The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • ‘Lagos to partner more investors’

    ‘Lagos to partner more investors’

    Special Adviser (Legal) to the Lagos State Governor on Public Private Partnership (PPP) Mrs. Bukola Odoe has assured of adequate partnership with stakeholders to further develop the state’s economy in 2024.

    Describing 2024 as a year of renewed impact and consolidation, Odoe said there is a need to look ahead and build on the achievements of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration in the last four years, particularly in the delivery of public infrastructure.

    Speaking at an interactive engagement with members of staff, Mrs. Odoe said 2024 is key to attaining numerous goals of the government, and ‘Office of PPP will ensure necessary support to actualise the THEMES + Agenda of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s government’.

    Read Also: Tinubu expanding horizon of entrepreneurship in Nigeria – Alake

    She said: “The aim is to strengthen and renew partnerships to launch even more ambitious and impactful projects that align with the laid out plans in the THEMES+ development agenda of Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    “The PPP office remains committed to fostering productive partnerships that promote the development of Lagos State, contribute to the well-being of its residents, and position Lagos as a leading city in public infrastructure development.”

    Mrs. Odoe maintained that her office will work assiduously to drive economic growth and development across the state by harnessing the expertise and efficiencies that the private sector can bring to the delivery of more public infrastructure.

  • Research key to security, says ex-VC

    Research key to security, says ex-VC

    The immediate past Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos(UNILAG), Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, has stressed the need to drive for internal security to boost economic development, ensure safety of investment, and protect welfare of citizens and resources.

     Ogundipe spoke in Ikeja, Lagos while delivering the keynote speech at the 2023 summit of the Education Writers Association of Nigeria (EWAN).

     The summit had as theme: “Research for national development: Nigeria’s internal security in focus”.

     He noted that internal insecurity leads to stunted economic growth, which negatively affects social cohesion and unity, infrastructural development and human capital development.

     “Nigeria has been contending with internal security in various forms since independence. Internal insecurity leads to stunted economic growth, which negatively affects social cohesion and unity.

     “Foreign relations and diplomacy is badly affected too. Foreign Direct Investment is hampered because insecurity that does not go away keeps foreign investors away. The ways that internal insecurity has hampered our national development are many, but i know that research, science and innovation can play pivotal roles to enhancing internal security,” he said.

     Ogundipe called for the deployment of drones, CCTV cameras to monitor situations, adding that with cyber threats, some universities can be asked  to set up centres that would curb cyber crimes and threats.

     Vice Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education Tolani Ali-Balogun, who was represented by Director Education Resource Centre, Akinlade Omolayo and the Chairperson, Nigeria Labour Congress, Lagos State Chapter, Funmilayo Sessi asserted  that security is a collective responsibility and EWAN is frontrunner with proactive discussions and solutions towards the country’s  security.

    Read Also: Yuletide: Don’t think of vacation this season, we’ve burden of Nigerians on our shoulders, Shettima tells NEC

    Earlier, EWAN Chairman,  Mojeed Alabi, said the summit was avenue for researchers, policy makers and academia to brainstorm on the way forward with focus on national development and internal security.

    He  pledged the readiness of EWAN to continually contribute to the development of Nigeria.

    There three sessions at the summit.The first was  moderated by veteran broadcaster, Mrs Bimbo, with  representatives of the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC and the Nigeria Security Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, on the panel that discussed Ogundipe’s paper.

    The second session with the theme,”Financial security and future of banking in Nigeria, what needs from researchers,” was sponsored by UBA Plc.

    The third session had as theme: “Food security, health safety and environmental sustainability: What nexus? Researchers’ perspectives”, had Prof. Taibat Olaitan Lawanson presenting on paper on urban and regional planning.

  • Edoho is dental firm’s ambassador

    Edoho is dental firm’s ambassador

    Diplomat Oral Care has named Frank Edoho as its brand ambassador.

    Edoho is a broadcaster and television host, noted for a popular television programme, “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?”

     Diplomat Oral Care is a range of premier oral care solution that goes beyond just freshening breath, but also contributes to the overall health and vitality of the teeth.

     The unveiling, which took place in Lagos, during the week, had in attendance distributors of Diplomat Oral Care products, customers, media personalities, and prominent figures.

     Speaking, Edoho recalled how the CEO of the company, Grape Tree International Limited, Cyril Okoye, insisted on his choice as the brand ambassador over other shortlisted candidates, and expressed his deepest appreciation for that gesture.

