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Tag: Sanwo-Olu

  • Sanwo-Olu demands state police, special status for Lagos

    Sanwo-Olu demands state police, special status for Lagos

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, demanded state police, fiscal federalism and a special economic status for the state as constitutional review public hearing begins across the country.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu made the demands at the opening of the two-day Senate zonal public hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution under the leadership of Senator Oluremi Tinubu, held at Marriot Hotel, Ikeja in Lagos State, according to a statement by the state government.

    He said, “For us in Lagos State, the issues of State Police and fiscal federalism are at the top of the priority list for us, in this ongoing review process. Equally fundamental, particularly for us in Lagos State, is the issue of a Special Economic Status for Lagos, considering our place in the national economy and the special burdens we bear by virtue of our large population and limited landmass.

    “I believe the need for this Special Status has been sufficiently articulated and justified. It suffices for me at this point to restate that this request is by no means a selfish one, but one that is actually in the interest of every Nigerian and of Nigeria as a nation.

    “The progress and prosperity of Nigeria are inextricably linked to the progress and prosperity of Lagos State. A Special Status for Lagos State, therefore, must be a concern not only for the people of Lagos State alone but for all Nigerians.”

    Sanwo-Olu also called on all Nigerians within the zone being covered by the Senate Committee on Constitutional amendment to embrace the opportunity of the zonal hearing so that their voices and opinions will count in the amended constitution that will emerge.

    Sanwo-Olu, who applauded the leadership and members of the National Assembly for responding to the concerns of Nigerians on the need to carry out a review of the 1999 Constitution to reflect current realities, assured them of the Lagos State Government support in any way necessary to make the assignment easier and highly rewarding for all Nigerians.

    Representatives of several states, town, communities, associations and Civil Society Organisations spoke on several issues that have to do with states creation, gender equality and special status, among others.

     

  • BREAKING: Sanwo-Olu fires LASU Council, orders fresh process for VC appointment

    BREAKING: Sanwo-Olu fires LASU Council, orders fresh process for VC appointment

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has accepted the recommendations of the Special Visitation Panel on the appointment of the 9th Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the Lagos State University (LASU).

    The governor mandated the dissolution of the Governing Council and the removal of the Pro-Chancellor and Council Chairman for blatant violations of the extant laws guiding the appointment of a VC.

    Sanwo-Olu cancelled the second failed exercise to appoint the 9th Substantive Vice-Chancellor.

    He cited the flagrant contravention of extant laws, breach of due process, failure and disregard to follow laid down criteria guiding the process for the appointment as publicly advertised.

    A statement by Gbenga Omotoso, Commissioner for Information said in due course, a new Governing Council for LASU will be constituted.

    “The reconstituted Council shall conduct a new process for the appointment of the 9th Vice-Chancellor”, Omotoso noted.

    Members of the Joint Council and the Senate Committee who participated in the two failed exercises of 2020 and 2021 to appoint a 9th Vice-Chancellor are exempted from further participation in the VC appointment process.

    The Acting Vice-Chancellor and management of the University were directed to elect new council members from the Senate.

    The Registrar and Secretary to Council were ordered to proceed on leave with immediate effect till the end of the process for the appointment of the VC.

    The state government said they failed to advise the Joint Council and Senate Committee against taking wrong decisions, which were against the provision of the law during the two failed exercises of 2020 and 2021.

    An Acting Registrar will superintend over the new exercise, while the Acting VC is to forward to Sanwo-Olu, through the Surrogate Council (Special Adviser on Education), the list of all the Deputy Registrars of LASU for the purpose of appointing an Acting Registrar.

    “The Governor, following the recommendation of the Special Visitation Panel, shall be setting up a full Visitation Panel for Lagos State University immediately”, the statement added.

     

  • Lagos mulls establishment of own Anti-Corruption Commission

    Lagos mulls establishment of own Anti-Corruption Commission

    Lagos State Government is set to establish an Anti-Corruption Commission, with Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Monday signing the Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission Bill 2021 into law.

