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  • Lagos committed to inclusiveness in sports development, says commissioner

    Lagos committed to inclusiveness in sports development, says commissioner

    Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to integrating physically challenged and visually impaired individuals into sporting activities.

    Ogunlende made this statement at the 26th Annual Sports Day for The Blind, organized by the Federal Nigeria Society of the Blind (FNSB), held recently at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos.

    The event featured 10 games, including the Skittle Game, Walking Race, Rag Race, Shot Put, Tug of War, Rounders, Searching Games, and a 50-meter race. Two teams competed, with the Red House, led by the Chief Matron of the FNSC, winning with 126 points, while the Blue House scored 116 points.

    Represented by Emmanuel Amuwo, Ogunlende expressed his delight at the event’s turnout, noting that it provides hope for the students.

    He emphasized that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu prioritizes inclusiveness for social development in the state.

    “We are committed to integrating everyone, including physically challenged individuals, into activities that will improve their lives. We welcome collaborations that promote inclusiveness in sporting activities in the state.

    “We have in Governor who is so passionate about sport. We have 44 games in Lagos with lots of young people as board members”, he said.

    In his words, the Chairman of the Executive Council of FNSB, Fusi Akinkugbe said that the event was unique for the society as “we are here to witness and celebrate the exploits of those who are blind and visually impaired but who have said no to any limitation in disability.

    “For those of us who may not know, our centre trains and rehabilitates those who go blind or have a visual impairment in adolescence and adulthood. Our programme includes subjects like Braille reading, daily living skills, vocational skills, and entrepreneurship. These help to ensure our trainees can live independently after their time with us.

    “But a healthy mind best operates in a healthy body. This is why sports is so important to us and is an integral part of our rehabilitation programme. Apart from the physical benefits, trainees also learn teamwork and collaboration through sporting activities.”

    Read Also: Lagos, China to partner on community health, rural education delivery

    Also speaking at the event, the founder of Daramola Dynasty Foundation, Olanrewaju Daramola, said that the choice of support for the sports day is a result of the passion intention for us. We always want to give back to society whenever we have the opportunity to do so.

    Daramola said: “We are passionate about helping the vulnerable people in our society. We are working closely in other areas with FNSB so that we can journey with them through the path that leads to greatness for the centre and the trainees in particular

    He said that we see a lot of can-do spirit and team building in all the games displayed among the participants which is a lesson to show that there is ability in disability.

    He encourages other private institutions to invest and spend more time with vulnerable people and render a helping hand to them as much as we can. Seeing the other side of the world will help us to appreciate God better.

  • ‘Lagos council Discount Market will go a long way’

    ‘Lagos council Discount Market will go a long way’

    Badagry Local Government Chairman, Mr Olusegun Onilude has been praised for the establishment of the discount market code named “Ounje Eko” in the area.

     Most of the shoppers who thronged the council secretariat, venue of the “Ounje Eko Discount “ market organised by the local government, hailed Mr Onilude for what  they described as his magnanimity to bring staple food items such as rice, beans, gari, bread, fish, livestock and vegetable oil within the reach of the common people at subsidised rates.

         Madam Cecilia Akotomeh and Mrs Amaka Chukwura, who appreciated the ‘generosity of the council chairman’, said that the subsidised staple food items by the Onilude administration would go a long way in solving the high cost of food items in the council area.

    Read Also: President, governors to Nigerian children: we will secure your future

     Earlier in his address  at the opening of the Onilude Discount Food Market, Onilude reiterated the commitment of his administration to improve the welfare of the residents of the local government. He thanked the governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo – Olu for the” Ounje Eko” Discount Market Initiative.

     Onilude pointed out that the critical economic situation in the country demanded a lot from all the three tiers of government to find ways of reducing the effect of the hardships being faced by the people.

     “The time we are demands a lot from us as a government in cushioning the effects of the economic hardships occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal and this is why we put this together to complement the efforts of the Lagos State Government in providing succour and relief to the people through the sales of food stuff at discounted rates”, he said.

  • Why Lagos deserves a ‘special status’

    Why Lagos deserves a ‘special status’

    By Opeyemi Eniola

    Since the turn of the century, the city of Lagos has emerged as a major economic and cultural hub in Nigeria and the African sub-region. With a population of over 20 million, Lagos is not only the largest city in Nigeria but also one of the fastest-growing cities in Africa. The 21st century-Lagos had begun to metamorphose into an emerging urban city, almost rubbishing the views of sceptics with their Armageddon-like prediction of a state already fraught with human congestion, surging crime, poor living conditions, environmental degradation, rural congestion, transportation chaos, a literacy rate that is barely above average, and a high cost of living. 

