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Tag: Babajide Sanwo-Olu

  • Our housing scheme targets all Lagos residents – Sanwo-Olu

    Our housing scheme targets all Lagos residents – Sanwo-Olu

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos has reiterated his administration’s commitment to provision of adequate, affordable and decent housing to all residents of the state.

    Sanwo-Olu said this at the inauguration of Ndubuisi Kanu Housing Estate in Gbagada, Kosofe Local Government Area on Thursday.

    Newsmen reports that the estate is a 72-unit housing scheme, comprising two-bedroom flats and three-bedroom flats respectively.

    The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said that two other housing schemes were being inaugurated simultaneously at Agbowa and Ikosi-Ejirin, as part of activities to usher in the administration’s second tenure.

    According to him, the housing deficit will be substantially reduced through partnership with the private sector to deliver a significant number of affordable, safe and decent housing units.

    Sanwo-Olu assured that the housing scheme was for all Lagos residents, irrespective of status, tribe or religion.

    “Providing adequate, affordable and decent housing is a major challenge faced by megacities all over the world.

    “As a state, we face an additional challenge of limited land size, with a huge population which, according to the 2016 statistics, increases with a daily influx of 123,840 people.

    “A large percentage of this number is here to seek economic opportunities and therefore, we will continue to respond to people’s needs.

    “The ‘people’ represent the human capital which involves the poor, the rich, users of homes, home providers, land buyers and the investors.

    “For this reason, our housing provision strategy has been focused on attending to the shelter needs of all,” the governor said.

    Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Housing, Mr Morufu Akinderu-Fatai, said that the Sanwo-Olu-led administration’s goal was to make Lagos comparable to the 21st economy all over the world.

    This, Akinderu-Fatai said, was in terms availability of beautiful communities with adequate infrastructure where people could live and call their homes.

    “We know the extent of home deficit in the state, hence we will continue to do our best to reduce the gap,” he said.

    Also speaking, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, described the governor as “God sent”.

    Obasa, represented by Chairman, House Committee on Housing, Mr Rasheed Makinde, thanked Sanwo-Olu for resolving the outstanding litigations on the estate and completing it with other inherited housing projects.

    Executive Chairman of Kosofe Local Government Council, Mr Moyosore Ogunlewe, commended the various payment options made available to ensure that more people benefited from the state’s housing scheme.

    Newsmen reports that 19 housing estates had so far been completed and delivered by the present administration across the state.

    They included: Lateef Jakande Gardens in Igando, Courtland Villas, Igbokushu, Lekki Apartments, State Affordable Public Housing Scheme, Idale Badagry and Bayview Estate, Lekki.

    Others were: Sunny Ville Apartments, Nob Oluwa, Ogba, Phoenix Apartment, Ilupeju, Lagos HOMS, Lekki Phase I, Babatunde Raji Fashola Estate, Iponri, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye Estate, Igbogbo, B.O. Benson Estate and Sangotedo Housing Estate, Eti-Osa.

  • Election: APP, APM withdraw petitions filed against Sanwo-Olu

    Election: APP, APM withdraw petitions filed against Sanwo-Olu

    On Wednesday, the Lagos State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal dismissed two petitions filed against re-elected Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr Obafemi  Hamzat.

    The three-man tribunal headed by Justice Arum Ashom dismissed petitions filed by Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and All People’s Party (APP) following their withdrawal by the parties.

    “The sum effect of what the petitioners said is that the petitions are withdrawn. The respondents have filed an affidavit of non-collision and did not object,” Ashom said.

    Counsel to the two parties, Messrs Henry Bello and Francis Ese, respectively,  had told the tribunal that their clients decided to withdraw the petitions.

    The other members of the tribunal are Justice Mikail Abdullahi and Justice Igho  Braimoh.

    The other respondents to the two petitions are Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    APM counsel, Bello, had informed the tribunal that the motion for withdrawal was predicated on four grounds and supported by two affidavits sworn to by the party’s National Chairman, Mr Yusuf Dantalle.

    “Our candidate has lost interest in the petition and has proceeded to congratulate the second respondent,” Bello said.

    Counsel to APP, Ese, also told the tribunal that he had the directive of the Chairman of the party, Chief Okey Nwosu, to withdraw the petition against the governor-elect.

    INEC counsel, Mr John Baiyeshe (SAN), who did not oppose the motions, urged the tribunal to dismiss the petitions.

    Counsel to Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat, Mr Ayuba Kawu, and APC counsel, Mr Abiodun Owonikoko also did not oppose the motions.

