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Tag: Dr Obafemi Hamzat

  • Hamzat, VC challenge women to break societal barriers

    Hamzat, VC challenge women to break societal barriers

    The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat and Vice-Chancellor, Fountain University, Oshogbo, Prof. Olayinka Karim, have challenged Muslim women to transcend societal, economic and cultural barriers.

    The duo and others made the call at The Criterion, Association of Women in Businesses and Professions International Conference at the Orchid Hotel, Lekki, Lagos.

    The conference had the theme: “Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Muslim Women Overcoming Economic and Social Challenges”.

    Hamzat blamed social challenges on breakdown of value system and neglect of morality, urging Nigerians to renew commitment to good parenting.

    The deputy governor said that moral decline in Nigeria was a direct reflection of poor parenting and erosion of discipline in homes.

    He said that values such as respect, honesty and hard work must become the foundation of family life.

    The deputy governor emphasised the need to take care of the family unit.

    He said: “No nation can rise above the moral quality of its citizens. The future of any nation depends on the youth, because they are the future leaders. If we don’t make conscious efforts to develop and train them on our culture, beliefs and value system, then the nation will run into trouble. The most important unit in any society is the family, and if that is broken, then everything is lost.”

    Citing examples of young people involved in criminal and ritual activities, Hamzat said that it was no longer about breaking glass ceilings but about holding the family together.

    READ ALSO: NCDMB, NSE launch Nigerian Engineering Olympiad to address skill gap

    According to him, every strong society is built on good homes and responsible parenting.

    He urged organisations such as the Criterion to continue to partner with the state government in initiatives that would strengthen families, uplift women and nurture the next generation of leaders.

    Hamzat said that through its Ministry of Women Affairs and the Employment Trust Fund, Lagos State Government was addressing challenges facing micro, small and medium enterprises.

    He said that while the initiative supported all entrepreneurs, the resilience of women-owned enterprises had inspired the government’s contribution to development and finding lasting solutions.

    According to Hamzat, data shows that 79 per cent of successful businesses are owned by women.

    He said it prompted the state to focus on supporting and strengthening women-led enterprises.

    He added that the government provided not only grants but also essential training on bookkeeping, employee management and access to capital.

    According to him, this ensures entrepreneurs will understand how to sustain and expand their businesses.

    Prof. Karim, said the conference would help women to increase in knowledge, faith and resilience, as well as lead with dignity and purpose.

    Karim, who was represented by the immediate past World Women Affairs Secretary of Nasfat, Alhaja Suwebat Kupolati, said that education was the foundation of empowerment.

    She said: “Through technology, women can learn, innovate and lead from anywhere.

    “Empowering women, especially Muslim women in agriculture and fisheries, as Islam explains, means empowering families, communities and the nation.

    “Digital literacy for women is not optional; it is a religious responsibility and a national necessity.

    “We must bridge the gap by investing in affordable internet, digital tools and STEM education for women and girls. When a woman learns, she lifts a generation.”

    On economic instability, unemployment and moral decline in Nigeria, the don said that women must revive faith-driven cultural models promoting community, charity, hard work and modesty.

    She said that breaking the glass ceiling should not be rebellion, but a revelation.

    “It is about rediscovering the purpose Allah placed within every woman – to nurture, to lead, to enlighten and to build.”

    Earlier, the International Ameerah of the Criterion, Alhaja Medinat Akanni, said that the theme of the conference was apt and resonated with the present economic situation facing women all over the world,

    Akanni said that the aim of the association was to encourage, promote and foster the spirit of Islamic sisterhood, peace, development and economic stability.

    “The theme of the event illustrates the economic situation facing women not only in Nigeria but the world at large,” she said.

  • I’ll not betray Lagosians, says Sanwo-Olu 

    Lagos State Governor-elect Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday promised not to betray Lagosians when he assumes office on May 29.

    He pledged to run an all-inclusive government and fulfil other campaign promises he made to the people.

    The governor-elect spoke at the state office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), shortly after receiving his Certificate of Return from Resident Electoral Commissioner Sam Olumekun.

    Describing himself as a winner of a free, fair and credible election, Sanwo-Olu said the electoral commission deserved applause for conducting a peaceful exercise.

    He also extended a hand of fellowship to the 40 opposition candidates who competed with him, stressing that their input are required in tackling the myriad of challenges in education, health, transportation and the environment.

    “A victory for one is a victory for all. It is a victory for all Lagosisns. No victor, no vanquished. We will all make life better for Lagosians,” he said.

    Read also: PHOTOS: INEC issues certificates of return to Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat

    Sanwo-Olu was accompanied by his wife, Dr Ibijoke; his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat and wife, Oluremi; Lagos State APC Chairman Tunde Balogun; party secretary Dr. Wale Ahmed; Governorship Advisory Council (GAC) deputy leader Prince Oluyole Olusi; Senator Musiliu Obanikoro and Chief Demola Seriki.

