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Tag: Babajide Sanwo-Olu

  • Lagos Assembly calls on NNPC, Sanwo-Olu to protect pipelines against vandals

    The Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday at plenary passed a resolution calling on the Nigerian National Petroleum Cooperation (NNPC) and Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to protect pipelines to curtail vandals’ hazards.

    This resolution followed a petition addressed to the Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa and read on the floor by the Clerk of the House, Mr Azeez Sanni during plenary session.

    Scores of protesters from Ijegun in Igando-Ikotun Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Alimosho had earlier in the day stormed the House over July 4 pipeline explosion.

    The protesters among other things also demanded compensation for victims of the recent fire disaster occasioned by the activities of pipeline vandals, restriction of tankers, stoppage of approval filling stations /gas plants in Ijegun environs.

    Speaking, Mr Rotimi Olowo (APC-Somolu I), who earlier in the day addressed the protesters and received their petition letter on behalf of the Speaker, said that bunkering had become a big business in the area unabated.

    “This latest pipeline explosion is one too many, Mr Speaker, that particular community has suffered too long as regards vandalism and destruction of lives and property.

    “When you talk about bunkering, it is a big business backed by very rich people in terms of logistics and transportation. It is not what the community can withstand.

    “It is unfortunate that we are losing lives. The government should come to the aid of people who suffered losses. We need a patrol and stationary Armoured Personnel Carriers at the area,’’ he said.

    He said that NNPC and the Lagos State Government should collaborate to end the trend and help the victims of the latest victims of pipeline explosion.

    Reading the resolutions of the House, Olowo said: “This House call on the Governor of Lagos State to provide and station security personnel around pipelines where the vandals usually operate.

    Read Also: Ijegun fire outbreak: Lagos CP warns pipeline vandals

    “The government should stop tanker drivers from packing their tankers around the pipelines and that the NNPC as a matter of urgency provide barricade to protect pipelines and to prevent vandals.

    “That the state government should provide support for the victims, especially those that lose their lives and their property as well as thorough investigations and prosecutions of vandals,”

    Speaking, Prince Bisi Yusuff, (APC-Alimosho I), who joined Olowo to address the protesters, said that the whole of Alimosho was under threat by the bunkers and not Ijegun area.

    Yusuff said pipeline bunker had ravaged Baruwa, Aboru, Abule-Egba where more than 80 persons died, saying the trend had prevented people from sleeping with their two eyes closed.

    The lawmaker decried the negligence of NNPC for not providing adequate surveillance on its pipelines.

    Mr Kehinde Joseph, representing Alimosho II where the latest pipeline explosion occurred described the scene as gory saying that no fewer than 18 persons died while many sustained several degrees of fire injuries.

    Joseph, who noted that NNPC and some security agents were culpable, called for compensation of the victims and justice for the apprehended vandals.

    He said that the government should look into the demand of residents calling for restriction of tankers in and out of the area between 10:00p.m and 5:00 am.

    In his remark, the Speaker said: “We sincerely sympathize and share the grief of the relatives of the victims and we also commiserate with the people of Ijegun and entire Alimosho.

    “It is needful for the government to ensure protection of lives and property and there is need for us to call on our government, for now to bring about security in the area mentioned.

    “We just have to do something about this; we don’t have to fold our hands.

    “So, it is acceptable to me to call on His Excellency to provide security and also to look at some of the requests of this joint CDAs most especially coming to the aid of the victims and helping them.

    “Some of them lost their houses, family and see how we can be of help to this people. There is the need to call on NNPC to protect the pipelines from the vandals.”

    Obasa directed the Clerk of the House, Mr Azeez Sanni to communicate the resolution of the House to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and send a copy to NNPC.

    The lawmakers also took turns to bemoan general insecurity in the country, especially in the Southwest, calling on governors in the region to come up with blueprint to secure lives and property.

     

     

  • Only nominees ready to serve will be cleared – Lagos speaker

    Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa has said that the House would do the needful and ensure that only nominees ready to serve would be cleared as commissioners and special advisers in the state.

    The speaker stated this on Monday at plenary when the list of the nominees for appointment as commissioners and Special Advisers forwarded by Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu was read to the House.

