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Tag: Sanwo-Olu

  • What are you doing to curb the epidemic? – Labour Party tackles Sanwo-Olu over Cholera outbreak

    What are you doing to curb the epidemic? – Labour Party tackles Sanwo-Olu over Cholera outbreak

    The Labour Party (LP) Lagos chapter has tackled Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu over the spread of Cholera in the state.

    The opposition in a statement via the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Olubunmi Odesanya on Friday maintained that the Sanwo-Olu government must give the epidemic the required emergency response.

    Odesanya lamented that it was unfortunate that the APC government has not accorded the problem the kind of response it requires.

    Odesanya said that Sanwo-Olu must do everything possible to avoid needless deaths.

    According to her, “Labour Party in Lagos State is calling to question the responsiveness of the state government to the current cholera epidemic in the state, the scourge is fast spiralling.

    “LP Lagos State is upset that the Babajide Sanwo-Olu government has not accorded the problem the kind of response it should.

    “So far ,the government has not done more than a mere issuance of advisory.

    “Has the government looked into the remote and direct cause of the disease with a view to abate the spread of the dreaded disease?Time for action is now.

    “The reported figure of deaths is over 40 and infection rate is about 400.”

    According to her, residents cannot afford an uncontrolled spread of the epidemic as they are already grappling with many socio-economic problems.

    “The Labour Party in Lagos State has continued to watch with amazement the less-than-warm attitude and disposition of the state government to the issue.

    “To us in the Labour Party, it seems the state government does not appreciate the threats posed by the continued spread of the disease.

    “Rather than tackle this very serious matter frontally by activating the heath systems to tame the scourge, the best the Sanwo-Olu -led government has been able to do is to issue an ineffectual advisory, which has not ,in anyway, curbed the spread of the scourge,” she added.

  • BREAKING: Sanwo-Olu emerges chairman of South West Governors forum

    BREAKING: Sanwo-Olu emerges chairman of South West Governors forum

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has been elected as the Chairman of the South West Governors’ Forum.

    Sanwo-Olu’s election took place during a closed-door meeting in Lagos on Monday, which was attended by all six governors from the South West states.

    He succeeded the late Ondo State governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu who served as the forum’s chairman until his passing on December 27, 2023…

    Details to follow…

  • 27th Convocation: Sanwo-Olu gifts LASU’s best graduating student N10m

    27th Convocation: Sanwo-Olu gifts LASU’s best graduating student N10m

    The Lagos State Government (LASG) on Thursday gifted the best graduating student at the Lagos State University (LASU), Olaniyi Olawale, with a sum of N10 million.

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu made the announcement at the 27th Convocation of the Lagos State University, which held at the Buba Marwa Auditorium in LASU.

    Olawale graduated from the Accounting Education Department with a cumulative CGPA of 4.98.

    According to reports, some eminent stakeholders, Prince Tajudeen Olusi and Dr Samuel Adedoyin, were awarded honorary doctorates while two professors, distinguished Prof. Amidu Sanni and Emeritus Prof. Martins Anetekhai were elevated.

    “Congratulations Olaniyi Olawale, well done! Your hard work has brought you this far, the reward for hard work is more work. I believe there are so many Olawales in here, I want you to be inspired, LASU is a school of excellence.

    “LASU has continued to lead in academic excellence. Products of this great institution have continued to excel in all their chosen fields.

    “Just last week, I swore in some new judges for Lagos State, 10 out of the 13 new judges were alumni of LASU, that has gone to show that we’re indeed great,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    The governor also advocated for more inclusivity for women in subsequent editions.

    “I’d like to see more inclusivity for our women, as all our recipients are men. We need to have at least a woman in the mix,” he said.

    The governor applauded the institution’s governing council for ensuring all-round education.

    “I applaud the governing council for instilling discipline and diligence, and this is evident wherever your products are.

    “LASU remains the best state university in Nigeria, and also the most digitally-advanced university in Nigeria.

    “We’re doing well we shouldn’t rest on our oars, we will keep setting the pace as the state of excellence. Thank you all,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    No fewer than 11,195 students graduated from the state university.

