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Tag: Lagos State government

  • Kolade Johnson: Inspector to face trial in high court

    The Lagos State Government on Monday took over the prosecution of dismissed Inspector Olalekan Ogunyemi, who is accused of killing a football enthusiast, Mr Kolade Johnson on March 31.

    Ogunyemi will now be tried at the high court following the recommendation of Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

    He has been in prison since April 5 following his remand by an Ebute-Meta Magistrates’ Court pending the DPP’s advice. The remand order was obtained by the police.

    When the case was mentioned on Monday, Magistrate A.O. Salawu said the DPP advised that the case be transferred to the high court.

    Read Also: Buhari condemns killing of Kolade Johnson by SARS

    The DPP, she added, advised that Ogunyemi should be prosecuted in accordance with Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    But the DPP absolved the second suspect, Godwin Oji, of complicity in the case and asked that he should be released.

    The magistrate adjourned till August 6 for the case to be filed at the high court.

    Ogunyemi, of No. 17, Alhaji Ede Street, Igando, was brought before the court on April 6, on a temporary one-count charge of murder.

    Prosecuting Inspector Kehinde Olatunde alleged that he committed the offence on March 31, at about 5:10pm , at Onipetesi Estate, Idi-Mangoro, Lagos.

    Olatunde alleged that Ogunyemi, who served in the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Lagos State Police Command, shot Johnson, a 36-year-old father of one, to death, with his AK47 rifle.

  • Lagos begins fixing potholes on 87 major roads

    The Lagos State Government has begun immediate repairs of potholes across the state, with over 87 major roads enlisted for intervention.

    Special Adviser, Lagos State Public Works Corporation and Drainage, Engr. Temidayo Erinle, in a statement on Friday, said the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode had directed that the Corporation should commence immediate rehabilitation of critical roads across the State.

    He said the roads mapped out for repair were presently in terrible state, and that the situation was impeding free flow of traffic in those areas with its attendant consequences.

    “We have received quite a number of complaints from residents and motorists on the State of the roads and how it was directly affecting travel time which in turn has negative effects on the ease of doing business in the State.

    “The Governor has therefore directed the Public Works Corporation to move immediately and commence repair on those roads to ameliorate the traffic that residents have been going through as a result of the State of the roads,” he said.

    Read Also: Lagos assures residents of safety

    Erinle, however, appealed to residents and motorists to bear with the State Government, urging them to drive carefully while the roads are being fixed.

    He assured that in the next few weeks, all the potholes would disappear on Lagos roads.

    Some of the roads captured for immediate repair include Ikotun-Egbe, Ijegun Roads, Alimosho and Dopemu Roads, Aka-Kemberi Road, Amuwo Odofin, Marina Beach Road, Apapa, Olaniyi Road in Ifako Ijaiye, Acme-Oba Akran Road and Ikeja.

    Other roads also listed include Ijede Road, Sabo market Road in Ikorodu, Costain Road by Brewery, Glover Road, Herbert Macaulay Road in Mainland Local Government, Itire-Ogunlana drive intersection, Itire-Lawanson, Babs Animashaun Road in Surulere, Alakija/WAEC Road, Somolu, Obalende Road, Eti-Osa, among others.

  • Lagos confirms closure of ‘illegal’ clinic 

    THE hospital, where a 15-month-old baby, Taye, died during blood transfusion has been shut, pending investigation, the Lagos State Government confirmed at the weekend.

    This confirms The Nation’s exclusive report on the hospital’s closure on Thiursday.

    Taye, a twin girl, was referred to the HJ Clairoowen Medical Centre at 10, Busari Street, Egbeda, by a paediatrician at the General Hospital, Igando, whose name was simply given as Dr. Joy, last Sunday.

    The child’s parents  Mr and Mrs Adeola Adetunji alleged that Dr. Joy said the baby needed blood and oxygen urgently.

    Because of the urgency of the matter, she reportedly said she was referring them to Clairoowen as there was no bed space at the general hospital.

    Besides, the bereaved parents are alleging that the blood given to the baby was not screened. They accused  Dr. Joy and her clinic of negligence, adding that they buried Taye on the doctor’s advice without an autopsy.

