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Tag: Lagos State

  • Lagos seeks private sector support for infrastructure

    THE Lagos State Government has called for more support from the Organised Private Sector (OPS) to help bridge the infrastructure gap in the state.

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the state was open for credible partnerships that would impact the lives of people and the business community positively.

    He spoke at the inauguration of the renovated Resettlement Community Primary Healthcare Centre and Resettlement Community Junior Secondary School.

    The projects were on the behest of the Redeemed Christian Church of God’s (RCCG’s) Christian Social Responsibility (CSR) in Ajah area of Lagos.

    Sanwo-Olu, who said the inauguration was a testament of a credible partnership that works with the private sector, added that no economy can survive without the support of the private sector

    “Today’s commissioning is not about me, not about the church, it is about the children, the community that will use the facilities. This is also a testament of how partnership can work. It is about understanding what governance is truly about. Governance is about giving opportunities to help people govern,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    Read Also: Lawmaker to Sanwo-Olu: Be focused

    The governor urged other corporate organisations, religious bodies to use what the church has done as a testimony to also identify what they can do in their community.

    “It is not all about what government can do for the people, but what we can do to support government. We are not going to shy away from our responsibilities. Our main responsibility is to ensure that we provide security of lives and property for every citizen that is staying in our state.

    “We must also give people the opportunity to do well, create a better future for our children. We are going to be very big in education and health and that is why when we see opportunities like this when the private sector is partnering with us, we will not shy away from it.

     

  • Xenophobic attacks: Over 5000 jobs lost in Lagos, says Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has lamented the colossal loses recorded in the xenophobic attacks in Lagos, disclosing that over 5000 jobs were lost in the state.

    The governor who spoke after inspection of some damaged facilities in the wake of the xenophobic attacks in the state, condemned the attacks and the looting of goods in the shopping malls.

    He said: ‘’We have seen the level of destruction at both Novare Plaza and Surulere plaza.

    “The first is to condemn the act that had led to this destruction in strong terms. These are just enormous destruction of property. This is extensive destruction of people’s wealth.

    “Unfortunately, during my inspection of both plazas, I discovered that those affected were all indigenous stores and companies.

    “Even the names that are synonymous with South Africa, I could see that there were over 150 staffs that could not get to perform their duties because of the act.

    ‘’From the evidence shown, we realized that people also jumped in through some nearby properties within the community. All these are unimaginable.

    ‘’But really the lesson learnt from all these were that we all go back and check what are the social implications of what has happened and how can we learn from it.’’

    ‘’When people come into a store overnight to loot the goods, it is an act that must be condemned. With the act now, over 5000 people are out of job. These are places that Nigerians were the major ones affected.’’

    The governor urged business owners to embark on a robust engagement with their local communities, saying engaging in strong interaction with the community where they do business would help to assuage such occurrence.

    ‘’This will make the people to attach some significance to the brands as it concerns what that brand has done for them in their communities. That brand then become something that one relate with. The residents will know that this is the brand that has taken people out of poverty and other things done for them to develop.

    Read Also: Sanitation: Lagos community lauds Sanwo-Olu 

    ‘’All these kind of social interactions need to come so that when people remember those brands; they will remember them for the positive thing they had done for them.

    ‘’So that when the residents remember the brand, they remember the positive things that they have done for the community.

    ‘’For us as government and the business community, it is for us to take full responsibilities and see how we can create the engagement bring social inclusion from where we do businesses.

    ‘’Also importantly is for us to assure the business community that the ease of doing business is paramount to us. Security of lives and property is very important to us and that is why we have asked our security agencies to stop at nothing in ensuring that all the facilities here are secured.

    “The governor said his government will also been speaking with the senior hierarchy of the police to know what will be done to all those that were arrested during the act.

     

     

     

  • Promise of better days as governors mark 100 days

    MANY state governors and their supporters on Friday appraised their performances during their first 100 days in office and said they have done well to deserve a pass mark.

    The  governors  also assured their people of better days ahead.

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State said his administration introduced a modern method of waste disposal which helped it in clearing  the heaps of refuse across the state.

    It has also empowered women and farmers with loans; commissioned 492 flats at Igando, renovated and rehabilitated   roads and procured  patrol vehicles and motorcycles for security organizations.

