The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Babatunde Fashola

  • Fashola approves new vehicles for traditional rulers

    Fashola approves new vehicles for traditional rulers

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has approved the procurement of 120 new vehicles of various brands for traditional rulers in the state.

    The state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Ademorin Kuye, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos.

    The commissioner, who said the vehicles would be purchased in 2014, noted that it would enable the traditional rulers to discharge their responsibilities effectively.

    “Already, the 120 vehicles have been provided for in the 2014 budget and these would add to the over 30 vehicles that we have provided in the current year. These vehicles speak of the commitment of the state government towards improving the welfare of traditional rulers in the state and empowering our Obas to serve their people,” Kuye said.

    He also revealed that the state government was renovating palaces and building some new ones to strengthen the traditional institution and improve the living standards of the traditional rulers.

    The commissioner disclosed, “We have just delivered a new palace for the Alara of Ilara, Epe and work would soon commence on new palaces for the Akran of Badagry and Olu of Ikeja. Renovation of the palaces of Ayangburen of Ikorodu and Elejigbo of Ejigbo are ongoing and we are taking all these steps to strengthen the traditional institution in the state.”

    The commissioner further disclosed that the state government had set up a committee to consider applications from traditional rulers seeking upgrade.

    He said that the committee would ensure that qualified traditional rulers get the deserved elevation.

    The commissioner, who said traditional rulers were partners in progress, added that the state government would continue to work with them to ensure development of the state.

  • Fashola advocates peaceful co-existence

    Fashola advocates peaceful co-existence

    Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) yesterday urged the residents to live in peace with one another, irrespective of their religious, ethnic or social status.

    In a message on today’s Christmas, the governor noted that imbibing such virtues is among the enduring lessons of sacrifice the season represents.

    A statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Hakeem Bello, said Fashola stressed that the nation’s greatness cannot be realised without the collective sacrifices of all Nigerians.

    The governor reiterated the determination of his administration to further develop the state with people-focused policies and essential infrastructure.

    Fashola assured the residents that Lagos State is safe.

    He said: “My message to Lagosians is that your state is safe. You should continue to live together in peaceful and harmony.”

    The governor advised Nigerians to unite in mind and action to rescue the nation from further drifting towards the precipice.

    According to him, there is need to make the necessary sacrifices and believe again in Nigeria.

    Fashola noted that the only way to realise the nation’s greatness and return the country to its past glory was to believe in its ability and put it once again on the path of greatness.

  • Commissioner empowers the needy

    Commissioner empowers the needy

    Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment Mr Tunji Bello has empowered 36 residents of Yaba/Mainland Local Government Area. The gesture took place at his quarterly scholarship/empowerment scheme held at the Mainland Independent Group (MIG) office in Yaba.

    He urged chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the area to close ranks in the party’s interest.

    Bello, who is the group’s patron, promised to sustain the scheme which started in April, saying: ‘’My modest contributions to poverty alleviation in Yaba and Mainland are in consonance with the principles of the APC’s National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

    Bello said Governor Babatunde Fashola’s performance at the state level required complementary social responsibility by other officials at the local government and community level.’’ The Chairman, MIG, Hon. Kayode Aransiola; Coordinator Alhaji Ibrahim Megida and Woman Leader Alhaja Nimota Morenikeji said the gesture was unprecedented in the area’s political history.

    They praised Tinubu, Fashola and Senator Oluremi Tinubu for their ‘’people-centred policies,’’ adding: ”APC will make tremendous impact on the lives of Nigerians if it captures power at the centre.”

  • Fashola visits slain advertising guru Ogunro’s family

    Fashola visits slain advertising guru Ogunro’s family

    •Tinubu, APCON mourn Ekiti radio chief

    Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola and the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, have condemned the murder of the Managing Director of Eminent Communications, Mr. Sesan Ogunro, by gunmen on Sunday evening at Alausa.

    The late Ogunro was the Chairman of the Board of the Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State (BSES).

    Fashola visited the late Ogunro’s family at their Ogudu GRA home yesterday.

    He was received by the widow, Dupe and the late Ogunro’s children – Mrs. Damilola Gbadebo-Ogunro, Timayo and Fade.

    Describing the incident as shocking and unfortunate, Fashola said: “Ogunro was a restless creative spirit and a master of his art. I shudder at the thought that the man whose ingenuity engendered several election campaign materials and compelling state policy advocacy campaigns has bid the world goodbye in such painful circumstances.”

    The governor said his administration, Lagos State and Nigeria have lost a resourceful personality, who will be missed by all.

    He said: “On behalf of my wife, Emmanuella; the government and people of Lagos State, please accept my condolences and be assured that we are in prayers with you and your family for the repose of the soul of your husband and for the Almighty God to grant you the fortitude to bear this loss.”

