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Tag: Sanwo-Olu

  • Sanwo-Olu presents 2024 budget to Assembly on Wednesday

    Sanwo-Olu presents 2024 budget to Assembly on Wednesday

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State will on Wednesday, present the 2024 budget before the Lagos State House of Assembly.

    The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, said in a statement that the Appropriation Bill would highlight the details of planned capital projects.

    Omotoso said the Appropriation Bill would also highlight the details of recurrent expenditure and anticipated revenue for the fiscal year, and would be laid for consideration before the House of Assembly.

    ”This presentation will follow the over 80 per cent impressive performance of the Y2023 Budget in Capital Expenditure across Q1, Q2, and Q3.

    ”Expected at the event are representatives of economic, political, cultural, and civil society organisations,” he said.

  • Opebi-Ojota link bridge will be ready Q3 2024 – Sanwo Olu

    Opebi-Ojota link bridge will be ready Q3 2024 – Sanwo Olu

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State says the Opebi-Mende-Ojota Link Bridge will be ready for commuters by third quarter of 2024.

    Sanwo-Olu re-emphasised this during an inspection of the bridge, to assert the level of work done on the site on Tuesday.

    He said the bridge, whose construction started over a year ago, had reached 65 per cent completion, adding that there were still a lot to be done.

    ”I’m impressed with the level of work that Messrs Julius Berger has done here. We came here last year, I think about 11 months ago, in January or so, or February, and this bridge was not in existence at that time.

    “There was barely nothing. I’m happy with the level of work that we have seen thus far.

    ”We are still on track with the completion. We are still hoping that by the second quarter of next year, towards the third quarter, we should finish this entire road construction, so that it can be handed over to the residents and also can be made available.

    ”There is still going to be a bit of furniture that you are going to see on this bridge. Eventually, it will look like another iconic bridge in Lagos, which will be similar to what we have in the Lekki axis.

    ”As you can see, there is enough room for cycling, there is enough room for pedestrian walking on the road. We are going to see a total life change,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    He said the government would encourage people that wanted to exercise by the bridge to do so, and move freely, as government was ensuring that what was seen in other developed nations were replicated in Lagos State.

    According to him, the Opebi-Mende-Ojota Link Bridge is meant to solve a major traffic problem and provide alternative routes for Lagos residents.

    ”People that are commuting from Toyin, Allen, Opebi, how can they access the Ojota bridge? People from Manyland, how can they go on straight into Ikeja?

    ”So, it will solve a lot of the alternative problems that we have, either on Kudirat Abiola road, even as far as going towards Alausa and it also try to solve the major traffic issues we have on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way,” he said.

    The governor said the bridge was situated in a very tough terrain, which had made the project manager, Julius Berger, to do 20 metres excavation, so as to execute a solid bridge.

    ”The soil texture is really bad. In fact, the project manager, Julius Berger, says they have to do excavation of over 20 metres in some places, so that they can preserve the land and they can work seamlessly.

    ”What this has opened up to is that this is an economic development and we are changing the face of traffic management, we are changing the face of commuting in Lagos and we are changing the face of access to modern infrastructure roads and development,” he said.

  • Appeal Court’s ruling: We’re challenging Sanwo-Olu’s victory at S’Court – PDP

    Appeal Court’s ruling: We’re challenging Sanwo-Olu’s victory at S’Court – PDP

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State says it has resolved to challenge the Appeal Court’s ruling, affirming Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu as winner of March 18 governorship election.

    The Lagos State PDP Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Hakeem Amode, disclosed this in an interview with NAN on Monday in Lagos.

    Recalled that the party had earlier said that it would review the ruling of the Appellate Court before taking further action on the matter.

    According to him, justice has not been properly served in the PDP’s Governorship Candidate, Dr Olajide Adediran’s (Jandor) petitions against Sanwo-Olu’s re-election.

    “We are challenging the ruling of the Appeal Court, affirming Sanwo-Olu as winner at the Supreme Court. In a couple of days, our petitions will get to the Supreme Court,” Amode said.

    He said that justices of the Court of Appeal had failed the party by not seeing the merit in Adediran’s petition.

    “Looking at some of the Appeal Court’s rulings, there has been so many inconsistencies on its stands on pre-election matters.

    “We, as a party, feel justice is yet to be served in our petitions against the outcome of March 18 gubernatorial election in this state.

    “We have a strong belief in the Supreme Court to look at the crux of the matter and make a statement that will serve as precedent.

    “The party and our candidate are not deterred, we have reviewed the Nov. 15 Appeal Court’s ruling and decided to pursue justice at the Supreme Court,” Amode said.

