The Nation Newspaper

Tag: lagos

  • ‘Lagos budget is pensioners’ budget’

    ‘Lagos budget is pensioners’ budget’

    The valedictory budget presented by Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola last month will solve most of the state parastatals and agencies pensioners lingering problems, Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions, Mrs. Florence Oguntuase has said.

    Oguntuase who described the budget as pensioner’s budget while speaking in Lagos said the pensioners whose problems mostly rose from the old pension scheme will soon have cause to smile.

    Speaking on pension arrears being owed pensioners of local government and Water Corporation, she said the problem will soon be resolved.

    She said: “There is no doubt we have issue with few parastatals and we are taking it on board. We are going to pay each parastatals on its own merit. Before we were going to lump them together but we discovered that their cases are different from each other.

    “What the executive council has asked us to do is to take them one after the other.

  • Lagos leads in family planning

    Lagos has topped the list of those that accepted modern family planning, which includes birth control, assisted reproductive technology and others.

    This is part of the report released by the Global Program to Enhance Reproductive Health Commodity Security (GPRHCS) of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), while disseminating the 2013 GPRHCS Survey Report.

    According to the Head; Lagos Liaison Office/Reproductive Health Program Specialist, UNFPA Nigeria Country Office, Dr. Omolaso Omosehin, every year, since 2001, the United Nations Population Fund supports the Federal Ministry of Health to assess facilities throughout the country on reproductive health commodities.

    The assessment, among other things helps to show an overall picture of the availability and level of stock-outs of modern contraceptive methods and essential life-saving maternal/Reproductive Health medicines at health facilities nationwide.

    The report has it that: “Some findings of 2013 survey revealed that some methods of contraceptives (especially the long acting methods) were not available in most of the primary centres; 84 per cent of the facilities sampled offers at least three modern methods of contraceptives (90 per cent for Lagos); 51 percent of facilities had stock out on the day of visit; 49.5 percent had stock out for three months preceding the visit (74.2 percent for Lagos) and 69 percent of the facilities offers at least seven of the life-saving maternal medicines (79.3 percent for Lagos). The survey parameters for last year include 84 percent of the facilities sampled were privately owned; 51 percent are primary centres, 45 percent are secondary (general hospitals) and four percent are teaching hospitals”, he stated.

    The 2013 GPRHCS Survey Report recommended general improvement in the supply at primary warehouses for re-supply; strengthen the capacity of health providers and facilities in providing longer-term/permanent contraceptive methods and to address barriers and bottlenecks in the supply chain.

  • Arthur-Worrey marks 60th birthday with book on Lagos

    Arthur-Worrey marks 60th birthday with book on Lagos

    Former Lagos State Solicitor-General, Fola Arthur-Worrey marked his 60th birthday with the presentation of his latest book, reports PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU

    Since 1980 when he was called to Bar, Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Fola Arthur-Worrey, has remained committed to making the society better. He rose through the ranks in the Lagos State Ministry of Justice to become the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in 1996, and between 1998 and 2006, he was the Solicitor-General.

    As part of activities to mark his 60th birthday, he presented a special photobook on Lagos titled: Aerial Lagos–A Bird’s View of African’s Largest Metropolis, depicting the state’s beautiful landscape and aquatic splendour. The book is history in pictures.

    “I was inspired when I flew in a helicopter and marvelled at the beauties and the splendour of this great city. I imagined how wonderful it would be if one could depict such aesthetics in a photobook. Really, what is missing about the society is the paucity or lack of narratives,” he said.

    Arthur-Worrey said the book is his way of adding value to the society. “It is important that you ask yourself what value you add to the society. This is important because it is through the value to the society you’ll be remembered for.

    “Bill Gates will probably not be forgotten anytime he joins his maker. In spite of his enormous wealth, he would always be remembered for his invention of Microsoft. You’re not likely to be remembered for the number of mansions you built, but by the value you add to the society, while you are alive.”

    All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, represented by Senator Olorunimbe Mamora, described the celebrator as a man of impeccable integrity.

    He said Arthur-Worrey was always willing to provide solutions to the society’s problems through selfless service.

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, represented by Dr. Adeleke Ipaye, said Arhur-Worrey was a dependable friend even in bad times, recalling his contribution to the long struggle to reclaim the governor’s stolen mandate.

    “He is steadfast, trust-worthy, intelligent and a man of immense intellectual capacity,” Aregbesola said.

    LSSTF Chairman, Mr. Remi Mankanjuola, described the ‘birthday boy’ as “a fantastic guy, dogged, astute and excellent in service”.

    Former Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Muiz Banire said the author is a very contended person concerned about improving his society.

    Prof Ade Elebute, who chaired the event, said the author brought his immense intellectual capacity to bear on the book.