    They also urged that the petitions should be dismissed.

    The parties had argued in their separate petitions that Sanwo-Olu and his deputy were not qualified to contest the election and that INEC failed to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution.

  • 2nd Term: Sanwo-Olu dissolves cabinet

    2nd Term: Sanwo-Olu dissolves cabinet

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Wednesday announced the dissolution of his cabinet, in preparation for his second term swearing-in ceremony on May 29.

    The dissolution is contained in a circular signed by the Head of Service, Mr Hakeem Muri-Okunola.

    Muri-Okunola said that the dissolution of the cabinet members would take effect from the close of work on May 26.

    He, however, said that the dissolution of the cabinet did not affect government appointees whose tenures were yet to expire, as guided by the relevant laws of their establishments.

    ”It is hereby notified for general information that Mr Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has directed that Political Appointees, specifically, Honourable Commissioners, Special Advisers (Cabinet and Non-Cabinet), all Assistants (Senior Special Assistants, Assistants, Personal Assistants, Technical Assistants, Personal Aides etc) be notified of the end of term of their appointments, with effect from the close of work on Friday, 26th May, 2023.

    ”However, Political Appointees whose appointments are by Legislation/Tenure-Based and Members of Statutory Commissions/Governing Councils that their tenures have not lapsed, are not affected by this directive, unless otherwise formally informed.

    ”Therefore, all affected political office holders are expected to prepare individual handover notes and return any government property, including utility/project vehicles in their possession to the Accounting Officer/Most Senior Director of their respective Ministries, Department and Agencies.

    ”In addition to handing over to their respective Permanent Secretaries, Cabinet Members are to send a copy of the handover notes to the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office not later than Friday, 26th May, 2023,” he said.

    Muri-Okunola also said that all concerned officers were to comply with the provision of paragraph 11 (1b), part one of the Fifth Schedule of Nigeria Constitution on End of Tenure Assets Declaration.

    ”While wishing the affected political office holders success in their future endeavours, Mr Governor appreciates the contributions and roles of the affected public officers to the development of the state, especially the significant milestones recorded under the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda,” he said.

  • Lagos govt outlines activities for Sanwo-Olu’s inauguration

    Lagos govt outlines activities for Sanwo-Olu’s inauguration

    The Lagos State Government on Friday outlined 11-day activities for the inauguration of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, for second term in office.

    Mr Gbenga Omotoso, the Chairman, Media and Publicity Committee of the Inauguration Committee, gave the outline during the pre-inauguration news conference in Ikeja.

    Omotoso said that the activities were to celebrate the governor and deputy, who had performed excellently in office in their first term, with the promise of an improved performance with ”A Greater Lagos Rising.”

    He said that the activities would begin on May 21, featuring Youth Carnival and Robotic Competition, which would hold simultaneously in all the Lagos divisions.

    According to him, People Living with Disabilities were not left out, as they will participate in the events.

    Omotosho, who is also the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, said that on May 23, there would be public lecture to be delivered by Prof. Adigun Agbaje, former Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan.

    The public lecture, with the topic: ”The Making of a Beacon – Lagos and the Consolidation of a Democracy that Works for all”, would feature book launch and photo exhibition.

    He said from May 24 to 26 had been dedicated for inauguration of projects at Ajeromi/Ifelodun; Alimosho; Ikeja; Kosofe; Eti-Osa; Lagos Island; Lagos Mainland and Surulere.

    Omotoso said that the Day Six, which would be May 27 had been marked out for Children’s Day activities, to be held at the Police College, Ikeja, while the Novelty Match was expected to hold in five divisions of the state.

    He said that May 28, would be for pre-inauguration rehearsal, while May 29, the proper Inauguration Day.

    According to him, Day 9, which would be June 2 had been mapped out as post inauguration Jummat thanksgiving service.

    “This is to hold simultaneously in all the five divisions’ Central Mosques (Ikeja Division, Badagry Division; Ikorodu Division; Lagos Island Division and (Epe Division), ” he said.

    Omotoso said that June 3 was meant for cultural display at Mobolaji Johnson Sport Arena, Onikan, then, Inauguration Dinner at Eko Hotel.

    He said that Day 11 – June 4 had been outlined as post inauguration church service, to hold simultaneously across the five divisions in Lagos.

    ”The central working committee, headed by the Chief of Staff, Mr Tayo Ayinde, has through some of the sub-committees made adequate arrangements for a hitch-free and seamless inauguration ceremonies.

