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Tag: inaugurates

  • Fashola inaugurates COWLSO’s retirement villa

    A RETIREMENT resort built by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) for retired public servants was inaugurated yesterday in Lagos by Governor Babatunde Fashola.

    Fashola said only the spirit of continuity in the public service could guarantee national development.

    The governor’s audience at the opening of the first-ever retirees’ resort at Lekki, Lagos Island, included: Alhaja Abimbola Jakande, wife of former Governor Lateef Jakande; Senator Oluremi Tinubu (Lagos Central District) and a representative of Mrs. Obafunmilayo Johnson, among others.

    According to Fashola, many laudable projects had gone moribund across the country because of lack of continuity.

    He said rather than complete on-going projects, successors often prefer to initiate their own pet projects.

    Fashola singled out the Centre of Excellence as a state that respects the culture of continuity.

    He said: “These ideas are fundamental; they are important because in our lifetime, we have witnessed instances where projects were abandoned by successors only because they did not start them. We have witnessed instances where the acquisition of land, as in this case, ended up in court.”

    Noting that the event being celebrated was the dedication of a building, Fashola said the underlying issue was an idea that gave birth to the edifice.

    He said: “Although we have come to dedicate and commemorate a building, I think what we have come to dedicate and commemorate today actually is a greater cause – the idea that gave birth to this building, an idea that was resting in the heart and in the mind of the very First Lady that Lagos had when it became a state, Mrs. Johnson.

    “That idea is now represented by the word COWLSO and that is why we all have gathered here to celebrate.”

    He hailed Senator Tinubu for reviving and following up on the idea 40 years after.

    Fashola said: “Of course, it is the same cause, the same idea to continue with what somebody has started, to suppress ego, control vision and run with good ideas, irrespective of where they originate, from that has enabled your current chairperson to run with an idea she did not start and deliver it to fruition.

    “Clearly, continuity of ideas and projects has become a way of life in our state and our citizens are better for it. Therefore, we must salute the women of Lagos.

    “So, while this building will age, while it will need to be maintained, while another first lady will come and say I want a 20-storey retirement villa, the underlying idea that gave birth to this will never fade.”

    Mrs. Johnson, who is COWLSO’s Grand Matron, expressed joy that the Committee has grown by leaps and bounds.

    She said: “Since 2004, COWLSO has come of age in looking after children. Your caring hearts have been demonstrated in the many projects you have done for the young people of Lagos. You have been a fortress and tower of strength for women.”

    Senator Tinubu said the vision to build the Villa originated from her love for old people and the thought to find a relaxation centre for them.

    Thanking the governor’s wife, Dame Emmanuella Fashola, for bringing the vision to fruition, Senator Tinubu expressed joy that the idea conceived many years ago was not abandoned but implemented beyond her vision and expectation.

    Dame Fashola said the project “was conceived and executed to provide a venue for our active citizens, who have contributed to the development of our country and particularly Lagos State, to engage in healthy recreational activities in a conducive environment.”

    She paid glowing tributes to individuals and corporate organisations, who contributed to making the Villa a reality.

    The highlight of the event was the planting of 50 trees donated by COWLSO by the governor, the first and former first ladies, wife of the House of Assembly speaker Mrs. Mayowa Ikuforiji; State Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) , Chief Henry Ajomale and his wife, Adetoun .

    At the occasion were: House of Representatives’ member Yakub Balogun and representative of the wive of the Ogun State governor and members of the State Executive Council, among others.

  • Oyo NUJ inaugurates Press Club

    The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State chapter, yesterday inaugurated a Press Club in the Pen School owned by the union.

    The co-educational private institution was established on September 25, 2004.

    The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Taiwo Otegbeye, said the club would breed future leaders that will uphold the journalism profession.

    The union’s Chairman, Mr. Gbenga Opadotun, said the press club is meant to integrate children into the media.

    Opadotun said: “The club, among other things, will help pupils sharpen their communication skills.”

    In a lecture titled: “The impact of the press on democracy”, Mr. Akin Aboluwade, a journalist, urged the media to be disciplined.

    He said the media played a vital role in restoring democracy in the country.

    Aboluwade said the greatest strength of the media was its ability to effect changes, both at the social and governmental levels.

    Mr. Bisi Oladele of The Nation was awarded the “Reporter of Reporters”. Aboluwade of the Punch and a veteran journalist, Mr. Tunde Akingbade, among others, were also honoured.