    Obasa commended Sanwo-Olu’s proactive step in sending the list to the House within a short time of his inauguration and making this public.

    He said, “This House will take this up immediately and do the needful as provided in the constitution by screening the nominees.

    “We will do this diligently; we will consider what they have (nominees) and what they are bringing to the table to support the administration of the governor and how they intend to move the state forward.

    “I want to assure His Excellency that we will do this to the best of our knowledge by making sure that those, at the end of the day will be cleared, are those who are ready to work with him and have all it takes to serve Lagos.”

    Earlier, the Clerk of the House, Mr Sanni Azeez, read Sanwo-Olu’s 25 nominees for the post of commissioners and special advisers.

    “In accordance with Section 192 part 2 Chapter 6 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), I am pleased to covey the list and resume of the first batch of the nominees for appointment as honourable commissioners and special advisers for the kind consideration and confirmation of the honouable members of the House of Assembly.

    “The names and the resumes of the remaining nominees will also be forwarded in due course for the consideration and clearance of honourable members accordingly,” the letter read in part.

    Read Also: Lagos Speaker, Obasa mourns late Oba Hamzat

    The Clerk read the list of the nominees to include: Dr Rabiu Onaolapo, Mrs Folashade Adefisayo, Prof. Akin Abayomi, Dr Idris Salako, Mr Tunji Bello, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka and Mrs Bolaji Dada.

    Others include, Mr Lere Odusote, Dr Frederic Oladeinde, Mr Gbolahan Lawal, Dr Wale Ahmed, Dr. Wale Ahmed, Mr Moyo Onigbanjo (SAN), Mr Hakeem Fahm and Mrs. Ajibola Ponnle.

    Also on the list are: Mr Aramide Adeyoye, Mr Segun Dawodu, Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, Mr. Sam Egube, Ms Ruth Olusanya, Princess Aderemi Adebowale, Mr Tunbosun Alake and Mr Afolabi Ayantayo, Ms Adekemi Ajayi-Bembe and Mr. Femi George.

     

     

  • Sanwo-Olu assures of commitment to improve health sector

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to give maximum support to private sectors in form of technological advancement that will add value to the health sector.

    Speaking at the unveiling of the state-of-the-art Critical Care and Advanced Urology, Neurosurgery and Dialysis Service at Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi, Lagos, recently, Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Titilayo Goncalves, pointed out that his government is committed to the attainment of qualitative and sustainable healthcare delivery, as this occupies the front burner in his administration.

    According to Sanwo-Olu, it is heartwarming and commendable that Lagoon Hospital has put in place the world class Critical Care and Advanced Urology services which include an Holminum Laser for advanced care of the kidney and bladder, along with equipment for the management of prostate problems, Kinevo 900 operating microscope for neurovascular surgery, minimally invasive surgery for skull based lesions, dialysis cent, an expanded, fully kitted and staffed 12 bedded Intensive Care Unit.

    Goncloves said the facility is a welcome development, as it is geared towards reducing medical tourism and making significant investment in latest medical technology to offer first class healthcare services to Nigerians and other West African countries.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu, Aregbesola, others for PANAFEST Ghana

    He said that the Lagos State government is currently developing modern technology to tackle challenges hindering best practices in the health sector, adding that “in its bid to curb quackery and ensure qualitative healthcare delivery to Lagosians, government has unveiled an extensive plan to reposition and re-energise the state’s Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency, (HEFAMAA) for quick and efficient service delivery.”

    Also speaking, the Chief Medical Director and Chief of Surgery, Lagoon Hospital, Dr. Jimi Coker, said the hospital’s choice to invest hugely on these technologies was borne out of the need to fill the gaps within the country’s health sector.

    “This is a strategic decision by our hospital with the aim to reduce medical tourism. The number of Nigerians leaving the country to seek such medical treatment abroad continues to grow unabated with up to $1 billion lost revenue to the Nigerian economy,” said Coker.

  • UNILAG alumni to honour Sanwo-Olu, 18 others

    The University of Lagos (UNILAG) Alumni Association (UNILAG) Lagos State branch, has announced plans to honour Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu during its alumni week which begins tomorrow.

