The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Retro construction boss scores Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat, high on education, transportation

    Retro construction boss scores Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat, high on education, transportation

    Again, the Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, have been given thumbs-up in the education and transportation sectors.

    Commending the duo, the Chairman, Retro Construction Company, Otunba Olamilekan Osifeso, said the Lagos State government has done remarkably well in both the education and transportation sectors.

    He noted that Lagos State remains one of the three top states in Nigeria, because of the no-quitting spirit of Lagosians, which has been combined with the visionary leadership of the governorship team, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the helm of affairs and Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat by his side.

    “Together, Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat have been able to guide the state towards such a high level of sustainable development. The bespectacled governor is a charming and intelligent man, always trusting the people he has around him and borrowing their abilities to build sustainability into every aspect of Lagos.

    “From the beginning, Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat noted that infrastructural development was going to be their main focus. The reasoning behind this was that every other sector takes its cue from the availability of, and accessibility to, infrastructure. So far, they have been able to strengthen the transport sector to a point where it has become one of the garrisons against insecurity in Lagos.

    Speaking further, Osifeso said in addition to transport, the Sanwo-Olu-Hamzat team has improved formal education, by introducing digital education (EKO Digital) to the curriculum of secondary schools. “With this, I encourage Lagosian to vote for the right team for the second term in office to continue a good job and enjoy more dividends of democracy.

    “It is quite marvelous to see Lagos gradually transforming into something different and better under the Sanwo-Olu administration. Without a question, even better things are ahead.

    “Let me use this opportunity to make this  call on all Lagosian to vote Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat for second term in office to continue the good job.

  • Bamgbola tasks Lagos civil servants on commitment, transparency

    Bamgbola tasks Lagos civil servants on commitment, transparency

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government Service Commission, Hon Hakeem Bamgbola, has urged the state’s civil servants to show commitment with much transparency while still in service.

    He gave the advice while receiving an award with gifts from Ominitiwa Eko Forum at Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area of Lagos.He was awarded with the Federal Commissioner, National Assembly Service Commission, representing Lagos State and Southwest, Hon Hakeem Olabode Akamo and other notable personalities who have contributed greatly to the development, both in the state or local levels of the mega city.

    The event was organised by the group to celebrate the 2022 annual general meeting and get-together. Members of the forum cut across the 57 local council in Lagos.

    He admonished the civil servants to always work as team with peace, love and to continuously be their brother’s keeper.

    In his welcoming address, the group’s President, Mr Babatunde Alli-Balogun, said the forum was founded in 1996 to give room for deliberation and pushing for the welfare of indigent staff of the unified local government of Lagos division origin.

    He said the AGM/get-together provides an excellent opportunity for members to learn about the latest internal and external developments, update each other on activities, decision-making processes, as well exchange ideas and opinions.

    According to Alli-Balogun, the AGM was put on hold twice as a result of global pandemic COVId-19. He thanked God for preserving their lives and the individuals who have been supporting the forum.

    He appealed to members of the group to remain focus, committed so that the vision of the forum would be achieved.

    The Chairman, Itire-Ikate LCDA, Hon (Dr) Ahmed Olanrewaju Apatira urged Lagos indigene serving in both local and state levels to embark and embrace all ideas that could bring more development to the mega city, pledging his continuous support to the forum.

  • FG removes all road barriers from Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

    FG removes all road barriers from Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

    To ensure a hitch free transit, the Federal Government has ordered that all road barriers and diversions along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway be removed. With the development, the contractors handling the project are to leave site and suspend all ongoing construction works in the axis until January 2023.

    This is as the FG also urge motorists and other road users plying the route to exercise caution while trying to maximise speed on the newly opened road which is almost complete.

    Carrying out the directive on Section two of the road, which spans Sagamu Interchange to Ojoo, Ibadan, the Ogun State Controller of Works, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Mrs Forosola Oloyede said the partial opening of the road was to enable users have easier motorable experience this festive period.

