Tag: Sanwo-Olu

Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, LASG mourn Peace Anyiam-Osigwe

All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Lagos State Government (LASG) have mourned the passage of Nigerian filmmaker, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe.

In different statements on Tuesday, they expressed shock and sadness over the death of Peace Anyiam-Osigwe.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Ayiam-Osigwe, the President of the Association of Movie Producers and Chief Executive Officer of the African Film Academy, died on Monday at a private hospital in Lagos. She was 53 years old.

Asiwaju Tinubu said, Ms Anyiam-Osigwe will be fondly remembered for her work in the film industry across the continent and for nurturing creative talents through AMAA and Africa Film Academy.

In his words: “I am sad to hear about the sudden and unexpected death of Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, a notable leader in Nigeria and Africa’s entertainment industry. Her commitment to the growth of the creative sector in Nigeria and across Africa where she was a trailblazer through nurturing of talents and a credible award platform will forever be cherished and remembered.

“I have a personal relationship with Peace since my association with her illustrious family. I express my deepest condolences and sympathy to her aged mother, brothers , her professional colleagues and friends. May God grant her soul peaceful rest.”

Sanwo-Olu described the late Peace Anyiam-Osigwe as an Amazon of the creative sector, a trailblazer and visionary leader, who contributed immensely to the growth and development of the creative industry in Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole during her lifetime.

Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, stated that Ayiam-Osagwe during her lifetime produced many blockbuster movies, facilitated, trained and empowered hundreds of young people in the creative industry through the ‘Film in a Box’ programme by the African Film Academy in conjunction with the Lagos State Government.

He said the death of Peace Anyiam-Osigwe is a great loss to Lagos State, considering the unique role the deceased was playing in the actualization of the various commitments and programmes of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration to the entertainment industry through the Africa Film Academy and Lagos Committee on Film Production Empowerment, which the deceased was a member.

The Governor also commiserated with the deceased family, friends and associates, as well as movie producers, directors, actors and other practitioners in the Nollywood sector over the demise of the renowned filmmaker, urging them to continue the good legacy of the late Peace Anyiam-Osigwe.

He said: “On behalf of my family, the Government and the good people of Lagos State, I sympathize with the Association of Movie Producers and the entire Nollywood industry on the demise of the renowned filmmaker and Founder of the African Movie Academy Awards, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe.

“The late Peace Anyiam-Osigwe is one of the pillars of Nollywood in Nigeria. She was a bundle of talent and one of the best filmmakers not only in Nigeria but also on the African continent. She used her God-given talent to advance the course of mankind and contributed immensely to the creative sector through African Movie Academy Awards and African Film Academy.

“Peace Anyiam-Osigwe was a reliable partner in the Entertainment and Tourism pillar of our Greater Lagos agenda. She partnered with the Lagos State Government to train hundreds of young people in Acting, Art Directing, Light and Lighting, Editing, Sound Production, and Post Production, among others, through the African Film Academy. She was also a member of the Lagos State Committee on Film Production Empowerment.

“Peace Anyiam-Osigwe’s death will leave a vacuum that would take some time to be fill in the creative industry. I pray that God will grant the late Peace Anyiam-Osigwe eternal rest and grant the family, colleagues, and associates the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

Also, Lagos State Government, LASG, in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Pharm. Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, described the death of Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, as a big loss for the entertainment industry in Nigeria and beyond.

She linked the success stories of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in the area of capacity enhancement of creative practitioners to the huge contribution of Peace Anyiam-Osigwe through the Lagos Creative Industry Initiatives, LACI.

“I am particularly saddened based on the fact that the deceased was a member of the Lagos State Film Fund committee with other notable practitioners in the film industry through which some beneficiaries emerged last year,” she said.

Saying that the deceased filmmaker was one of the major stakeholders of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Akinbile-Yussuf added that Anyiam-Osigwe left at a period when her expertise is sorely needed to revamp the creative sector, stressing that her death has left a huge vacuum in the industry.

The Commissioner who recalled that the state government recently entered a partnership with Africa Film Academy under the leadership of Anyiam-Osigwe where over 890 youths graduated in October, averred that the development was a testament to the deceased’s love for the creative sector and her desire to leave behind, an indelible mark in the industry.

