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Tag: Sanwo-Olu

  • Lagos residents Sanwo-Olu advises not to travel for 2025 Hajj

    Lagos residents Sanwo-Olu advises not to travel for 2025 Hajj

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos has advised residents of the state intending to travel for the 2025 Hajj to ensure they are healthy before embarking on the pilgrimage.

    The governor also urged the residents to continue to give thanks to the Almighty for rebirth, growth and  collective development  due to the just-concluded Ramadan fast.

    He spoke on Tuesday at the First Family of Lagos State and the Ministry of Home Affairs Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

    The event had the theme:  ‘My Lord Indeed I Am for Whatever Good You Would Send Me’.

    It held at  the Lagos House, Marina.

    “By May,  those travelling  to Mecca will begin to travel. Please ensure you are in good health.

    “If you are ill, refrain from travelling for 2025 Hajj, stay back and pray here in Nigeria,” he said.

    The governor congratulated Muslims on the conclusion of their month-long Ramadan fast.

    “I pray that God will continue to keep us in peace and unity. We will continue to witness Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.

    “I thank all our religious leaders for teaching us more about the holy book. I wish us more celebrations in good health,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    In her address,  the Wife of Lagos State Governor,  Dr Ibijoke  Sanwo-Olu, appealed to Lagos State residents to show compassion on the less privileged in their communities.

    “As we partake in the celebration, let us remember the less privileged among us and extend a helping hand to them.

    “True worship goes beyond ritual, it reflects on how we treat one another and how we contribute to the betterment of our state and our nation.

    “I encourage us to renew our faith in Nigeria and remain steadfast in our prayers,” she said.

    The guest speaker at the occasion,  Dr Munirudeen Ar-Riyardy  from Lagos State University of Education, advised Nigerians to avoid sin to attract God’s grace.

    ” Today’s lecture is about trials of life and how to maintain our faith in God no matter the cchallenges.  We shouldn’t curse our leaders, we should avoid sin,” he said.

    The state  Deputy Gov. Obafemi Hamzat called on Lagos residents to be good to one another.

    ” Show empathy, show compassion, be good to your neighbours and continue to have faith in the Almighty’s goodness,” he said.

    The state’s Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr Ibrahim Layode, urged Muslims to continue to live according to the tenets of Islam.

    Hamzat’s wife, Oluremu; Special Adviser to the Governor on Religion, Alhaji Abdullah Jebe, and the Grand Imam of Lagos State, Shaykh Suliamon Abu-Nolla, were among dignitaries at the event.

  • EFCC clarifies Achimugu’s investigation in connection to Atiku, Sanwo-Olu

    EFCC clarifies Achimugu’s investigation in connection to Atiku, Sanwo-Olu

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has stated that its investigation into Ms. Aisha Achimugu is not politically motivated and has no connection to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar or Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    EFCC Spokesperson Dele Oyewale made this clarification in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

    The commission had earlier declared Achimugu, 51, from Ofu Local Government Area in Kogi, wanted for alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering.

    Contrary to claims in some quarters, Oyewale emphasised that the investigation of Achimugu had no connection to any political figures.

    “She is being investigated for alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering and has since been declared wanted by the commission,” he said.

    He said that the EFCC began its investigation into Achimugu in 2022.

    “Although she sought an injunction in court to prevent the commission from arresting, investigating, inviting, or detaining her, the injunction was challenged and vacated on Feb. 19, 2025, by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

    “The court ruled that no court has the power to stop the investigative powers of the Police, EFCC, or any agency established under the law to investigate crimes when there is reasonable suspicion or ample evidence of an offence.

    “The court also upheld the interim forfeiture order of assets suspected to be proceeds of crime, dismissing Achimugu’s suit as lacking merit.

    “The foregoing clearly establishes that the EFCC’s case against her has no immediate or remote nexus with any politician or any veiled or open reference to any political engagement or transaction.

    “The EFCC is non-partisan and non-sectarian. We encourage the public to continue to have faith in the professionalism of the Commission without imputing any extraneous considerations to its work,” Oyewale said.