    Sanwo-olu said during the signing ceremony at Lagos House, Ikeja, that the move was to deepen the culture of accountability and transparency in the expenditure of appropriated public funds.

    He said that with the legislation put in place, the anti-corruption commission, which would be formally set up in the coming days, had been backed by the instrument of law.

    According to him, the commission is to investigate and prosecute officials of the state government and deregistered contractors indicted for economic crimes and financial misappropriation.

    Sanwo-Olu said that the action was a testimony to the state government’s effort towards entrenching accountability in governance and checking malfeasance among officers entrusted with public resources.

    ”The bill establishing Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission is an important legislation critical to the delivery of quality services to the citizens.

    ”When we came in, we had said we would be accountable and responsible in the appropriation of the state’s resources.

    “We want to stand in front of the citizens to give account on how public funds are being spent.

    ”To give credence to this promise, the executive arm initiated the bill and sent to the Assembly for approval.

    “We believe that this law would ensure accountability of public funds, responsibility of public office, it will also promote dialogue among public officers to keep the trust of the people in the discharge of their duties in line with transparency.

    ”The anti-corruption commission will ensure that all approved activities are implemented in accordance with budgetary allocation,” he said.

    Sanwo-Olu said that the anti-corruption commission would be independent in its operations and functions.

    He said that the agency would complement efforts of similar agencies in the police and federal establishment.

    Also, the governor assented to the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority Bill 2021, initiated by the executive arm to coordinate activities of lottery agencies operating within the state.

    He said that the Lotteries and Gaming Authority Bill 2021 was to simplify and incorporate technological innovations in the gaming sector.

    Sanwo-Olu said that the law sought to harmonise five gaming and lottery formats, such as casino, jackpot, pool, lotto and sports betting, thereby regulating the sector and checking fraudulent activities of unregistered game centres within the state.

    He said that the former lottery law of the state did not meet the contemporary needs in the industry.

    This, according to him, was why the executive initiated the bill to accommodate technology in regulating the business.

    ”As a forward-looking government, we are doing the needful to ensure fair play, regulation and monitoring is brought back into the gaming industry.

    ”The law is not in any form to stifle investment, but to offer better platform for lottery companies to enhance equity, transparency and make their investment more rewarding,” the governor said.

    Sanwo-Olu reiterated that his government’s actions would continue to boost confidence of the public and promote accountability in governance.

    He thanked the Speaker and members of the Assembly for cooperating with the executive arm and consistently prioritisng executive bills aimed at delivering good governance.

    The Commissioner for Justice, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, said that the two bills signed by the governor brought to 10 legislation sponsored by the executive and passed by the House of Assembly to strengthen good governance.

    Onigbanjo said that 26 executive bills had been initiated since inception of the current administration.

    ”The anti-corruption agency to be established is akin to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to prosecute misappropriation of public funds in the state.

    ”The chairman of the agency will be appointed by the governor, subject to the ratification of the House of Assembly.

    “If the investigation leads to prima facie case, the offender will be prosecuted in the court,” he said.

  • Sanwo-Olu inaugurates ‘red’ line rail project, compensate property owners

    Sanwo-Olu inaugurates ‘red’ line rail project, compensate property owners

    Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has inaugurated the rail mass transit scheme, also known as the Red Line, in Ikeja.

    Cheques were also presented to persons whose properties were affected by the project.

    Sanwo-Olu said about 263 property owners and tenants were compensated.

    The 37km standard gauge line, with 12 proposed stations, would share tracks with the Lagos-Ibadan railway modernisation project.

    It is divided into two phases with phase one covering Oyingbo to Agbado with nine stations.

    Sanwo-Olu said: “Three of the stations will be built with the Lagos/ Ibadan Railway Modernisation Projects by the Federal Government at Agbado, Agege and Ebute Metta Junction. The remaining six would be built as independent stations at Iju, Ikeja, Oshodi, Mushin Yaba and Oyingbo.

    “Phase two, which would be mostly elevated, would have stations at Iddo and Ebute-Ero, before terminating at Marina where a huge interchange is planned to manage commuters on the Red, Green and Blue Rail lines, BRT buses and those using the waterways.

