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Tag: Lagos State

  • Commission hails Ikorodu West Council chief

    Commission hails Ikorodu West Council chief

    The Chairman of the Lagos State Local Government Service Commission (LSLGSC), Kamal Bayewu, has commended the Sulaimon Kazeem-led administration of Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area for prioritising infrastructural development and staff welfare, among other achievements in the council.

    Bayewu gave the commendation during the commission’s visit to the LCDA, as part of the efforts to engage, assess, and evaluate the management’s performance in the 57 councils in the state.

    He noted that the visit was aimed at strengthening institutional relations at the grassroots and promoting staff discipline, efficiency, and accountability.

    “I want to commend the chairman for his remarkable and indelible achievements in the local government; the infrastructure, this edifice, and by extension, the Ikorodu West community members,” he said.

    “Our visit is to see to your welfare, and how you have executed the policies of the council’s chairman. We want to assess your performance and evaluate you. This visit will consolidate on what you have been doing for the past five years,” he added.

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    Also speaking, Commissioner II representing Epe Division, Ahmed Seriki, urged council staff to remain dedicated while upholding high standards in executing their duties, stressing that the local government workforce plays a critical role in the state’s overall development.

    “ The government’s responsibility is to provide services to the community, and your responsibilities as a staff member to the government are to ensure that you cooperate with your chairman to achieve remarkable results,” he urged.

    Representative of the Permanent Secretary, Ajayi Omobola, said the commission was poised to establish bespoke training sessions for all levels of staff in different departments of the councils, enhance learning, mentorship, and institutional knowledge transfer.

  • Lagos seeks global partners to boost agritech

    Lagos seeks global partners to boost agritech

    Lagos State Government has expressed its readiness to partner international organisations and the rest of the world to improve the capacities of  young tech entrepreneurs in bid to increase the productivity and quality of agricultural  products and exports.

    The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems,Ms Abisola Olusanya disclosed this in a media interview at the sidelines of Agrinnovation Hangout 6.0.

    The event brought together agritech startups and  businesses with success in developing various types of agricultural technologies, including ecommerce  drones, and data analysis models among others.

    She reiterated the Government’s strong support for agritech entrepreneurs  and its commitment to creating the best possible business environment, stressing  innovation and technology as key to Lagos ‘ agricultural  growth.

    She highlighted the importance of community, risk-taking and time in nurturing innovation,  adding that the state’s support of agriculture for high-tech investment was  becoming more evident.

    Her words: “Today is for  like-minded, individuals, young people in the food space. So, there is no distinction between a farmer and a logistics provider or a cold chain solutions service provider. I mean, we are all in the same ecosystem. We  understand we need to collaborate, we understand the need to network to partner. And as such, we in the Lagos Ministry  of Agriculture and Food Systems created the Lagos Agri Innovation Club  in November of 2023. We are growing stronger and stronger. The  membership is increasing. More importantly, we are seeing the cohesion that is happening across the ecosystem. We are  seeing businesses come together, help one another grow.We are seeing the dividends of that. People are going into sections of the food space that otherwise they will not have been able to on their own. and they are benefiting from the utilisation of services of one another. And at the end of the day, everyone is happier. Businesses are growing, and more young people are employed. At the last hangout  we had the  Consulate General for the Netherlands. Today we have the Consulate General  of Denmark. The idea also is to expose them to as many ideas, opportunities and technologies as possible.They  can tap into those possibilities and expand their varieties. So, that is why we keep inviting foreign partners.”.

    According to her, the purpose is to  support  agritech   scale -ups with an aim of solving the country’s most pressing agri food challenges.