    He told stakeholders in Ikeja that his administration was taking practical steps to ensure that sufficient and accessible electricity is made available to all and sundry.

    Towards this end, it is collaborating with the two Discos in Lagos and  Elsewedy Electric to produce about 20,000 prepaid metres for distribution to residents.

    He said: ”We also want to ensure that with our PPP model, we can have a lot of off-grid generation brought to bear very quickly, meaning that we are not going to rely on what is supplied by the national grid. We will be able to come up with very innovative solutions at different communities where we can have off-grid arrangement.

    ”And people can have access to power, using either various renewable forms of energy like solar, wind and so on, or whatever solution we find least expensive. They will be deployed at our various communities because we cannot continue to give excuses.

    “We want to ensure that we have sufficient and accessible power in a 21st century economy like Lagos; so our commitment is that we would push on that. Government will ensure that whatever needs to be done to make power available for our teeming population, industries and businesses are things we shall solve very quickly.”

    Sanwo-Olu said that Lagos State is collaborating with neighboring Ogun State in rehabilitating and completing many of the roads linking the two states, especially in Sagamu, Epe and Ota axis”.

    A policy on the operation of commercial motorcylists is also in the pipeline, he said, while about 15,000 teachers would be recruited into the state teaching service with a view to reversing the shortage of teachers in  primary and secondary schools.

    “Also in the coming weeks, extension, renovation and rehabilitation of our schools will be starting.

    “We will also be facing equipment and learning curriculum of the children. We will be producing a learning tool that will be internet-driven for the children,”he said.

    APC scores Buni high, explains why he has not constituted cabinet

    THE All Progressive Congress in Yobe State said  Governor  Mai Mala Buni is  well on course to  transform the state.

    The State Secretary of the party, Alhaji Abubakar Bakabe, told reporters in Damaturu that    the   APC is “glad to state with all sense of fulfilment the political will of the Governor Mai Mala Buni administration in repositioning the state with short, intermediate and long-term policy measures for the state to achieve greatness.”

    Responding to a reporter’s question on why the governor has not formed his cabinet, Bakabe said it is because the governor does not want to make a mistake.

    He dismissed suggestions that the governor might be under pressure from his predecessor, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, to retain most of his former cabinet members.

    He said: “The governor is not under any pressure from the former governor, Ibrahim Gaidam. What is delaying the formation of the cabinet is not connected with such allegations at all.

    “Our governor, Alhaji Mai Mala Buni is committed to choosing the best team as a cabinet that will help him actualize his dreams and visions for the development of our dear state, Yobe.

    “Those allegations are baseless. This is the truth about the situation, and Isha Allah, our governor will soon submit the list of his cabinet members.

    “But you will agree with me that about 18 governors have also not constituted their cabinets. So we are still in tune.”

    The Yobe State APC scored the governor high on education.

    He said:”In an effort to actualize the emergency declared on education, government has in the last 100 days, organized the first ever education summit and thereafter, constituted a committee of erudite scholars, seasoned education administrators and prominent intellectuals to develop a roadmap for government to achieve the goal of repositioning primary and secondary education.

    “As the ruling political party in the state, we are glad with the political will exhibited by the Buni administration in the constitution and support given to the committee to have successfully completed its assignment with a high sense of commitment within a very short period of time. We are equally proud to see the vibrant governor commencing the implementation of the recommendations made by the committee.

    “Similarly, the undergraduate and post graduate foreign studies scholarship scheme introduced by the Buni administration would accelerate the manpower needs in critical areas across the state.

    “Already, the committee has also submitted its report and the governor has approved 228 slots for studies in medicine, paramedics, agriculture and engineering.”

    APC, PDP disagree over Bala Mohammed’s performance in Bauchi

    THE All Progressive Youth Parliament in Bauchi State has faulted claims by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that Governor Bala Mohammed has performed well in his first 100 days in office.

    While the PDP is of the opinion that Mohammed has recorded tremendous developmental achievements so far, the APC Youth Parliament said there is little or nothing to cheer about.

    Zonal Chairman of the PDP (Bauchi North), Alh. Yayanuwa Zainabari, said: “Within the first 100 days, the governor flagged off road construction in areas that lack accessible roads and renovation of the dilapidated ones in both the state capital and other senatorial zones.