    Oloyede also supervised the removal of crash barriers and other diversion points for the free flow of traffic on the Soka area, Sanyo Ibadan. According to Oloyede, who is also the engineer representative of the section two of the Lagos-Ibadan dual carriage way project, the removal of the barriers was done in accordance with the directive from the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Raji Fashola.

    Recall that the Minister had ordered that all barriers on Federal Roads where construction works are ongoing should be removed for free flow of traffic for the yuletide.

    She noted that the removal of the barriers on the section two, would enhance smooth traffic on the entire road stretch, urging motorist not to be tempted to drive above speed limit as a result of the road smoothness.

    Oloyede further disclosed that five pedestrian bridges would be construction on the section two of the road, saying work on the pedestrian bridges would soon commence.

    On the completion date, the Ogun Controller of Works said “Initially the project was scheduled to be completed by this December 2022 but we couldn’t keep to that date due to some hiccups beyond our control.

    “But I can assure you that this project will be completed by March 31, 2023.

    On his part, Mr Naor Narkis, the project manager, Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) handling the project, said the work has reached 85 per cent completion stage.

    He assured Nigerians, especially motorists plying the road that his company would deliver the project by March, 2023.

    Narkis hinted that RCC will by the Minister directive be on break to allow its workers go for Christmas and New Year holiday, “but we will resume work by January 2023, to complete the project.

    Speaking on behalf of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Mr Adelaja Ogungbemi, enjoined motorists to obey traffic rules and regulations during the yuletide.

  • PHOTOS: Jonathan, Oyedepo, Obi, others attend Eneche’s daughter wedding

    PHOTOS: Jonathan, Oyedepo, Obi, others attend Eneche’s daughter wedding

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and Founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, were among the dignitaries who attended the church wedding of Deborah, daughter of the Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr Paul Enenche, in Abuja.

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    The wedding was conducted at the Glory Dome in Abuja, the headquarters of Enenche’s church.

    Deborah and her husband, Sam had their traditional wedding on Friday.

    CREDiT: Twitter | Santario_, PeterObi

     

  • Lawmaker commissions seven transformers, five boreholes, school projects in Oluyole

    Lawmaker commissions seven transformers, five boreholes, school projects in Oluyole

    Representative of Oluyole Federal Constituency in Oyo State Tolulope Akande-Sadipe has commissioned seven transformers, five boreholes and seven school projects for her constituents.

    A statement by the media aide to the lawmaker, Olamilekan Olusada, indicated that the commissioning started on Thursday at different locations in Oluyole Federal constituency.

    According to him, the lawmaker commissioned solar-powered boreholes at Temidire – Agbamu; Ile – Baale Omiyale; Alagba olomi; Ajisola and Seko areas of Oluyole.

    He said Akande-Sadipe also commissioned transformers located at Ajofeebo; Oorelope Isale-Alfa; Kolajo; Olomi; Idi-Ayunre Police Station and Alata. The transformers are of 500/32 Kva capacity each.

    “The school projects commissioned are located at Ajofeebo, Agbamu, Ifesowapo, Boluwaji and Olonde areas of Oluyole, the newly commissioned 3-6 classrooms per block, are equipped with modern instructional materials, comfortable desks and chairs, replacing dilapidated structures.”

    Speaking while commissioning the boreholes, Akande-Sadipe said provision of water was a fulfilment of her commitment towards the well-being of her constituency.

    She said the development gladdens her heart, adding that she has been able to provide safe water to her constituency, while she has also facilitated electricity and quality education in Oluyole.

    “The 5,000 litres solar powered boreholes throughout the wards of Oluyole Federal constituency, is a significant milestone for our local government ” the Rep member said.

    “The provision of 500/33KVA transformers being commissioned today in different locations, is one of our major campaign pillars. Many of these communities have lived without electricity for years and I pray this will definitely provide relief to our people,” she said.

