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Tag: Babajide Sanwo-Olu

  • Lagos will pay above N30,000 minimum wage – Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos will pay above N30,000 minimum wage – Sanwo-Olu

    The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu says the state will pay its workers above the N30,000 new national Minimum Wage.

    Sanwo-Olu made the promise on Tuesday when the state leadership of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council paid him a courtesy visit in Ikeja.

    He said that the state was aware of the challenges faced by workers and was ready to address them, hence, the decision by his administration to pay more than the N30,000 minimum wage benchmark.

    Sanwo-Olu said that the implementation of the new minimum wage payment would take off when the Federal Government and labour unions concluded their negotiations.

    He said that the state was drawing up its finances and creating additional revenue sources that would enable the government to sustain the new minimum wage payment.

    According to him, the addition to the N30,000 benchmark is to motivate workers and encourage them to cope with challenges that may hinder their productivity.

    “As a government, we take the issue of minimum wage very seriously. We know how important and germane it is to the wellbeing of our people. We are technically ready to implement the new minimum wage.

    “I made commitment during my previous interactions with the labour unions before my assumption of office and I am still keeping to the promise made. However little it is, we will certainly pay more than N30,000 minimum wage.

    “We understand the position Lagos occupies and we understand the challenges workers are facing in Lagos. If other states can raise up to that amount, I believe Lagos needs to show a bit more to appreciate workers’ contribution to the growth of our state,” he said.

    Sanwo-Olu also spoke on demands of the labour leaders for workers, which include arrears of workers’ medical allowance, introduction of premium insurance for the workforce and timely pension payment for retired workers.

    They also demanded for mortgage scheme for housing, befitting labour secretariat and representation of workers’ unions in MDA boards’ appointments.

    Sanwo-Olu said he had directed the Commissioner for Finance to look into the unpaid arrears of workers’ medical allowance, with a charge to clear the backlog and make payment to the affected workers.

    The governor said that the state was planning to absorb its entire workforce in the recently introduced health insurance scheme, as the Ministry of Health was harmonising the modality to ensure all workers were covered in the scheme.

    He said that the government would collaborate with the Organised Labour Unions to float a post-retirement housing scheme that would enable workers of all cadres to apply and acquire permanent homes after leaving the service.

    Sanwo-Olu said that Lagos would be donating land for the purpose, while the labour unions would source for finance to develop the scheme.

    He said that the government had approved discounted rent for the workers occupying State-owned apartments, as it was part of the welfare programmes introduced by his administration to improve workers’ productivity.

    Sanwo-Olu said that his administration had started to tackle challenges limiting workers’ productivity, including massive rehabilitation of critical highways across the state to reduce travel time and diffuse road congestion.

    The labour leaders described Sanwo-Olu as “a listening leader” and observed that the Governor had started to fulfil promises made to the unions in the build up to the 2019 elections.

    The Chairman of Lagos Council of TUC, Comrade Gbenga Ekundayo, listed re-introduction of Town Hall meeting with labour unions and appointment of more women into the state’s cabinet as part of the promises fulfilled by the Governor.

    Ekundayo said that the labour unions had been meeting to develop a framework that would make the government capture traders in informal sector in the tax net.

    He said that the labour unions’ recommendations would be submitted to the Head of Service (HOS), Mr Hakeem Muri-Okunola, in the coming weeks.

    The Chairperson of NLC, Lagos chapter, Comrade Funmi Sessi, said that workers were government’s partners in progress.

    Sessi commended the governor for keeping some of his promises to the workers’ unions.

    She promised that the Organised Labour would continue to support the government’s efforts toward improving the wellbeing of the residents and workers in the state.

  • LASTMA gets new General Manager

    LASTMA gets new General Manager

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has appointed Mr Olajide Oduyoye as the new General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).

    The LASTMA Public Relations Officer, Mr Olumide Filade, made this known in a statement made available to newsmen in Lagos on Sunday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oduyoye replaced Mr Olawale Musa, who has since been elevated to the position of Permanent Secretary in the state’s Transportation Ministry.

    Filade said that Oduyoye had assumed duty at the LASTMA Headquarters in Oshodi.

    Oduyoye, a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (FCILT), had his tertiary education up to masters degree level in Transportation, Airport planning Design and Management.

