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Tag: Lagos State

  • Lagos empowers 26 agripreneurs with N100 million grants

    Lagos empowers 26 agripreneurs with N100 million grants

    As part of its commitment to transforming agriculture and building a sustainable food system, the Lagos Ministry of Agriculture & Food Systems department in collaboration with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) and Eko Innovation Centre, supported by the Lagos State Government has awarded N100 million in grants to 26 young agripreneurs at the maiden edition of the Lagos Agrinnovation Summit.

    The platform is designed to foster meaningful conversations, collaboration, and groundbreaking innovations within the agricultural sector. With the theme, ‘Shaping Sustainable Agriculture and Food System for the Next Generation’, this gesture reiterates the government’s commitment to boost food security and production in the state, as well as serves as the backbone of the economy.

    In his address, the State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, stated that the state would not stop until she achieved food security and production serving as an example to other parts of the nation and Africa.

    He also said that the gesture was a symbol of what the state can achieve when it trusts the youth to lead and supports them in doing so.

    His words, “We gather here with the purpose to build sustainable agriculture and food systems for the next generation and to ensure that Lagos not only sustains itself but leads Nigeria and Africa towards food security and agricultural excellence.

    “As a government, we understand that agriculture development depends on more than just traditional practices. It requires us to embrace technology, foster collaboration and create sustainable practices that endure.

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    “This year’s Agrithon saw 316 business case entries from dynamic startups, championed by young people who are driven by their vision to transform agriculture and build sustainable solutions.

    “The 26 finalists we honored  today have not only made it through a rigorous selection process but have also shown us that the future of food in Lagos is bright. With access to mentorship, network, and share of the N100 million Agrinnovation Fund, these entrepreneurs will have the resources to take their enterprise’s solutions further”.

    Earlier, in her welcome address, Abisola Olusanya, Honourable Commissioner for the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems of Lagos State, expressed her appreciation to all in attendance and especially to the jurors who worked tirelessly in the selection process of the 26 finalists.

    “We are here to celebrate young entrepreneurs who have not waited for the government to give them opportunities but have looked within themselves and others for inspiration. They have made themselves and their enterprises something to be proud of and we are proud to be associated with them”.

    One of the finalists and beneficiaries of the grant, Jumamai Abalaka, Founder and COO of PricePally who won Seven million naira expressed her gratitude to the Lagos State government stating that the grant would assist in taking her business to the next level.

    Dada Oyindamola, a Co-founder of Homal Foods said she was excited to have been considered one of the winners of the competition after such intense pitching sessions from several innovative businesses in the state.

    She said the money won would help them to rescale the business as they would be able to produce goods on a larger scale.

    The Lagos Agrinnovation Summit 1.0 marks a significant milestone in Lagos State’s mission to foster a sustainable and resilient agricultural & food systems sector. Through this landmark event, the state government has not only provided vital funding but also a platform for young agripreneurs. As these promising agripreneurs continue their journey, the state looks forward to seeing their contributions shape the future of food security and sustainability in Lagos and beyond.

  • 2,000 vulnerable persons receive govt’s N700m

    2,000 vulnerable persons receive govt’s N700m

    Lagos State has disbursed N700 million to over 2,000 vulnerable persons in 2024, and it intends to increase this in 2025.

    Special Adviser to the governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Tajudeen, said this at a ‘Breakfast Media Chat’ where he outlined their achievements in 2024 and plans for 2025.

    Tajudeen noted that his office’s core mandate is to fulfill the THEMES+ agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration, which includes social inclusion. This, it does by interfacing with people to ensure no one is left behind.

    To achieve its goal of citizen interaction, the government established ‘Sanwo-Olu Listens’, to provide financial assistance to the vulnerable. Over N700,000,000 was disbursed to 2,000 vulnerable persons  to help them meet their health, accommodation, business, and school fees challenges, etc.

    Also, the ‘Lagos Citizensgate’ mobile app was developed for better grassroots participation, to strengthen governance, and ensure transparency.

    Tajudeen said these efforts are to foster a more inclusive and resilient Lagos, where every resident can thrive.

    Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, said the app remains ‘a game changer, as it has been a veritable platform for citizens to engage the government, air grievances, and for government to solve such problems’.

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    Hamzat called for collaboration between government and media to promote inclusive governance.

    The deputy governor emphasised the need for objective reportage, noting it is counter-productive if the media expounds negatives in reports.

    Citing the narrative that Nigeria’s education is decaying, Hamzat differed.

    He said: “We should not succumb to the narrative that Nigerian education is going down. If our education is going down, why is the Western world, particularly, British and America, recruiting our teachers, doctors, and nurses? This is the kind of label we gullibly imbibed. I wish the practitioners should engage more in the positive, but also report when we are failing.

