The bye-election in Ojokoro area of the Ifako/ Ijaiye Federal Constituency of Lagos State is going on smoothly, though low turn out was recorded.
Some of the adhoc staff like National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) arrived the venue of their primary assignment early on Saturday morning.
The security situation was normal with movement on a skeletal note. The turn out of voters has not been too impressive. At The African Church, unit B polling station, Ojokoro, out of 400 registered voters only 10 had registered and voted as at 11 am.
Most of the staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) were waiting for voters at press time.
Tag: lagos
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Low turn out for Lagos by-election
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Lagos principals challenged to improve learning outcome
Principals of schools in Lagos State have been tasked to be good leaders, role models and mentors in order to achieve improved learning outcomes for pupils.
Permanent Secretary, Teachers Establishment Pensions Office (TEPO), Mrs Sewanu Amosu, counselled the principals on delegating, taking charge and ownership of their schools, at the opening of a three-day training and workshop for 100 principals of the state’s secondary schools.
The exercise, held at Virgin Rose Resorts ,Victoria Island, was themed: ‘Improving schools’ leadership for better learning outcomes.’
Mrs Amosu said participants were expected to transfer the knowledge acquired at the workshop to their subordinates.
She said: “There is need to delegate duties to vice principals and teachers in order to meet targets. It helps your subordinates get the feeling of inclusion in the work, which enhances results. Be good mentors to your students. Don’t be afraid of assigning responsibilities. It helps them as much as it helps our health. Strive to ensure good health management.
“Rest and eat quality food. At the end of this training, we would have been transformed into effective, efficient leaders with greater knowledge. I urge you all to take advantage of the training and transfer the knowledge when you return to school.”
Mrs Amosu explained that 100 principals were picked in order to facilitate interaction, which would have been hindered if all 700 principals in the state were deployed at once.
She promised to reciprocate the training on the others in subsequent batches.
Chairman of the occasion, Dayo Famakinwa, who is Chairman, Committee on Establishment, Training, Pension and Public Service, Lagos State House of Assembly, said: “After this training, we expect to see better administration of schools in Lagos State. The end point is to see that pupils come out in flying colours in their various exams. It is principals that manage schools; so if schools are well managed, that will have a rippling effect on pupils’ results.’’
Lagos State Chairman All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Mrs Omotunde Lawson, advised participants to network and engage one another in creative thinking and capacity building, so as to make the most of the state’s investment.
Principal of Lagos State Senior Model College, Badagry, Mr Sunday Fadahunsi, who spoke on behalf of trainees, said: “We are so motivated that we cannot wait to get to our schools and start turning things around. We really thank the Lagos State government for this. Even the environment is very conducive and this will definitely manifest in the results of our students in the next West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).”
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Lagos, firm in N85b waste mgt deal
The Lagos State government has entered into agreement with a firm to manage domestic waste. The deal, which is a public-private partnership (PPP) based contract, is worth N85 billion over the next five years.
This was disclosed by the state’s commissioner for the environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare in a chat with The Nation. Although he declined to name the investor cum contractor, the Commissioner however said the contractual agreement is part of an initiative to tackle waste management in the state, and as well tap into the wealth opportunities inherent in waste management.
“Waste management is now big business. We are pulling out the PSP operators from domestic waste management in the state and they will now concentrate on the commercial waste management and collection which is more lucrative. The new contractor, a renowned international firm, will focus on domestic waste management, and will invest about N85 billion over the next five years,” Adejare said. And as part of the new drive in this regard, the state will take delivery of 600 units of brand new Mercedez Benz waste compactor vehicles.
Adejare said that waste management will continue to receive high priority in the state. And as a demonstration of the commitment to this, the state last month, evacuated waste on highways and other public places. He said that in this period, a total of 32,662.00 metric tons of waste was evacuated in the Central, Western and Eastern parts of Lagos; 196,197.00 metric tons of waste was deposited at various landfill sites of Olusosun, Solous 111, Ewu-Elepe and Epe; Simpson and Agege Transfer Loading Stations evacuated 6,923 waste, while 216 marine waste was evacuated in 13 major water bodies locations in the state.
Besides, he explained that advocacy and enlightenment on the PSP programme received a boost with waste and environment regeneration campaigns carried out in General Hospitals, Primary Health Care Centres and Private health Care Facilities, while 263 feedbacks came in form of complaints relating to service delivery and online bill reconciliation.