    ”These committees include Events and Venue sub-committee, Protocol and Logistics sub-committee; Safety, Health and Environment sub-committee; Security and Traffic Management/Transportation sub-committee; Mobilisation sub-committee; Cohesion sub-committee, and Media and Publicity sub-committee.

    ”All the sub-committees have worked collaboratively to ensure the success of the inauguration. This inauguration is important to us in the state, as it is a celebration of A Greater Lagos Rising!

    ”All hands are on deck to give Lagosians and friends of Lagos a wonderful inauguration experience,” Omotoso said.

  • Father of quadruplet begs LASG for assistance

    Father of quadruplet begs LASG for assistance

    Mr Cisse Abdullahi, father of quadruplet- (two boys and two girls) on Thursday appealed for financial assistance from Lagos State Government for the children’s upkeep.

    Abdullahi, 38, a native of Ilorin, who lives at Kumapayi, Baale Bus Stop, Oko-Afo, disclosed he needed the support of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other well-meaning Nigerians to feed his quadruplets.

    He said that one year after their birth, he could no longer feed the mother and the quadruplet with the little income he gets from work at Apapa.

    “At the present, I am jobless. The man I am working for has asked us to go home for some weeks because there are no sales.

    “Things have become so hard for me and my wife, Sekinat, who is a fashion designer cannot go to work because of caring for the children.

    “The room and parlour we are managing is not conducive for us, but there is nothing I can do because I can’t afford three-bedroom,” he said.

    Abdullahi said he had managed to care for the quadruplets with the assistance from friends and the little money he received from fellow Nigerians when they were born in 2022.

    “So many Nigerians assisted me when my wife delivered at the General Hospital in Badagry and I have used part of the money to take care of them when they were out of the hospital.

    “Things are getting worse daily, I have an aged mother to take care of as well; this is why I have to call on Gov. Sanwo-Olu to assist me.

    “I wouldn’t mind to work in any Lagos State ministry. I have my Secondary School certificate and I am very strong.

    “I am also appealing to well-meaning Nigerians to come to my aid and help me so that I can train my quadruplets to be well educated.

    “I stopped my education at secondary school level, but I want to train to university level,” Abdullahi said.

    On April 28, 2022, Abdullahi, attempted to abscond to the Republic of Benin after his wife was delivered of the quadruplet.

    He said that only N3,500 was in his possession when he heard that his wife had delivered them.

    ”It was a piece of good news, but my present financial status made me to make such a move,” Abdullahi said.

  • Lagos Gov addresses fear newly acquired electric buses might stop while in transit

    Lagos Gov addresses fear newly acquired electric buses might stop while in transit

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has addressed concerns that the electric buses recently acquired by the State government might stop while in transit.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Sanwo-Olu as saying the newly acquired electric buses have the ability to travel 280km at full charge.

    Sanwo-Olu disclosed that existing BRTs cover an average of 200km daily and therefore, there is no need to fear that the buses can stop while in transit.

    Recall that the Lagos State government recently acquired a set of electric buses in the Lagos Mass Transit Master Plan as part of increased effort to modernise every sector of Lagos.

    Addressing the concern, Governor Sanwo-Olu wrote: “I am excited to announce the first set of electric buses in the Lagos Mass Transit Master Plan as part of our increased effort to modernise every sector of Lagos. Thanks to our partnership with @Oando_PLC, Lagosians can expect a cleaner and greener public transportation system.

    “With the ability to travel 280km at full charge, taking into account our unique travel times in Lagos, our electric buses are a game-changer. With an average daily usage of 200km by existing BRTs, there is no need to fear that the buses can stop while in transit.

    “Our new electric buses will not only reduce carbon emissions but will also increase efficiency. This means that Lagosians can say goodbye to high fuel costs and hello to cost-efficient transportation. We shall be running a pilot scheme over the next few months to gather sufficient data required to analyse the operational efficiencies relative to the current BRT buses to further improve our public transport service.

    “This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to creating a sustainable future for Lagos.

    “We understand the need for charging stations to power our electric buses, which is why we are partnering with Oando Clean Energy Limited to strategically place Universal Chargers at public places like malls and gas stations. We also plan to establish an Assembly Plant for Electric Buses in the near future.

    “This is just the beginning of our efforts to transform Lagos into an even smarter city as we continue to increase our fleet of electric vehicles, further modernizing the Lagos transportation system. Join us in embracing the future of mobility in Lagos”.

