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Tag: Idiat Adebule

  • Adebule seeks early passage of Lagos Innovation Bill

    Adebule seeks early passage of Lagos Innovation Bill

    • By Sherifdeen Amusa

    Senator Idiat Adebule (Lagos West) has urged the Lagos House of Assembly to fast track the passage of the Lagos Innovation Bill. 

    This, she said, would provide a legal framework to anchor research that will facilitate collaboration between the industry and academics.

    She said this on Wednesday while delivering keynote address at the Lagos State University (LASU) 7th Research Trade fair, with the theme: “Promoting the Quadruple Helix Collaboration: Government, University, Industry and Community” at the Aderemi Makanjuola Lecture Theatre, Ojo.

    She added that the bill when signed into law “will create a research and innovation fund to cater for innovation hubs, technology parks and provides incentives for doctoral and post-doctoral research activities.”

    She also said the determination of Lagos and Nigeria’s future will be by innovation and collaboration, not natural resources.

    She said: “The future of Lagos and Nigeria will not be determined by our exhaustible natural resources, but by how well we can innovate, collaborate and scale solutions using our resources”.

    Adebule urged the government, industry captains, academics and community stakeholders to seize the opportunity of the event to build an innovation ecosystem that will not only make Lagos and Nigeria not just Africa’s economic hub, but it’s knowledge and innovation capital.

    She said research findings must be used to solve societal challenges; else, they will only remain trapped within the institutions.

    Read Also: UPDATED: Council of state backs Tinubu’s nominee, Prof. Amupitan as INEC chairman

    She gave an example of how the Bell Lab’s Research Institute churned out laser, solar cell, mobile communications and internet.

    This, she said, shows that those who embraced research, innovation and creativity rise to prominence while those who ignored them fade into obscurity.

    LASU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, in her welcome address, said  the annual fair is more than just an academic exercise.

    She said: “It is the manifestation of our deepest institutional commitment: to move beyond theoretical knowledge and translate our research into tangible solutions that drive development. We will showcase groundbreaking work across engineering, medicine, the humanities, and the sciences projects, designed to solve real-world problems facing Lagos, Nigeria, in pursuit of our vision.

    “This year’s theme is particularly poignant. It is recognition that no single entity can tackle the complexities of sustainable development alone.”

    She said that in LASU, it is understood that research only achieved its maximum impact when it is grounded in the needs of the community.

    “The community is the ultimate beneficiary, the source of vital data, and the final adopter of innovation. The university generates knowledge and talent. Industry commercialises the innovation and creates jobs. Government provides the enabling policy, regulation, and  funding environment, and the community provides the context, demands the solution, and validates its utility,” she said.

  • Adebule inaugurates classrooms in Oshodi-Isolo

    Adebule inaugurates classrooms in Oshodi-Isolo

    By Sisianu Melawakou

    The senator representing Lagos West District, Dr Idiat Adebule, has opened a newly constructed block of classrooms at State Primary School, Mafoluku, Oshodi, reaffirming her commitment to quality education and community development.

    The facility, built as part of her constituency projects, was designed to improve learning infrastructure for children.

    Senator Adebule said the completion of the classrooms was deliberately timed to ensure pupils would resume the new academic year in a better learning environment.

    The former Lagos State deputy governor added that the people of Lagos West “deserve nothing but the best” in education and other social investments.

    READ ALSO: FULL STEPS: How to be a LAGRIDE driver, earn N250,000, above

    “These classrooms will provide our children with a conducive space to learn and thrive. Whatever we are celebrating here today is about you, the people who gave me your mandate. I am ensuring your money is working for you,” she said.

    As part of her broader interventions across Lagos West, the senator also announced the completion of skill acquisition centre in Mushin to equip youths and women with vocational training in ICT and catering among others.

    This, she said, will complement the Lagos State Government’s empowerment initiatives.

    “These classrooms will provide our children with a conducive learning environment, while the skill acquisition centres will create opportunities for our youths to become self-reliant. The money used to build these projects belongs to the people, so I urge you to protect and sustain them so that generations to come will benefit,” she said.

    Adebule added that the projects in Oshodi-Isolo and Mushin were only a fraction of her ongoing interventions across the Lagos West District.

    Former Lagos State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Otunba Henry Ajomale, described the Senator Adebule’s interventions as timely and people-centred. He praised her decision to combine educational infrastructure with skills development, saying it demonstrated foresight and a commitment to holistic community growth.