    “Some of the unique characteristics of the Red Line is its integration with the Ikeja Bus Terminal, Oshodi – Abule-Egba Bus Rapid Transit, the future Orange Line, which goes from Ikeja to Agbowa, and the General Aviation Terminal One of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport through a skywalk.

    “This particular station, which has been appropriately named Ikeja Train Centre, also has facilities for Park and Ride and commercial spaces.

    “Also, the Oshodi Train Station will integrate with the Oshodi Bus Terminal and provide for adequate park and ride services and commercial spaces.

    “Another unique feature of the Red Line is that all the stations have elevated concourses with either at grade island or side platforms for easy boarding and alighting of passengers.

    “The Red Line also integrates with our Bus Terminals at Oyingbo, Yaba, Oshodi, Ikeja and Iju, giving modal options to our people in their daily commute, either for business or leisure. We project that the Red Line would move its first passenger in the fourth quarter of 2022.”

    “We are also simultaneously working on bringing the first phase of our Blue Line to passenger operation. We project that the Blue line would be in operation by the fourth quarter of 2022.

    Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Transport Authority (LAMATA) Abimbola Akinajo said the groundbreaking ceremony showed Governor Sanwo-Olu’s readiness to tackle frontally the transportation challenges in the state.

  • Nigeria is shaking, we need prayer – Sanwo-Olu

    Nigeria is shaking, we need prayer – Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called on clerics to pray for Nigeria as the nation is seriously shaking.

    Nigeria, he said, has been brought down by rising insecurity, ethnicity and religious fanaticism.

    But Sanwo-Olu, on Monday evening, he said Nigeria needed urgent prayer for peace to reign in the midst of insecurity.

    The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Kadir Hamzat at the 2021 Pre-Ramadan lecture/Prayer at the State House, Alausa, Ikeja to usher in the Holy month Ramadan emphasized that the country needed fervent prayers.

    “We should endeavour to pray more because our country is currently shaking. May Allah accept our prayers,” he said.

    In his welcome address, Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Elegushi said, “The Ramadan fast is a command from the Almighty Allah as recorded in the Holy Quran Chapter 2, Verse 189 and I quote: “O ye believers, fasting has been prescribed unto you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may learn self-restraint.”

    “As we are all aware, this time last year, the whole world was rudely shocked by the intrusion of Coronavirus which forced most countries to lockdown hence the event could not hold as we are doing it today.

    “We therefore have every reason to thank the Almighty Allah for giving the world respite and victory recorded so far over the pandemic,” Elegushi said.

    He called on Muslims to avail themselves for the training and serenity that Ramadan afforded “to cleanse our hearts enrich our souls with virtues and re-dedicate ourselves to the good of humanity and the development and progress of our dear State, Lagos and our great country, Nigeria.’’

    In his lecture, Head, Daru Dawah School, Isolo, Sheikh Is-haq Zuglul said, men should be conscious of their deeds as that would have impacts when they eventually die.

    He spoke on the topic titled, “The Purposefulness of Life- not a matter that can be wished away,” saying the atheists did not have credible answers for their assistance, as they believed men’s existence in life was mere consequences.

    “Idols worshippers believe in the existence of God but do not believe in His messengers. They handpicked messengers for themselves.”

    The Cleric added, “Let me use this gathering to commend the state Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his role during the EndSARS’ protest, he acted like a caring father who is concerned about the danger in his house. What amazes me is the kindness he exhibited during the protest.”

    Delivering the second lecture, Dr Sa’eid Ahmad, who spoke on the topic, “Avail the teachings of Ramadan for a peaceful & progressive society amidst Covid-19 challenges.” enjoined Muslim faithful to take the issue of safety protocols serious.

  • Lagos Govt. gifts cash rewards to 2018 NSF medalists

    Lagos Govt. gifts cash rewards to 2018 NSF medalists

    The Lagos State Government on Thursday redeemed its pledge by gifting the 2018 National Sports Festivals’ (NSF) athletes various cash rewards for doing the state proud.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the award ceremony for the 2018 contingent was held at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere.

