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Tag: Gov. Sanwo-Olu

  • HARDSHIP! LASG launches discounted ‘ounje Eko’ to combat hunger [SEE locations]

    HARDSHIP! LASG launches discounted ‘ounje Eko’ to combat hunger [SEE locations]

    As hunger continues to bite Nigerians like never before, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has directed that ‘Ounje Eko’ food markets should commence discounted sale of food items across the five divisions of Lagos effective from Sunday, March 17, 2024.

    The food items – rice, beans, gari, bread, eggs, tomatoes, pepper, among others – will be sold at 25% discount to residents.

    In order to prevent sharp practices and ensure the foodstuff reaches a large number of Lagosians, a voucher system will be introduced as the pilot scheme kicks off.

    Independent payment solution providers and food vendors have been identified and carefully selected to operate the process. They will also provide real-time data on the exercise for monitoring.

    For the purpose of transparency, prices of the items have also been listed. A 5kg bag of rice would sell for N5,325 while 1kg goes for N1,065; 5kg bag of Beans – N6,225 while 1kg would sell for N1,245. Prices of other staple food items will also be made available through various media outlets.

    The markets will be open at 27 locations in Ikeja; six in Lagos Island; nine in Ikorodu; five in Epe; and 10 in Badagry divisions.

    Mr. Governor has called on all Lagosians to cooperate with the operators at the various locations, monitor the process, and provide feedback through official channels of the Lagos State Government.

  • Lagos govt. to collaborate with LCCI for state economic growth

    Lagos govt. to collaborate with LCCI for state economic growth

    The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has pledged to collaborate with the new President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr Gabriel Idahosa, to enhance economic activities in the state.

    Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance at the 135th anniversary and the investiture gala of Idahosa as the 43rd President of the LCCI on Saturday in Lagos.

    The governor was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin.

    He noted that the chamber had remained strong and committed to the lofty vision of its founding fathers successively making the it a foremost advocate body of the business community.

    Sanwo-Olu stated that the robust and engaging relationship that the state government had been sharing with the chamber would be built upon for continuity.

    “My administration’s policy of promoting ease of doing business and creating conducive environment for businesses to thrive is aimed at making sure Lagos remains the preferred destination for business.

    “Hence, the collaboration with the LCCI plays a significant role in achieving that and we are committed to strengthening this relationship as I look forward to working with the new leadership.

    “We recognise that ease of doing business is key and pivotal to economic development of the state and so would continue to provide a friendly environment to support existing businesses and attract more Foreign Direct Investment into the state.

    “This is as we stay true to the THEMES agenda to aggressively transform the state into a mega city that meets the yearnings of all stakeholders particularly the business community,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    In his acceptance speech, the new President of LCCI, Idahosa, said the chamber, in line with its tradition of advocacy and engagement, would work with Lagos State and other stakeholders to achieve their collective aspirations.

    Idahosa said to drive power supply, the LCCI would seek to be part of a Lagos universal power access network of stakeholders in the diligent execution of the Lagos State electrification policy.

    He expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government for their partnership via the contribution of land for the Lagos International Convention and Expo Centre.

    “Whilst not reducing our commitment to public policy advocacy, the LCCI pledges to continue to promote trade, business to business networking, opportunities and related matters impacting the business environment.

    “It is, therefore, with profound humility and a sense of responsibility that I stand before you to receive the mantle of leadership of the LCCI and state my readiness to render this service diligently,” he said.

    The LCCI’s immediate past President, Dr Michael Olawale-Cole, lauded the chamber for maintaining its leadership position in the Organised Private Sector, leveraging strategic partnerships with government and international institutions.

    Olawale-Cole said the chamber would continue to build on the legacies of its predecessor to maintain stability and progress while promoting and protecting the interest of the business community.

    He stated that during his tenure, the LCCI recorded remarkable achievements and embraced innovation, adapting to global trends which positioned the institute as a forward thinking and influential institution.

    “As I pass on the baton to the incoming President, I reflect on the remarkable strides we have taken together, as we give God glory for the achievements of the chamber in the past 135 years.