    Chairman of the Lagos branch, Dr Lukumon Adeoti, said at a press conference that Sanwo-Olu, an alumnus of the university, would be presented with an award of excellence in “conceptualization of new ideas for national growth”.

    He said two other governors, Dr Samuel Ortom of Benue State, and Mr Darius Ishaku of Taraba State, were among the 19 distinguished Nigerians to be honoured by the association this year for their contribution to national development.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu declares Lekki, Ikoyi plazas toll free today

    The awards would be presented during the association’s annual dinner at the Jelili Omotola Multipurpose Hall on Sunday which would end the activities.

    Other programmes outlined for the alumni week include: Jumat service will hold tomorrow at the UNILAG Central Mosque; workout/Aerobics, indoor games and novelty match on Saturday at the UNILAG Sport Centre; a special thanksgiving at the UNILAG chapel on and the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday.

  • Sanwo-Olu to re-launch ‘one house, one tree’ campaign

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sunday said he will re-launch ‘One House, One Tree’ campaign across the state.

    The move, he said, would ensure every house in the state plants one tree to intensify the green project.

    Sanwo-Olu spoke at the flag off of a Green Campaign to plant 350,000 trees across the state in response to changing ecosystem and climate conditions.

    The campaign with the theme: “Clean and Green is our Perfect Dream”, kicked off in Lekki Phase 1 to commemorate the state’s Tree Planting Day – an annual programme initiated 10 years ago by the administration of Babatunde Raji Fashola, with the objectives to galvanise policies and actions towards mitigating the effects of climate change.

    The commemorative tree planting activity was held simultaneously across the state, including Costain area of Ebute Metta where the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, anchored the exercise.

    The Governor, represented by his wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, said maintaining green environment was a cardinal agenda of his administration, reiterating his commitment to achieve cleaner and greener ecosystem.

    He said tree planting remained an effective strategy to combat the effect of climate change and global warming, stressing that the sustenance of the initiative was a testimony to the foresight of the previous administrations to ensure Lagosians live in a healthy environment.

    He said: “We cannot keep on ignoring the effects of climate change, which is the most significant material risk to our future; it is also the world’s most devastating threat to human survival. As we increase effort to rid the state of waste, all hands must be on deck to also improve the aesthetics of the environment by adorning it with ornaments, plants, beautiful flowers, shrubs and trees.”

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun, others make case for PPP

    The governor praised the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) for the mileage it had achieved in helping the government to realise the green objectives, noting that seven million trees had been planted out of the 10 million targets by 2020. He observed that achieving a green credential would help the government to improve healthcare and sustain the environment.

    Chairman of Iru/Victoria Island Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Princess Rasheedat Adu, said tree planting had become a ritual in her local council.

    She said: “We are passionate about keeping the environment in its natural form. We believe that whatever we take away from the environment should be returned to keep it natural. Victoria Island is below the sea level and because of this, all hands are always on deck to ensure that we clear our drainages and keep the environment safe. We regularly roll out programmes that sensitise residents on how properly to dispose of refuse and maintain a healthy environment.”

    Adu’s Ojokoro LCDA counterpart Hammed Tijani described tree planting as the most reliable and cheapest means of combating the effect of global warming and climate change.

    Other importance of tree planting, Tijani said, include providing oxygen, control erosions and provide shades and foods, amongst others.

    He advised residents of Ojokoro to plant a tree when marking memorable occasions such as child dedication, birthday, graduation and many more.

  • Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun, others make case for PPP

    A cross-section of experts, including Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his Ogun State counterpart, Dr. Dapo Abiodun, immediate past Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Okechukukwu Enelamah; Chief Executive of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Oscar Onyema, and West Africa Regional Senior Partner, PwC Nigeria, Uyi Akpata, have impressed on government at all levels the need to explore public private partnership (PPP) in order to build a sustainable economy.

    The thought leaders spoke at an event organised to mark ‘the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG)’s Companies to inspire Africa Report 2019 in Lagos.

    Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Director-General, Mr. Ope George, DG Lagos State Public Private Partnership Office, said the PPP model was key to infrastructural development.

    Others who emphasised the importance of private businesses especially small and medium enterprises as growth catalysts for the economy at the event were the Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Harriet Thompson, who delivered a message from the UK government; Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Investment and Promotion Commission, Yewande Sadiku; Advisory partner/ Chief Executive, PwC Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Nevin and Director, Co-Head Emerging Markets, International Market Unit, LSEG, Ibukun Adebayo.

