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Tag: Babajide Sanwo-Olu

  • Lagos APC denies crisis tearing party apart

    Lagos APC denies crisis tearing party apart

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has denied the party is currently having a crisis in the State.

    The Publicity Secretary of the party in Lagos, Mr Seye Oladejo disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Lagos.

    Oladejo said: “Our attention has been drawn to a publication alleging imaginary crisis rocking Lagos State APC by some faceless persons.

    “Our initial reaction was to ignore the needless distraction coming at the peak of electioneering campaign.

    “However, we had a change of mind to prevent people from accepting this fiction as reality. The entire story is at best the fertile imagination of the writer.”

    According to him, the Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, came on board with an enviable track record of experience across the party and the three tiers of government.

    The spokesman said that the party chairman had been able to leverage his experience to unify the party, break barriers and placate aggrieved party members.

    “He (Ojelabi) has a reputation as a team player; humble, selfless and considerate. He consults far and wide before taking decisions on party affairs.

    “There’s no doubt that his style of leadership complements the landmark achievements of the state governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-olu, to ensure a seamless campaign that will guarantee our victory.

    “Since his assumption of office, he has assiduously ensured that the party is not factionalised, by promoting fair-play and justice at all times,” he said.

    According to him, despite the short notice, the Lagos Presidential rally at the Teslim Balogun Stadium organised by the party has been widely acknowledged as one of the best in terms of organisation, mobilisation, media coverage and security arrangements.

    He said that the same was applicable to the Governorship Election flag-off at Mobolaji, Johnson Arena, Onikan.

    Oladejo said that the State Campaign Committee had been deliberately decentralised to be more participatory in order to reach the grassroots.

    The spokesman explained that the committee was made of Governance Advisory Committee (GAC) members, State Party Executive members, members of the cabinet, National Assembly members, Lagos State House of Assembly members, Council Chairmen and other stakeholders with remarkable wealth of experience.

    According to him, the state chairman’s greatest strength is his approachable nature through which he has been able to mobilise market men and women, artisans, ethnic groups, youths and other stakeholders towards the coming elections.

    “However, whoever is displeased will do well to approach the leadership of the party rather than resort to unnecessary media onslaught at a crucial period like this.

    “Lagos State APC will like to reassure its members and all and sundry that the state chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi remains undaunted, unfazed and undistracted from the onerous assignment at hand.

    “The party appreciates the support of its entire members as we continue to work diligently towards coasting to victory at the various levels in the forthcoming national elections,” he said.

  • When Fourth Mainland Bridge will be ready – Lagos Govt

    When Fourth Mainland Bridge will be ready – Lagos Govt

    The Lagos State Government declared on Friday that the planned Fourth Mainland Bridge would be completed within four years.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Fourth Mainland Bridge would cost 2.5 billion dollars, according to the State Government.

    Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Works, Mrs Aramide Adeyoye made the disclosure in Ikeja at a media briefing to announce the preferred contractor for the execution of the project.

    Adeyoye said the construction of the bridge would begin in the first quarter of 2023.

    She said that Messrs CCECC-CRCCIG Consortium won the bid for the project while Mota-Engil (Nigeria and Africa), China Communication Construction Company and CRBC Consortium emerged as reserve bidders.

    The governor’s aide said 52 bidders initially indicated interest in the project, out of which 32 were responsive.

    She said that 15 out of the 32 bidders indicated further interest, out of which six met the criteria and were later pruned to three, before the winner was eventually picked.

    Adeyoye said that 800 structures would be affected by the construction of the 37km bridge, which would start from Abraham Adesanya, Ajah, in Eti-Osa Local Government Area and terminate on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

    It would pass through Owutu/Isawo, Ikorodu and some parts of Ogun State territories.

    She said that there was a framework to compensate owners of structures to be affected; assuring that all affected individuals would be adequately compensated.

    Adeyoye said that the bridge would have three toll plazas and nine interchanges, adding that the funding was a partnership between the state government and the construction company.

    The Special Adviser said that the agreement was a 40-year plan for the concessionaire to operate and maintain the bridge, as well as recoup investment on the project.

    She said that the Fourth Mainland Bridge would remove gridlocks on the Carter, Eko and the Third Mainland Bridge and open up the state for future developments.

    She urged residents to have confidence in the administration of Gov. Sanwo-Olu to deliver on its developmental promises.

