The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Famuyiwa assures of more investment on education

    Famuyiwa assures of more investment on education

    The Chairman of Agbado/Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area, David Famuyiwa, has assured pupils in the council of more investment in the education sector to enable then reach their full potential.

    The council boss gave this assurance during the Children’s Day held at the council secretariat for children in the LCDA.

    Famuyiwa said: “We will continue to invest heavily in education, healthcare, and other key social infrastructure that will help our children thrive and prosper. We believe that education is a powerful tool that can empower children to break free from the cycle of poverty and play significant roles in shaping the future of our community. That is why we will continue to prioritize the protection and welfare of our children. We are committed to providing safe and child-friendly environments, both in schools and in our communities.”

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    The council chief also reeled out some of his achievements on education, saying “Over the past year, we have implemented various programs aimed at enhancing the educational and recreational facilities available to our children. We have invested in school infrastructure, such as renovation of some primary schools, construction of perimeter fences, provision of water facilities and toilets, provision of learning materials such as desks and chairs, bags and books,  distribution of free GCE and JAMB forms to brilliant and indigent students. We have organized numerous activities to ensure that our children receive a well-rounded education”.

    The event was a beehive of activities as the children trooped in numbers and was thrilled with various games and competitions. The event commenced with match pass followed by cultural display and climaxed with fashion parades which saw several schools and groups won several gift prizes.

    Children thrilled themselves on the various recreational facilities made available at the premises.

    Vice Chairman of the council, Alhaja Aminat Obe, who doubles as the Supervisor of Education, commended the children for their various display and wished them success in their endeavours.

    She assured them of a bigger and better celebration in 2025.

  • ‘Lagos council Discount Market will go a long way’

    ‘Lagos council Discount Market will go a long way’

    Badagry Local Government Chairman, Mr Olusegun Onilude has been praised for the establishment of the discount market code named “Ounje Eko” in the area.

     Most of the shoppers who thronged the council secretariat, venue of the “Ounje Eko Discount “ market organised by the local government, hailed Mr Onilude for what  they described as his magnanimity to bring staple food items such as rice, beans, gari, bread, fish, livestock and vegetable oil within the reach of the common people at subsidised rates.

         Madam Cecilia Akotomeh and Mrs Amaka Chukwura, who appreciated the ‘generosity of the council chairman’, said that the subsidised staple food items by the Onilude administration would go a long way in solving the high cost of food items in the council area.

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     Earlier in his address  at the opening of the Onilude Discount Food Market, Onilude reiterated the commitment of his administration to improve the welfare of the residents of the local government. He thanked the governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo – Olu for the” Ounje Eko” Discount Market Initiative.

     Onilude pointed out that the critical economic situation in the country demanded a lot from all the three tiers of government to find ways of reducing the effect of the hardships being faced by the people.

     “The time we are demands a lot from us as a government in cushioning the effects of the economic hardships occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal and this is why we put this together to complement the efforts of the Lagos State Government in providing succour and relief to the people through the sales of food stuff at discounted rates”, he said.

  • Sanwo-Olu raises workers’ subvention to N1b

    Sanwo-Olu raises workers’ subvention to N1b

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has increased the yearly subvention for housing facilities for the 98,534 civil servants from N100 million to N1 billion.

    Head of Service (HoS), Bode Agoro, hinted this at the closing of the ministerial press briefing to mark the first year of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s second term.

    Agoro also said the number of civil servants increased to 98,534, inclusive of local government staff.

    The HoS said the governor also increased the yearly subvention for car refurbishment loan from N100 million to N1 billion.

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    He said: “The governor has also approved a 100 per cent upward review of staff housing loans to various categories of public servants to enable them purchase/renovate existing land. This bill has been passed by the House of Assembly and is awaiting the final assent of Mr. Governor.

    The approval is N400,000 to N800,000(Level 1-4); N600,000 to N1.2 million (Level 5-8); N800,000 to N1.6 million (Level 9-14) and N1 million to N2 million (Level 15-17).”