    “The first ones he flagged off in the state capital were the construction and rehabilitation of four roads worth about N5 billion which include Ibrahim Bako to Maiduguri Road Bye-Pass, Sabon Kaura to Jos Road, while those of Muda Lawal Market and Yakubun Bauchi Quarters would be rehabilitated.’’

    Yayanuwa Zainabari, who doubles as the Publicity Secretary of the PDP in the state, said further that other roads projects awarded by the governor within the period under review were the 58-kilometre road linking Yalwan Duguri, Badaran Dutse, Birim, Bajama, Kumbala, Kundak, Wurno and Burga communities of Tafawa Balewa and Alkaleri local government areas, Sade to Akuyam in the Misau local government area, GRA Azare to old Kano Road in the Katagum local government area of the state.

    But speaking in to The Nation, the Secretary of the APC Youth Parliament group, Mallam Nasiru Shigari, said ‘’ The PDP governor has achieved nothing. First of all, he had promised he would recruit jobless people in the state, conduct local government elections , pay outstanding gratuities of workers, but none of these has been achieved so far.

     It’s a  mixed grill for Gov Fintiri

    IT is a mixed grill for Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State with some residents saying he has been slow and not done enough.

    Critics, who fault his speed at executing development projects, compare his government with that of his predecessor, Sen.  Jibrilla Bindow, arguing that Bindow did more in his first 100 days, while those who are satisfied with Fintiri’s pace list his achievements so far and conclude that he has actually done more.

    Mr Phineas Elisha, who was prominent in the political circle and seat of power when former Governor Murtala Nyako was in power, told our correspondent in an interview yesterday that Fintiri had spent a lot of time, complaining about and “dismantling the deeds of his predecessor” without doing enough to justify the time he has had to make his own impact.

    He said Fintiri’s predecessor, Jibrilla Bindow, was able to commission 201 feeder roads (some inherited from his predecessor) and started the construction of many urban roads within his first 100 days.

    He said Bindow started the renovation of long dilapidated schools, hospitals and other public institutions, among others, and that he already had his cabinet in place, all within his first hundred days.

    Another critic of the Fintiri administration, who similarly stressed the absence of a cabinet so far, is Alhaji Ahmed Lawan, who functions in the state as Organising Secretary of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Ahmed Lawan said the lack of a cabinet after such a long time within which the Fintiri government has been awarding contracts borders on gross abuse of power.

    ”I wonder a lot who approves the contracts when the approving authority, the state executive council, is not in place,” he said.

    According to him, “only four people are running the government: the governor, the deputy governor, the SSG and Chief of Staff,” as    against what should be a full cabinet that should include commissioners overseeing the various sectors of the state.

    He also faulted the Fintiri government for “witch-hunting” the Bindow government, emphasizing that Fintiri “is dwelling” on the government before his because he has no programmes of his own to implement.

    A voice for the Fintiri government that of Alhaji Usman Ibrahim, a notable public commentator, dismissed the notion of Fintiri’s being slow, contending, especially on the matter of cabinet appointments, that consultation is necessary for effective choices.

    He said: “People are just not patient. Every leader has his own style. People say he is delaying the constitution of his cabinet because various interests brought him to power. I do not see it as an infraction. Leadership is always advised to consult widely.”

    He added that, in any case, Fintiri had done a lot in the first 100 days to be commended. He enumerated improvement in the welfare of workers and security situation as among the achievements.

    “His Excellency, Ahmadu Fintiri, has paid all arrears of workers, both state and local government workers, and he has always ensured since he came that workers receive their monthly salaries before or on the 25th of the month,” he said.

    Gov Sule promises to pay N30, 000 minimum wage

    Governor  Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State   promised to pay the N30, 000 minimum wage once the template for consequential adjustment is agreed on.

    The governor made the promise on Friday  in Lafia while giving account of stewardship of his first 100 days in office.

    According to him, the state government under his administration will pay the new minimum wage because it has become a law in the country.

    “As soon as the template for the consequential adjustment is agreed on at the federal level, we would also commence the process for the implementation in the state.

    “If we rush now, we might make avoidable mistakes, so it is wise to wait for the template,” Sule said.

    The governor also said he had directed the Teachers Service Commission to convert more than 2, 000 teachers that were hitherto on casual appointment to permanent employees.

    Gombe enjoys regular water supply, says Gov Yahaya

    Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State said  he is addressing the challenge of water supply in the state as residents of Gombe township and environs currently  get 40 million litres of water daily.