     “The same way you accorded me that respect while looking for who will fit that role, I will make sure that my number one priority is to sell our product,” he said.

     Edoho noted the company’s commitment to providing Nigerians with a premier oral care solution and promoting the overall health and vitality of their teeth.

     He expressed delight with the number of variants of the products which is 66, and wished to be part of its progress.

    Read Also: Tinubu expanding horizon of entrepreneurship in Nigeria – Alake

    During his speech, the CEO of the company, Okoye, expressed his confidence in the partnership between the brand and Edoho, saying he believes that it will result in increased brand loyalty and record-breaking sales.

     He noted that the company’s market share is expected to soar and reach new heights in the coming days.

     “Frank Edoho is a big shot in the industry, that’s why we were looking for you and we finally got you. We are happy to have you today and signing a contract with you to manage our advertising sector to ensure that trade is going on very well.

     “His infectious enthusiasm and unwavering dedication to his role made him an iconic figure in the world of advertising and entertainment,’’ Okoye said.

    Diplomat Toothbrush is a range of toothbrushes specially designed to clean teeth, gums, and tongue

  • Badagry council empowers 250 women

    Badagry council empowers 250 women

    Not fewer than 250 women in the Badagry Local Government area were empowered by the local government during the fifth edition of the Badagry Women Symposium organizsed by the Department of Women Affairs And Poverty Alleviation ( WAPA) of the local government.

       The beneficiaries got poverty alleviation equipment to aid their businesses, such as gas cookers, freezers,  generating sets, fridges, industrial machines, toasting machines, microwave ovens, flat-screen television sets, boarding and hairdressing kits, industrial fans, and various cash prizes ranging from N500,000 to N20,000 in the least.

    Read Also: Yuletide: Don’t think of vacation this season, we’ve burden of Nigerians on our shoulders, Shettima tells NEC

       The women won the prizes in a raffle draw competition. A trader, Mrs. Margaret Isiaka, won the star prize of N500,000  while Mrs Florence Touvio won the second star prize of N300,000.

       Council chairman,  Mr Olusegun Onilude, assured the gathering that his administration would do everything possible to ensure that the women in Badagry we’re empowered to lead.

    Two guest speakers, Dr. Femi Adedina of the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) and Senior Fire Superintendent Jonah Senapon Temitope of the Lagos State Fire Service educated the participants on the need to be responsible in society and how to prevent fire outbreak.

  • Aiyedatiwa presents N384b budget proposal

    Aiyedatiwa presents N384b budget proposal

    Ondo State Acting Governor Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa has presented a budget proposal of N384,533,000,000 for 2024 fiscal year.

    This was against the N275,979,184,000.00 budgeted for the 2023 fiscal year.

    Tagged: ‘Budget of Economic Resilience’, Aiyedatiwa said the budget contained reasonable increase in the personnel estimates to cover the imminent wage increase for workers.

    According to the Ondo 2024 budget proposal, the infrastructural development sector has the highest allocation of N95,482,176,340.36, which represented 24.8 per cent,  while the education sector got N47,729,164,261.85, representing 12.4 per cent.

    Aiyedatiwa said granting highest allocation to infrastructural development was to stimulate the economy in 2024.

    “The current national and global economic realities point to reason why we must consciously and programmatically re-arrange our fiscal priorities to target the growth drivers of our economy, so as to quickly fix and reflate the economy, to keep it afloat.

    Read Also: Tinubu expanding horizon of entrepreneurship in Nigeria – Alake

    “We are aware of the negative impacts of fuel subsidy removal and floating exchange rate on the people.  All these are put into consideration while projecting for expenditure in this budget.”

    Aiyedatiwa sought the continuous partnership of the citizens to make the state run smoothly in line with the mindset of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

    “The challenges that lie ahead in the incoming year dictate that we should all work together, as we seek to create an enduring economy for our dear state, knowing that whatsoever we do today will be referenced tomorrow.”

    Speaker Olajidi Olamide said the Assembly would pass the budget before December 31.

    He said the accelerated passing of the budget was because it was expected to begin operation in January 2024.

  • Court bars two families from becoming king

    Court bars two families from becoming king

    An attempt by the Akinnadeju and Orilelu families of Alade Idanre to contest for the kingship of the town has been thwarted by an Ondo State High Court.

    The court ruled that the two families cannot present candidates to be nominated, presented or appointed to fill the vacant stool of Aladeokun of Alade-Idanre in Idanre Local Government.