    In a statement,  Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Health, Mrs. Adeola Salako,  said: “For the purpose of clarity, it is important to mention that safety of lives and the well-being of citizens is of utmost importance to the Lagos State Government and as such the avoidable death of 15-month-old baby Taye Adetunji is regrettable. We commiserate with the bereaved family and pray that God will comfort and grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

    “Since the report of the unfortunate incident, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, has ordered investigation into the circumstances that led to the death of the child, as well as allegations of patients poaching by doctors from general hospitals to their private clinics.

    “It is also worthy to note that the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) has shut the private hospital, HJ Clairoowen Medical Centre and Maternity, where the child died and investigations are ongoing on the operations of the facility, whose documents show that it has not been registered with HEFAMAA or certified for health care delivery.

    “The ministry will make known its findings in due course and mete out appropriate sanctions to anyone found culpable in the unfortunate incident. We assure citizens of our resolve to address patients poaching and ensure that residents have access to quality health care service without exploitation.

    “As a government, the well-being of citizens is of utmost importance to us and this is the main thrust of our social contract with the people. The Lagos State Government is a responsible and responsive government and we will not rest on our oars to ensure that justice, in this case, is served without let or hindrance.

    “In this regard, we advise the public not to patronise any health facility not bearing the HEFAMAA logo and to channel complaints and petitions in respect of unprofessional conducts by health care providers or health facilities to the HEFAMAA Office, Room 514, Ministry of Health, Alausa, Ikeja.

    “We wish to also note that it is against the norm and highly unethical for general hospitals or any government health facility to refer patients or cases to private health facilities. The public is, therefore, to take note of this and report any health worker or government facility that indulges in this unprofessional act.”

  • Lagos to clamp down on ‘crazy’ automobile users

    The Lagos State government said it will restore sanity onto the roads by clamping down on motorists, tri-cyclists and motorcycle riders who make use of the highways without recourse to the state traffic laws.

    Speaking at an event organised by Africa’s mobile phone giant, itel Mobile, for Keke NAPEP riders at Ikeja at the weekend, the Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Mr Chris Olakpe (rtd), said the elections are over and work has resumed full steam.

    He said the agency decided to slow down to allow for smooth conduct of the elections, adding that now that the elections are over, LASTMA and other law enforcement agencies connected with road transportation in the state will return to work.

    Read also: Lagos NIOB seeks inclusion in MDAs, others

    “We will begin serious enforcement; abuse of drugs too will be dealt with. LASTMA will work with the police and NDLEA to flush people selling drugs at motor parks out,” Olakpe said.

    Also speaking on the occasion, General Manager, Transsion Holding, Chidi Okonkwo, Transsion said the firm decided to use Keke Napep riders as launch pad to kick-start safe driving campaign.

    He said the initiative was in keeping with the firm’s drive to prioritise its community’s needs under the CSR initiative: Love Always On, and reduce problem that has resulted from misuse of mobile technology.

    He lamented that mobile phone use while driving in Nigeria was on the increase, warning that the practice exposes driver four times to risk of accident. “When there is a crash, the life of passengers and drivers are at risk.

  • Compounded crime

    •An armed robber who attacked his 90-year-old mother with a machete got a death sentence in a shocking case that prompts reflections on crime and punishment

    Akeem Lawal was arraigned on 3 May 2016. The Lagos State Government accused him of conspiracy to commit robbery and armed robbery. On March 18, Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye of a Lagos State High Court, sitting in Igbosere on Lagos Island, found Lawal guilty on both counts. The judge also found the defendant guilty of attacking his stepsister, Sherifat Olanipekun, with a machete and a gun.

    “You shall be hanged by your neck until you die,” Justice Ipaye pronounced in her judgement, saying the prosecution had proved that the armed robbery happened. According to the prosecution, the crime occurred on 30 November 2013, at 2.00a.m, at No.12, Lawal St., Akowonjo in Egbeda area of Lagos State.

    Lawal and two others were said to have broken into his stepsister’s room and robbed her.  A report said: “Olanipekun, in her testimony, said that on the day of the incident she was working on some decorations for her church when she heard a loud sound. She said the sound woke her son, Abiodun Olanipekun, adding that she went to block the door to prevent the armed robbers from entering the house, but they broke down the door with an axe. She also stated that immediately the three masked men entered the house, they demanded N8million, supposedly received from a sold property.”