    Yahaya told reporters on Friday in Gombe that water is a cardinal aspect of his manifesto and will continue to receive attention until residents get regular supply across the state.

    He said as part of the effort towards achieving the promise to give residents water, he set up a taskforce on water supply.

    “We are committed to our campaign promises and we will continue to do all within our resources to address other challenges that affect the people.

    “Our administration is concerned about human capital investment and that’s why we resuscitated the sector to give water to our people,” he said.

     

  • Sanwo-Olu: 100 days of action

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is 100 days old in office today. EMMANUEL OLADESU examines how he has been tackling the challenges of governance in the Centre of Excellence.

    It has been 100 days of action, focus, resilience and resolve to make an impact on Lagosians. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been on the weighing scale.  So far, the judgment of the people is positive. In their view, the governor has hit the ground running and demonstrated the resolve to build on the legacies of his predecessors, Babatunde Fashola (SAN) and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

    As part of activities marking his first 100 days, the governor commissioned the Olusosun Dumpsite Building yesterday. The facility is meant for the training and re-training of Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) staff. He is determined to rid Lagos of the heap of refuse that has dented the image of the state, apart from also creating jobs in the sub-sector.

    Today, Sanwo-Olu will launch the State Blue Box Recycling at Simpson Transfer Loading Station, Lagos Island today. It is part of the new initiatives and strategies to ensure a clean environment.

    The speed of performance has increased, following the swearing-in of commissioners and special advisers two weeks ago. Sanwo-Olu has set up a cabinet of talents comprising seasoned professionals, tested technocrats and experienced politicians who will drive the developmental agenda of the administration. During the recent retreat, the members of the State Executive Council were able to tap from the experience of Asiwaju Tinubu and Fashola, who were his former bosses.

    Earlier, the governor had appointed a retired Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Folasade Jaji, as Secretary to Government, Mr. Tayo Ayinde as Chief of Staff and Mr. Gboyega Sanyanwo as Deputy Chief of Staff.

    The experience of the last 100 days has shown that Lagosians made a wise choice during the last governorship poll. Sanwo-Olu, a dynamic and forward-looking administrator, has demonstrated wit, competence and capacity for the work.  On his shoulders rest the care of almost 20 million Lagosians, a demography that has made the Centre of Excellence a mini-country. There is high expectation. So far, Sanwo-Olu has not disappointed the voters. Many Lagosians expect him to sustain the tempo to the end.

    Following his inauguration, the governor swung into action. During the campaigns, he had expressed concern over the environmental condition of the city-state. The traffic snarl starred him in the face. Lagosians complained about the infrastructural deficit. In particular, they cried out that the roads were bad. In response to people’s yearnings, the governor signed an executive order on indiscriminate refuse dumping, traffic management and public works.

    The order on indiscriminate refuse duping is now being vigorously enforced. Information and Strategy Commissioner Gbenga Omotoso said the move has restored sanity. Also, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has been directed by the governor to operate a minimum of two shifts until 11.pm daily. The Office of Drainage Services in the Ministry of Environment has been directed to embark on aggressive cleaning of secondary and tertiary drainage system to ensure the free flow of rainwater during the raining season. The governor also directed to commence the rehabilitation of bad roads.

    Sanwo-Olu has given a marching order to LASTMA not to spare the road offenders. He said nobody is above the law. “If my brothers or cabinet members breaks traffic laws, arrest them,” he said. The officials are also to shun indiscipline, particularly bribery and corruption. Since motivation is critical to efficiency, the governor has increased their allowances by hundred per cent. Also, he emphasised that the Lagosians should continue to be enlightened and encouraged to be law abiding on the roads.

    The filling of potholes on the roads has contributed to ease of movement and reduced traffic snarl. Citizens can contact the relevant agencies on the condition of the roads in their localities and responses are prompt.

    When he assumed the reins, Sanwo-Olu was inundated by complaints that the Apapa gridlock was wrecking havoc. He made appeal to the Federal Government to come to the aid of the state. The federal and state governments put heads together on how to end the logjam. He was in company of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), who was on inspection of the axis. The governor said: “Fixing the road in Apapa, completing the trailer park and deploying technology solutions that ensure we never have to experience the trailers nightmare again are critical for Lagos and the Federal Government.”