  • Lagos inaugurates rural water scheme

    WITH the inauguration of a new 180,000-litre per day micro-water scheme, Governor Babatunde Fashola has restated his administration’s commitment to providing potable water across Lagos State.

    Speaking through Finance Commissioner Adetokunbo Abiru at the inauguration of the Igborosun Micro-Water Scheme in Badagry Local Government Area of the state, the governor said the facility, which was installed to produce 60,000 litres of water per run, was to complement the efforts of the Lagos State Water Corporation (LSWC) in suburbs, where the LSWC’s services don’t reach.

    Fashola said that so far, in the last six years, the state had provided 445 types of water projects of various designs in the rural and semi-urban settlements, depending on their population and topography in the last six years.

    He also said he had approved additional 28 water projects in the semi-urban areas of the state to complement the existing ones.

    These projects, according to him, consist of 10 solar-powered modified Type A, 13 modified Type A and 5 Type A.

    Commissioner for Rural Development, Cornelius Ojelabi, said Igborosun was picked for the project to transform the lives of residents of the community and its environs, including Pota and Ikoga Zebe.

    Ojelabi noted that the scheme would boost the residents’ healthcare as they would no longer waste time and dissipate energy in search of water.

    The commissioner enjoined the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to complement the efforts with regular power supply to maximise the full capacity of the water projects for people’s benefits.

  • Liberty group inaugurates exco

    Liberty group inaugurates exco

    The African Liberty Students Organisation (ALSO), a students’ body that seeks to promote capitalism and free trade, has been established at the University of Benin (UNIBEN). The organisation also inducted its pioneer executive members during the event.

    The programme took place at Blue Meadows in Ugbowo campus of the institution. The event was graced by the university librarian, who was represented by Mr David Ofili and students.

    The new executive is led by Gilbert Alasa. Others members include Emmanuel Otega, Vice-President (Planning and Execution), Ikeme Saidu, Vice-President (Strategy and Outreach), Valor Iduh, Secretary-General, Elizabeth Annam, Assistant Secretary-General, Brenda Okonkwo, Financial Secretary, Phatai Shittu, Director of Welfare, Daniel Opiti, Director of Publicity and Verra Alozie, Provost.

    In his address, Gilbert said the guiding principle of the association centered on the promotion of free enterprise and the necessity to achieve prosperity through free markets. “As libertarians, we believe Africa needs an economic system that is based on private ownership that owns the means of production and distribution of goods characterised by a free competitive market motivated by profit,” he said.

    Delivering a lecture entitled: Building today for a prosperous Africa, the Director of Outreach and Coordinator of the organisation in Nigeria, Mr Adedayo Thomas, noted that statism (centralised control of economy) had been a clog in the wheel of Nigeria’s economic progress, adding that free enterprise remained the best economic system to engender human empowerment, prosperity and liberation.

    He posited that Africa’s economic system was historically linked to free enterprise where traders travelled long distances for exchange of goods without restriction.

    Also, there was an interactive session where answers were provided to participants’ questions. While the ceremony lasted, books on various aspects of human endeavors were donated to the university library. Ofili praised the gesture of the organisation and urged members to continue to be leading lights of economic and social freedom.

  • Soyinka inaugurates Odu’a Hall of Fame and Museum

    Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka yesterday inaugurated the Odu’a Hall of Fame and Museum, a historical and artistic centre established by the Odu’a Investments Limited.

    The centre is located on the 24th floor of the Cocoa House in Dugbe, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    Soyinka was given the first Obafemi Awolowo Leadership Award by the Odu’a Investments Limited at the event.

    Also celebrated were the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo; the late Chief Samuel Akintola; the late Chief Moshood Abiola; the late Rashidi Yekini, Chief Folake Solanke (SAN), the late Madam Olufunlayo Ransome-Kuti and the late Nojim Mayegun, among others.

    His arrival at the historical Cocoa House caused a stir, as passers-by and people inside the tall building milled around to catch a glimpse of him.

    Soyinka; the Group Managing Director of the Odu’a Investments Limited, Mr. Adebayo Jimoh and a former Chairman of the conglomerate, Chief Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, urged the Yoruba to promote and preserve their culture, language and artefacts for the younger generation.