    Mr. Agoro explained that the Staff Housing and Loans Board was established in 1976 to cater for the ever-increasing demand for government staff quarters, by providing decent and affordable housing units to public servants, and also provide soft loans to enable members of staff access funds to purchase land towards building their own houses or renovate existing ones, as well as for the refurbishment of personal vehicles.

    The HoS added that as part of welfare packages for workers, the governor has approved the allotment of two blocks each to the Staff Housing Board across all completed Housing Schemes executed by the Ministry of Housing.

    “This undoubtedly will add to the fleet of Government Staff Quarters and cater for more accommodation prospects to deserving public servants.

  • Ojokoro police station gets new DPO

    Ojokoro police station gets new DPO

    Superintendent of Police (SP) Oni Dickson has resumed as DPO of the Ojokoro/Ijaiye Police Station Divisional Headquarters in Lagos State.

    He takes over from CSP Victor Olotin who was transferred to Mushin Area G Command.

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    Dickson admonished the community to cooperate with the police in order to flush out miscreants, hoodlums and other criminals. He warned undesirable elements to keep away from the area or embrace peace, adding that anyone caught will face the full wrath of the law and will be dealt with accordingly.

  • Build on your father’s legacy, Sanwo-Olu urges Obasa

    Build on your father’s legacy, Sanwo-Olu urges Obasa

    •Governors, others honour speaker at dad’s fidau

     Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has encouraged Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, to nurture and build on the legacy his father left behind.

    Sanwo-Olu spoke yesterday at the 8th Day Fidau and final burial ceremony of the late Alhaji Sulaimon Obasa, at the NYSC Camp in Iyana-Ipaja.

    He said: “We should thank God for everything. The father spoke with his son by 11pm, and they promised to see each other the following morning. But by the time he dropped the phone, something else happened. That goes to show the sovereignty of God. He is all and all.

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    “The father trained them well. Your father lived worshipping God. We are here to honour one of our very best. He is one of our brightest. The Lagos State House of Assembly standard is of uncommon standard. The man lived a good life. I pray God gives you and the family the strength to carry on with the good works and continue to nurture and build on the legacy your father left behind.”

    Also present at the funeral was Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who said he had to be present ‘because Obasa is part of Ogun State’. “We thank God for the life of your father. The man by all account lived an exemplary life of service to humanity. It is important for us to leave a legacy where termites and cankerworms cannot erase. We join you, together with the people of Ogun State, to pray for the repose of baba’s soul,” he said.

    Delta State Governor Sherrif Oborevwori, said: “I’m happy to be here. We have been good friends in the last seven years. We have a very good relationship. For somebody who has Obasa as a son raised a very good son. During my election the Speaker called and prayed for me despite the fact that we are in different parties. I pray for you and your siblings to emulate the legacy of your father and keep the family together. I also like the cordial relationship and cooperation you have with Governor Sanwo-Olu.”

    While paying tribute to his grandfather, the speaker’s first son, Abdulgafar Obasa, said he and his siblings would launch water projects in areas lacking water in Lagos.

    In his vote of thanks, Speaker Obasa thanked everyone that came and also prayed for their safe journey home. “I thank God for the father that God gave me and the family I come from. Mr. President and the First Lady called me the day my father died. I cannot thank everyone enough but I am grateful that you honoured us. The lesson I have taken from all of these is to be good,” Obasa added.

    The ceremony, conducted by the Chief Imman of Lagos, Sheikh Sulaiman  Abou-Nolla, was attended by dignitaries such as Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat; Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo–Olu; Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu; Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Chief of Staff Tayo Ayinde; Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly Emomotimi Guwor; his Oyo State counterparts in Oyo and Osun states Adebo Ogundoyin (Oyo); Adewale Egbedun (Osun); Iya Oloja of Lagos, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo; Chief Kollington Ayinla; Mayor Akinpelu; Bisi Olatilo, among others.