    He started his employment career at the London Borough Hammersmith and Fulham as Traffic Engineer from 1990 to 2005 before joining the Lagos Area Metropolitan Transport Authority (LAMATA) as a World Bank technical adviser on traffic systems management in 2005.

    Oduyoye rose to the position of Deputy Director, traffic management and transport safety, prior to his present appointment as the LASTMA General Manager.

    The new LASTMA boss has been involved in many projects since he joined LAMATA.

    Oduyoye is a technocrat with interest in sports, especially football.

  • 2019 AFCON: APC reacts to Sanwo-Olu’s donation to Super Eagles

    2019 AFCON: APC reacts to Sanwo-Olu’s donation to Super Eagles

    Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) says Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has not erred by making a donation to encourage the Super Eagles in the ongoing AFCON in Egypt.
    APC Publicity Secretary, Mr Joe Igbokwe in a statement on Tuesday, said that Sanwo-Olu had been known for charitable works even before joining the governorship race.
    Igbokwe was reacting to reports that residents were complaining about Sanwo-Olu’s donation to Super Eagles after defeating Cameroon in the knockout stage.
    He said he had read that some Lagos residents were not happy because Sanwo-Olu donated N41million to the Super Eagles after beating Cameroun 3-2 in the ongoing AFCON in Egypt.
    “They said the money could have been used to solve the challenges confronting the State, especially in fixing some roads, renovating of schools and equipping security officials.
    “Some even said he is giving money to players who are as rich as him or even richer.
    “Lagos APC will not join issues with Lagosians who complained about this donation because Sanwo-Olu holds Lagos in trust for more than 20 million Lagosians.
    “Sanwo- Olu is entitled to do what he did to encourage the Super Eagles who just beat the defending champions, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroun, whether they are rich or not,” Igbokwe said.
    According to him, the step is normal, as the governor is not a poor man by any standards in Nigeria.
    Igbokwe said that Sanwo-Olu was one of the delegates picked by President Muhammadu Buhari to travel to Egypt to raise the morale of the national team.
    He said that the governor had to encourage and motivate the Eagles and had to play the politics of football “because football is now big politics.”
    Igbokwe said: “With every sense of humility, let it be known that Governor Sanwo- Olu is endowed to do the needful when the need arises as a leader.
    “Personally, he has been deeply involved in charity works, though quietly, in Lagos, even before he joined the governorship race in Lagos.
    “He understands the problems of Lagos and he understands he was elected to add value to Lagos.
    “No one single governor can solve all the problems of Lagos in one term or two terms, otherwise Sir Mobolaji Johnson or Lateef Jakande would have solved all the problems of Lagos more than 30years ago,” he said.

  • We’ll build innovation, technology centres to create jobs – Sanwo-Olu

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Sunday said his administration would build innovation and technology centres across the state to address the problem of youths unemployment .
    Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, made the disclosure at a forum organised by the Eko Innovation Centre in Lagos.
    He said that his administration recognised the place of technology as the key driver to fast-growing economies.
    “Technology is the way to go. It is the way of the future and our administration is committed to leveraging on technology in delivering the megacity dream.
    “As a government, we will build innovation and technology centres where we can bring in private capital and investors, get ideas from young people on technology and be able to start creating employment for our youths.
    “We also believe that to achieve the THEME concept that has to do with the environment, education, transportation and health, innovations and technology is key.
    “People from those centres would come and give us innovative ideas to solve our transport problem; ideas with which they think locally, ” he said.
    In his address, Mr Victor Afolabi, the Founder, Eko Innovation Centre, said the objective of the initiative was to transform the technology and innovation landscape in Nigeria and by extension, Africa.
    Afolabi said that lack of capital was limiting the capabilities of entrepreneurs to develop innovation technologies in order to solve the problems in the country.
    He urged the state government to support and create the enabling environment for start-ups to thrive.
    “We saw in the Lagos manifesto an agenda to make the state a 21st century economy.
    “The only way to create a 21st century economy is to make sure you are creating the enabling environment for businesses and solution to problems that are driven by innovation and technology,” Afolabi said.
    Also, Mr Andrew Nevin, Co-founder, African Leadership Institute, said that creating smart economies with technology-driven innovative solutions would lead to creation of new jobs that previously never existed.

