The Nation Newspaper

Category: South West

  • Fayemi confers ‘Oni Uyi’ awards on distinguished Ekiti indigenes

    Fayemi confers ‘Oni Uyi’ awards on distinguished Ekiti indigenes

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, conferred the prestigious Ekiti ‘Oni Uyi’ Awards on 36 indigenes and residents, who have distinguished themselves in areas of endeavours and contributed to the development of the state.

    This, he said, was in line with the provisions of Ekiti State Honours Roll Law, No 41 of 2019 and part of the move by the state government to promote the ethos and values associated with Ekiti people.

    The honours award, which is the second edition, kick-started activities marking the 26th anniversary of the creation of the state as well as the valedictory and inauguration ceremonies for the outgoing and incoming administrations.

    At the glamorous event, Dr. Fayemi conferred the highest honour, Ekiti Exceptional Achievers (EEA), on seven former deputy governors, (four of whom served under Ayodele Fayose), as “Builders of Ekiti State”. Five prominent leaders, who were in the vanguard of the struggle for the creation of the state, were also awarded the EEA honour in recognition of their roles as “Architects of the State”.

    The former deputy governors are: Dr. Sikiru Tae Lawal, Prof Modupe Adelabu, Abiodun Aluko, a surveyor; Senator Abiodun Olujimi, Chief Adebisi Omoyeni, Prof Kolapo Olusola-Eleka and the late Mrs. Funmilayo Adunni Olayinka, who was honoured post humously.

    The prominent leaders, who received the EEA award are: the Eye Sorun of Ado- Ekiti, Olori Abosede Adejugbe; an educationist, Chief J. A. A. Alibaloye; a former sole administrator of Ekiti Central Local Government, Mr. Jonathan Adeyemi; the late Chief George Adefemi; and Prince Alonge Gabriel.

    Member of Ekiti Exceptional Achievers (MEEA) award was also conferred on legal luminary and former secretary general, Nigeria Bar Association, Dele Adesina, SAN; and Bishop of Ekiti Catholic Diocese, Rev Felix Ajakaiye, while six former heads of service were also awarded Members of Ekiti Meritorious Service (MEMS).

    Former heads of service in the state, Elder Olusegun Bankole; Mr. Olufemi Adewumi; Sir Olubunmi Famosaya; Dr. Olugbenga Faseluka; Mr. Ayodeji Ajayi and Mrs. Peju Babafemi received Members of Ekiti Meritorious Service (MEMS) award.

    Others who were honoured include international table tennis superstar, Miss Tosin Oribamise; foremost Juju musician, “King” Femi Ariyo; President Muhammadu Buhari’s chief official photographer, Bayo Omoboriowo; a former tutor-general, Mrs. Rhoda Ojo; a bronze medallist of National Royal Mathematics competition (2021) Ikeoluwa Okunola; a medical doctor- turned-agriculture entrepreneur, Dr. Temitope Aroge and a popular yam farmer, Awe Thomas Odunayo.

    According to Governor Fayemi, the legal backing given to the honours award was part of the legacy his administration was bequeathing to succeeding administrations to ensure its sustainability.

    He said those honoured were chosen from socio-economic sectors of the state without bias to encourage the virtues of diligence, hard work, honesty and integrity.

    The governor added that every Ekiti indigene and friends of the state, who had distinguished themselves in their endeavours, were entitled to be selected and considered for the award.

    “It is no longer news that our mantra for this second term in office is restoring those values which make us unique as Ekiti people and in the pursuant of this we resuscitated the honours roll and awards. To this end the Ekiti State honours roll law No 41 of 2020 was enacted to give legal backing to the award and to institutionalise it permanently for subsequent administration.

    “The awards are non-partisan and every Ekiti indigene and friends of Ekiti who have distinguished themselves in field of endeavours are qualified to be so honoured,” he said.

    Responding on behalf of the awardees, a former head of service, Mr. Olufemi Adewumi, hailed Governor Fayemi and the government for considering the recipients for the awards, in recognition of their service to humanity and the state.

    A major highlight of the event was a panel discussion on the progress of the state with four of the awardees: Olori Abosede Adejugbe, former head of service, Elder Samuel Bankole, former deputy governor, Prof Modupe Adelabu and Dr. Temitope Aroge as discussants.

  • Abiodun wins good governance award in London

    Abiodun wins good governance award in London

    Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has won good governance award. He picked up the prize at Nigeria’s 62nd Independence Anniversary and Global Award Gala, held in London, the United Kingdom, at the weekend.