    The Vice Chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, Modupe Badmus Aregbe, lauded Adebule’s commitment to education and empowerment, describing the classroom block as a lasting gift to the community.

    She assured that the facilities would be well maintained and put to good use.

    Education Secretary, Mayowa Alakija, also hailed the Senator, describing her contributions to education sector as “the bedrock of societal advancement.”

    He pledged the support of the local education board in sustaining the classroom facilities.

  • Adebule wants more women in leadership positions

    The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule, on Thursday called for strategies to increase the number and influence of women in economic, political and business leadership positions in the country.

    Adebule made the call at the 2019 Women Directors Luncheon organised by the Institute of Directors, Nigeria (IoD) at Ikoyi, Lagos, with the theme: “Are You Board Ready?: Strategies for Success’’.

    She said: “Data reveals that women remain heavily outnumbered in both the legislative and executive arms of government, considering their population.

    “Similarly, it is still a man’s world within the corporate boardrooms and leadership.

    “Therefore, we need to adopt practical solutions that can improve women’s path to leadership roles in proportion to our numbers.

    “We must also speak up and stand for other women, work hard to assert ourselves and adopt women mentors that will be ready to invest time and energy into guiding others.

    “By doing this, we will increase women’s participation and help to position women as the next frontier of development in Nigeria.’’

    Also speaking, Hajia Aisha Abubakar, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, urged women to be courageous by taking bold steps towards breaking the barriers working against them.

    Abubakar urged women to be continuously strategic and innovative in the alliances they build, to enhance their visibility in governance at all levels and in all facets of their lives.

    “The ministry will continue to remain committed to the quest for gender equality and total social inclusion,’’ she said.

    Read Also: Adebule hails Nigerians for re-electing Buhari

    In her keynote address, Mrs Yvonne Ike, Managing Director, Head Sub-Saharan Africa, Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, said that having more women in decision-making positions would trigger socio-economic and political growth in any human endeavour.

    Ike identified experience, good character, confidence, enquiring mind, listening skills, resourcefulness, negotiating power and assertiveness, as some of the requirements for the woman to make it to corporate boards.

    She also suggested that a good way of getting women into management board was by scouting and grooming them from an early stage in their careers, preparing them for the future.

    In his address, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed, President, Governing Council, IoD Nigeria, said that gender diversity was important and had positive effects across organisation and society.

    Mohammed said that women generated 37 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) globally, despite making up 50 per cent of the population.

    He called for an action-oriented initiative that seeks to enhance the leadership of women in bringing transformative changes focusing on peace, security and development in the country.

    In her remarks, Dr Aisha Abdurrahman, Chairperson, Women Directors Committee, IoD Nigeria, said that the luncheon was to help the woman rediscover her path and prepare her to take up leadership positions in the public, private and business world.

    “This luncheon is to help the woman rediscover her path, prepare her to take up leadership positions in terms of capacity and confidence and reinforce the woman’s ability to thrive in the corporate world, businesses and the society at large.

    “We are also here to share ideas, knowledge, add value, promote professional competence, integrity as well as support women in leadership positions.

    “It is time for more women in the boss room than in the other room,’’ Abdurrahman said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the IoD is a prime leadership forum in the organised private sector formed in Nigeria in 1997, to help directors fulfil their legal and professional responsibilities for the benefit of the individual, business and society as a whole.

  • Lagos deputy gov urges girls on sciences

    Lagos State Deputy Governor, Idiat Adebule has urged parents to champion the campaign to demystify the  belief that girls are not suited for science-related careers.

    She spoke at the SHE Science and Technology Fair, organised by the Christopher Kolade Foundation (CKF) at Habour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Dr Adebule, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Deputy Governor’s office, Mrs Yetunde Odejayi, underscored the need to boost girls’ confidence to take up STEM careers.

    She said: “Though currently girls and women remain under represented in the science and technology fields, this is not as a result of difference in intellectual capacity, but due to stereotypes of parents, who believe it is awkward for girls pursuing successful career paths in this field.

    “The challenge is, therefore, on all stakeholders, including parents, the teachers and the society to help change the mindset of our girls and demystify the falsehood about science and technology being the stronghold or exclusive rights of boys.’’

    CKF did just that at the event as it paraded an array of successful women in STEM, who shared their stories with over 532  SS2 and SS3 pupils being supported by the Foundation to embrace Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

    A panel of three women scientists moderated by Mrs Oreoluwa Lesi, Chief Executive Officer, Women’s Technology Centre (W.TEC), advised  the girls to follow their dreams, put in hard work, and develop themselves.