    As the sixth elected governor of Lagos, Sanwo-Olu has heroes and role models to learn from. Before him, the state had the fortune of being governed by successful governors who left indelible marks. He served under them as special adviser and commissioner. Although no fewer than seven All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains were on the queue for the job, the lot fell on the surveyor and banker-turned politician. Little did he guess that he would leave the job of the Managing Director of the Lagos State Property Development Corporation (LSDPC) for the higher responsibility.

    During the campaigns, Sanwo-Olu demonstrated an understanding of the city state and its myriad of challenges. To Lagosians, he is a round peg in a round hole, and yet with a huge capacity for learning and improvement. The party that put him forward believed that he is reliable, tested and trusted. As Special Adviser on Corporate Governance, Acting Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions, and LSDPC boss, he heft his indelible marks. However, his greatest asset is his loyalty to the party, the government and people of Lagos State.

    His victory at the poll was a fulfilment of destiny. At the direct primary, Sanwo-Olu was a candidate to beat. The party had proposed a change of candidate and he became the symbol of the intra-party struggle. The aged, youths, women and other stakeholders embraced his candidature. In demonstration of a clear understanding of their aspiration, he promised a government of inclusion.

    In the spirit of the time, Sanwo-Olu visited all party leaders, party officers, elders, office holders, religious leaders, other Lagos opinion leaders, and women groups. He was at home with the masses; artisans and peasants. On his lip was the message of unity, harmony and cohesion. The candidate urged Lagosians to invest their trust, confidence and faith in him as he sought for their votes. He did not promise what he could not deliver. Thus, Lagosians took him serious.

    Sanwo-Olu survived the odds during the electioneering before breasting the tape. Apart from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) threat, he triumphed over internal rebellion within his party. The Sanwo-Olu campaign team, led by Ayinde, ran an effective intra-party campaign. A confident Sanwo-Olu was on the popularity scale radiating warmth. He won.

    However, having secured the ticket, the governor was not carried away by the victory. He embarked on reconciliation, urging those who also sought party tickets during the primaries and lost not to lose hope.

    The next hurdle was the campaign. Lagos APC opted for door-to-door campaigns, following the fracas at the maiden rally at Ikeja. The coast was clear on poll day. His opponent, Jimi Agbaje, having seen the handwriting on the wall, conceded defeat.

    Sanwo-Olu is not a vendetta-seeking governor. There is much to accomplish instead of succumbing to self-distraction. The governor has refrained from relating with civil servants and chieftains based on their intra-party affiliations. He believes in a motivated workforce. Thus, apart from regular payment of salaries, he has fulfilled his promise of better welfare packages for civil servant. To convey them to and from work, 35 buses were provided.

    Governance is not a tea party in Lagos.  The Centre of Excellence is not a place where the governor can relax. All Nigerians have stake in Lagos. It is the economic hub. The population is huge and there is pressure on the social infrastructure. It is a highly sophisticated and politically conscious state.  In Lagos security is key.

    Conscious of this, Sanwo-Olu promised to overhaul the security architecture of the state. He has mobilised security agencies to sustain the prevailing atmosphere of security, curtail or prevent cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping and pipeline vandalism. The governor has held many meetings with security chiefs, with the permanent aim of securing Lagos. He has also mobilised traditional rulers, community leaders and community development associations to contribute their quota to intelligence gathering that is critical to security.

    Yesterday, governor unfolded plans to recruit more teachers for public primary and secondary schools.

    Much is expected on Sanwo-Olu in the next four years. His programme of action gives a ray of hope.  During his inauguration, he promised to work for a “greater Lagos” through the implementation of “six pillars of development agenda.”

    The pillars, which he described as the framework that encapsulates his vision, include traffic management and transportation, health and environment, education and technology, making Lagos as a 21st century economy, entertainment and tourism, and security and governance.

    Sanwo-Olu said: “These six pillars of development represent our response to the yearnings of the people. They constitute the foundations that must be restored for future generations. Should we fulfil our promise and deliver on these pillars, we are most confident that we would have succeeded in setting Lagos on a new trajectory of economic growth and development that would be unprecedented in our entire history.”

  • Lagos govt, fed govt condemn attack on Shoprite

    THE Lagos State government and Information, Culture & Tourism Minister Lai Mohammed last night condemned the attacks on Shoprite outlets in the state.