    She added that provision of solar powered street lights would improve security in communities at night and promote small-scale businesses.

    “Several of these communities have also benefited from the last batch of 100 solar street lights facilitated by me”, she said.

    “This is just the start of the commissioning; there are many more to visit in the coming weeks”, added her media aide.

    Appreciating the lawmaker through official letters, the benefitting communities applauded the unprecedented feats of Rep. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe.

    They also commended her gesture, saying Akande-Sadipe’s resolve to ensure qualitative education for children was highly commendable.

    The letters also indicated that they have never experienced such widespread dividend of Democracy in the history of Oluyole.

    The commissioning ceremonies were attended by Traditional rulers, top clerics, political leaders, and community leaders in Oluyole Federal Constituency.

  • Lagos retires 98 civil servants

    Lagos retires 98 civil servants

    Lagos State Government, through the Office of the Head of Service, Public Service Office, has organised send-off for 98 retired civil servants in the mainstream of the civil service.

    The event was held at Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa-Ikeja.

    The retirees comprised 63 management staff and 35 senior and junior officers, who left the service between July and September.

    Congratulating the retirees at the third quarter year 2022 send-off, the Head of Service (HoS), Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, said the send-forth was an avenue to celebrate the retirees for  their exemplary service and record of outstanding contributions to the growth and development of Lagos and the public service.

    The HoS, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Sunkanmi Oyegbola, told the retirees that “retirement from the public service does not signify the end of life. It opens up a new vista of opportunity for all of you to explore”

    Expressing gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo -Olu and his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, for prioritising public servants’ welfare, Muri-Okunola advised the retirees to take advantage of the services of the post service directorate established to attend to issues concerning public service retirees.

    He also admonished public servants to remain committed to the well tested values, ethos and tradition that had characterised the state public service over the years.

    Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Osu Olasunkanmi thanked the government for the honour.

    She thanked God on behalf of the retirees for the grace to end their career well.

  • Register with govt for legitimacy, Abiodun warns Baales

    Register with govt for legitimacy, Abiodun warns Baales

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun yesterday asked Baales to register with the state government or risk being declared illegitimate.

    He said unregistered Baales should desist from parading themselves as legitimate or else they would face the consequences.

    The governor spoke in Abeokuta at the 5th Oko Ilu Day Celebration of the Ogun State Council of Baales.

    He said his administration would regard those yet to register as illegitimate Baales.

    “I heard there are 1,700 Baales that are registered in the state. I also heard that there are still over 1,700 yet to be registered. I implore those who are yet to register to do so, as our administration will see them as illegitimate Baales. Let them go and meet their prescribed authorities so they can also become legitimate Baales,” he said.

    Abiodun, who noted that his administration would discuss with the Council of Traditional Rulers on the need to have a payment structure for Baales in the state, said his administration would also look at a way of funding the traditional council and ensure that a particular percentage of the funding was appropriated towards Baales.

    He urged the Council of Baales to educate their subjects on the need to collect their permanent voter cards (PVCs).

    He advised them not to allow any form of thuggery in their domains.

    The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat, speaking about the issue of multiple Baales, said the issue, which had led to pocket of tension, thereby making life unbearable for law-abiding citizens, resulted in the placing on hold of installation of Baales.

    The President of Ogun State Council of Baales, Tunji Falola, hailed the Abiodun administration for providing good governance.

  • 2023: Boroffice donates security van to boost Tinubu’s victory

    2023: Boroffice donates security van to boost Tinubu’s victory

    Deputy Senate Majority Leader and the lawmaker representing Ondo North, Sen. Ajayi Boroffice, has donated six Hilux security vans to a group, ‘Yoruba Koya’, across Southwest states.

    He said the donation was part of his love and support for the ambition of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to provide security for his campaign team.

    Wale Folorunsho, handing over the keys of the vans to the President of ‘Yoruba Koya’, Sunday Akinyemi, on behalf of Sen. Boroffice, said the lawmaker had developed interest and love for the progress and development of Yorubaland, adding that the donation was part of the lawmaker’s determination to promote democracy.