    The briefing was organised by the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure in partnership with the Office of the Public-Private Partnership (OPPP).

    Special Adviser to the governor in the OPPP, Mr Ope George said that choosing the preferred bidder was a daunting task.

    George said that the bidding process took 1,129 days after it was opened in 2019 when the present administration came on board.

    He said that the bridge, when completed, would be one of the legacy projects of Gov. Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

  • BREAKING: Lagos Govt announces preferred bidder for Fourth Mainland Bridge

    BREAKING: Lagos Govt announces preferred bidder for Fourth Mainland Bridge

    The Lagos State Government, through the Office of Public Private Partnerships, has announced Messrs CCECC-CRCCIG CONSORTIUM as the preferred bidder for the proposed Fourth Mainland Bridge project.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Public Private Partnerships, Mr. Ope George, disclosed this on Thursday during a briefing at the PPP Office in Ikeja.

    Mr George said the Fourth Mainland Bridge (4MB) Project, which is a proposed Public Private Partnership (PPP) transport infrastructure development, will comprise of the construction and operation of a greenfield tolled road and bridge with a design speed of 120km/h, including the development of adjacent real estates.

    He added that the Bridge, when completed, would become the second longest in Africa with three toll plazas, nine interchanges, a 4.5km Lagoon Bridge and an eco-friendly environment. It is also expected to span about 37kilometres, starting from Abraham Adesanya in Ajah, on the Eti-Osa-Lekki-Epe corridor and traverse the North West towards the Lagoon shoreline of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway via Owutu/Isawo in Ikorodu.

    In his words, “You will recall that the Lagos State Government commenced a Competitive Bidding process for the selection of a Concessionaire, by the issuance of the Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI) on 27th of November, 2019. A total of 52 responses were received with 32 being responsive.

    “Subsequently, a Request for Quotation (RFQ) was issued on 10th February 2020 to the 32 eligible applicants and responses were received on 15th April, 2020 with a total of 15 responses. Upon evaluation, six bidders met the criteria to progress to the Request for Proposal (RfP) stage”.

    George explained that the Bids have now been evaluated and Messrs. CCECC-CRCCIG Consortium emerged as the preferred bidder while the Messrs. MOTA-ENGIL (NIGERIA &AFRICA), CCCC & CRBC CONSORTIUM, as the reserved bidder for the Fourth Mainland Bridge project.

    The Special Adviser restated that the Bridge will reduce congestion on the existing Carter, Eko and Third Mainland Bridges while opening new areas of the City for future developments.

  • Sanwo-Olu congratulates Buhari at 80

    Sanwo-Olu congratulates Buhari at 80

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has described President Muhammadu Buhari as one of the honest world leaders, as the latter clocked 80 today, December 16.

    The governor asserted that President Buhari’s commitment to the growth and development of Nigeria is worthy of emulation.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu in a congratulatory message issued on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, said President Buhari’s unblemished service in public office has made him a role model to many Nigerians.

    He said President Buhari has provided honest and transparent leadership in the country, adding that the President, since he assumed office on May 29, 2015, has demonstrated unparalleled patriotism, integrity, honesty and courage in the task of steering the ship of Nigeria in the right direction.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu also praised President Buhari for delivering on his promises to Nigerians, especially in the fight against corruption, insurgency and building of infrastructure in different parts of the country.

    President Buhari has sacrificed the greater part of his life in service of our dear country

    He said the President is one of the few Nigerian leaders who have contributed immensely to the growth and development of the country, especially in the Armed Forces, politics and governance.

    He said: “On behalf of my family, the government, the people of Lagos State and the entire members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), I congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari on the occasion of his 80th birthday.

    “President Buhari has sacrificed the greater part of his life in service of our dear country, Nigeria. He is the epitome of honesty, dedication and service and he has used his elevated positions at various times for the betterment of the Nigerian people.

    “President Buhari till date remains one of the respected and honest world leaders, who is never found to be corrupt despite the juicy positions he has held in the military and other public offices at state, regional, national and international levels in the last 50 years.

    “As President Buhari celebrates his 80th birthday, it is our prayer that God will grant him more prosperous years in good health and wisdom as he continues to serve our dear nation. Happy Birthday to our dear President, the latest entrant in the Octogenarian Club.”

  • Sanwo-Olu expresses unwavering faith in NYSC scheme

    Sanwo-Olu expresses unwavering faith in NYSC scheme

    The Lagos State Government (LASG) says it is firmly committed to providing an enabling environment that will guarantee the safety and welfare of members of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployed to the state.

    Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor, made the declaration at the swearing-in of the 2022 Batch ‘C’ Stream II Prospective Corps members held on Tuesday at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos.

    Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, said his administration has an unwavering faith in the NYSC scheme.

    “The orientation programme is a critical aspect of the service year. I encourage you corps members to take every aspect of the course very seriously, especially the skills acquisition.

    “Maintain strict discipline and decorum while in camp and participate in all activities of the orientation programme, he advised.

    Speaking, the State Coordinator, NYSC Lagos, Mrs Yetunde Baderinwa, expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government for making the welfare of corps members its concern and for always standing up to shoulder the scheme’s challenges.

    Baderinwa, who described Sanwo-Olu as a youth friendly and reliable governor, said that the state government in the course of the ongoing orientation course donated 50 double bunks, 100 mattresses, 100 pillows, for the comfort of the corps members while in the camp.

    “I wish to appreciate our dynamic and youth-friendly governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for proving us with these things bordering on the welfare of our corps members.

    “We are indeed grateful for this kind gesture in this period when the number of our corps members has continued to swell, the bedding will help to expand our accommodation.

    “This is, however, a soothing message that in our time of challenge, our government is reliable to shoulder our difficulties and we are so much proud of him,” she added.

    The NYSC Lagos Coordinator urged the prospective corps members to avail themselves the opportunity provided by the scheme through the orientation course and be the best they could.

    “My dear prospective corps members, let me remind you that your call to join the vanguard of youths in the service of the fatherland is a noble one,” she added.

    NAN reports that 3,851, comprises of 1452 males and 2399 females, including some dislodged corps members, were sworn-in by the Chief Judge of Lagos State, who was represented by Hon. Justice Oluwatoyin Atinuke Odusanya.

  • New headache for Sanwo-Olu as 30 political parties affirm Lagos PDP candidate Jandor for governor

    New headache for Sanwo-Olu as 30 political parties affirm Lagos PDP candidate Jandor for governor

    Ahead of the 2023 general elections, 30 political parties in Lagos state have endorsed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Candidate, Dr. Abdul-Azeez Adediran, (aka Jandor) for governor.

    Recall that the leadership of the PDP in Lagos had vowed that the opposition party would take over the state from the ruling APC in next year’s poll.

    Announcing this in Lagos, Dr. Akin Badmus- the chairman of the Conference of Registered and Deregistered Political Parties (CPP), said that the endorsement became imperative following the dearth of dividends of democracy in the state and the need to unite with the main opposition party to unseat the ruling APC.

    Badmus, also the Lagos state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM), said that the co-political group, spread across the 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas, had resolved to throw their weights behind Adediran and PDP Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

    In his words: “It is a fact that the cost of living in Lagos is very high with revenue that does not reflect in the development of Lagos State.”

    Why we adopted Dr. Abdul-Azeez Adediran (Jandor) of PDP for Lagos State governor-CPP

    Badmus explained that the decision for adopting Adediran was based on his determination to rectify and eradicate the hardship being inflicted on Lagos residents.

    He alleged that the unchecked excesses of thugs at motor parks in the state had added to the plights and suffering of the residents, which the CPP believed Adediran would curb if supported and elected.

    Badmus said that the endorsement was also based on their belief that Adediran would revive dilapidated infrastructure and commence a new one in the state if elected.

    “This is the time PDP is taking over, APC is no longer the choice of Lagos residents. So today, the entire 30 political parties comprises both registered and de-registered, and as such, direct all our followers to begin the massive campaign for the PDP in Lagos State,” he asserted.

    According to reports, about 5,000 members of the PDP joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos state on Thursday, October 27.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) gathered that the defectors are members and supporters of the PDP governorship candidate in the state (Adediran), popularly known as Jandor’s movement, “Lagos for Lagos”.

    The defectors were seen putting on orange T-shirts and fez caps as they stormed the APC office on Acme Road, Ogba, Ikeja, holding brooms, singing and dancing.

    The state deputy governor, Obafemi Hamzat, received the defectors and the APC chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi.

  • Sanwo-Olu inaugurates international standard certified environmental laboratory

    Sanwo-Olu inaugurates international standard certified environmental laboratory

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Friday inaugurated government-owned International Standards Organisations (ISO) Certified environmental laboratory.

