Category: South West

Senator Tokunbo Abiru yesterday urged youths to embrace technology as the key to job opportunities and development.

He said great minds can be transformed into technological giants that will shape the future of ecosystem, not only in Nigeria and Africa, but in the world at large.

Abiru, who represents Lagos East District on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) spoke at the ‘Gen Z Hackness,’ a yearly ‘Hackathon’ organised by Genztechies Community at Tech Hub, in Gbagada, Lagos.

The Gen Z Hackfest  conference connects youngsters who belong to Generation Z in tech space on a large scale. The event affords ambitious Gen Z techies to come together and put their creative and coding skills to test, building solutions to problems of Africa.

Members of the professional community, including  Eniola Osabiya and Jolayemi Olaunji, have participated in the STEM programme and Senator Abiru Innovation Lab (SAIL) facility in Ikorodu.

Abiru said:”I was captivated by the audacious boldness of the young guys while pitching their big plans and how they planned to alter the course of history positively. I was forced to enquire about the age of Eniola. ‘I am just 17 years old’, the young tech genius answered, adding: ‘I am presently working for a tech firm in Austria. I work remotely from home in Nigeria’.’

 

He said that special encounter reinforced and revalidated his team’s prognosis on the rationale for SAIL and the choice of pilot programmes, especially Tech Talent Development and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) cafe for Senior Secondary School students.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Industries, charged young digital technology enthusiasts to develop solutions to challenges confronting the society.

Abiru, whose Innovation Lab, Senator Abiru Innovation Lab (SAIL) was the title sponsor of the Gen Z Hackfest 2022, said his passion for human capital and capacity development of young people informed the establishment of SAIL, a dedicated innovation hub set up for young people and entrepreneurs in Lagos East Senatorial District. ”

He said: “Eniola’s story is not entirely different from the inspiring viral story of John Oseni, an eminent member of the GENZ Techies community. The 16-year-old Akure born programmer shared a story of how he had worked for about 17 start-ups with networks across the globe including the United States of America, Canada and others.

“So, my desire to see more success stories like that of Eniola and John and many other teenagers who are making waves in the tech space made me set up the SAIL using my Foundation, Tokunbo Abiru Constituency Team (TACT) Foundation in partnership with a renowned tech firm, Co-creation Hub (Cc-Hub).

“The first of its kind innovation hub in the Lagos East Senatorial District is a dedicated innovation and tech lab that is providing relevant technology, business and digital skills to tech enthusiasts and young entrepreneurs.”

Abiru said members of the ‘Gen Z generation,’ who are between the ages of nine and 24, are the greatest beneficiaries of the digital revolution that is shaping the world.

Abiru said he has sponsored 13 bills and co-sponsored another three  bills, adding that, “two (2) of the bills are of particular interest to young tech enthusiasts and entrepreneurs.”

These bills are: Copyright bill 2021 (Repeal and Re-enactment), which has gone through first and second readings, public hearing and third reading and has been passed in the Senate.

The second bill is the Franchise Regulation Bill 2022 which has gone through first and second readings and is now awaiting public hearing”.

Abiru stressed: “I have thrown my full weight behind the Start-up bill that is currently before the Senate. I can assure that the Nineth is committed to laws that will create an enabling environment for ideas and innovations of young people to thrive.

On the permanent site of SAIL, Abiru said the purposely built facility that will cater for a minimum of 500 to 800 people every year with the complementary of online learning will be ready before the end of August. According to him, the facility has a 30-man co-working  space and also supports youth in the neighbourhood with free power, internet and other facilities as they create their own story within the tech ecosystem.

The participants at the conference went into a frenzy when Senator Abiru entered the hall. They applauded him for the support and exceptional leadership he has been providing for young people not only in Lagos East but beyond.

The senator engaged the budding young tech entrepreneurs and key members of the GenZ Techies community, including  John Oseni , CEO Ulterex , Pleasant Balogun, CEO Zeddpay,  Ibrahim Opeyemi Salami, CEO Devtranet, Favour Chukwuedo , Programme Manager, Find Worka among others.

Also at the event were over 50 participants of SAIL Tech Talent and STEM classes. They were led to the event by the SAIL HUB Manager, Mr Deji Abisola.