    The athletes were rewarded in accordance with medals won at the 2018 NSF in Abuja.

    Athletes who won individual gold medal got N300,000; silver medalists were rewarded with N200, 000 for their efforts, and bronze medalists, N100,000.

    For the team sports, gold medalists got N750,000, while silver medalist received N500,000 and bronze medalist, N300,000 for their various efforts.

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Segun Dawodu, who commended the state government’s gesture, said that the ceremony was a testimony of the governments integrity of keeping its words.

    “Lagos has a culture of fulfilling its promises and this is the essence of this ceremony today. We want to reassure the athletes of our commitment to their welfare.

    “Although the present government did not make the promise to them, but we are obliged to keep the promise made by previous administration in rewarding the athletes.

    “This is a way to encourage the athletes to do their best in the coming NSF and that any promise made to them will be fulfilled, he said.

    The Chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Sola Aiyepeku, restated the commission’s resolve at taking care of their welfare for better outing during Edo 2020 in Benin.

    “There has been a lot of bad experiences in the past, when some promised but failed, this is not our own style as we will fulfil our promises.

    “We had dialogue with the sports loving Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on the backlog of the promise made to our athletes yet unfulfilled and he promised to see to it.

    “The governor is desirous of the welfare of our athletes so he approved that they should be well compensated and it is ironic that we are doing it now after several postponements since January.

    “We have even gone ahead to solicit for funds for those going to the Olympics from the governor and he has approved N2.5 million for each athlete, he said.

    The Lagos State Team Captain, Ahmed Koleosho, said that the cash reward would go a long way to motivating the athletes who had pledged to give their best at the Edo 2020 festival.

    “This is the biggest morale booster for us and we expect our athletes to even perform better in their outings come NSF Edo 2020, he said.

    Nigeria’s number one ranked Table Tennis player, Bose Odunsanya, who also applauded the state government’s gesture, noted that she was ready to defend his number one title.

  • In Photos: Sanwo-Olu, Fayemi, Abiodun, others stranded at Abuja airport over bad weather

    In Photos: Sanwo-Olu, Fayemi, Abiodun, others stranded at Abuja airport over bad weather

    Governors, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Gboyega Oyetola, Kayode Fayemi, Dapo Abiodun, joined the 12th Bola Tinubu Colloquium from the Nnamdi Azikwe Airport, Abuja.

    The governors were billed to travel to Kano but had to join virtually from a hall at the airport due to bad weather.

    Other dignitaries who also could not fly to Kano, include Senator kashim Shettima, Senator YAYI Adeola, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, and Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.

  • Sanwo-Olu gifts Iya Awero three-bedroom flat

    Sanwo-Olu gifts Iya Awero three-bedroom flat

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has gifted Nollywood veteran Lanre Hassan aka Iya Awero a three-bedroom flat in the recently commissioned Prince Abiodun Ogunleye Housing Estate, Igbogbo.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu handed her the keys to the apartment during the commissioning on Wednesday.

    The governor’s chief press secretary Gboyega Akosile shared the video of the presentation on Twitter.

    Speaking in Yoruba, the 70-year-old actress showed gratitude to the governor and his deputy Obafemi Hamzat, praying that God will also provide for them.

     

    Sanwo-Olu commissioned the estate with 360 home units comprising 120 one bedroom, 120 two bedrooms and 120 three bedrooms homes at Bayeku road, Igbogbo, Ikorodu.

    The governor named the housing estate after the former deputy governor of Lagos and political leader in Ikorodu, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye.

    The project is a follow up scheme for Oba Adeboruwa Estate also situated along Igbogbo Baiyeku road. It was instigated to provide more homes for Lagosians residing in Ikorodu axis.

     

  • Name LASU after Jakande, Lagos prominent indigenes tell Sanwo-Olu

    Name LASU after Jakande, Lagos prominent indigenes tell Sanwo-Olu

    A group of Lagos Prominent indigenes has implored Governor Babajide SanwoOlu to name Lagos State University (LASU) after the first civilian governor, late Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande for his meritorious services to the state.