    The Lagos government, in a statement by Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso, said the attacks “are against the Nigerian spirit of accommodation and benevolence that the country”.

    The statement reads: “The attention of the Lagos State Government has been drawn to the attacks on Shoprite Complexes at Jakande and Sangotedo Area of Ajah by some unidentified people claiming to be acting in retaliation against the attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

    “These attacks are condemned as they are against the Nigerian spirit of accommodation and benevolence that the country in general and Lagos State in particular is noted for”.

    “The Federal Government is in dialogue with South African Authorities to stop this obnoxious act.  We appeal to our compatriots to eschew violence and any unlawful acts. The Lagos State Government wishes to reiterate its commitment to providing a conducive atmosphere where businesses are conducted without hindrances.

    Read Also: VIDEO: Looters invade Shoprite Lekki

    “The security agencies have been directed to ensure that law and order prevail in all parts of the State, even as Lagosians are advised to go about their activities without any fear.”

    Mohammed said the attacks on South African businesses in Nigeria would be to the detriment of the country.

    In a statement, Mohammed described as deeply disturbing the reports that some Nigerians, angered by the xenophobic attacks in South Africa, have started attacking South African companies in Nigeria.

    He said: “Targeting South African companies in Nigeria for attack is, for Nigerians, a classic case of cutting off your nose to spite your face, because the investors in such companies, especially MTN and Shoprite, are Nigerians.”

  • Council chief names building after Lagos Speaker

    The Chairman of Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State, Hon Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi has started construction work on a new legislative building named after the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa.

    The compositions of the building, which will have curtain wall design, on completion include: 74-seater gallery, all councillors’ offices, 18-seater conference room, and a parking lot, among others.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Egunjobi said a confluence of factors informed the council’s decision to have a new legislative building, which is named after the Lagos Speaker, who represents Agege Constituency 01 in the State House of Assembly.

    He cited the need to create an enabling environment that would inspire quality legislation and make it much more convenient for the councillors to perform legislative functions vested in them.

    “Many factors informed this project; one, no society can develop without laws that are framed to foster fairness, justice, growth and development.

    “It is also imperative that the environmental condition where laws are made is conducive enough and devoid of any kind of impediments and distractions, which are the reasons for this project,” he explained.

    The council chief justified the naming of the new legislative building after Obasa, saying the Lagos Speaker, who doubles as the Chairman of the Speakers’ Conference is an illustrious son of Agege and has contributed immensely to the development of the area and Lagos in general

    He said: “It is a necessary to honour and immortalise the most successful legislator of all time, from our community, in the person of Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa.

    “Obasa is a lawmaker extraordinaire, who cuts his teeth in law making as a councillor representing Ward E in old Agege Local Government Area, comprising our sister council, Orile between 1999 and 2002, and was at a time during the period, the Deputy Leader of the legislative arm.

    “The story of modern Lagos and its meteoric rise in the area of growth and development brought about by good governance, an offshoot of cerebral legislation will be incomplete without his name being made mention of.

    “He has to his credit: the introduction of town hall meeting in all the 40 constituencies of the state, initiation of four private bills, including that of the Neighbourhood Watch, the anti-kidnapping, the anti-land grabbing and the cancer institute bills.’’

  • Attacks on ShopRite outlets against Nigerian spirit, says Lagos

    Lagos State Government has condemned Tuesday’s attacks on Shoprite outlets in Lekki by some unidentified persons.

    It said the attacks purportedly in retaliation of the xenophobic incidents against Nigerians in South Africa were needless since the Federal government was already in talks with South African authorities to address the situations.

    In a statement by Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, the government said the attacks were “against the Nigerian spirit of accommodation and benevolence that the country in general and Lagos State in particular is noted for”.

    The statement explained: “The Federal Government is in dialogue with South African Authorities to stop this obnoxious act.

    “We appeal to our compatriots to eschew violence and any unlawful acts.

    “The Lagos State Government wishes to reiterate its commitment to providing a conducive atmosphere where businesses are conducted without hindrances.

    “The security agencies have been directed to ensure that law and order prevail in all parts of the State, even as Lagosians are advised to go about their activities without any fear.”

  • Lagos retirees get N4.25b

    THE Lagos State Government has paid N4.25 billion accrued pension rights to 1268 retirees in four months.

