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Tag: Sanwo-Olu

  • Lagos to host Global Citizen Festival 2020 – Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday night, in New York City, United States announced Lagos, Nigeria as the host city for the year 2020 Global Citizen Festival.

    Sanwo-Olu who made the announcement during an interactive session of global leaders, activists and entertainers said the need to end extreme poverty by the year 2030, which is the aim of the Global Citizen movement must be embraced by every world leader.

    He said, “I stand before you this evening to join my brothers and sisters from Nigeria to announce to you that come September 26, 2020, we would be hosting the world. We would be hosting the Global Citizen Festival in Lagos, Nigeria. We are looking forward to it. It is the beginning of greater things to happen to us as people from West Africa and indeed the entire African continent.

    “I will encourage the Federal Government of Nigeria to invite leaders from countries in Africa and around the world to grace the occasion. And as Governor of one of the 36 states in Nigeria, I will invite my colleagues to come and make commitments on behalf of nearly one hundred million poorest of the poor people in Nigeria so that by the year 2030, we would be writing a different story about the situation of the poor masses in the country.”

    Sanwo-Olu said, that Nigeria, which has over 200 million people, with half of the population living below the poverty line requires concerted efforts by all and sundry to ensure that more people are taken away from extreme poverty on a regular basis.

    Speaking on the event, the CEO of Global Citizen, Hugh Evans, together with the CEO of Teneo, a supporting company, the historic 10 hour global broadcast event spanning five continents will reach every corner of the world.

    According to them, the idea is to spread the message in a very loud and well-coordinated manner for every leader across the world to hear and for them to see the urgent need to commit their knowledge and material resources to help the poor.

    The year 2019 festival will hold at the central park in New York on Saturday.

    Leaders in music and entertainment, who have signed on to perform at the 2020 Global Citizen Festival in Nigeria include Usher Raymond, Pharell, D’banj, Tiwa Savage, Hold Space, Shawn Mendes among others.

    The 10-hour live event will be supported by the Lagos State Government in partnership with Live Nation and Delivered Production Services, made possible by Messrs Tunde Folawiyo and Aig-imoukhuede who are co-chair of Global Citizen, Nigeria.

    Meanwhile, Governor Sanwo-Olu has called on Nigerians to shun violence and continue to live in peace and harmony in order to build a better Nigeria.

    The Governor made this call, on Friday, at a Special Jumat Service organized to commemorate the 59th Independence Day Celebrations at the Lagos State Secretariat Community Central Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja.

    Sanwo-Olu who was represented at the event by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, stressed that the nation cannot develop if there is violence, killing and fighting amongst its citizens. He therefore urged everyone with a violent disposition to have a rethink, as it is ungodly to kill anybody in Islam.

    According to him, “It is clear in Islam that if you kill a soul, you have killed a nation. Whatever the grievances are, let us all sit down and resolve it, to have a nation where we will live in peace and harmony, where we will be able to fulfil Allah destiny”.

    He disclosed that his dream for Nigeria is for all Nigerians to live in peace and utilize their God giving talents for a better nation which cannot be achieved when there is fighting, no peace and violence.

    Speaking further, the Governor stated that Nigeria is a good country and it will be better if all citizens are upright, do what is right always and care for one another.

  • Sanwo-Olu appoints new corps marshal for LAGESC

    The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the appointment of CP Akinpelu Gbemisola, a (retired) Commissioner of Police as the new Corps Marshal of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC).

    Mrs. Akinpelu Gbemisola, a graduate of History & International Relations Department, Lagos State University Ojo, started her career as a Cadet Inspector in the Nigerian Police in 1984. She later served with the Nigeria Police in several capacities, which includes; Head, Criminal Central Registry, Alagbon, Lagos.

    Mrs. Akinpelu later served as the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Administration, Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Abuja and later as the Commissioner of Police, Inspectorate, Directorate of Training, Force Headquarters, Abuja and as the Commandant, Police College, Ikeja, where she retired meritoriously.

