgiven Sanwo-Olu, saying the rift between them is now resolved.

    According to report, Tinubu made the comment during a closed-door meeting with members of the Lagos State Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) in Lagos on Saturday.

    Babarinde, who is the General Secretary of Renewed Hope Global, described the reconciliation as a beacon of hope for the party.

    He noted that the news of the rift caused concern, while the speculations, criticisms and calls for punishment of an “innocent friend was deeply troubling.”

    “Thankfully, the recent reconciliation between President Tinubu and Governor Sanwo-Olu offers great relief. It is a positive sign not just for Lagos, but for Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.

    “Peace in Lagos means stability for the entire nation. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Asiwaju of Yorubaland, has once again demonstrated wisdom, forgiveness and political maturity.

    “He will not regret reuniting with a loyal son like Governor Sanwo-Olu, who worked tirelessly to support him during the 2023 elections, even amidst unexpected setbacks in Lagos,” he said.

    Babarinde noted that he was proud of Sanwo-Olu’s leadership and accomplishments, as a friend and former school mate.

    According to him, Sanwo-Olu is a humble, principled, and progressive-minded individual and I can confidently vouch for his character.

    “If there were missteps, they were certainly not deliberate or intended to hurt Asiwaju Tinubu, and some accusations may have been fabricated by political enemies.

    “I have been supporting Sanwo-Olu from outside the country until a few years ago when the governor invited me to return and contribute to his administration.

    “While I wasn’t part of his government formally, I supported him from outside and I remain proud of his leadership. We pray that peace and cooperation will continue between the executive and legislative arms in Lagos.

    “May the state retain its place as Nigeria’s number one economy and a source of pride for Africa,” the APC chieftain said.

  • Gov Sanwo-Olu opens up on rift with Tinubu

    Gov Sanwo-Olu opens up on rift with Tinubu

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has opened up and addressed the perceived rift between him and President Bola Tinubu.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports President Tinubu on Sunday hosted Governance Advisory Council (GAC) at his private residence in Lagos, where Governor Sanwo-Olu was also in attendance.

    Speaking thereafter, the Governor stressed there was nothing at all between him and the President.

    When asked if there is any discord between him and Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu quipped: “did you see any discord? Can’t you see? There is none”.

    Recall that President Tinubu snubbed Governor Sanwo-Olu at a recent event in Lagos as seen from a video that surfaced on social media.

    Tinubu, on his arrival at the venue of the event, greeted all other All Progressives Congress (APC) governors present but ignored Sanwo-Olu even when the Lagos Governor tried to reach out to the President.

    Addressing the matter further, Sanwo-Olu said: “There are people that believe that they are more catholic than the pope. There are things that you see…people…they cry more than the bereaved.

    “You know…father and son…you know…are things we will always ensure that we clear. There is nothing at all.

    “He is my father. He is my leader and then we are grateful that he has given us the audience today to come in and say hello to him”.

    Sanwo-Olu lauds Tinubu as Lagos gets additional rail coaches

    Meanwhile, in other news, Governor Sanwo-Olu on Sunday thanked President Tinubu for his support towards transport reforms in Lagos.

    Sanwo-Olu gave the commendation while  inspecting newly-imported rolling stock for the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line project, at the National Theatre Train Terminal,  on Sunday.

    Describing the arrival of the coaches as a significant milestone, the governor said the development would boost the state’s efforts in delivering an efficient and modern rail service.

    He said that the delivery of the rolling stock was made possible through the support of the Federal Government.

    He said that the commitment of the Tinubu administration to Nigeria’s infrastructure development was commendable.

    “We are here today to inspect the newly-delivered coaches for the Blue Line project. These are brand-new coaches. It is part of our ongoing commitment to improving public transportation.

    “We thank President Bola Tinubu for his support. His vision and encouragement have made this possible.

    “This whole funding and the capacity for us as a state government to have embarked on this very transaction was made possible by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who supported us financially and extensively in the procurement of this additional rolling stock,” he said.

    According to him, the new coaches will complement existing ones and help to reduce turnaround time, thereby significantly cutting travel time for millions of Lagos residents.

    The governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to its THEMES Plus Agenda.

    He  pledged to complete the rail project on schedule, adding that the trains would meet the highest standard of safety and comfort.

    “With this new set, we are doubling the capacity that we currently have on the Blue Line.

    “This means that once they are scheduled, you will see a reduction in journey time, you will see a faster turnaround in journey time, and you will see a more reliable and predictable train experience on the Blue Line.” he said.

    The Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Mrs Abimbola Akinajo, and the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, were at the event.

    The Blue Line rail project, being implemented by LAMATA, stretches from Marina on Lagos Island, through Mile 2,  to Okokomaiko, with stations on  key corridors.

  • Just In: President Tinubu holds meeting with GAC members

    Just In: President Tinubu holds meeting with GAC members

    President Bola Tinubu on Sunday met with the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and members of the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) Governance Advisory Council (GAC) at his private residence in Lagos.

    This was made known in a post on social media by Sanwo-Olu’s Senior Special Assistant on New Media, Jubril Gawat.

    Gawat wrote: “FLASH: Mr President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT 

    “️ GCFR receives the Governor of Lagos State, Mr @jidesanwoolu and Governance Advisory Council (GAC) Members today, as they paid Sallah Homage to Mr President at his residence in Ikoyi Lagos.”