    Cummins West Africa Sales leader, Mrs Margaret Ajiboye, revealed how her engineering education and passion for fixing things led her to product specialisation, sales and a stint as lecturer. She said she was driven by the desire to develop those coming behind.

    For Mrs Olamide Ayeni-Babajide of Pearl Recycling, life began to take shape following a challenge from her father when she was only seven and wanted to give up because of bullying that she could be the best regardless of what others did around her.

    She spoke of how her exceptional brilliance led her to a rapid education and successful computer engineering career where she earned as much as 35,000 dollars. However, she said she gave it all up to pursue her passion, to rid Lagos of waste, by turning waste tyres into furniture, jewelry and others.

    “I earned my pay as an engineer. I worked for six years with my computer engineering certificate. I got almost 10 international certifications. I was being paid $35,000. But I woke up one day and wanted to resign. I asked myself what I would do if I was not afraid. I told myself I would change the face of waste problem. Today, I am known for my work with Pearl Recycling not as an engineer,” she said.

    Country Director of Andela Nigeria, Mrs Omowale David-Ashiru,  urged the girls on continuous self-development.

    Mrs David-Ashiru, who was represented by Andela’s Senior Director, Human Resource, Taiwo Judah-Ajayi, counselled the girls to go for roles they might not necessarily qualify for, but have the potential to perform if they eliminate distractions.

    The keynote speaker, Mrs Onyeche Tifase, urged  the girls to have the right attitude and be willing to take up challenges on the job like she did until she became the first female Managing Director of Siemens Nigeria. “Focus on being the best you can. Continue to build and believe in yourselves. Don’t be comfortable; challenge yourself,” she said.

    Earlier in his welcome address, CKF founder, Dr Christopher Kolade, told the girls that their future would be determined by decisions they take today.  “We are asking you to know today that you are the leaders we are now training, waiting for your opportunities tomorrow. If you are the leaders today, it means you have started taking decisions now. In order to take good decisions today, what you need to do is to have a vision of what your tomorrow will look like,” he said.

    Consultant co-ordinator of the foundation Omobola Lana said the participating pupils were exposed to hands-on science/technology, leadership and remedial training to encourage them take up STEM careers.

  • Extend voting hours, Adebule tells INEC

    Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr. Idiat Adebule has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to extend the the time stipulated to conclude the ongoing election in Iba and other areas where voting commenced late.

    Adebule, who voted at Polling Unit 029 Devince, Iba, Lagos, said the ad hoc workers arrived late to the polling unit due to logistic process.

    “Considering the numbers of registered voters in my polling unit which is about 1,380, the stipulated time will not be adequate because the voting process started by 12pm.

    “Obviously they cannot stop by 2pm. If election starts by 12pm, meaning we have just two hours to vote. The voting period should be extended,” she said.

    The deputy governor said the late arrival of INEC officials may affect the turnout of voters.

    Read Also: Adebule to voters: INEC will deliver

    “It is still early to compare the turnout of voters at the presidential election with this ongoing election because people have returned to their various houses due to the absent of INEC officials at the polling unit but as soon as they are inform that they are around they will surely troop out to perform their civic responsibility,” she said.

    She advised INEC to perfect the electoral process and rectify all inadequacies that might have cause the delay in the voting process, adding “no matter how perfect an organisation will be, they are bound to have challenges but the most important thing is for INEC to learn from their mistake, ensure that they perfect the electoral process and rectify all issues that affect smooth and early take off.”

     

  • Polls: Ambode assures of adequate security

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State Wednesday assured voters that security challenges experienced during Presidential and National Assembly elections will not repeat itself on Saturday during gubernatorial and House of Assembly polls,

    He said efforts have been intensified to ensure that everyone registered in the state by Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC for the exercise participate without any security hindrances.

    The governor, who was accompanied by his deputy, Dr. Idiat Adebule, and other cabinet members, gave the assurance yesterday after the weekly Executive meeting at the State House Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja.

    He stressed that the security challenges experienced after the just concluded election have been dealt with and efforts have been made to ensure such does not repeat itself.

    Read Also: Buhari’s victory well deserved, says Ambode

    “We were very much aware of the incidences that occurred after the Presidential and National assembly election in the state. We have taken proper care of that. We understand that everyone in Lagos are same.

