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  • Gbajabiamila for Aregbesola’s birthday lecture

    Gbajabiamila for Aregbesola’s birthday lecture

    House of Representatives Leader Femi Gbajabiamila will tomorrow deliver an inaugural lecture at the Osun State House of Assembly as part of programmes to mark Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s 60th birthday.

    The lecture, titled: “Suitability of presidential system of government in a multi-ethnic democracy”, is organised by the  Assembly, which will also bestow on the governor the Honorary Life Member of the House.

    According to a statement by the Chairman, House Committee on Information & Strategy, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, Gbajabiamila will give the lecture in the chamber of the Assembly complex.

    The statement said the two-in-one event was planned to celebrate the commitment and developmental ideas introduced into governance by the governor.

    It said the record of achievements of Aregbesola within six years of his administration would remain evergreen.

    The Assembly promised not to relent in its resolve to support the executive to take the state to a greater height.

  • Gbajabiamila empowers fish farmers with N25m

    Gbajabiamila empowers fish farmers with N25m

    T13he Leader of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has empowered 100 fish farmers with equipment worth N25 million.

    At the presentation in Lagos, Gbajabiamila said it was the first phase of his agricultural empowerment programme.

    The beneficiaries were drawn from the Community Development Areas (CDAs) in his Surulere 1 Federal Constituency.

    He said: “This is a special empowerment because every time people come to me saying I don’t want you to give me fish I want you to teach me how to catch fish.

    “After consultation, I came up with this initiative and today each beneficiary is going home with equipment for fish sorting, grading, drying and cool storage worth N250,000.”

    The House Leader promised that if the beneficiaries can build fish pond within their compound, “I will give you N2million to buy your first feed and with that you are gradually getting out of recession.”

    He urged Nigerians to embrace agriculture as alternative way to cushion effects of the recession.

    According to him, “the way to go now is agriculture not oil anymore. When we were growing up, one of the richest men in the country was Ibru. I use to think Ibru is the name of a fish not knowing it was the name of a man that made money from fish. So you will make money if you make good use of these equipment. Please don’t sell them,” Gbajabiamila pleaded.

  • Gbajabiamila: Igbo have political, economic powers

    Gbajabiamila: Igbo have political, economic powers

    House of Representatives Leader Femi Gbajabiamila has acknowledged the political and economic strength the Igbo have in Lagos State.

    He said the Igbo in Lagos gave the Peoples Democratic (PDP) the six Federal constituency seats it won in Lagos State.

    Gbajabiamila noted that if the All Progressives Congress (APC) had won the six seats, he might have become the Speaker.

    The lawmaker spoke at the New Year luncheon he hosted for Igbo community in his Surulere Federal Constituency I.

    He said: “Igbo had demonstrated that they do not only have economic power but also political power. Their political power put APC in problems in 2015. What Igbo did has created a problem for me in Surulere because Constituency II was won by the PDP. It’s like they don’t have a representative. I have to share whatever I have with them to carry them along.”

    Igbo leaders, who spoke at the event, regretted that their compatriots  in Lagos did not vote for the ruling party in the state. They promised to vote for the APC in 2019.

    One of them, Dr Ebele Ubani, admitted that the Igbo erred in 2015 by voting against APC.

    He said: “We should  be part of the mainstream politics in Lagos State. Come 2019, there will be a change. I can assure you that the Igbo in Lagos will vote for APC and in subsequent elections.”

    Ubani urged the state’s ruling party not to rely on Igbo elites but to reach out to those who would vote.

    According to him, there are six recognised Igbo groups in Lagos and the party should deal with all of them because they are influential in decision making.

    The Igbo spokesman said there were thousands of professional Igbo groups.

    “We mobilised them in 2015 across Lagos State for election purpose,” he said.

    Ubani sought Gbajabiamila’s assistance for the establishment of Surulere Chamber of Commerce.

    Lagos State APC Publicity Secretary Joe Igbokwe said there was no reason for the Igbo to antagonise the Yoruba political interest.