    At the ceremony were: the Chairman of the conglomerate Alhaji Sarafadeen Alli; renowned writer of Yoruba drama and prose Prof. Akinwumi Isola; Prof. Oladipo Akinkugbe; Prof. Bimpe Aboyade; Mr. Tunde Kelani; Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI) Prof. Isaac Adewole; UI’s Registrar Mr. Jimi Olukoya; Prof. Oladapo Afolabi; Chief Yemi Elebuibon; Chief Folake Solanke (SAN) and Yoruba actors, among others.

    Soyinka described the museum as an indication of the revival of fading Yoruba values, rich history and artefacts.

    Recalling the deteriorating condition of the Cocoa House in the 1980s and 90s, the Nobel Laureate praised the company’s GMD for renovating the building.

    He said: “Cocoa House is one of the first achievements of the Yoruba in Nigeria. This area used to be the centre of arts and Yoruba culture. But when Nigeria went into a downward spin, the Cocoa House and UI also did. The deterioration was much. Everything decayed and the famous Cocoa House could not save itself. But what we are seeing now impresses me. This Cocoa House is the contemporary Oranmiyan staff for the Yoruba.”

    Soyinka poured encomiums on Jimoh and expressed confidence in his ability to turn things around for the better, having known him for several years for excellent service.

    He said: “Thank you for resurrecting what is important to us as Yoruba.” Explaining the reason for establishing the centre, the GMD said: “The Odu’a Museum and Hall of Fame was conceptualised by the Odu’a Investment Limited to reflect a classical gild of history, technology, people, culture, arts and crafts as they relate to occupation and the ingenuity of the past.

    “The idea of putting up the centre has been on the mind of the Board and Management of Odu’a, as we believe many people have lost touch with the past, most especially as it relates to our culture and the contribution of our forefathers to our nation’s growth.

    “Odua put this museum in place to showcase objects of historical and artistic values to the Yoruba. The exhibition of artifacts in the Museum will be an eye-opener to researchers, visitors, pupils and tourists.

    “The Museum exhibits ethnographic collections on Yoruba pottery, royalty, traditional musical instruments, Yoruba warfare instruments, indigenous weaving materials, arts and crafts.

    “The centre is equipped with audiovisual displays and documentaries of distinguished individuals, who have contributed immensely to the growth of the nation and those who stand out in their chosen fields.

    “The personalities who find their names in the Odu’a Hall of Fame have scaled through the conditions set out for making them eligible. These conditions include the following: an inductee must be Yoruba; must be first in his/her areas of endeavour; his/her achievements must have uplifted the Yoruba nation and Nigeria; and the Omoluabi concept must be evident in his/her dealings.”

    Adelusi-Adeluyi called for an increase of the budgetary allocation to museums, saying they can boost the economy.

    He said: “Some notable museums in the world attract up to 12 million people yearly and they started small like this. We need a separate building for this museum so that we can explore more about the Yoruba people and their artefacts.

    “The Yoruba nation can put itself together to be an exception in the era of decadence and show itself as a leading light to others.”

    Isola lauded the initiative and poured encomiums on Soyinka. He said despite his mastery of the English language, Soyinka loves the Yoruba language, “which showed in his translation of many D. O. Fagunwa’s books to English”.

    He said the Yoruba have distinguished themselves in several areas of endeavour, adding that they are more honoured abroad than at home.

    The retired don said the Omoluabi concept should be spread to stand Yoruba people out.

    Alli urged senior citizens to donate artefacts to the museum.

    Items on display at the museum include drums, calabashes, traditional dresses, old communication gadgets, building materials and the Yoruba Peace Treaty of 1886, which was reached at the Kiriji-Mesin battlefield.

  • Ajimobi inaugurates 131 traffic managers

    Ajimobi inaugurates 131 traffic managers

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi yesterday inaugurated 131 cadets of the State Traffic Management Agency (OYTMA).

    He urged them to shun corruption and ensure sanity on roads.

    The cadets were trained by military and paramilitary organisations.

    Ajimobi said OYTMA was created to ease traffic and ensure safety on roads.

    He said: “With this, we can safely say that Oyo State is changing for the better. We are proud of you all. We expect that you will live up to expectation and we will provide you with the facilities needed to make you effective.

    “This administration will continue to focus on job creation in ways that will improve the lot of the people. We will continue to employ those that are employable.”

    The governor urged the agency to continue to recruit people that are fit for the job and work closely with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other law enforcement agencies.

    He said: “For effectiveness, you must work with the police and the FRSC to enjoy the authority you deserve. Traffic management is a major problem today.”

    Ajimobi warned the cadets against taking bribe, adding that anyone caught doing so would be sacked and prosecuted.