    The speakers urged public and private sector participants to find ways to synergise their strengths to speed up the country’s economic growth and reduce poverty.

    The report, which features 97 Nigerian companies out of the 360 on the list, identifies and celebrates some of Africa’s most inspiring growth businesses. This research project was carried out with the support of PwC, the Africa Development Bank Group, Asoko Insight, CDC Group and Instinctif Partners.

    According to the report, Nigeria has the single largest representation with 97 companies featured, building on its leading position established in the previous report with strong representation from the industry and technology & telecom sectors. Nigerian companies showed exceptional growth rates with a CAGR of 47% in revenue and average employee CAGR of 23% over a three-year period.

    Looking at the executive leadership of the firms, 22% of the local companies featured in the documents are led by women.

    Speaking on the report Akpata said: “We are extremely honored to partner once again with LSEG for the Lagos launch of the second edition of the “Companies to Inspire Africa” report. It is particularly worthy to note that Nigeria made a strong showing in the report demonstrating the strong entrepreneurial drive and the opportunities the Nigerian market presents.”

    Commenting on the report, David Schwimmer, CEO, LSEG, noted: “London Stock Exchange Group’s ‘Companies to Inspire Africa’ report showcases inspirational and entrepreneurial businesses from across the African continent, representing a wide variety of industries and countries. It is particularly encouraging to see the increasing influence of women in leadership roles in these fast-growing companies, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of African business.”

     

  • Council boss promises more dividends of democracy

    Chairman of Ikosi/Isheri Local Council Development Area Abdulfatai Oyesanya has assured residents of his council more dividends of democracy.

    The council chairman maintained that despite paucity of funds, his administration was able to bring development to the people with some financial engineering by prioritizing needs.

    Oyesanya, who addressed reporters at the weekend, said: “I envisioned executing laudable projects and there is no going back. Also, with some financial engineering, we were able to prioritise our needs to ensure that we complete the council secretariat. In no distant time, this project will be completed and everybody will be happy about it. Besides that, I won’t forget the management staff.

    “We are equally happy in this administration that we are able to give them good welfare packages. One thing we have always been proud of is free health services which started in the first tenure, and which we continued in the second term.

    “We have also been able to empower our youths and widows. We have been able to ensure that our people are secure by working in collaboration with the security agencies. We repaired roads as not less than 10 of such roads have been built, and they are visible there.

    “We have no doubt that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will perform better than he met Lagos; that should be the attribute of any government of Lagos.”

  • Ijegun fire: Lagos will ensure your comfort, Sanwo-Olu assures survivors

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday assured survivors of the Ijegun fire incident that everything will be done by the government to bring comfort to them.

    The governor gave the assurance when he visited the survivors at the Gbagada General Hospital yesterday.

    Sanwo-Olu who spoke with the survivors at the hospital said, “I have encourage them and ordered that anything that will bring comfort to the survivors should be done immediately. I have assured them that we will ensure that they all remain alive.”

    He, however, advised that people should always stay away from things that can bring loss of lives and property in Lagos.

    Answering reporters’ question earlier before the visit, Sanwo-Out said the incident was unfortunate, adding that the state government has responded officially to the unfortunate incident.

    The governor said: “A lot of our agencies have responded immediately and have done the needful to ensure the residents get utmost care.

    “It is a secure site. It is a site that NNPC raised an immediate alarm. It is a national treasure and asset that has led to security concerns. Issues of pipeline vandalism are a serious national issue. So the federal Government is taking it up officially.

    “For me and my deputy, we refused to make a camera show there not because we are not doing the necessary things to those that suffered burns or the relatives of those that died in the unfortunate incident but because it is a crime scene and security operatives are working there.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu to manufacturers: tackle plastic pollution

    “You will realise that rather than visit and make camera show, we have since the commencement of the explosion taken full responsibility for the care of the survivors in the hospitals. They are responding to treatment, it is unfortunate that some of the survivors suffered severe burns.”