    The Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos on Nov. 15 dismissed issues raised by the PDP’s Adediran and the Labour Party Candidate, Mr Gbadebo Rhodes-Viviour, against the judgement of the election tribunal.

    The appellate court dismissed Adediran’s 34 grounds of appeal against Sanwo-Olu’s victory.

    On the alleged non-qualification of Sanwo-Olu and his running mate, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, the court had ruled that it could not litigate on the issue because it was a pre-election matter.

    It held that the appellants failed to prove the allegation that Sanwo-Olu forged his West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) certificate.

    The tribunal had earlier on Sept. 25 dismissed Adediran and Rhodes-Viviour’s petition against Sanwo-Olu’s victory.

    An appeal to the Supreme Court should be filed within 14 days from the date of the ruling and the apex court then has 60 days to hear the case and make its ruling.

  • Lagos State dismisses GRV’s allegation of financial impropriety against Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos State dismisses GRV’s allegation of financial impropriety against Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos State government on Tuesday in Ikeja dismissed allegations of financial impropriety levelled against Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu by Mr Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, governorship candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the March 18 election.

    Rhodes-Vivour had alleged on his Twitter handle on Nov. 19, that Sanwo-Olu funded his response in the election petition filed by LP against his election using government’s money.

    He alleged that the governor paid four lawyers N50 million from the state’s coffers.

    Responding to the allegation, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, said there was no truth in Rhodes-Vivour’s allegation.

    “The allegation was simply another ploy to deceive the public about a non-existent payment of N50 million to four lawyers.

    “While it is worthwhile for patriotic individuals to scrutinise the finances of Lagos State, the outcome of such inquiry must always be based on verified facts and nothing but the truth.

    “The transaction referenced by Mr Rhodes-Vivour never took place.

    “There was a payment request, which was not approved by the governor when the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice drew his attention to it because it was irregular.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, Gov. Sanwo-Olu will never misappropriate public funds in defiance of his Oath of Office,’’ the commissioner said.

    Omotoso noted that Rhodes-Vivour’s supported his allegation with a document that neither carried the logo of the Lagos State Government nor the endorsement of any of its officials.

  • Sanwo-Olu swears in new cabinet member, 2 permanent secretaries

    Sanwo-Olu swears in new cabinet member, 2 permanent secretaries

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, on Friday inaugurated a new member of the Executive Council and two Permanent Secretaries (PS).

    Speaking at the ceremony at the Lagos House, Ikeja, Gov. Sanwo-Olu said the appointment of a new member of the State Executive Council was in a bid to expand the scope of administration in the state’s healthcare system.

    Mrs Oluwakemi Ogunyemi, a trained nurse and two-term member of Lagos State Health Service Commission, was sworn in as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health.

    Besides, the governor elevated two Directors in the State civil service to Permanent Secretaries.

    Mr Adewunmi Ogunsanya, a Director of Administration and Human Resources at the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, was appointed Permanent Secretary for the Cabinet Office.

    Also, Mrs Iyabo Seriki-Bello, who was Director of Administration and Human Resources at Education District IV, is now the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM).

    He congratulated the appointees for their selection and urged them not to get carried away, as the expectations were high for them to justify their appointments.

    The governor said that given their wealth of experience and knowledge in governance, he was confident that the appointees would not disappoint his trust in the discharge of their responsibilities.

    ”I welcome Mrs Oluwakemi Ogunyemi to the State Executive Council, having been confirmed by the House of Assembly. She will be serving as Special Adviser on Health.

    ”The expectations are high, given the wealth of experience she is bringing to the table. I expect that you would immediately settle into your responsibilities, so that the government and the people of Lagos can harness your full potential, while you work to help actualise all of the programmes and activities in your portfolios.

    ”Having gone through extensive and rigorous screening, I congratulate the newly-appointed Permanent Secretaries.

    ”These are strategic and critical assignments that have been assigned to them, but my confidence lies in your pedigrees and years of experience in the service of the state. I believe you have what it takes to quickly settle in your roles and discharge your duties without further delay,” he said.

    Sanwo-Olu urged the appointees to familiarise themselves with the administration’s development agenda, known as THEMES Plus, pointing out that the implementation of the programmes remained on track.

    He said that gender equality and youth inclusion were the cardinal focus of his government, as the appointment of women and young people to key positions was a testament to his commitment to inclusive governance.

    ”We are counting on your ingenuity, innovative minds, commitment and purposeful leadership in your respective areas of responsibility.

    ”You must ensure that good governance is the minimum you deliver,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    The Head of Service, Mr Olabode Agoro, who presented the appointees to the governor, described the new Permanent Secretaries as experienced officers, who shared the vision of the administration.

