Tag: Sanwo-Olu

  • Apongbon Bridge: Sanwo-Olu issues 3-day ultimatum to traders to vacate

    Apongbon Bridge: Sanwo-Olu issues 3-day ultimatum to traders to vacate

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sunday issued a three days ultimatum to traders under the Apogbon Bridge in Lagos Island to vacate or risk demolition of the space by Wednesday.

    Sanwo-Olu gave the warning while driving on the bridge, during the inspection of the blue line rail project.

    He saw that traders were back under the bridge with their goods displayed after they were driven away in the aftermath of the fire outbreak, under the Apongbon bridge about six weeks ago.

    The governor frowned at the unlawful return of the traders under Apongbon bridge, saying that the enforcement team would be deployed to the bridge after the three days ultimatum.

  • Purported Endorsement of Sanwo-Olu by the So-Called Governance Advisory Council – a Sham of Highest Order

    Purported Endorsement of Sanwo-Olu by the So-Called Governance Advisory Council – a Sham of Highest Order

    The confirmation of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to run for a second term by the Governor’s Advisory Council by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information today on social media is akin to an endorsement of Bola Tinubu by Bola Tinubu himself.

    The GAC in Lagos is nothing but a charade to mask the control of Lagos by one man at the head of the Bourdillon Cabal. The so-called Council which has no place in the constitution is composed of elected representatives of Lagos State at the National Assembly and former Governors but conveniently excludes former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, while keeping his deputy and other former Deputy Governors. The rest of those who make up this phantom body are co-travellers of Bola Tinubu since 1999 who now have an avenue to sip from the purse of Lagos State while Tinubu himself milks the larger portion. It totally defies logic that Ambode who performed better than Sanwo-Olu was humiliated out of office. Obviously, the only thing that ruled Ambode out of a second term was his reluctance to feed the master while also feeding the GAC family of the master.

    Indeed, nothing whatsoever recommends Babajide Sanwo-Olu for a second term other than his absolute availability to facilitate the use of Lagos funds for Tinubu’s lifelong presidential ambition. Is the GAC unaware that Lagos under Sanwo-Olu has continued with the trajectory of stagnated public development whereas anything good from here can only be linked with the private sector, from education to maintenance of roads? Is the GAC unaware of an April 2022 report by an international organisation of repute, the Brookings Institution released this month which shows that since 2000 till date, 167 buildings collapsed in Lagos with property worth $3.2 Trillion lost in the process? Is the GAC unaware of the numbers of lives lost to various fracas among the transportation unions, leading to the final handover of Lagos commuters to MC Oluomo? How can the GAC then claim that Sanwo-Olu is endorsed for a second term on the basis of his fidelity to a fictional Lagos Development Masterplan which nobody has ever seen?

    They say Lagos is working and we agree that it is working for Bola Tinubu, the GAC and their families. The Lagos that works for the majority of us Lagosians is the Lagos that works by the effort of ordinary Lagosians. A Lagos where Lagosians build and manage everything for themselves while Government continues to constitute itself as a hindrance.

    The endorsement of Babajide Sanwo-Olu is however an inadvertent blessing to the people of Lagos State as it finally gives us a chance towards respite as the PDP will form the next Government in Alausa. Our political machinery has fully researched the Sanwo-Olu administration and found it wanting. With his presentation as candidate, the APC is surely going to be defeated as we will remind Lagosians of the deadly Lekki Massacre of October 20, 2020 which remains fresh in the minds of our teeming youths. If the GAC which is in charge of the puppet APC insists on dancing on the bloody graves of those brutally murdered, we will remind voters that everything done in the dark on that unfortunate night was done with the connivance of Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    We urge every Lagosian to go out and register to vote in the next gubernatorial election. The PDP has heard your cry and will field a formidable candidate to confront your oppressors. Go out and register to vote out the APC at all levels – enough of failure is indeed enough.

  • Osimhen, Oshoala emerge Winners at 8th Nigeria Pitch Awards

    Osimhen, Oshoala emerge Winners at 8th Nigeria Pitch Awards

    Super Eagles and Napoli FC’s sensation, Victor Osimhen, emerged the biggest winner of the 8th edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards. The Nigerian striker, who was confirmed Player of the Month for March in the Serie A, emerged the Striker of the Year and the King of the Pitch making him Nigeria’s Most Valuable Player for 2021.