    In the condolence register, the governor wrote: “My dear friend and brother, this is too sudden a goodbye. You did not wait to finish the job you started with me. You sacrificed so much.

    “I know you did not quit on me, because you are not a quitter. Some of the problems we must solve have taken you to a higher place. Rest in peace, dear brother, friend and patriot. I really value the time we spent together.”

    Tinubu, in a statement, said: “I received with deep sadness the shocking news of the brutal murder of a close friend, brother and comrade, Sesan Ogunro. Since the sad news broke, I have had cause to reflect on how dangerous and unsafe the county we live in is.

    “Ogunro was very committed, humble and progressive-minded. He was humane. He was at the front of the struggle to reclaim the late Chief MKO Abiola’s mandate and for the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria.

    “Later, he played a central role before and during my tenure as Lagos governor. My heart bleeds for the loss of such a brilliant and talented man.

    “There must be a way to stop this hemorrhage and wastage of our best minds. The security of life should be top priority for the government, with stiffer penalties for those who hold and use guns illegally.

    “Though dead, Sesan will never be forgotten. He lived an impactful life that touched family, relatives, associates and colleagues. I remember fondly his enthusiasm and arguments that belay his love for Nigeria. I recall how we shared ideas and his willingness to make the sacrifice needed whenever needed.

    “I pray that God grants his family the fortitude to bear this huge loss and comfort them in this difficult time.”

    The Chairman of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), Lolu Akinwunmi, said he was yet to come to terms with Ogunro’s death.

    He said: “I am still in shock over the news. APCON members have been calling one another, but it stills sounds like April fool.

    We will miss him. The industry has lost a gem.”

    Ogunro was a member of the APCON council led by Akinwunmi.

     

  • Fashola swears in new finance commissioner

    Fashola swears in new finance commissioner

    Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, yesterday, restated the commitment of his administration to serve the people of the state.

    He made the pledge in Ikeja at the administration of the oath of office on Mr Ayo Gbeleyi, the new Finance Commissioner.

    The governor said that he and other members of his team would continue to pursue the developmental aspirations of the people of the state.

    Fashola, who congratulated the new commissioner for the elevation, however, added that Gbeleyi now had more responsibilities, not only to the state government, but also to Lagosians, in general.

    The governor pledged to give the new commissioner all the needed support to do his job.

    He called for the understanding of his family, saying the new responsibilities would demand more time out of home.

    Gbeleyi thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in him with his appointment and promised to break new grounds for the financial sustainability of the state.

    He promised to work with other members of the state cabinet, to bring more development to the people of the state.

    According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the inauguration of Gbeleyi followed his clearance by the State House of Assembly which had received his nomination from the governor.

    The nomination followed the resignation of the former commissioner, Mr. Tokunbo Abiru, on July 24, to take up a board appointment at First Bank of Nigeria PLC.

    The new appointee was until his inauguration, the Special Adviser to Fashola on Public Private Partnerships (PPP).

    The inauguration was graced by members of the executive council, as well as family members and friends of the new appointee.

  • Police demolish 500 ‘illegal’ structures

    Police demolish 500 ‘illegal’ structures

    Residents of Badagry wailed uncontrollably yesterday as over 200 policemen from the Lagos State Police Command demolished over 500 buildings erected on a land meant for police estate.

    The armed policemen stormed the 950-plot land (65 hectares) around 10am with about seven bulldozers and began demolition immediately.

    Residents watched helplessly as structures worth billions of naira were destroyed.

    The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, had ordered the command to take possession of the land which the police acquired about seven years ago with the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) from the Lagos State Government in 2008.

    Men, women and children wept openly as their properties went down in seconds with bulldozers at work. Some of them were allowed to park their belongings before the exercise.

    The operation was led by the Area Commander, Area ‘K,’ Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Osu Ekpo. Officers of the Rapid Respond Squad (RRS), Taskforce and policemen from Area ‘K’ took part in the operation on the land located at Atinporome, Mowo Phase II, Badagry.

    A police source said an eviction notice was issued to the occupants to vacate in 2011, while another one was issued three weeks ago.

    Taskforce Chairman Bayo Sulaiman said the residents encroached on the land as the police has a genuine title document of the land including a C of O signed by Governor Babatunde Fashola in 2008.

    According to him, land grabbers, popularly known as Omo Onile sold the land illegally to unsuspecting public, adding that the action was taken because the police wanted to claim the land to build an estate for its officers

    A victim, Waidi Yakubu, who said he built his house nine years ago, claimed he bought his land from a genuine source, but without a C of O. He appealed to the state government for help.

    Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Ngozi Braide could not be reached for comments .

  • Bola Ige Symposium postponed to Jan. 15, 16

    Bola Ige Symposium postponed to Jan. 15, 16

    Activities marking the 12th Bola Ige Memorial Anniversary, earlier slated for Wednesday and Thursday, have been postponed to January 15 and 16.

