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Tag: Sanwo-Olu

  • Sanwo-Olu approves 21-year jail term for cultists

    Sanwo-Olu approves 21-year jail term for cultists

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Monday, approved a 21-year jail term for convicted cultists in the state.

    Sanwo-Olu approved the jail term as he signed the bill for the Prohibition of Unlawful Societies and Cultism 2021 into Law at Lagos House, Ikeja.

    He also signed three other bills into law, which were the Lagos State Audit Service Commission (Amendment) Law of 2019, Lagos State Public Procurement Bill of 2021 and Coronavirus Pandemic Emergency Law of 2021.

    According to him, the state has suffered the negative effects of unlawful societies and cultism and the new law seeks to make parents more responsible.

    He said the new law sought to make parents show more interests in the upbringing of their children and wards to ensure they did not become a burden to society.

    The State House of Assembly, in February, passed the anti-cultism bill, which stipulated a 15-year jail term for anyone found guilty of abetting cultists and residents who willfully allowed their property to be used as meeting points by cultists.

    The anti-cultism law repealed the Cultism (Prohibition) Law of 2007 (now Cap. C18, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015) and provided for more stringent punitive measures.

    It also made its application all-encompassing and applicable to the general public, as against the restriction of the previous law to students of tertiary institutions.

    The bill to amend the State’s Audit Law of 2015 was initiated by the executive to address observed flaws hindering the successful implementation of the extant Audit Law, Cap. A13, Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

    With the amendments, the Central Internal Audit (CIA) which was a department in the Ministry of Finance would now be a department under the Audit Service Commission.

    This was to bring auditors under one body for effective administration and independence of internal auditors in line with best global practices.

    The Lagos State Public Procurement Agency Law originally enacted in 2011, formed the legal bedrock for the public procurement regime in the state.

    The Law was based on the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) model which was a properly regulated procurement system standard on international best practices.

  • Photos: Lagos Governor, Deputy, others receive COVID-19 vaccine

    Photos: Lagos Governor, Deputy, others receive COVID-19 vaccine

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, on Friday took the first injection of the Astra Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

    Sanwo-Olu took the injection at 3:03p.m. while Hamzat was injected at about 3:10p.m. at the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), Yaba.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that the state government took delivery of the first consignment of 507,000 vaccines allocated to it by the Federal Government on Tuesday.

    The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso and some health workers also took the jab of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

    Sanwo-Olu, who is the state’s COVID-19 Incident Commander, thanked the frontline workers for their services and efforts at curbing the spread of the virus.

    He said that the government would come out with a strategy to vaccinate the residents, while hoping that the world would be free of the virus soon.

    The governor also urged the people to refrain from spreading false information about the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, saying it (the vaccine) would help to fight the infection of the virus.

    Earlier, during a news conference, Prof. Abayomi, who was the first to be vaccinated, assured the people that the vaccine was safe.

    He said he felt like his normal self after the shot was administered.

    The commissioner, however, said expectant mothers and children below 18 years old were exempted from taking the vaccine.

    ”We are not recommending the vaccine for expectant mothers at this point in time. We are, however, watching the landscape and scientific data to see whether at some point in time we would have enough information and confidence to give to pregnant women, and at what stage of the pregnancy it can be administered.

    ”Another group of persons exempted are those under 18 years because the clinical trials did not include children to ascertain the efficacy and safety of the vaccine.

    ”The vaccines are safe for everyone because the clinical trials included ethnic representations across the world and countries where the trials were done.

    ”The collective result suggests that all ethnic groups across the world demonstrate appropriate response to the vaccine to acquire suitable level of immunity as prescribed by the World Health Organisation (WHO),” he said.

    Abayomi re-emphasised that the vaccination was to boost immunity and there was no guarantee that those vaccinated would not be infected with coronavirus again.

    He appealed to Lagos residents and Nigerians in general to make themselves available for vaccination when there was avalability of more vaccine.

    In his remarks, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, appealed to residents to continue to take preventive measures.

    Omotoso urged media organisations to continue advocacy on the need for residents to get vaccinated.

  • Lagos to lay 4th Mainland Bridge foundation before end of 2021 – Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos to lay 4th Mainland Bridge foundation before end of 2021 – Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday said that the foundation for the proposed Fourth Mainland Bridge would be laid before the end of year 2021.