    The report continued: “Olanipekun said she told the robbers that there was no such money with her, which infuriated one of the armed robbers, Lawal, to remove his mask. Olanipekun said “Lawal ordered me to lay face down, he macheted my head with the axe, shot me at the back. He went to the room and tried to strangle my aged mother.” The robbers stole her laptop, phones and jewelry, she had told the court.  Lawal, who had pleaded not guilty, claimed that he was not in Lagos when the robbery happened. But the judge said she had no reason to doubt the testimonies of the victims.

    Understandably, armed robbery attracts a harsher penalty than robbery. So Lawal and his partners had compounded their crime by using weapons. Indeed, Olanipekun’s testimony showed that the robbers went beyond robbery and had posed a serious threat to the lives of the victims by the use of weapons.

    The depravity is deepened by the son-attacks-mother angle. Lawal’s murderous moves against his mother were not the natural expressions of a loving child.  It is a shame that Lawal prized material possessions above maternal connection, and also exhibited contempt for familial ties.

    By resorting to robbery, the robbers betrayed their desperation. The judgment makes an unambiguous statement that armed robbery is unacceptable.  However, it is unclear why Lawal’s partners are not in this picture of punishment. The report didn’t provide information on them.

    Death by hanging is a huge price to pay, but it is noteworthy that Lawal’s sentencing followed a proper trial. The prosecution had said that the offence contravened Section 297, 295 (2) (a), of the Criminal Law of Lagos, 2011. Lawal’s death sentence further highlights congestion on death row. Two years ago,   the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Adeniji Kazeem, said at a press conference that the Lagos State Government would soon take action on 202 condemned prisoners.

    Definitely, there is a problem when prisoners lawfully sentenced to death remain endlessly on death row because of the tentativeness of the political authorities. A  Nigerian Prisons Service spokesman was quoted as saying at the time that there were no fewer than 1,639 inmates awaiting execution across the country, which contributed to prison congestion. As long as the country’s criminal justice system accommodates the death penalty, there is no justification for delaying action on condemned convicts.

  • Collapsed building: Estate valuer commiserates with victims’ families

    A foremost estate valuer and surveyor, Chief Adesunbo Onitiri, has called on the Lagos State government to embark on the construction of low-income houses.

    Chief Adesunbo Onitiri, Lagos Central Senatorial candidate of PDP, while commiserating with the parents and families of children and residents who lost their lives in the collapsed building that occurred in the Ita Faaji area of Lagos, in a statement, described the incident as highly regrettable and a big disaster to the entire people of Lagos State.

    ”I sympathize with all Lagosians, particularly,  Lagos Island residents, over the tragic death of innocent people that lost their lives in the building collapse that occurred at Ita Faaji in Lagos island.

    “May the souls of our dearly beloved trapped in the unfortunate incident rest in peace.  May Allah comfort and console members of their families. May we never witness such devastation again,” Onitiri said.

    He called on the Lagos State Government to immediately commence building of low-cost housing to accommodate our low-income families at very affordable prices.

    “The role of government is to provide accommodation for the poor. Government has no role in profiteering on housing scheme or building houses for the rich. The rich can provide homes for themselves.”

    “I urge Lagos State government to immediately resettle families of those affected in the tragic incident, “ he said.

    Read also: APC defiant as tribunal voids Oyetola’s election

    He noted with dismay the incidence of building collapse happening all over the country which he said was becoming very worrisome.

    He said care must be taken to involve professionals in the design, approval and construction processes.

    “Government cannot afford to run away from its responsibilities of welfare provision of affordable homes for our teeming population”, Onitiri said.

  • Lagos demolishes 13 buildings

    Five more structurally defective Lagos Island buildings were yesterday brought down by the Lagos State Government.

    This brings the number of demolished buildings to 13 since Friday when the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) started the exercise to prevent another disaster after Wednesday’s incident on Massey Street, Ita-Faji, Lagos Island. Twenty people were killed; forty-five others were injured when the four-storey building collapsed. Most of the dead were children.

    Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development Prince Rotimi Ogunleye described the exercise as a holistic response to the challenges posed by derelict structures and unapproved schools.

    LASBCA Acting General Manager Tayo Fakuloju and Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development Permanent Secretary Mrs Boladele Dapo-Thomas led the team that carried out the demolition.