    “The peace, harmonious relationship and security that had existed in the state are very paramount to this government. We will ensure that everyone that is eligible to vote perform his civic duties without intimidation,” Ambode added.

    The governor argued that the state government understand that the cosmopolitan nature of Lagos and efforts would be made often to ensure it sustain that status.

    “We will ensure that Saturday election is held without hitches. We want to assure all residents of the state of their safety. Lagos is a cosmopolitan state and it will remain like that even after the election.

    “We encourage every resident that had been registered by INEC to come out and perform their civic duties. The security agencies have assured us that there will be adequate security in the state during and after the poll.”

    The governor however, noted that giant strides recorded in Lagos could only be sustained when every electorate vote for the All Progressives Congress, APC governorship candidate, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other candidates of the party.

    Adding that, “We believe in continuity in this government and that is why we have decided to back every candidate of the party. So, we urged everyone to support and vote every APC candidates in Lagos.”

  • Lagos: Adebule urges residents to vote for APC

    The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule, has urged electorate in the state to vote massively for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in March 9 Governorship and House of Assembly Election.

    Adebule said their votes would guarantee dividends of democracy and impactful governance in the state.

    She made the call at a stakeholders’ meeting in Ojo, Lagos on Sunday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was held to strategize on how to mobilise more people to vote during the elections.

    Adebule, who chaired the meeting, said that the APC led-administration had done a lot in the state to uplift the generality of the masses.

    She listed infrastructure development, education, health, water supply, agriculture and security as areas where APC had performed well in Lagos State.

    “This stakeholders’ meeting is an opportunity for us to review our outing during the February 23 Presidential and National Assembly elections.

    “We have seen our mistakes and we have agreed on the need to go back to our various wards to mobilise more people and make them see reasons to vote for APC during Saturday’s election.

    “The next elections are very critical to us in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos, Ojo is known as a majority constituency and we are promising that come March 9, we will deliver more votes for APC, ” she said.

    Adebule urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to resolve some of the pending challenges experienced during the  February 23 elections.

    Read Also: Adebule delivers unit for Buhari, others

    Also speaking, Mr Cornelius Ojelabi, Chairman,  Campaign Committee, APC-Ojo,  said that they were determined to  ensure the party came out victorious in the elections.

    “We will be having serious engagement with all the people of Ojo by improving and intensifying our door-to-door campaign.

    “Many people did not come out to vote in the last elections, there was apathy and we do not want that to happen again.

    “So, in the next four days,  we want to take our sensitisation programme to more people telling them that voting is the only investment that will bring about infrastructural development in Ojo LGA,” he said.

    NAN

     

  • Adebule to voters: INEC will deliver

    The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Idiat Adebule, has urged Nigerians to have strong faith in INEC to ensure a credible, free and fair election.

    She believed INEC will deliver credible poll after the last week hiccup.

    Adebule spoke at Unit 029 Devince, Iba, Lagos after casting her vote.

    She enjoined the electorate to report any shortcoming of the ad hoc workers to INEC supervisors, instead of taking laws into their hands.

    She bemoaned the lateness of some INEC official to the polling unit.

    “The INEC officials are a bit late but all the same, we are able to cast our votes successfully and by the end of today, we believe all voters in Nigeria will be able to cast their votes,” she said.

    Read Also: Breaking: INEC extends voting hours

    She urged all the INEC officials to fasten the procedure to ensure all eligible voters to cast their votes.

    “I believe if the INEC officials hasten up, none of the electorate will be disenfranchised,” she said.

    According to her, the turnout was impressive.

    “I am impressed with turn out, even on my way to the polling unit, i saw lot of electorate trooping out to their units,” she said.

  • Nigerian Navy hosts Prince of Wales in Lagos

    The Nigerian Navy hosted the Prince of Wales in Lagos on Wednesday in continuation of his three-day business and cultural tour of Nigeria.

    The News Agency of Nigeria  reports that the Prince of Wales, who arrived the Naval Dockyard in Victoria Island at 1:46 p.m., was received by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas.

    After being ceremonially received by the Naval chief, The Prince of Wales was taken on a tour around Lagos waters on the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) EKULU.

    The prince was piped on-board by the Commanding Officer NNS EKULU, Commander Andrew Zidon.

    Speaking with journalists after the departure of the prince, Ibas said that the visit was an encouragement for the navy.

    “The Nigerian Navy is an offshoot of the Royal Navy and he is also here to see by himself the progress being made with the cooperative support the royal navy has been giving Nigeria,” he said.