  • I didn’t collect money from Sanwo-Olu for 2023 election campaign – Atiku

    I didn’t collect money from Sanwo-Olu for 2023 election campaign – Atiku

    Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar says he never collected any money from Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos for his 2023 election campaign.

    This is contained in a statement issued by Atiku Media Office in Abuja on Thursday.

    The Media Aide to Atiku, Paul Ibe, who issued the statement, denied the reports making the rounds that Sanwo-Olu gave money to the former vice-president for his 2023 presidential election campaign.

    Atiku was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections.

    Ibe, in the statement, described the insinuations as a lie and kindergarten propaganda.

    He said that the report had claimed that Sanwo-Olu had made available to Abubakar money purportedly belonging to Lagos.

    The media aide stated that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was also credited with investigating the matter.

    Ibe described the report as ‘a blatant lie from the pit of hell; a contrived political hogwash and a futile campaign of calumny aimed at advancing a political interest against Abubakar’.

    He said that Abubakar did not know Sanwo-Olu and had never met him before.

    “How is it possible for an Atiku that did not know and had no connection with Sanwo-Olu to be having a transaction with him involving the exchange of money – let alone during the presidential election of 2023 in which his boss was a contestant? To what end would that be?, he queried.

    Ibe advised EFCC to make public the outcome of its alleged investigation, since it had been dragged into it.

    He called for immediate halt to what he described as a voyage of misadventure and campaign of calumny against the person and reputation of Abubakar.

  • Lagos Red Line fare reduced by 30%

    Lagos Red Line fare reduced by 30%

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Tuesday announced a 30 per cent reduction in fares for the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line.

    Sanwo-Olu made the announcement at the inauguration of the newly constructed Abule-Egba Bus Terminal, a key infrastructure project aimed at improving public transport in the state.

    NAN reports that with the revised fare, a trip between Agbado and Oyingbo will now cost N1,000 instead of N1,500.

    “Today, as we focus on transportation, we have reviewed the numbers. I announce an immediate 30 per cent fare reduction on the Red Line, lowering the price from N1,500 to N1,000,” he said.

    The governor stated that the fare reduction was intended to encourage greater use of the Red Line and ease commuters’ financial burden amid economic challenges.

    The Red Line began passenger operations on Sept. 15, 2024, running six daily trips. This increased to nine trips per day on Feb. 10.

    At the terminal’s inauguration along the Oshodi-Abule Egba Expressway, Sanwo-Olu stressed its role in enhancing connectivity.

    He said the terminal was strategically located to support the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system operating along the corridor.

    According to him, it will help ease commuting difficulties for residents in the area and across Lagos.

    “This Abule-Egba Bus Terminal demonstrates our commitment to providing efficient, accessible public transport for all Lagos residents.

    “It will serve as a crucial hub, seamlessly integrating with the BRT network to offer a comfortable and organised transit experience,” he said.

    The governor highlighted the terminal’s role in commuter services, aligning with the ongoing Quality Bus Corridor (QBC) project and planned BRT expansion.

    He added that it would be vital in the future extension to Sango.

    Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to integrated multimodal transport solutions to address the state’s growing transit needs.

    Dignitaries at the event included Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, and Head of Service, Mr Olabode Agoro.

    Also present was Mr Olawale Musa, Permanent Secretary at the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, representing the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi.

    Others included Mr Oladapo Famuyiwa, Chairman of Agbado-Okeodo Local Council Development Area, Mr Johnson Babatunde of Orile-Agege LCDA, and Mr Hameed Tijani of Ojokoro LCDA.

  • Lagos Assembly tasks Sanwo-Olu on ‘Detty December’

    Lagos Assembly tasks Sanwo-Olu on ‘Detty December’

    The Lagos State House of Assembly has urged Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to direct relevant agencies  to expand the annual “Detty December” celebrations in the state.

    The House passed the  resolution at the end of the plenary, presided over by the Speaker, Mrs Mojisola Meranda, in Ikeja on Tuesday.