    She explained that agrifood was  a priority sector for  the state government ’sdevelopment efforts and  believe young entrepreneurs  have the potential to kickstart a wave of agricultural innovation in the country.” Governor Babajide Sanwo  has been very supportive of this idea .Last year for the first time we ran the Lagos Agrinnovation  challenge we gave out of over 100 million to 26 businesses.This year the intention is to do much bigger than that .That is why we have been holding  partnership talks with so many organisations , multilateral and bilateral agencies just to ensure that if we have a bigger pool we can help more businesses and encourage more young people to come into the food space. A lot of people don’t see agriculture in the food space as a nice place or as a clean space to be involved in .But People are making very good money here.”

    The Consul General of the Royal Danish Consulate in Nigeria, Jette Bjerrum said  her government is working with Lagos State to promote  common vision for  supporting innovation, and valuing talent in the agric sector.

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    According to her, the scale, and potential of Nigeria’s agriculture, highlighted many agricultural products that needed a technological push to enhance quality and value.

    Her words: “ The entire agriculture value chain is essential for Denmark’s work in Nigeria. We have strategic sector collaborations. We have commercial programmes, we have development programmes,and we have direct finance investment programmes. So, everything we do here is about agriculture.

    So, the collaboration and the partnerships together with Nigerian ecosystem is of critical importance We are a small country, but what we can bring to the table is perhaps inspiration in terms of how we have innovated ourselves, how we have automated the way we work, and also how we try to make things as efficient as we can. The average size of a farm in Denmark is 77 hectares.But we don’t have a lot of people on the farms. So some of the things are actually how we work to make things as effective as we can. And at the same time make it as safe and affordable and accessible as possible to our own fellow citizens but also in the international ecosystem that we work with. And education is critical for us. You cannot have a farm in Denmark without being certified and without documenting the proper training.”

    She indicated that the Danish  Government is ready to support Nigeria and build the foundation for high-scale innovation in agriculture and the food industry. Through the National

  • Lagos upscales healthcare digitisation with EMR Rollout

    Lagos upscales healthcare digitisation with EMR Rollout

    Lagos State is digitalising its primary healthcare system with deployment of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) in the 326 Primary Health Care (PHC) centres. The initiative, backed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, will integrate these records into a centralised State Health Information Platform (SHIP), unifying healthcare data for better efficiency and improved patient care.

    Permanent Secretary in Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Ibrahim Mustapha, said while EMRs have been implemented in 100 PHCs, the goal is to onboard all 326 facilities. “We cannot start with all at once,” he noted. “So, with support from government, the Gates Foundation, and Clinton Health Access Initiative, we pioneered the EMR initiative with 100 PHCs…”

    He added that the initial rollout is not just a technology switch but a learning opportunity. “We’re assessing lessons learned, identifying challenges, and scaling the system more efficiently in the next phase. This workshop is critical in charting the way forward.”

    The EMR system will replace traditional paper records with digital systems that allow real-time access to patient information, facilitate continuity of care, and reduce delays. However, the broader vision extends beyond digitisation of records at the PHC level.

    Mustapha noted the SHIP project as the backbone of this transformation. “SHIP is our centralised health information platform. It will link EMRs from primary, secondary, and tertiary health institutions. When fully functional, a patient’s health information will be available and accessible at all levels of care in the state.”

    Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Health, Dr. Oluwatoni Adeyemi, said: “We’re not stopping at primary health care. The end goal is to connect our entire health system from primary to tertiary care through the Smart Health Information Platform,” she said. “This means seamless referrals, real-time data monitoring, and evidence-based policymaking.”

    She assured residents that the new system will lead to a more efficient and responsive healthcare sector. “Patients can walk into any facility without carrying their case notes. Referrals will be seamless. Data confidentiality is a top priority, and health outcomes will be significantly improved.”

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    At the frontline of service delivery, healthcare providers are already seeing the benefits of the EMR system. Medical Director of General Hospital in Surulere, Dr. Olumide Sojinrin, noted the impact of EMRs on data quality and care delivery. “EMRs improve confidentiality, access to care, and the ability to make informed clinical decisions,” he said. “It helps us analyse disease patterns, evaluate treatment outcomes, and deliver quality care faster.”

