The Nation Newspaper

Tag: lagos

  • Alabi-Macfoy emerges 14th Baba Adinni of Lagos

    Alabi-Macfoy emerges 14th Baba Adinni of Lagos

    The Vice Chairman of Lagos Central Mosque and Bashorun of Lagos, Alhaji Sikiru Alabi-Macfoy, has emerged as the 14th Baba Adinni of Lagos Central Mosque.

    Alabi-Macfoy’s emergence followed a keenly contested election at the Lagos Central Mosque, Idumota.

    The Nation learnt that out of three persons said to be interested in the position, only Alhaji Alabi-Macfoy and the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Al-Hujjaj International Umrah and Hajj Services Ltd, Alhaji Jelili Animashaun, were present for the screening.

    The screening and election lasted from some minutes from 11am till 3pm

    One of the Executive Council members of the Lagos Central Mosque, Alhaji Fatai Dawodu, chaired the 30-man Screening and Election Committee.

    The two candidates, The Nation learnt, were drilled for hours before the committee members went into voting.

    Alhaji Alabi-Macfoy emerged victorious with 22 votes while Alhaji Animashaun had eight votes.

    With this, the coast is clear for the Bashorun of Lagos to replace Sheikh AbdulHafeez Abou, who died on January 9 at 101 as the 14th Baba Adinni of Lagos Central Mosque.

    Speaking with The Nation, a member of the Executive Council, Dr Abdullah Jubril Oyekan, welcomed the emergence of Alhaji Alabi-Macfoy as Baba Adinni of Lagos.

    According to him, the former Executive Vice Chairman of Lagos Central Mosque is fit for the position, saying that he has been working closely with the late Baba Adinni before his demise and was already designated for the post.

    Dr Oyekan, who was part of the Screening and Election Committee, said: “The new Baba Adinni is a very familiar figure; he’s been associated with the central mosque for about 45 years. In the last few years, he was deputy to the former Baba Adinni. They worked very closely and when old age caught up with the late Baba Adinni, he (Alabi-Macfoy) was more or less designated to play the role as we gave him the title of the vice chairman of the council, a title of convenience, there is no sub-position in the constitution.

    “All the antecedents so far raised our expectations that with his appointment as the Baba Adinni, we should be able to achieve more and he has a lot of goodwill with people around him. I’m very hopeful and prayerful and that he would exceed our expectations.”

    Read Also: Lagos Airport Customs Command raised N90.53 billion 2023

    Alhaji Alabi-Macfoy hailed the committee for a good job.

    He thanked Allah for his emergence.

    He said his capability to step into the big shoe was not in doubt.

    He said: “I’ve been working and making a lot of strives in the administration of the Central Mosque and Lagos state before the demise of Sheikh Abou. I’ve been doing it and I hope to continue. Fortunately for me, we brought a lot of Lagosians who are intelligent and professionals into the executive council with the view that they would help to run the mosque. I’ve told all of them that as far as I’m concerned, I will do it with all the members of the executive. They’re all old but still vibrant, responsible and people of financial strength and capability. I will ensure proper administration of the mosque.  I will computerise their account system and worked hard with other trustees.”

  • Lagos pledges support to entrepreneurs

    Lagos pledges support to entrepreneurs

    With Valentine’s flower demand in the country and Europe increasing, Lagos government said it is supporting local production to boost income and employment.

    The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) research estimated that Americans spent $2 billion on flowers for Valentine’s Day, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF).

    African flower firms have often anticipated good returns from sales during valentine’s season.

     Kenya Flower Council (KFC) envisions a prosperous Valentine’s Day for the flower industry, fueled by an increasing demand in the European Union (EU) market. Uganda, Kenya and Ethiopia have been supplying flowers to China.

    Speaking in Lagos, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms Abisola Olusanya said Nigerians have been spending so much importing rose flowers from abroad to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

    She indicated that the government is ready to partner with the private sector to encourage the production of rose flowers.

    She commended the Team Lead, Eupepsia Place Limited (Soilless Farm lab), Farmer Samson Ogbole for the massive efforts to increase rose cultivation.

    According to her, Ogbole is committed to applying technology to provide first-class flower products for the growing flower market.

    She said the State Government says it is committed to implement the five-year Agricultural and Food Systems Roadmap to achieve 40 per cent food self-sufficiency by 2025.

    The five-year Agricultural Food Systems Roadmap was launched in 2021 by Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    Ms Olusanya said the state government would provide funds for agric service providers, improved rice paddy production and land bank collaboration with sister states.