  • Sanwo-Olu appoints Alogba as acting Chief Judge

    Sanwo-Olu appoints Alogba as acting Chief Judge

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has appointed Justice Kazeem Alogba as acting Chief Judge of the state with effect from Tuesday, June 11, 2019.

    The information is in a statement issued by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Gboyega Akosile in Lagos on Monday.

    He stated that Alogba would be in acting capacity, pending the recommendation of the National Judicial Council and subsequent confirmation by the state House of Assembly.

    According to him, the appointment followed the need to prevent a vacuum in the state judiciary, given the imminent retirement of the present Chief Judge, Justice Opeyemi Oke.

    He said Alogba would be sworn in on Thursday at the Lagos House, Alausa.

    Prior to his appointment, Justice Alogba was the most senior of the 58 honourable justices in the state judiciary next to the out-going chief judge.

    Alogba had chaired the Committee on Review of High Court Civil Procedure Rules, which culminated in the new High Court of Lagos (Civil Procedure) Rules of 2019 that came into force on Jan. 31, 2019.

  • Sanwo-Olu inaugurates 9th Lagos Assembly, as Obasa emerges Speaker

    Sanwo-Olu inaugurates 9th Lagos Assembly, as Obasa emerges Speaker

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Friday inaugurated the 9th Lagos State House of Assembly, which saw Mr Mudashiru Obasa (APC-Agege I) retaining the position of Speaker.

    Obasa was speaker of the 8th Assembly which ended its session on Thursday.

    Proclaiming the 9th Assembly, Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said that he looked forward to harmonious relationship with the House.

    This, he said, was necessary to take the state to higher heights.

    Sanwo-Olu said: “Some few days ago, I took the oath of Office as the 15thGovernor of Lagos State.

    “Today, I am in the hallowed chamber of the Lagos State House of Assembly to inaugurate the 9th Assembly of the state legislature in line with Section 105 Subsection 3 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “I am here with a heart of gratitude and to particularly commend Lagosians who came out in large number to vote our party, APC, as evident in the composition of the House being convened today comprising 100 per cent members of our great party.

    “This is an eloquent testimony to the unwavering commitment of our people to progressive ideals which we have sustained since 1999.

    “As we commence the legislative duties, it is important to remind ourselves that although we belong to different arms of government, we are all accountable to the people of this great state who have repose a great deal of trust and confidence in our party.’’

    According to him, the essence of the principle of separation of powers is to ensure checks and balances as well as to guarantee the independence of each arm of government.

    “It, however, does not discourage partnership as long as this will serve the overall interest and good of the people of our great state, Lagos.

    “Let me use this opportunity to assure you that the Executive arm of Government under my watch encourages harmonious relationship among the three arms of government.

    “Lagos State has always been a pace setter in this regard and we will continue to remain one.

    “As progressive partner in this dispensation, we have a joint responsibility to raise the bar and move standard of governance to the next level,’’ he said.

    According to him, the journey of four years has started and now is the time for all to put their hands on the plough and activate the process of fulfilling promises made to the people.

    He said that no single arm of government can function efficiently without the support of the other arms.

    Sanwo-Olu charged the House on oversights, speed and accuracy in the discharge of duties in order to impart greatly on the lives and wellbeing of the people.

    He said that he was committed to the full implementation of the recently signed 2019 Appropriation Law and three others for the smooth operation of his administration.

    “In the coming days, weeks and months, I will be seeking your kind considerations for the quick passage of various bills that will be forwarded to you from time to time to get legal backing where necessary for the execution of some of our programmes,’’ he said.

    At the event, the Clerk of the House, Mr Azeez Sanni, who took the roll call in the 40-member Assembly, sought for nomination for the position of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker.

    Mr Moshood Oshun (APC-Lagos Mainland II) nominated Mr Mudashiru Obasa (APC-Agege I) due to his leadership prowess for the Speaker of the 8thAssembly.

    The nomination was supported by Mr Oluyinka Ogundimu (APC-Agege II) and the clerk closed the nomination in the absence of any other nominee for the position.