  • Floods: Lagos Assembly tasks Sanwo-Olu on dredging of drainage channels

    Floods: Lagos Assembly tasks Sanwo-Olu on dredging of drainage channels

    The Lagos State House of Assembly has called on Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to reactivate the Office of Drainage Services in the state to clear all drainage channels and ensure proper refuse disposal in the state.

    The Chairman, House Committee on Environment (Parastatals), Mr Rasheed Shabi made the call in an interview with NAN in Lagos on Sunday.

    Shabi, representing APC-Lagos Mainland II, said the clearing of major canals across the state should be intensified to prevent flooding.

    The lawmaker also called on the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, to clear illegal structures built on setbacks of canals across the state.

    He equally urged the local governments and Local Council Development Areas to inculcate in people the habit of regular clearing of secondary drainage channels across the state.

    While saying that drainages and canals had not been properly channeled, he said:
    “Though the causes of the flood have been natural and man-made, there is need for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs,) to be proficient in their duties.

    “The recent torrential rain especially over the weekend in the state has made residents to lose their properties.

    “I want to urge the Ministry of the Environment to explain what they have done in the last one year and most importantly people should stop dumping of refuse in drainage channels

    “The enforcement agencies should also clamp down on people engaging in indiscriminate dumping of refuse,” he said.

    Shabi disclosed that indiscriminate erection of buildings near water banks should be looked into stating that the situation must be urgently addressed to avert further disaster.

  • Sanwo-Olu presents branded car to London-Lagos driver, Pelumi Nubi

    Sanwo-Olu presents branded car to London-Lagos driver, Pelumi Nubi

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Monday presented London-Lagos solo driver, Pelumi Nubi, with a branded car and named her a tourism ambassador of the state.

    Pelumi, a Nigeria-British citizen and travel content creator, did a solo drive from London to Lagos in 68 days.

    She departed London on Jan. 31 and arrived in Nigeria through the Seme border on Sunday, April 7.

    Sanwo-Olu presented her with the car at the Lagos House Marina.

    Her parents, Prof and Mrs Gbenga Timothy Nubi; Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof  Folasade Ogunsola; some members of Lagos State Executive Council, among others, witnessed the event.

    “I welcome you, Pelumi, officially, on behalf of 25 million plus residents of Lagos and the entire country.

    “We want to say how truly proud we are to be associated with you.

    “You cannot imagine how transformative this is going to be for you, welcome to your new world.

    “We are not only going to have you signpost Lagos where it should be, but also have your family name written right at the center of it; looking at your experience and journey, you have shifted mountains.

    “This is indeed an African spirit you have demonstrated, this is indeed a Nigerian spirit, but more importantly, this is the story of Lagos no dey carry last,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    He said that he thought he had travelled, but when he heard of her 80 countries, he concluded that he needed to take lectures from her.

    “You told our story as Africans and I want to thank you for that,”the governor said.

    NAN reports that her road manifest from the UK took her through France and Spain into Africa through Morocco.

    It indicates that she went across Mauritania, Senegal, Gambia ,Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Ghana, Togo, Benin, and finally to Lagos, Nigeria.

    Sanwo-Olu called on youths to emulate Nubi’s resilience and believe in their ability.

    He urged the youth to shun drugs and focus on their passion, noting that lots of other Pelumis were just waiting to be discovered.

    “For the young boys and girls not to allow drugs and defeat to throw them off track, that’s why we have decided to showcase Pelumi.

    “It’s not just about you that we are celebrating, it’s about the future, it’s about the power of possibility. I want to officially label you our tourism ambassador.

    “If you don’t mind, we want to write off your entire bill for this trip, we want to give you a home in Lagos, want you to check the sights and sounds, go on our train and bolt ride and tell the world a Lagos story. We want to give you a home in Lagos.

    “We will work with you, we don’t want to disrupt what you have planned out. I’d like to thank your dad, he’s extremely happy, I’m sure the prayerful woman is your mum.

    “We salute your parents for encouraging you and thank the great Akokite and the VC for the welcome ceremony,” he said.

    Dabiri-Erewa, on her part, applauded Nubi for having so much belief in herself.

    “One thing about this inspirational and courageous lady is that she didn’t want any help as such,

    “I’m going to do it alone and I’m going to get it done; her can do spirit is commendable and worthy of emulation,”she said.

    Responding, Nubi thanked the Lagos State government for the outpour of love and support.