She said though the death came as sudden and sad news, the consolation is in the impactful and selfless life she lived and the exposure she gave to several movie and creative practitioners who came into the limelight through her mentorship and support.

Akinbile-Yussuf averred that the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and Lagos State Government as a whole share in the grief of the entire family members, associates and colleagues of the Founder of the African Movie Academy Awards, the Commissioner prayed that God will grant all those affected by Peace Anyiam-Osigwe’s death, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

January 10, 2023
Seriki’s death painful, shocking – Sanwo-Olu

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State says the death of Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, Chief Demola Seriki, is painful and shocking.

Sanwo-Olu, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile on Thursday, said that the death of Seriki was a big loss to Lagos State and Nigeria.

He described the late Seriki as a businessman, politician, and public administrator, whose contributions remain indelible in the hearts of the residents of Lagos State and Nigerian citizens as a whole.

Seriki, a former Minister of State for Defence and Minister of State for the Interior, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in Madrid, Spain on Thursday at 63.

He was also a former Supervising Minister for Mines and Steel Development between October and December 2008 and Minister of State for Agriculture and Water Resources from 2007 to 2008.

Sanwo-Olu said that the death of Seriki came at a time when his wealth of experience was mostly needed in the country.

He also sympathised with President Muhammadu Buhari, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, diplomats, and Nigerians in the diaspora over the demise of the ambassador.

The governor said that the deceased’s contribution to the growth and development of the country during his tenure as minister in different capacities and now Nigerian Ambassador to Spain would continue to be reference point in the nation’s developmental trajectory.

”On behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, I want to express my sincere and heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends, and political associates of the late Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, Chief Demola Seriki.

”The death of Chief Demola is a big loss to Lagos State and Nigeria, especially the diplomatic community. He made a lot of positive impact and contributions during his lifetime to the growth and development of Nigeria as a notable politician, minister and ambassador.

”He particularly made significant impact in Lagos politics, as a member of the ruling party.

”I pray that God will grant him eternal rest and give the immediate family, friends, political associates, and the people of Lagos Island, our dear state, and the country the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” he said.

December 15, 2022
Police arrest ex-convict for breaking into LASG fire service, steals valve

Just 10 days after release from prison, an ex-convict, Yakub Yusuf, has been arrested for breaking into the premises of the Lagos State Fire Service, LASG, to steal the valve cover of old fire trucks under repair in the state.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement on Thursday, said Yakub was arrested 10 days after a nongovernmental organization facilitated his release from prison by paying the fine.

He added that operatives of Rapid Response Squad arrested the ex-convict on Saturday morning hours after he was released from prison, adding that he had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and prosecution.

Hundeyin said, “The suspect, Yakub Yusuf, 23, was arrested around 8am on Saturday after regaining freedom following his one-month prison sentence for stealing at Lagos State fuel dump, Alausa, Ikeja.

“Learning that he was imprisoned because he could not pay a fine, which was an option, an NGO facilitated his release by paying the fine on Friday, November 11, just 10 days after his conviction on November 1, 2022.

“Yakub was arrested again after breaking into the Lagos State Fire Service premises from where he stole valve covers of old fire trucks under repairs. The CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi-led RRS has since transferred the suspect to the SCID for further investigation and prosecution.”

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the Lagos State Fire Service is the statutory fire and rescue service for Lagos State.

Established in 1972 by the Lagos State Law Cap.42 of 1972, it is primarily tasked with managing fire emergencies in Lagos State. The service is responsible for fire protection and community safety among residents and visitors across the state.

The Lagos State Fire Service was established on August 31, 1972, with an Expatriate Chief Fire Officer, Sir Allan Flemming, as the first Chief Fire Officer with a three-man crew.

In 2021, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu appointed Mrs Margaret Adeseye, Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service.

The Lagos State Fire Service employs 553 operational personnel, including 9 non-uniformed personnel in various fields.