    The houses pulled down yesterday were 25, Elegbata Street, Apongbon, 199, Tokunbo Street, 27, Inabiri Street, 16, Egatin Street and 45, John Street – all on Lagos Island.

    They joined eight others demolished on Friday and Saturday – 60, Freeman, 47 Smith, 16, Apatira, 28, Apatira, 39 Alli, 21, Okediji, 34 Seriki and 33 Ojo Giwa streets.

    The government, Fakuloju said, has taken over the collapsed Massey Street building.

    Mrs Dapo-Thomas said the government will not rest on its oars until “we have sanitise the whole Island and Lagos metropolis of distressed and dilapidated buildings and stem the era of building collapse in the state.”

    She said that  the fate of sealed 34, Beckley Street will be determined soon.

    Ogunleye, in a statement advised landlords and developers, whose structures have been marked for demolition to pull them down or risk forfeiting them.

    Commiserating with the bereaved families, he solicited the cooperation of the public to rid the state of distressed buildings.

    According to him, the ministry had identified 149 distressed and defective buildings, of which 40 have been demolished.

    He said 38 others were slated for demolition before Wednesday’s unfortunate incident.

    “In some instances where the owners and occupiers were served with notices and evacuated, people secretly returned to re-occupy the buildings despite the sealing off of the structures by the LASBCA,” he said.

    Ogunleye said that LASBCA would step up the ongoing demolition of the affected buildings, adding that all parts of the state would be reached.

    He warned that the government will invoke Section 74 of the Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law on forfeiture against any owner or developer whose negligence leads to building collapse.

    The Medical Director of the Lagos Island General Hospital, Dr Ismail Ganikale, yesterday said more survivors had been discharged.

    According to him, seven children and two adults are left in the hospital.

    “On Friday, we had 13 patients (10 children and three adults). Four were discharged yesterday (Saturday). We have nine left. We will wait for our consultants tomorrow (today) to determine the fate of others,” Ganikale said.

    The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Lagos and Oyo state governors to to address the human rights impacts of the building collapse in their respective states.

    This, SERAP said, is to avoid further damage to the human rights of the people affected.

    The organisation urged the two governors to ensure access of victims and their families for effective remedies in a transparent manner, “specifically, access to justice, adequate compensation, reparation, and guarantees that incidents like these can never happen again.”

    SERAP, in a statement issued yesterday by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, blamed collapsed building tragedies on weak enforcement of building regulations and oversight by the two states.

    It said the twin incidents require urgent action and reforms.

    SERAP said its concern for the victims stemmed from the fact that responses so far by the governments of the two states have been insufficient to deal with the massive extent of the human costs of the incidents.

    ”These incidents come as a tragic reminder of the mismanagement, weakness in the regulatory and monitoring regime. The governments should have done more to prevent them from happening. The governors should act decisively on their commitments to do everything in their powers to prevent more such tragedies, and to bring to justice those responsible, to serve as a deterrent and end the negligence at which many are carrying out their duties.”

    The statement read in part: “Schools should be a sanctuary – a place where children can learn, develop and play with their classmates, and prepare for their future lives in society.

    “Collapse of school building due to weak enforcement regulations or corruption is an implicit attack on the right of Nigerian children to education, life, and human dignity. Such situation creates an environment of fear and severely diminishes the quality of children’s education.

    “The tragedies demand accountability and both Lagos and Oyo states should accept responsibility for these incidents; promptly, thoroughly and impartially investigate exactly how they happened, and publicly apologise to the victims, their families and Nigerians. Building developers and contractors can only be properly held to account if the two states do the right thing for the harm they have caused.”

    “SERAP is seriously concerned about the frequency of building collapse in the country.

    “Many buildings within Lagos and Oyo states reportedly remain in breach of minimum standards. Both governments should urgently take effective monitoring and enforcement action and provide conclusive evidence that buildings within their states are safe, strong, stable and meet applicable legal and building standards.

    The organization urged all levels of government to monitor and effectively enforce compliance by public and private actors with their regulatory and environmental standards in order to prevent other tragedies.

    “President Muhammadu Buhari and all the 36 state governors should publicly commit that they will do everything possible to prevent new tragedies like those of Lagos Island and Bode, Ibadan.

    “We condemn the collapse of a three-storey building in Ita-Faji area of Lagos Island with over 20 people including school children reportedly dead and 45 injured, and the collapse of a two-storey building in Ibadan, Oyo State, with some people reportedly injured.