    He said: “Lagos has been kind to Igbo. I know what the Igbo have in Lagos they don’t have one-tenth of it back home.”

    Igbokwe said he was happy that the Igbo and their Yoruba counterparts were on the same page.

    “We will never degenerate to the 2015 level,” he said.

    Lagos Igbo APC Leader Chris Ekwilo urged APC in Surulere to concede a councillor seat to Ndigbo.

    He said the request was based on Igbo population in the constituency.

    Ekwilo said: “The Igbo worked for the party in the last election in Surulere. As we are preparing for local government poll, carry us along. Members who worked for the party should be compensated. Igbo have many groups that must be carried along to win elections.”

    Dignitaries present at the event included Chairman of Igbo APC in Surulere, Ugoeze Emeida Okoli; House of Assembly member, Desmond Eliot; Alhaja Latifat Gbajabiamila (Femi’s mother); Sole Administrator of Surulere Local Government, Sheriff Balogun and Noriakpa Ferguson, a lawyer.

  • We’ll fast-track budget passage, says Gbajabiamila

    We’ll fast-track budget passage, says Gbajabiamila

    House of Representatives Leader Femi Gbajabiamila yesterday said the nation’s lawmakers would work towards speedy passage of this year’s budget.

    But he said they would not sacrifice thoroughness in doing so.

    Gbajabiamila spoke with reporters in Lagos on the occasion of his constituency’s celebration of the New Year baby at the Maternal and Child Care Hospital, Surulere, Lagos.

    He also donated gift items to children with health challenges at the Heart of Gold Children’s Hospice, also in Surulere, to mark the New Year.

    The lawmaker said though the budget was presented late, efforts would be put in place to pass it promptly.

    “It’s unfortunate that the budget was presented late. I have always been an advocate that budget be presented in September or first week in October as done in advanced democracy.

    “You don’t present the budget late in December and expect quick passage. The financial year is supposed to start by December 31 or January1.

    “We cannot sacrifice thoroughness and good work on the altar of time, we still need to do our work; we will ensure we fast-track the passage in the shortest possible time.

    “When we go back to the house, we will double and triple all efforts and make sure that this budget is passed on time,” he said.

    Gbajabiamila said that hopefully, the budget would revive the country’s economy and make life better for Nigerians.

    “The good thing is that the budget year has been extended to March and there are safeguards in the constitution that provide that when the budget has not been passed during a certain period, there are certain things that can be done to keep the government running.

    “But the budget will be passed soon and like it has been tagged -‘Budget of Recovery and Growth’, hopefully, that is what we will see in 2017,” he said.

    President Muhammadu Buhari on December 14, 2016 in Abuja, presented a budget proposal of N7.30 trillion for 2017 before a joint session of the National Assembly.

  • Fed Govt’s $29.9b planned loan okay to reflate economy, says Gbajabiamila

    Fed Govt’s $29.9b planned loan okay to reflate economy, says Gbajabiamila

    The plan of the government to borrow $ 29.9 billion is necessary for the country to come out of recession, the Leader of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila has said.

    Speaking while giving reporters the end of year report on the activities  of House of Representatives for 2016, the House Leader said the reason this administration is seeking such quantum of funds for infrastructure is because of the foundation laid by the previous regime.

    According to him the borrowing plan is specific and targeted and necessary to pull the country out of recession and reflate the economy.

    Giving reason why the Buhari administration is borrowing despite the country’s exit from the Paris Club of creditors during the government of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, he said: “I’m glad you mentioned Obasanjo. But you forget that between Obasanjo and this government, there was another government that served for six, eight years or however long and I believe and unfortunately I must say it, they brought us to this sorry state that we are in today.

    “It is what this government found on ground that informed the quantum and the nature of the borrowing they have to undertake. Now to get out of this recession and the sorry state we have found ourselves, I don’t think we can do it without borrowing.

    “Borrowing is necessary, United States, England, Germany they all borrow Borrowing it is an essential feature of democracy especially when you’re running a deficit budget.

    “For now, the borrowing is necessary to pump into the system to inflate activity in the economy, diversify the economy, theres a lot of things we need money for and if the country is not making money, like we used to we have to borrow money.”