    Sanwo-Olu made this known during the 16th Executive/Legislative Parley, with the theme: ”A Consensus Agenda for Rebuilding Lagos”, organised by the Office of Civic Engagement.

    He said that the government was determined that execute the Fourth Mainland Bridge, as it would improve movement in the state.

    ”We did not politically promise Fourth Mainland Bridge but we are going to do Fourth Mainland Bridge.

    ”With your prayers and by the grace of Almighty God, we shall turn the sod and lay the foundation for the building and construction of that Fourth Mainland Bridge before the end of this year.

    ”We are on course and I am sure that the 37km ring road is on track, which will change the face of transportation and movement in Lagos,” the governor said.

    He said that his administration was on course to complete the two rail projects started several years back, both the Blue Line and the Red Line.

    According to him, before the end of the administration, the project will be completed and trains will move on the two rail lines.

    ”It is a commitment that we have given to Lagosians and it is a commitment that we will see will come to fruition because we have finished the financial closure and we are excited about that project,” he said.

    Speaking on the theme of the parley, Sanwo-Olu said that it came up as a result of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the EndSARS protest mayhem on the state.

    He said that with the level of destruction, there was no alternative than to start rebuilding Lagos.

    All stakeholders in the development and growth of Lagos State, according to him, have to come together to share experiences and proffer solutions.

    ”In the next 48hrs, we shall be sharing ideas on how best to reposition Lagos, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic, and of EndSARS destruction on one hand, and developing strategies to forestall youth restiveness on the other hand.

    ”We are working steadily towards achieving a Greater Lagos that will be a pride of all.

    ”As a government, we need to scale up our activities and work as a team so that we can continue to discharge our responsibilities with the ultimate goal of meeting the yearnings and aspirations of our people,” the governor said.

    In her address of welcome, the Special Adviser, Office Of Civic Engagement, Princess Aderemi Adebowale, said that the executive and legislature would discuss extensively around the theme of the retreat – ”A Consensus Agenda for Rebuilding Lagos”.

    She said that the discussion in the next 48 hours would help to fast track the rebuilding of the state.

    Adebowale said that they would delve deeply into issues such as Youth Leadership Role, Grassroots Development: catalyst for growth, and Role of Social Media in Nation Building, among others.

  • Jakande’s death is a colossal loss- Sanwo-Olu

    Jakande’s death is a colossal loss- Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the death of the first civilian governor of the state, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, as a collosal loss.

    “His death is a collosal loss and he will be missed,” he said.

    Baba Jakande’s record of service as a leader of remarkable achievements as governor of Lagos State will remain indelible for generations to come

    In his tweet shortly after the death of Jakande was made known on Thursday, he said “With gratitude to God for a worthy life well spent in the service of Lagos State, Nigeria and humanity.

    “I announce the death of a venerable statesman, outstanding politician, public administrator and the first Civilian Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande.

    “Baba Jakande’s record of service as a journalist of repute and a leader of remarkable achievements as governor of Lagos State will remain indelible for generations to come.

    “On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, I want to express my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and comrades of Baba Jakande. May Allah grant him Aljanat Firdaus, Aamin.”

  • ICPC clears Sanwo-Olu’s commissioner of corruption allegations

    ICPC clears Sanwo-Olu’s commissioner of corruption allegations

    The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has cleared the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, of corruption allegation.

    In a petition to ICPC dated March 2, 2020, the group, Parrot Deed International Network, had alleged that Akinbile-Yussuf, acquired some properties while she served as a commissioner in two ministries between 2015 and 2019, before her present position under the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration.

    The ICPC, in a letter detailing the outcome of its findings with reference number ICPC/OPS/GBP/DOP/674, which was addressed to the state government, said the commissioner had duly declared her assets before taking up public office.

    The anti-graft agency, in a copy of the letter, sighted by our correspondent, stated that it diligently investigated the allegations bordering on the unlawful acquisition of wealth and corrupt practices in public office and found nothing against Akinbile-Yussuf.

    The letter, signed on behalf of the Chairman of ICPC by the Commission’s Director of Operations, Akeem Lawal, read in part: ”It was alleged that the respondent, Hon. Uzamat Folasayo Akinbile-Yussuf maintained her position as a Director in Musaroq Nigeria Ltd while serving as a Commissioner. It was further alleged that she used her office and position to corruptly enrich herself, culminating in her acquisition of hotels, fuel stations, and other properties.

