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Tag: Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu

  • Sanwo-Olu to CITN president: build on your predecessor’s foundation

    Sanwo-Olu to CITN president: build on your predecessor’s foundation

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has urged the new President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Mr. Innocent Chinyere Ohagwa, to build on the solid foundation laid by his immediate predecessor, Mr. Samuel Agbeluyi.

    Sanwo-Olu gave the advice at the investiture of Mr. Ohagwa as the 17th president of the institute on Saturday in Victoria Island, Lagos.

    He said Agbeluyi “brought a wealth of experience and strategic vision to the institute”. He congratulated the new president on his election and expressed confidence in him to steer the institute to greater heights, citing his wealth of experience that have seen him hold key positions in the institute as well as in the West African Sub-region.

    Represented by his Special Adviser on Taxation and Revenue, Mr. Opeyemi  Ogungbo, Sanwo-Olu stated: “Beyond his impressive qualification, Mr. Ohagwa is a visionary leader, whose integrity; diligence and passion for capacity building have earned him respect across Nigeria and the West African region. His election as honorary treasurer of the West African Union of Tax Institutes (WAUTI) is a testament to his regional influence and commitment to harmonising tax practices.  “As the president of the institute, Mr. Ohagwa is set to take the institute towards greater heights, strengthening professionalism, fostering innovation and enhancing the role of taxation in national development.

    Read Also: Akpabio to receive prestigious Nigeria Golden Hearts Award in UK for legislative leadership

    His leadership will no doubt inspire confidence among stakeholders and reforms that will benefit Nigeria’s economy and its citizens.” 

    Delivering his welcome address, Chairman, Planning Committee, Dr. Yemi Sanni, described the new president as “seasoned professional, visionary leader, and devoted member of the institute”, adding: “We are confident that his tenure will usher in an era of innovation, inclusive growth, and consolidation of past gains.” 

    Seasoned professor of Accounting and Finance, M. A. Mainoma, delivered the investiture lecture on the topic: ‘The Professionals of tomorrow: Skills, ethics, and Innovation

  • Free medical screening for Hajj pilgrims

    Free medical screening for Hajj pilgrims

    The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat have sponsored the compulsory medical screening for the state’s intending pilgrims embarking on holy pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ibrahim Layode, made this known during the kick-off of the medical exercise in Badagry Local Government Secretariat, Ajarah, Badagry.

    He stated that in fulfillment of the governor’s directive that every pilgrim going for the tedious exercise from the state must be certified medically fit, doctors and other medical practitioners were drawn from general hospitals across the state to carry out the exercise, adding that results would be released after the blood, urine and other samples collected from them must have been critically examined and analysed at designated general hospitals. He stressed that the results would confirm their true health status and help to know how best to manage them during their stay in the Holy land.

    Layode who doubles as the Amir-ul- Hajj said that the value Mr. Governor and his deputy placed on the the wellbeing of the pilgrims cannot be over-emphaaized, hence,  their decision to bankroll the screening in order to relieve them of the financial burden of paying for the screening after paying the huge Hajj fare of N8.7 million.

    He said: “Mr. Governor and his deputy felt deeply concerned about the economic hardship in the country and decided to foot the bill of the screening to alleviate the intending pilgrims of the cost of the screening which was N50,000 last year”.

    He stated further that unlike previous years when the intending pilgrims were assembled in a centralized location for the screening, the State Government decided to decentralize this year’s exercise to ensure that every pilgrim is adequately screened in line with international best practice and fulfillment of the pre-requisite for traveling abroad. He explained that 10 ‘designated screening sites and health facilities for testing’ have been created across the state due to the seriousness the present administration attached to the issue.

    Layode who disclosed that no fewer than 1,400 intending pilgrims would perform the Hajj rites from Lagos, appreciated Mr. Governor and his deputy for providing the exercise free for them. He warned that any pilgrim that failed to appear for the screening would not be allowed to travel for the spiritual exercise.

    While speaking on its importance, the coordinator of the medical screening exercise, Dr. Mazeedat Erinosho said that there is a great improvement in this year’s exercise from the previous ones. She added that new tests have been included.

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    Dr. Erinisho who is the Director, Medical Administration, Training and Programs (DMAT/P) in the Lagos State Ministry of Health, listed the screening intending pilgrims would undergo to include; Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B and C, Tuberculosis (TB),  Urinalysis, Pregnancy test for women, Full Blood Count (FBC) and Electrolyte and Urea + Creatinine (E & U + Cr) to assess kidney functions.