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Ghanaian power firm coming to Lagos
A Ghanian company plans to establish a wiring and transmission equipment factory in Lagos this month to improve power supply in the country.
The Chief Operating Officer, Reroy Group, Roy Quartey Papafio, told The Nation, during an energy forum in Lagos, that Nigeria was chosen because of its large market.
He said: “We are already doing business in Nigeria. We have clients in the country, but we are looking at a situation whereby we would operate fully in the country. We have done market survey to know our clients and what they need. The aim is to satisfy the needs of our customers.’’
Papafio said the company would support contractors in the power distibution chain, the same way it did for contractors in Ghana.
He said this would improve power supply, create jobs and boost the economy.
According to him, the plant will, at the onset, create direct jobs for 100 persons and provide thousands of indirect jobs.
‘’We want to invest in Nigeria, share competencies in such a way that we would contribute our quota to the development of the country. Often times, we look for skills abroad.
‘’Unknown to many of us, there are enough skills in Nigeria and other African countries. We have capacities that are under-utilised in Nigeria and other countries. Once Africans start investing in their continent, they would build skills and create jobs,’’ he added.
Nigeria and other countries, he said, needed regional cooperation to develop.
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Glamour and style at Lagos Fashion show
The last one month in the fashion industry has witnessed class, colour and innovative fashion designs showcasing indigenous fabrics.
Two weeks ago, the Lagos Fashion, organized by Merydian International, the 5th in the series, was staged at the prestigious Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event was a competition that can be regarded as world class. The country leading and most popular designers gave the new kids on the block of fashion chance to showcase their talent.
According to FADAN president, Moji Ajila-Ladipo, “the aim of the one day event, which was a collaboration between Turkey and Nigeria, is to see how Nigerian fashion designers can mass produce more, we want them to teach us how they do some of those things and then we want people to see what has been done in other countries.
“If you look at it, these people came all the way from Turkey, over 60 of them, and they are designers and they mass produce. These are the things many Nigerians are wearing here. So we want to try and see how we can do our own thing. Our own people can mass produce and then we want our own people to see what is happening in other countries as well.”
She also revealed that the plan is to give Nigerian designers a platform to exhibit their products, hone their skills and show them how to mass-produce quality end products to the Nigerian masses and the world.
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Lagos dazzles at Lafarge literacy contest
The duo of Joshua Awosikunde of Methodist Nursery/Primary School, Agege, and Favour Philip of Darocha Nursery/Primary School, Oshodi, both public schools in Lagos State, proved their superiority over other finalists in the grand finale of the third Lafarge Africa National Literacy Competition held at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, penultimate week.
The duo crowned their efforts in the literacy tests, summary and essay categories of the competition with success in the spelling bee in which they recorded a perfect score of 40 marks. They did not misspell any word in the two-rounds of the spelling bee.
For their effort, the pupils won an educational grant of N500,000 (N250,000 each) in addition to gifts for themselves and their teachers.
In second position was the team from Plateau State, Sharon Martins and Aude Samuel who won N400,000 (N200,000 each); and Ekpo Ogochukwu and Obike Miracle from Enugu State. They got N150,000 each. The remaining three teams from Edo, Gombe and Kaduna States were rewarded with N100,000 consolation prize (per team).
Teachers of the pupils were not left out.
The Lafarge National Literacy Competition is organised annually, in collaboration with Ovie Brume Foundation, a non-governmental organisation. It engages pupils in activities that measure and advance their ability to read, write and spell correctly.
The Group MD/CEO, Lafarge Africa Plc, Michel Puchercos, said the competition is one of the firm’s social investment programmes developed to take corporate social responsibility beyond her host communities to a wider Nigerian audience.
“Our motivation is to continue to provide support and interventions in the area of education as a focus area for our social investments to demonstrate commitment to building a stronger Nigeria.
“For us at Lafarge Africa PLC, we are excited about this initiative of contributing to the breeding of a generation of literate Nigerians as studies have shown that children who have developed strong writing, reading and comprehension skills perform better in their formal or informal educational pursuits. They become lifelong learners and sought-after employees. The commitment to pull the younger generation out of poverty and underemployment should start from now,” he said.