    ”Detailed investigation into the allegations was carried out with necessary documents and records carefully perused. Findings not only revealed that the respondent owns the alleged properties but that they were acquired before she was engaged in Public Service. The Commission took a step further to write to the Code of Conduct Bureau to ascertain what she declared and it was confirmed that the properties and other assets were duly declared.”

  • Buhari, Senate President, Sanwo-Olu, Ibori mourn Tony Momoh

    Buhari, Senate President, Sanwo-Olu, Ibori mourn Tony Momoh

    President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed grief at the passing of his longtime ally, friend, political loyalist, and former Minister of Information and Culture, Prince Tony Momoh.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that Momoh passed on yesterday (Monday) at the age of 80 years.

    Reacting to the passage, President Buhari said Prince Momoh stood with him through thick and thin, adding: “His brand of loyalty is very rare in the politics of today. I will greatly miss him.”

    The President recalled that as chairman, Media and Publicity of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) Campaign Organisation in the 2003 and 2007 elections as well as Chairman of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the late Auchi Prince contributed in no small measure to the growth and strengthening of the organizations, leading to the eventual formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    President Buhari commiserated with the media industry on the loss of a veteran who put in a lot to raise the bar of the profession in various ways as an editor, manager, administrator, President, and Trustee of the Guild of Editors, urging them to sustain his legacies.

    While also condoling with the Auchi Kingdom, the government, and people of Edo State on this great loss, the President prayed that God will grant the departed eternal rest and comfort family, friends, and political associates in this period of grief.

    Senate President commiserates with Edo Government, APC over Momoh’s death

    The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, shares the grief of the family, friends and political associates of a former Minister of Information, Prince Tony Momoh, over his death on Monday.
    Lawan commiserates with the government and people of Edo State and the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he was a highly respected leader, on the loss.
    “Prince Tony Momoh as a journalist made indelible contributions to the development of the noble profession in Nigeria.
    “As Minister of Information, Prince Momoh, through his ‘Letter to my countrymen’ series, professionally and effectively disseminated and managed public information in a manner that was unique to him.
    “As chairman of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), he helped nurture the party to a very strong showing at the polls within months of its formation.
    Prince Momoh was also a key facilitator of the emergence of the APC in 2014.
    “The APC will miss this principled political leader particularly in this period that the party is repositioning as a grassroots-based political party and for improved performance of its leadership of our great country,” Lawan says.
    The Senate President prays for divine comfort for his loved ones and the fortitude to bear his loss.
    Lawan also prays for sweet repose of his gentle soul.

    Tony Momoh´s death, colossal loss to Nigeria — Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the death of former Minister of Information and Culture, Prince Tony Momoh, as a colossal loss to Nigeria and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Gboyega Akosile, on Monday, said that the death of the elder statesman, politician and journalist was painful and heartbreaking.

    He urged family, friends and colleagues of the deceased, as well as leadership of the APC to work towards immortalising the late Momoh.

    According to him, Momoh stood for and advocated for a better Nigeria during his lifetime.

    Sanwo-Olu said that the country would sorely miss the rich experience and knowledge of the former Daily Times Editor and ex-National Chairman of the defunct Congress for Progressives Change (CPC), especially his contributions to national issues through politics and his editorial contents.

    “The death of Prince Tony Momoh is a great loss to Nigeria. The late Momoh made lots of positive impact in Nigeria during his life time as a journalist, media manager, lawyer, politician and elder statesman.

    “As Minister of Information and Culture between 1986 and 1990 during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida, Prince Momoh served his nation meritoriously.

    “As a democrat, he played active roles in the formation of various political platforms at the transition stage of Nigeria from military dictatorship to civilian rule.

    “He led his former party, the Congress for Political Change (CPC) to form the APC with other political parties and contributed positively to the party’s victories in the 2015 and 2019 general elections.

    “I sympathise with President Muhammadu Buhari, the entire leadership and members of our party,´´ he said.

    The governor also commiserate with the government and people of Edo State on the loss of their illustrious son.

    Sanwo-Olu prayed that God would grant him eternal rest and give the immediate family and friends the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

    Nigeria has lost a remarkable statesman – Ibori

    Former Delta State Governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori has mourned Nigeria’s former Minister of Information, Prince Tony Momoh who died on Monday.