 

The St Charles Grammar School Old Students Association, under the auspices of Charleans in Diaspora Incorporation, has urged the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to resume talks on the strike.

The President of Charleans in Diaspora Inc., Yemi Ghazali Ajijolaiya, made the call at the Annual Achievement Award for Students and Teachers of St Charles Grammar School, Osogbo, organised by Charleans in Diaspora.

He said the continuous idleness of affected students posed danger to the nation’s security.

The association awarded some students and teachers of the school who have displayed commendable academic excellence and honest work ethics in the last one year.

Ajijolaiya is worried that the Federal Government and university lecturers suspended further roundtable talks and hibernated, stressing that it might force students to channel their energy to negative things.

“My advice to the Federal Government and ASUU is to return to the table and talk. You can’t resolve any crisis without talking.

“Currently, I don’t think any discussion is going on and that’s not good for the students who are at the receiving end of this crisis.

“These young people have a lot of energy and if they are not spending that energy on their education, then they will look for something else to spend that energy on.

“Unfortunately, more often than not, it’s not on the positive side. So, my strong advice is for government and ASUU to come back to the roundtable, it has to be resolved,” he said.

On the award, Ajijolaiya said: “The main objective of Charleans in Diaspora annual achievement award is to motivate every student and teacher in the school to work hard and achieve the primary goals of teaching and learning.

“The awards are therefore tailored to recognise various students and teachers’ attributes, such as good attitudes, honest work ethics, humanity, determination, a love of learning, and encourage a sense of accomplishment.

“We want to create an environment that gives students and teachers recognition for their accomplishments and to serve as a catalyst for other students to put in their best and contribute to the overall school performance.

“The importance of good and quality education cannot be overemphasised, as it plays a vital role in building a bright future for our children.

“St. Charles Grammar School old students at home and in the diaspora are, therefore, committed to partnering with the school management and the State of Osun in the provision of good and quality education, providing an atmosphere to our students and teachers where teachers can teach, and where students can learn exciting educative things daily.

“The activities of Charleans in Diaspora Inc. in the school go beyond annual cash reward to meritorious students and teachers.

“Ours is a holistic approach to teaching and learning in schools, including infrastructure supports, rewarding performances, sports promotion, and assisting indigent students among others.

“We have recently completed phase 1 of Afolalu and Omoworare classroom blocks renovation, while preparations for the second phase is in progress.

“We sponsored inter-school Table Tennis competition among all the secondary schools in 4 local government areas (Irepodun, Orolu, Osogbo and Olorunda) of Osun State that witnessed over 100 participants at the finals held here in the school.

“Others include the provision of extra mural classes for SSS3 students in preparation for West African School Certificate and NECO Examinations, assisting indigent students in the payment of WASC and JAMB examination fees, supporting selected ex-students of the school in universities, etc.

“We believe that giving back to the school that has shaped our lives is a responsibility that must be discharged without any distraction.

“We are therefore proud to be part of this great institution and wanted to give something back to it.”

 

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday said the collaboration of Southwest states was bearing fruits.

Sanwo-Olu, who spoke yesterday at the 2022 edition of the annual Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that the Ojude Oba has grown to become a prominent cultural and religious festival in Nigeria, and yet stayed true to its Islamic roots..

He said: “Celebrations like the Ojude Oba remind us that evil will never triumph over good. It is also noteworthy that the Ojude Oba Festival has while staying true to its Islamic roots, expanded to become a unifying symbol and occasion for people of all faiths, tribes, and tongues; as well as a global celebration of Ijebu heritage and culture.

“We must never lose sight of this unifying element, especially at a time when the forces of division seem to be working so actively to undermine all that we cherish as a people.”

Sanwo-Olu also praised the historical and cultural bond with Ogun State, saying they are shaped by the same forces and experiences.

He added: “We are nourished by the same waterways, and living up to the same Omoluabi standards and ideals. This was what spurred my brother Governor, Prince  Dapo Abiodun and I to, in 2021, establish the Lagos-Ogun Joint

Development Commission, to collaborate on key areas of mutual benefit and development and accelerate socio-economic growth for all our communities and our people.

“The road network linking Ijebu-Ode, Epe and Lekki is yet another concrete manifestation of our collaboration – Ogun has completed its own stretch while we will complete our own end this year, opening up new commercial and logistics opportunities in that axis, and positively impacting the lives of our people.