    “We will go live on eight projects which include, Central Logistics Hub, Lagos Aquaculture Centre of Excellence (LACE), capacity building for horticulture stakeholders, full operations and capacity building for stakeholders in the Lagos Food Production Centres.

    Read Also: Tiers of govt share N1.1tr from Federation Account revenue

    “Others are execution of state-wide intervention and Green Wall Initiative,” she said.

    Olusanya listed others as the establishment of Agricultural Value Chains Enterprise Activation Programme, Agri-thon, Lagos Cares, Lagos Entrepreneurship Programme and the Lagos Agric Scholars Programme.

    “The state government will also create the Lagos Agrinnovation Clusters, the Food Value Chains’ Destination, the Lagos Central Food Security System and Logistics Hub and the Middle Level Agro Product Hub.”

    Currently, Nigeria is currently losing millions in foreign exchange, due to inability to harness the potential of the rose industry.

    Though only a fraction of farmers could be said to possess the knowledge of the money-spinning plant, studies have confirmed that roses have a great potential to generate regular income for the country.

    During the celebration of   St. Valentine’s Day, supermarkets and flower dealers rely solely on importation of roses, running into several millions of naira for brisk business.

    According to reports, Africa accounts for the bulk of roses exported to the United Kingdom, Australia, China, Netherlands and others. The continent accounts for 85 per cent of roses sold in the Netherlands, with Kenya and Ethiopia as the main suppliers.

    Europe is Kenya’s top buyer of fresh produce with Valentine’s season accounting for 40 percent of the total flower sales annually.

  • Lagos shuts herbal home, clinic, others

    Lagos shuts herbal home, clinic, others

    Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board has begun the sealing off of premises of traditional birth attendants and unauthorised maternity homes, as part of efforts to sanitise traditional medicine practice.

    The exercise was carried out in Ebute-Metta, Agege and Dopemu, in collaboration with the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps.

    The board’s Registrar, Mr. Babatunde Adele, who spoke with reporters after the exercise, said it was long overdue following the deadline earlier given to the practitioners to regularise their practice with the state government.

    Read Also: EFCC to arraign ex- Anambra Gov Obiano over alleged N4bn fraud

    He said the practitioners, whose premises were shut, had been operating their facilities without obeying standard procedure, adding that they would be made to face the disciplinary committee of the board as laid down in the Health Sector Reform Law (HSRL) 2006.

    Adele said: “The punishment given to the affected traditional herbal homes and birth centres will act as a deterrent to others who indulge in unwholesome practice despite warnings. Practices relating to traditional medicine, birth attendants, healing homes and birth centres have to be done within the ambience of the law of the state and as recommended by part 9 of the HSRL 2006.”

  • Lagos, enterprise centre partner on job opportunities

    Lagos, enterprise centre partner on job opportunities

    Lagos State, through Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, will begin a capacity building and human capital development training for youths. 

    The training is a collaboration with Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Pan Atlantic University, to hold in March. 

    Commissioner, Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, said 10,000 women will be trained using in hybrid sessions. 

    He said application would be opened to youths in the 57 local governments. He reiterated that a seed capital of N200,000 would be given to the best 80 participants. 

    He said: “The economic situation in Nigeria and the globe proves that government can no longer work in isolation. Hence, the need to collaborate with private sector. 

    Read Also: Lagos police set up tactical units to combat kidnapping, others

    “This informed partnership with Enterprise Development Centre of Pan–Atlantic University on capacity building and human capital development for youths on skills and knowledge for employability and entrepreneurship growth.

    The commissioner noted beyond the training, the organisation will enable the business advice component, capacity building, and expose participants to various platforms.

    Ajigbotafe also said the ultimate aim is to create a network of dynamic entrepreneurs and managers with a focus on empowering women between 18 and 35 involved in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Lagos State. 

    He said: “We intend to train 10,000 women within the next 24 months, using a combination of online partner-sponsored and physical community learning. The Programme will begin with a pilot of 2,000 women, and the training will focus on Digital, Agro and Creative Sectors.” 

  • Lagos, enterprise centre partner to boost job opportunities

    Lagos, enterprise centre partner to boost job opportunities

    Lagos State government, through the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, will begin a capacity building and human capital development training programme for youths on skills and knowledge necessary for employability and entrepreneurship. 

    Tagged ‘The Transforming Nigerian Youth Programme’, the training is a collaboration with the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of the Pan Atlantic University. 

    It is scheduled to take off in the first quarter of the year. 

    Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, at a news conference, said 10,000 women will be trained using in hybrid sessions. 

    According to him, application for the training would be opened to youths in the 57 local government areas. Hs reiterated that a seed capital of N200,000 would be given to the best 80 participants who successfully complete the programme. 