    Alongside her appointment are the three Deputy Corps Marshals; Mr. Ganiyu Salami, Mr. Adeeso Adeleke, and Mr. Ganiyu Kazeem for the Control and Supervision of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps Members.

    The Lagos State environmental sanitation Corps is the erstwhile Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) Brigade is established to promote a Cleaner, Hygienic, Aesthetically Resplendent Environment.

  • Xenophobia: Over 5,000 lost their jobs in reprisal attacks in Lagos – Sanwo-Olu

    Xenophobia: Over 5,000 lost their jobs in reprisal attacks in Lagos – Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has lamented the colossal loses recorded in the xenophobic attacks in Lagos, disclosing that over 5000 jobs were lost in the state.

    The governor who spoke after inspection of some damaged facilities in the wake of the xenophobic attacks in the state, condemned the attacks and the looting of goods in the shopping malls.

    He said: ‘’We have seen the level of destruction at both Novare Plaza and Surulere plaza.

    “The first is to condemn the act that had led to this destruction in strong terms. These are just enormous destruction of property. This is extensive destruction of people’s wealth.

    “Unfortunately, during my inspection of both plazas, I discovered that those affected were all indigenous stores and companies.

    “Even the names that are synonymous with South Africa, I could see that there were over 150 staffs that could not get to perform their duties because of the act.

    ‘’From the evidence shown, we realized that people also jumped in through some nearby properties within the community. All these are unimaginable.

    ‘’But really the lesson learnt from all these were that we all go back and check what are the social implications of what has happened and how can we learn from it.’’

    ‘’When people come into a store overnight to loot the goods, it is an act that must be condemned. With the act now, over 5000 people are out of job. These are places that Nigerians were the major ones affected.’’

    The governor urged business owners to embark on a robust engagement with their local communities, saying engaging in strong interaction with the community where they do business would help to assuage such occurrence.

    ‘’This will make the people to attach some significance to the brands as it concerns what that brand has done for them in their communities. That brand then become something that one relate with. The residents will know that this is the brand that has taken people out of poverty and other things done for them to develop.

    ‘’All these kind of social interactions need to come so that when people remember those brands; they will remember them for the positive thing they had done for them.

    ‘’So that when the residents remember the brand, they remember the positive things that they have done for the community.

    ‘’For us as government and the business community, it is for us to take full responsibilities and see how we can create the engagement bring social inclusion from where we do businesses.

    ‘’Also importantly is for us to assure the business community that the ease of doing business is paramount to us. Security of lives and property is very important to us and that is why we have asked our security agencies to stop at nothing in ensuring that all the facilities here are secured.

    “The governor said his government will also been speaking with the senior hierarchy of the police to know what will be done to all those that were arrested during the act.

  • Again! Sanwo-Olu declares Lekki, Ikoyi plazas toll free today

    Again! Sanwo-Olu declares Lekki, Ikoyi plazas toll free today

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared the two toll plazas at Lekki and Ikoyi-Lekki Link Bridge toll free during peak hours today.
    This is in continuation of the government’s simulation survey of traffic situation at the area to reduce traffic congestion.
    A statement by the governor’s Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, said a toll-free passage at the toll plaza on Lekki-Epe Expressway and Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge would run between 6:30am and 9:30am and also from 4:30pm till 7:30pm.
    The statement said both toll plazas will be free for motorists going to and leaving Lekki axis to allow the state’s consultants complete the traffic simulation survey started a few weeks ago.
    The toll free hours, the governor said, is to allow traffic consultants to the government carry out a comprehensive study of traffic flow around Lekki-Ikoyi-Victoria Island axes, which is part of the initiatives the government is bringing to diffuse vehicular gridlock at major business districts.