    NAN reports that Detty December refers to the festive period at , typically from mid-December through the New Year,when parties ,shows and celebrations are  held in different parts of the state.

    It is a time when many Nigerians, both within the country and in the diaspora, return home to celebrate with family and friends.

    Speaking during plenary,Meranda  said there was the need to institutionalise the celebrations  and  maximise the publicity of events during the period,  emphasising the need for improved traffic management.

    The speaker advocated local governments  participation , to  decentralise and broaden the benefits of Detty December.

    She suggested that the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) employ additional personnel for the festive season, creating temporary jobs for residents.

    Earlier,Desmond Elliot (Surulere 1) ,who raised the motion , highlighted the significant revenue generated from the 2024 Detty December celebrations.

    Elliot said the report from the anniversary indicated that hotels earned approximately 44 million dollars, while short-term rental services recorded 13 million dollars,totaling about 71.6 million dollars.

    In his comment, Mr Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa 2) noted that Lagos had the necessary infrastructure and an enabling environment to attract tourists and visiting family members.

    Yishawu, ,however ,called for a coordinated events calendar and  development of an iconic tourism site in the state to expand the activities of Detty December and boost tourism.

    Contributing, Mr Abiodun Tobun (Epe 1) argued that Detty December contributed to crime reduction through engagement of  potential offenders in recreational activities.

    Also, Mr Sa’ad Olumo (Ajeromi 1) emphasised the state’s commitment to promoting culture, security, and business growth.

  • Sanwo-Olu reacts to alleged involvement in Obasa’s impeachment

    Sanwo-Olu reacts to alleged involvement in Obasa’s impeachment

    Mr Gboyega Akosile, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, says the governor has no hand in the impeachment of the immediate past Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mr Mudashiru Obasa.

    Akosile debunked rumours making the round that Sanwo-Olu was responsible for the removal of Obasa, over a perceived rift between him and the legislative arm.

    Akosile made the clarification in an interview with NAN on Tuesday in Lagos.

    “No, no, no. There is absolutely nothing true about that. I mean, no, the Governor does not have a hand in it. It was  purely a legislative matter.

    “The Governor is busy with serious matters, busy with  taking care of the over 20 million Lagos population.

    “What happened in the Hallowed Chamber of the House of Assembly was  purely the prerogative of the legislators.

    “I mean, we saw on the media, just like you, that the legislators removed the Speaker. We watched like every other person. The Governor must have watched it like any other person.

    “I don’t think there is anything more to it other than that. So, absolutely, there is no hand of the governor in the impeachment of the Speaker,” Akosile told NAN

    Obasa(APC-Agege1 ), a sixth-term lawmaker, serving his third term as Speaker, was on Monday removed by lawmakers

    32  out of the 40 lawmakers, at an emergency plenary, impeached Obasa via voice votes over alleged gross misconduct.

    The Assembly subsequently elected and swore in Deputy Speaker, Mrs Mojisola Meranda (APC-Apapa I) to replace Obasa while Mr Fatai Adebola (APC- Ibeji-Lekki I) was elected as the Deputy Speaker.

    The House also suspended the Clerk of the Assembly, Mr Olalekan Onafeko, indefinitely during the plenary and dissolved all principal positions and standing committees

  • Sanwo-Olu mocked for always begging popular skit maker for handshake

    Sanwo-Olu mocked for always begging popular skit maker for handshake

    Nigerian comedian, Oluwaseyitan Aletile, also known as Seyi Law has taken to social media to mock Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state after popular skitmaker cum Nollywood actor, Debo Adedayo, better known as Mr Macaroni, vowed to continue snubbing him.

    This comes after an X user called out the skit maker for pleasing the ‘mob’ and always ignoring Sanwo-Olu at events.

    The X user wrote, “@OyesileJohn  To d’ifa fun a certain Macarroni who, in an attempt to please the mob, snubbed the Governor of Lagos state. Omo ase”

    In response, Macaroni recounted how the government stripped him naked, tortured and dehumanized him. He noted that the Lagos governor meant nothing to him.