    Despite this downside, however, one thing you cannot take away from this state of aquatic splendour is its vast abundance of energy, skills, and resources. According to a 2012 report by Cities Alliance, a non-governmental organisation, Lagos State’s cultural and commercial strength accounts for 32 percent of the national GDP. Besides, the report describes Lagos as one of the fastest-growing cities in the world and says that by 2015, it is expected to be the globe’s third-largest city, according to United Nations estimates. Nevertheless, Lagos currently goes through oversubscription of its education, a development that this writer believes is occasioned by its explosive and growing population.

    Lagos State is a confluence, no doubt! It is home to a diverse population that cuts across ethnic, religious, political, and socio-economic backgrounds. Little wonder it is generally referred to as a ‘Mini Nigeria’ considering its amalgam of tongues. This diversity nevertheless needs to be addressed within the context of the needs and aspirations of the varying groups that crave for education in the state. And for this to be realisable, Lagos deserves a special status that recognises and acknowledges its unique circumstances and peculiarities.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Tinubu departs Lagos for Abuja

    Although Lagos State is committed to the provision of quality education to all children in the state, the demand for education far exceeds the financial resources available to the state. This explains a surge in enrolments at private schools, which continues to grow rapidly. As stated earlier, with over 20 million residents, there is no way this reality will not put a strain on the city’s education system.

    Now let us use the state basic, secondary and tertiary school sub-sectors to drive home our argument. When Nigeria returned to democratic governance in 1999, the then governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, demanded a special status for Lagos. One of the steps undertaken by Tinubu at the time was the expansion of the 20 existing local governments to 57 councils so that more development could percolate, particularly to the grassroots.

    Since then, subsequent governments have repeatedly made similar calls at every opportunity possible. Three years ago, precisely in May 2021, just as plans were underway by the National Assembly to review the 1999 constitution, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, renewed the calls for a special status for Lagos State in view of the breakthrough Nigeria has so far enjoyed, which is arguably linked to the prosperity in Lagos State.

    Speaking at a two-day Senate zonal public hearing on the review of the 1999 constitution in Lagos, Governor Sanwo-Olu said his crave for a special status for the state is predicated on the sensitive role Lagos plays in the national economy despite its restricted land mass. 

    “For us in Lagos State, the issues of state police and fiscal federalism are at the top of the priority list for us in this ongoing review process. Equally fundamental, particularly for us in Lagos State, is the issue of a special economic status for Lagos, considering our place in the national economy and the special burdens we bear by virtue of our large population and limited landmass.

     “I believe the need for this special status has been sufficiently articulated and justified. It suffices for me at this point to restate that this request is by no means a selfish one, but one that is actually in the interest of every Nigerian and of Nigeria as a nation. The progress and prosperity of Nigeria are inextricably linked to the progress and prosperity of Lagos State. A Special Status for Lagos, therefore, must be a concern not only for the people of Lagos State alone but for all Nigerians,” the governor said.

    A 2009-2020 Lagos Sector Education Plan, which captures Lagos State expenditures, revealed that most schoolchildren in Lagos State, for instance, are originally from other geo-political zones of the country. The document states that of the 133,516 junior secondary school pupils in Lagos State, only 13,756 pupils, amounting to 10.30 percent, are Lagos indigenes. Pupils across other Southwest states take the next chunk, with 68,511 amounting to 51.31 percent. Their counterparts from the Southeast followed, claiming another huge 23,979 population, representing 17.82 percent. South-south is 8,355, indicating 6.26 percent, while Northeast has 1,008 pupils, amounting to 0.75 percent. Northwest has 136 pupils, representing 0.10 percent, while North-central comprises 374 pupils, amounting to 0.82 percent. According to the document, total student enrolments into higher educational institutions in Lagos for part-time and full-time programmes skyrocketed from 76,697 to 118,466 between 2001 and 2005. Beyond inter-state migration, Lagos State is also attracting large numbers of expatriates who daily throng the state for Golden Fleece.

    As a result, the city’s population is constantly growing and changing, making it difficult for the education system to keep up. In addition, Lagos is a cultural hub with a rich history and heritage. The city is home to numerous cultural institutions, museums, and libraries that play vital roles in preserving and promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage. Furthermore, Lagos is a hub for innovation and technology in Nigeria.