  • BREAKING: Sanwo-Olu names 25 commissioners, advisers (See full list)

    The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has sent the names of 25 commissioners and special advisers to the House of Assembly for ratification.
    Among those on the list were the former Secretary to the State Government, Tunji Bello; former Commissioner for Information, Wale Ahmed; former Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, among others.
    See list:
    1. Mr. Rabiu Olowo Onaolapo
    2. Mrs. Folashade Adefisayo
    3. Prof. Akin Abayomi
    4. Dr. Idris Salako
    5. Mr. Tunji Bello
    6. Mr. Gbenga Omotoso
    7. Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka
    8. Mrs. Bolaji Dada
    9. Mr. Lere Odusote
    10. Dr. Frederic Oladeinde
    11. Mr. Gbolahan Lawal
    12. Ms. Adekemi Ajayi
    13. Mr. Femi George
    14. Dr. Wale Ahmed
    15. Mr. Moyo Onigbanjo (SAN)
    16. Mr. Hakeem Fahm
    17. Mrs. Ajibola Ponnle
    18. Engr. Aramide Adeyoye
    19. Mr. Segun Dawodu
    20. Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf
    21. Mr. Sam Egube
    22. Ms Ruth Bisola Olusanya
    23. Princess Aderemi Adebowale
    24. Mr. Tunbosun Alake
    25. Mr. Afolabi Ayantayo
     

  • Plant a tree to celebrate memorable events – Sanwo-Olu

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Sunday urged residents to plant trees to celebrate memorarable events to ensure safer, greener environments and to save the planet from further destruction.
    Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, made the call at the 2019 Tree Planting campaign, organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Environment in Iganmu, Lagos.
    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this year’s exercise, with the theme ‘Clean and Green is our Perfect Dream’, takes place simultaneously in 57 locations across the state.
    The Lagos governor said that the State aimed to meet the target of 10 million trees by the year 2020.
    “We cannot keep on ignoring climate change which is the most significant material risk to our future. It is also the world’s most devastating threat to human survival.
    “As we increase efforts to rid the state of waste, all hands must be on deck to improve the environment by adorning it with flowers, shrubs, plants and trees.
    “To this end, let our voices resonate across the state that as we mark our birthdays, dedicate our children or celebrate our children’s graduation, let’s plant a tree.
    “Whatever memorable event, let’s endeavour to mark it with planting trees. It is the future of our children and this act of benevolence to nature can save our planet from further destruction,’’ he said.
    Sanwo-Olu also announced the re-launch of the ‘One House, One Tree’ campaign across the state to ensure that every house in the state possessed at least one tree.
    According to him, this will go a long way to intensify the state government’s greening project.
    In his address, Mr Abiodun Bamigboye, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, said that trees were important to the ecosystem as they control the climate by moderating effects of the sun, rain and wind.
    He urged residents and industrialists in the state to ensure a certain percentage of their properties were preserved for greening.
    “When we make it clean, let us also make it green; that way, we have made the environment safer and healthier for the generality of our people.
    “This is our perfect dream for a prosperous Lagos,’’ Bamigboye said.
    The Lagos State Government, under former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola in 2008, declared July 14 every year as Tree Planting day.

  • Don’t make hasty decisions, beware of hypocrites, Akiolu advises Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos monarch, Oba Riliwanu Akiolu, has advised the state governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, against making hasty decisions, and to beware of hypocrites.
    Akiolu gave the advice at a Sanwo-Olu had with the state Council of Obas at the Lagos House, Alausa.
    Also in attendance at the meeting was the Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat.
    The monarch said that many of those who would throng Sanwo-Olu’s office with advice were hypocrites mainly concerned with what benefits them, and not for the general public.
    Akiolu said attending the meeting became necessary because all those elected and given leadership positions must be respected by all, including monarchs.
    In an interview with newsmen shortly after the meeting, the monarch said it was used to discuss germane issues on security and socio-economic development of the state.
    Akiolu said the visit was to felicitate with the governor on his success at the polls and bring greetings from the kingdoms the traditional rulers administer.
    He promised that the monarchs and their chiefs would work with the governor to ensure that his administration records tremendous achievements, especially as it concerns security.
    Akiolu, who spoke in Yoruba, also debunked claims that he was a puppet to some bigwigs in the country.
    He said that he feared no one except God, and would always speak my mind, aside speaking truth to power.
    Sanwo-Olu thanked the traditional rulers for the visit and promised to foster a working relationship with the traditional institutions for the state to be safe and be a destination of choice for investors.