On her part, Ms. Evelyn Oputu, Chairperson, Ovie Brume Foundation, said their partnership with Lafarge has helped to fulfil a critical goal of providing access to quality education for the less privileged.
“We are all here today because we have found a partnership in a company like Lafarge that is committed to building better community by giving back to the society and not just to exploit the resources they are exposed to. They have recognised that for our society to grow and evolve to become whole, the education of young people is important,” she said.
Wife of the Ogun State governor, Mrs Olufunso Amosun, praised the competition for its impact on learning outcomes. She said she was impressed by the improved performance of the pupils compared to previous editions.
“It is commendable that our children are improving in terms of literacy and spelling,” she said.
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‘There’s no discrimination in Lagos House of Assembly’
Hon. Jude Idimogu, an Igbo, is a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member of the Lagos State House of Assembly. He represents Oshodi/Isolo Constituency II. The lawmaker spoke with Oziegbe Okoeki on his experience, the PDP crisis and the relationship between him and the All Progressives Congress (APC) legislators, who are in the majority.
How do you cope being only Igbo speaking member of the Lagos State House of Assembly?
It has not been easy. its like for you when you are dinning with people that are totally different in tribe, different in style. Forget about party affiliation, you can see that you are one. I call myself minority among minority. I must tell you, at least, I have lived in Lagos for over 35 years now. Most of my friends are Yorubas, at least in my environment where I live. So, I am a bit conversant with the tradition. I did part of my schooling here in Lagos. However, speaking the language fluently is the problem. I can pick and understand few words when they speak. My wife is Yoruba. She is from Ijebu Ode. She was also born and bred in Lagos and had all my kids in Lagos. So, apart from being an in-law, I see myself as a Lagosian.
Have you at anytime experienced any form of discrimination on the floor of the House as a result of your being a minority lawmaker?
Not at all. In the House, I have always had opportunity to express myself and the truth is that when they look at other PDP members, they say the real PDP they know is me. I think I have been enjoying myself. I appreciate them; for me, no discrimination. I always believe in relationship because what matters is relating well with people whether you are from the same place or not.
Despite having eight PDP members in the House, the party has not been playing the role of a formidable opposition. What do you think is responsible for this?
Well, to a certain extent, you are right. You should remember that the House is made up of two strong parties, the PDP and the APC. We are eight. I think there is a general apathy among PDP members in particular. I think it has to do with the problem the party is facing nationwide. The division in the party is also extended to the members in the House. So, one is also careful because you don’t know the opinion of the other group on issues.
But, apart from that, I think what I have observed in the House is when we are all here, we play down on party issue. We see ourselves as colleagues whose motive is to ensure that Lagosians get dividends of democracy. Again, you know that the majority will always have their way and minority will have their say. For now, I think we have always worked harmoniously, irrespective of party affiliation. The leadership of the House is helping because he doesn’t see us as opposition. he takes everybody together. There is no basis to cause commotion, but cooperate andlegislate on matters that will improve the lots of the people of Lagos State.
Would you say Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has been discriminating against the constituencies that didn’t vote for him?
I was even surprised that Ambode actually started work from my own constituency (Oshodi/Isolo 2). Today the major roads are far better than what they were before he assumed office. So, it is a big plus for him. I believe my colleagues too must also have felt the impact of the governor in their respective constituencies. He is a listening governor and for me I think what he is also trying to do is to ensure that all areas, irrespective of the party that represents them in the Assembly, are evenly developed. The governor, is running an all-inclusive government. that is the way I see it from my own point of view. He has done a lot for my constituency and I believe he will do more.
What do they demand from you?
Of course, if you look at Lagos, most people that are always crying foul are non-indigenes, either in terms of road traffic laws, LASTMA problem, police, a lot of issues, they believe government is always trying to work against them. And from my own side, a typical Yoruba man always believes an Ibo man is PDP, that whatever you say, it is PDP. Naturally, the party in power is the APC. so, there is always that conflict. No matter the good intention of the government, they will always believe the government is trying to discriminate against them, probably because they did not vote for the APC. But, I know some other non-indigenes also voted for the party in power. some are even members. But, I believe once you get into power every body is your constituent, your people.
How have you made impact on your constituency in the last one and half years?