    “As we know, there are things we do, including roads, drainage, education health, transport, waste management. A lot of things we do in Lagos seem not to be well disseminated to the public.”

    Hamzat also stressed that it is important for people to understand that Nigeria is a developing country, and they must speak positively about the country, discuss facts and issues that are relevant to the growth and development of the country, rather than diminishing it.

    The deputy governor also restated that the government is committed to fostering a Lagos that is inclusive and investor- friendly, and so it is undertaking over 189 projects aimed at enhancing the welfare of Lagosians, the younger generation, and streamlining business operations.

  • Lagos extends free hypertension, diabetes screening

    Lagos extends free hypertension, diabetes screening

    Lagos State Government has announced another extension of its free hypertension and diabetes screening campaign, ‘Know Your Numbers, Control Your Numbers’.

    The screening will now end on November 24.

    This marks the second extension of the initiative, initially slated to end on November 3.

    Commissioner for Health Prof. Akin Abayomi urged residents to avail themselves of the opportunity.

    “We have seen an overwhelming response from the public, and it is clear that extending the campaign further will allow even more Lagosians to benefit from this lifesaving initiative. Hypertension and diabetes are silent killers, and knowing your health numbers is a crucial step toward managing these conditions effectively,” he said.

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    The commissioner emphasised the significance of early detection and management of hypertension and diabetes in reducing complications such as heart disease, stroke and kidney failure.

    “The government remains committed to reducing the disease burden in our state by providing access to free screenings across all local government. Over 330 designated screening sites, including 30 General Hospitals and 300 Primary Health Centres, will continue to offer these services daily from 9am,” he noted.

    Abayomi restated the campaign’s alignment with the national ‘10 Million Project,’ an initiative to screen 10 million Nigerians for hypertension and diabetes.

    Since its launch on October 28, thousands of Lagosians have been screened.

    “The campaign reflects our government’s proactive approach to preventive health care and demonstrates our commitment to creating a healthier Lagos,” he said.

  • Lagos unveils ‘Innovate Eko STEAM Programme’

    Lagos unveils ‘Innovate Eko STEAM Programme’

    The Lagos State Government has unveiled the Innovate Eko STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) Programme, aimed at inspiring interest in STEAM careers.

    The project was aimed  at commemorating the National Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) day, celebrated every November. 8.

    Speaking during the event, held at the STEM Lab, Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, Mr. Tunbosun Alake, the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, described STEAM as the pillar for economic value creation.

    Alake encouraged students to show interest in innovation, science and technology, as such enabled them to build applications to solve problems.

    “You are never too young to start learning science and technology, because these will eventually enable you to contribute value to the society.

    “The passion for science will never go unrewarded. With a focus on science, technology and innovation, the sky is not even the limit, you are going above the sky, going to space,’’ he said.

    Also speaking, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, said that the programme was about the students’ progress, performance, and science-oriented subjects.

    Alli-Balogun said that STEAM was about the present and the future, and the realisation that people could not do away with science.

    “We need more teachers to teach sciences in our schools. We have mandated the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) to recruit more teachers so, that we can have additional science teachers in our public schools.

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    “Not only that, we are training the existing teachers from our own training facilities, from collaborative efforts of NGOs and interested stakeholders, and they have been coming around doing that.

    “We have been shortlisting about 10,000 teachers to be trained by Canadian institution through our effort, and out of this 10,000 teachers, I want to believe almost 60 per cent will go to sciences, because that is what we need most right now,’’ he said.

    The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State on Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Opeyemi Eniola, said that the Innovate Eko STEAM Project would focus on training of students in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics Technology, solar energy and visual processing.

    Eniola said that 100 students would be trained from each of the different education districts in the state.

    He said that the project also aimed to inspire the next generation of innovators and encourage interest in STEM careers.

    “The Innovate Eko STEAM Programme is a programme established to train students, to empower them to be self-employed, to empower them to be prepared for the future, to empower them to face the present and the future challenges.

    “This Innovate Eko STEAM project plans to train students, not just in robotics, but in artificial intelligence, graphics, design, ads, phone repair, solar panel, solar energy, both the management, installation, repair and care.

    “So, the main essence of Innovate Eko STEAM project is to ensure that we move from just being a consumption country to a more productive country, and we are starting with Lagos State,’’ the SSA said.

  • Commission holds seminar for council’s procurement officers

    Commission holds seminar for council’s procurement officers

    The Local Government Service Commission, Lagos State has organised a sensitisation programme for procurement officers in the Unified Local Government. The theme of the programme was Strategic Procurement Planning as an Impetus Towards Achieving Value for Money.