“Our Adiyan Waterworks project draws its water from the Ogun River. These are just a few examples of the very many ways in which our destinies are bound together.

Sanwo-Olu is the third Lagos governor to be the special guest of honour at the event, after Sir Michael Otedola and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

The annual Ojude Oba Festival is hosted by the Awujale of Ijebu and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu Land, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona. It was last held in 2019 as the COVID-19 pandemic stopped the 2020 and 2021 editions.

Governors Abiodun and Sanwo-Olu came in together, and acknowledged greetings from the regberegbe (age grade groups) and the crowd before taking their seats in the VIP pavilion with Oba Adetona.

The regberegbe, 57 in all, decked in colourful attires, displayed their class and panache while paying homage and obeisance to the king.

Horse riding and balogun families also displayed their skills. The popular Kuku family, led by Olorogun Sunny Kuku himself, was particularly spectacular as their entrance threw the venue into a frenzy. The family came first in the horse riding show.

Five persons also won tricycles in the raffle draw sponsored by telecommunications giant Globacom.

The Hausa community was represented in their numbers, while the Chief Imam of Ijebu-Ode and grand Imam of Ijebu Land, Sheikh Miftaudeen Ayangbadejo Gbadegesin, said the opening prayer.

Other dignitaries at the event were Ogun State Deputy Governor Naimot Salako-Oyedele, some members of the Lagos State Executive Council, former Ogun State Governors Segun Osoba and Gbenga Daniel, founder of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Otunba Subomi Balogun, among others.

 

 

 

Residents of Osogbo, whose shops and houses were demolished along MDS, Ola-Iya and Fakunke axis of the town, yesterday staged a peaceful protest over the non-payment of their compensation by the state government.

The protesters, in their large numbers, stormed Government House at Oke-Fia, with placards, appealing to the state government to pay their compensation.

Some of the inscriptions on the placards include “Gov. Oyetola, We Waited Enough, Please Do The Needful, Pay Us Our Compensation,” “Pay Our Compensation, Many of Us Are Dead,”

Mrs Funke Afolabi, who spoke for the protesters, said their buildings were demolished in 2013 by the state government

Afolabi said the affected owners of the building were promised compensation by the state government, but all efforts to get it had proved abortive.

She said Governor Oyetola, who was the Chief of Staff to the then governor, Rauf Aregbesola, should understand their plight.

“We are begging the state government to listen to our voices.

“Our shops and houses were demolished by the state government for road construction and we were promised that we will be compensated.

“But since 2013 till date, we are yet to get anything from government.

“We are appealing to the governor to listen to our cries and give us our compensation.

“For some us, the demolished shops and houses are our sources of livelihood. We are appealing to the government to help us out,” she said.

Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs Funke Egbemode, appealed to the protesters to be patient with the government.

She said compensation was a process and not what can happen overnight.

“The issue of compensation is a process and those who are due for it will get their compensation at the appropriate time.

“Government is aware of their plight and it will be resolved soon.”

Commissioner for Works and Transport, Remi Omowaye, said the protesters should be patient, adding that government would reach out to them once the resources were available.

Omowaye said though the demolition was done by the last administration to pave way for the Osogbo-Ikirun-Ilaodo road, since the government was a continuum, the compensation would be paid.

LION Ano Anyanwu, the newly elected District Governor of  D404A1 NIGERIA has unveiled plans for his public presentation, Fund raising Ceremony as well as the focus of his tenure which kicks off this month in Lagos.

“The core project of our district for the Lions year is the building of a Diabetes centre at the General Hospital at Epe, Lagos State. The Centre which is envisaged to be a “One Stop” centre for Diabetes management in Epe axis will get 75 per cent  funding from Lions Club International Foundation , while the District and other partners will  support with 25 per cent.”

This he stressed will ease the suffering of Diabetic patients within the axis who usually have to travel long distances to centers in LUTH and LASUTH.

“The estimated cost of the project is N100 million naira.  We appeal to our friends and partners to support this laudable project”.

He added: “The International Association of Lions Clubs focuses in serving Humanity in the areas of Sight preservation and restoration, Diabetes prevention, management and treatment, Pediatric Cancer, Feeding the hungry, Environment protection and management”.