    Similarly, Mr Tunde Braimoh nominated Mr Wasiu Eshinokun-Sanni (APC-Lagos Island I) for the position of the Deputy Speaker, seconded by Mr Desmond Elliot (APC-Surulere I).

    The clerk also closed the nomination in the absence of any other nominee for the same position.

    Obasa, a fifth term lawmaker, was decorated and took the oath of office, following which he reeled out namee of other principal officers of the House.

    Mr Sanai Agunbiade (APC-Ikorodu I) emerged the Majority Leader while Mr Wahab Jimoh (APC-Apapa II) emerged the Deputy Majority Leader.

    Mr Rotimi Abiru (APC-Somolu II) emerged as the Chief Whip while a second-term female lawmaker, Mrs Mosunmola Sangodara (APC-Surulere II) emerged the Deputy Chief Whip

    In his acceptance speech, Obasa said that the state was blessed to compete with other countries of the world.

    He said that Lagos of his dream was like London, with effective and efficient transportation.

    The speaker, who reiterated the need to push further special status for the state, tasked the executive arm on the need to ensure implementation of laws.

    “We are ready to collaborate with other arms of government, especially the executive, for the success of this administration; our doors are open,’’ he said.

    Obasa, who thanked the National Leader of APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and other leaders of the party for their support, assured residents of people-oriented laws and dividends of democracy.

    In his welcome address, the clerk said that the House comprises 40 members and all the members were elected on the platform of APC.

    According to him, 29 members are returning for various terms while 11 are newly elected.

    Breaking it down, Sanni said that one member was returning for the fifth term, five for fourth term, eight for third term and 15 for second term.

    NAN reports that the inauguration was attended by party leaders, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.

  • Sanwo-Olu swears in SSG, Chief of Staff, others

    Sanwo-Olu swears in SSG, Chief of Staff, others

    Gov. Babjide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Thursday swore in Mrs Folasade Jaji, as Secretary to the State Government as well as Mr Tayo Ayinde as Chief of Staff.

    Sanwo-Olu also swore in Gboyega Soyannwo as Deputy Chief of Staff and charged the appointees to hit the ground running to justify the trust reposed in them.

    He reminded them that their appointments were a call to service and an acknowledgement of their exemplary track records in their various fields of specialisation.

    “This appointment is necessary and also critical for a smooth take off of this administration which is barely one week old.

    “You have been brought on board to assist the administration for effective actualisation of the visions and agenda of the APC, our state and the people,” he said.

    Sanwo-Olu advised them to be innovative and receptive to new ideas that would continue to make the state a centre of excellence.

    The governor also swore in six new Permanent Secretaries, including Dr Ademuyiwa Eniayewun, Medical Director Lagos Island Maternity and Mr Olumide Erinle, Principal, Apapa Senior High School, Education District IV.

    Also sworn in were Mrs Oludara Okelola, Principal, Babs Fafunwa Millenium Senior Grammar School, Education District VI and Mr Wasiu Akewusola, General Manager, New Town Development Authority.

    Others were Mrs Yewande Falugba, Director, Admin and Human Resource, Ministry of Youth and Social Development; and Mr Mustapha Osi-Efa, Director Admin and Human Resource, Ministry of Home Affairs.

    Sanwo-Olu charged them not to be complacent in performing their duties but continue to strive for excellence.

    He urged them to ensure delivery of services in tune with the demands of 21st century economy and provide leadership to other levels of staff.

    The governor said that the portfolios of the appointees would be announced soon.

    Responding on behalf of the appointees, Jaji, who thanked the governor for giving them the privilege to serve, promised to justify the confidence reposed in them.

  • Lagos: Sanwo-Olu wins polling unit

    Lagos: Sanwo-Olu wins polling unit

    Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has won his polling unit in the Lagos State governorship election.
    Sanwo-Olu emerged victorious at the election monitored at the Femi Okunnu Polling Unit 019, Ward 9, Lateef Jakande, Ikoyi, Lagos.
    According to the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Presiding Officer, Miss Nora Akupo, Sanwo-Olu got 124 votes to defeat his closest rival, Mr Jimi Agbaje of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who polled 26 votes.
    Among other candidates who participated in the election, the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) got two votes and the Young Progressive Party (YPP) got one vote.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that total number of accredited voters were 157, while four votes were voided.
    Earlier, Sanwo-Olu who voted at 10.53 A.M expressed confidence that he would emerge victorious in the elections while addressing newsmen.
    “I am glad that I have voted and I’m confident that I will emerge victorious at the end of the whole exercise, because we communicated and engaged everyone during our campaigns.