    Ibori said with the passing of Prince Tony Momoh on Monday 1 February 2021, aged 80, Nigeria has lost a remarkable elder statesman – a renowned journalist, the first Chairman, Board of Directors of the Independent Newspapers Ltd (INL), an eminent public servant, a totally detrabilised Nigerian, and a pillar of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who nevertheless, had a rewarding relationship with members of the other political parties.

    Chief Ibori said: “Though Prince Tony Momoh and I were never in the same party all through, he was civilized enough to respect the boundaries of friendship”.

    Ibori recalled that he and the late Prince Momoh, who was Nigeria’s Information Minister from 1986 to 1990, had a rewarding friendship that lasted for decades. This bond became stronger when Prince Momoh graciously served as the first Chairman, Board of Directors of the Independent Newspapers Ltd (INL). He said that in that capacity, Tony Momoh’s professionalism was on display as he reached into the great depths of his experience and journalism prowess to help give birth to an exciting newspaper stable which introduced many novel features into Nigerian journalism.

    Chief Ibori condoled Tony Momoh’s family and the Momoh Royal Dynasty of Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, for this pronounced loss and prayed that God will give them the fortitude to bear this loss and grant Momoh’s gentle soul eternal rest.
  • One in five Lagosians tested COVID-19 positive in January – Sanwo-Olu

    One in five Lagosians tested COVID-19 positive in January – Sanwo-Olu

    One out of every five Lagos residents who took the COVID-19 test this year was diagnosed as positive, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said on Sunday.

    The number is the highest monthly average recorded in the state in the last six months.

    Sanwo-Olu, who gave the figure in his monthly Coronavirus update for January, lamented that it confirmed the state’s status as the epicentre of the pandemic in the country.

    He said as of January 29, the state had recorded 47,871 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Of this number, 34,094 have recovered, while 9,856 are currently active.

    He explained that over the last 12 months, about 3,988 COVID-related patients have been admitted into the care centres across the state; with a registered fatality rate of approximately 0.63 per cent (301 deaths).

    Sanwo-Olu said: “Currently, Lagos State has 21 private and four public health laboratories accredited for COVID-19 testing. So far, a total of 316,801 samples have been tested, with 47,871 diagnosed as positive.

    “The test positivity ratio for January 2021 is 24 per cent, which means that one out of every five tests returns positive. This is the highest monthly average recorded in the last six months.

    “It should be stressed that testing is free at all Lagos State public health laboratories, for all persons who fall within the case definition — that is, have symptoms such as fever, cough, cold, inability to smell or taste, headaches or general body weakness — or those who have come into close contact with anyone with any of these symptoms. Testing at our public health facilities will continue to remain free but cannot be used for travel purposes. Anyone wishing to test as a requirement for either outbound or inbound travel or other work-related requirements must do so at any of the 21 private laboratories accredited by Lagos State for COVID testing.”

    The governor noted that oxygen demand has spiked to between 300 and 400 cylinders per day across state-owned treatment facilities, adding that the government is working hard to ensure that availability and supply “are very easily able to meet and even surpass this demand”.

    “To this end, a second oxygen plant is under construction at the Gbagada General Hospital and will come on-stream within the next seven days.

    “It is expected that this will boost the in-house capacity and availability of oxygen across state government-managed treatment centres.”

    To shore up the state’s containment and management capacity for the virus and its variants, Sanwo-Olu said he had approved N200million to support the ongoing patient management and treatment efforts of two Federal Government treatment centres in the state.

    “To this end, LUTH will be receiving N150million and the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Meta will be receiving N50 million. These sums will be disbursed on Monday, February 1,” he said.

    In line with the COVID-19 Health Protection Regulations 2021 signed last week by President Muhammadu Buhari, the governor directed that “no gathering of more than 50 persons shall hold in an enclosed space, except for religious purposes, in which case the gathering shall not exceed 50 per cent capacity of the space.

    “A breach of the provisions of the Presidential Regulations attracts upon summary conviction, a fine or six months imprisonment and or both. Our enforcement agencies have been appropriately tasked to ensure maximum compliance.”

  • JUST IN: Any malaria-like symptoms should be considered COVID-19 – Sanwo-Olu

    JUST IN: Any malaria-like symptoms should be considered COVID-19 – Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday said any malaria-like symptom should now be considered and treated as COVID-19 until proven otherwise.

    The governor, who briefed newsmen at the State House, Ikeja on COVID-19 update in the state said such symptoms should be considered COVID-19 virus infections unless proven otherwise.