    The city is home to numerous tech start-ups, incubators, and accelerators that are driving economic growth and creating new opportunities for its residents. Every year, an army of prospective candidates seek admission into the state-owned university, Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo.

    Unfortunately, a huge number of these candidates hardly secure admission because of access. Two years ago, the two existing colleges of education owned by Lagos State — Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, (AOCOED), Oto Ijanikin, and Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED) in Noforija Epe — merged to become a university, Lagos State University of Education (LASUED).

    Also, the former state-owned polytechnic, Lagos State Polytechnic, was equally upgraded to Lagos State University of Technology (LASUSTECH), making three state-owned universities in Lagos State. One of the reasons behind government initiatives is the fad for university education, which has now become global. Another important reason, as underscored earlier, is to further address the problem of access, as LASU at the time could not accommodate the legion of admission-seeking candidates that desire university education every year.

    Interestingly, no sooner had the three aforementioned institutions taken off than prospective candidates scrambled to have a slot in the limited spaces available. This means that unless the government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and other stakeholders take decisive steps about Lagos State, these problems will continue to exist, marginalising those who thirst for education in the state while hindering the state’s dream of a megacity.

    So what can we do to seek lasting solutions?

    Summing up its research, the Cities Alliance has advocated that the Lagos State megacity project is achievable and will definitely have a greater impact on education in the state. It stated that the Mega City agenda should be a collaborative affair between the state and major stakeholders, transcending Lagos State to the private sector and other levels of government.

    I am of the belief that the city’s large and diverse population, economic significance, cultural heritage, and role as an innovation hub must all coalesce towards creating lasting opportunities in providing quality education on one hand, as well as meeting the needs of those desirous of seeking the same in the state on the other.

    •Eniola is the Senior Special Assistant to Lagos State governor on Basic and Secondary Education.

  • Lagos mulls agric, food roadmap

    Lagos mulls agric, food roadmap

    The Lagos State Government is planning for a Lagos Agriculture & Food Systems’ Roadmap 2.0, a feedback on the state as regards food security, progress report on its goals and KPIs, and a platform for support of the ecosystem.

    This is to further encourage new entrants into the sector towards boosting food production in the state.

    The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya announced this during the Agrinnovation Club Hangout 3.0 held at the MAD House, University of Lagos in Akoka, Lagos.

    She explained that the summit will provide a platform for the Stakeholders in the Agrinnovation Club to speak directly to the leadership of the state and the nation at large on the challenges confronting them for swift response.

    According to her, the ultimate goal of the summit is on how to ensure food security that will in the long run force down the prices of food.

    Ms. Abisola Olusanya said the Agrinnovation Club is for like mind individuals in ecosystem of Agriculture engaging in stuff like logistics, fintech, packaging, branding to showcase the success to the young innovative people of the state.

    The commissioner noted that the essence of the forum was to create the ecosystem for the growth of Agrinnovation Club and for collaboration processes which could include opportunity for international exposures where necessary.

    She expressed the hope that more young people with bias for Agriculture who are trustworthy and intelligent will come into the Agrinnovation Club space to drive the vision.

    Abisola Olusanya assured that the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration is ready to listen to them and provide solution to address their challenges.

    The Commissioner also disclosed that the implementation of ‘Ounje Eko’ was very challenging but very remarkable and impactful on the lives of residents in the face of rising food prices.

    On his part, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Dr Oluwarotimi Fashola charged members of the Club to think more outside the box as there are untapped opportunities within the State’s Food System.

    He implored them to be sensitive to the environment and be cautious in going into collaboration with other business.

    Dr Fashola noted that the state government is prepared to work with them to move the Club to the next level.

    Commenting on the venue of the event, the Special Adviser said that it was inspiring using containers to create the space same thing he pointed the Ministry is doing with the Last Mile Meat Shops recently inaugurated.

    Read Also: Local government autonomy: Fed Govt sued Lagos in error, says Sanwo-Olu

    One of the facilitators at the Agrinnovation Club 3.0, Mr Olagoke Balogun, Chief Executive Officer of So Fresh who spoke on Business Models and Cost Structure as it is peculiar to Agric Business said it goes beyond farming, innovation, technology and whole value chains from the production to final consumers.

    He emphasized on the need for participants to be innovative so as to deliver value to their target markets while encouraging farmers to increase production to leverage economies of scale with the limited resources available to them.

    Olagoke Balogun cited some Business Models in Agriculture which includes Direct primary and Agric Tourism recalling that he grew up in Kwara State and experienced first hand the practice of community farming before moving to Lagos to start So Fresh.