  • Organisations host career readiness training for youths

    Organisations host career readiness training for youths

    Slickace with Wal-Wanne Foundation and Switch Visuals Production have held a Career Readiness Training in Lagos for youths at Lagos Continental Hotel on Victoria Island, Lagos. The training covered CV writing, critical thinking, problem solving, personal effectiveness, digital technology, and communication skills.

    A youth corps  member, who attend the seminar, said it was rewarding. “I am impressed by the delivery of the modules by each speaker. I benefited from the lecture on mastering the art of crafting CVs. Now, I can tailor-made my resume to different jobs, highlighting my skills and achievements”

    Speakers were Richard Obi, on CV writing; Mark Onoja on digital technology; Joseph Ogundare and Victor on critical thinking and problem solving; Richard Obi on personal effectiveness; Akinkunmi Awotundun and Damilola Osikoya on effective communication skills; and Olakunle Idowu on data analysis.

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    Abiso Kabir of Walwanne, said: “The purpose of today’s event is to gather youths, give train  and help them to get employment. But we also teach them to have vision and be self-reliant. We want to train them in a way they will represent themselves in society. “We started in Lagos, but we are going to have another one in Abuja, and Maiduguri and other parts of the nation. It is our responsibility to work and bring out excellence in youths. The time to work on this is now as unemployment is high…’’

  • 11,957 out-of-school kids re-integrated in Lagos

    11,957 out-of-school kids re-integrated in Lagos

     Lagos State has reabsorbed about 12,000 out-of-school kids through Project Zero Programme, it was learnt.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat at 2024 Children’s Day on Police College ground, said his administration would provide tools and develop skills for pupils to excel in their academics.

    The theme is ‘Advocate for Children Policies and Actions that Protect and Support Children’s Well-being’.

    Sanwo-Olu reassured children that his government would support initiative to advance their course.

    He said: “Since 2019, we have been supporting you with programmes and initiatives to protect your rights and ensuring your happiness. We know how important early childhood education is for your future, and our goal is to make sure every child gets the chance to learn and grow.

    “To help more children go to school, we have added nine new schools in busy and remote areas. These schools have 4,588 pupils – 2,310 girls and 2,278 boys. We have improved existing schools, completing over 1,500 projects…”

    Read Also: Lagos Mainland Diocese ends 6th synod with thanksgiving service

    The governor said 2,000 teachers have been recruited for 10 subjects while safety of pupils have been prioritised with fencing of public schools and installation of CCTVs.

    “We are committed to giving you tools to succeed. We will provide skills and environment for you to succeed. I urge our children to strive for goals. We would ensure no child is left behind,” he added.

    Commissioner for Basic Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, lauded Sanwo-Olu for investing in education and seeing kids ‘as leaders that must be equipped with skills to excel’.

    Alli-Balogun enjoined children to see themselves as the hope of a greater Lagos rising.

    He said: “The administration has invested in your education by providing all you need to meet your potential. You are the future of our state and nation. I implore you to challenge yourself and excel in academic and co-curricular activities.”

    The commissioner, who described teachers as nation-builders, noted their effort and commitment towards mentoring the children, as well as their parents and guardians for being good role models.

  • ‘Gaming is gateway to education, intellectual stimulation’

    ‘Gaming is gateway to education, intellectual stimulation’

    Stakeholders in education have advised Federal Government to see gaming as a gateway to education and intellectual stimulation. They urged government to include gaming in the curriculum so pupils can compete with their global counterparts.

    Chief Executive Officer of Game Evolution Technologies, Solakunmi Adenipebi, spoke at The Omniverse Africa Gaming Tournament Prize Giving in Lagos. Thirty-two gamers got N5 million.

    Adenipebi said gaming, if balanced, is valuable. He affirmed that gaming does not distract pupils from studies.

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    “In fact, 90 per cent of professional gamers excel academically, proving that gaming doesn’t hinder academic success. The word distraction means that gaming is not allowing them to read, which I beg to differ because for professional gamers , 90 per cent doing  well in schools.

    “Gaming is for smart people. What we’ve done, and most especially for younger ones (primary and secondary school), is ensure you’re doing well in school before becoming part of our industry.