    Super Falcons and FC Barcelona Femení goal scorer, Asisat Oshoala continued her dominance of the women’s award category as she named the Queen of the Pitch for the fourth time.

    The 8th Award Ceremony which started three hours after the World Cup Qualifier encounter between Nigeria and Ghana lasted until the early hours of the 30th March 2022. The gathering observed a minute’s silence in honour of those who lost their lives during the attack on the ill-fated Kaduna bound train on Monday 28.

    Welcoming guests to the annual show, Shina Philips, President of the awards, encouraged Nigerians to put the disappointment of the inability of the country to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier in Qatar behind them and look forward to a better future with the Super Eagles.

    ‘Nigerians love football and always expect to win in every game, Philips said. Continuing, he noted, ‘the reality however is that every football match can end in a win, a draw or a loss. We will move on and become stronger in future. We have been champions before and will be champions again in future.’

    Philips stated that organizers were not oblivious of the mood of the nation. ‘We understand that many Nigerians are disappointed but we wish to remind Nigerians that the nation has won many football matches and competitions and we ought to continue to encourage the players by rewarding them for their commitment, industry and display of talent in 2021’, Philips concluded.

    The ceremony which was anchored by legendary Nollywood actor, Segun Arinze lived up the expectations of guests, players, nominees and voters. In the Goalkeeper of the year category, Maduka Emilio Okoye emerged winner while Super Eagles Captain, William Troost-Ekong beat fello compatriots, Olisa Ndah and Lean Balogun to win the Defender of the year award for the third time.

    Wilfred Ndidi of Leicester City FC was named the Midfielder of the Year and Victor Osimhen starved off competition from Genk FC’s Paul Onuachu and Leicester City FC’s Kelechi Iheanacho to lift the Striker of the Year award.

    In other categories, 2021 League winners, Akwa United and Coach Kennedy Boboye were voted the Team of the Year and Coach of the Year respectively.

    Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi, NFF First Vice President emerged the winner of the Sam Okwaraji Award for commitment to Nigerian football. Continuing in her dominance, Lagos State again won the Award for the State with the Best Grassroots Football Development Programme as His Excellency, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of the state was voted the Football Friendly Governor of the Year.

    In the media category, Punch Newspapers’ Johnny Edwards and Brila 88.9 FM’s Tony Bekederemo emerged winners in the Football Journalist of the Year (Print) and Football Journalist of the Year (Radio) respectively. Cecilia Omorogbe of Channels TV and Shina Oludare of Goal.com charted home the Football Journalist of the Year awards in the TV and Online categories’ respectively.

    Major highlights of the night was the presentation of the Sportsmanship Award to the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba for his tactical use of peace overtures in fighting crime across the nation. Receiving the award on his behalf, AIG Hafiz Inuwa, the Force Secretary of the Nigeria Police said the IGP would like to encourage Nigerians to shake-off the disappointment of the nation’s loss of a World Cup ticket and focus on what the future holds.

    Another interesting highlight was the presentation of the Achievement in Sport Award to business mogul, Sir Kesington Adebukola Adebutu also popularly known as ‘Baba Ijebu’. He was honoured for his contributions to the development of grassroots football through his sponsorship of the annual Sir Kesington Adebukola Adebutu Competition for boys and girls. The competition has been going on for 11 years.

  • Sanwo-Olu sympathize with Oniru of Iruland on mother’s death

    Sanwo-Olu sympathize with Oniru of Iruland on mother’s death

    The governor of Lagos state Babajide Sanwo-Olu has sympathized with Oniru of Iruland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal on the death of his mother, Alhaja Muinat Lawal-Akapo.

    Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence statement signed on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Gboyega Akosile, also commiserated with the Chief Whip of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mrs Mojisola Miranda.

    Alhaja Lawal-Akapo, died early hours of Wednesday, March 30 at her residence in Lagos at the age 85.

    He urged the deceased family, friends, associates and traditional institutions to accept her death as the will of God and be thankful for a good life lived by the late matriarch of the Akapo family.