    The governor pleaded with Lagosians to understand the gravity of vandalising pipelines, saying: “these are very dangerous things. We all should desist from making economic gains from something like this. They are very volatile and dangerous. People should not, at the risk of economic benefit, endanger their lives and others within the community.”

    He promised that the government will continue to work with the security operatives so that “we will not shy away from apprehending culprits and let then face the full wrath of the law.

    “We are urging the residents within the community to contact the emergency toll-free lines whenever they see people going closer to the facilities at odd hours, they should contact the RRS and others immediately.

    “They can easily come and apprehend the perpetrators. We are hoping that we can get a lasting solution to the issue”, he said.

  • Ijegun explosion death toll now 12

    Ten of the 12 Ijegun pipeline fire victims taken to Gbagada General Hospital and Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) have died of severe burns, the government said on Monday.

    Seven died at Gbagada and three, LASUTH, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr Titilayo Gonclaves said in a statement after she visited LASUTH.

    Their death brings to 12 the casualty figure. Two died in the explosion last Monday.

    The government, she said, had so far spent N10million on the victims.

    The government, she said, had not abandoned the victims, but is providing them the best care possible to ensure their recovery.

    Gonclaves said of the 22 persons rescued by Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), nine were taken to LASUTH, Ikeja, 12, Trauma and Burns Unit, Gbagada General Hospital and one, Alimosho General Hospital.

    “Unfortunately, due to the high degree of burns suffered by these victims which is almost at 100 per cent, we lost 10 of them but we are doing everything possible to ensure that no other life is lost and we will continue to do all in our might to provide intensive care for the remaining and from reports received they are responding to treatment.

    “Treatment of victims with a high percentage of burns requires intensive care and management which should follow some treatment protocol and this is why I am appealing to families of the victims to be calm and cooperate with our health workers as they care for their loved ones.

    Read Also: ‘How we survived Ijegun fire’

    “Victims of the inferno are being provided with adequate and quality care in our facilities free of charge in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive and they are being closely monitored and cared for by our specialists to ensure their full recovery and rehabilitation”, Goncalves said.

    LASUTH Chief Medical Director Dr Adetokunbo Fabamwo said:  “LASUTH alone has expended about N6 million so far to cover laboratory investigations, X-rays, consumables and medications, in fact, one of the patients was treated with silver patches costing N350,000.”

    He said daily on-the-spot assessments were being conducted by specialists in burns and trauma to ensure that the victims are rehabilitation in line with treatment protocol for the burns.

    “I want to assure families of the victims that their loved ones will receive the best care possible and we will ensure availability of medical and other supplies throughout the period of their management”, he said.

  • ‘Sanwo-Olu didn’t withdraw $470m to fund AFCON’s delegation’

    The Lagos State Government has debunked an allegation by the state chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu withdrew $470 million to fund his trip and other persons to watch the Nigeria-Cameroon match at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    A statement by Sanwo-Olu’s Deputy Chief Press Secretary Gboyega Akosile reads: “There is nothing farther to the truth than this statement, which follows the same pattern of falsehoods usually dished out to the public by the PDP and its mouthpiece.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, His Excellency, Sanwo-Olu did not make any withdrawal for the purpose of attending the AFCON in Egypt.

    “It is a public knowledge that Sanwo-Olu was named among some other dignitaries to attend the ongoing African football fiesta in Egypt.

    “Members of the Federal Government delegation to AFCON 2019 are Dr. Ahmed Lawan, as leader of the delegation, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha.

    “Governors nominated and approved by President Muhammadu Buhari are Sanwo-Olu and Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu receives Buratai in Lagos

    “Also on the list are Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Mr. Habu Gumel and a representative of the Presidency, Captain Hosa Okunbo.

    “The Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, Olusade Adesola and Muhammad Gambo, the ministry’s Director of Facilities, are also members of the delegation, which include a former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, to complete the 11-man list.”

    It added: “Is it not laughable therefore that PDP will resort to issuing press statements based on fake news on social media? Does it not stand logic on its head to allege that Governor Sanwo-Olu spent $470 million to fund a trip that he was nominated as a delegate?

    “As we have always stated, we will again suggest to the Lagos State PDP and her spokesman to always fact check before putting pen on paper. Opposition politics is not built on lies and fake news.”