    For the Erelu of Lagos, Abiola Dosumu, Nigeria needs the likes of Arthur-Worrey. “I look forward to seeing such a man in higher position of authority because that is what the society needs,” she said.

    Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) Chief Executive Officer, Ola Oresanya described the author as a mentor, adding that the book “is a working tool for us at LAWMA.”

    Arthur-Worrey said he was overwhelmed by the outpouring of goodwill messages while paying glowing tributes to his mother who was with him at the occasion.

    He said whatever contribution he has made to the society must be viewed from the quality upbringing and discipline he received as a child. “It is occasion like this that makes one feel truly valued,” he said.

    At the event were Lagos Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr Wale Ahmed, who represented Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN); the Obanikoro of Lagos, Chief Adesoji Ajayi; Mrs Esther Olufunke; a former Lagos Attorney-General Prof Yemi Osinbajo (SAN);  a former Aviation Minister Odein Ajumogobia (SAN); former Lagos Commissioner for Information Dele Alake; Mr Ebun Sofunde (SAN), and Mr Deji Sasegbon (SAN), among others.

     

  • PVCs distribution begins in Lagos, Rivers, Nasarawa today

    PVCs distribution begins in Lagos, Rivers, Nasarawa today

    The distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) begins today in nine local governments in Lagos State that were left out in the first phase. The affected councils are: Alimosho, Amuwo-Odofin, Apapa, Badagry, Epe, Eti-Osa, Oshodi/Isolo, Shomolu and Surulere. A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Mr Kayode Idowu, said the PVCs distribution would also begin today in Rivers and Nasarawa states. Idowu said: “The six states where PVCs are yet to be distributed and Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) pending are Niger, Katsina, Rivers, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Borno as well as nine local governments in Lagos State”. To ensure effective distribution of PVCs and mitigate the difficulties encountered in the previous phases, he said the commission has rescheduled the exercises to hold as follows: “In Rivers and Nasarawa states and the remaining nine local governments in Lagos State, PVCs distribution: Friday, November 28 to Sunday, November 30. CVR: Wednesday, December 3 to Monday, December 8. “Kaduna and Katsina states: PVCs distribution: Saturday, December 6 to Monday, December 8. CVR: Wednesday, December 10 to Monday, December 15. “Niger and Borno states: PVC Distribution: Friday December 12 to Sunday, December 14. CVR: Wednesday, December 17 to Monday, December 22”. Idowu spoke on Wednesday at a meeting with leaders of  the parties. They expressed understanding and pledged support to the commission’s efforts.

  • Mr Biggs arrives MMIA, Lagos

    Mr Biggs, Nigerian’s foremost, indigenous quick service restaurant business and a brand under UAC Restaurants, birthed a new outfit at the E-wing of the departure lounge, close to the British Airways counter, at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos on November 23.

    The all-new-look eatery, is positioned to serve the increasing needs of international travellers at the MMIA.  This will avail travellers the opportunity to grab a fast meal before boarding their flights without hassles. The challenge of getting affordable hygienic meal to cater for the needs of travellers has been taken care  by the entrant of Mr Biggs brand at the airport. “It’s our good initiative in response to consumer needs,” said Mr Derrick Van Houten, the Managing Executive for UAC Restaurants.

    The mood at the opening of the eatery was joyous and it was easily noticeable on the faces of the customers when informed that  a Mr Biggs restaurant, where they could easily grab a meal before boarding their flights, was close by.

    As part of the marketing initiatives to create awareness and build customer loyalty, customers, who make purchases from the opening day till the next one month will be rewarded with beautifully branded gift items. It’s the Biggs way of appreciating the customers.

    The restaurant offers meals in the following categories: Pastries – Meatpie, Chicken pie, Beef roll & Doughnut; Meals – rice, heritage pottage and farmhouse beans;  Sweets – ice cream & soft serve yoghurt – first of its kind and a variety of cold drinks to go with the meals.

    We are very much aware that the yuletide period is setting in with its beehive of activities and the restaurant is set to relieve travellers the stress of having to plan their meals before arriving at the airport.

    Also, Mr Biggs, the children friendly brand is connecting with schools through the Mr Biggs @ School Fest package this yuletide season. For just N1, 000, schools can enjoy the presence of Mr Biggs brand at their end of year parties.

    Mr Biggs has just emerged as the 2014 Most Trusted Brand in the quick service restaurant category, a brand health award.  They couldn’t have achieved it without their esteemed and loyal customers.

  • Four new libraries for Lagos schools

    Four new libraries for Lagos schools

    As Nigeria joined the world to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Convention of the Right of the Child last Thursday, pupils of four public primary schools on Lagos Island and its environs had their rights to education assured–courtesy of Zaccheus Onumba Dibiaezue Memorial Libraries (ZODML), which donated libraries to the schools.