    “I have done a lot of work than my opponents in terms of reaching out to the people of the state and spreading my manifestoes; so that gives me an edge.

    “Also, exactly six months ago, Sept. 9, 2018, I collected my nomination form from the party and such coincidence means that I will be the next governor of Lagos State.

    “Earlier, there were reported slight issues with the card readers. But I am happy that they have been resolved and generally, the elections have been peaceful and I’m confident of winning,” he said.

  • Guber candidates, Agbaje, Sanwo-Olu ring in 2019 in unity [Photos]

    Guber candidates, Agbaje, Sanwo-Olu ring in 2019 in unity [Photos]

    Governorship candidates, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Jimi Agbaje of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ‎rang in 2019 in unity attending New Year’s Day mass together in Lagos state.

    Agbaje and Sanwo-Olu sing along during mass at Holy Cross Cathedral
    Agbaje and Sanwo-Olu sing along during mass at Holy Cross Cathedral

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports the two Lagos state governorship candidates attended the 2019 New Year’s Day mass held at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos Island, on Tuesday, January 1, 2019.

    Agbaje and Sanwo-Olu seated at the Holy Cross Cathedral
    Agbaje and Sanwo-Olu seated at Holy Cross Cathedral

    The PDP and APC candidates, who will battle it out for who becomes the next governor of Lagos state in the 2019 elections, were both pictured together at the Holy Cross Cathedral, where they marked the beginning of the year.

    Agbaje and Sanwo-Olu clap during mass at the Holy Cross Cathedral
    Agbaje and Sanwo-Olu clap during mass at Holy Cross Cathedral

    The candidates were also pictured with the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins; Lady Neta Nwosu, President, Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CAMPAN), Lagos Archdiocese, and Dame Marie Fatayi-Williams, CAMPAN Patron.

    Lady Nwosu, Sanwo-Olu, Martins, Agbaje and Dame Fatayi-williams at Holy Cross Cathedral
    Lady Nwosu, Sanwo-Olu, Martins, Agbaje, and Dame Fatayi-Williams at Holy Cross Cathedral

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the 2019 presidential and National Assembly elections for Saturday, 16th February.

    The Governorship and State Assembly/Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council elections have been scheduled for Saturday, 2nd March 2019.

     

  • 2019: No political gang-up can stop Sanwo-Olu – APC

    2019: No political gang-up can stop Sanwo-Olu – APC

    The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday, said its governorship candidate, Mr Jide Sanwo-Olu, would defeat all opponents to win the 2019 election.

    The Assistant Publicity Secretary of the party in the state, Mr Abiodun Salami, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

    He was reacting to a statement by a group of opposition political parties on Friday, which that Sanwo-Olu was not a popular candidate and that he could not win the state in 2019.

    The Publicity Secretary of the PDP in the state, Mr Taofeek Gani, had recently said Sanwo-Olu was “unprepared and incompetent” and that he would not emerge in 2019.

    Reacting, Salami said no political gang-up could stop Sanwo-Olu as he enjoyed the support of residents to emerge as the next governor of the state.

    He said the governorship candidate was competent and prepared, adding that the people of Lagos state would vote for him to continue the development strides of the APC in the state.

     

    “Sanwo-Olu will emerge the next governor of Lagos by God’s grace. He is the choice of Lagos residents. He will be voted to continue the development strides of the APC.

    “How relevant are those parties saying all sorts of things about our candidate. Can they win any ward let alone the entire state.

    “So, we cannot be joining issues with them.We don’t want to make them popular.

    ‘’The party to be is APC. Everybody is here. Sanwoolu will defeat PDP and those parties all together,” he said.

    Salami said the chapter had commenced reconciliation of members owing to the issues in the last primaries in the state.

    He said the essence of the exercise was to strengthen unity in the party, to ensure total rout of PDP and others in 2019.

    NAN