    A statement issued yesterday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Kunle Somorin, said the event was presided over by the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Amb. Sarafa Tunji Ishola and the President of National Trade Promotion Organisations (TPOs) in ECOWAS, Segun Awolowo, among other dignitaries.

    Speaking at the event, Abiodun said his administration would collaborate with individuals and corporate bodies with genuine investment interest to drive its development plans aimed at improving the standard of living and well-being of the people.

    The governor, represented by his Special Adviser on Basic Education, Mrs. Ronke Soyombo, said the aim of his administration was to open up the state for genuine investors and leverage on public-private partnership for the betterment of the people.

    He said Ogun, because of its geographical location as closest to the busiest airports and seaports in the country, busy road networks to other states and unlimited potential for investors, holds the best atmosphere for investment in the country.

    “Since the inception of our administration, our approach to governance was anchored on the theme of “Building Our Future Together”. Our vision remains to give Ogun State focused and qualitative governance and to create an enabling environment for a public-private sector partnership, which is fundamental to the creation of an enduring economic development and individual prosperity of the people of Ogun.

    “In Nigeria today, our policies and programmes have become reference points to other states, for which we have been honoured by the government, non-government and independent agencies with awards,” Abiodun said.

    He said his administration had been methodical, strategic and inclusive in its approach to governance, which ensured that no sector was less important than the other.

    The governor said his administration had worked for even development of all areas and sectors and ensured that no section or sector of the state was developed at the expense of the other.

    “Our dear state has witnessed a new vista in all sectors of our economy. Our words are our bond with the people of Ogun State,” the governor said.

    He added that more road infrastructure that linked the industrial hubs, adjoining states, urban and rural areas would be given attention, noting that the building of the Agro Cargo International Airport was also part of the wholesome strategy towards developing air transport infrastructure, to boost the agricultural development agenda of his government.

    “We are unfolding our power infrastructural project that will guarantee stable power to most of our cities and industrial clusters. Our approach towards a sustainable economic development, resulting in

    employment generation, poverty alleviation and food security, has continued to yield bountifully.

    “We have continued to reposition the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as part of our industrial revolution. This we have achieved through the empowerment of small businesses in our state,” he said.

    Abiodun, who dedicated the award to the people of the state for their support and cooperation, said: “We are happy that this award is in recognition of our modest efforts in our approach to governance, which has demonstrated in concrete terms, the commitment towards a wholesome and sustainable development of our dear Ogun State.

    “Before today, we have had several awards in recognition of our contributions in areas of human endeavour since the inception of our administration on May 29, 2019.

    “We have the awards as the Most Improved State on Security Infrastructure by Business Day Awards; Most Improved State on Agriculture and Economic Empowerment by Business Day Awards; Best State in ICT Penetration and Adoption; Best State in ICT Infrastructure Development by the National Council on Communication and Digital Economy; SMEs Most Supportive Governor by Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria, ASBON.

    “We have also won the  2020 Best Governor in Education in Nigeria by the National Parent-Teacher Association, PTA; Best Education-Friendly Governor by All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, ANCOPSS; 2020 Governor of the Year Award by the Nigeria Agriculture Awards, NAA; Best Governor on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSMEs); and so on,” the governor said.

    He used the occasion to call on foreign and local investors to take advantage of the potential that abounded in the state, declaring that his administration was ready to give them assistance and cooperation.

  • Lagos Council gives indigent students bursary

    Lagos Council gives indigent students bursary

    In commemoration of this year’s World Tourism Day, chairman of Epe Local Government in Lagos State, Princess Surah Olayemi Animashaun has awarded bursary to indigent students in various tertiary institutions.

    At the event, which is first of its kind, different cultural festivals were displayed. Most importantly, Kayokayo and Ebi festival thrilled the audience.

    Animashaun tasked the indigent students to utilise the bursaries effectively consider them as an opportunity to lay good academic foundation.

    Read Also: Succour for 17 indigent students in Ikorodu division

    She said: “Epe is blessed with rich culture, vast lands, diverse natural resources, aquatic abundance, skillful artisans all within a peaceful community and it will be a shame to see this all go to waste.

    “If we do not take calculated steps to harness and develop the resources at our disposal or tell our own stories through rich cultural exchanges such as festivals and the likes outsiders will come in, do it for us, benefit and take credit for it while we remain onlookers on the sidelines.”