    She said that new tests such as TB, E, U + Cr etc. were added with a view to giving the intending pilgrims the benefits of knowing their health status and ensuring that they are medically sound before embarking on the spiritual journey as directed by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.

    On his part, the Board Secretary, Mr. AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, urged all the intending pilgrims to take advantage of the free medical screening exercise by participating fully, saying this kind of opportunity provided by the governor and his deputy was unprecedented.

    While giving assurances that the State Government has made necessary preparation for their comfort in the Holy Land, Ajomagberin emphasized that this singular act of compassion has further endeared and engraved the love of the Governor and his deputy in the heart of the intending pilgrims and Lagosians in general. He expressed the hope that this kind gesture would continue to be enjoyed by future intending pilgrims, going forward.

    Other functionaries at the flag off in Badagry are Prof. Kabir Paramole, Alhaji Yusuf Ara (members, Central Working Committee for  Y2025 Hajj) and former Executive Secretary, Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. Adeniyi Okoya, amongst others.

  • Tree planting: Council boss praises Lagos for sustaining agency

    The Executive Chairman of Oto Awori LCDA, Ijanikin, Prince Musibau Adekunle Asafa has expressed his appreciation to the State Government for sustaining Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) because of its roles in making sure we have a greener and cleaner Environment.

    Prince Asafa said this at the 2019 Tree Planting exercise tagged: “Clean and green is our perfect dream”, held at Anglican Nursery and Primary School, Oto, Ijanikin, Lagos.

    In his words “Trees produce oxygen for us and take our carbon-dioxide and they also protect us from Ultra- violet ray from the sun.”

    The council chief said it was illegal to fell trees without the permission of LASPARK according to the State Environmental Law.

    The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu who was represented by Mr. Adeniyi Olaoye, said the state would re-launch ‘One House, One Tree’ “to intensify our greening project.

    “Furthermore, it is to sustain the previous administrations’ foresight to ensure combat against climate change, improve aesthetics, maintain healthier and safer environment.”

    Read Also: Badagry LG boss reiterates commitment to tree planting

    Olaoye observed that planting five trees are not enough to replace ones that had been fell.

    He added that we should always plant a tree as we mark any memorable event.

    The Permanent Secretary of Environment, Mr. Abiodun Bamgboye who was represented by the HOD of Environmental Services of the Council and the Lagos State President of Medical and Health Workers Union, Comrade Razaq Adio Falade, said the campaign was aimed at making it part of urban life as certain percentage of properties must be preserved for greening as stated in the State Physical Planning Law, by planting a tree and to ensure its survival.

    The Lagos State government has said that it is an offence to cut trees in Lagos. This was made know when The Igando/Ikotun Local Council Development Area joined others in Lagos State to celebrate the 2019 Tree Planting Day across the state.

    A representative of the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, attended the exercise which was witnessed by executive chairman of Igando/Ikotun LCDA, Chief Mrs. Morenike Williams and other notable personalities.

    Sanwo-Olu’s representative, Mr Abiodun Bamgboye noted that it was of high importance that residents plant trees in their environment to preserve lives by giving back oxygen. “We can never over stress the importance of tree planting in our lives. Trees are essential to eco-systems in which they reside. As they control climate by moderating the effects of sun, rain and wind, they also absorb and store rainwater which prevents the transport of chemicals into drinkable water.

    “They are important part of every community and good neighbours to lovers of nature. Aside from creating a peaceful and aesthetically pleasing environment, they improve the quality of life by bringing natural elements and wildlife habitats into urban settings,” the governor stated.

    Williams warned it is an offence to cut trees in Lagos, noting anybody caught in the act would be dealt with by the necessary agents in charge.

  • APC chieftain hails Sanwo-Olu’s initiatives on waste, traffic management

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress  (APC) in the Ayobo Ipaja Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Otunba Ladi Oluwaloni Olo, has hailed the Operation Zero Tolerance initiatives of Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.

    He urged residents to support the emergency declarations on waste and traffic management, “as they are for the benefit of all.”

    Olo, who spoke on Friday in Ipaja, Lagos, while responding to the issue raised by the governor over the return of the Environmental Sanitation Day, noted that the idea of bringing back the exercise was something Lagosians should give consideration devoid of sentiments.