    Read Also: Minimum wage: Buhari promised to study report, says Minister

    NAN reports that Prince Charles and his entourage had earlier arrived Lagos aboard a B737 aircraft with registration number CS-TFY, which landed at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport at 12.08 p.m.

    He was received by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs Idiat Adebule, officials of the United Kingdom Consulate and security chiefs.

    The prince’s three-day business and cultural tour of Nigeria is also to mark the 75th Anniversary of the British Council in Nigeria.

    Charles had arrived Nigeria on Tuesday alongside his wife, Camilla and were received by President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House in Abuja.

    The prince also met with notable traditional rulers as part of efforts to build peace in the Middle Belt and other parts of the country.

  • Ambode, role model to youths – Boys Scout Chief

    Commissioner of Lagos State Scout Council, Chief Jonathan Tawose on Wednesday conferred the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode as the Patron of Lagos State Council of Scout Association of Nigeria, saying the decision was based on his leadership qualities and being a good role model for the Nigerian youths.

    Tawose, who spoke at the investiture of the Governor as Patron of the Scout Council, held at Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja, said the Scout Association, as a non-religious and non-political international organization, has the vision to build the youths of today into responsible leaders of tomorrow, adding that it was gratifying to note that Governor Ambode’s activities align with the vision to give better tomorrow for young ones.

    “We are aware of the Governor’s hardwork, dedication and above all total devotion to the emancipation of mankind. The Governor is a model to Nigerian youths with his show of exemplary leadership qualities.

    “Once again, we congratulate you (Ambode) most warmly on all your achievements and we must say that the Governor is blessed with good administrators who are assisting him to ensure that Lagos State remains the number one State in Nigeria,” Tawose said.

    Responding, Governor Ambode seized the occasion to unveil a strategic program to support voluntary youth associations and Non-governmental Organizations with the necessary empowerment to better perform their role to inculcate right virtues and discipline needed to prepare younger ones for leadership.

    He said as the bedrock of societal development, it was important for adequate measures to be firmed up to properly train the youths which, according to him, would in turn have positive effect on the nation.

    He said: “Let me use this opportunity to urge all our youths to take advantage of the efforts of the State Government and well-meaning organizations creating safe spaces which promote discipline, moral and healthy competition to better their lives. We believe strongly that the youths are the bedrock of societal development and if a youth is educated, trained and empowered, he or she is built; and if you build the youths, you build a nation.

    “On this note, the Government has decided to support the cause of Voluntary Youth Organisations (Uniformed and Non-Uniformed) registered with the State. We will make financial donations to these organisations including but not limited to the Boys Scouts, Girls Guide, Brigade – Boys and Girls, Sheriff Guard and the Red Cross.”

    While explaining the need for the support, the Governor said it was important for a platform to be created for the youths of today to be better leaders of tomorrow, and such required proper training.

    “We are supporting these voluntary organisations in order for us to promote what they stand for and use it to inculcate discipline and also mentoring for leadership to our younger ones. We would actively now participate in what is going on in all these organisations.

    Read Also: Ambode’s wife, Joke Silva, others inspire LASU students

    “It is time for us to create that old platform to redirect the energies of younger people to positive things and so we need to scale up the activities of voluntary organisations like the Scout Association so that we create an alternative for the younger ones and make them the real successors to whatever it is that we are doing, Governor Ambode said.

    The Governor, who appreciated the Scout Council for honouring and identifying with the programmes of his administration toward the betterment of human lives in the State, said it was also instructive to note that the association ranked among the leading voluntary organizations established to inculcate virtues of discipline, leadership, patriotism and community service in the youths.

    “Voluntary organizations such as Scout Association which comprise young people provide a strong platform to promote unity and mental co-existence which are critical to the survival, growth and development of our nation. Unfortunately, in the recent past, Voluntary Youth Organizations have not been as vibrant as they used to be.

    “There is therefore an urgent need to do a self- appraisal of the current state of these organizations and develop strategies that will improve their relevance within the context of modern realities. I urge you to stay true to your highly encouraging vision statement which says that “By 2023 Scouting will be the world’s leading educational youth movement, enabling 100 million young people to be active citizens creating positive change in their communities and in the world based on shared values”.

    The Governor, as part of the event, was also conferred with the award of Ambassador of Peace for the Scout Association of Nigeria, while the Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule was also invested as the Grand Matron of Lagos State chapter of Nigerian Girls Guide.