    “We can’t control how they play or when they play, but the most important thing is letting them know education comes first. And they must be doing well to be part of us because gaming is for smart people. So, we we drive the importance of education to the kids.

    “We introduced ‘gamification’ in education, which is adding new games to allow them study with their games. We have gamification in different subjects as mathematics, English, geography, etc.

    “We introduced those games to help them pick interest in education. These are measures to ensure there’s balance between gaming and education.

    “The N5 million prize pool solidifies Omniverse Africa’s commitment to recognise talented sports athletes.”

    Co-convener, Charles Emembolu, said: “Gaming is no longer just a hobby; it’s a profession, a sport, and a gateway to honing skills that are handsomely rewarded.

    “Beyond the prize money, gamers have the potential to earn through in-game tokens and coins. But, more importantly, the industry is a job creator, with annual revenue exceeding $400 million.” 

  • Atiku jealous of Tinubu’s achievements, says APC

    Atiku jealous of Tinubu’s achievements, says APC

    •PDP: past year most challenging for Nigerians

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of being blinded by political envy over the achievements of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

    The accusation is contained in a statement posted yesterday by APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka on his X (formerly Twitter).

     The statement is a reaction to Atiku’s labeling of Tinubu’s policies as “trial and error.” 

    Muoka argued that the former vice-president’s comments were self-serving and an attempt to undermine the Tinubu administration’s bold and transformative initiatives.

    The post partly reads: “The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has not let up on his vilipending of the outstanding first-year record of achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

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    “In his latest statement, Atiku claimed that Mr. President was not ready for reforms, dismissing his policies as ‘trial and error.’

    “Atiku’s self-serving efforts to minimise the bold, genuine, and metamorphic policies and interventions of the present administration only smacks of primordial political envy and crass desperation for the power that Nigerians have so wisely denied him.

    “The former Vice President lives in an alternate reality of prejudice and unpatriotic desire for Nigeria’s failure so he may scavenge his way to an even more elusive Presidency.

    “Opposition’s efforts to burden the administration with ceaseless, contrived, unjustified, and diversionary reproval are grossly miscalculated and misled. The sheer length of Atiku’s prevaricating epistle of a statement is a testament to the expanse of the administration’s policy and programme uptake in 365 short days.

    “President Bola Tinubu remains unshakable in his commitment to building concrete blocks of progress and greatness for Nigeria. While Atiku and his band of mudslingers idle away, the President will continue, unstoppably, to deliver high-grade infrastructure not only in our nation’s capital, Abuja, but all around the country.”

    Also in Abuja, the PDP said the ‘’last year under the current APC administration is the most challenging in Nigeria’s history since the Civil War.’’

    It, therefore, enjoined the Tinubu administration to emphasise good governance instead of ‘’inflicting pain and misery on Nigerians’’ through ‘’not well thought-out ’’ policies.

  • Senate recalls Ningi from three-month suspension

    Senate recalls Ningi from three-month suspension

    The Senate yesterday recalled Senator Abdul Ningi from a three-month suspension.

    The Red Chamber, on March 12, suspended Ningi, representing Bauchi Central on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for three months for claiming in a BBC Hausa Service interview that the National Assembly passed two 2024 Appropriation Bills.

    The senator also alleged that the 2024 budget was padded with N3.7 trillion.

    The Senate had rejected the allegations, saying the amount was meant for statutory transfers to Federal Government institutions on first line charge.

    But Ningi, through his counsel, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), wrote to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, giving him seven days to recall him or face legal action.

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    In his reaction to the ultimatum, Akpabio said the suspension of Ningi was not a unilateral action but the collective decision of the Senate.

    But the suspension was lifted yesterday following the consideration and adoption of a motion, titled: “Motion for the unconditional recall of Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, sponsored by the Minority Leader, Abba Moro, (PDP, Benue South).Senators approved the prayer of the motion when it was put to voice vote by the Senate President during plenary.