    He enjoined them to trust his leadership and that of Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat to take the state to a greater height through their decisions.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu swears in new Chief Judge

    Olo, a chartered accountant, praised APC National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for always giving the state the best leadership that could not be found anywhere.

    He congratulated the newly appointed Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Tayo Ayinde, and described him as a round peg in a round hole.

    On the recent inauguration of the House of Assembly by the governor, Olo assured the people of Ayobo Ipaja and by extension Alimosho that the robust representation they enjoyed from Bisi Yusuf and the newly sworn in legislator, Kehinde Joseph, would continue.

    He sought support and cooperation for the lawmakers.

  • Sanwo-Olu’s victory in Lagos assured on March 9 – Olokoba

    A pro-democracy fighter, social commentator and National Convener, Campaign for Dignity in Governance (CDG) Comrade Razaq Olokoba, has taken a critical look at the build up towards the next Saturday 9 governorship poll in Lagos and given the victory to the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
    Olokoba, who is also a political analyst, hinged his assertion on the consistent socio-political development, economic progress, secured environment and peaceful co-existence under the progressive platform in Lagos State since 1999. In addition to that, the vocal civil society leader perused through the credentials of the duo of Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Kadir Femi Hamzat and told Dare Odufowokan, Assistant Editor, that, “They are tested and trusted hands to take the state to the Next Level.”

    WHAT is your view on the coming governorship race in Lagos?  Without mincing words, it will be a one way traffic election as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), will carry the day. The party will walk over the opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), because the standard the state has attained, no reasonable person would want to experiment with toddlers in governance.

    It is not a gainsaying that the state has been consistently witnessing rapid and all round development socially, politically and economically since the advent of this nascent democracy in 1999 under a progressive government. And the feat has never been a one-man show. It has been a collective responsibility of all and sundry since the time of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is the arrow head of the progressive tendencies in the state as well as in the whole country.

    Tinubu has been adopting the style of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo in executing people’s oriented programmes. I am a member of the Civil Society. Tinubu used to consult us and is still consulting us till date on how to move the state to the next level. And during the time of Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), the avenue for consulation was still very much open for effective interaction and engagement. And thank God for Tinubu’s foresight, Fashola came out to be the best candidate to succeed Asiwaju Tinubu at that time.

    Can you say same thing about Sanwo-Olu’s emergence to fly the party’s flag?

    Yes of course. Sanwo-Olu’s emergence was direct response to the demand of Lagosians guided by the principle of party supremacy. And in Lagos, residents are faithful voters who can differentiate between good and bad governments. And President Muhammadu Buhari’s landslide victory on February 23, was a clear testimony that Nigerians are aware that the PDP lack the capacity to handle sophisticated states like Lagos State.

    Remember that in the whole of the continent of Africa, Lagos is one of the only three metropolitan cities. The other two are Cairo in Egypt and Johannesburg in South Africa. Nigeria should have attained that status as a nation if not for the misrule of the PDP for 16 years. So Lagos voters should not be derailed. They should rise up against the PDP to give the APC’s Sanwo-Olu/Hamzat ticket a resounding victory for the sake of more dividends of democracy for all and sundry. Lagos will fail and fall if we give it to the PDP and we must not allow that to happen.

    What gives you the assurance that Sanwo-Olu will perform?

    Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat, are highly competent to take the state to the Next Level going by their landmarks achievements as Commissioners for Establishment and Training and Works and Infrastructure Development respectively under Fashola. They will not only replicate that but step it up to take Lagos State to the enviable standard befitting any Mega City in the whole world.

    I can make bold to say that nobody, no Nigerian, either in Lagos or anywhere in the country that would give his vote to the PDP because they know the atrocities the party committed during its 16 year’s misrule during the period they drained the nation’s economy. The PDP can never get the nod of the good people of Lagos state to come and rule the state. So, Sanwoolu will win.

    What contributions your group is planning for the election?

    As an organization that comprises of 70 civil society groups to be joined by hundreds of other pro-democracy societies, we are working seriously round the clock to make sure that Sanwo-Olu is democratically elected next Saturday and sworn-in along with his deputy, Hamzat, on May 29 this year God willing. Lagos, with its complexity should not be given to a political green horn and toddler in governance.

    And from all proven indications, Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat have passed our integrity test and have been given clean slate of health as the duo capable of taking the state to the Next Level. And we seize this medium to appeal to the people to troop out en masse to vote for the APC flagbearers in peaceful and orderly manner devoid of any rancour. Violence, we must remember, breeds nothing but chaos.