    “Great things are in the work and as we speak, the word out there is that Epe is the best place to be an invest in within Lagos. Therefore, I urge the good people of Epe not to stand idle or turn their backs on the growth that is coming to us.”

    She reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to accommodate more beneficiaries.

    Apex leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Epe division, Chief Akanni Seriki Bamu who presented the bursaries, charged the beneficiaries to always strive for continuous improvement.

  • Makinde’s wife celebrates independence with orphans, less privileged

    Makinde’s wife celebrates independence with orphans, less privileged

    Wife of Oyo Governor Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde on Saturday marked the 62nd Independence anniversary with orphans and less previleged in her office.

    She donated cash, food items, toiletries, mattresses and beverages to them.

    Speaking on the theme “Strength in unity”, Makinde said: “As we look at strength in unity in this independence day, we should challenge ourselves to be better, we can only be strong when we are united.”

    She maintained that Oyo State Government is doing a lot to assist orphans and less privileged, urging well meaning Nigerians to support them particularly children with special needs.

    She thanked care givers for their love, patience and dedication despite challenges associated with their works, urging them not to relent because their efforts would not go in vain.

    She commended Governor Seyi Makinde for giving more priority and support to the well being of the orphans and less privileged in the State.

    Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Alhaja Kafilat Olayiwola said manh positive developments and achievements have been recorded in Nigeria since ndependence, calling on government to do more to better lives of many Nigerians.

    Dignitaries at the event include the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun; Oyo Head of Service, Alhaja Ololade Agboola; Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Lawal; Chairman, Oyo State Hospital Management Board, Dr Gbola Adetunji, Permanent Secretaries and Directors from Ministries of Women Affairs and Ministry of Health, among others.

  • Tinubunomics and modern Lagos

    Tinubunomics and modern Lagos

    On August 7, 1975, the administration of General Murtala Muhammed inaugurated a committee on a new Federal Capital, for the country. The committee, headed by the foremost jurist and former Chief Justice of Botswana, Justice Akinola Aguda, in its report observed that “Lagos has become overcongested,” and recommended that the Federal Capital should be moved out of the city, for administrative purposes. The committee however proposed a phased movement with an eventual target of 2025.

    The Federal Government accepted the report and enacted Decree 6 of 1976, thus, paving the way for the nation to join a legion of countries, including China, India, Brazil, Tanzania, Venezuela, Poland, Argentina, and others that had previously done so. Contrary to the recommendations of the committee, the complete movement of the nation’s capital was effected with military alacrity by the General Ibrahim Babangida’s administration, on December 12, 1991.

    Unlike Nigeria, most central governments that moved their national capitals continued to nurture and assist the former capitals. The global norm is for sovereign states to provide special annual grants to their former capital cities, to maintain their infrastructure.

    Abandoned to its fate by the Federal Government, the Lagos State inherited by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in 1999, was bedeviled with unprecedented challenges, including resource inadequacy, prevalent poverty and socio-economic problems, huge infrastructural gap, high crime rate, high unemployment rate, inadequate institutional capabilities and bourgeoning population.

    The security situation was so precarious that criminals of the likes of the inglorious Shina Rambo were driving carjacked vehicles in convoy to Seme Border. So daring were the criminals that Tinubu’s predecessor as Governor of Lagos State, Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa, was almost assassinated on the street, in broad daylight!

    On the infrastructure angle, the last major project embarked upon by the Federal Government was the 11.8 kilometre Third Mainland Bridge. Not only was no single block added to the Lagos infrastructure landscape, the existing federal roads and bridges were also left unmaintained. The situation became so precarious that the current Buhari Administration had to carry out simultaneous repair works on the bridges, thereby further complicating the nightmarish Lagos traffic.

    Back in 1999, while Tinubu’s contemporaries were still relishing their electoral victories, he immediately put in place a Transition Working Group, (TWG), made up of eminent personalities and eggheads, including Prof. Pat Utomi. The TWG made far reaching recommendations, which enabled the administration to hit the ground running, including the establishment of Lagos Economic Summit, (Ehingbeti); reaffirmation of Private-Public Sector Partnership, revenue enhancement for effective management of existing infrastructure, and creation of a Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s daughter consoles flood victims’

    The first Ehingbeti, which was also the first economic summit to be held by a sub-national unit in Nigeria, was held in 2000. The summit has since become a flagship in Nigeria and helped shape the future of Lagos State, through public discourse. The State’s Vision Statement was derived from the theme of the 2008 Ehingbeti.