    Giving a note of assurance on behalf of the appointees, Ogunyemi thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in them.

    ”We promise to be diligent in discharging our responsibilities, in line with the oath of office and THEMES Plus agenda,” she said.

  • JUST IN: LASG seals Mile 12 International Market, Owode Onirin Market

    JUST IN: LASG seals Mile 12 International Market, Owode Onirin Market

    Lagos State government sealed the Mile 12 International Market and the Owode Onirin Market on Friday for creating environmental malfeasance.

    The Ministry of Environment and Water Resources stated in Ikeja that the markets were sealed because of indiscriminate dumping and burning of refuse, the filthy environment, and blocked drains.

    It stated that the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, directed the Lagos Waste Management Agency and “KAI’’ to seal the markets.

    “The reasons for sealing the markets are not unconnected with the indiscriminate dumping and burning of refuse, filthy environment, blocked and littered drains.

    “The action also followed illegal and indiscriminate parking and abandonment of trucks on the highway leading to the two markets, impeding free flow of traffic,’’ the ministry stated.

  • Lagos tribunal: We’re dismayed but our pursuit of justice continues – LP

    Lagos tribunal: We’re dismayed but our pursuit of justice continues – LP

    The Labour Party (LP) in Lagos State said it was dismayed by Monday’s judgement of the Lagos State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal on the March 18 election.

    The State Publicity Secretary of the party, Mrs Olubunmi Odesanya, said this on Tuesday in a statement made available to newsmen.

    Odesanya, however, appealed to party loyalists to remain calm as the party continued to pursue justice.

    She said: “We listened to the judgement of the Lagos State election tribunal delivered yesterday, Sept. 25, with utmost dismay.

    “We urge our teeming supporters to remain calm while we pursue the next line of action.”

    She said as law abiding citizens, LP Candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (GRV) and the LP in Lagos State, had instructed the party’s legal team to review the judgement, with the view to appealing same at the appeal court.

    Odesanya said the party’s firm belief was that it won the election in spite of the harassment and intimidation meted to its supporters.

    “This delayed justice will be rightfully regained in the fullness of time.

    “Our party will explore all legal means at righting the wrongs done to majority of Lagos residents,” she said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tribunal on Monday affirmed the election of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat in the March 18 gubernatorial election.

    The three-man panel led by Justice Arum Ashom, in its unanimous decision, dismissed the two petitions filed by the PDP and its candidate, Abdul-Azeez Adediran, and Mr Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of LP.

  • Lagos governorship election tribunal upholds Sanwo-Olu’s victory

    Lagos governorship election tribunal upholds Sanwo-Olu’s victory

     

    Lagos state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been confirmed as the authentic winner of the March 18 gubernatorial election in the state by the Lagos State governorship election petition tribunal today, Monday September, 25.

    Justice Mikhail Abdullah affirmed Sanwo-Olu’s victory while dismissing the petitions of governorship candidates of the Labour Party, LP, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, GRV, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Olajide Adediran.

    GRV and Adediran filed separate petitions to contest the outcome of the last governorship election in the state.

    The tribunal headed by Justice Abdullah dismissed the petitions.

    The judge noted that they are members of political parties and educated up to school certificate level.

    Section 177 of the constitution stipulated that “A person shall be qualified for election to the office of Governor of a State if

    a) he is a citizen of Nigeria by birth;

    (b) he has attained the age of thirty-five years;

    (c) he is a member of a political party and is sponsored by that political party; and

    d) he has been educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent.”

    “We have considered the evidence before this court. He has the highest number of votes. This petition is dead on arrival.”

    “Given the evidence adduced before the court, the grounds on which the petitioner is seeking disqualification of 2nd and 3rd respondents lack merit.

    “I have found Gov Sanwo-Olu and deputy, Dr Hamzat duly elected and therefore declared them winner.”

    Similarly,  justice Arum Ashom and Justice Igho Braimoh aligned with the judgment

    Earlier, the Tribunal had struck out the application of Jandor, who was seeking a disqualification of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s candidature.

     

  • #Justice4Mohbad: DSS has joined investigation to get justice for late singer – Sanwo-Olu

    #Justice4Mohbad: DSS has joined investigation to get justice for late singer – Sanwo-Olu

    T

    he Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to collaborate in investigating the cause of death of singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba popularly known as Mohbad.

    The Governor made the call in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso.

    Recall that 27-year-old Mohbad was confirmed dead on Sept. 12 by a music executive, Ovie, on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

    Mohbad left his record label ‘Marlian Music’ in 2022, citing unpaid royalties from 2019.