    “As a Chamber, we remain committed to the transformation and diversification of the Nigerian economy as we believe that the private sector is better placed to create wealth from which the government would generate revenue from.

    “As I bid farewell to my role as the president, I express my appreciation to the entire LCCI community for the collaborative spirit that defined my tenure and plead that even more be done for the incoming president to take the chamber to greater heights,” he said.

  • Activists support Lagos State govt. closure of markets, total ban on street trading

    Activists support Lagos State govt. closure of markets, total ban on street trading

    A coalition of activists in Lagos State has expressed its support for Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s decision to close certain markets and impose a total ban on street trading.

    The spokesperson, Mr Declan Ihekaire, who spoke on behalf of the activists, gave their support at a news conference on Sunday at Ikeja.

    The Lagos Government, in an effort to address environmental issues such as poor sanitation, indiscriminate waste disposal, and mismanagement of waste, recently closed Mile 12 and Owode Onirin Markets.

    This action follows the earlier closure of Ladipo Market, Oyingbo Market, Alamutu Ologede Market, and Ile-Epo Market due to alleged violations and non-compliance with environmental laws.

    The activists were drawn from various right groups under the aegis of Veteran Activists who are Mr Declan Ihekaire, Mr Femi Lawson, Mr Rasak Oladosu

    Others includes, Mr Dayo Ogunlana, Mr Akintunde Adedeji, Mr Shina Loremikan, Jubril Ogundimu, Gbenga Soloki, Tobi Jude, and Oyinlola Akande.

    Ihekaire, who is the National Coordinator of Concerned Human Rights in Nigeria, said that the state government’s decision to ban street trading, hawking, and close certain markets was a welcome decision and a step in the right direction.

    He maintained that the ban was necessary due to the flagrant disobedience and arbitrary violation of the Lagos State Street Trading and Illegal Markets Law of 2023.

    The spokesman said the ban was to combat the activities of criminals perpetrate acts of violence against unsuspecting individuals, including robbing motorists and causing disruptions to traffic flow.

    In light of these developments, Ihekaire urged the government to enforce the ‘Lagos State Environmental Management Law of 2017’ which aims to regulate and manage environmental issues in the state more effectively.

    Ihekaire said that the state government’s ban was to curb the activities of criminals who, under the guise of trading or hawking, unleash mayhem on unsuspecting innocent people, rob motorists, and disrupt the free flow of traffic.

    “Statutorily, the government’s main duty is the protection of the lives and properties of its citizens, including their welfare and well-being.

    “Aside from the loss of lives and valuables occasioned by the menace of criminals who disguise themselves as traders and hawkers, as well as the attacks on motorists, some hawkers are known to have died in road accidents.

    “There are also traffic jams caused by street trading, which impedes the free flow of vehicular movement,” he said.

    The activist charged street hawkers to leverage other opportunities in the state government to better themselves.

    “Lagos has 19 vocational centres where they can learn any trade of their choice at no cost. When they graduate, they will receive free equipment.

    “Health is wealth, and cleanliness is next to godliness. A healthy environment produces equally healthy and productive people.

    “We, Veteran Activists, are known rights activists of different political views, but we always find a common ground to either support good government policies or criticise the government when the need arises,” Ihekaire said.

    He also stated that Lagos may be heading towards a state of lawlessness if the government fails to swiftly enforce the law to curb the gradual return of commercial motorbikes, popularly called Okada to restricted routes.

    The activists, therefore, urged the state government to take action against what the group described as ‘unhealthy march to chaos’

    He alleged that findings showed that an alliance between the riders, the transportation unions, and some law enforcement agencies had fueled the return of this menace.

    “This brings us to the gradual return of commercial motorbikes to the routes on which they have been restricted.

    “If this is not swiftly checked with the enforcement of the law, we will be heading for a state of lawlessness.

    “This cannot be right. The government should wake up to arrest this unhealthy march to chaos,” Ihekaire said.

    In his remarks, Lawson, the National Secretary Campaign for Democracy, urged the state government to ensure the enforcement of environmental law.