    ”I sympathise with the Oniru of Iruland, His Royal Majesty Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal; his sister, Hon. Mojisola Miranda, who is representing Apapa constituency I in the Lagos state house of assembly on the death of their mother.

    ”I also commiserate with the family of the deceased and the people of Iruland, who will sorely miss the elderly and wise counsel of the late octogenarian.

    ”I pray that God will grant the late Alhaja Akapo eternal rest and grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” the governor said.

    He called on the family and associates of the late Olori Lawal-Akapo to find a way to immortalise her memory, due to the exemplary life she lived.

  • I want to take over from Sanwo-olu in 2023- APC member, Ajiboye

    I want to take over from Sanwo-olu in 2023- APC member, Ajiboye

    Mrs Khairat Animasahun Ajiboye, Public administrator and staunch member of the All Progressives congress, APC has mentioned that she would be contesting the 2023 gubernatorial elections in Lagos.

    Ajiboye said she’s prepared to take over the helm of affairs from incumbent Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the forthcoming election in Lagos.

    Addressing journalists at a press conference held at Excellence Hotel and Conference Hall, Ogba, Lagos, on Thursday, she said that she was poised to take over from the incumbent governor of the state.

    Her statement read “I want to start by greeting the general populace of Lagos State that resides here and that are parts of other communities in Nigeria and all over the world. I greet our mothers, our fathers, our old, our Young, our females, our males, our elders, the owners of this land, and the visitors in this land and at last, I greet our leaders and our people. It is a blessing to be among you this morning.

    “My name is Khairat Animashaun-Ajiboye. I would like you to listen to me with a clear mind. I am ready to take over from governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and I believe that I have got what it takes to do so. I have grown through the same social-political system that every normal child went through, I attended a public primary and secondary school, a public college, and University, I was a public servant who plied public buses as a source of transportation.

    “I was that child who will wake up very early to help her mother fetch a source of livelihood and still walk to school every morning. I was that child who was vulnerable to the system yet brilliant in mind and soul as the majority of our children, our aunties, our young ladies. I have been there, done that. Although I had the privilege of traveling abroad to further my studies, acquiring two Master’s degrees, and doing well in my career, I have remained consistent in my attitude, general outlook, and knack for service to humanity. I have taken my time to tell you this just to prove that I am just like every Bukky, Joe, Abdullahi, Omolara, Chidinma, and Janet on the streets, who believes that where the opportunities present themselves, I will strive to become a better person and member of our society at large.

    “I am a woman, a youth, an Aworian, thanks to my long-standing Lagos Island roots. I am also from Surulere, and I am a Lagos Westerner by tradition. I am the convener of the Khairat Animashaun Initiative. I am a self-driven individual with the tenacity, discipline, network, humility, and good appreciating heart to drive the seat of power in Lagos State by becoming the next Executive Governor, God willing. I crave the indulgence of the electorates, to promote our dear Lagos so we can entrench fairness and goodwill by supporting my intention to run for the exalted office of Lagos State Governor under the All Peoples Congress political party.

    My Vision is to create a more sustainable social-political, economic, cultural, and physical environment for all. The mission is for every Lagosian, regardless of their color or breed, to accept this noble Lagosian, to promote Lagos to become a more functional state without any gender barrier, but with flexibility, and thoroughness.

    “As a true campaigner of good and responsible leadership, who believes in the pragmatism of leadership, I hope that you the technocrats, the marketers, the corporate society, the students, the socialites, the youths, the women and men will heed my clarion call more for a Lagos that works for all because “Correcting what is around us will largely correct other wrongs about our larger environment! A change in mindset from us all can make that difference we seek.

    “If given this rare privilege and opportunity to lead, I wish to correct many things in this great state, such as: canceling the Lekki toll gate and moving the toll gates to other strategic parts of Lagos State, especially the borderlines of our state to help the ease of movement for all and sundry and reduce the transferred burden on the ordinary Lagos traders, workers, and students. Increasing subvention for the universities to help with improved capacities, professionalism and elevate the quality of education. There’d be no more ASUU problem in Lagos State, considering my Lagos State University student leadership experience, where I met Governors Otedola of blessed memory, Governor Oyinlola, and Governor Marwa.