    Macaroni also noted that he is still pained over the treatment melted at him by the Nigerian Police.

    Reacting, Seyilaw via the microblogging platform X formerly Twitter, stated that Nobody should blame Mr Macaroni for how he speaks to the Governor.

    He stressed that Sanwo-Olu deseves such treatment, as he pretends not to recognize him at public events but begs Mr Macaroni for a handshake.

    He wrote, “Nobody should blame Macaroni for the way he speaks to Gov. @jidesanwoolu. Gov. BOS will see me and act like he doesn’t know me, but he will be begging Macaroni for a handshake. Everybody get out.”

  • EndSARS protest one of my toughest moments – Sanwo-Olu

    EndSARS protest one of my toughest moments – Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Monday described the October 2020 EndSARS protest period as one of his toughest moments as a leader.

    Sanwo-Olu made this known during a chat with 30 fellows of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, in Ikeja.

    “One of my toughest moments as a leader was during the EndSARS protest.

    “We have been tested as a government, but we must continue to put the needs of Lagosians beyond our struggles as a responsive and responsible government.

    ”No bad news stays forever. Work hard to create good news and make sure people listen to it,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    He advised fellows of the academy  to be intentional about developing their leadership skills.

    ” For you to have been selected out of 16,000 applicants means there is something of value in you.

    “Leadership is something we should be deliberate about which was why we created this academy.

    “You all are champions of good leadership. Challenge yourselves. The only limitation you have is not dreaming big enough.

    ”I know your generation may not know who Alhaji Lateef Jakande was,” he said.

    The governor said that Jakande  epitomised leadership.

    “That is why we are still talking about him today,” he said.

    The governor  told the fellows that it would be important to show courage in the face of adversity.

    “A trait of a good leader is the ability to tolerate and endure, which is why we need you to stay together so you will learn how to tolerate each other and make meaningful friendships.

    ”You need to be courageous and be solution-oriented, don’t focus on the challenges,” he said.

    Mrs Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, the academy’s Executive Secretary, thanked  the governor for  addressing the fellows.

    NAN reports that the academy is aimed at developing young, change-oriented individuals who are passionate about shaping the future of Nigeria.

  • CHIVIDO24: Sanwo-Olu sends Davido hearty message after grand wedding

    CHIVIDO24: Sanwo-Olu sends Davido hearty message after grand wedding

    The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has penned a hearty note to Afrobeat sensation, Davido and his beautiful wife, Chioma after glamorous wedding.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that social media was agog as Davido tied the knot traditionally with his longtime lover, Chioma on June 25th.

    Taking to his Instagram to share photos from the ceremony, Sanwo-Olu expressed happiness in the singer’s new matrimony, noting that the assurance of their love story is heartening.

    Congratulating them on their beautiful union, he prayed for abundant blessings, love, joy, success, serenity and a lifetime of togetherness.

    He wrote: “Congratulations to Davido and Chioma on their beautiful union.

    “The assurance of your love story is heartening, and I am happy to celebrate with you both on this joyous occasion.

    “May your life together be abundant with blessings, love, and joy. I wish you a lifetime of togetherness, success, and serenity for your family.

    “Congratulations CHIVIDO24″

  • Oborevwori hails Sanwo-Olu at 59

    Oborevwori hails Sanwo-Olu at 59

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated his Lagos state counterpart, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as he clocks 59 on June 25.

    Governor Oborevwori in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba on Tuesday, praised the Lagos State Governor’s leadership skills and administrative abilities, calling him an exceptional professional, shrewd administrator, and passionate leader of immeasurable worth.

    He expressed gratitude for the outstanding and illustrious achievements made by Governor Sanwo-Olu, whose pragmatist and visionary leadership have kept Lagos and its people growing.

    “On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I heartily rejoice with a reputable politician, outstanding professional, seasoned administrator, and my brother governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos as he turns 59 years today, June 25, 2024.

    “It is our prayer that God will continue to protect you and grant you good health to render more services to Lagosians and mankind,” he said.