    “Government must ensure the serious implementation of the laws it has made as many of us have fallen victim, having been robbed on several occasions in traffic.

    On his part, Mr Dayo Ogunlana of Coalition of Oodua Self Determination Groups, urged the Lagos State House of Assembly to speedily pass a bill into law to regulate street trading and hawking in the state.

    Similarly, Mr Rasak Oladosu, charged government on tackling the challenges of incessant flooding in the state.

  • Sanwo-Olu, Ambode settle rift as former governor celebrate 60th birthday in Lagos

    Sanwo-Olu, Ambode settle rift as former governor celebrate 60th birthday in Lagos

    Lagos state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday visited the home of the immediate ex-governor of the state Akinwunmi Ambode on the occasion of his 60th birthday.

    The visit meant that both Ambode and Sanwo-Olu have put  their differences to bed  and embraced each other.

    Recall that they both clashed prior to the 2019 governorship election.

    Ambode, who served one term in office, lost the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship primaries in the state to Sanwo-Olu.

    His loss was due to a fallout with President Bola Tinubu and some APC stakeholders in the state.

    Despite the face-off between them, Sanwo-Olu had felicitated with Ambode earlier.

    The governor said Ambode dedicated his time to the service of Lagos State as a governor and civil servant.

    However, Sanwo-Olu’s visit was disclosed by his media aide, Gboyega Akosile, via a tweet.

    Tweeting, Akosile wrote: “Flash: Governor @jidesanwoolu arrives at the home of his predecessor former Gov @AkinwunmiAmbode to celebrate his 60th birthday with him. Congratulations to His Excellency.”

  • Arsenal star, Saka meets Governor Sanwo-Olu in Lagos

    Arsenal star, Saka meets Governor Sanwo-Olu in Lagos

    Three Lions and Arsenal star of Nigeria’s descent, Bukayo Saka presently holidaying in Nigeria  met with the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu today.

    Saka met with the governor after Manchester’s defeat of neighbour Manchester United at Wembley stadium on Saturday.

    City defeated Manchester United 2-1 to win the FA cup.

    However, in a statement by the governor on his official social media platforms, he explained the meeting with the Arsenal star.

    Sanwo-Olu explained his delight at meeting Saka because he is an Arsenal supporter.

    The governor said that Saka fibishing second with Arsenal has greatly inspired the youths in the country.

    The statement by Sanwo-Olu said, “Exciting day at the State House, Marina today as I had the pleasure of hosting my favorite @Arsenal player, Star Boy Bukayo Saka. @BukayoSaka87.

    “I also enjoyed receiving my own signed Saka Jersey.

    “As a proud #Gunner, I’m incredibly proud of their inspiring run in the Premier League with such a young team.

    “Their determination has motivated many and shown us the power of youth. We’re committed to bringing that same spirit to grassroots football in Lagos.

    “Together, let’s create opportunities for our talented young players.

    “Thank you for visiting me Bukayo and I look forward to next season.”

    Saka has been giving bck to the society since he traveled to Nigeria few days ago. He’s expected back to team up with England teammates for UEFA Nations League.

     

  • Lagosians can’t trust the state in the hands of inexperience people – Gov.Sanwo-Olu

    Lagosians can’t trust the state in the hands of inexperience people – Gov.Sanwo-Olu

    The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed confidence that the people of Lagos will re-elect him come 2023.

    The Governor who belongs to the All Progressive Congress (APC ) stated this while featuring on a political program on Channels  TV in Lagos.

    Asked whether the opposition People Democratic Party’s candidates of Olajide Adediran and his running mate, Funke Akindele, pose any threat to him and the governor posited that Lagos State is not a circus and requires competent hands, stating that the state cannot be left in the hands of inexperience people.

    He added that Lagos state economy alone is bigger than the economy of many countries in Africa and such a state can’t be trusted in the hands of people who have never managed an organization of 200 people.

    He said, “If you have an emergency at 3 am, who would you call, what are your chances? Will you call a man that has the experience that has gone through the trenches before, that lives with it, that understands what the issues are and that appreciates what challenge you have even at that 3 am? Or will you leave your chance to a man who does not know where the dial is and does not know what the issue of governance is?