    She said it had been overwhelming, and she would not take it for granted.

    “I’m honoured. It’s not just about planning to do something, but about actually doing it,

    “I have travelled to over 80 plus countries, I was very intentional about showcasing Africa, because what you see in the main media is poverty.

    “The feedback has been amazing on my social media, people now see a new Africa.

    “I will continue to showcase Lagos State; this is where it started from, it has been a great honour, it felt really nice to be recognised.

    “Travel continues to be a part of my journey; when Lagos shines, Nigeria also shines,”she said.

    Nubi has lived in the UK since she was 10 years old.

    She is living the dream of travelling solo to and from different parts of the world.

  • Things very tough, but … — Sanwo-Olu

    Things very tough, but … — Sanwo-Olu

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State says things are presently very tough in the country, but it is no time for blame game.

    Sanwo-Olu said this at the 25th State House Ramadan Tafseer Anniversary Prayer, held at the State House Mosque Complex, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday.

    The theme of the lecture is: “Allah Will Not Change The Way Of A People, Until They Change What Is In Their Hearts”.

    Things are presently very tough, no doubt, but this is the time to come together, proffer solutions and not to blame the government,” Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said.

    He charged Nigerians on being patriotic and loyal to the cause of a greater nation.

    The governor emphasised increased love among Nigerians and patriotism to the country as part of solutions to the nation’s socio-economic challenges.

    He acknowledged that global recession which was not limited to Nigeria, necessitated the current hardships being faced.

    Sanwo-Olu urged Nigerians to return to the way of life where Africans were charitable towards one another.

    He stated that it was disheartening that Nigerians no longer lived a communal way of life but now imbibed other people’s culture.

    The governor stressed on the need for Nigerians to return to the real African style of living were it took the whole village to raise a child.

    Similarly, former Commissioner for Ministry of Home Affairs, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, also enjoined Nigerians to take advantage of the Holy Month of Ramadan to pray more for the country.

    He charged them to pray that the country becomes great for the betterment of all.

    According to Obanikoro, Nigerians claim to believe in God but their words and ways do not match their deeds to a reasonable extent.

    “What we are taught in religion is to do unto others what we want others to do unto us.”

    He, therefore, advised the people to love one another and not act in ways that would be detrimental to their fellow human beings.

    Obanikoro urged Nigerians to support the government both at the state and federal levels in their quest to lift Nigeria from the current socio-economic downturn.

    On his part, Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr Olanrewaju Layode, said that the Tasfeer, which started 25 years ago, was to bring people together to proffer solutions and pray for the prosperity of the nation.

    Speaking on the present economic challenges, Layode implored the people not to castigate one another, especially government but to share good ideas on how to develop the country.

    “Let us follow the teachings of Quran as there are a lot of solutions in it.

    “Also, l urge Muslims and non-Muslims alike to always pray for their leaders,” he said.

  • Sanwo-Olu increases students’ bursary

    Sanwo-Olu increases students’ bursary

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has announced an increment in bursary payment to indigenes of the state in tertiary institutions.

    Sanwo-Olu said this at the one-day parley he had with student union leaders and stakeholders.

    The parley, with the theme “Students as Strategic Partners in the Governance Process: Challenges and Prospect for Youth Development”, took place at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja.

    Sanwo-Olu charged the students to be good ambassadors of their schools and focus on being great citizens.

    “As your daddy, I must ensure that you go home happy today; going forward, our Lagos State indigenes bursary has been increased to N60,000.

    “This interface between the student union and stakeholders is necessary; there’s need to share ideas and focus on building a better Nigeria.

    “You all are the future, the future is yours to take, we’re only doing what we can to build the institution that can help shape you.

    ” We’ll do all we can to provide conducive environment for learning by building new additional student accommodation, we will build student arcade in other new institutions and tech hubs like we have in Lagos State University (LASU),” Sanwo-Olu said.

    He said that the state would provide scholarship for physically challenged students of state-owned institutions.

    “Both indigenes and non indigenes will benefit from from this scholarship; also, we have reviewed our scholarship to N250,000.

    “We want to relieve parents in the face of the hard economic situation; with our collaborative effort, we will come out stronger,” the governor said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that bursary was increased from N50,000 to N60,000, while scholarship increased from N200,000 to N250,000.