    It said the families of Akinnadeju and Orilelu were not recognised as being part of the Lagokun Ruling House in the community as contained in the 1989 White Paper on Ajakaiye Chieftaincy Review Commission.

    Justice O. M.  Adejumo gave the judgment in a suit filed by some princes of Alade-Idanre, which sought to stop the kingmakers from nominating, presenting or appointing any member of Akinnadeju family from filling the vacant stool of Aladeokun Alade Idanre.

    The judge held that the Akinnadeju family could not be appointed as king even if the declaration contained in the White Paper was registered.

    Justice Adejumo ruled that the White Paper only recognised the families of Akinboro and Akinbola as the Lagokun Ruling House in the community.

    She, however, said both the Akinboro and Akinbola families could not nominate or present candidate to be appointed king until the Chieftaincy Declaration for Olu Alade Chieftaincy as contained in the White Paper is registered.

    “Since the Chieftaincy Declaration approved in the White Paper on Ajakaiye Chieftaincy Review Commission of June, 1989 was not registered, none of the applicants in this case can be validly nominated, presented and or appointed to fill the vacant stool of Aladeokun of Alade Idanre on the basis of the Chieftaincy Declaration approved in the said White Paper.

    “It therefore follows that it is only after the Chieftaincy Declaration has been registered that the family of the Applicants can be nominated, presented and or appointed to fill the vacant stool of Aladeokun of Alade Idanre.”

    Read Also: Yuletide: Don’t think of vacation this season, we’ve burden of Nigerians on our shoulders, Shettima tells NEC

    Ruling on the consent judgment earlier secured by the Akinnadeju and Bajulaye Orilelu families to be included as part of the Lagokun Ruling House, Justice Adejumo said the law barred him from interpreting or examining consent judgment.

    The judge said she could not interpret the two consent judgments, saying it does not conform to Ondo State Chief’s law and that it was a judgment delivered by a court of coordinate jurisdiction.

    Justice Adejumo further struck out the suit because the applicants failed to disclose a cause of action.

    The last king of Alade Idanre, Oba Olusegun Akinbola, died in 2020 and the process to install a new king began when officials of the state government asked the Akinnadeju family to present a candidate to be installed as king.

    But some princes in the kingdom and the Akinboro ruling house filed a suit at the court seeking to stop ‘a stranger’ from becoming king.

  • Abiodun advocates intelligence sharing

    Abiodun advocates intelligence sharing

    Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has called for intelligence sharing among security agencies to enable them tackle the security challenges confronting the nation.

    Speaking at the 4th South West Conference of Directors of Security meeting held in Abeokuta yesterday, the governor said intelligence is one of the needed tools that will assist security agencies to perform their duties optimally.

    He noted that criminals have adopted new methods in carrying out their nefarious activities, hence the need for the security agencies, particularly those in the Southwest region, to up their game and share intelligence to nip crimes in the bud.

    He said: “It is important that as a region, we share intelligence and see how to better secure our region because there can never be any meaningful socio-economic development in an outmostphere of insecurity.

    Read Also: Tinubu expanding horizon of entrepreneurship in Nigeria – Alake

    “Nobody will come and invest in your state no matter the amount of road you build, no matter the amount of infrastructure you provided. As long as there is an air or a feeling of insecurity, all that will amount to nothing.

    “It is important we understand that the socio-economic development that we all desire in our various states and zones can only be achieved when we have peace and security.”

    In a goodwill message, the Chairman, South West Directors of Security, Mr. Bolade Olori, said the meeting was to review the general security situation in the region with the aim of tackling it.

  • Ex-NURTW president urges moderation

    Ex-NURTW president urges moderation

    The former president of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Najeem Usman Yasin, has advised Nigerians, especially the motoring public, to be moderate in everything they do while celebrating during the Yuletide holidays.

    He said this as part of his end of the year goodwill message to Nigerians, especially members of the union.

    Yasin, a former deputy president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), said: “Moderation is the key word in everything we do. Excess of everything is bad. Hence I implore Nigerians to embrace moderation in everything they undertake.

    “As drivers on the wheel, be moderate in your speed. Over speeding kills. Our drivers should always be cautious and obey traffic rules and regulations so as to arrive safely.”

    Read Also: Yuletide: Don’t think of vacation this season, we’ve burden of Nigerians on our shoulders, Shettima tells NEC

    He also cautioned drivers, especially those on interstate routes, to ensure that their vehicles are in good conditions, to avoid unpleasant situation.