    This request was contained in a Press statement issued by their spokesman, Chief Adesunbo Onitiri in Lagos at the weekend.

    “The Late Jakande founded and established the pioneer university and nurtured it to maturity.

    “Other state universities in the country were named after their pioneer founders included Ambrose Alli University in Edo State, Adekunle Ajasin University in Ado Ekiti and Olabisi Onabanjo in Ogun State,” the lndigenes reminded Governor SanwoOlu.

    According to the Lagos lndigenes, Alhaji Jakande deserved such honour as his works in the state were yet to be surpassed.

    “He had done more than any governor dead or living. His legacies included the Lagos Epe- Expressway, Lagos- Badagry Expressway and the Banana Estate, lkoyi amongst others.

    “The scripting of governance in Lagos State cannot be chronicled without Jakande as one of the chief-protagonists and, we dare say, inadequately sung heros of our nation,” the group stated.

    The group pointed out that an elegy was not befitting to capture the life of such a man as Alhaji Jakande, rather an eulogy would do.

    “Alhaji Lateef Jakande made way to history books by sheer completeness in biography, excelling personally, professionally and politically.

    “A simple, unassuming, small-statured man with an ‘iroko’ personality, LKJ during his lifetime, stood tall as a role model to many, whether old or young, political or apolitical, Muslim or Christian, Southerner, Westerner or Northerner.

    “Lagosian by roots, we dare say he was a nationalist and knew no ethnic bigotry.
    Born on the 23rd day of July, 1929 in the Epetedo area of Lagos Island, LKJ was a journalist per excellence and became Governor of Lagos State from 1979-1983.

    “He was later appointed Minister of Works under the Sanni Abacha’s military regime.

    “As Governor, LKJ stretched forth his hands as farthest as he could to reach the poorest grassroots through his housing and neighbourhood primary and secondary educational programmes, noted the group.

    The Prominent lndigenes recalled how Jakande envisioned the Lagos State University and his administration conceptualised and actualised the Lagos-Badagry Expressway that opened that sector of the State for development.

    The Lagos Metroline (LML) project was his brainchild, they also recalled.

    ” lt was of particular note that throughout his lifetime, Alhaji contentedly lived in his personal house in the Ilupeju area of Lagos and used his personal car, even when he was governor.

    “What manner of man! His visionary leadership is peerless and he would easily remain one of the best public office holders in the political history of Nigeria; last of the Titans.

    “A true Awoist with a culture of progressivism and an unbending tenacity for the welfare and the uplift of the masses, he has effortlessly become a ‘political allusion’ and metaphor for performance, not just in Lagos State, but across the country.

    “Alhaji Lateef Jakande lived for the good of others, state and country and his people-oriented policies and legacy of standing for all would long be remembered.

    “The former minister is a ‘personification’ of simplicity, honesty, dedication and selflessness. His life, not his death, drives home the sermon.

    “May Almighty Allah grant his noble soul unimpeded access and permanent residence in Aljanah Firdaus. Amin!”, the prayed.

  • TRENDING VIDEOS: Rival cult groups dare Sanwo-Olu, wreak havoc in Ketu hours after signing 21-year jail term for cultists

    TRENDING VIDEOS: Rival cult groups dare Sanwo-Olu, wreak havoc in Ketu hours after signing 21-year jail term for cultists

    Barely 48 hours after Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu approved a 21-year jail term for convicted cultists in the state, the Ikosi Ketu area of the state was embroiled in violence allegedly perpetrated by rival cult groups.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that Sanwo-Olu on Monday signed the bill for the Prohibition of Unlawful Societies and Cultism 2021 into Law at Lagos House, Ikeja.

    However, residents of the area woke up to a disturbing Wednesday morning when the rampaging cultists started running after each other with cutlasses, bottles and other dangerous weapons.

    According to viral videos that surfaced online early Wednesday morning, the hoodlums had a field despite the presence of policemen.

    See videos video and tweets below as shared by eyewitnesses on Twitter:

    https://twitter.com/Ibkinging/status/1372066218518183936?s=20

    https://twitter.com/WhoIsMuktar/status/1372095727539748865?s=20