  • Gridlock: Sanwo-Olu declares Lekki, Admiralty toll-free today

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State yesterday declared the Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge and Admiralty Lekki toll-free today, saying motorists should not pay for six hours during peak periods.
    This came as the governor hinted that the collection in the toll plazas might go cashless by October. With the declaration, motorists plying the routes are not expected to pay toll for three hours in the morning and three hours in the evening to enable government to appraise traffic congestion in the axis.
    Briefing journalists after a tour of the Victoria Island-Lekki-Ajah axis over gridlock and flooding issues, Sanwo-Olu said that the move was necessary to enable his administration to observe the pattern the gridlock “takes during the peak hours”.
    According to the governor, the plazas will be open for free passage to vehicles between 6.30a.m. and 9.30a.m. as well as 4.30p.m. and 8p.m. According to him, the purpose is to study the traffic situation in the area with a view to finding lasting solutions to the issue of gridlock in the area.
    He said: “The objective is that we want to do a real simulation of traffic study, when you open the toll plaza where does the traffic get into, does it disperse and go completely away or do we transfer it somewhere else.
    It is only when we do this at the peak hour that we would be able to understand and appreciate what would be the effect of it. “We just want to do a study and also appreciate Lagosians that we are not unmindful of the challenges we have with the two plazas, but our government wants to bring about a different journey time and the way we want to do it is to have online real time study of what all the issues are.”
    After the study, the governor explained that his administration would be able to analyse the challenges and the solutions to the problem. Meanwhile, it was learnt that government would pay the Lekki Concession Company Limited for the period it declared toll free on the expressway.

  • Sanwo-Olu denies withdrawing $470m Lagos fund to sponsor AFCON delegation to Egypt

    Sanwo-Olu denies withdrawing $470m Lagos fund to sponsor AFCON delegation to Egypt

    The Lagos State Government has debunked an allegation by the state chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu withdrew $470 million to fund his trip and other persons to watch the Nigeria-Cameroon match at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
    A statement by Sanwo-Olu’s Deputy Chief Press Secretary Gboyega Akosile reads: “There is nothing farther to the truth than this statement, which follows the same pattern of falsehoods usually dished out to the public by the PDP and its mouthpiece.
    “For the avoidance of doubt, His Excellency, Sanwo-Olu did not make any withdrawal for the purpose of attending the AFCON in Egypt.
    “It is a public knowledge that Sanwo-Olu was named among some other dignitaries to attend the ongoing African football fiesta in Egypt.
    “Members of the Federal Government delegation to AFCON 2019 are Dr. Ahmed Lawan, as leader of the delegation, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha.
    “Governors nominated and approved by President Muhammadu Buhari are Sanwo-Olu and Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
    “Also on the list are Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Mr. Habu Gumel and a representative of the Presidency, Captain Hosa Okunbo.
    “The Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, Olusade Adesola and Muhammad Gambo, the ministry’s Director of Facilities, are also members of the delegation, which include a former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, to complete the 11-man list.”
    It added: “Is it not laughable therefore that PDP will resort to issuing press statements based on fake news on social media? Does it not stand logic on its head to allege that Governor Sanwo-Olu spent $470 million to fund a trip that he was nominated as a delegate?
    “As we have always stated, we will again suggest to the Lagos State PDP and her spokesman to always fact check before putting pen on paper. Opposition politics is not built on lies and fake news.”