November 18, 2022
One of Nigeria’s largest markets, Alaba International shut down over activities of RTEAN members

One of the five largest Nigerian markets, Alaba International Market, has been shut down by the market traders association following a clash between traders and hoodlums, under the auspices of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) on Wednesday.

The RTEAN members were accused of extorting traders in the market, which sparked a collective condemnation by the marketers.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the Amalgamated Traders Association Council of Sectional Heads called on Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene in the crisis at the market located in the Ojo area of the state.

In their words: “The Alaba international market traders association have decided to shut down the entire market till further notice to avoid further loss of live and property and will remain shut till these criminals are arrested and brought to justice.”

At a press briefing on Thursday, Mr. Mbonu Udochukwu Geoffrey, President General, Alaba Amalgamated Traders Association, said the threat to the security of lives and property at the Alaba market calls for national concern as the market contributes “a sizable amount of revenue to the federal and state coffers through their unquantifiable international and local trade.”

They added: “It will therefore be unwise to allow non-state actors like the operators of RTEAN/ PARK ADMINISTRATION to short change this national and state asset which houses several thousands of BIG, MEDIUM and SMALL businesses.

“Suffice it to also mention that traders are now vacating the market in droves as the complete blockage of the only Alaba road and the extreme extortion going on especially between Volkswagen bus stop and Alaba market is becoming so unbearable as traders are made to pay a fully cleared container or a truck a whooping sum of N70,000 to N100,000 before they can be allowed to convey their goods to the market; it is the same for those supplying goods from their warehouses.

“For traders who cannot afford or who hesitate to pay are either beaten up or wounded. Sadly enough, only yesterday (Wednesday) we woke up to the information that a new loading point was to be instituted on the already constricted Alaba road which has already been taken over by petty traders who were given portions to display wares to the detriment of existing shop owners, also completely defacing this market of international repute.

“To ensure this issue was handled amicably, the Alaba amalgamated leaders quickly contacted the executive chairman of Ojo local government who promised to call them to order, we also contacted the interim caretaker committee chairman who also promised to call them to order but surprisingly on Tuesday the 19TH of October we were greeted with chaos in our market as hoodlums that we cannot quantify trooped into the market with guns, machete and other dangerous weapons; shooting and maiming both buyers and traders who are doing their legitimate business to the extent that some were killed and several other wounded.

“To this end we want to say enough is enough! We appeal to the executive governor of Lagos state his excellency Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu to intervene in this matter before it degenerates into a serious security issue- God forbid. The Alaba international market traders association have decided to shut down the entire market till further notice to avoid further loss of live and property and will remain shut till: these criminals are arrested and brought to justice; the removal of all kiosk/petty traders causing blockade along Alaba international market road; that all toll collection point will be at Volkswagen bus stop and chemists bus stop; the reduction in outrageous fees collected from containers, trucks and other vehicles.”

The traders thanked the executive chairman of Ojo Local Government and the security personnel who responded swiftly to the crisis in the market.

Recall that Governor Sanwo-Olu had suspended all activities of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria in the state.

This was made known by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa.

He noted that the suspension has become imperative following some pockets of violence recorded in Ojo and Lagos Island on Wednesday, adding that a 35- Man Caretaker Committee has been constituted to take over activities of the union “henceforth”.

October 20, 2022
Lagos PDP guber candidate, Jandor reacts to Wike’s endorsement of Sanwo-Olu

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos state, Jide Adeniran, simply known as Jandor has reacted to the endorsement of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu by Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike.

Jandor claims that Wike had never supported his governorship ambition.

Adeniran made this statement on Wednesday while featuring on politics today on Channels TV.

Jandor said, “As a matter of fact, what happened (referring to the incident) should not surprise anyone but, in my case, I am not surprised because it is Governor Wike. No one will express shock over what he said except you are not in this country.

“But for me, just like the party put in their statement, how can someone who didn’t support me with all his might within the PDP while seeking the party ticket will feel he has the magic wand to take a decision for Lagosians?

“I became the governorship candidate without any dime from him although he has supported Lagos PDP in the past. He supported someone else and I remember telling Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, that his friend is not supporting me and I still picked that ticket.

