Tag: Sanwo-Olu

Just In: Gov Sanwo-olu wades in to halt Lagos nurses strike

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu sensiing the danger ahead if nurses embark on strike held a closed-door meeting with members of the Nigerian Association of Nurses and Midwives, Lagos State Council at the State House, Marina on Sunday evening.

The meeting was called by the Governor to address the grievances of the nursing workforce in the State.

At the end of the two hours meeting, both the Government and the union agreed on a number of issues that had been causing disaffection between the two parties.

Governor Sanwo-Olu pledged Government’s sincerity in the implementation of all that was agreed on, to the delight of the representatives of the nurses.

On his part, chairman, Lagos State Council of the Nigerian Association of Nurses and Midwives, Comrade Olurotimi Awojide thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu for acceding to most of their requests. He described the Governor as a true leader and father who cares about his children.

Awojide promised to call an emergency congress of the association on Monday, where the union will announce her decision to call off the planned industrial action.

January 10, 2022
Ikoyi building collapsed due to erosion of professional ethics – Tribunal report

…as Sanwo-Olu receives report on why 21-storey building collapsed

…says collapse is rooted in the collapse of values, morals and ethics which we need to work on as a nation

The six-man tribunal set up by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on the Ikoyi collapsed building has submitted its report.

It blamed the collapse on the erosion of professional ethics and due diligence.

A statement by the Tribunal Chairman, Toyin Ayinde, stressed that the building collapse is rooted in the collapse of values, morals and ethics which we need to work on as a nation”.

It reads: “Having spent approximately six weeks on thisassignment, we now wish to make our submission to the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu who
constituted the Tribunal.

“We need to note, however, that building collapse is rooted in the collapse of values, morals and ethics which we need to work on as a nation.

“We cannot sow the wind and not expect to reap the whirlwind.

“Therefore, ethics and due diligence need to be restored.

“To execute this assignment successfully, the tribunal visited the project site for a general assessment; coordinated activities of the consultants who conducted tests on the site; received and reviewed documents from relevant MDAs; conducted 35 interview sessions; interrogated 91 persons; requested and received a total of 21 memoranda; and accessed the home of the late C.E.O. of Fourscore Heights Limited, Mr. Olufemi Osibona, with a view to gathering any other useful/relevant information to support the tribunal’s fact-finding mission.

“The tribunal further received submissions from professional associations, groups and individuals that helped in formulating the
recommendations proposed.

“The tribunal had the opportunity to access the home of the late CEO of Fourscore Heights Limited, in the presence of members of his family, where some documents that were scanned helped in gaining further insights into the case, particularly the processes that led to the construction and eventual collapse.

“The tribunal also hosted a representation of the developer’s company comprising two legal firms.

“It is on record that in their first and second appearances, the lawyers had expressed the fact that they were external lawyers to the company and had little knowledge about the case in hand.

“We were, however, later to receive a request from the same lawyers (five weeks after the collapse) to make an independent investigation
in view of a suggestion, to them only, of possible sabotage.

“The tribunal was of the opinion that pursuing such a course was equal to mocking all of those who lost their lives in the collapsed building, and for which there had been no closure yet.

“The lawyers were advised to seek permission from the state authorities.

“We are, therefore, pleased to present to Mr. Governor the report of the inquiry carried out, containing the various findings, and the recommendations, which we hope the government would be able to implement in order to bring a lasting solution to building collapse, not only in Lagos State, but nationally.

“We, therefore, seek protection as members of this tribunal to be seen as having discharged this assignment to the best of our ability, without sentiments, and that we have acted based on the documents that were made available to us, as well as the information gathered from all the witnesses who appeared before the tribunal.”

The 21-storey building on Gerrard Road, Ikoyi, collapsed on November 4, killing at least 44 people.

January 5, 2022
Southwest Governors: Lagos must deploy Amotekun now as police officer disrespects Sanwo-Olu

We are in possession of a video which has gone viral on the social media concerning the disgraceful exchange between a police officer, a CSP, and the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwoolu, the supposed Chief Security Officer of the State, at the Magodo Residential Estate.

The content of the video is very disconcerting, and this is being charitable. The utter disrespect, which underlines the response of the officer to the Governor establishes, beyond doubt, the impracticability of the current system, dubiously christened “Federalism”. An arrangement, which compels the Governor of a State to seek clarifications on security issues in his jurisdiction from totally extraneous bodies or persons, is a sure recipe for anarchy.