    The Bola Ahmed Tinubu, BAT administration inherited a budget of N14.2Bn in 1999, and it was obvious that a serious financial engineering was necessary to meet the high expectations of the citizenry and the enormous challenges identified. To drive the paradigm shift, the Ministry of Economic Planning was created as recommended by the TWG and Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, an astute banker and seasoned technocrat, was appointed as the first commissioner. Another financial guru, Mr. Wale Edun, was appointed the Commissioner for Finance and the duo led a team that started the most fundamental public finance reforms in the history of Nigeria.

    Some of the strategies deployed included:

    • Re-organization and professionalisation of the erstwhile Board of Internal Revenue into Lagos State Internal Revenue Services, to guarantee independence and efficiency; Tax Administration Reforms with a robust database of taxpayers, computerisation of government financial systems with the deployment of Oracle Financial Modules, and deployment of capital market instrument for infrastructural development with the N15Bn Floating Rate Redeemable bond raised in 2002.
    • Riding on the wings of the 2002 Ehingbeti, the government launched the Lagos Economic Advancement Programme, (LEAP), in 2003. Also known as the Ten Point Agenda, (TPA), this is an aggregation of plans and programmes for leaping Lagos State to greater sustainable development. The TPA stipulated the focus and core elements of critical strategic investments and formed the bedrock of the State’s Development Plans 2012 to 2025, and the current 30-year Plan, terminating in 2052.

    The financial engineering led to improved financial resources and also made the budget size to skyrocket from a paltry N14.2Bn in 1999 to N274.8Bn in 2007, representing an unprecedented 1,857% increase, mostly driven by Internally Generated Revenue, thus leading to one of the most rapid socioeconomic transformations ever witnessed in Nigeria. In line with Lagos State’s mission focused on “Poverty Eradication and Sustainable Economic Growth through Infrastructure Renewal and Development,” massive investments were channeled into infrastructure, health, education, housing, security and poverty eradication.

    Coming from a background where a past Military Administrator was giving excuses of lack of bitumen for the deplorable condition of Lagos roads, BAT revamped and rejuvenated the Public Works Corporation for direct labour maintenance and also awarded contracts for over 400 roads, including Kudrat Abiola Way, Agege Motor Road, Abaronje-Okerube, Adeola Odeku, Maroko-Epe Bye Pass, and others. Upgrading works were carried out on Broad Street, Marina, Third Mainland Ramp, Cater Bridge, Idumagbo, and so on.  A permanent solution was also found to the incursion of Bar Beach into Ahmadu Bello Way, by constructing an enduring shoreline defensive barrier.

    Impressed with the consistent reforms in the state’s financial management and the positive outcomes, the World Bank obliged the state a credit of $200m in three tranches, under the Development Policy Operation from 2010 to 2012; the first of such given to any sub-national in Africa. Due to the impressive turnaround in public finance, Lagos has consistently enjoyed AAA National Long Term Fitch Rating, for its good standing in terms of debt sustainability and resilience.

    Aare Bayo Sodade retired as a Permanent Secretary in Lagos State and is currently a Special Adviser to the Governor on Economic Planning and Budget.

  • AbdulRazaq sympathises with Patigi flood victims

    AbdulRazaq sympathises with Patigi flood victims

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has sympathised with the people of Gbaradogi and Saachi communities in Patigi Local Government, over the flood disaster in the area.

    The governor, during the inspection of the flooded areas at Patigi, expressed his administration’s sympathy with the Etsu Patigi and the people of Pategi over the damage caused by the flood.

    A statement issued yesterday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Modupe Joel, said  the governor was represented by his deputy, Mr. Kayode Alabi.

    Read Also; Tinubu sympathises with victims of Jigawa flood

    He reassured the flood victims of his administration’s continued support and intervention.

    The Etsu Patigi, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar-Bologi, said since Patigi was a riverine area, flooding had become a recurring decimal in the area.

    He noted that the flooding, triggered by rainstorm, ravaged Gbaradogi and Saachi communities, causing massive destruction and displacement.

    The traditional ruler, who thanked the government for its support, appealed for quick intervention for the victim of the flood disaster.

     

  • Fed Govt drums up support for proposed Ondo deep seaport

    Fed Govt drums up support for proposed Ondo deep seaport

    Minister of Transportation Mu’azu Sambo has said the Federal Government would soon make a ‘Port Declaration’ of the proposed Ondo deep seaport, which would begin  other processes at the port.