“Nobody expects that a party man, a national leader will do that for any reason at all, but it has happened and there is nothing we can do about it. My worry is this, he should be our role model at his level, as a governor, your office should come with a symbol of decorum.”

October 20, 2022
We’ll put Sanwo-Olu out of work in 2023, Lagos PDP tells Wike

The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has told Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State that it will put his counterpart in Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, out of work in 2023.

The party was reacting to the purported endorsement of Sanwo-Olu for a second term by Wike during his visit to Lagos.

The party, in a statement issued on Tuesday evening by its Publicity Secretary, Hakeem Amode, said it would have expressed disappointment if Wike had attended any event “without his usual rant of a drowning man who will clutch at a straw.”

How many times has Sanwo-Olu invited anyone to Lagos for the commissioning of an ordinary borehole in his almost four years in office as Governor?

He said, “I only wonder how Governor Wike, who didn’t support Jandor and at the same time couldn’t stop him from picking the party ticket in Lagos, despite his supposed might within the PDP, would apportion to himself the decision of generality of Lagosians in the forthcoming election.

“While we won’t but acknowledge Governor Wike’s developmental strides in Rivers State which have witnessed the influx of other state chief executives including Sanwo-Olu for commissioning, it is worrisome that Wike will call Sanwo-Olu a performer without asking how many times he has invited anyone to Lagos for the commissioning of an ordinary borehole in his almost four years in office as Governor.

“My dear Governor and leader, we promise to render Sanwo-Olu jobless and send him to the club of your former Governors next year. Only God, who has seen Jandor and Lagos PDP this far, and the generality of Lagosians, can determine his fate at the polls in 2023, not your endorsement.

“We will continue to sell our breath of fresh air agenda to Lagosians with the promise of a better tomorrow. Lagos needs a breath of fresh air!”

TheNewsGuru.com had earlier reported that Wike on Tuesday expressed support for the second term bid of Sanwo-Olu.

Sanwo-Olu is seeking a second tenure on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Wike made the announcement at the 22nd National Women’s Conference, with the theme: ”Spring Forth, Stand Out”, organized by the Committee Of Wives Of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) in Lagos.

October 19, 2022
Just In: Sanwo-Olu increases Lagos students’ bursary by 100%

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has approved an increment of 100 per cent on bursary payable to students of Lagos State origin in tertiary institutions across the country.

The Executive Secretary, Lagos State Scholarship Board, Mr. Abdur Rahaman Lekki said in a statement on Sunday that the increment would take effect from 2022/ 2023 academic session.

Lekki said that he had already informed representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Lagos State Chapter, and the National Union of Lagos State Students (NULASS) at a meeting at Alausa, Ikeja.

He said that the meeting was held at the instance of the Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo- Olu on Education, Mr Tokunbo Wahab.

Lekki said that the meeting had in attendance, the presidents and some executive members of both the two students union bodies, NANS and NULAS, and representatives of the state government.

He said that the 100 per cent bursary increment and other benefits were aimed at supporting the educational needs of students of Lagos state origin, to let them cope with the present economic reality.

Lekki also disclosed that the government at the just concluded State Economic Summit known as ”Ehingbeti Summit” had approved the resolutions on the establishment of Lagos Diaspora Scholarship Fund.

According to him, the scholarship fund is aimed at providing scholarship and bursary benefits generally to all Lagos state resident students in tertiary institutions, in any part of the country, to support their education.

He appealed to the students over a little delay in the payment of the remaining 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 bursary/ scholarship benefits.

The board secretary said that the delay was necessitated by the ongoing data-cleansing/verification exercise across all institutions by the state government,

”The ongoing data-cleansing/verification exercise is to ensure that only qualified students of Lagos state origin benefited from the scheme,” he said.

Lekki that the Lagos state scholarship board through the ongoing verification and data cleansing exercise discovered a fraudulent act, which was at the expense of the original students of the state that the scheme was meant for.

He said that it was discovered that some people who either were no more students or not even students of any higher institution were benefiting from the scheme.

The board secretary assured that prompt payment of both bursary and scholarship benefits for the outstanding years would begin immediately after the ongoing exercise was completed.