We condemn, very strongly, this brazen assault on decency. We call on the IG to explain the justification for this intrusion. This is not acceptable. Any expectations of rapprochement between so called federating units and federal security agencies are becoming forlorn, progressively, due to deliberate acts which mock our very avowal to ethics and professionalism.

We condemn, in very clear terms, the role of the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr Abubakar Malami SAN in this act of gross moral turpitude.

We, on our part, will continue to interrogate the current system, which treats elected representatives of the people as mere prefects, while appointed office holders ride rough shod over them as Lords of the Manor. If the purported Chief Security Officers of the States of the Federation require clearance from the office of the IG on matters within their areas of jurisdictions, only hypocrites will wonder why the current security crisis deepens and there appears to be no solution in the foreseeable future.

We condemn very strongly, this brazen assault on decency. We call on the IG to explain the justification for this intrusion. This is not acceptable. Any expectations of rapprochement between so called federating units and federal security agencies are becoming forlorn, progressive due to deliberate acts which mock our very avowal to ethics and professionalism.

We condemn, in very clear terms, the role of the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr Abubakar Malami SAN in this act of gross moral turpitude.

We, on our part, will continue to interrogate the current system, which treats elected representatives of the people as mere prefects, while appointed office holders ride rough shod over them as Lords of the Manor. If the purported Chief Security Officers of the States of the Federation require clearance from the office of the IG on matters within their areas of jurisdictions, only hypocrites will wonder why the current security crisis deepens and there appears to be no solution in the foreseeable future.

We condemn very strongly, this brazen assault on decency. We call on the IG to explain the justification for this intrusion. This is not acceptable. Any expectations of rapprochement between so called federating units and federal security agencies are becoming forlorn, progressively, due to deliberate acts which mock our very avowal to ethics and professionalism.

We stand by our brother, the Governor of Lagos State. We advise him to deploy the Regional security outfit in the State to protect the lives and property of the people.

We call on the President and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces to rein in the excesses of certain elements bent on acting in a manner capable of eroding the bond of trust existing between the people and the Federal Government. It is preposterous for political appointees to seek to undermine the very structure of service upon which their appointments rest.

Signed:
Arakunrin Oluwarotimi O. Akeredolu SAN
Chairman South West Governors’ Forum.

January 5, 2022
[Video] Watch Moment Police CSP defies Gov. Sanwo-Olu orders

A yet to be identified Chief Superintendent of Police has openly defied the order of the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to vacate the Magodo Phase 2 Estate area of the state today, January 4.

The residents of the estate had taken to the street on Tuesday morning, January 4, to protest the continuous presence of policemen in the estate. A few weeks ago, police officers numbering about 50 stormed the estate in the company of some persons believed to be landgrabbers to demolish the houses. They say they were acting on a court order obtained from the Supreme court. They were however stopped but they have since laid siege in the estate.

On Tuesday afternoon, Governor Sanwo-Olu led some members of his cabinet to the estate to speak with the protesting residents. While at the estate, the governor asked the police officers led by a CSP to vacate the estate but the CSP however told the governor that he and his armed colleagues were at the estate on the orders of the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba; as well as the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN).

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January 5, 2022
AFCON: Sanwo-Olu to lead FG’s high powered delegation to Cameroon

The Federal Government has named a high powered delegation, to lead Nigerian contingent to the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, starting in Cameroon on Sunday.

Toyin Ibitoye, Special Assistant to the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said the delegation would be led by the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo- Olu.

Others were, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege, Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Sports, Mr Obinna Ogba and Mr Olumide Osoba.

Other members of the delegation are, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Folashade Yemi-Esan, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, and Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola.

Others are, the minister of youth and sports development, Minister of Agriculture, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, Ministers of State for Finance, Mr Clem Agba, Agriculture, Mr Mustapha Baba Shehuri and Science and Technology, Mr Mohammed Abdullahi, the Special Adviser to Mr President on Sports, Mr Daniel Amokachi as well as a representative of the Department of State Security(DSS).