    Also at the ceremony were Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi; Pa Sunny Ajose; Jumoke Okoya-Thomas; Hakeem Bamgbala; Joe Igbokwe; Abiodun Salami; Bayo Ajisebutu; Ayodele Adewale; Fausat Gbadebo; Emmanuel Bamgboye and Imam Shakiru Gafar Mofesayo of Lagos Central Mosque.

    Thanking the stakeholders, Sanwo-Olu commended INEC and other apparatus of government involved in the election, saying that the reward for hard work was more work.

    He also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for showing leadership example.

    The governor-elect also applauded the National Chairman of APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole; Lagos APC GAC leaders, and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who he noted, was in birthday celebration mood.

    He prayed that all the critical stakeholders would be present at his inauguration on May 29.

    However, in an emotion-laden voice, Sanwo-Olu said the inauguration date would coincide with the post-humus birthday of his mother who had passed on a few years ago.

    Reiterating his commitment to an all-inclusive administration, the governor-elect said his doors were already open to stakeholders, including the opposition, to make their contributions to governance.

    He promised to re-enact the true greatness of Lagos which the stakeholders stand for.

    Sanwo-Olu added: “We will not betray public confidence. Better times are coming. Lagosians deserve the best. We must get it right in Lagos. If we get it right in Lagos, we will get it right in Nigeria.

    “We are ready. We are committed. We will do the job that Lagosians have given to us.”

    Imam Gafar, who paired with a Christian priest to pray for Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat, urged them to work for public good.

    The cleric, who also advised them to beware of sycophants who peddle falsehood, wished the governor-elect a successful tenure.

    Also, he charged Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and Mrs Oluremi Hamzat to be prepared for the challenges of adjustment to new life and cooperate with their husbands.

    The REC reflected on the election, saying that it was adjudged credible, smooth, peaceful, free and fair by the international community.

    Hailing Sanwo-Olu for his victory, Olumekun said: “Lagosians have spoken, Your Excellency, and I dare say that they spoke loudly and without equivocation. Therefore, the journey to a better Lagos is laid squarely in your court. May God Almighty be your lode-star in this journey.”

  • Ambode congratulates Sanwo-Olu, 40 APC Assembly members

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Sunday congratulated the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governor-elect, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his running mate, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat as well as the 40 House of Assembly members-elect of the party for their resounding victory at the polls on Saturday.

    Sanwo-Olu was declared winner of the election and Governor-elect of Lagos by the Returning Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede, having polled a total of 739,445votes to defeat his closest challenger and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Jimi Agbaje who got 206,141votes.

    Ambode, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, said the feat was a reward for the vigorous campaign embarked upon by the APC candidate and his running mate across the length and breadth of the State.

    “Lagosians have spoken loud and clear with their votes and have overwhelmingly voted for a government they believe will continue the trajectory of growth that we have experienced in the last 20 years under the APC.

    “It is therefore with great pleasure that I congratulate our great party for a resounding victory yesterday.

    “Again, the people of Lagos have decided to stay on the path of infrastructural drive, economic growth and all round development.

    “While I congratulate the Governor-Elect, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat on their well-deserved victory, let me also thank all Lagosians for keeping faith with the APC,” Ambode said.

    The Governor also congratulated all the 40 candidates of the APC in the State Assembly elections for emerging victorious, adding that it would ensure a seamless relationship between the executive and the legislative arms of government.

  • Hamzat wins polling unit in Epe with landslide

    The Deputy Governorship candidate, Dr Obafemi Hamzat of the  All Progressives Congress, has won his polling unit with a landslide.

    His party scored 198 votes  to defeat the  PDP which scored 33 votes.

    In the House of Assembly election, the APC also  recorded 195 votes, while  PDP  scored 32 votes.

    Miss Florence Zik, the Presiding Officer (OP), announced the result at the polling unit on Saturday, in Epe. (NAN).

  • No plans to demolish Ladipo spare parts market — Hamzat

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy Governorship Candidate in Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, says there are no plans to demolish the Ladipo Spare Parts Market in Mushin area if the party wins again in the March 2 poll.

    Hamzat, a former Commissioner of Works and Infrastructure in Lagos state, said this at a town hall meeting organised by the Ndi-Igbo in APC Lagos State.

    The meeting was to interact with the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat, in Lagos.

    He said that their government would improve on the market rather than demolish it.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Lagos, Mr Jimi Agbaje, who visited Ladipo Spare Parts Market in Mushin on Jan. 23, had alleged that the APC led-administration was threatening to shut the market.

    Hamzat, however, said: ”Our government has no plans of demolishing the Ladipo spare parts matket. That market has been existing even before I was born.

    ”We will run a government that will be inclusive, where everybody, irrespective of tribe, ethnity, religion and background will participate.

    “As long as you live in Lagos, you are a ‘Lagosian’. The Igbos have been very supportive, we have been working together as a state and they deserve adequate recognition.