    The lawmaker said “former President Obasanjo was able to come to an agreement to exit the Paris club because we were making money”

    He said the country is still within the borrowing regulations as relates to the nation’s GDP.

    On the possibility of increasing the salary of worker particularly in the face of soaring inflation and biting recession, he admitted that salaries at present “are very low,” and that “something has to be done about it.”

    He added: “The House is a House of the people and it will never back away from any move to increase salaries of worker. That is the reason we’re here, weather government or private workers, we’re here because of the people. And i for one and I believe a lot of our members, if and when the issue comes on the floor, I doubt if there will be a dissenting  voice.

    “And we will begin to,look at that viz- a- viz inflation and unemployment

    “Personally, I believe wages are too low as we stand and i think something has to be done about it. And I think the House will be proactive in making that move.”

    On legislation by the 8th House in the past one year, the House Leader said:

    “In the last 12 months, a total of 551 Bills were introduced in the House for the first time with 64 cases of consolidation of several Bills addressing similar issues. Five of the Bills were negatived (not passed) while only 179 passed for second reading and 47 Bills successfully passed by the House in the year 2016.”

  • Gbajabiamila backs Ikorodu business start-up scheme

    Gbajabiamila backs Ikorodu business start-up scheme

    House Minority Leader Femi Gbajabiamila yesterday pledged support for the StartUpIkorodu entrepreneurial development programme initiated by a fellow lawmaker Babajimi Benson for the Ikorodu Federal Constituency.
    Gbajabiamila spoke at a graduation ceremony in Ikorodu, Lagos for the first 80 successful StartUpIkorodu participants of a three-month Accelerated Skills Acquisition Programme (ASAP).
    The graduands, who developed five start-ups which will receive funding from the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (ETF) and Benson’s ICARE Foundation, were chosen for the programme, after passing an online examination from a pool of 1,500 applicants.
    “As a responsible legislator, Jimi Benson has provided the resources, training and enabling environment for the participants of this programme. I encourage them to build on the skills they have acquired,” Gbaja-biamila said.
    Benson said StartUpIkorodu was inspired by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s campaign pledge to create the ETF and was launched by his ICARE foundation to “create an enabling environment for entrepreneurial growth and wealth creation”.
    He added: “The programme is not just for anyone, because they have to repay the funds they are getting. So, we carefully selected people in Ikorodu Federal Constituency who had the discipline to go through the rigorous, intensive training.
    “We chose young people on merit. Youths who showed that they understood figures, had mental acumen, were trustworthy and could create a business plan that that they could defend.”
    The five start-ups are Akada, an online marketplace for students to exchange their used textbooks, Taste Masters, a Samosa and Spring Rolls sheet producer, Print ‘N’ More, for personalised clothing and accessories, Gbajumo, a marketplace for African Fashion and Wofa, which will produce devices to switch power from electric generator to public power supply.

  • House’ll follow due process on budget padding, says Gbajabiamila

    House’ll follow due process on budget padding, says Gbajabiamila

    The House of Representatives will follow the due process in dealing with the budget padding allegations, its leader Femi Gbajabiamila said yesterday.

    “Whatever the House decides to do will follow due process,” he told reporters adding: “The majority of members will decide the case.”

    The National Assembly resumed from a two – month recess yesterday.

    Neither the senate nor the House attended to any legislative duties.

    The House adjourned plenary till today because of the death of a member Adewale Elijah (Ifako Ijaiye, Lagos State) in July and four former a members.

    Contrary to expectations in some quarters, the atmosphere in the chamber was calm. Members were seen back-slapping and exchanging banters.

    Speaker Yakubu Dogara’s entrance was not spectacular.

    However former Chairman of the Appropriation Committee Abdulmumin Jibrin (APC, Kano) challenged Dogara to address all the allegations on budget padding that he levied.

    Jibrin told a news conference that Dogara made efforts at a Northwest caucus meeting on Monday to win the lawmakers support for an amicable settlement of the budget padding scandal, adding that the Speaker “begged that the matter be treated as a family affair”.