    Yasin hailed the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration for its efforts in revamping the economy

    “Considering what the government is doing, there hope that the economy will return to normalcy. I appeal to Nigerians to be patient with the Federal Government.”

  • Lagos announces three nights traffic diversion

    Lagos announces three nights traffic diversion

    Lagos State Government has announced a three-night traffic diversion from midnight till 5am at Fadeyi inward Dorman Long Bridge, Alaka inward Stadium Flyover Bridge and Dorman Long Bridge, inward Fadeyi from December 21 to 23 for the installation of truck barriers.

    Motorists are advised to use the following routes during the night time installation of the barriers.

    During the installation at Alaka inward Stadium axis; motorists from Eko Bridge/Costain/Iponri inbound Ojuelegba/Alhaji Masha Road, will be diverted to the service lane from Alaka via National Stadium gate to link Barracks or Alhaji Masha Road to continue their journeys.

    Motorists from Eko Bridge via Costain and those from Apapa Road going through Iponri will make use of Iponri Estate road to link Bode Thomas via Adeniran Ogunsanya to Shitta Roundabout from where they continue their desired destinations.

    Read Also: Tinubu expanding horizon of entrepreneurship in Nigeria – Alake

    During the installation at Dorman Long Bridge inward and outbound Fadeyi; motorists from Western Avenue inbound Ikorodu Road will be diverted to Empire Road/Jibowu to continue their journeys.

    Motorists from Western Avenue can alternately use Agege Motor Road to link Mushin and proceed to their desired destinations.

    Motorists are implored to be patient, as the brief closure of the bridge is planned for night time as part of traffic management strategy to avert further accidents and loss of lives.

  • SEEPCO celebrates with children with disabilities

    SEEPCO celebrates with children with disabilities

    Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Co. Ltd (SEEPCO), in the spirit of the Yuletide, celebrated the season with children living with Down Syndrome at Module Cole Memorial School, Lagos.

    At the event with the theme: ‘Celebrating abilities’, SEEPCO said the celebration was aimed at boosting the emotional healthiness of children with Down Syndrome and bringing joy and enjoyment to their souls. 

    Dr. (Mrs) Abolarin Abimbola, Director – Child Guidance School, Counselling and Special Education, Lagos State Ministry of Education, said: “Every child we care for is unique and wonderful. We are passionate about helping the children with Down Syndrome live their lives to the fullest.”

    According to her, SEEPCO’s initiative “showcases that Down Syndrome children are like us. If given appropriate medical care, supportive family, and special educational services, those with Down Syndrome can lead full and healthy lives,” adding that what inspired her the most about them was how incredibly strong and determined they were.

    She said raising and understanding a child with Down Syndrome can bring immense happiness and fulfilment to parents, caregivers and the communities.

    Mrs Abimbola said the event was designed to celebrate, boost and support the children and to praise the mothers who had displayed their responsibility and sacrifices in raising children with special needs such as Down Syndrome with a token of appreciation and gratitude, and for the children who have overcome their challenges and succeeded in their objectives.

    The Principal, Modupe Cole Memorials, Lagos, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mrs. Abosede Oyeniran, said: “Children with Down Syndrome are the most loving souls. They have exceptional traits. Early intervention is critical for them, as it can help support their intellectual, physical, and social development. By providing appropriate support and resources for families of young individuals with Down Syndrome, we can help ensure that they have the ingredients they need to thrive and live fulfilling lives.’

    Caring for a child with special needs has many blessings. 

    Read Also: Yuletide: Don’t think of vacation this season, we’ve burden of Nigerians on our shoulders, Shettima tells NEC

    SEEPCO believes that every child with Down Syndrome should receive the rightful education, participate wholly in society, and develop their communication, confidence, and independence. The company wishes to continue encouraging them to have opportunities to prosper in the communities.

    Dignitaries present at the event were Dr. (Mrs) Abolarin Abimbola, Director – Child Guidance School, Counselling and Special Education, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Nurse John Philemon – Psychiatric Nurse, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Lagos, Mrs. Abosede Oyeniran – Principal, Modupe Cole Memorials, Lagos, Lagos State Ministry of Education and Mr. Ajani I.A, Vice Principal, Modupe Cole Memorials, Lagos.

    Down syndrome is a genetic condition characterised by developmental delays and learning disability. Most of the time Down Syndrome occurs by chance. Children with Down Syndrome can greatly benefit from early treatment. Caring for these children requires comprehensive medical expertise and a compassionate, holistic approach.