Others expected to be part of a special delegation were Mr Sunday Asefun, the president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Mr Allen Onyeama, Chairman of Airpeace, Bisi Adebutu, Executive Director, Premier Lotto, Mr Emmanuel Orhiaki, Executive Director Marketing, Nigeria Breweries.

The list is completed by Karl Toriola, Managing Director, MTN and Mr Alfred Olajide, Managing Director of Coca-cola.

The delegation is expected to leave for Cameroon on Monday, ahead of Nigeria’s first game on Jan. 11 in Garoua.

The Super Eagles are in Group D alongside Egypt, Sudan and Guinea Bissau.

The group games will be played in Garoua with Nigeria’s first game against Egypt.

January 4, 2022
Sanwo-Olu gives update on Lagos 4th Mainland Bridge

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sunday disclosed that the construction of the long awaited 38km 4th Mainland Bridge would begin this year.

The governor spoke at the 2022 Thanksgiving Service held at the State House, Ikeja, Lagos on Sunday.

Sanwo-Olu said this New Year 2022 is a special year for his administration, because it would be the final full year of the four-year mandate given to him by Lagosians in 2019.

“It will therefore be a Season of Consolidation, a year in which we hope to complete all ongoing projects and significantly advance our journey towards the Greater Lagos of our collective desire.

“By the special Grace of God, the vision of having the largest Rice Mill in sub-Saharan Africa and one of the largest in the world will become a reality this year.

“Also, this year 2022 will witness a milestone achievement in the rail transportation system in our State, as we expect the 37km Red and 27.5km Blue Line Rail projects to commence commercial operations between the last quarter of this year and first quarter of 2023,” he said.

The governor added: “Equally, construction work on the 38km 4th Mainland Bridge — which will be the longest in Africa — and the Opebi-Mende link bridge will commence this year. 2022 will also witness, by the special Grace of God, the completion of the ongoing reconstruction work on the 18.75km Eleko to T-Junction in Epe, the 10km Lekki Regional Road, and the section of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway that the Lagos State Government is constructing with the permission of the Federal Government.

“These are just a handful of the projects that will be completed or advanced this year. Indeed, 2022 will witness remarkable development on various fronts: Infrastructure, Technology, Health and Education, Security, and many more; all of which will translate to a significant improvement in the quality of life of all Lagosians.”

January 3, 2022
Sanwo-Olu offers free BRT rides to Lagosians

Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved free ride on Bus Rapid Transit corridors to Lagos residents on Christmas and New Year days.

Managing Director, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Mrs Abimbola Akinajo, made this known in a statement issued on Friday in Lagos by LAMATA’s spokesman, Mr Kolawole Ojelabi.

Akinajo said that the free bus commuter services would be offered to Lagosians on the Ikorodu to TBS, Oshodi to Abule Egba and Lagos Badagry Expressway BRT corridors.

She said the package was offered in the spirit of joy, love and peace which Christmas signifies.

According to her, Gov. Sanwo-Olu is convinced that the best way to end the year and begin a new one is with hope.

“Lagosians must, therefore, enter the New Year, which promises to change and improve commuter experience, in comfort.

“The governor has given his promise for the commencement of passenger operations on the first two phases of the state’s rail lines – Blue and Red line.

“He has demonstrated this commitment by the completion of both rail lines by sourcing funds for their completion and provision of rolling stock.

“What is therefore expected of us is to support him so that we are able to realise his vision,’’ Akinajo said.

December 25, 2021
Lagos Assembly approves Sanwo-Olu’s N18bn loan request

The Lagos State House of Assembly has approved Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s request for approval of the bridging facility loan offered by the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget, and National Planning to facilitate the speedy completion of the Regional road and Lekki-Epe Expressway project.

The House which is currently handling budget defence by MDAs recently called for a plenary to grant the governor’s request.

In furtherance to the request, the House granted the approval for the sum of ₦3,750,000,000.00 for the Regional road project and the sum of ₦15,000,000,000.00 for the Lekki-Epe Expressway project respectively, totaling to the sum of ₦18,750,000,000.00.

Speaking on the report, Hon. Rotimi Olowo, Chairman, House Committee on Finance, submitted that the interest rate is 5% in the first two years and 9% in subsequent years, giving it a two-year moratorium.

Lending his support on the approval, Hon. Setonji David noted that the loan is a single digit with a repayment period of 30 years under which the project will drive sustainable economic growth and development in the State.