    He said: “The present economic situation in Nigeria and across the globe proves that government can no longer work in isolation. Hence, the need to collaborate with the Organised Private Sector to actualise its dream of wealth creation and employment for the youths in Lagos State. 

    “This informed the partnership with the Enterprise Development Centre of the Pan–Atlantic University on capacity building and human capital development for youths on skills and knowledge necessary for employability and entrepreneurship growth.

    Read Also: Thrills as Lagos Waka Football League ends in style

    “This for the development of the state through the transformation of Nigerian youths programme powered by the MasterCard foundation.

    “The training firm has been in existence for over 20 years, and has the focus to deepen the ecosystem, empower and develop the mindset of young people in the areas of entrepreneurship training, creative art, digital and agro-based business considered to be the most attractive to young people.”

    The commissioner added that beyond the training, the organisation will enable the business advice component, capacity building, and exposure of the participants to various platforms to launch their businesses.

    Ajigbotafe also daid the ultimate aim of the program is to create a network of dynamic entrepreneurs and managers with a specific focus on empowering women between the ages of 18 and 35, who are involved in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Lagos State. 

    He said: “We intend to train 10,000 women within the next 24 months, using a combination of online partner-sponsored and physical community learning. The Programme will begin with a pilot of 2,000 women, and the training will focus on Digital, Agro and Creative Sectors.” 

  • Lagos moves to combat theft of public infrastructure

    Lagos moves to combat theft of public infrastructure

    Lagos State Government has held a one-day stakeholders meeting to strategise and collaborate on implementing effective preventive measures to curtail the menace of public infrastructure vandalism and theft.

    The stakeholders’ engagement, held at the Lagos State Energy Academy, GRA Ikeja, brought together state and non-state actors to address the challenges.

    Addressing participants at the event, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, said security of public infrastructure stands as one of the most urgent concerns in the state, given the onslaught of vandals, who wreak havoc on critical assets.

    “Considering the indispensable role of public infrastructure in the economic prosperity, social development and overall functionality of society, the act of vandalism has a profound repercussion in everyone’s life,” said Ogunleye.

    Read Also: Top IPOB/ESN commander held in Lagos

    He revealed that a key strategic priority to securing the assets is the enhancement of security measures and response mechanism.

    “While we recognise the importance of fortifying security measures, concerted efforts among pertinent stakeholders, including government agencies, law enforcement institutions, energy industry players, and community leaders, are indispensable in ensuring that individuals engaged in vandalism of public assets are held accountable through legal consequences,” he said.

    “As we join forces to combat this menace, government will intensify awareness campaign to highlight the importance of safe infrastructure and state severe consequences of vandalism. It is imperative that all stakeholders, including civil society organisations, non-governmental institutions, local governments, community leaders, youth groups, and other progressive entities, join us in this campaign,” he said.

    The meeting was attended by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth, Security and Governance, Mr. Kehinde Motajo; Acting General Manager, Lagos State Electricity Board, Mr. Lateef Damilola; Representatives of Head of Government Agencies; Managing Director, LUG West Africa Ltd., Me. Imran Hamzat; Managing Director, LEDCO Ltd., Otunba AbdulRahman Abiola- Odunnowo; Managing Director, Elektron Energy, Mr. Tolabi: Security Agencies and other critical stakeholders.

  • Lagos pays N1.25b pension arrears to 605 retirees

    Lagos pays N1.25b pension arrears to 605 retirees

    The Lagos state government has paid another N1.25 billion pension arrears to 605 retirees.

    This brings the total paid since 2019 to N57.7 billion, with 16,340 retirees.

    The commissioner for Establishment and Training Afolabi Ayantayo, at the 102nd Retirement Bond Presentation, said Lagos has maintained its leading role in the administration of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) and payment of pension obligations since its inception in 2007.

    He said: “The retirement bond is not merely a token of appreciation; it is a symbol of our enduring gratitude and respect for the years of hard work and dedication you have invested in the State. The bonds you’ve forged, the wisdom you’ve shared, and the legacy you’ve built will continue to inspire us.

    “Let me thank Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, under whose administration the government has paid over N57.7 billion to 16,340 retirees in the Mainstream, Local Government, State Universal Basic Board (SUBEB), Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) and other government parastatals from May 2019 till date.

    “This month, the government is paying N1.258 billion to 605 retirees alongside their monthly contributions. The government is grateful for your service and we are committed to implementing policies to support the wellbeing of our senior citizens.”

    Director-General of the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC) Babalola Obilana noted that the money being paid was for service before the CPS in 2007. According to him, the government plans to clear all the backlogs before the year ends.