    “This is Lagos, this is an informed audience. This is not a tea party. We are talking of real governance and the lives of over 20 million Nigerians bigger than the economy of Ghana or Kenya which is in itself a country. It is not a circus, it is a real thing and I don’t want to spite anyone because I have respect for all of the candidates that have emerged and the candidate of the particular party you are talking about.

    “But how do you begin to start, what about his pedigree? You can’t run a business of 100 people but you want to run an economy. The governance of Lagos is not a trial and error, you need to hit the ground running. Lagosians have seen the experience and they will vote for a man that will roll up his sleeves to keep the city safe, the biggest and safest city, that provides opportunities for people, and that is Babajide Sanwo-Olu.”

    Sanwo-Olu also explained that the state has psychologically recovered from the effects of the #EndSARS protests, but the infrastructural recovery would take a much longer time.

    He added, “I can say that we have recovered psychologically, but we are still working out the infrastructural recovery because infrastructure is not something that you can finish in one day, so the infrastructural renewal is still an ongoing budgetary allocation. For example, regarding the major court in Lagos, the Igbosere High Court, we are planning a 15-storey edifice that will take about 60 courts at once. It will be an imposing structure we are bringing back and this will take time.

    “However, in terms of the psychology of the people, I believe that the city and myself have learned and understood our lessons because it was collateral damage that ought to have had nothing to do with it. In the last two years, people are more discerning and they can indeed see the reality of a one-day perception and a two-year perception.

    “We are not taking anybody or anything for granted and conversations are going and what they want is not about what has happened but what this government is doing to improve every one of us, and what opportunities the government is providing for young people.”

  • ‘Okada’ ban remains on June 1 – Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has said there is no going back on the June 1 proposed ban of commercial motorcycles, popularly known as ‘Okada’ on highways.

    Sanwo-Olu said this while speaking with newsmen on Tuesday evening, after the State Security Meeting, at Lagos House, Ikeja.

    Newsmen reports that the Heads of security services in the state were are at the meeting.

    The ban is in six local governments, Surulere, Lagos Mainland, Lagos Island, Apapa, Eti-Osa and Ikeja.

    The  Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) are Yaba, Coker-Aguda, Itire,-Ikate, Apapa-Iganmu, Ojodu, Onigbongbo, Lagos Island East, Lagos Island West, Eti-Osa East, Eti-Osa West, Iru Victoria Island and Ikoyi-Obalende.

    Sanwo-Olu said that security services and Lagos State Government had agreed on the banning of commercial motorcycles in the selected areas.

    He said the government and security agencies would ensure that the security architecture was not compromised so that residents would live and do their business without fear.

    ”The security meeting gives us an opportunity to review the recent pronouncement on the future banning of Okada (motorcycles) in some selected local governments and LCDAs.

    ”We are able to put strategies in place.

    “All of us were able to identify a lot of other things we need to do to embark on advocacy and ensure that we communicate effectively and efficiently to citizens.

    ”That is why you see us giving out handbills in all of the major languages that we have in the country.

    ”There is a radio jingle being sent out to also communicate to people. I am also aware that there is a plan for advocacy on television stations as well.

    ”It is a people-driven initiative that we all agreed to live and to comport ourselves in a similar manner,” he said.

    According to Sanwo-Olu,  ” I am happy the security operatives and government are on the same page with this and we will also be going ahead with our plans”.

    He assured political parties in the state of adequate security in the ongoing primary elections, ahead of the 2023 general elections.

    Sanwo-Olu said the government and security agencies would ensure that primaries and delegates elections by political parties in different parts of the state had sufficient security coverage.

    ”We enjoin various political parties to approach the Lagos State Police Command to give them adequate security at various venues where they are conducting their various delegate and primary elections for various positions.

    ”It is purely to ensure that there are no gaps and that the security architecture of the state is not compromised in any way.

    “And our citizens can continue to live their lives and do their business without any fear or favour,” he said.