    He acknowledged initial resistance from healthcare workers and patients but said attitudes are shifting as the benefits become clear. “It’s the way forward. The technology is making our jobs easier and the care better.”

    The Executive Chairman of Ojodu LCDA, David Odunmbaku is already leading efforts to replicate the EMR model locally. “We’ve deployed EMRs across our seven PHCs with trained personnel, new medical staff, fiber connectivity, and patient medical cards. With our local EMR system, patient data is accessible in any ward, reducing delays and improving care.”

    Odunmbaku praised the state’s strategy and urged other local governments to align with the broader vision. “The state’s centralized EMR platform is long overdue. Our job as local councils is to support and synchronize with the state’s system for a more robust, people-centered healthcare delivery.”

  • Council chief  inaugurates roads, pledges quality infrastructure

    Council chief  inaugurates roads, pledges quality infrastructure

    Chair of Ikeja Local Government Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State, Mojeed Balogun, has restated his administration’s commitment to deliver quality infrastructure in Ikeja.

    The chairman spoke yesterday when he inaugurated two roads with improved drainage at Alausa. They are Makinde Street, and Odewale Street.

    He said the roads will ease movement of vehicles, improve interconnectivity and enhance the drainage network.

    Balogun noted the roads will bring about socio-economic growth and development, improve lives, and impact positively on the state’s GDP.

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    He said: “The roads and drainage systems will reduce traffic congestion and commute times. It will enhance safety and security, improve aesthetics, and increase property value. More importantly, the completion is expected to further boost business turnover, contributing to GDP.

    “This achievement would not have been possible without your support and commitment. We have devoted time, energy, and resources to implementing strategies for a better Ikeja, and it is gratifying to see these efforts yielding results.

    “The mandate the people has given me inspire my commitment to transform our vision of a greater Ikeja. As we consolidate this mandate, we assure you that we will build a community that is safe, prosperous, and economically vibrant, providing an environment for inclusive growth.”

    He urged residents to view the project as theirs, noting that the Community Development Association as direct beneficiaries of its positive impact should be committed to responsible use of the roads.

    The chairman later organised a fitness walk, from Oregun to Ikeja, a six-kilometre distance.

    The LCDA chairman thanked dignitaries present, including Baale of Alausa, Alhaji Mufutau Badmus; APC leader, Rev Sunday Makinde; Council Manager, Mrs Taiwo Odubeko, and others.

  • Experts to gather for real estate congress

    Experts to gather for real estate congress

    Lagos State, with FIABCI (International Real Estate Federation), will host the 75th World Real Estate Congress at Eko Hotels and Suites from June 10 to 11.

    The event: “Global Real Estate Renaissance,” is expected to draw participants from over 70 countries in Africa and beyond. It will bring together stakeholders in the industry, including investors, developers, policy makers, and thought leaders.

    A statement by the federation said President Bola Tinubu is the grand host of the event, hosted in Nigeria for the first time.

    Among keynote speakers are former Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, and Kevin Brown, president-elect of National Association of Realtors.  Also to speak is Ahmed Dangiwa, minister of Housing and Urban Development.

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    The congress will foster meaningful dialogue and strategic partnerships within the concept of a “Global Estate Renaissance.” a.

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is the chief host. Supporting him are Moruf Fatai, commissioner for Housing, as co-host, and Mrs. Barakat Odunuga, special adviser to the governor on Housing, as hostess. Adding cultural prestige to the occasion, His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Arole Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, will attend as the Royal Guest of Honour.

    The event is a landmark initiative aimed at driving innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development in the global real estate sector.

  • Lagos’ single-use plastic ban takes off July

    Lagos’ single-use plastic ban takes off July

    Lagos State will begin full enforcement of its ban on single-use plastics (SUPs) from July 1, to combat environmental pollution.

    Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made this known yesterday via a post on X.

    “Now it’s time to act. This is about environmental responsibility and we have given ample time to align with global best practices,” Wahab declared.