  • Lagos/Badagry expressway ready before Dec, says Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos/Badagry expressway ready before Dec, says Sanwo-Olu

    A month after Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo – Olu promised the completion of Lagos / Badagry Expressway construction work on the corridor got underway yesterday with the flag-off of the project.
    The flag-off of the 60-kilometer road from Eric Moore to Badagry according to the governor, will end the neglect and hardship suffered daily by residents of that part of the metropolis, where traffic snarl, robbery and deaths have become a daily experience.
    Represented by Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat, the governor said the contractor, Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) was recalled to site to commence work to bring relief to millions of Lagosians who live on the axis considered as an international route.
    He said a section of the expressway from Agboju, a suburb of Lagos to Trade Fair Complex will be completed before the end of the year while the other stretch to Badagry will be rehabilitated with palliative measures to make it motorable to the public.
    He lauded the cooperation between the Federal Government and the state government, saying the Federal Road Emergency Maintenance Agency (FERMA) was currently rehabilitating the Igboelerin section to Agbara road while the Federal Ministry of Works was building a six -lane road from Agbara to Seme Border.
    Read also: ‘Sanwo-Olu should instill sanity on roads, hospitals’
    The governor said the government was committed to the welfare of the citizens but stated the need for the citizens to reciprocate the government’s gesture. He lamented frequent cases of traffic offences by motorist who drive against traffic warning that full weight of the law will be brought upon offenders.
    He said: ‘’As we were coming from this road this morning, we saw vehicles facing one way in the process we stopped some of them; we turned them back and some of them, we asked officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to go and prosecute them.
    “Now, a lot of our citizens on the roads were giving excuses that ‘there is no road that is why we have to face one way’. Unfortunately, on that same road we saw a young man that was hit by commercial motorcyclist also known as ‘Okada’ while taking one way. So that young man can be anybody’s brother, somebody’s cousin, somebody’s father. So we cannot say because the road is not in good shape and allow people to break the law.
    “On June 2nd, just two days after our inauguration Governor Sanwo-Olu and myself have been here and I am here again to show Lagosians that this is a very critical road for us and that construction will start again on this road and that is why we are here today to fulfil that promise.
    “As you will recall, it is a massive road, we are expanding four to 10 lanes , it is a 60 kilometre road from Bode Thomas all the way to Okokomaiko. That is what we are doing and the essence is to say that we will again start all over again. From Agboju to Trade Fair, that road will be completed this year. That is from the four lanes to 10 lanes. At least we saw the state of the road presently. The palliative measures will start from Trade Fair all the way to Okokomaiko to make it motorable for our people, while the construction of that parts that takes us to Okokomaiko will continue. It is important to stress the cooperation between the Lagos State Government and Federal Government of Nigeria.
    “Today, FERMA has awarded the rehabilitation from Igboelerin to Agbara. That rehabilitation will maintain the four lanes, the reason is clear because on that axis, you have pipelines and various infrastructure we want to make sure that it is preserved. That will make it motorable for Lagosians.”
    Speaking at the event, China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) General Manger, Lagos Head office, Mr. Bill Bian hailed the governor for bringing them back to site and pledged their preparedness to deliver on the timeline for the project.
    He confirmed that the Agboju-Trade fair stretch will be completed before the year while palliative measures will continue beyond the road.
    Bian stated that his organisation was not unmindful of the suffering of motorists on a daily basis and thanked every agency of government that has helped them in one way or the other.
    Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Olujimi Houtonu said the reconstruction and upgrading of the expressway from Eric Moore to Okokomaiko from 4 to 10 -lanes is what the reconstruction is all about.
    He said : “ It comprises the following on each side of the road, two toll lanes, two service lanes, one -Bus Rapid Transit (BRT ) lane, central reserve for one – way Light Rail Mass Transit (MRMT) and various support infrastructure.