  • Petition: Tribunal orders substituted service on Sanwo-Olu

    Petition: Tribunal orders substituted service on Sanwo-Olu

    The Lagos State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has granted an exparte application by Labour Party’s Gubernatorial Candidate, Mr Gbadegbo Rhodes-Vivour, for a substituted service on the state Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    Rhodes-Vivour through his counsel, Mr Olagbade Benson, had informed the tribunal that Sanwo-Olu evaded service of the petition on him by the court’s bailiff.

    He alleged that Sanwo-Olu refused to collect the document from the bailiff when the court official got to his office to serve him.

    In the petition number EPT/LAG/GOV/04/2023, he is praying the court to grant him leave to serve the petition and other processes on the governor and his deputy through substituted means, by posting same via DHL courier services or any other recognised courier service company, to the respondent’s official residence at Lagos House, Marina, Lagos.

    On April 11, that the Peoples Democratic Party Governorship Candidate in Lagos State, Mr Abdul-Azeez Adediran, and Rhodes-Vivour separately asked the tribunal to nullify Sanwo-Olu’s re-election and declare them the winners.

    The petitioners had challenged the outcome of the March 18 Governorship Election in Lagos State which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Sanwo-Olu the winner.

    The Lagos State Election Petition Tribunal has received a total of 48 petitions in respect of the 2023 elections held on Feb. 25 and March 11.

    The petitions are pasted on the wall of the Rosaline Omotosho Courthouse, Ikeja, venue of the tribunal sitting.

  • Tinubu put his life on line for Nigeria’s democracy – Sanwo-Olu

    Tinubu put his life on line for Nigeria’s democracy – Sanwo-Olu

    The Lagos state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has explained that the president -elect, Bola Tinubu risked his life for democracy to strive in the country.

    Sanwo-Olu made this revelation while congratulating the Former Lagos governor on his 71st birthday on Wednesday.

    Sanwo-Olu made this known via a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile.

    Sanwo-Olu hailed the former Lagos Governor as a “visionary, consistent, loyal and enigmatic master strategist”.

    The statement read in part: “It is also on record that he stood firmly on the side of the Nigerian people, even at the risk of losing his life and personal belongings during the dark days of the military junta.

    “He fought tirelessly with other progressives and pro-democracy activists during the annulment of the June 12 struggle to end the military interregnum and enthrone democracy, which we all enjoy today.”

    Tinubu cancelled the annual colloquium to mark his birthday this year, Instead, he has opted for special prayers and a thanksgiving service.

    President – elect, Tinubu is presently on a  vacation abroad

  • Sanwo-Olu’s opponents congratulate him

    Sanwo-Olu’s opponents congratulate him

    Candidates of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and the Action People’s Party (APP) in the just concluded governorship election in Lagos State have congratulated Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on his re-election.

    INEC on Monday, declared Sanwo-Olu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as winner in the election, haven polled 762,134 votes in the election to defeat 15 other contestants.

    Mr Mode Adenipebi of the ZLP, in his congratulatory message in Lagos, said that Sanwo-Olu’s reelection revealed that the people of Lagos state still wanted him to continue what he had been doing.

    Adenipebi, noted that the electioneering had caused deep division and ethnic rivalry among residents in the state, and urged  the governor to unite the people after the tensed campaign period in the state.

    He also urged him to show love to all irrespective of their political and ethnic divides.

    “I want to congratulate our amiable governor on his re-election. The mandate given to you (Sanwo-Olu) freely by the people should be held more jealously and responsibly.

    “The governor is to be a father to all now that the electioneering is ended. The tension between the indigenes and non-indigenes before the polls should make the governor unite all the people.

    “All groups (political and ethnic) must be cared for, defended and protected. Politics of bitterness will not take us anywhere,” he said.

    According to him, every resident of the state deserves love, care, compassion and protection from the governor.

    “We believe you will not disappoint those who voted for you and those who because of their personal conviction voted against you.

    “Let us mend all fences and broken wall of partition that the electioneering has created. Let us rise up as residents to bring in greater Lagos agenda,” Adenipebi, who is also the Lagos state Chairman of ZLP, said.

    He urged Sanwo-Olu to look back and see the challenges still facing the residents, and address them as soon as possible.

    According to him, Sanwo-Olu must be magnanimous in victory and carry everyone along.

    Similarly, Mrs Abiola Adeyemi, APP governorship candidate, while congratulating the governor, called for inclusive governance that would bring all stakeholders on board.