    The Commissioner, Establishment, Training & Pensions, Mrs. Ajibola Ponnle made this known at the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC) 66th retirement benefit bond certificate presentation ceremony held in Lagos.

    She stated that whilst N2.75 billion was paid to 881 retirees in the last three months, N1.50 billion was paid today to 387 retirees.

    She added that the state has remained committed to the welfare of workers and retirees.

    She disclosed that the Governor has been briefed about the backlog of outstanding pension entitlements and has promised that more focus will be given to the payment of accrued pension rights.

    Read Also: Lagos set to unlock 60 major traffic gridlock areas

    She said: “The governor is aware that without the payment of their accrued pension rights, the retirees would not be able to access their retirement savings accounts to draw monthly pension.

    “To show commitment, the state has commenced the issuance of identification cards to retirees in its bid to make life comfortable for retirees. This would enable them use to access free medical treatment in the state’s hospitals and ride on the state mass transit buses for free”.

    The Director-General LASPEC, Mrs. Folashade Onanuga on her part told the retirees that their Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) have been directed to ensure that they are quickly granted access to their retirement savings account.

    She urged the retirees to be careful of fraudsters, who may pose as helpers and financial experts, stressing also that the men should not use their benefits to marry new wives while the women should avoid unnecessary parties.

  • Arrest of 123 suspects a routine security check, says LASG

    THE Lagos State Government said on Saturday that Friday’s arrest  of 123 suspects by the State Task Force was nothing more than a routine security check.

    It dismissed as false suggestions, especially on social media, that the arrests were directed at a particular section of the country.

    The innuendoes, Information and Strategy Commissioner Gbenga Omotoso said, was “the handiwork of mischief makers.”

    He said that “on the directives of the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Zubairu Muazu, the arrested suspects have been moved to the State Police Command where they are being profiled and if nothing incriminating is established against them, they will be released immediately.”

    The commissioner  affirmed the State Government’s commitment to “the security and wellbeing of law abiding residents of the State,” noting that the mass movement of the arrested suspects with large quantity of used motorcycles aroused the suspicion of Lagosians who duly alerted men of the State Task Force.

    Read Also: LASG’ll rehabilitate dilapidated public schools – Sanwo-Olu

    Omotoso further said that Lagos is haven for law abiding residents, and foreigners with legitimate intentions.

    He added: “It must be emphasised that the checks and arrest made by men of the Lagos State Task Force, was a proactive step, against speculated cases of Boko haram insurgency and banditry attacks across the nation.

    “The case on hand, is purely a security matter which the Lagos Police Command is capable of handling professionally.

    “The administration of Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has clearly stated that Lagos is home for all, and will continue to make it the most preferred destination in the world.”

    Jigawa demands their immediate release

    Simultaneously, Governor Muhammad Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa State, yesterday asked for the immediate release of the arrested persons.

    Abubakar said the Lagos State government had been contacted over the “unlawful” arrest of the men.

    He said in a statement by his Personal Secretary, Auwalu D. Sankara, that “After getting in touch with the officials of the Lagos State government, Governor Badaru, who was not in the country also spoke to the All Progressives Congress, APC, leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who assured  of their unconditional release.”

     

  • Ikorodu auto crash: Injured survivors recall close shave with death

    RESIDENTS of Ikorodu, a suburb of Lagos, were on Tuesday confronted with the sight of a fatal accident involving a truck in the fleet of Dangote Group and a BRT bus in Majidun area of the community.

    The Dangote truck, which was fully loaded with cement, was said to have had a head on collision with the equally loaded passenger operated by Primero Transports Service Limited.

    No fewer than three people reportedly died in the accident while more than 50 others sustained various degrees of injuries. The passenger bus was said to have been boarded by commuters on their way from Ikorodu to Lagos Island.

    But they had not left the borders of the Lagos community when the accident occurred.

    Many of the victims were rushed to the general hospital in Ikorodu, which was about the closest health facility to the spot. Others were referred to the general hospital at Gbagada and the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in Ikeja.

    Some of the victims on admission at LASUTH were still trying to come to terms with the accident when our correspondents visited on Thursday.

    Still writhing in pains from the injuries they sustained in the accident, they said it was not impossible that a few of the passengers might have opted for treatment at private hospitals. In the different hospitals our correspondents visited, it was observed that the authorities of the hospitals had built heavy security around the victims.