    The two-day event includes a symposium and the showing of the film, Ofin-Ga, by renowned playwright Prof. Akinwumi Isola.

    At the symposium, Governors Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) and Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti) will speak on Impacts of unresolved political assassinations on future elections and on Nigeria’s security; and National Conference according to Bola Ige’s dream.

    Isola will chair the symposium. Interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief Bisi Akande will be the father of the day.

    APC National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is expected as the chief guest of honour. Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola will be the special guest of honour.

    Governors, lawmakers and the Chief Justice of the Federation (CJN) are expected at the symposium.

    Inspector-General of Police M.D. Abubakar and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega will speak on assassinations, security and elections in Nigeria.

    Lead discussants are Ekiti State Deputy Governor Prof. Dupe Adelabu; Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji; Oyo State House of Assembly Speaker Mrs. Monsurat Sunmonu; Southwest Chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Prince Kunle Ayantoye and Chairman, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State Ayo Adewale.

    The events will hold at 6pm on January 15 and 11am on the 16th. The venues remain the Arts Theatre and Conference Centre of the University of Ibadan (U.I.).

    Chairman of the Organising Committee Awa Bamiji said the postponement was in response to appeals by students, who are off campus because of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike.

    The late Ige started his political career/unionism as a student in UI.

  • Jakande praises Fashola as community celebrates

    Jakande praises Fashola as community celebrates

    Former Lagos State Governor, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande heaped praises on Governor Babatunde Fashola on Saturday, describing him as an exemplary leader who is committed to grassroots development.

    He was the Father of the Day at the 3rd Community Day Celebration of the Ilupeju Est Community Development Association (IECDA) held at the Secretariat of Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area, Ilupeju, Lagos.

    Jakande said: “I must comment the IECDA under the able and dynamic leadership of Apostle Babatunde Odele (Pawpaw) for ensuring the development of the area. Much regards and appreciation go to our able governor (Fashola) for his focus on rural development and the delivery of the dividends of democracy to the citizens of the state, especially for giving street light to our community and Ilupeju at large. He is our amiable Omoluabi Eko, an unequalled governor in the present governance of Nigeria. I wish the dynamic governor more resounding successes.”

    Jakande urged the association not to rest on its oars at sustaining the culture of environmental cleanliness in the area, while he enjoined residents to remain loyal friends of a sane environment.

    Awards were presented to outstanding members. The gesture, Odele explained, was to encourage them and others to remain committed to uplifting their community.

  • Lagos Assembly confirms nominees

    The Lagos State House of Assembly confirmed yesterday Governor Babatunde Fashola’s nominees for the Water Regulatory Commission.

    Mr. Adesanya Sebioba is the chairman. Members are Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun, Abimbola Onafowokan and Adedoyin Owolabi.

    The nominees were screened last week.

  • Fashola inaugurates 16 roads in Mushin

    Fashola inaugurates 16 roads in Mushin

    •’Stop burying bodies in residential areas’

    The Lagos State government has urged residents to stop burying their dead in residential areas, saying this constitutes a serious challenge to road construction.

    Governor Babatunde Fashola spoke yesterday during the inauguration of 16 roads in Mushin Local Government Area.

    He said the government had to relocate some bodies before fixing the roads.

    The governor urged residents to stop trading on roads and shun activities that constitute nuisance on roads, saying: “As I deliver these projects today, I want you to see them as your own because they were executed with your taxes. You should protect them and make sure they are not converted to open markets, car wash or other things that could undermine their purpose. You should ensure that nobody cuts the roads for any reason. They are your roads, so avoid things that can destroy them.”

    Fashola said over 200 roads have been fixed in Lagos this year, adding that the government raised N87 billion bond to rehabilitate more roads and other infrastructure

    He urged residents to be law abiding, peaceful and tolerant, adding: “The blood that flows through our veins has no ethnic colour.”

    The roads include Akanro/Ishaga, Badejo Kalesanwo, Ronke, Akinlawon, Ajana, Sadiku, Paul Okuntola, Eniola, Apesin, Kelani, Oyewuwo, Folarin, Oke Onijo, Olanibi/Ojekunle and Akinyemi streets.

    Fashola said the contract for the construction of the Mushin/Isolo, Post Office, Bishop, Olateju, Matuwo and Olaniyi roads had been awarded.

    Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure Dr. Obafemi Hamzat said: “I implore residents, road users, the corporate community and Community Development Associations (CDAs) to assume ownership of these facilities and ensure that all forms of abuse, including cutting across or along the roads, are prevented, since provisions have been made for service ducts to accommodate underground services. I urge residents to clear the drains regularly to prolong the lifespan of the roads.”