    The schools are Holy Cross Cathedral Primary School; Lagos Island Local Government Primary School (L.I.L.G); St. Saviour School; Anwar-Ul-Islamiyat Primary School, Elegbeta and Anwar-Islam Girls Primary School, Olushi Street – bringing the number of ZODML libraries in Lagos public schools to 10.

    ZODML’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mrs Ifeoma Esiri, said at the event that education is an essential right of a child that should be given utmost attention, adding that one way of ensuring that it is safeguarded is by promoting projects that increase literacy.

    She blamed the low literacy level on the absence of functional school libraries, lamenting that many children leave primary schools unable to read and write properly.

    She urged the government to pay more attention to the funding and development of the education sector and remove duties on importation of books.

    “This brings me to the grave concern I have over newspaper reports alleging that the government is planning to impose 20 per cent import duty on books. An imposition of an import duty of whatever amount can only turn a very bad situation as seen in the extremely low literacy level into a monumental catastrophe,” she said.

    But rather than criticising the lapses in government, Mrs Esiri said ZODML has gone a step further to be part of the change it wants to see in schools by establishing libraries.  The libraries are called ‘Oasis Libraries’, and equipped with over 1,000 books for young readers.

    “Our work in the schools, where we have libraries, has shown that literacy levels are extremely low and the absence of functioning school libraries has a lot to do with that situation. Our first Oasis Library was established 10 years ago at St George’s School for Girls at Falomo and what we saw from that was that many pupils were leaving school unable to read. Each of the four new libraries has a collection of 1048 books,” Mrs Esiri said.

    The event was held on the premises of the Local Government Education  Authority, Lagos Island, where keys to the libraries were presented to head teachers of each school. It was attended by the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LSUBEB), Mrs Gbolahan Daodu, who was represented by the Board’s permanent member, Mrs Bimpe Careena; Lagos Island Education Secretary,  Mr Moshood Mayegun; LSUBEB, Director of Library Services, Mrs R.O. Oguntimehin, among others.

    Mrs Daodu said ZODML’s gesture would not only impact learning, but the reading culture of the pupils, adding that the board would continue partnering with ZODML.

     

  • Lagos plans e-learning centre

    THE Lagos State Commissioner for Education Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, has disclosed that the state government is building an ultra-modern e-based learning outfit that will incorporate e-instructional television, e-classroom and e-drama, among others.

    She spoke in Lagos on Monday at the close of the Festival of Instructional Materials organised by the Ministry of Education to showcase creativity and promote the use of e-based instructional materials for the educational development of children.

    The theme of the programme was: “e-based instructional materials: Helping the curious mind to achieve greater things.”

    She said upon completion, the e-learning outfit would be accessible to all learners and teachers in Lagos state and beyond.

    “Let me stress that this platform will be accessible to all learners and teachers in the state and elsewhere in the world,” she noted.

    The commissioner said e-learning is the trend in education as it offers flexibility and convenience to learners, facilitates communications between teachers and learners as well as expose learners to varieties in learning experience with the use of multimedia and non-verbal presentation of teaching materials among other benefits.

    “In today’s technology-driven world, our children should not lag behind in embracing new sources of increasing their knowledge so as to be at par with their counterparts in the civilised world,” she said.

    She pointed out that the realisation of the importance of instructional materials informed government’s decision to invest heavily in the provision of relevant instructional materials to empower teachers, make their lessons more interesting, clearer, lively and enjoyable to pupils.

    She explained that no fewer than 600 secondary school teachers have been trained on Special Audio Visual Media Workshop and Mobile capacity building programmes for teachers in rural and riverine areas of the state to improve their capacities.

    The commissioner, therefore, charged teachers to redouble their efforts and show more commitment to their jobs.

    The event also witnessed the exhibition of instructional materials by schools and teachers. Mrs. Grace Okwudiri Njoku of Isolo Senior High School, Isolo emerged winner in the teacher’s category while Lagos Progressive Senior Secondary School, Surulere won in the school category.

  • Lagos retirees to get N1.7b under CPS

    Lagos retirees to get N1.7b under CPS

    In fulfillment of its cherished commitment to the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS),  the Lagos State Government will be paying over N1.7 billion to another set of 319 retirees, Director-General, Lagos State Pension Commission, Rotimi Hussain has said.

    He made this known in a statement signed by the Press and Public Relations Officer, Taofeek Lawal and made available to journalists in Lagos.

    He said the beneficiaries would be collecting the money which represents their past service benefits before the commencement of the Contributory Pension Scheme in April, 2007 during the 14th Retirement Bond Certificate presentation ceremony.

    Hussein noted that the ceremony was specially designed by the Lagos State Government to celebrate and express appreciation to its retirees for showing great commitment and dedication to the service of the state while still in service.