Happily , Anyanwu explained that like the mustard seed, Lions Clubs International and Multiple District 404  Nigeria has grown from one club of 24 members to a Multiple District consisting of four districts, namely District 404A1, 404A2, 404B1 and 404B2.The  theme for the 2022/23 Lions Service Year , Anyanwu informed is Love and respect. “Our business in Lion club is Service. Service is kindness. Service is Generosity. Service is Sacrifice and Service is Love. Love is expressed through acts of kindness and generosity. Lions are good people who give their time, labour and means to help others. Love is giving and it is kind. It represents our very essence as Lions”.

To buttress his point, Anyanwu explained that: “In the world that we live in today, respect for the human person has been declining and humanity is becoming more and more self-centered. Politeness, thoughtfulness, and civility are rapidly declining, while disrespectful behavior is on the rise. We believe that everyone deserves respect. People thrive and want to be in the place where they are shown love and respect and are treated with dignity”.

AS part of the measures toward galvanising and mobilising young people toward a green environment, the Centre for 21st Century in partnership with Community Action Against Plastic Waste has launched an eco-friendly club tagged Green Club in Damiland School, Ogun State.

The event took place last week at the school premises in commemoration of World Environment Day. It had over 100 students from the school which featured a seminar, on the planting of varieties of trees and a talk on the management of waste products.

Speaking at the event, the General Manager of LASPARK, Mrs. Adetoun Popoola said that: “we have only one planet earth and we need to take care of it. We have to mobilise everyone, including young people on how to take care of our environment”.

She noted that tree planting helps to beautify, ensure good health and wellbeing and mitigation of the growing effect of climate change.

Popoola, who was represented by Mrs. Halimat Adeniji, posited that the state government is poised to plant 50,000 trees by the end of this nation as its remains the best option toward mitigating the growing effect of global warming.

She also informed that the state government is partnering with the Centre for 21st Century Issues so as to sensitize the public on the need to inculcate tree planting habits and ensure they nurture those trees to maturity.

On her part, the Executive Director of the Centre for 21st Century, Titi Akosa said that the green club is an initiative of the Centre for 21st Century Issues under its Climate Action Project, designed to get young people engaged in actions aimed at advancing environmental sustainability in Nigeria.

SEVERAL support groups in Ondo State working towards the victory of Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress in next year’s presidential election are to hold a crucial meeting in the state.

The meeting, according to the Coordinator, Ondo Network for Tinubu, Hon. Femi Adekanmbi, would aim at galvanizing support and mobilising voters to vote for Tinubu across the 18 local government areas of the state.

Hon Adekanmbi stated that Tinubu’s presidential ambition was a collective effort of all stakeholders and that they must work in unison to actualize it. Adekanmbi said.

Adekanmbi urged all candidates of the party for the Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly as well as heads of their campaign team to be part of the meeting as issues bothering on the election would be on the front burner.

According to the statement, “Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has worked tirelessly towards the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress. He is the head of Tinubu campaign in Ondo State and we can’t but appreciate the efforts of Mr. Governor.

“All activities of any support groups fall under the supervision and directives of Mr. Governor, and the party machinery under the leadership of Engr. Ade Adetimehin.

“Anyone who acts Ultra Vires is on his own, and working against the ambition and interest of our Presidential candidate.”He said the meeting would hold Monday, July 19th.

THE Asiwaju Musulumi Southwest, Edo, and Delta, Tunde Badmus has said thuggery and vote-buying will not affect Osun State governorship election slated for July 16th, 2022.

Badmus who is a renowned businessman and philanthropist, while speaking with newsmen on Saturday, held that he had noticed massive mobilization of security operatives in Osun which will prevent such occurrence among the contesting politicians.

“We thank God that the snatching of ballot boxes has reduced. The thugs will not be useful in the coming election.”

He also predicted that vote-buying may not work during the exercise because Osun residents are ready to vote for the credible candidate during the exercise.

He said, “See and buy may not also work again because when the politicians design a way, you will see that the INEC will also find a way to frustrate it. “There is no room for you to go to the polling booth with a camera again. So, whoever gives you money, it is not see and buy again. There is no way you can show your ballot paper to anyone. I will advise them to refuse inducement and vote in line with their conscience, that’s the only way we can frustrate, see and buy, they will attempt vote buying because they believe they’re investing.”