    But he reiterated his call that Dogara should step down to pave the way for an unhindered investigation.

    He said the speaker assured the meeting on the acquisition of their official vehicles.

    He alleged that the caucus also passed a vote of no confidence on House Whip Alhassan Doguwa (APC, Kano) as leader of the Northwest caucus.

    However, 13 members of the Northwest caucus, on behalf of their colleagues, faulted Jibrin’s account of the meeting was wrong.

    Abdulrazaq Namdas (APC, Adamawa ) who spoke in behalf of the others also refuted claims that the Speaker ‘begged’ to be left off the hook on the budget padding scandal.

    Namdas said: “It is a convention that on resumption from the annual recess, the Speaker conveys caucus meeting of the six zonal caucuses through the caucus leaders and preside over it.

    “The meeting was not conveyed in a bad light and Speaker’s presence was to show the unity of the House.

    “At the meeting, Speaker’s remarks centered on how to tackle the recession and why all hands must be on deck.

    “Also the claim that the Speaker begged, bribed or blackmail members is also not true because the issue of cars that he raised predate this crisis.

    “That the Speaker was whisked away was also not true because he had to leave before Jibrin could speak.

    “Three people were allowed to make comments and after the three had made their comments, the Speaker had to leave because he had other caucuses to attend to as well.

    “Even his claim that a vote of no confidence was passed on Doguwa and removed as caucus leader was false because he conveyed the meeting,” he said.

     

  • Gbajabiamila: why I want new Immigration law

    Gbajabiamila: why I want new Immigration law

    The Majority leader in the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has said the proposed amendment to the Immigration Act is one every Nigerian should support.

    The lawmaker said the bill would address unemployment and its attendant social consequences, as issues concerning employment of foreign workers were taken care of.

    According to him, the bill was neither discriminatory, isolationist nor inclined to boomerang against Nigerians in the diaspora, free trade and Foreign Direct investment (FDI).

    In a statement yesterday, the Majority leader allayed fears that the bill, if passed into law, might not be implementable, saying the implementation was covered by the constitution, in addition to oversight functions of the National Assembly.

    It reads: “That the Bill is discriminatory and isolationist and our citizens abroad may suffer retaliatory laws based on reciprocity.

    “I do not see this as discriminatory or isolationist. Rather for me it is protectionist. There is no responsible government that will sit with arms akimbo and watch foreign nationals come in and exploit its hospitality by taking away jobs that should ordinarily be available to the locals and citizens. It is the job of any government to protect its workforce.

    “This situation is so extensive in Nigeria that it cuts across all categories of workers from skilled to unskilled. From Phillipino nannies, artisans and tillers to pilots and mariners, to bank MDs and oil workers. Most of our top hotels in Nigeria are managed by foreigners, yet we have Nigerians who are professionally qualified to do same.

    “It is not unusual and is even normal to see Chinese labourers on construction sites. Many have even said(though I find it difficult to believe) that prisoners are brought from other countries to come and work in Nigeria.

    “On the doctrine of reciprocity and fate of Nigerians working abroad, these fears are misplaced. My proposed law obtains in most countries and diligent research into the labour laws of other countries will evidence this. Indeed if there is any retaliatory law it is this Bill that seeks to do that by aligning with international best practices. Same policy obtains in the United States and others. I have provided a comment from a Nigerian in the United Kingdom, Mina Jumbo.

    “This is a brilliant proposal and long overdue. I worked as a Development Geoscientist in the UK, for my company to successfully get my work permit, they had to prove to the UK government that I possessed skills & the diverse set of experience that couldn’t be found in the UK.

    “They had to show proof that they had interviewed several British citizens to no avail. Proof that the role had been properly advertised in reputable job sites & newspapers. These and many more were required before my permit was granted.

    “I don’t see why the rules should be different here. Best of luck with the proposal, and I hope when approved, there will be 100 per cent compliance and stringent penalties for defaulters.”