    According to the governor, the collaboration will boost the investigation through the use of best-in-class technology to unearth the truth.

    Sanwo-Olu assured that anybody responsible for the death would be made to face the wrath of the law.

    He admonished the Police and the DSS to brief the public on their efforts periodically while appealing to all those who might have vital information that might assist the investigation process to avail the investigating team with such.

    “Consequently, the Department of State Services (DSS) has also joined the investigation so as to get justice for the youngster, his family and teeming fans.

    “Government also appeals to the investigating team to guarantee the confidentiality and protection of all witnesses who may come forward with vital information or indicative evidence that may assist the process.

    “The government appeals to all friends and fans of the deceased to stay calm and refrain from making inflammatory utterances and reaching prejudicial conclusions on this matter.

    “Staying calm and following the process keenly will be our most solemn tribute to the memory of the departed talent.”

    The governor also commiserates with the family and fans of the deceased.

    Sanwo-Olu described Mohbad as a talented and promising young man who made a name for himself in a highly competitive industry.

    He appealed that the families of the deceased should be allowed to mourn their loss in peace.

    “This is indeed a difficult time for us all, the government, the family and Mohbad’s fans.

    “Any action that can aggravate the grief should be avoided,” he said.

    The governor prayed to God to grant Mohbad’s soul rest and comfort his bereaved family and fans.

    A 19-man police panel has been asked to unravel the mystery of the musician’s death following the governor’s directive.

     

  • Lagos gov, Sanwo-Olu redeploys 2 special advisers

    Lagos gov, Sanwo-Olu redeploys 2 special advisers

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Friday redeployed two newly-appointed Special Advisers.

    The Lagos State Head of Service, Mr Hakeem Muri-Okunola said in a statement that the redeployment was announced during the 2023 on-boarding retreat programme for the newly-sworn in members of Lagos State Executive Council (SEC) and body of Permanent Secretaries.

    The retreat took place at Epe with the theme:  ”Navigating Government Excellence: Role of Leadership in Ensuring A Greater Lagos Rises”.

    Muri-Okunola said that the Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih-Awokoya from the Ministry of health, had been redeployed to the Office of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    He said that Gov. Sanwo-Olu also redeployed Mr Abiola Olowu from the ministry of commerce, cooperatives, trade, and investment to Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, as Special Adviser, Office of Mineral Resources.

    According to him, the changes took immediate effect.

    He also said that the Special Adviser,  Works, would work under the Office of Lagos State Deputy Governor.

    Recall that Gov. Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday swore in 37 commissioners and special advisers as members of the SEC and assigned portfolios to them.

    The cabinet members comprise 23 commissioners and 14 special advisers.

    The commissioners included Mr Lawal Pedro, SAN (Justice and Attorney-General); Mrs Bolaji Dada (Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation); Prof. Akin Abayomi (Health); Mr Tokunbo Wahab (Environment and Water Resources), and Mr Moruf Akinderu-Fatai (Housing).

    Also, Mr Gbenga Omotoso (Information and Strategy); Mr Ibrahim Layode (Home Affairs); Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende (Youths and Social Development); Mr Dayo Alebiosu-Bush (Waterfront Infrastructure Development), Abisola Olusanya (Agriculture), and Mr Gbenga Oyerinde (Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations).

    The others include Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka (Tourism, Arts and Culture); Mr Osiyemi Oluwaseun (Transportation); Mr Tunbosun Alake (Innovation, Science and Technology); Mr Afolabi Ayantayo (Establishment and Training); Mr Kayode Roberts (Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development), and Mr Mosopefoluwa George (Economic Planning and Budget).

    The others are Mr Olumide Oluyinka (Physical Planning and Urban Development); Mr Abayomi Oluyomi (Finance); Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medem (Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment); Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun (Basic and Secondary Education); Mr Akinyeri Ajigbotafe (Wealth Creation and Employment), and Mr Tolani Akibu (Tertiary Education).

    The special advisers include Mr Sola Giwa (Transportation); Mr Rotimi Fashola (Agriculture); Mr Abiola Olowu (Commerce, Industry and Investment); Mr Olajide Babatunde (eGIS and Urban Development); Mr Idris Aregbe (Tourism, Arts and Culture), and Mr AbdulKabir Opeyemi Ogungbo (Taxation and Revenue).

    The others are Bola Olumegbon (Central Business Districts); Mr Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu (Environment); Mr Afolabi Tajudeen (Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement); Mrs Barakat Odunuga-Bakare (Housing); Mr Yekini Agbaje (Rural Development), and Iyabode Ayoola (Internal Audit).