    The ISO certified laboratory is situated at the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) building in Ikeja.

    Speaking at the inauguration at Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu said that upgraded laboratory became necessary as a result of the growing population of the state.

    Sanwo-Olu was represented at the event by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tunji Bello.

    He said that the ultra modern lab was needed to enhance the capacity of the agency to effectively deliver on its core mandate of monitoring the environment, for safety and sustainability.

    According to him, re-equipping of the laboratory made it to earn the accreditation of the International Organisation of Standardisation for Quality Management System (ISO/IEC 9001) and Laboratory Management System (ISO/IEC 17025).

    ”It is quite heart warming that this recognition makes Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) the first government-owned environmental laboratory to receive this accreditation.

    ”This accreditation has given Lagos State a global recognition and acceptance, as results generated from this laboratory are consistent and accurate through the industry-standard protocols; and in line with best practices obtainable worldwide.

    ”I urge the management and staff of this agency, particularly those that would be charged with the responsibility of operating this laboratory, to do so with utmost professional care and high sense of responsibility.

    ”Our administration will continue to invest in projects that are consistent with our goal of ensuring a healthy, safe and sustainable environment.

    ”As we strive to bring about a more resilient and environmentally sustainable state, I look forward to a more purpose driven partnership with local and international bodies, academic institutions, researchers and non-governmental organisations,” he said.

    In her welcome address, the General Manager, LASEPA, Dr Dolapo Fasawe, said that the agency’s functions and duties borders around the laboratory services.

    Fasawe said that it served as the warehouse of all the data and information upon which the state of the environment in Lagos state is determined.

    She said that as a result of this, an upgrade and standardisation of the laboratory processes was highly necessary.

    According to her, the laboratory complex was constructed 32 years ago as a pollution control laboratory under the Governace of Raji Rasaki, as an arm of the Ministry of the Environment.

    ”However, during the Gov. Bola Tinubu regime, it metamorphosed into a full-fledged Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) laboratory.

    ”It has a strategic footprint, sectioned into seven different laboratory services which includes potable water laboratory; waste water laboratory; land and soil laboratory; toxicology laboratory; microbiology laboratory; heavy metals laboratory; and air and noise laboratory.

    ”The current administration following symbiotically the aforementioned footprint in line with its THEMES agenda paid maximum priority on environmental monitoring, management and pollution control.

    ”The laboratory was then upgraded, through a carefully design-work, procurement of State-of-the-art environmental laboratory equipment and engineering processes according to the ISO standards and best practices,” she said.

  • Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu mourns departed Ekiti Speaker, Afuye

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu mourns departed Ekiti Speaker, Afuye

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State mourned the passing of the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mr Funminiyi Afuye on Thursday.

    Afuye died on Wednesday in a brief illness at the age of 66.

    In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Gboyega Akosile in Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu described Afuye (APC-Ikere 1) as one of the illustrious sons of Ekiti.

    He said Afuye contributed immensely to the growth and development of Ekiti during his lifetime.

    The governor said that the deceased was a principled politician, progressive, loyal, trustworthy and a committed member of the ruling APC in Ekiti.

    He said the lawyer and rights activist, turned politician spent his life in the service of humanity, of Ekiti and of Nigeria.

    Afuye served as a Commissioner for Information, lawmaker and later Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly.

    Sanwo-Olu also commiserated with his Ekiti counterpart, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, the former governor of the state, Dr Kayode Fayemi and the entire members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly on the death of the former speaker.

    He urged Gov. Oyebanji, the deceased’s family, friends, and the entire people of Ekiti to preserve the legacy of the deceased by immortalising the good name and the struggle of the deceased speaker.

    “On behalf of the people and government of Lagos State, I sympathise with Ekiti State governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji and the entire people of the state on the demise of the Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mr Funminiyi Afuye.

    “Afuye was a committed public officer who served Ekiti passionately and selflessly in different capacities.

    “He did his best for Ekiti as a member of the executive and legislative arms of government. He was also a committed member of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) till his death.

    “I pray that God grants the soul of Afuye eternal rest and comfort the immediate and political families and the people of Ekiti he left behind,’’ Sanwo-Olu said.

  • 2023: ‘I will support you’ – Wike endorses Sanwo-Olu for 2nd term

    2023: ‘I will support you’ – Wike endorses Sanwo-Olu for 2nd term

    Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers on Tuesday expressed support for the second term bid of  Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.