Other lawmakers in support of the request commended the State Government proactiveness, saying that it will bring immense infrastructural benefits to Lagos State.

The Speaker, Rt Hon. Mudashiru Obasa directed the Acting Clerk of the House, Mr. Olalekan Onafeko therefore sent a clean copy of the approval to Governor Sanwo-Olu.

December 24, 2021
Sanwo-Olu lauds comic actress, Eniola Badmus

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has joined other prominent Nigerians to celebrate Nollywood actress, Eniola Badmus for attaining a milestone in her career.

Eniola Badmus began her acting career in year 2000 and became famous eight years later after she featured in actress Funke Akindele’s blockbuster ‘Omo Ghetto’.

The actress recently celebrated 20 years on stage, an event that was graced by comedian Ali Baba, comedian Ayo Ajewole, Davido, KWAM 1, Sanwo-Olu amongst others.

Sanwo-Olu, represented at the event by the Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Solomon Bonu, acknowledged the impact made by the celebrant in the movie world through creative and hilarious roles played in several movies, adding that the array of dignitaries at the occasion further attested to the love for Eniola Badmus and her wide acceptability.

He said that the actress and her colleagues are very important to the realisation of his plans for the entertainment industry, especially the movie sector.

During the occasion, the Governor reaffirmed his commitment to the advancement of the movie industry, revealing that his administration has made a commitment to continually hone the skills of practitioners in the industry.

“As we speak, hundreds of young practitioners in the filmmaking industry are undergoing training in different aspects of the trade, through our partnership with two renowned creative media organisations.

“I know that it will be the delight of Eniola Badmus and all other stakeholders in the filmmaking industry to see that the sector is advancing in terms of content and quality and that is what we are committed to doing,” the Governor stated.

Sanwo-Olu recalled that the State Government, through EbonyLife Creative Academy, recently produced another set of graduands trained in cinematography, set designing and acting, among others, stressing that three different batches of graduates have so far been produced in 2021 to inject fresh ideas and professionalism in the movie industry.

He, therefore, challenged practitioners in the industry to continue to invest in the upcoming artists in such a way that their vision for the industry would outlive them.

December 14, 2021
Renounce memberships of secret cults now if you belong to any, Sanwo-Olu counsels secondary school students

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged students in the state to promptly report any incident of bullying and not be afraid to report anyone that mistreats them.

The governor while addressing the students on Friday, during the commissioning of Lagos State Model College in Igbokuta, Ikorodu stressed that bullying will not be tolerated.

“The choice of school projects we are delivering is to raise the standards of our schools and ensure that you pupils learn under the most conducive environment. You must be well behaved, if there is any unusual event, don’t be afraid to say it out. We will not allow bullying in our schools.

“Senior pupils are meant to support and encourage their junior ones. We do not want to have pupils that will be condoning bullying and cultism in their schools. Any one of you who is a bully or member of a secret cult group must renounce and stay away from the act,” the governor said.

The projects include 12 classrooms block, a 182-bed dormitory, reading rooms, and a laundromat built in the State-owned Model College. Sanwo–Olu said his administration believed effective teaching and learning could only take place when standard infrastructure and well-trained teaching staff are provided.

He encouraged the students not to keep quiet in the face of bullying but to, “say something if you see something. We are determined to eradicate bullying and ensure there is harmony in all our schools. I want you to be supportive of one another. It is only when you support yourselves that you will grow to become great students, individuals, and great citizens of this nation.”

The governor also tasked the teachers to be watchful and attentive to pupils’ observation, noting that showing understanding could save bullied pupils.

His Government, he said, remained committed to raising quality and providing an equitable education to all students.

Governor Sanwo-Olu’s statement comes on the heels of the death of Sylvester Oromoni, a 12-year-old student of Dowen College, whose death has raised concerns.

The late student was alleged to have been attacked by “some of his senior colleagues” for refusing to join a cult group — but the school has denied the claim.

Following the development, the Lagos government sealed off the school, which is located at the Lekki axis of the state while the police said they have commenced investigation into the incident.

The Lagos State Police Command on Tuesday said five students of Dowen College, as well as three housemasters of the school, are now in their custody and are being quizzed over their alleged involvement in Oromoni’s death.

December 11, 2021