    He emphasized on the need for the young business owners to consistently collect data on every aspect of their business operations so as to generate a pattern on customer preferences such as what they order the most and what time such orders are made.

    Balogun further urged them to think of how best to get their products to as many people as possible and study the trend in the global space on customer preferences, product design and areas of service improvement. “The more you understand your customers, the more you can serve them better” he asserted.

    He concluded by emphasizing the need for businesses to put in place a good cost structure, cashflow strategies and monthly evaluation of their operational profitability or loss as business failure is inevitable without them.

    Another facilitator, Mrs. Ifeoluwa Ariyo, the Chief Executive Officer of ForthWorth Farms, took the session on Insights on Collaboration for growth. She said that collaboration was key to learning new thing to promote the growth of every business adding it could also help to grow customer base and effectively reduce cost.

    “Every day, there is something new to catch up with and could be difficult to jump from one to another to keep up with the competition space. Collaboration could be internal or external”, she added.

    According to her, Memorandum of Understanding or collaboration agreements must be clear on what to do when to do in starting or ending partnerships and that business and contractual agreements should be devoid of family ties.

     Yinka Omogboye of the Farm Junction while sharing the ‘Ounje Eko’ experience said that the project aligned with his company’s vision.

    He explained that they established Farm Junction in 2017 with the purpose of getting foods and other consumables to the door steps of the consumers. Speaking further, Omogboye lamented that they regularly incurred unnecessary high cost on Tomatoes from Kano to Lagos due to the activities of middlemen.

    The Chief Operating Officer of the Admiralty Farmers Market, Oyin Asaaju while speaking on Business and Product support, noted that quality product and customer satisfaction is accorded priority by the farm.

    In his closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Emmanuel Fatai Audu described the platform as excellent and applauded the two facilitators for their thought-provoking submissions.

    He reiterated the need for Agrinnovation Club members to be patient with growing their businesses and expressed the hope that Agriculture would soon become the main stay of Lagos economy.

  • Lagos Mainland Diocese ends 6th synod with thanksgiving service

    Lagos Mainland Diocese ends 6th synod with thanksgiving service

    A thanksgiving service at the Stephen’s Anglican Church, Igbobi, Lagos, closed the curtain on the 3rd session of the 6th Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos Mainland.

    The service marked the end of the annual four-day event, which began on May 23 with worship at the Cathedral Church of St. Jude, Ebute Meta.

    The Synod, themed ‘We are but Strangers and Aliens’, focused on the Christian belief of living as temporary residents on earth while yearning for a heavenly home.

    The guest preacher, Rev. Stanley Fube, the Anglican Bishop of Lantang, Jos, highlighted this theme in his sermon based on St. Matthew 6:24. He warned against the illusion of immortality, saying, ‘the greatest deception anyone can make to themselves is to pretend that he or she would live forever’.

    Bishop Fube criticised boastful attitudes and reminded the congregation of the transient nature of life. “No one will live here forever. Every person has their appointed time. One day they will look for you, and you will not be there. If we understand this, it will change the way we do things, especially as children of God.”

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    The Diocesan Bishop of Lagos Mainland and President of the Synod, Akinpelu Johnson, thanked all participants and church workers for their contributions to the Synod’s success.

    Meanwhile, while addressing the Synod on May 24 at the Diocesan Headquarters, Cathedral Church of St. Jude, Ebute-Meta, Johnson urged the Federal Government to address the country’s economic challenges.

    He lamented the negative impact of the removal of fuel subsidy and the rising cost of petroleum products, saying ‘as the Naira depreciates against the dollar, so also the cost of petroleum products increase, and its negative impact on the economy is evident for all to see’.

    Senior Secretary of the Diocese, Ven. Adesanya Asaolu emphasised the Synod’s commitment to combating corruption within the diocese and the nation. He said ‘Corruption will be intolerable in the diocese as the fight to eradicate it continues to ensure national progress’.

  • Lagos to establish medicines agency for easy drugs access

    Lagos to establish medicines agency for easy drugs access

    Lagos State government has hinted of plans to establish the Lagos State Essential Medicines Agency (LSEMA) to ease the management and distribution of essential medicines within the state.

    Commissioner for Health Prof. Akin Abayomi stated this during the ongoing ministerial press briefing to mark the first year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.

    According to Prof. Abayomi, the initiative is also a response to the Federal Government’s mandate for every State to set up a Drug Management Agency (DMA) to combat drug scourge.