    The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr Tolani Sule, gave the opening remarks.

    “A stakeholders engagement like this becomes necessary in view of the noble role that our youths have to play in our development agenda.

    “I therefore commend Mr Governor for giving accelerated approval to this programme, knowing fully that our youths hold the key to a greater tomorrow for our dear country.

    “In spite of the present socio-economic challenges in the country, it is gratifying to note that the Lagos State government has continued to sustain the tempo of excellence in our tertiary institutions,” he said.

    Prof Lanre Fagbohun, the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of LASU, said communication and constructive engagement are crucial to  effective development.

    “For the management of the universities, there must be effective and sincere communications, the management staff must be involved in policy decisions, and draw curriculum that meet current realities.”

    He said that government should invest in infrastructure, begin to rethink scholarship schemes, support transportation, healthcare, provide internet on campuses and economic empowerment for the students.

    “Focusing on the students today will turn them to the active leaders that the nation desires,” he said.

  • Nigeria is injured, currently going through surgical operation – Sanwo-Olu

    Nigeria is injured, currently going through surgical operation – Sanwo-Olu

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has appealed to residents to be calm, saying Nigeria is injured and it’s currently going through a surgical operation

    The Governor stated this on Tuesday, when Bishop Stephen Adegbite, newly appointed Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

    Sanwo-Olu, represented by the deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said that the country would come out of the present situation stronger.

    “We appeal to our people to be calm and patient with us; Nigeria is injured and it’s currently going through a surgical operation; it will come out of this stronger.

    “Our children will be better for it. Our goal is to build the largest logistic hub, which will allow us to stop dealing with middlemen.

    “We have our father in person of President Bola Tinubu guiding us at every step of the way and we are focused on the success of the state,” he said.

    The governor reiterated the importance of both churches and mosques to the development of the state.

    The Bishop, on his part, commended Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat for maintaining a good relationship.

    He also applauded the state on good governance.

    ”We don’t have unnecessary rivalry between the two offices and I want to commend you two for that. Lagos will be that mega city that we all wish for it to be.

    ” People win second term and they don’t do anything, but reverse is the case in Lagos State; this shows the level of commitment of the government to its people.

    “Charity they say, begins from home. Lagos State is my first point of visit since I was named the secretary of NCPC.

    “I’m grateful to our president for his support for pilgrimage programme for the past 24 years,” he said.

    Adegbite was the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos State chapter, before bagging his new appointment.

  • We’ll pass N2.246trn Lagos budget before Jan. 1 – Obasa

    We’ll pass N2.246trn Lagos budget before Jan. 1 – Obasa

    The Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa has pledged speedy passage of the 2024 budget of Renewed Hope of N2.246 trillion before Jan. 1.

    Obasa made this pledge in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS) Mr Eromosele Ebhomele in Lagos on Saturday.

    The speaker made this known during an official visit by Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to the ongoing three-day budget retreat for Lagos lawmakers and legislative workers in Abuja.

    The retreat is titled: ”Sustainability of Ongoing Reforms in Lagos State: Prospects, Opportunities and Challenges”.

    Recall that Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday,  presented the Lagos state  2024 Budget of Renewed Hope of N2.246 trillion to the state House of assembly.

    The budget comprised a  total revenue of N1.848 trillion and deficit financing of N398.28 billion.

    Obasa said the essence of the retreat for the lawmakers was to ensure that the budget was passed before Jan. 1, 2024.

    “We are working on the 2024 budget and that is why we are here. I want to assure you that we will do our best to return the approved budget to you as soon as possible.

    “It is going to be a New Year present to you and the people of Lagos,” the speaker said.

    Describing the governor as a  leader, brother and performer, Obasa noted that Sanwo-Olu had always supported the assembly in carrying out its legislative functions.

    Obasa thanked the governor for harmonious relationship between the executive and the legislative in the state.

    “We also thank you for not being like other governors who seal up the assembly complex or who remove roofs of assembly buildings.

    “That is why Lagos is great and the Lagos assembly is above the common standards of excellence,” he said.

    Addressing the lawmakers, Sanwo-Olu described them as the best among their counterparts in other state assemblies.

    The governor further praised the lawmakers for lifting the bar of legislative excellence in the country.