    OYRTMA Chairman Col. Tayo Ishola (rtd.) said 131 cadets of the State Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES-O) were recruited by the agency.

    They comprise 96 men and 35 women, with 68 on Grade Level 06, 24 on Grade Level 07 and 39 on Grade Level 08.

    Col. Ishola urged the governor to approve the recruitment of additional 120 cadets to enable the outfit extend its services to some local governments.

  • Fayemi inaugurates Elders’ Advisory Forum

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi yesterday inaugurated the first State Elders’ Advisory Forum.

    The forum, which has an advisory role, is targeted at improving Ekiti’s value, virtue and character.

    The inauguration was held at the Lady Jibowu Hall in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

    Fayemi said: “The constitution of the Forum is aimed at re-enacting the good old days when Ekiti was at the zenith of its productive excellence. The destructive corrosion of the society, if unattended, can destroy Ekiti’s existence.”

    The governor said the change of the state’s logo and slogan was to constantly remind the people of their rich past and halt the drift civilisation and “insensitive disposition” have caused the unique existence.

    Expressing optimism that the state could still retrace its “uncharitable journey” back to the “basics” of Ekiti uniqueness, he stressed the need to revive the exploits of the founding fathers.

    Fayemi urged the Forum to give the government advice that would bring back the “omoluabi” character of the people.

    He said: “As our elders, you are the bridge between our yesterday and today. You were part of what made Ekiti unique in the not too distant past. Your pieces of advice should cover all aspects of life – cultural values and morals, home etiquettes, governance, public conduct, infrastructural development, economic growth, social services and communal relationship, among others.”

    The governor said he has confidence in the competence of the forum’s members, adding that their selection was not based on political or religious considerations, but on their antecedents, ability and integrity.

    A member of the Forum and former Information Minister Chief Ayo Ogunlade praised Fayemi for setting it up.

    Ogunlade said like the biblical Solomon, Fayemi has solicited counsel from the best and brightest minds from all walks of life in Nigeria.

    He assured the governor that the Forum would offer him counsel that would help him rebuild Ekiti.

  • Cross River inaugurates LOC

    Cross River inaugurates LOC

    Ahead of the 2014 National Sports Festival scheduled to be hosted by the Cross River State Government, the state’s Acting Governor Mr. Efiok Cobham, has inaugurated a reconstituted 24-man Local Organising Committee (LOC) in Calabar to champion the planning of the event.

    Speaking shortly after inaugurating the committee in Calabar, the Acting Governor and Chairman of the committee, Mr. Efiok Cobham, asserted that “since the creation of Cross River State, this is the first time we are hosting the festival, some states have hosted more than once and we’ll love to use this opportunity to set a bench mark for the fiesta’.

    He reiterated the state’s readiness to successfully host the 19th National Sports Festival, tagged “2014 Paradise Games” which he said will be huge in content with over 15 thousand competitors of Nigerian extraction from all over the world competing for laurels.

    He maintained that 2014 is a big year for the state because it will also play host to the World Mountain Running Championship, a task he noted was enormous but assured that giving its capacity in hosting events it will be fruitful and remain memorable.

    The Acting Governor disclosed further that to meet their obligation towards the successful hosting of the event, the state has concluded plans to upgrade sporting and hospitality facilities in line with current realities to accommodate the huge crowd to the state.

    Mr. Cobham pointed out that the state which is referred to as the Preferred Destination for Leisure and Business will present the best show of international standard that the nation is to be proud of given the caliber of persons in the committee.

    “We have carefully selected you because we know your capacity to deliver and hope that we will deliver a National Sports Festival that will surpass any one since the inception of the event,” he added and wished them fruitful hosting.

    Secretary to the State Government, Mike Aniah, in his introductory remarks said that the National Sports Festival is the local equivalent of the Olympics, and that it’s a very big project that must be delivered successfully to Nigerians.

    He averred that the 24-man reconstituted committee which was carefully selected has less than 20 months to drive the plan towards the successful hosting of the fiesta.

    Responding on behalf of the committee, the Vice Chairman and Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development Patrick Ugbe, assured the governor that the committee will not rest on it oars in ensuring that the best event of world standard is delivered to Nigerians.

    He disclosed that the 2014 fiesta will be very significant because it will be the first event since its inception to be open to Nigerian professional athletes outside the country.