According to him, for the avoidance of doubt, effective from Monday, Oct. 17, students of the Lagos State College of Heath Technology (LASCOHET) will get their outstanding payments for the 2020/2021 academic year.

He said that the management of LASCOHET had completed the students’ verification exercise and forwarded the list of its authentic students to the board.

Lekki also said that the Board had scheduled assessment tests for fresh beneficiaries for the year 2022/2023 scholarship benefit for Oct. 29, as necessary details had been sent to qualified applicants.

While allaying the students’ fear that the state government was planning to stop the scheme, he said that there was no basis to stop it since there was provision for it in the state budget.

According to him, the 2023 budget of the state government has captured the new increment and other benefits to make life more bearable for students in their studies.

”I want you to remember that the state government just appointed a new board secretary to the Lagos state scholarship board for the administration of both bursary and scholarship benefits.

”That is even enough for you to know there was no plan at any time to stop the scheme. Both bursary and scholarship schemes will continue unstopped for the benefits of our students.

”Rather than stopping it, the governor will continue to improve on it as part of the measures to realise his vision for sustainable educational growth for the state, in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S development agenda,” he said.

In their response, the leadership of the two students bodies, NANS and NULASS dispelled rumours that their members planned blocking the Third Mainland Bridge on Oct. 17 in protest of the delay in the disbursement of outstanding benefits for 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 academic sessions.

They were represented by their presidents, Olusesi Tolulope (NANS) and Shasanya Akinola (NULASS) along with other exco members.

They described the rumour of protest by students of Lagos state origin as blatant lies, noting that their members had absolute confidence in Sanwo-Olu as a responsible governor and father who they could trust for his promises.

The students’union leaders presented a letter of assurances from their members to the state government.

They said that the administration of Sanwo-Olu had not only demonstrated commitment to the growth of education, through various reforms, but had also ensured prompt and seamless payment of both scholarship and bursary benefits in the past.

The students also commended the governor for payments of all the backlogs inherited by his administration,

They said the planned protest, if there was any, was the handiwork of faceless and disgruntled individuals, whose stock in trade was falsehood and disturbance of public peace.

October 16, 2022
How Lagos created over 300,000 jobs in 3 years – Commissioner

The Lagos State Government says it created over 300,000 jobs directly and indirectly through the Ministry of Agriculture in different value chains and enterprise from 2019 to date.

Ms. Abisola Olusanya, State Commissioner for Agriculture said this at a news briefing to flag off activities commemorating 2022 World Food Day on Wednesday, in Alausa.

World Food Day is held annually on Oct.16 to encourage action on food security.

The theme for 2022 is, “Leave No One Behind. Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment and a Better Life”.

She said the jobs were created through programmes such as Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS project), Lagos Agriprenuership programme (LAP) and Lagos Agric Scholar’s programme.

Olusanya listed other programmes as Young African Works Capacity programme through IITA in collaboration with MasterCard Foundation and Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority, among many other interventions and programmes in the area of training.

She added that the 32 Metric Tons Per Hour Rice mill, in Imota, Ikorodu would be inaugurated in November as it was nearing completion with civil works and installation of equipment now at 97 per cent.

According to her, in the last three years, the administration trained 51, 467 beneficiaries, and empowered 5,691 women and youths cut across the various programmes.

“You can imagine that in the area of job created, at least directly or indirectly, about 300,000 jobs have been created in the last three years by this administration in the agric space.

“The state government has provided several facilities and production inputs to 6,983 beneficiaries through the Agricultural Value Chain Enterprise Activation Programme between the year 2019 and 2022.

“About 800 women were trained in Nutrition Development by Women in Agriculture (WIA) and Nutrition.

“Over 1,200 participants have enrolled in AGSMEIS training portal. This initiative links farmers (Individuals/ Lagos Agripreneurial Programme (LAP) with CBN Agribusiness Credit Facilities.

“Also, about 500 entrepreneurs were trained to access this loan based on their enterprise,” she said.

Olusanya said that 1800 women and youths were trained and empowered in various Agricultural Value Chains under the Lagos Agripreneurship Programme (LAP).