    ”I’m appealing that you vote massively for the APC, it is a party that will guarantee the future of our children.

    “Let’s make sure Lagos continues to progress so that we can continue to do our businesses in peace, ” he said.

    Hamzat said with the huge projects and infrastructure development delivered by the APC government in the last three years in the South East, he was sure that the Igbos would support and vote for the party.

    ”I was a special adviser to Mr Babatunde Fashola, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, and I can boldly say that we have delivered many projects in the South East, ” he said.

    Also speaking, Alhaji Tunde Balogun, Chairman APC Lagos, urged Ndi-Igbos to go get their PVCs and ensure victory for APC in the coming elections.

    ”APC in Lagos has been tested and trusted, as we have been delivering on our promises in the last 20years.

    ”I also want to advise that given the large number of registered political parties, the thumb printing space on the ballots paper will be tiny.

    “I, however, advise that you use your index finger to fit the space,” Balogun said.

    In his address, Mr Joe Igbokwe, apex leader, Ndi-Igbo in APC, Lagos, said that Ndi-Igbo had been investing and contributing to the development of the state.

    Igbokwe said that Ndi-Igbo did not have a quarter of the investments they had in Lagos in the eastern states put together.

    According to him, the Igbos in Lagos have to build and protect the state by supporting and voting massively for Sanwo-Olu of APC.

    He urged Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat to ensure their administration gave the Ndi-Igbo due recognition in their policies and programmes as co-partners in progress.

    Igbokwe also urged the people from the South East to vote for APC in the coming elections to secure Igbo presidency in 2023.

    ”Let our leaders see our massive votes and we will begin to negotiate Igbo presidency in 2023, ” he said. (NAN)

  • Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge: Lagos Assembly summons commissioner, SA over tolling

    THE Lagos State House of Assembly has summoned the state Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr Obafemi Hamzat and Special Adviser to the governor on Public Private Partnership (PPP), Mr Ayo Gbeleyi, to explain the proposed concession and tolling on the new Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge.

    The duo is expected to appear in the House on Thursday, June 6, 2013.

    Speaker of the House, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, at a late plenary on Friday, said the House could not take a stand on the matter without clarification from the relevant public officials.

    Debate and several parliamentary sessions on the proposal began on Tuesday last week when the proposal from the Executive was first read on the floor of the House.

    Meanwhile, the House has passed a resolution approving the sum of N427, 766, 633, 079k from the State Infrastructure Intervention Fund (SIIF) for the procurement of two units of Communication Infrastructure and Direction Finder Equipment.

    Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Ben Akhabueze, had earlier sought approval for the sum, saying that the procurement is important to enhance security in the state.

    The lawmakers had on Tuesday expressed their displeasure with the concession and tolling on the new bridge, following the state government’s proposal seeking the “Ratification of the electronic tolling system operation, maintenance, concession terms and conditions for the Lekki-Ikoyi toll bridge.”

    The lawmakers are raising posers on why the state government should toll a bridge built with tax payers’ money.

    Hon. Rotimi Olowo, representing Shomolu I Constituency, had suggested that the House invite the Special Adviser on PPP and Commissioner for Works to explain details of the concession, coupled with prohibition of some vehicles from plying the bridge.

  • How Nigeria can become economic hub

    Nigeria may be excluded from global business if it fails to develop core infrastructure that will position it as a global economic hub, Lagos State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, has said.

    Delivering the Third Distinguished Lecture Series of the Think Oyo group in Ibadan, Oyo State, entitled: Infrastructure: a critical ingredient for development, Hamzat said transport facilities – roads, rails, ports and airports – have only limited cargo handling capacity.

    He said though Nigerians travel alot, there were no facilities to handle high capacity plans.

    Hamzat also said Nigeria has significant infrastructure deficit with a fast growing population and stunt in growth of infrastructure, urging the Federal Government to address issues of development quickly.

    The Commissioner noted that the infrastructure inadequacy has also worsened the unemployment situation in Nigeria, adding too that the low quality infrastructure has resulted in such social consequences as family disintegration and social dislocation.

    Highlighting the state’s experience on key projects, Hamzat said the dearth of skilled artisans, such as welders had slowed delivery of projects.

    He added that most skilled artisans and would-be artisans had taken to Okada riding business; a situation being addressed by the restriction on their areas of operation and the skill acquisition and vocational training centres.

    On the possibility of Southwest integration, Hamzat maintained that a condition of equilibrium must be reached wherein states involved quickly upgrade infrastructure to a level of equality prior to such integration.

    He said there was a collaboration between the states of the region.

    He further urged investment in maintenance to ensure that facilities reach their optimum at all times, adding that there would be challenges as long as built infrastructure are neglected.

    Hamzat urged the Southwest governors to explore the possibility of alternative road infrastructure that will ensure people move freely and faster while also creating jobs.