    Read Also:Lagos-Calabar coastal road: Umahi, stakeholders meet on compensation

    He said: “This agency is designed to address significant challenges in the supply chain by introducing a structured and technologically driven approach to the procurement, storage, and distribution of health commodities. The LSEMA is being established in response to the inefficiencies observed in the existing drug supply chain, which includes poor inventory management, inadequate staffing, and sub-optimal financial performance.

    “The agency aims to overhaul this system by implementing a centralised framework that ensures the quality, availability, and timely delivery of health commodities across the state. A cornerstone of the agency’s strategy is the adoption of digital tools to enhance inventory management, streamline logistics, and improve the tracking of drugs.

  • Lagos approves new book for secondary schools

    Lagos approves new book for secondary schools

    The Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has officially approved the use of “Career Paths and Opportunities for Engineering, Science, Art, and Management Students” in the curriculum of all secondary schools throughout the state.

    This approval was confirmed via a letter signed by Adedamola Abatan on behalf of the Permanent Secretary.

    The author, Sheriff Lamidi said the comprehensive guide aims to equip students with the essential knowledge to make informed career choices.

    Lamidi emphasised that this approval is a significant advancement in improving educational quality and preparing students for the complexities and competitiveness of the global job market.

    “With this book now part of the recommended reading list for Lagos secondary schools, students will have access to a valuable resource that examines various career paths in engineering, science, art, and management. The book combines career guidance, practical examples, and actionable advice, making it an indispensable tool for students, teachers, and counselors,” Lamidi explained.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Gridlock as truck, bus collide on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

    He expressed his gratitude to the Lagos State Government, acknowledging their progressive approach to education. 

    “I am honored to contribute to the empowerment of Lagos students, and I believe this book will have a profound impact on their lives and careers.

    “The book offers a unique blend of career guidance, real-world examples, and practical advice, making it an indispensable tool for students, teachers, and counselors alike. By exploring the diverse career paths and opportunities presented in the book, students will gain a deeper understanding of their strengths, interests, and passions, enabling them to make informed decisions about their future.”

  • Lagos to establish medicines agency for easy drug access

    Lagos to establish medicines agency for easy drug access

    The Lagos state government has hinted at plans to establish the Lagos State Essential Medicines Agency (LSEMA) to ease the management and distribution of essential medicines within the state.

    Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, stated this during the ongoing ministerial press briefing to mark the first year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.

    According to Abayomi, the initiative is also a response to the federal government’s mandate for every State to set up a Drug Management Agency (DMA) to combat drug scourge.

    He said: “This agency is designed to address significant challenges in the supply chain by introducing a structured and technologically driven approach to the procurement, storage, and distribution of health commodities. The LSEMA is being established in response to the inefficiencies observed in the existing drug supply chain, which include poor inventory management, inadequate staffing, and sub-optimal financial performance.

    “The agency aims to overhaul this system by implementing a centralised framework that ensures the quality, availability, and timely delivery of health commodities across the state. A cornerstone of the agency’s strategy is the adoption of digital tools to enhance inventory management, streamline logistics, and improve the tracking of drugs. This includes setting up an ICT backbone to support operations from a central store to zonal distribution points, ensuring that all processes are monitored and managed efficiently.”

    “The LSEMA will leverage Public-Private Partnerships to enhance operational capacities. This approach will combine public oversight with private sector efficiency and creativity, particularly in areas such as logistics and the day-to-day management of drug supplies. The agency will act as a regulatory body to ensure that all essential medicines distributed within the state meet strict quality standards. This will involve close cooperation with national regulatory bodies like the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).”

    The commissioner also noted that the government is working to ensure a full digitization of the health sector. “In the next few weeks, we will begin the acceleration of this process to digitise the public health sector in the first phase. So far, we have successfully attained data protection compliance in line with federal regulations on data security.

    Read Also: Lagos attracted over N50b investment in one year, says commissioner

    “We’ve already started significant planning and, in the next couple of weeks, we’ll roll out the Smart Health Information Platform (SHIP) which will be the connectivity between all our public health facilities. Every general hospital, PHC, and other government facilities will have interconnectivity so that your electronic medical records or any other data that is important to you as a patient is available and accessible at any point in time, wherever you are presenting yourself, under very strict cyber security rules and guidelines.

    “SHIP is designed to streamline healthcare processes by establishing a unified platform that supports data-driven decision-making and enhanced efficiency of healthcare delivery. It will enable better patient management, reduce redundancy, and ensure that health resources are utilised optimally.