She said that graduates of the programme were exposed to three months of internship and mentoring at various farms and agrobusinesses throughout the state.

“Some beneficiaries are being trained as we speak. 1,738 youths were trained in the Young African Works Capacity Building Programme through the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA),

“Also, 819 farmers and youths were trained in the production and processing of catfish in collaboration with British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation,

“Twenty women’s groups were trained and equipped with 150 ice boxes, 15 smoking kilns, and 120 hermetic drums through the National Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI),” she said.

Olusanya listed activities lined-up to commemorate the forthcoming 2022 World Food Day from Oct. 5 to 18 in the state.

She said they include Road Walk/ Sensitisation, Farmers’ forum at Igando-Ikotun LCDA and Schools’ Agric Quiz Competition for studnets in state’s public secondary schools.

Others, according to her, are Ofada Rice Day Symposium for promotion on local varieties of rice; grand finale with the Governor on Oct. 16 at the Nigeria Police College, GRA and the launch of EKO-Mechanisation at Araga, Epe.

She said the state government would also use the day to raise awareness on the significance of a healthy and sustainable lifestyle among its farming population and Lagosians in general.

“As you are well aware, World Food Day is held annually on October 16, to encourage action on food security.

“The day actually coincides with the day the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation was founded in 1945 to combat food insecurity.

“This year’s World Food Day comes up in the midst of serious food security issues occasioned by the effect of COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity.

“Also, violent conflicts across the globe, principally the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, and locally, the insurgency and security in the food production regions of the country,” she said.

Olusanya said the myriad of challenges had severely impacted global food supply, which called for intensified efforts geared towards building more sustainable food systems.

She said this was to scale up food production, prevent and reduce food wastes, provide decent livelihood opportunities for rural, peri-urban and urban producers, and promote sustainable ways of food production, processing and marketing.

According to her, it is also to ensure food and nutrition security for all consumers and value chain actors, without leaving no one behind.

The commissioner listed some of the programmes and initiatives undertaken by the state government to raise local food production.

She said that they include Lagos CARES, the 32 metric tons per hour rice mill, Imota, prevention of transmission of zoonotic diseases, and capacity building and empowerment of farmers, women and youths.

She said others include Lagos Food System Transformation Agenda and Lagos Scholars’ Programme (LASP) .

“Furthermore, Food system policy and planning has been our major focus, this is evidenced by the launch of the 5-year Agricultural and Food Systems Road Map in 2021 by the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

“It is to create the pathway for the achievement of 40 per cent self-sufficiency in food production by 2025 against the present 20 per cent food production level.

“The Road Map highlights policies to encourage youth participation, stimulate private sector investments, attract donor agency funding for agricultural projects and create new partnerships along the various agricultural value chains, especially where the State has competitive and comparative advantages.

“The Imota rice mill is part of the government’s commitment towards ensuring food security in the state which is a key component of the T.H.E.M.E.S development agenda to make Lagos State a 21st-Century economy.

“The establishment of the rice mill is expected to reduce cost of rice locally, enhance food self-sufficiency and increase revenue generation in the State and the Country at large.

“The mill is nearing completion as civil works and installation of equipment is at 97 per cent and should be inaugurated in the next couple of weeks,” she said.

Olusanya noted that the state government had purchased 20 new tractors with auxiliary equipment for farmers in the state in addressing food security, leveraging more acreage and increasing the state’s economic contribution through Agricultural Mechanisation.

She said that the tractors would be utilised as part of the Tractor-On-the-Go operational paradigm (TOG).

October 5, 2022
Lagos Governorship Election: Funke Akindele, others submit educational certificates to INEC

Nollywood actress and Deputy Governorship candidate of Lagos State under Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Funke Akindele, and other aspirants have submitted their educational qualification certificates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the state’s gubernatorial election.

As the 2023 general elections draw nearer, politicians contesting for governorship and deputy governorship positions in Lagos state have submitted documents that captured their age and educational qualifications.