    According to him, this is the best and finest and it is worthy of emulation. I want to thank you and say this is, indeed, how we should always organise ourselves, keep up raising the bar.

    Sanwo-Olu thanked the speaker, members, the assembly commission and staff of the house for always putting Lagos first before other considerations.

    “You see, what Lagos state is doing shows that we are leading the way for other states to copy. We show the way in legislative, executive and judiciary affairs.

    “This is an avenue for you to bond, interact, appreciate one another and effectively do the job that the people of Lagos have asked us to do.

    “There is the talk around town that we have a big budget but I also tell them it is because we are big people in the state.

    “I appreciate the fact that you have huge responsibility and I pray to God Almighty to give you the ability and courage to do the work dispassionately.

    “Whatever the outcome is, you can rest assured that the governor will stand by it and work with you,” he said.

    Sanwo-Olu said there was no animosity between the speaker and himself, saying that they were two different sides of the same coin.

    The governor added that they were brothers and friends and God would lead them to a level where they could take Lagos to an irreversible state.

    Sanwo-Olu said President Bola Tinubu was watching them because he had no other state that he could call his own.

    According to him, though, he is the President of Nigeria but he has his roots in Lagos. Our success is his success and Nigeria’s success.

    He said if they got it right, the whole nation would be on their way to getting it right.

    NAN

  • Sanwo-Olu promises to subsidise cost of drugs

    Sanwo-Olu promises to subsidise cost of drugs

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State says his administration will provide health palliatives for the residents, by subsidising drugs to improve their well-being.

    Sanwo-Olu made the promise at Ikeja, during the 2023 Community Day Celebration, with the theme: ”Community Engagement, A Veritable Tool For Infrastructural Development In Rural Communities,” on Thursday.

    He said the health palliatives, which would soon be rolled out by his administration, would cushion the effects of high prices of drugs, as a result of the economic challenges in the country.

    The governor said the government was aware of the growing cost of pharmaceutical drugs in the country.

    Sanwo-Olu said the state government would provide subvention to citizens on medical products; as it was done in the transportation sector; as well as food distributions.

    ”We are not going to leave you in various communities; we will continue to provide amenities for all of you in the rural areas. We are going to reach out to all the nooks and crannies of the state.

    ”Today, we are here to appreciate you and thank you for your efforts aimed at developing the grassroots.

    ”As you know, we have slashed the transport fare. We have provided palliatives of foodstuff. We are going to do more.

    ”The cost of drugs is also rising. As a responsive and responsible government, we will also provide palliatives on medicines,” he said.

    The governor also appreciated the various Community Development Associations (CDAs) in the state for their support during the last general elections and for re-electing him and his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat.

    Sanwo-Olu said more projects would be executed at the grassroots, adding that his administration had created the Office of Rural Development; and appointed a Special Adviser; to ensure speedy implementation of community based programmes.

    He said the Office of Rural Development was dedicated to taking complaints and addressing the needs of Lagos residents, particularly those in the state’s suburbs and rural areas.

    Speaking earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Rural Development, Dr Nurudeen Agbaje, said the theme of the event resonated with the state’s developmental agenda.

    Agbaje appreciated the CDAs in the state for their support, through self-help projects, which according to him had complemented government’s efforts at delivering dividends of democracy to residents.

    He also commended the winning CDAs for their self-help projects to develop their communities, with a call on other CDAs to support the government in infrastructural development.

    Also speaking, the Chairman of the Community Development Advisory Council, Alhaji Azeez Amusat, called for the review of the state’s CDA constitution, with an appeal to Gov. Sanwo-Olu to construct a Community House as state secretariat for all the CDAs activities in the state.

    Amusat, who thanked Sanwo-Olu for his support and commitment to the welfare of residents in the state, appreciated him for the confidence reposed in the CDAs, particularly the distribution of palliatives to residents across the state, through the CDAs.

    During the event, four 18-seater buses were presented to the first, second, and third CDAs, namely Greenland Estate CDA in Eti-Osa East LCDA.

    Others are Royal Estate CDA in Egbe Idimu LCDA and Elepe Royal Estate in Ikorodu Council Area, while the best Rural Community Award went to Araromi CDA in Ibeji Lekki LCDA.

    Consolation prices of N500,000 each was also given to the fifth to 10 CDAs respectively.