    “This is going to be revolutionary for us; it will speed up the way we manage health care in Lagos and give us access to real-time data on the health-seeking behaviour of Lagosians.”

    Abayomi added that the free health mission announced by Governor Sanwo-Olu as part of the palliatives to cushion the economic challenges will start next week across the three senatorial districts of the state.

  • Lagos attracted over N50b investment in one year, says commissioner

    Lagos attracted over N50b investment in one year, says commissioner

    …state secures N2b matching fund for MSMEs

    Lagos State has attracted over N50 billion in investment through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Domestic Direct Investment (DDD) in the last one year, Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem has said.

    She disclosed this at her ministry’s activities at the ongoing press briefing to mark the first year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.

    According to the commissioner, the new multi-billion naira investments, one of which is the Twinings Ovaltine Nigeria Limited (TONL), owned by the Associated British Foods Plc, would expand the state’s productive base, generate employment, and improve its economy.

    She said: “TONL, which formerly imports from China and packages into retail units here, has now committed to fully manufacture its products in Lagos with the acquisition of an industrial site in Ogba. The investment, valued at over N38 billion, will employ 112 persons directly and over 200 others as distributors by 2025 while generating over $8 million in exports to West Africa.

    “Other investors in healthcare, retail, Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), education, financial services, cybersecurity, agriculture, and manufacturing, are also coming into Lagos, while many Trade Missions have gone from Lagos to the United Kingdom (UK) with the Organised Private Sector (OPS) and Business Membership Organisations (BMOs) to explore new trade opportunities.

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    “Our participation in investment and business summits across the world actively seeks to retain and bring investment opportunities available in the state to the attention of potential investors, to attract capital, skills, innovation, and technology to create more local jobs, increase productivity, and generate higher revenue.”

    The commissioner also said the ministry, in line with the administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ Development Agenda, remains committed to formulating enabling and supporting policies, executing infrastructure intervention, and designing trade expansion programmes and projects to accelerate the economic development of the state

    She noted that the government and Bank of Industry (BOI) have concluded on matched production and trade funding of N1 billion each to be accessed by Nano, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (NMSMEs), with exportable products, to scale their businesses and earn foreign exchange.

    “This is a bold move to internationalize and empower our NMSMEs to grow their productive ventures, bolster regional and global trade, and increase the state’s contribution to the country’s non-oil export. The funding will complement our current engagement with the Nigerian Arabian Gulf Chamber of Commerce (NAGCC) to facilitate agricultural products and value chain to the six Gulf States through the Nigerian Trade House in Dubai,” she added.

  • Lagos seals 840 event centres over safety violations in one year

    Lagos seals 840 event centres over safety violations in one year

    Over 840 event centres and social facilities in Lagos state have been shut down in the last one year, over safety infractions and non-compliance with extant laws.

    The commissioner for special duties and intergovernmental relations, Gbenga Oyerinde, during the ministerial press briefing to mark Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s first year in the second term, said the ministry is working in line with the THEMES Plus agenda to mitigate risks and protect life and property.

    According to him, the Lagos State Safety Commission carried out enforcement action at 840 facilities, including event centres, clubs, lounges and hotels, and construction sites for safety infractions. He added that about 7,819 facilities were inspected to ensure safety, and another 5,220 were issued with fire safety compliance certificates.

    The commission also carried out about 365 environmental safety advocacy initiatives.

    The commissioner also said the Fire and Rescue Service rescued 376 victims during the period under review. Property worth N152.22 billion was preserved, with 82 casualties and N25.37 billion in property lost.

    He added: “In line with efforts to bolster infrastructure, three new fire stations are nearing completion in Ijegun-Egba, Satellite Town, and Ijede, while an ultramodern workshop at the Alausa headquarters is nearly finished to cater to the agency’s fleet maintenance needs.

    “Additionally, land spaces have been identified for the development of additional fire stations in Ibeju, Lekki, and Ifako Ijaiye.

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    “The Fire and Rescue Service is also sustaining its focus on enhancing fire mitigation and emergency response strategies, aligning with the THEMES Plus Agenda. Key statistics from the year’s emergency calls show 2,537 incidents, including 1,627 fire calls, 191 rescue calls, 93 salvage calls, and four explosions, alongside 607 false alarms.

    “This highlights the critical need for increased awareness of fire safety measures to combat the impact of negligence and non-compliance with safety codes.”

    Also during the year under review, he said the welfare of personnel received a boost, with special allowances approved for firefighters, including uniform maintenance, shift allowances, hazard allowance, and provision of personal protective equipment.