    Newsmen reports that Sanwo-Olu is seeking a second tenure on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.

    Wike made the announcement at the 22nd National Women’s Conference, with the theme: ”Spring Forth, Stand Out”, organised by the Committee Of Wives Of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) in Lagos.

    He said that Sanwo-Olu’s performance had earned him a second term, commending the governor for  giving women the opportunity to serve in various capacities in the state.

    ”If you are not in my party and you are doing well, I will support you. If you are in my party and you are not doing well, I will not support you. That is what I stand for,” the Rivers governor said.

    According to him, by the grace of God, Sanwo-Olu will be a second-term governor, as Lagos state  has continued to make progress in his administration.

    ”Talking about raising the capacity of women, no nation can develop without women. So assuming that alone, you should see it as a major project, and if a man does that, of course, you need to encourage such a person.

    ”I just told you that it is a lesson for me. I am leaving office, if I had known about this, probably, I would have started it. But it is not too late for me. I am going back home to tell my wife, let it be that we have established this, not for us, for future government that are coming.

    ”Look at the kind of projects they are carrying out. So why would you not support such government that is encouraging this? So I’m not even talking about that, look at the physical infrastructure in Lagos state,  what do you say what do you not say.

    ”Lagos is the Centre of Excellence. There are some people who will be here, instead of them to make Lagos state to continue to improve, they will bring Lagos down and that is not the case here.

    ”So for me, I am satisfied, it doesn’t matter the party difference,” he said.

    Speaking on the forthcoming general elections, Wike said that what Nigerians were looking for is a president that had the interest of the citizens, a president with experience in governance.

    ”We are looking for a president that Nigerians can say yes, can put food on the table, will fight insecurity, that is what we are looking for, not some people who are talking about ethnicity,” he said.

  • Sanwo-Olu receives FG’s approval to construct Lekki Airport

    Sanwo-Olu receives FG’s approval to construct Lekki Airport

    The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, on Tuesday presented an official Letter of Approval for the construction of the proposed Lekki-Epe International Airport to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.

    Sirika, on behalf of the Federal Government, presented the letter to the governor at the 9th Ehingbeti Lagos Economic Summit, held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island.

    The Lekki Airport, to be constructed around the Lekki Free Zone (LFZ), is expected to assist manufacturers and other business owners within the zone to transport their products abroad.

    The minister said that Lagos State was very significant to the economy of the country, adding that the Murtala Muhammed Airport was currently congested.

    According to him, Lagos has the resources and exigencies for an additional airport which will help to decongest the Murtala Muhammad Airport.

    The minister said that it was a huge step in the right direction for Gov. Sanwo-Olu to plan to construct another airport in the state.

    ”Lagos with its GDP, housing and Stock Exchange, 200 financial institutions, 25 million people on 5,377 square kilometres of land mass, including the Eko Atlantic, all the industries, the tradition, the history, the tourist attraction, the Eyo Festival, and so on so forth, needs to be connected to the world.

    ”For Lagos to continue to be the centre of the economy of the activity of the country, Nigeria, the only best way you can link this city of Lagos to the world is obviously by infrastructure, and especially civil aviation.

    ”The expansion of Lagos is astronomical, is huge, is big. The idea and the size of the economy is good and big. So, you need to continue to link Lagos, not only with Nigeria, but Africa and the world.

    ”You are not going to get it wrong because aviation has the opportunity and uniqueness to link markets, link history, tradition and culture, people, schools and hospitals, which all Lagos has,” he said.

    Also, Gov. Sanwo-Olu said that the project was all about a partnership between the federal government, through the Ministry of Aviation, and Lagos State for the benefit of the citizens and the businesses.

    He said that the state government was engaging in Business2Business as well as Government2Business to develop economies like Lagos State.

    The governor said it was about giving them a platform where infrastructure and the opportunity for their businesses to thrive are available.

    ”This infrastructure will reduce journey time, make Lagos easily and better accessible, and people can make local and international business decision, given all the investment that had happened in that direction,” he said.

    Recall that the state government had said that the project, expected to begin in 2023, would be built on 3,500 hectares of land.

    It said that the master plan and aeronautical designs of the planned airport were in place.

    It said studies were ongoing about strategies, funding and other issues, after which the project would be taken to the market place.

    The airport, according to the state government, is expected to cater to a minimum of five million people yearly, and would be constructed in partnership with local and foreign investors.