    “We stand in solidarity with those affected and ready to help by providing free legal advice, assistance and support in order to ensure that justice is not only done, but also seen to be done in these cases”, the organisation stated.

     

    Red Cross begins ‘back to school’ campaign for survivors

    The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) said it had begun a ‘back to school’ campaign for the survivors of the collapsed building on Lagos Island.

    Its Lagos office Secretary, Mr Olakunle Lasisi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Lagos that the project would help the survivors, particularly the students, overcome the trauma.

    According to Lasisi, the branch decided to embark on the project after concluding its need assessment for the survivors.

    “We’ve been able to reach out to the people affected and we’re trying to help them recover. One of the things they need to do is to go back to school.

    “If they keep waiting at home, they will still be dealing with the trauma but if they’re sent back to school immediately, it will ease some of their burdens,” he said.

    The secretary explained that the society was carrying out psychosocial support for the victims; through visits, counselling and provision of relief materials.

    He pledged the continued support of NRCS to the victims, as much as it could.

    “For those who were residents of the building, we’re looking at relief materials, if possible, because it’s very important, they need to get accommodation.”

    Lasisi said the survivor, who lived at the penthouse of the building, had been transferred to another hospital for increased medical support.

    The secretary hailed the staff of the Lagos Island General Hospital for the care given to the survivors.

    He also praised all those who had reached out to Red Cross to offer one service or the other.

    Lasisi urged individuals and corporate organisations to support the society’s project in helping the children go back to school.

    “We are looking to provide for 40 children with a minimum of N100,000 per child.

    “N50, 000 is what we’re looking forward to for school fees, provide uniforms, books while the remaining N50,000 will be given as stipends for the child. The NRCS can be reached at its office in Makoko, Lagos and by telephone on 08023310969,’’ he said.

  • Lagos to developers: Failure to demolish defective structures ‘ll lead to forfeiture

    The Lagos State Government has advised house owners and developers whose structures have been marked for demolition to remove them forthwith failing which they risk the forfeiture of the properties.

    While commiserating with the families of the deceased following the collapse of the building at Ita- faji, the Honourable Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development Prince Rotimi Ogunleye called for the co-operation of members of the public in ridding the state of distressed structures.

    Speaking at the weekend, Ogunleye pointed out that the Ministry had identified 149 distressed and defective buildings in different parts of the State of which 40 had been demolished in the first phase, adding that 38 others were slated for the second phase prior to last week’s unfortunate incident.

    “In some instances where the owners and occupiers have been duly served with statutory notices and evacuated, people secretly return to re-occupy the buildings despite the sealing of the structures by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA)”.

    The Honourable Commissioner said LASBCA would step up the ongoing removal of the affected buildings, adding that all parts of the State would be reached.

    He warned that the State would invoke Section 74 of the Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law on forfeiture against any owner or developer whose negligence leads to building collapse.

    He said at the weekend that the Ministry held meetings with various Ministries, Departments and Agencies to embark on a holistic response to the present and future challenges posed by illegal developments and siting of unapproved schools.

    In attendance were the Lagos State Safety Commission, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), Lagos State Material Testing Laboratory (LSMTL), State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and officials of the Ministry of Education.

  • ‘Try building law breakers’

    A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Cee-Hope, has asked the Lagos State Government to  prosecute violators of building laws.

    Its Executive Director, Betty Abbah, said in a statement yesterday: “We commiserate with the families who have lost children and relations in the collapsed Lagos Island building.

    “According to media reports, about 18 persons, mostly children, died while 41 were rescued, with several of them sustaining injuries. These casualties, these heart-wrenching pains are avoidable- a result of the pervasive lawlessness in our society.

    “We, therefore, ask for a speedy investigation and dispensing of the most stringent punishment for violators of building codes and regulations that led to this avoidable loss of lives.

    “A society is only taken seriously when there is adherence to set rules and regulations, especially when it concerns safety of the most vulnerable, in this case children.’’

  • LASG spends N15bn on schools’ infrastructure over 3-yrs – Ambode

    The Lagos State Government said it had invested N15 billion in infrastructure in state-owned schools over the past three and a half years.

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode made this known on Thursday during the official opening of the newly-constructed Aderemi Makanjuola Ultra-Modern Lecture Theatre at the Lagos State University (LASU).