    He hoped the port would be established before the end of the tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    Sambo spoke during a meeting with Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN.

    The minister, who hailed the steps taken by the state government to prepare for the port declaration, said once the requirements were met, the Federal Government would not hesitate to make the declaration, under Section 30 of the Ports Act.

    Read Also: Lekki seaport to begin operation

    The minister, in a statement in Abuja yesterday by the Director Press of the ministry, Eric Ojiekwe, said: “We want to see this port come to life before the end of this administration because having another deep sea port will do a lot of good to the blue economy policy of the Federal Government.”

    The minister, who said there were only two deep sea ports in Nigeria, while all others were river ports, including Apapa and Tin-Can ports, added that the development of the deep seaport in Ondo was a welcome development to the country.

    Akeredolu said the purpose of the visit was to acquaint the ministry with the vision of the state government on the development of a deep seaport in Ilaje area of Ondo State, following Federal Government’s module of Public Private Partnership.

    Akeredolu, who said the port would bring enormous socio-economic benefits to the Federal Government, the state and the host communities, added that Dubai Port and China Habour were among the many international partners, who had indicated interest in developing the port.

  • Ex-Fayemi’s aide forms media group for Tinubu

    Ex-Fayemi’s aide forms media group for Tinubu

    A media support group that will magnify the capability, preparedness and superlative accomplishments of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been established.

    Known as ‘Tinubu Southwest Media Veterans Support Group,’ the convener, Mr. Femi Odere, the former Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora Affairs to Ekiti State Governor, said in a statement in Ado-Ekiti yesterday that “it has become important for supporters of Tinubu in the write environment to articulate what sets the APC standard-bearer apart from his pack of contestants by virtue of what he described as his unprecedented accomplishments in and out of public service.”

    Read Also; 2023: I’ve flagged off Tinubu’s campaign with four wives, 28 children – Doguwa

    Odere said: “This team of professional media practitioners, some of whom are now retired, having reached the pinnacle of their career, will assist the Media and Publicity Directorate of the Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) in educating the voting public about issues that are important to them.”

    Odere, a newspaper publisher in the United States of America and a prolific writer, said in the statement that the group anticipated that “there’s going to be an upsurge in attacks on the APC presidential candidate, most especially in the Southwest, to weaken his base, his influence and political grip in the region. We, therefore, must be ready for the assaults.”

  • Ogun 20 councils share N3.60b

    Ogun 20 councils share N3.60b

    The 20 local governments in Ogun State have received N3,609,082,238.90, which include shares of statutory allocation, Value Added Tax (VAT) and Exchange Gain from the Federal Allocation for  September.

    This was made known at the September 2022 edition of the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) meeting at the Conference Hall, Oba’s Complex, Oke-Mosan Abeokuta, by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiyu Hamzat.

    He said the sharp drop in the month’s allocation would not affect the statutory payments of the councils, imploring them to intensify efforts at increasing their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in their jurisdictions, to cushion the effect of any shortfall that might arise from the federal allocation.

    Read Also: FAAC: nine states share N84.642b

    The Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser, Dapo Okubadejo, represented by the Permanent Secretary and Accountant-General, the State Treasury, Mr. Babatunde Aregbesola, presenting the financial breakdown of the collected allocation, said the local governments received  N3,609,082,238.90, explaining that N693,357,333.45 would be required to meet up for the full payment of first-line charges.

    The first-line charges, he said, included: primary school teachers’ salary, local government employees’ salary, pensions, traditional councils and other charges, which amounted to N4,302,439,574.36.

    He said in August, local government allocation was N4,685,649,984.81, which he noted was enough to meet up with the first-line charges of N4,302,439,574.81.

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Kolawole Fagbohun, said council chairmen could enhance the performance of their local governments by strengthening their legislative chambers.

  • Ikorodu Metro Lions Club gets 19th president

    Ikorodu Metro Lions Club gets 19th president

    A seasoned and renowned management expert, Mr. Ibrahim Lasisi, is expected to lead Ikorodu Metro Lions Club for the 2022/2023 Lions Service Year.

    He will take over the mantle of leadership at an investiture ceremony expected to hold in Ikorodu on Sunday.

    Read Also: Osun gets two varsities

    Lasisi holds Higher National Diploma (HND) in Accounting from Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos and Post Graduate Diploma in Management and Master of Business Administration, specialising in Human Resource Management, from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso.

    A devout Muslim, he is married and is blessed with children.