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    Single-use plastics refers to items designed for short-term use, discarded after a single application. Among the most widely used of these is Styrofoam, a brand of closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam employed in insulation and frequently used for producing disposable cups and containers.

    The Lagos State government had in January, last year, banned the use and distribution of Styrofoam and other SUPs. The policy, while welcomed by environmental advocates, was criticised by some stakeholders and residents who felt the notice was too short.

  • Three rescued in Lagos building collapse 

    Three rescued in Lagos building collapse 

    Three persons have been rescued from a two-storey building which collapsed yesterday afternoon in Mushin, Lagos.

    The building  under construction on Isaga Road, opposite the Idi Araba Central Mosque, whebb it caved in, trapping workers under the rubble.

    Emergency services were mobilised, following distress alerts received at 3:40 p.m.

    The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed that its response team from the Cappa base arrived at the scene by 3:56 p.m. and started search and rescue.

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    Although the cause of the collapse is yet to be determined, officials say efforts were underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.

    So far, one individual has been rescued alive from the debris. No fatalities have been reported at the time of this report, though operations are still ongoing.

    According to a preliminary report by LASEMA, the site has been cordoned off. The agency’s excavator has been deployed to assist in the rescue.

    At the scene were personnel of LASEMA’s Response Team, Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC).

  • Lagos to begin full enforcement of single-use plastics ban

    Lagos to begin full enforcement of single-use plastics ban

    The Lagos State Government has announced that full enforcement of the ban on the usage and distribution of Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) will commence across the state on July 1, 2025.

    This declaration was made over the weekend by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, during a courtesy visit by the management team of Tetra Pak West Africa Limited at the Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja.

    Wahab emphasised the government’s commitment to sustainable environmental practices, noting that the administration has been both strategic and deliberate in its approach to eradicating SUPs.

    “When we announced the ban on Styrofoam food packs in 2024, we also declared our intention to phase out all single-use plastics within 12 months. We believe that by July 1, 2025 — almost 18 months later — everyone has had enough time to transition,” he said.

    Wahab noted that while the ban was announced with a 12-month notice, enforcement was delayed until mid-2025 to accommodate logistical and commercial adjustments.

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    “We have had conversations with members of the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBBRA) and given them ample time to comply. Everyone concerned must be fair to the state, stressing that it is a call for the responsibility of the extended producer to the state,” he said.

    According to the Commissioner, the government will not tolerate actions by producers that seek to undermine environmental laws or standards not acceptable globally.

    “When producers, with due respect, act contrary to global best practices, we must insist on accountability. We are here today, but tomorrow we will not be. Let history record that we did the right thing at the right time for the greater good of our people.”

    Wahab argued that producers, many of whom are international or well-travelled, are aware that SUPs are no longer acceptable in most parts of the world. He maintained that an 18-month transition period is more than adequate, and failure to comply signals a lack of seriousness.

    “Styrofoam food packs were largely used for commercial purposes and offered little value beyond that. Single-use plastics are more complex, but the government has considered this in designing a phased enforcement timeline,” he said.

    He urged all stakeholders to keep the government informed about their activities regarding plastic packaging, warning that any attempt to sideline or “blindside” the state will be met with consequences.

    “Globally, producers are held responsible for tracking and managing their products. We expect nothing less in Lagos State.”

    The Commissioner concluded by reaffirming the state’s dedication to ensuring that waste products are properly tracked, collected, and recycled, as part of a broader effort to improve the environmental comfort and well-being of all residents.

    Haithem Debbiche, Managing Director of Tetra Pak West Africa Limited, expressed support for the policy.

    He described the ban as a “welcome development,” assuring the state of Tetra Pak’s cooperation in implementing sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics.

  • Lagos govt hails Amstel Malta for championing women’s health, survival

    Lagos govt hails Amstel Malta for championing women’s health, survival

    The Lagos State Government has commended Amstel Malta for its exceptional support during the pilot phase of MamaBase, a pioneering maternal health programme spearheaded by the Maternal and Reproductive Health (MRH) Collective in collaboration with the state.