    “In this second wave of the current pandemic, any malaria-like symptoms should be considered as COVID-19 virus infection unless and until otherwise proven. Any affected individual with COVID-like symptoms should proceed to any of our public health facilities and/or laboratories to get tested for free,” he said.

    The governor also said it was important that people did not stigmatise or discriminate against anyone affected by the virus, as it is not a death sentence.

    “Seeking help early and quickly significantly improves the chances of survival for severe to critical cases. Wear a mask everywhere and ensure that you wash your re-usable mask regularly and also properly dispose of used disposable masks,” he said.

    The governor disclosed that as at 17 January, 2021, Lagos has recorded 41,374 confirmed cases of COVID-19 out of which 28,452 had recovered and were within community, while 9,213 were currently active in community.

    “Over the last 12 months, about 3,776 COVID-19-related patients have been admitted into our various care centres, with a registered fatality rate of approximately 0.67 percent (277 cases).

    “So far, 263,358 tests have been conducted between our public and private laboratories, with 41,374 diagnosed as positive. This has allowed us the opportunity to target our interventions with precision and ensure the efficient use and mobilisation of resources,” he said.

    Sanwo-Olu also disclosed that the increase in the positivity of cases has necessitated the provision of greater amounts of concentrated oxygen for the moderate to severe cases on admission in isolation centres.

    The governor stated that over the last few weeks, the demand for oxygen has risen from 70 6-litre cylinder per day to 350 6-litre cylinders in Yaba Mainland Hospital.

    “This is projected to more than double to 750 6-litre cylinders, before the end of January 2021. In addition to providing oxygen at our isolation centres, the Lagos State Government has decentralised the availability of oxygen across the state through the provision of 10 oxygen and sampling kiosks.

    “Oxygen therapy and other related services will be provided to patients that required them. Five of these 10 centres have been commissioned while the remaining five will be ready for use within the next four weeks,” he said.

  • Sanwo-Olu swears in two judges, pledges support for judiciary

    Sanwo-Olu swears in two judges, pledges support for judiciary

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, sworn in Rahman Oshodi and Aigbokhaevbo Florence as the State’s High Court judges, reassuring that his administration would continue to accord the judiciary the necessary support required to discharge their duties diligently to the people in the state.

    Speaking at the event held at the Lagos House, Ikeja, Governor Sanwo-Olu described the judiciary as a critical arm of the government, assuring further that the governor would continue to recognise the sacrifices of the judiciary in the state.

    He promised that his administration would not be deterred or shied away from its responsibilities to make life more comfortable for judges.

    Details soon…

  • Bad things would have happened to Nigeria without military – Sanwo-Olu

    Bad things would have happened to Nigeria without military – Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu says lots of bad things would have happened to the country without the support of the military.

    January 15, 2021 is armed forces remembrance day in Nigeria. A week to the event, every Nigeria state holds series of events to mark the day, culminating in the grand finale.

    On Sunday, an Interdenominational Service held at the Chapel of Christ The Light in Alausa, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.

    “Our armed forces have come a long way in keeping the country together. Due to their efforts Nigerians have remained united, despite the Nigeria civil war that took place between 1967 to 1970.

    “They have continued to push forward to make sure that we remain safe in the hands of bandits. If not for their efforts, a lot of bad things would had happened to the country,” says Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    “We are using today to recognise and appreciate them so that they would put in more efforts in keeping the state safe,” Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Special Adviser, Parastatals Monitoring Office, Afolabi Ayantayo adds.

    Anofiu Elegushi, Commissioner for Home Affairs sees the armed forces as pivotal in the defence of the nation.

    “The state owes you a debt of gratitude for invaluable services you have rendered in securing the nation and ensuring conducive environment for business to thrive in Lagos and the nation at large,” he says of the military.

    The theme of this year’s armed forces remembrance day is “Love and Sacrifice.”

    “Everything around and about God is love,” chipped in Venerable Olufeyisanjo Ojelabi, the Dean, Cathedral Church of St. Jude, Ebute Metta, who gave a sermon.

    Citing John 15:13, the cleric emphasises the sacrifice made by Jesus for the salvation of mankind.

    This is the kind of love he says the armed forces show for the country in the battlefields for the unity of the country.

    “Are we reciprocating the love and sacrifice shown to maintain the unity of this country? “Are we paying their pension and gratuity regularly or are we paying them to regret ever going further to make the sacrifices they have made for this country?” He asks.