    Ugbe further disclosed that Calabar, being the first capital of the nation, will be hosting a symbolic event the same year the nation will commemorate the centenary celebration of its amalgamation, adding that the world should expect nothing less from the fiesta.

    Members of the committee include the Acting Governor Efiok Cobham, Chairman, and Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Patrick Ugbe, Vice Chairman and Egwu Egeh, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youths and Sports will serve as secretary.

    Other members are; Surv. Raph Uche, Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Hon. Legor Idagbo, Commissioner for Works, Bassey Oqua, Commissioner for Special Projects, Dr. Angela Oyo-Ita, Commissioner for Health, Rev. Takis Caiaphas, Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Sandy Onoh, Commissioner for Environment and Akin Rickets, Commissioner for Information.

    The Committee also has Peter Ojie, Commissioner for Local Government, Odo Effiong, Special Adviser, ICT Development, Edem Ekong, Special Adviser, Public Transportation, Nzan Ogbo, Special Adviser Events, Hon. Ngim Okpo, Mr. Wilfred Usani, Special Adviser, Tourism Development, Alex Egbonna, Rekpene Bassey, Igbe Aruku, Jude Amadi, Elenda Osima-Dokubo, Bruce Ijirigbo, Mercy Nku and Mike Aniah, Secretary to the state government all members.

  • NDDC inaugurates 20 projects

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has inaugurated 20 projects in Cross River State.

    The projects, acknowledged by leaders of beneficiary communities as having improved the living conditions of the people include roads, classroom blocks, electrification and solar-powered water supply.

    Inaugurating the projects, NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Christian Oboh, represented by Cross River State Representative on the Board of the Commission, Dominic Edem, said the Commission was determined to complete its projects.

    Dr. Oboh said gone were the days when children learn under trees and trek long distance to fetch water from the streams, disclosing that “NDDC will bridge the gap by ensuring that the people have adequate classrooms to learn and potable water to drink”.

    In his remarks, Head of Akim Akim Qua clan in Odukpani Local Government Area, Chief Francis Omin, thanked the commission for bringing the projects to the community.

    “We really thank the NDDC for their intervention. The light will attract investors and open the way for economic activities”.

    Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of Abi Local Government Area, Hon. Emmanuel Elemi thanked the commission for finding his community worthy of the projects, and pledged maximum utilisation.

    The Paramount Ruler, Ikot Ansa Community, Mr Patrick Oguagbo while thanking the NDDC, said the road will reduce traffic congestion and open up the state for development.

    On his part, Rev. Fr. David Udo, Vice Principal (Administration), St. Patrick’s College, thanked the commission for meeting the needs of the school.

    “We are happy that we have water now. Our students used to go out to look for water trekking several kilometers; NDDC has brought life to us because water is life” he said.

  • Local govt inaugurates committees

    Local govt inaugurates committees

    The Chairman of Eti-Osa East Local Council Development Area, Alhaji Owolabi Yisa has inaugurated two committees.

    The committees are: Environmental Sanitation and Waste Management, Security and Traffic management.

    The chairman urged members to be committed to their assignment.

    Yisa said his administration was working tirelessly to provide social amenities for the residents. He said the council had embarked on some projects with Federal and State governments such as new block of classrooms at Okun-Ajah and Olomu Primary School, construction of a laboratory at Ogombo with water source, rehabilitation of Owode Public Health Centre, replacement of entire P.V.C ceiling and to mention a few.

    Speaking on behalf of the committees, Mrs. Rukayat Omotayo, thanked the chairman for the opportunity given to them and promised that would live up to expectation.

    The council chief warned that his administration would not condone indiscriminate dumping of refuse along Median Badore Road. He advised residents of the council to be sanitation conscious, as this can hinder the affective work of LAWMA. Rather, refuse should be dumped at the designated point of collection.

    According to the council boss, the newly inaugurated committees are to work in conjunction with the LAWMA officials, environmental officers and workers ofthe council.

    The chairman stated that apart from the monthly, weekly environmental exercise declared by the state government, there is going to be a daily environmental clean-up within Eti-Osa and its environs.

    He thanked the council manager Mrs. Sanyaolu A.L. for all the efforts she is making to see that Eti-Osa East is dirt free.

    Alhaji Yisa urged the residents to pay their taxes promptly and that payment should only be made at the designated banks as written on the bills,saying that cash payment should not be made to any of the council staff.

    Dignitaries at the event include the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) leader in Eti-Osa East L.C.D.A Alhaji Bashorun Apampa, party loyalists, community leaders and host of others.