    Amstel Malta’s involvement was instrumental to the success of the initiative, which significantly boosted maternal survival rates in some of Lagos’ most underserved communities.

    Launched in October 2023, MamaBase aims to tackle Nigeria’s alarming maternal mortality rate—currently estimated at 79,500 deaths annually from childbirth-related complications.

    With Amstel Malta’s early partnership, the programme successfully enrolled 7,883 pregnant women, achieved an impressive 99.9% maternal survival rate, and surpassed national health standards by a wide margin.

    Over 80% of participants delivered in health facilities, and 60% completed at least four antenatal visits, all critical indicators of improved outcomes.

    Amstel Malta’s involvement supported outreach, education, and essential care for women who may otherwise have been unable to access quality maternal health services. 

    Their contribution helped to eliminate key barriers to care, such as costs for scans, antenatal registration, and skilled 

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    delivery and also demonstrated how brand-led social investment can directly save lives.

    “The Lagos State Government is proud to recognise Amstel Malta for its commitment to maternal health and its support of the MamaBase programme,” said Prof. Akin Abayomi, Commissioner for Health who was represented at a press conference announcing 

    the MamaBase results by Dr Abimbola Mabogunje (Permanent Secretary, Primary Health Board). 

    “Their role in the first edition exemplifies how the private sector can align with the 

    state’s T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda, particularly in the area of Health and Environment, to deliver real impact for our citizens.”

    The state government noted that MamaBase’s success reflects the power of strategic partnerships, where innovation, community engagement, and corporate responsibility come 

    together to drive change. 

    As MamaBase prepares for expansion to 12 additional local government areas, the government is inviting more private sector partners to follow Amstel 

    Malta’s lead.

    “Amstel Malta showed what’s possible when brands step forward with purpose,” Prof. Abayomi 

    added. 

    “Their legacy in this programme is a lasting one and we are deeply grateful”.

  • Primary: Residents protest ‘imposition’

    Primary: Residents protest ‘imposition’

    Some residents of Agege and Orile-Agege in Lagos State have slammed All Progressives Congress council primary polls of May 10, at the state secretariat on Acme Road, Ikeja.

    Aggrieved members had protested at Blue Roof event centre in Agege to reject  the results and alleged imposition of candidates.

    The protest was organised under the platform of Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), Agege/Orile-Agege chapter.

    Members gathered to reject the results, accusing top party officials, of manipulating the process to install his candidates.

    They said Tunde Azeez was imposed as the party’s flagbearer in Agege and Akinola Abiodun in Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area.

    Sabbitu Kamorudeen, chair of PCC, said: “We acknowledge and respect supremacy of party structures, but such deference must not be mistaken for passive acceptance of tyranny masquerading as leadership,” Kamorudeen said.

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    He added: “We cannot support a scenario where an individual, wielding unchecked influence, positions himself as the sole determinant of political direction in Agege. That is not discipline, it is political capture, which contradicts democratic values of APC.”

    Kamorudeen described the system as one that stifles independent voices and suppresses reform-minded aspirants.

    “Many of our aspirants were denied access to nomination forms, stripped of endorsements, and subjected to threats aimed at silencing their ambitions,” he alleged.

    While reaffirming their loyalty to the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision, Kamorudeen warned that continued suppression would prompt them to demand Obasa’s removal as a member of the House.

    “This is Lagos. This is Agege. It is not a political estate to be inherited or transferred at will. We are determined to reclaim our dignity and restore fairness and balance in our party,” he said.

    The aggrieved members acknowledged the existence of two major factions within the local APC; the Justice Forum (PCC) and the Obasa Movement, but argued that fairness demands shared representation.

    The protesters called on the APC state chairman, National Working Committee, Board of Trustees, and other critical stakeholders to intervene and restore internal democracy in the party.