The list pasted on the notice board of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) along Birrel in Yaba on Tuesday, showed that Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate presented a First School Leaving Certificate (FLSC), West Africa Senior School Certificate (WASSC), and Masters of Business Administration (MBA) certificates.

Labour Party Governorship candidate, Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour is contesting with First School Leaving Certificate and a degree.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is also the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is contesting with First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC), BSc., and MBA.

His running mate and Deputy Governor of the state, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, is contesting with a Primary School certificate, WASC, BSc, MSc, and Ph.D.

TheNewsGuru.com reports that Hamzat is the only candidate on the list with the highest educational qualification.

The politician is set to launch her newest TV venture, Battle on Buka Street. The new project is a food challenge that would focus on who wins the crown as the King of Buka streets.

The project is set to launch in December, the same month Toyin Abraham is premiering her movie, Ijakumo. Could this be a competition with the actress???

It was gathered that the actress removed her husband’s surname, Bello, from her project.

Before their separation, Funke partnered with her estranged husband in many of her productions and projects and added his surname to hers.

However, it seems the actress is ready to go solely as she added her middle name to fill up her husband’s name spot.

October 5, 2022
Massive crowd at Ndigbo APC town hall meeting for Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu

A massive crowd of Ndigbo in Lagos State APC on Tuesday, stormed Ikeja for a town hall meeting in support of Sen. Bola Tinubu, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, and Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The crowd, comprising APC members of Igbo extraction only, converged at the Blue Roof of the Lagos Television (LTV) for the meeting.

The group was made up of Ndigbo from the 20 Local Government Areas and the 37 Local. Council Development Areas of the state.

It was a carnival of sorts as members of the group were seen in different regalia, dancing to songs while others were singing and chanting songs in praise of Tinubu and Sanwo-Olu.

Addressing the gathering, the state Chairman of the APC, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi said that the massive turnout of Igbos in APC for the town hall meeting, the party had reassured the party of their commitment and dedication.

“Today is an affirmation to assure the APC that Igbos in Lagos state are for Asiwaju,” the party chairman said.

Also speaking, Mr. Kolade Alabi, Chairman of Bariga and Conference 57, consisting of 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs in Lagos state, said that the gathering was an attestation that Igbos in APC are solidly behind the party.

Alabi who was represented by the Chairman of Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Mr. Sesan Daini said the massive gathering was proof of Igbo support for the APC.

“The original Igbo in Lagos state are with APC.

“Lagos state has been good to people of other extractions including the Igbos. We have Igbo, Hausa in the state cabinet. Therefore, a vote for APC is a vote for development of all,” he said.

He urged them to go to work to rally massive Igbo support for the APC and its candidates.

Mr. Joe Igbokwe, APC chieftain and Leader of APC Ndigbo in Lagos state said that Tinubu is the best man to rule Nigeria come 2023.

Igbokwe said that anyone who had governed Lagos state would effortlessly govern Nigeria.

“Lagos is a 24 hour state and so anybody who has been governor in the state will not find it difficult to rule Nigeria.”

He challenged other presidential candidates to show their achievements to Nigerians.

Igbokwe also said that Ndigbo in Lagos state needed to protect their massive investments in the state as they have so much to gain by supporting Tinubu.

He, however, lauded Tinubu for the support he had given to Ndigbo in Lagos state and urged Igbos in the state to not only support Tinubu but to support all APC candidates in the state, including the governor.

Igbokwe pledged that the APC would not fail the Igbos.

Also speaking, Mr. Jude Idumogu a former representative of Oshodi Isolo in the Lagos state House of Assembly, said that Tinubu remained the most experienced of the presidential candidates.

He said that Igbos in Lagos state remained part of the party in leadership because they earned their living in the state and as such, must protect it.

He appealed to Nigerians to see that among the presidential candidates, that Tinubu remained the best in terms of competence.

“Since 2007 that Tinubu left office, he is still relevant in politics and power play in Nigeria because of his sagacity and the best thing we can do is to give him that support.”

Those present at the event are Mr. Sunday Ossai, president, Ohaneze Ndigbo in Lagos state, market men, women, professionals, and youths of Igbo extraction resident in Lagos.

NAN

October 4, 2022