    “That there are other laws that already deal with this, such as expatriate quota provisions of our Immigration Law and our Local Content Law

    “Again, this is a misread of our laws. Firstly, expatriate quota does not address the issue of foreigners coming to pick up local jobs.  All expatriate quota does is register foreign workers for business organisations based on a quota system which can be increased at any time.

    “It does not restrict what and where they can or cannot work. For instance, an expatriate can get an expatriate quota to come in and work on an agricultural  farm breeding poultry.

    “What this Bill seeks to do is to give two conditions before you can obtain the expatriate quota in the first place. 1. There must be no Nigerian qualified in the field or 2. If there is any, he or she must be unwilling or unavailable to do the job. In other words, even if you have graduates and professionals in the area of agriculture and poultry farming but you do not find one who is interested in doing the particular job, then the employee can give the job to a foreigner.

    “A qualified Nigerian should always get the first dip or right of refusal. It’s that simple.  On the issue of the Local Content Law. It may be similar but not quite the same.”

  • Akiolu, Adebule, Gbajabiamila join forces against terrorism

    Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr Idiat Adebule, Lagos monarch Oba Rilwan Akiolu and House of Representatives Majority Leader Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, yesterday called for a collaborative efforts in the fight against terrorism.

    The trio spoke at Dodan Barracks Prayer Ground in Ikoyi, Lagos after Eid-il-Fitr prayer.

    Adebule said meaningful and sustainable development could only be actualised in the country in an atmosphere of peace.

    She said: “We all need to know that it is only when we have peace that government can achieve sustainable national development.

    “‘The bombing in Saudi-Arabia, Baghdad and other countries is an unfortunate and condemnable situation.

    “And we need to be reminded that Islam condemns bombing, killing and terrorism, and Islam does not uphold anything that hurts humanity.

    “As we celebrate the end of Ramadan, we as Muslims and Nigerians need to examine our essence in life, pay attention to what is happening around us and embrace peace and love for one another.

    “That is the way to achieve progress and prosperity in Lagos State and in the nation at large,’’ she said.

    The deputy governor thanked the residents for maintaining harmonious co-existence and urged them to be vigilant and report any form of strange movements and activities in their environment.

    Akiolu urged Nigerians to support the Federal Government in the fight against terrorism and corruption.

    “The Federal Government alone cannot fight terrorism and corruption which are the major challenges Nigeria is facing today. The state and local governments as well as Nigerians must be a part of this fight,’’ the Lagos paramount traditional ruler said.

    Gbajabiamila urged Muslim clerics not to relent in the teaching of the principles of Islam to curb the spread of religious extremism.

    Police Commissioner Mr Fatai Owoseni, urged Muslims to sustain the lessons of Ramadan and avoid violence and activities that could cause chaos in the society.

    “All the vices we have been able to avoid and restrain ourselves from during the 30 days Ramadan should be sustained.

    “And I advise Nigerians to avoid violence and anything that can cause chaos in the country. They should be very observant, vigilant and security conscious,’’ Owoseni said.

    Chief Imam of Lagos Sheikh Garuba Akinola Ibrahim, who led the prayer, called for love and tolerance among Nigerians, irrespective of religion and tribe.

    Sheikh Ibrahim urged Muslims not to consider the celebration as an occasion for merry-making only but that which called for sober reflection and rededication to the service of God and humanity.

    A Medical Director at the Federal Medical Centre, Ebutte-Meta Dr Munirat Jinadu, said no nation would prosper or develop without love and tolerance among its people.

    Jinadu urged Muslims to imbibe love and live in peace with people of other religion as exemplified by Prophet Mohammed.