The truth is that I am giving it the best shot, but I know I could have done better, if the resources are there. Yes, my primary assignment here is making of laws, but it goes beyond that, because that is not what the constituents will be asking you. They want to see infrastructure like good roads, transformers etc. in place and where is the money. But, you as a legislator you earn your allowances, no special project or constituency project money or allocation and all that which you will want to use to finance some of this needs. Right now, the executive would want to pay major attention to areas of priority, aress of priority which might not fall within your constituency. But, as a legislator, you must do one or two things, empowerment and other things like providing some amenities for them. The challenge is there, but sincerely I must tell you, I think I am not doing badly. I thought I could have done better. But, in terms of having a voice, my people know I am a voice for them. I keep on talking about them. So, my constituency is well represented.
What do think is the way out of the crisis in the PDP?
I look at it that it is normal because when you are used to the good life, which the PDP has been used to for years and of course, I can add cheap funds coming from the center and every body having his or her way and suddenly after about 15 years unexpectedly something happens to cut it short, now there is trouble. Because he who pays the piper dictates the tune, there is no one controller who dictates any longer. Because whether you like it or not, for you to effectively lead others you must also be able to pay, carry the bill. You can not say you are a leader and you can not contribute financially, nobody will listen to you.
I think that is the problem and that is the big challenge PDP has right now. Another issue is that we have very few democrats here, what we have are sycophants, that is why nobody wants to sincerely stay and contribute to rebuild the party, every body wants an easy way out, not to join in building. I think we, the PDP are architect of our own problem.
It will take a little while, because until our leaders begin to sacrifice their personal interest for the party not to die; but who is willing to commit resources. Maybe if the party can make it mandatory for members to contribute to the party, nobody will want the party to die when you are financially committed. We need prayers, and I think our leaders should look at the general interest of the party not their personal interest.
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New ICT centre for Lagos school
It was a moment of excitement as over 3,000 children of Lagos State Model Primary School GRA, lkeja celebrated the inauguration of 16-seater Information Communication Technology (ICT) Learning Centre built by SAP Nigeria in partnership with AYECI Africa at the school’s premises.
The renovation of the ICT Centre worth over N5 million had 16 functional computer systems with internet, interactive maker board, IBM, projector and 3.5KVA power generating set.
Speaking at the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Olufemi Odubiyi commended SAP Nigeria and AYECI Africa for their foresight in helping to build an army of ICT-compliant generation that will reshape the world.
Odubiyi said the gesture was in tandem with the Lagos State Government’s determination to provide quality education for public and private school pupils by ensuring that each pupil acquires the necessary computer knowledge in order to compete with their peers globally.
He noted that with an estimated shortage of some two million IT professionals in the world, the need to encourage more people to take interest in ICT, through training and skills development is a welcome way to deal with the deficit; and catching them young through SAP Africa Code Week programme is not just the way to go but the key to bridging the gap.
He stressed that the ICT sector is a fast-growing one with unlimited possibilities. Consequently, governments, non-governmental organisations and stakeholders in the education sector need to do more in promoting ICT skills in not just primary, but secondary and tertiary institutions.
Odubiyi said: “The ICT sector remains a fast-growing area with limitless possibilities for national and international development. These days, ICT is effectively showing new dimensions to old institutional arrangements. It is in view of the boundless opportunities ICT offers that the Lagos State Government has been making concerted efforts to explore its potential in various aspects of governance; education inclusive.”
As part of effort to encourage e-learning, he said, the government established a ‘Digital Village’ at Alausa, Ikeja for interested residents, especially youths to further have the opportunity of exploring the unbelievable potential of ICT. The major goal of the village is to produce a new generation of youths who are sufficiently versatile with appropriate IT skills to be positioned for personal development and active participation in nation-building.
In her words, Marketing Lead for Africa SAP, Juliet Omorodion said the renovation of the ICT centre was in celebration of the annual global call to service day for organisations to give back to their communities or immediate environments.
She said: “We want to improve learning experience of these young ones. We want to empower underserved people with learning opportunities to enable them to have a strong technology-driven future.”
She added that to ensure regular power supply to the centre, the organisation had installed 3.5 KVA power generating set as an alternative to power supply for the centre.
Continuing, Omorodion said: “Over 3,000 children are to benefit from the project. We are extremely glad and passionate about it.”
The Chairman of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education, Dr Oluremi Sopeyin, urged the school’s management to use the facility well for the benefit of the children.