  • Sanwo-Olu sure of APC victory

    The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, expressed optimism that his party would win Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly polls.

    Sanwo-Olu praised INEC’s conduct of the polls, describing it as transparent but in need of better timing.

    He spoke minutes after he and his wife Ibijoke cast their votes at about 11:50am at his Lateef Jakande Avenue/Femi Okunnu, Ikoyi, polling unit.

    At the same polling unit, a Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice Habib Abiru, also cast his vote.

    Sanwo-Olu said: “I think the process is transparent, but I think we can still do a bit better with timing. The observation we have here is that we have two booths in which you can vote, and we have only one part, so, and it takes a while for them to search that long paper before they get your name. But outside of the time, which we understand they need to do a thorough job, I think every other thing has been very okay.”

    He added: “From what I have seen, and from the little comments I have heard around, it’s 12 O’clock now, I believe it’s been satisfactory, from the few people I’ve had interactions with, from the few observers that have come around our polling booth here, I think it’s been pretty commendable.”

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    Sanwo-Olu said he was impressed with the turnout and patience of the electorate at his ward.

    Responding to a question on his party’s chances, he added:” Since I’m an APC member, it makes commendable sense and I am looking forward to my party to win at the end of the day.

    Sanwo-Olu, whose thumbprint was recognised by the smart card reader after some slight delay, explained why.

    He said:  My wife’s finger got approved the first time, maybe my fingers are a bit pressured up, I don’t know, but at least I got to thumb print and I have since voted.”

    He also explained that he transferred his polling booth from his ancestral home on Lagos Island East Constituency to Eti-Osa Federal Constituency, two years ago, following his change of residence.

    Commenting on the process, Justice Abiru said, “One must commend INEC for what they’ve done seriously.

    “It’s not easy; they have over 120,000 polling units. One must commend the officials here.

    “I just wish that the results will reflect the actual desire of the people.”

  • Elections yet to commence in 23 Lagos Island East polling units

    Elections are yet to commence in at least 23 polling units in Ward E3, Lagos Island East Constituency, one hour and 21 minutes after the 8am commencement time fixed by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), The Nation can report.

    Electoral materials, including card readers, have just been sorted by INEC officials at St. Stephen’s (WAEC) School, Lagos Island, the Registration Area Centre for the Constituency.

    They are on the verge of leaving for their respective polling units.

    Unit 006 in St. Stephen’s (WAEC) School is where the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu

  • Remain calm, ignore rumors Sanwo-Olu urges Lagosians

    The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has urged Lagos residents to carry on their activities without fear, following this morning’s rescheduling of the presidential and national assembly polls.

    Sanwo-Olu advised the electorate to ignore unverified theories about why the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) postponement the elections.

    He gave the advice in a 10:55 am tweet on his official Twitter handle @jidesanwoolu.

    “Hello Lagos. As we wake up to the news of @inecnigeria’s rescheduling of the elections, I ask that we remain calm and go about our businesses without fear.

    “Amidst all the theories flying around, the safety of your lives and property is paramount,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu: Lagos pupils to have unique ID numbers

    INEC chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu who announced the polls shift in a five-paragraph statement at about 2:50 am on Saturday, attributed the decision to logistic reasons.

    The commission rescheduled the Presidential and National Assembly Elections to Saturday, February 23, 2019 while the governorship, State Houses of Assembly and Federal Capital Territory Area Council polls earlier fixed for March 2 will now be conducted on Saturday, March 9 2019.

    The announcement took Nigerians, including incumbent and APC flag bearer President Muhammadu Buhari and his main challenger, the People Democratic Party’s (PDP) by surprise, leading to counter accusations and a blame game.

  • Sanwoolu to provide 10 new PHCs for riverine areas

    The Lagos State All Progressive Congress (APC)  Gubernatorial Candidate, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-olu has said he will provide 10 new Primary Healthcare centers (PHCs) for riverine and other undeserved area.

    He stated this in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.

    According to Sanwoolu,  the riverine areas of the state is the most neglected area and he intend to reverse this trend by providing such with necessary health facilities,  among others.

    “Aside this,  I will also ensure that all 37 non-functional primary health care centers in the state are refurbished and adequately equipped, as well as provide a minimum of 3 Doctors, 3 Nurses and 5 community health workers in all 345 primary health care centers (PHCs) by 2021” he said.