    She said that her party would be ready to support his administration.

    According to her, Sanwo-Olu’s re-election should bring in more dividends of democracy to the people.

    “Every position of authority is meant to bring comfort and succour to the masses.

    “The primary function of government is security and welfare of the people. We want the governor to concentrate on this and bring hope to the masses.

    “While we promise our continuous support for this administration now that campaign is over, we shall not hesitate to engage in constructive criticisms where needed,” Adeyemi said.

    Recall that both Adenipebi and Adeyemi were among the governorship candidates that stepped down for Sanwo-Olu few days to the election.

    Sanwo-Olu polled 762,134 votes to defeat his closest rival of the Labour Party, Mr Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour who scored 312,329 votes in the election.

    The PDP candidate, Dr Abdul-Azeez Adediran, garnered 62,449 votes to come third in the poll.

  • Lagos guber: Gov Sanwo-Olu reacts after victory

    Lagos guber: Gov Sanwo-Olu reacts after victory

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Monday said  his re-election for a second term has reaffirmed that Lagos has chosen competence and experience, on the march to true greatness.

    Sanwo-Olu said this at the Lagos House Marina, while giving the victory speech for his re-election, following the official announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The governor was declared winner of the Lagos State gubernatorial election at 1.15 a.m., haven  scored 762,134 valid votes to LP’s 312,329 and PDP’s 62,449 votes.

    He said that elections were over now, and governance must continue, and the dividends of democracy must continue to be delivered, as there must be no break, and no time-off.

    According to him, his government will keep all the promises made to the people of Lagos state.

    ”Lagosians, you did not just vote for Babajide Sanwo-Olu. You voted for a greater Lagos. I promise that together we shall achieve this. This is a promise that shall not be broken. A greater Lagos shall be ours.

    ”Let me boldly and proudly say that we are already well on the way to that greater Lagos, and we now have four more years to join hands to advance in ways that will pleasantly surprise even the most skeptical amongst us,” he said.

    Sanwo-Olu said that four years ago, the people of Lagos gave him cause to deliver a similar victory speech, and since then, he had been conscious of the great responsibility upon him and the administration.

    ”I have worked very hard to live up to this responsibility of governing the most important subnational economy in all of Africa.

    ”We certainly could not have done this by ourselves. What we have achieved, both in the last four years, and in the just-concluded election, could not have happened without a long list of supporters and partners.

    ”First and foremost, let me thank the Almighty God, to whom we owe our very breath, and who has spared our lives to see this day. I am also very grateful to all of you the good people of Lagos. Everyone, not just the people who voted for us, or those registered to vote.

    ”Lagos is what it is today because of each and every one of you, regardless of ethnicity, religion, political affiliation, gender or age.

    ”We are a vibrant and thriving hub of commerce, finance, entrepreneurship, innovation and culture because of the diversity that has come to define us, over the decades and the centuries. Thank you,” he said.

    The governor commended fellow contestants for their participation in the democratic process, and their contribution to creating a truly competitive political space in Lagos.

    According to him, in the true spirit of sportsmanship, there is no victor, no vanquished.

    He said that during the course of the campaign, sadly there was a lot of divisive rhetoric used, as some tried to make the elections about ethnicity and religion but when in fact they should only have been about capacity, competence and experience.

    ”We saw hateful and hurtful ethnic profiling by fellow citizens – which is totally out of place for us as Lagosians, the proud residents of West Africa’s pre-eminent melting pot.

    ”I want to recognise and salute all of the multitudes of residents who refused to succumb to those who sought and still seek to divide us with their unguarded and inciting comments.

    ”Unfortunately, there are reports of skirmishes in some local government areas wherein some citizens were reported to have been injured. We strongly condemn these reprehensible incidents – that is definitely not who we are as a people.

    ”The relevant law enforcement and security agencies have been directed to investigate these breaches of the law, and to ensure that those found culpable face the full wrath of the law.

    ”Now that the elections are over, we must reaffirm the spirit of solidarity and togetherness that binds us as Lagosians.

    ”As I said in my final pre-election address, we have a lot of work to do in working and moving past the divisive rhetoric that has shaped the course of this election cycle,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    He said that it was very importantly, and this could not be over emphasised that what united all as residents was far more important and substantial than whatever differences existed among all.

    He said that the true Lagos spirit remained a welcoming, embracing, liberal one, not a divisive, exclusionary one.

    ”In the days and weeks and months ahead, we will continue to do everything to demonstrate and amplify this,” the governor said.