    ‘’This is regularly done in fulfillment of Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola administration’s uncompromising commitment at ensuring that every worker who retires from the State Public Service gets his or her retirement benefits with relative ease,’’ he said.

    The state government has paid a total sum of N27.1 as at the 13th Retirement Bond Certificate presentation in September of this year.

  • Lagos SUBEB fetes retired teachers

    Rather than stay idle and inactive, retired teachers and other workers who served under the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) have been counselled to play active roles in their communities.

    The retirees were told this by various officials at the SUBEB yearly welfare event for retired septuagenarians held at the SUBEB Hall, Maryland.

    Delivering the keynote address, Mrs Titilayo Solarin, Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary (TGPS) Education Distrct II, said playing a role in their communities would help the retirees remain active and relevant.

    “Play a role in the community you live.  Be relevant and active.  If you sit at home and do not get involved, you are not preparing ground enough for those coming behind.  Play an advisory role; talk to the youth; let them know you as someone they can rely on and trust.  Pray for them and as you do so, God will bless you,” she said.

    Speaking further, the Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State governor on Primary Education, Mrs Abosede Ottun, said the retirees should not feel uncomfortable minding the business of their communities as it is the common practice abroad.

    “It is your business to know what is happening in your communities.  That is what senior citizens do abroad.  If they see anything that is out of place, they call the police,” she said.

    The retirees were also counselled to exercise, move closer to God, and keep their appointments with their doctors.

    Each retiree gift was presented with a bag of food items, which the SUBEB Chairman, Mrs Gbolahan Daodu, said was just a symbolic gift that was not commensurate to their worth to the board.

    “This is the third time we are having this celebration.  The essence is to appreciate our dear mamas and papas who have spent their youth serving Lagos State.  These gifts we are giving you are symbolic – to tell you that for every single day, we appreciate you,” she said.

    Reacting to the gesture, Mrs Virginia Adelaja, who retired as the Head Teacher of St Agnes Primary School, Somolu, in 1996, said she was happy they were being remembered.

    “It is welcoming because nobody thinks of teachers.  The fact that they gave us this ceremony shows that they appreciate us,” she said.

    Mrs Adelaja advised the government to restore discipline in schools.

    “In our days there was discipline.  But today there are lots of interventions these days that affects the level of discipline in schools and education is on the decline.  The home, school, government should work together to correct this,” she said.

    Chairman of the Teachers’ Pensioners Association, Pa J.O. Sanya, thanked the SUBEB chairman for introducing the event.

  • Winners emerge in Lagos festival for girl child

    The plight of out-of-school adolescent girls in Nigeria was the focus of this year’s Teenage Festival of Life organised by Action Health Incorporated (AHI), a Non-Governmental Organisation dedicated to promoting young people’s health and development.

    The festival, held at the main auditorium of the University of Lagos featured various artistic performances weaved around the theme: ‘Assuring the well-being and development of out-of-school adolescent girls.’

    Public and private secondary schools in Lagos State competed for laurels at the festival – thrilling the audience as they attempt to illustrate the hardship and hopes of the out-of-school girl child through drama, poetry and song.

    The 222 participating schools where judged using parameters including legibility, correctness in grammar, use of Queen’s English and ability to translate essays into certain dramatic standard.

    Fifty schools qualified for the finals, which saw Meiran Community Senior High School dwarfed them all in the drama category, with Tomia Community Senior Secondary School which led in the poetry category, with Arch Deacon Adelaja Senior High School, and Lagos State Senior Model emereged first and second runners up respectively.

    AHI Chief Executive Officer Mr Esiet Uwem, said the event was organised to let victims of the aforementioned circumstances know that despite challenges, there is hope. He advised them to hold on to their dreams, and never compromise even at the toughest moment in their lives.

    Uwen frowned that governments have failed the Nigerian youth.

    “There is systemic violence where the state deprives the citizens of their right- right to education, health and every good things of life. Therefore, people want to get what  they presume should  be theirs in a situation where it is not available or not enough; this informs the motive of the survival of the fittest. So when the system fails, it is the young people that suffer the most”. He said.

    Making reference to the UNESCO record of about 11 million out-of-school Nigerian children, Uwem condemned governments for lacking the will to incorporate them into the school system, noting that most leaders are less interested in politics of development.

    According to him, slum communities in Lagos are the worst hit when it borders on poverty, as according to her, most girls in the area depend solely on illegal activities for sustenance.

    He urged governments to invest appropriately in young people, create learning centers that are in close proximity to mostly pupils in remote areas .He equally admonished the society to cultivate the spirit of togetherness, noting that injury to one is injury to all.

    A Senior Secondary II, of Community Senior Grammar School Odumor Sonia, noted that it is a general responsibility to respond to the needs of victims of such circumstances, enlighten and give them new orientation to have better future.