    Read Also: Apapa-Iganmu chair, traditional ruler challenge Lagos CP on performance

    He said: “The plan is that before the end of this year, we would have settled the accrued arrears and people will start getting their benefits as and when they retire.

    “We started paying 2022 for mainstream, local government and TESCOM. We are however just rounding up 2021 payment for SUBEB because that is where we have the numbers. But we are planning to clear all the backlogs before the end of the year and we start paying people as they retire.

    “There are also plans to onboard our retirees into the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme (LASHMA), popularly known as Ilera Eko. We are awaiting approval from the State Executive Council (SEC) and also planning with the handlers to agree on the number and cost. Hopefully, things would take proper shape before the end of the first quarter.”

    Obilana urged the retirees to manage their benefits well, saying, “Life after retirement is a transition from the hustle and bustle of a professional life to the serene embrace of well-earned leisure. Please remember that your contributions will always be cherished, and your impact will endure. Please be wary of fraudsters who prey on vulnerable pensioners. You can reach out to us after this event for any pension-related information or further clarifications.”

  • Lagos to residents: beware of ‘poisonous’ plantain chips

    Lagos to residents: beware of ‘poisonous’ plantain chips

    Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has warned residents particularly consumers of fried plantains popularly known as “Plantain Chips” over the unwholesome practices in the processing and frying of the plantain for sale.

    This warning is coming on the heels of viral online picture posted by an eye witness showing a “plantain chips” seller allegedly adding Polythene known as “Rubber” into the hot vegetable oil used for frying the plantain. 

    A statement issued by the agency expressed deep concern about the health implications this may have on consumers.

    It said: “The Agency is presently investigating this discovery and will take appropriate actions to protect consumers and hold accountable those responsible for the dangerous practice.

    Read Also: OEQA monitors Lagos schools resumption activities 

    “Meanwhile, members of the public are urged to assist in calling the attention of appropriate government agencies including LASCOPA to all unfriendly and unlawful practices among sellers of consumable items that can put the health of consumers at risk.

    “LASCOPA is located at No 2B, Soji Adepegba Close off Allen Avenue Ikeja with Annex offices situated within Badagry Local Government Secretariat, Bariga LCDA, Ikorodu Local Government and Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA.

    “The Agency can also be contacted via email at lascopa@lagosstate.gov.ng or lasgcopa@gmail.com or through the following phone numbers: 08124993885, 09064323154, and 08092509777.”

  • ‘Lagos has paid N57.7b pension benefit since 2019’

    ‘Lagos has paid N57.7b pension benefit since 2019’

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has paid N57.7 billion pension benefits to 16,340 retirees of the state since the commencement of his administration in May 2019 to date.

    Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pension, Mr. Afolabi Ayantayo, said this at the 102nd Retirement Presentation, organised by the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC).

    He said the beneficiaries were retirees from the Mainstream, Local Government, State Universal Basic Board (SUBEB),Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) and other parastatals of the state government.

    Ayantayo said since the inception of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in 2007, the state government had maintained its leading role in the administration of the scheme and payment of pension obligations to its beloved retirees.

    The commissioner said: “The state government is truly grateful for your hard work and recognises the need to protect your retirement benefits.

    “This is why we are committed to the ideals of the CPS with an objective to ensure you receive income regularly in your retirement.

    Read Also; Why I didn’t sack Emefiele, Buhari explains in Adesina’s memoir

    “We have all come together to honour and recognise the dedication, hard work, and invaluable contributions of our retirees present today.

    “The retirement bond that we are presenting to you today is not merely a token of appreciation; it is a symbol of our enduring gratitude and respect for the years of hard work and dedication you have invested in the state.

    “The bonds you have forged, the wisdom you have shared, and the legacy you have built would continue to inspire us,” he said.

    According to him, the state government is grateful for the service of its retirees and committed to implementing policies that will support their wellbeing.

    Ayantayo congratulated the retirees and prayed that God gives them good health to enjoy their benefits.

    In his remarks, the Director-General, LASPEC,Mr Babalola Obilana, said that the state government presented N1.258billion to 605 retirees, as their past service benefits prior to the commencement of CPS in 2007.

    The fund released is for the accrued pension paid for the month of January.

    Obilana thanked Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people of Lagos state.

    He said that the governor had continuously prioritised the need of pensioners and approved policies to ease the financial burden on retirees.

    The director-general congratulatulated the retirees and thanked them for their remarkable service.

    Obilana said:”Lagos state is thankful for your accomplishments and the enduring contributions you have made throughout your distinguished careers.