  • Rousing welcome for Gbajabiamila

    Rousing welcome for Gbajabiamila

    IT was a rousing welcome for House of Representatives leader Femi Gbajabiamila at a town hall meeting organised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Surulere, Lagos. Gbajabiamila represents Surulere Federal Constituency 1.
    As early as 9 a.m. Eagles Club, the venue of the programme was filled to capacity by party members and admirers of Gbajabiamila, for a programme scheduled to kick start by 10 a.m. One of the attendants, Mr Abdul –Azees Akintunde said: “Though I am not a card carrying member of the APC but anything that has to do with Hon. Gbajabiamila, I must be there because he is a grass root politician; he cares about the welfare of the people he represents. He is not the type of politician that will turn his back against the constituents after winning election. Besides, he doesn’t discriminate against opposition; he cites projects in wards that voted against him. I admire his style of politics.”
    The programme started with a welcome address by the former Executive Secretary of Surulere Local Government, Mrs Bamidele Hussain. She described Gbajabiamila as an illustrious son who through his legislative activities has succeeded in putting the name of Lagos on the world map. He has done many things that singled him out not only in Surulere but Lagos and Nigeria as a whole. The executive secretary said the people of Surulere are proud of him for his qualitative representation and purposeful leadership in the House of Representatives.
    In the same vein, a member of the House, Hon. Jide Jimoh representing Lagos Mainlan Federal Constituency, described Gbaja biamila as a dogged fighter who is committed to party ideals. He attested to Gbajabiamila’s leadership by saying: “He has been a good leader right from the time he became the leader of Action Congress of Nigeria(ACN) caucus in the House, then Minority Leader and now Majority Leader”.
    Presenting the report of his activities in the House to members of his constituency, Gbajabiamila recalled the unfortunate scene at Ojuelegba, Surulere recently, where a trailer with container capsized from the overhead bridge and killed many people. He said he felt bad about it not only because it happened in Surulere but for the fact the killing of the innocent souls was avoidable. According to him, the unfortunate incident prompted him to sponsor a bill that will make it a crime for trailer with unlatched container to ply the roads. The bill, he said, is awaiting final reading and President’s assent.
    The House Leader described the situation whereby employers of labour both in the public and private sectors owe their employees’ salaries as unacceptable.
    For the indigent students, Gbajabiamila has a good tiding for them. He has sponsored a bill for the establishment of education bank titled “Student Loan bill”. When passed into law, the bank will offer loans to students in tertiary institutions who are unable to pay their school fees. He explained further: “those who gained admission to the tertiary institutions but could not honour the offer because of financial difficulties will also benefit from this facility. The loan will be interest free; repayment will be after graduation and after the beneficiaries have started working.”
    Unknown to many, Gbajabiamiala facilitated the invitation of the overall best graduating student of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Mr Ayodele Dada for recognition and celebration on the floor of the House. “I thought a genius like Ayodele should be celebrated to serve as inspiration to others. To get him, I asked my Personal Assistant to look for him. We got him through the Dean of his Faculty at UNILAG. Unknown to me, Ayodele lives in Surulere, my constituency, even though he is an indigene of Ekiti State.
    Back home, Gbajabiamila has touched the lives of people in his constituency through numerous projects executed recently. They include N10 million support fund to constituents; 300 constituents sent on entrepreneurship training (Phase 1, February 2016); 50 sent for entrepreneurship (Phase II, May 2016). Provision of solar light in Tafawa Balewa Crescent, Mba Street, Laboye Laleye, Alhaji Ade Thani, Small London, Ibezim Obiajulu, Mercy Eneli, Ogun Street, Bereola Street, Calabar Street, Abebe Field, Akerele Extension and Abe Igi off Akerele.
    The support programmes include renovation of 306 Amala Food Vending Outlet at Rabiatu Thompson Crescent, renovation of designers rice food vending, donation of two ambulances to Surulere primary healthcare centre, facilitated employment of constituents into civil defence corps, teaching service commission, and Central Business District (CBD).
    He urged the party members to prepare for the local government election which, he said, was the most important election. He noted there were more aspirants for the position of chairman because Surulere is the hub, the engine room of Lagos economy and the melting port of the state. We have about 30 contesting for Surulere Local Government chair; the best person for the job will get it, he asserted.
    The leader of APC, Lagos Senatorial District, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, praised Gbajabiamila for his loyalty and dedication to the party. He said Gbajabiamila’s activities have distinguished in the House right from the time he became the leader of ACN caucus, later minority leader and now majority leader.