    Staying longer in school than necessary can derail the goal of national development. Proper, welfare, monitoring, and fair evaluation of our lecturers should help us achieve this goal for the fact that I had the rare privilege to have met three past governors of Lagos State due to the same old story of the ASUU strike.

    “There’d be free basic education, an end to the consistent bullying, maiming, and killing of our women and youths. I’d create youth engagement and empowerment programs; Provision of Social Services and systemic partnership with the international communities and the business communities alike. Capitalize on our waterways, for proper utilization and movement of freight and human. Re-enact zero tolerance for the dirty environment, clogged drainages, and flagrant display of indisciplined acts.

    “I have been walking the talk and consulting with different electorates, ethnic groups, and key decision-makers in Lagos State with a positive view of getting their blessings to be the reputable governorship candidate in the next election in 2023. Lagos electorates, we need to change the narrative by coming together to build and retain formidable foot soldiers and polling booth lieutenants in the forthcoming election in Lagos State. It is very instructive for the electorates in Lagos State to have Lagos of their dreams and the masses to live and run the affair in the state with an all-inclusive government to make the state politically stable and united with all the residents benefitting genuinely from a true government committed to a better Lagos State for all.”

  • President Buhari commissions Dangote Fertiliser Plant in Lagos

    President Buhari commissions Dangote Fertiliser Plant in Lagos

    President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday, conducted the commissioning of Dangote Fertiliser Plant, with a nameplate capacity of 3 million metric tonnes per annum, at Ibeju Lekki, Lagos.

     

    The president conducted the tapetape-cutting ceremony marking the inauguration of the $2.5 billion project, in the presence of dignitaries including Aliko Dangote, president of Dangote Industries Limited, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu, Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele, and Minister of Trade and Investment Niyi Adebayo.

     

    The urea and ammonia fertiliser plant is the biggest of its kind in the world and, combined with a 650,000 barrels per day oil refinery standing within its vicinity, will cost Africa’s richest man $17.5 billion, Mr Emefiele said at the event.

     

     

    The refinery is due for launch later this year.

     

    Test run began at the facility in March 2020 in hope that production would commence later in the year. But not until the first quarter of 2021 did that happen on account of disruptions from the pandemic outbreak.

     

    According to dangote.com, the plant is Africa’s largest Granulated Urea Fertiliser complex and occupies 500 hectares of land in the Lekki Free Trade Zone.

     

    The plant is also expected to add well over $400 million in foreign exchange to the Nigerian economy from exportation of the products to other Africa countries.

  • Bamise’s death: Sanwo-Olu explains why BRT bus didn’t have camera

    Bamise’s death: Sanwo-Olu explains why BRT bus didn’t have camera

    Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has claimed the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) that the late Oluwabamishe Ayanwole boarded, was locally supplied and has no inbuilt camera.

    On February 26, Oluwabamise closed from work and was on her way to visit her brother, Pelumi, when she boarded the bus around Chevron Bus-stop in the Lekki area of the state.

    The 22-year-old was, however, ‘murdered’ inside the vehicle.

    The driver of the bus, Omininikoron Nice, has since been arrested and is in police custody.

    Sanwo-Olu has assured that investigations are ongoing and explained that the particular bus boarded by Bamise had no inbuilt camera.

    He stated this while briefing reporters on Tuesday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan to commemorate International Women’s Day.

    “There were inbuilt cameras and trackers in buses procured abroad for BRT operations. But those acquired locally to shore up the BRT fleet did not have cameras.

    “The particular bus in which the slain victim rode was one of the buses locally supplied,” a statement signed by Sanwo-Olu’s spokesman, Gboyega Akosile, read.

  • Sanwo-Olu reacts to murder of Lagos BRT passenger, Oluwabamise

    Sanwo-Olu reacts to murder of Lagos BRT passenger, Oluwabamise

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has vowed that killers of Oluwabamise Ayanwole would be brought to book and that nothing would be swept under the carpet.

    Oluwabamise, 22, was kidnapped inside a BRT bus and murdered, with her body dumped on Carter Bridge.

    The prime suspect, Andrew Nice, who drove the BRT has been arrested by the Department of State Services, DSS, and handed over to the police for investigation and prosecution.

    Reacting to the development in series of tweets late Monday night, Sanwo-Olu said the life of every citizen of the state mattered to government.