    According to Sanwoolu who spoke along with his Deputy, Dr Femi Hamzat,  he revealed that his administration will improve  life expectancy by focusing on a comprehensive preventive health care system through optimal primary health care  system funded  by a mass community based health insurance programmes.

    “The programmes will make healthcare more accessible and affordable right at the door step of every resident” said Sanwoolu.

    His administration also intend  to further expand the Lagos Health Insurance Scheme with a target of 500,000 households (2.5 million enrollment) by the end of 2019; Increase health spending from 6% to 15% of budget  in line with the Abuja Declaration ;

    Strengthen the primary health care  referral system to ease the burden on secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities;  provide adequate funding to ensure healthcare workers at all levels receive required training ; among others.

    In the water sector,  Sanwoolu intends rehabilitating within 6 months the major,  mini and micro water works at Iju, Adiyan 1, Ishashi, Ota Ikosa and all the  existing 48 mini and micro water works  in the State,  thereby encourage water efficiency.

    “In the area of waste management, we will empower LAWMA to effectively drive the elimination of waste accumulation and adoption of recycling state wide as well as commence a massive water clean up programmes working with the local fisherman, manufacturing industry and transporters,  among others.

  • Sanwo-Olu promises women juicy positions if elected

    Women in Lagos State have been promised a better inclusion and  recognition if the All Progressives Congress (APC) wins the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

    The governorship candidate of the party for the 2019 general elections, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, who made this pledge, added that he had much respect for the women and that this was demonstrated during his tenure as Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions in the state.

    Sanwo-Olu was speaking at an interactive session organised for him to meet with career women by the Office of the State Women Leader of the party under the leadership of Hon. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas.

    The event which held at Harbour Point off Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos on Thursday 17, January, 2019, was entitled; “Enabling, Empowering And Promoting Women: Our Pact with the APC Gubernatorial Candidate, Mr. Babatunde Olusola Sanwo-Olu.”

    Sanwo-Olu told the gathering, which included women professionals from the different sectors of the economy, that they were taking charge of their destiny to be at the event, which he said was unique and the first of its kind by any party.

    “I personally know the importance of women. I want to appreciate what the women have done for us. I had an opportunity to work with great women leaders such as the late Mrs. Titi Ayeni, Mrs. Bola Adesola, and others.

    “I remember the contributions of many female professionals. I remember working with Mrs. Sarah Sosan, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope Adefulire, and Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

    “I value how you have nurtured us. I remember the Beijing gathering in China that talked about women rights that has led to a lot of progress for women.

    “We are committed to ensuring that you play active part in our government,” he said.

    The governorship candidate said further that he wished that the Secretary to the State Government as well as commissioners for Finance and Budget were women, when he gets into office.

    Sanwo-Olu reiterated that his government would empower women, and ensure that the girl child enjoy her rights in the nation.

    He promised that his government would deliberately ensure that women did their best, have and ensure that females take half of its political posts.

    Read Also: Group mobilises for Buhari, Sanwo-Olu, others in Lagos

    The politician revealed that he ensured that a lot of women were promoted as permanent secretaries, when he was Commissioner for Establishment in the state, and that he would do what was needed to be done to put the women in the right places.

    Earlier in her welcome address, Hon. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, said that Lagos of those days worked well, had strong values and that the people lived in peace and harmony.

    Okoya-Thomas recalled that the public and private sectors worked together for the development of Lagos, which she said was home to many Nigerians then.

    According to her; “Let us be the thinker, the intellect, the prayer warriors. Let us influence the decisions of the government. Let us all come together to make our Lagos greater. Our Lagos is our future. “Let us as women leaders leave better legacies for generations yet unborn. I am urging Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to take the inclusion of women seriously.

    “Let us engage Sanwoolu as he has all it takes to move the state forward.

    In her speech at the event, the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. idiat Adebule appreciated the Women Leader for the programme.

    Adebule stated that the programme was a good initiative, and that it was bringing the women together “to present our candidates, good brands, brands that we can be sure that by 2019 would be Governor and Deputy Governor.”

    Others at the event were the Chairman of the APC in Lagos State, Alhaji Tunde Balogun, the party’s Deputy Governorship candidate for the 2019 elections, Sanwo’Olu’s running mate, Dr. Obafemi Kadiri Hamzat, chieftains of the party and several others.