    “You have exemplified the values that define our dear state, such as integrity, commitment and excellence.

    “Your dedication and hard work has shaped the success of the “Centre of Excellence”.

    “You are a source of inspiration for us all, and your legacy will undoubtedly continue to resonate within the public service.

    Obilana charged the senior citizens to be wary of fraudsters who prey on vulnerable pensioners and always reach out to the commission for any pension-related information or further clarifications.

    He prayed that the retirees days ahead be filled with the joy of newly-found freedom and the satisfaction of a well-lived professional journey.

    The director-general appreciated the commission’s stakeholders, the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and insurance companies for their relentless efforts and support towards the success of the CPS.(NAN)

  • Aminkale youths protest planned imposition of Baale on Lagos community

    Aminkale youths protest planned imposition of Baale on Lagos community

    The Youth of Aminkale town in Agbado-Oke-Ode Local Council Development Area (LCDA) yesterday protested over the planned imposition of Baale on the Aiyetobi community in the town.

    They described it as a disregard for the wishes of the people and a clear violation of the due process of nominating any Baale in the local government and Lagos state in general.

    Leader of the youths, Rasak Adegoke, explained that the Aiyetobi community is directly under Aminkale town having a substantive Baale presiding over the entire community.

    He said: “We are not just residents of this community because some of us were born here with our parents having houses and properties here which makes us have a thorough knowledge of what is going on here.

    “The plan to install Baale in the Aiyetobi community is a slap in the face to the people of the community who were not even consulted in the first place but were shocked to hear from the Local Council Area that a date has been fixed for the installation. This made all the landlords, residents and titled Chiefs join the Youths to say a big ‘NO’ to the plan.

    “The process of nominating a Baale requires that the head of the indigenous family should align with his people and forward a name for such purpose, which was not adhered to in this situation. It is not also in place for the government to even suggest the need for a Baale in a community, rather the land owners are to solicit for it, which if it were to be done, should be done by High Chief Ayo Akeem Oladejo, the present Baale of Aminkale Town who is also the head of the indigenous family in Aminkale including Aiyetobi.”

    Baale of Aminkale Town, High Chief Ayo Akeem Oladejo said that due process was not followed.

    He accused Oba Sulaimon Suberu Odoalabe of Ajasa town, whom he claimed was not related to their family behind the planned imposition.

    “I’m aware of the planned imposition of a Baale on Aiyetobi a stone’s throw away from here. It beats my imagination that the necessary procedures were not followed, which includes; the indigenous family of the community requesting the Alimosho local government area through the Agbado-Oke-Ode Local Council.

    “After cross-checking specified parameters on the person nominated, it will be ratified by the Alimosho Joint Chieftaincy Committee, comprising all the Obas in Alimosho, comprising about 15 of them before such a person will be made a Baale.

    “I went through all that process before I was installed as the Baale of Aminkale Town which is the central community adjoined by Alaaso, Ogundare, Aiyetobi, and Estate which are the four quarters under my jurisdiction. After my investigations, I discovered that Oba Sulaimon Suberu Odoalabe of Ajasa town, who is not related to our family nor has direct or indirect control over this place or any of the quarters I mentioned above was behind the planned imposition contrary to all the stipulated requirements. But he is doing all this because of the support he gets from the Executive Chairman of the Agbado-Oke-Odo LCDA, David Famuyiwa. A further investigation also revealed that he has sent invites to Obas to attend, which was confirmed to me by one of the Obas.” Baale added.

    Read Also: ‘Adeboye is Baale of Idioyin-Imoke’

    The chairman of Agbado-Oke-Odo LCDA, David Famuyiwa denied knowing the planned imposition of a Baale on the Aiyetobi community.,

    “Aminkale has three indigenous Families and each is entitled to come forward with suggestions for the enthronement of a Baale. The only people entitled to such protest are members of the indigenous families who may have contrary claims. Additionally, their protest should not be that a Baale should not be chosen, rather they should question if he has the right qualities and belongs to the indigenous family. Also, when a town is expanding, the administrative structure is further broken to enhance development and ease of governance.”

    The Atuluse of Aminkale, Chief Kehinde Azeez, explained that he has been a landlord in the Community for over 22 years also said: “We only know the family of High Chief Fatai Ali Balogun, the father and the predecessor of the present Baale, this is the family all of us who are landlords here know as the indigenous family of Aminkale town, it is only one and not three as insinuated. Since his days as the Baale and presently with High Chief Ayo Akeem Oladejo, his son, who is the present Baale, we are enjoying unspeakable peace and unprecedented development, making us happy as a people.”