    The sensitisation programme aimed to enhance the capacity of procurement officers in the Unified Local Government to strategically plan and execute procurement processes effectively. By focusing on the importance of strategic procurement planning, the initiative sought to emphasise the significance of achieving value for money in procurement activities.

    Chairman of Local Government Service, Lagos State, Kamal Bayewu, in his address, emphasised on the imperative of strategic procurement at the grassroot level, noting that the participants should use the opportunity to learn, unlearn and relearn on procurement process aimed at value for money.

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    Director-General, Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Mr Fatai Onofowote engaged the participants in a comprehensive lecture, interactive sessions, workshops, and presentations that covered various aspects of strategic procurement planning, including market analysis, risk management, supplier relationship management, and performance evaluation, noting the valuable insights and best practices in the field.

    Another Speaker, a retired Permanent Secretary, Mrs Olatokunbo Emokpae, highlighted the importance of equipping procurement officers with the necessary knowledge and skills to drive efficiency, transparency, and accountability in procurement processes.

    She emphasised that strategic procurement planning is essential for optimising resources, reducing costs, and ensuring the delivery of quality goods and services to the citizens.

    The sensitisation programme received positive feedback from participants, who expressed appreciation for the opportunity to enhance their procurement competencies and contribute to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of procurement practices in the Unified Local Government.

  • ‘Assembly can’t usurp power to probe cases’

    ‘Assembly can’t usurp power to probe cases’

    Let council involved in dispute decide, says SAN

    Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Dr. Kemi Pinheiro, has urged Lagos State House of Assembly and Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, not to interfere in the probe of and proceedings concerning alleged case of fraudulent acquisition of Governors Consent and an act of aggression over property at 47, Old Ogba Road, Near M.K.O Abiola Market, Agege, in Lagos State.

    Pinheiro, of Pinheiro LP, faulted the assembly’s November 5 letter inviting the firm’s clients, Mr and Mrs Edwards Ayo-Odugbesan to the Assembly, saying it could violate separation of power, by usurping functions of the police and courts hearing the matter.

    He said he had advised his clients not to attend the meeting so they would not risk contempt of court.

    Pinheiro gave the advice in a November 6 letter on behalf of the Ayo-Odugbesans, in response to the Assembly’s invitation. Copies of the letter were sent to President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the state’s Attorney General.

    The assembly’s invitation followed an October 31 petition against the Ayo-Odugbesans by Concerned Agege Residents, claiming the disputed land belongs to Agege Local Government, chaired by Alhaji Kola Ganiu Egunjobi.

    The SAN said: “Your letter of invitation purports to invite my clients in relation to two issues, which clearly denote allegations of crime, namely: (i) Fraudulent acquisition of Governor’s Consent and (ii.) Acts of aggression.

    “By provisions of the Constitution and the Police Act, the power to investigate crime has been ceded to the Police and other law enforcement agencies.”

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    He argued that he could not find any provision donating powers to investigate crime or any crime allegation to House of Assembly or even federal legislature.

    “I have looked at those powers that have been donated to the legislature, which you represent, and cannot find any that supports the investigation of allegations of crime and determination of ownership of land.”

    Pinheiro wondered why the lawmakers were interested in summoning his clients when Agege coumcil and its chairman, who Concerned Agege Residents purported to be advocating for, and whom the Ayo-Odugbesan couple had accused of unlawful demolition of the property, had kept mute over the matter.

    He said: “It beats my imagination that this Assembly and its Committee on Rules and Business would dignify a petition written by unknown and faceless individuals purporting to enforce ownership of a property belonging to a Local Government Council when the Local Government itself is sitting idle and has not made any complaint in that regard.

    “What is more, these matters, the subject of your invitation, are sub-judice and presently pending before a court of competent jurisdiction.”

    Additionally, Pinheiro alleged that the Assembly ignored his client’s earlier petition on the same subject matter but quickly acted on the group’s letter.

  • Residents take to farming

    Residents take to farming

    To curb hunger and strengthen food security, Iwaya residents in Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State have gathered to learn approaches to subsistence farming  to experience self-sufficiency in food production.

    The initiative, by Dr. Segun Oshile, had the theme: ‘Subsistence Farming: A Means to Easing Hunger in Nigeria’.

    At the event in the palace of Olu of Iwaya, Oba Sulaiman Ogun-Oloko, Oshile said the meeting was a grassroots effort to tackle food insecurity by giving individuals hands-on farming skills and awareness of opportunities, bridging the gap between needs and agricultural potential.

    He noted the potential of small-scale farming to address food insecurity and poverty.

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    Oshile said: “Even without farmland, individuals can participate in agricultural value chain.”

    He added that by marketing local produce or growing food on a small scale, families could support themselves.