    He thanked ‘Yoruba Koya’ for promoting peace and development in Yorubaland.

    Akinyemi hailed the senator for ensuring peace and security in Yorubaland and Nigeria.

    He urged the Yoruba to support Asiwaju Tinubu to enable him emerge as the President after the 2023 general election.

  • Oyebanji approves recruitment of primary school teachers

    Oyebanji approves recruitment of primary school teachers

    Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has approved the recruitment of teachers to fill vacancies in public primary schools.

    A statement from the Office of the Executive Chairman of Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof Femi Akinwumi, in Ado-Ekiti, said the approval was to further strengthen teaching and learning in the basic education sector.

    The statement said the government was working out modalities for the commencement of the recruitment, stressing that proper laid down procedure, including advertising on the state website and in reputable media would be done for the recruitment.

    It, however, warned the public, particularly prospective applicants, to be wary of internet fraudsters parading their websites and blogs as

    recruitment platforms for the board’s 2022 and 2023 recruitment.

    “Ekiti SUBEB will soon recruit suitably qualified teachers for our public primary schools. Procedures for the recruitment are already

    being put in place. As soon as this is completed, we will formally inform the public through the Ekiti State Website:www.ekitistate.gov.ng and through reputable media outlets.

    “Applicants should, however, beware of internet recruitment fraudsters, who may try to paint their websites and blogs as recruitment

    platforms for the board’s recruitment. Application forms for the exercise will never be downloaded on the social media,” the statement said.

    Ekiti SUBEB in 2021 recruited 600 primary school teachers.

  • Oyetola, Adeleke clash over N407.32b debt claim

    Oyetola, Adeleke clash over N407.32b debt claim

    • Governor alleges predecessor took N18b loan after losing election

    Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and his predecessor, Adegboyega Oyetola, have renewed their bickering over N407.32 billion debt profile of the state.

    Adeleke alleged that N18 billion loan was obtained after the July 16 governorship election.

    The governor, who yesterday attended the meeting of Osun State Traditional Rulers held at Finance Building, Government Secretariat, Abere, presented the debt profile before the monarchs.

    He called for probe of the past administration.

    Adeleke said: “My administration inherited eight outstanding loan facilities, apart from salary and pension debts, from the Oyetola administration. My good people of Osun State, the total loan stock as at today is N331.32 billion.

    “If the N76 billion debts on salaries and pension are added, the state is indebted to the tune of N407.32 billion. The amount owed contractors is yet to be determined. The only fund in government coffers, as at November 29, was for November 2022 salary. Otherwise, the state treasury was empty.

    He added: “Former Governor Oyetola must explain how the N331billion borrowed in the name of Osun State was expended, with no obvious infrastructural development to justify this huge debt.

    “He must explain how the N18billion bridge loan taken after he lost the election on July 16 was expended.

    Oyetola must also explain why Osun State owes salaries and pension to the tune of N76 billion after collecting a N50billion salary bailout loan from the Federal Government.

    “The creditors, especially the commercial banks, must explain why loans were given to an administration beyond its four-year tenure. Twenty-eight years is equivalent to the tenure of at least four governors. A child born today would have earned a PhD at the age of 28. This is nothing but mortgaging the future of Osun State with nothing to show for it. This is definitely not acceptable.”

    Oyetola, however, declared that ex-governor Rauf Aregbesola incurred the debt of N407.32billion during his administration.

    He said his government never took any loan during the four-year tenure.

    Oyetola, through his media aide, Ismail Omipidan, in a statement last night described the allegation by Governor Adeleke that Oyetola took N18billion loan facility as false, adding that it was made out of sheer ignorance and mischief.

    Oyetola challenged Adeleke to publish details of the outstanding loan facilities he claimed his administration inherited and the years they were procured.