    At the surgical emergency ward in LASUTH,  Adekola Nurudeen Yahaya was seen groaning in pains on his narrow bed. He was surrounded by several other injured victims who had suffered similar fate.

    Yahaya had stitches all over his body while his shoulder and leg were so heavily bandaged that he could barely move them.

    He had lay in the bed for two days and had to urinate on his bed with the help of a nurse if he was pressed.

    Yaya, a businessman, was on his way to Victoria Island for a business transaction when the accident occurred. Like other survivors our correspondents spoke with, he could not recall what happened except that he heard a loud bang and found himself being pulled out of the wreckage the passenger bus he boarded had become.

    Next, he found himself in the hospital. Asked if he was happy that the Lagos State Government would pick the bill for his treatment, he nodded in the affirmative, groaning as he tried to move his body.

    Lying next to Yahaya was Ola, an official of the National Open University (NOUN) with head office in Victoria Island. Ola, as he strenuously identified himself, was on his way to the office when the accident occurred.

    The heavily built survivor had fractured a leg and had it heavily bandaged. Ola groans with every slight movement of his body. His wife spends most of the day with him, abandoning her own job. His colleagues from NOUN, who were there on sympathy visit, said they had been praying for him to get well soon.

    Like Yahaya, Ola could not recall the events that culminated in the accident. He wouldn’t even be bothered at the moment as he could hardly open his mouth to mumble words except when he was being tended by his wife. At the Ikorodu General Hospital, the scale of the injuries sustained by the passengers was not different.

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    Particularly pathetic was the case of Adedeji Odukoya who had heavy bandages around his head, neck and leg. But his family members and friends who were there on a visit shared with our correspondents the case of a victim of the accident at Gbagada General Hospital whose condition was said to be worse.

    “We shouldn’t be complaining at the sight of the injuries. What we should be doing right now is to be thankful to God that these ones are still alive. That is because some people actually died!”

    A banking consultant, who said he would rather not mention his name because he hails from a popular family in Lagos, was thankful to God for surviving the accident.

    Among those who were being treated in the accident ward in Ikorodu, he was about the only one that could move around. But then he sustained a major hand injury and another wound on his leg. He was, however, in good spirits when our correspondents met him, as his wife cheered him up and encouraged him. Some of his friends were also there by his side.

    He said although he did not have a broken leg or broken head like many of the accident victims, his bandaged arm was awaiting the plastic of Paris (POP) because it was fractured.

    He said: “I am thankful to God. I am hoping that the bandage on this arm will soon be removed and replaced with POP like the doctor said.”

    Volunteering a clearer picture of how the accident occurred, he said the Dangote truck was going to Ikorodu from the opposite direction only to climb the road divider into the opposite lane. He said the impact on their own vehicle was much as it rammed into the driver’s side.

    He recalled that immediately the crash occurred, he became weak. He looked around him and saw casualties of the accident. He discovered that he could not lift his body and noticed that people were trying to force the doors of their bus open in order to get inside.

    He said: “Next thing I saw was that the girl beside me was dead. I saw a young man come close to where I sat. My head was throbbing and I was weak. The young man bent over in the confusion that followed and picked my phone which had rolled away from me to the floor of the bus. I wanted to scream and jump on him but I had no strength. I could not even muster enough energy to open my mouth.

    “That was when I saw a laptop that was owned by a man not too far away from me. It was on the floor. Somehow, I summoned the strength to use my leg to pull away the laptop so that the boy who stole my phone would not see it and take it too. Thereafter, we were rescued and taken to this hospital.”

    He said he was actually on his way to Lagos Island for a business appointment. His wife, who was all smiles, said it had been difficult for her to break the news of the bus accident to her motherin-law because she did not want the woman to panic.

    She was, however, full of thanks to God for keeping her husband alive, waving away the fractured arm as a minor thing.

    Meanwhile similar to what took place at LASUTH, grateful to the government for volunteering to foot the medical bills of the accident victims. Government officials were seen encouraging the victims.

    A huge entourage from the Ministry of Health in Alausa, Ikeja stopped by at the General Hospital in Ikorodu to see the survivors.

    Relations of the survivors who spoke with our correspondents were grateful to the state government for offering to foot their medical bills.