    “Dear Lagosians, the life of every citizen of the state matters to us, and we do not take the security of our people for granted.

    “We will therefore leave no stone unturned in the investigation and arrest of everyone found culpable in the kidnap and death of Oluwabamise Ayanwola.

    “The driver of the BRT bus involved in this unfortunate incident has been arrested, and Lagos Bus Service Ltd have been directed to cooperate with security agencies in their investigations, so that the full weight of the law is brought down on all involved in this ugly incident,” he tweeted.

    Sanwo-Olu added: “To Oluwabamise’s family and loved ones, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time, may the Almighty God console you. I hereby give you my word that JUSTICE WILL BE SERVED.

    “To fellow Lagosians, I assure you that I am following all the investigation closely, and will ensure that Oluwabamise gets the justice she deserves.

    “I also assure you all that the BRT services remain safe, despite this condemnable act. Once again, my sincere condolences to the Ayanwola family. May Oluwabamise’s soul Rest In Peace. Amen.”

  • Lagos Govt begins structural tests on 3 bridges

    Lagos Govt begins structural tests on 3 bridges

    The Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory (LSMTL) has begun integrity tests on Eko, Ijora and Marine Bridges in Lagos.

    Mr Olufunsho Elulade, General Manager of LSMTL, said the checks on the three bridges were to determine their structural stability to prevent collapse.

    According to him, the checks were requested by contractors handling rehabilitation works on the facilities.

    He explained that samples were been taken from the bridges to test and ascertain if previous fires that gutted them at various times weakened any of their components or not.

    He explained the technicalities behind the various tests to ensure that the bridges were safe for use.

    “Our input is very key because it would be based on our recommendation and the solution we proffer; that is what they (contractor) would do.

    “So, as I speak, we are testing three bridges because the contractor just felt he would rather come to Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory because of their integrity, we work conscientiously and we have expertise.

    “I have builders, geologists, civil engineers, materials engineers, name it. So, the expertise is there. The worst case scenario, it will come to me, I am a COREN registered engineer, a civil engineer and project manager with 30 years experience.

    “So, whatever it is, we will fix. We are testing three bridges, Ijora Courseway, Eko Bridge and Marine Bridge in Apapa; work is ongoing and we started on Monday, February 28th and we have 14 days, so we are working through the 14 days,” he said.

    According to him, the results from the laboratory would determine the advice to be given concerning the bridges.

  • Obasanjo, leader to reckon with globally – Sanwo-Olu

    Obasanjo, leader to reckon with globally – Sanwo-Olu

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has said that Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, a former Nigerian President, is a leader to be reckoned with, in Africa and globally.

    Sanwo-Olu said this in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary Mr Gboyega Akosile, on Friday, while felicitating Obasanjo on the occasion of his 85 years birthday.

    Chief Obasanjo, Nigeria’s first civilian President in the present Fourth Republic, clocks 85 on Saturday, March 5.

    The governor described him as a quintessential leader not only in Nigeria, but globally.

    He said Obasanjo, a retired military General and elder statesman, was worth celebrating, having served in many capacities, especially for unity, peaceful coexistence and socio-economic growth and development of Nigeria.

    Sanwo-Olu said that Obasanjo was one of the few Nigerian leaders who had contributed immensely to the growth and development of the country, both as military and civilian leader, and left with impeccable records.

    He said that Obasanjo, at the global level, was a leader to be reckoned with due to his passionate involvement on African affairs and other global issues.

    ”On behalf of my family, government and the people of Lagos State, I warmly felicitate Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on his 85th birthday anniversary.

    ”Baba Obasanjo is worth celebrating for his contribution to the development of our dear country, especially his service to the nation as a gallant military officer, Head of State and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    ”He has made lots of positive impacts in the country as a military officer and political leader, fighting along with several other patriots for a united Nigeria during his days in the Nigerian Army.

    ”He has written his name in gold as the first Nigerian to serve as Head of State and later Civilian President. He also administered the country with focus on improving the lives of the citizens and the country’s economy.

    ”As Baba Obasanjo celebrates a major milestone, I join your family, friends and associates to wish you many happy returns,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    He prayed that God would grant Obasanjo long life and good health, so that the country could continue to tap from his fountain of knowledge and experience, as an elder statesman and global leader.