    The occasion was also marked with the presentation of a book entitled “Global Aids and Tertiary Education: An Overview”.

    The lecture theatre was donated by Mr Aderemi Makanjuola, Chairman, Caverton Offshore Support Group to mark his 70th birthday anniversary.

    The governor said infrastructure facilities were provided to ensure that students learn in a conducive environment.

    According to him, the state government under my administration has also employed 3,400 primary and secondary teachers to improve the teacher to student ratio as well as the quality of learning in the schools.

    “As you may be aware, Lagos State is the fifth largest economy in Africa based on the size of our GDP and one of the strengths of our state is our teeming population of which youths constitute a majority.

    “This administration has determined that the continued prosperity of Lagos State is dependent on a well-educated population that is competent to create value and take up opportunities in the global economy.

    “Beyond these statutory activities, we developed innovative solutions to bridge gaps in our education system and to position Lagos State for a technology-driven future, ‘’ the governor said.

    According to him, the strategy of the state government has been all-encompassing, reaching every level of the society to ensure no one is left behind.

    Ambode said in response to concerns from Corporate Nigeria regarding the work-readiness of graduates, the ReadySetWork programme was launched in 2016.

    He said the programme aimed at ensuring that every student who graduated from a tertiary institution in the state had the skills, knowledge, and mindset required to function effectively in the world of work.

    “To date, over 34,000 students have graduated from the programme and are making impact in their respective spheres – some pursuing doctoral degrees, others applying their entrepreneurial skills to solve social problems.

    “While some others transforming organisations across Nigeria as value-adding employees, ‘’ he said.

    The governor said the CodeLagos initiative was launched in 2017 with a handful of coding centres in both government and private schools in the state with a mission to position Lagos as the technology frontier in Africa by teaching one million residents code.

    “As of today, we have set up coding centres in 648 primary and secondary schools across the state and we are offering free coding classes to Lagos residents at over 40 out-of-school centres.

    “Through `Eko Nke Koo’, the Lagos State Agency for Mass Education increased the number of adult literacy centres across the state from 532 centres in 2016 to 782 as at January 2018, ‘’ he said.

    Ambode appreciated the privilege and honour to work alongside collaborators bordering large scale organisations or well-meaning individuals in the society.

    He said these were people who recognised their roles in state and nation building and had worked tirelessly to support the efforts of government.

    Ambode however said the opening of the theatre was symbolic of a citizen-partnership as Makanjuola had sown a seed that would outlive him by bequeathing the ultra-modern lecture theatre to the university.

    “Sir, this is a gesture that will be remembered for generations and for that we are eternally grateful.

    “On behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, and the entire Lagos State University community, I say a very happy birthday to you, Sir.

    “In another 48 hours, our philanthropist will be 70 years old. Congratulations Sir, as those who are present here today bear witness to your generousity.

    “I thank the LASU management for reciprocating your kind gesture by publishing the book being presented to the public today entitled “Global Aids and Tertiary Education: An Overvie’’, in honour of Mr Remi Makanjuola.

    ‘“I am told the book would make a good reading and also serve as an inspiration to all who read it,” he said.

    The governor congratulated the Chancellor, the Governing Council, the Vice-Chancellor and other members of the university management for repositioning LASU and placing her on the path of growth and progress.

    “I believe strongly that the high level commitment demonstrated by the management of the university has played a major role in attracting support from corporate organisations and individuals, one of whom we are gathered here to celebrate.

    “I urge our lecturers and students to make the best use of this facility; use it to propel yourselves to achieving your dreams. That is when the vision of Mr Remi Makanjuola would have been realised, ‘’ the governor said.

    Ambode also assured the university community of his commitment to ensure the completion of all ongoing developmental projects in the university.

    `This is toward achieving the goal of making the university one of the best centres of knowledge and research in Africa,’’ he said.

    In his address, Makanjuola said he made the donation because education was the bedrock of development in every society and it was also an avenue for him to give back to Lagos State where he enjoyed scholarship.

    Makanjoula said the building was completed within six months while hailing all those who were members of the building team for the efforts at ensuring things were done properly and timely.

    “It is not for me to tell anybody to donate because everybody has what he or she wants to use his or her money for but we all know how important education is,’’ he said. (NAN)