    Keynote speaker, Dr. Alabi Adekunle, explained how subsistence farming could benefit households.

    He said: “Starting with small steps as raising chickens or keeping fish, can make a difference.”

    Vice-President of Innovative Youth Farmers, Ikorodu, Mr. Tayo Odeyemi, said participants could tailor their efforts to their interest and space.

  • Lead active lives to beat stroke, experts urge residents

    Lead active lives to beat stroke, experts urge residents

    The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ebute Meta, Lagos State, has urged Nigerians to lead physically active lives to beat stroke.

    The hospital also held an outreach in partnership with Omron and New Height Pharmacy to celebrate the World Stroke Day.

    Deputy Head of Clinical Services, Dr. Oluwatoyin Akinsiku urged the people to also report early at hospitals when they have symptoms of stroke so it can be better.

    She said: “The message for everybody is to reduce their stroke risk by engaging in physical activities like regular walks (about 10,000 steps daily), like weight lifting, and anything that will make you move, sweat and burn calories. We are also urged to present early when there are symptoms of stroke to reduce complications and ensure that our quality of life.

    “This is a wake-up call for us all to make a change, start small, walk up the stairs, take breaks in between work and also reduce driving.

    “FMC is glad to be partnering with the Neurology department to enlighten the world about stroke. We encourage people to visit our centre, we are a tertiary multi-specialist medical centre and we provide services that can help the entire family.”

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    Deputy Director of Nursing Services,

    Mrs. Mosunmola Onadipe, lamented that stroke is on the increase because of unhealthy living habits. It could also be due to one underlying condition, she noted.

    She added: “We urge stroke survivors to follow medical instructions to the latter, and also be aware of their kind of person so they can help themselves.

    “Working for 12 hours is not feasible for survivors because it is no longer beneficial for them. They can no longer take alcohol excessively. In fact we preach forgiveness because anger builds high blood pressure, and they should also avoid triggers.

    “We also urge them to stick do doctors instructions – maintain healthy diet (low salt and cholesterol) as prescribed by a dietician, exercises as directed by the physiotherapist, buy their medication from hospitals and approved pharmacies, and do enough exercise to improve blood flow, build muscles, and give the patient a sort of peace.”

  • Widow, brother of slain council worker seek justice

    Widow, brother of slain council worker seek justice

    Widow of a slain local government worker, Mrs. Funke Kesinro, has appealed to Lagos State to intervene and ensure justice for her late husband.

    The late Idowu Kesinro, 39, a hunter and a staff of Agbowa Ikosi Local Government, was allegedly killed by persons suspected to be land grabbers in Igbeyin, Ikorodu, Lagos State, in April, while hunting.

    The four suspects arrested by the police; Mukaila Salau, known as Actor, Tiyamiyu Ahmed, Wasiu Suleimon, and Ibrahim Ekemode, were paraded at a Magistrate Court in Ogba, with the Judge,  Lateef Owolabi, ordering they be remanded till November 26.

    Speaking at a press briefing, the wife noted that there are speculations the  suspects will be released.

    She alleged that after the last hearing last month, some allies of the suspect were jubilating they would soon be released.

    Funke called relevant authorities to intervene and ensure the perpetrators do not go free.

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    “My husband was an easygoing person. He never quarrel with anyone. They  killed him, without thinking of his wife and children…” she said.

    Elder brother of the deceased, Abdul Kesinro, recounting how his brother was killed, noted he was found in a pool of his  blood with bullet and matchete wounds on his head and other body parts.

    He sought protection of the police, noting that his life was also in danger for seeking justice for his late brother.

    “I  have stopped sleeping in my house because of threats of abduction and murder. Now we hear the suspects will be released because they are connected to bigwigs in Lagos State. We appeal to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene.  I also appeal to the Chief Judge of Ogba Magistrate Court to examine the case critically and ensure justice is served,” he said.

  • Bamidele to deliver lecture on council administration

    Bamidele to deliver lecture on council administration

    Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele will deliver a lecture on council administration in Ikorodu, Lagos State, on Friday.

    Titled: ‘Local Government Administration in Nigeria: Challenges, Perspectives and Way Forward,’ the lecture is in commemoration of the 50th birthday of a grassroots politician, Japhet Adesanya, who is running for chairman of the local government.

    Former Lagos State Head of Service Babatunde Rotinwa will deliver a keynote address.

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    Expected at Ikorodu Town Hall venue of the lecture to be chaired by Premero Managing Director, Fola Tinubu, are the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Shotobi, All Progressives Congress (APC) elders Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, Olorunfunmi Basorun, Cardinal James Odunmbaku, Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, Dr. Olorunnimbe Mamora, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun, Lanre Odesanya, Adeola Jokomba, traditional rulers, women and youth groups.