He said the world has become a global village and the need to arm the children with requisite skills is imperative.
He noted that the success of the sustainable development goals is hinged on inclusive education for all, especially today’s children.
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Lagos ‘committed to developing tourism’
As a result of the current economic recession which the country is experiencing due to fall in oil in the international market, the three tiers of government are looking inwards to identify sectors of the economy that have not been fully tapped into. This is with a view to shore up their revenue base for implementation of their various people-oriented programmes.
In the circumstances, Lagos State has shown commitment in developing its tourism potential as a way of encouraging would-be investors to have interest in the money-spinning non-oil sector. Several efforts are being made to ensure the potential inherent in its fascinating coastal landscape and other resources are maximally utilised.
In a bid to realise this goal, Governor Ambode, few weeks ago, was granted permission to upgrade the Marina-Onikan axis of the Presidential Lodge into a global tourist centre by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Also recognising the viability of the gaming industry in achieving a robust tourist hub, the governor transferred the administration of the Lagos State Casino and Gaming Law and Regulations to the Lagos State Lotteries Board (LSLB).
The board has since mapped out strategies towards providing legal platform to address issues impeding smooth operation by pools promoters, agents, casino and the general gaming industry.
At its maiden meeting with stakeholders, the newly appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the board, Oluwaseun Anibaba expressed the board’s commitment to redefining tourism through effective regulation of the sector.
He said if adequately managed, foreign direct investments would be on the increase, with the state retaining its position as the largest gaming city which has the largest casino facilities.
The essence of the forum, according to Anibaba, was to interact with key players on strategies to elevate the sector through formulation of investor-friendly regulations. He emphasised that the board will harmonise all laws and regulations relating to gaming, pledging that the board will partner with necessary regulatory agencies to engender an atmosphere conducive to gaming operations.
“We are looking forward to harmonising gaming laws. As a state, we want to harmonise all the laws pertaining to lottery, sports betting and casinos. Casino, pools and betting were added to us late July. We didn’t want to come up with laws; we wanted to give the operators the opportunity to talk about their challenges and the issues they are facing.
“Our main objective is to protect our operators and stakeholders. There are many areas we can add value to and create environment conducive to new innovations. For us, it entails leveraging on what we can do as a government and working hand-in-hand with other parastatals.
On laws, you have to get approvals for certain things; you might actually have to go to the House of Assembly if need be. By next year, frameworks, specific layouts relating to casinos, pools and betting will be finalised,” he said.
He noted that revenues generated from the sector were injected into provision of social amenities, adding that though some cultural beliefs do not permit gaming, the board will intensify its efforts in sensitising the public to the benefits indulging in gaming. He assured that shortcomings such as underage gaming will be minimised.
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Lagos Assembly approves death penalty for kidnappers
The Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday approved death sentence for kidnappers, whose victims died in their custody.
The approval followed the adoption of a report presented by Mrs Adefunmilayo Tejuosho, the Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, Petitions, Human Rights and Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC).
Tejuosho had presented the report of a Stakeholders meeting on a bill entitled; “A Bill for a Law to Provide for the Prohibition of the Act of Kidnapping and for Other Connected Purposes”.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bill was sponsored by the Speaker of the House, Mr Mudashiru Obasa.
The bill prescribed life sentence to kidnappers, whose victims did not die in their custody.
The bill states that any person, who kidnaps, abducts, detains, captures or takes another person by any means or tricks with intent to demand ransom or do anything against his/her will, commits an offence, and liable on conviction to death sentence.
The bill, which criminalised attempt to kidnap, stipulated also life imprisonment for anyone who make attempt to kidnap another person.
Also, the bill is against false representation to release a kidnapped or abducted person. This attracts seven years imprisonment.
The lawmakers also approved 25 years imprisonment to whoever threatens to kidnap another person through phone call, e-mail, text message or any other means of communication.
The bill provides that any person, who knowingly or wilfully
allows or permits his premises, building or a place or belonging to which he has control of, to be used for the purposes of keeping a person kidnapped is guilty of an offence under the law and liable to 14 years imprisonment without an option of fine.NAN reports that the lawmakers amended some sections of the bill during the debate on the committee report before adoption.
The bill, aimed at ensuring zero tolerance for kidnapping, however, awaits third reading before it will be sent to Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode for assent. (NAN)