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Tag: Lawmaker

  • Outstanding principal receives lawmaker ‘s award, cash

    When the Principal of Ojodu Junior Grammar School, Ojodu, Mrs. Victoria Adebola Kolawole was using her personal resources to create a conducive learning environment for her students little did she know that her activities were being noted and that  she would be rewarded for her commitment to excellence one day.

    That day came last week Friday, when important personalities in the state gathered to honour her for the good work she has done over the years.

    The recognition award was courtesy of Lola Akande, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly (LSHOA) representing Ikeja II Constituency.

    Kolawole was given the award for ‘Dedication to duty, outstanding performance and excellence in management and administration’. Aside the plaque, Akande gave her cash award of N200,000, while other personalities gave donations amounting to N500,000. Kolawole described the award as an encouragement to her and others to do more.

    Reflecting on her action, Kolawole said all she had in mind was to change the situation in the school with whatever resources she has “because I knew the environment wasn’t conducive for learning and teaching, so I first had to change the environment.”

    “People were saying I was spending my money on a government school and I told them it is a legacy I am leaving behind, in 10 years’ time when I pass through that school I will remember that I did something.

    “My motivation is to have a conducive and high standard learning environment for the school. I decided to do it as a legacy and for posterity not necessarily for reward, but now God is rewarding me; in fact, this reward came to me as a surprise; just look at the calibre of people here,” she said.

    Praising Kolawole, Akande said: “I have attended many of her programmes and I have seen so many awards she has received like the best JSS School in the federation awarded by Federal Ministry of Education, best JSS Principal 2014 and so many others.

    “She is worth celebrating and she is excelling because she puts in everything she has into whatever she does. We are recognising her that she is doing well, that she is a woman of excellence, a woman of passion and I am trying through this gesture to inspire others, especially, teachers like her to emulate her,” Akande said.

    Wife of Lagos State governor, Dame Abimbola Fashola described Kolawole as an achiever.

    “You laboured for what you are being given today, it is your vision. We thank God that you did not join the bandwagon to do whatever you like as a civil servant. You put your spirit into it and it is commendable. You have done well and you are a total woman; continue to do more and you will achieve greater height,” she said.

    Dignitaries in attendance included  Dame Fashola; Senator Oluremi Tinubu; wife of Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mrs. Mayowa Ikuforiji; Deputy Speaker,   Kolawole Taiwo, who was chairman of the occasion; a member of House of Assembly, Sanai Agunbiade; former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Sarah Sosan and Head of Service, Oluseyi Williams.

  • Lawmaker empowers the needy in Ekiti

    Lawmaker empowers the needy in Ekiti

    Relief and joy were thick in the air when a member of House of Representatives, Hon. Bamidele Faparusi took bold steps at helping poor members of his constituency say bye to deprivations and want.

    It was at Ode-Ekiti, headquarters of Gbonyin Local Government Area of Ekiti State when the All Progressives Congress (APC) empowered some of his constituents with vehicles, motorcycles, tricycles and other materials estimated at over N20 million.

    Most of the beneficiaries are from Gbonyin/Ekiti East/Emure Federal constituency, where Faparusi currently represents at the lower chamber of the National Assembly.

    He lamented that the long years of neglect caused the people by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led administrations had caused a lot of damage to the economy of the state,

    Faparusi said that the gesture, which is in tandem with Governor Kayode Fayemi-led administra-tion’s eight-point agenda on human capital development, was a sincere effort geared towards alleviating poverty among the people that had hitherto been neglected by previous administrations in the state.

    He said the programme would further complement infrastructural facilities like ICT centres, libraries and town halls that the governor had built in major towns like Omuo, Ilasa, Emure, Ode and other communities in the federal constituency.

    Faparusi explained that the beneficiaries were carefully selected in a manner that was bereft of political considerations, saying they include artisans, technicians, non-indigenes, community associations, vulnerable groups, students and other critical stakeholders in this constituency.”

    The lawmaker said APC is the only party that has a well-structured blueprint for human capital development.

    “Governor Fayemi has done creditably well through the implementation of social security for the elderly, urban renewal programme, huge investment on Ikogosi Warm Spring, renovation of all schools, laptop per student and teacher in schools and gender empowerment, among others.

    One of the beneficiaries, Mr Samuel Adeyemi, lauded Hon Faparusi for having offered effective representation since 2011 when he was elected.

    Adeyemi said: “The APC has robust rural development and intervention programmes. It is the only party that will make promises and stand by them. It has people-oriented programmes that can make lives better for the common men.”

  • Lawmaker blames govt for importation of generators

    Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Public Account (State), Bolaji Yusuf Ayinla  said the increasing rate of importation of generating sets into the country is as a result of the ineptitude of Federal Government to provide adequate power supply to the populace.

    The lawmaker who spoke at a weekly programme organised by the members of the Lagos State House of Assembly correspondents at the Assembly complex,  said generator dealers were capitalising on the lapses of the Federal Government to import generators, having known that people have no other choice than to patronise them.

    He said: “The Federal government is to be blamed because it has failed to provide electricity; the generator dealers only have 10 per cent of the blame. If the federal government had done the right thing, the dealers would have no other choice than to stop the importation.”

    The lawmaker, who is also a generator dealer recalled the ENRON project that was initiated by the former Governor of Lagos State, Ahmed Tinubu, saying that ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo scuttled the innovative idea.

    He pointed out that playing politics with the idea was responsible for the setback in terms of electricity generation in Lagos State, saying government is expected to run irrespective of the political party that is in power.

    Ayinla, who is representing Mushin II constituency, said  majority of Nigerians are living below one dollar per day because of epileptic power supply.

    He argued that lack of electricity supply is responsible for the lacklustre interest in self employment as people can not work independently to provide jobs.

    He said the problem of power also contributed to failure in the manufacturing sector.

    “If you want to go into manufacturing sector, you must be very careful because diesel will finish you out of business.”

    Reacting to the proposed part time legislature proposed by members of the National Conference, the lawmaker said “though, it sounds like a good idea, I don’t think it is good for us here in Nigeria.”

    He was of the view that making legislative work to be on part time, will make it difficult for government to achieve much in terms of legislation.

  • Lawmaker lifts youths with 400 tricycles

    Lawmaker lifts youths with 400 tricycles

    A member of the House of Representives representing Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency, Hon. Suleiman Yahaya Kwande has distributed over 400 tricycles to youths of his constituency.

    The tricycles, which were distributed in two batches, are part of the youth empowerment programmes initiated by the lawmaker in fulfilment of his electioneering promises to the youth.

    Though Hon. Kwande did not make the distribution of the tricycles public, beneficiaries of the gesture have expressed their gratitude to the lawmaker.

    One of the beneficiaries, Joseph Maina, popularly called ‘Express’ by his admirers said: “I least expected this opportunity. I know so many politicians and business men have been giving out tricycles on loan to youths, and I have been praying that God will give me the opportunity to get the tricycle on loan. But to my greatest surprise, somebody called to invite me to the residence of Hon. Kwande.

    “On reaching there, I was handed over the key of the tricycle. When I asked to know the cost at which they gave the tricycle, I was told it was free. I was shocked to my marrow.

    “I wondered how tricycles that are given to people on hire purchase could be given free to me. Really, I never expected it.”

    Continuing, Joe Express said: “When I inquired, I was told the man has given out more than 400 tricycles. I am benefiting from the second batch. The first batch was given out before now and I am sure another batch would soon be given to other beneficiaries.”

    Hon. Kwande’s tricycles are easily identified on the streets of Jos, as all of them bear the inscription of the source. The gesture has provided immediate employment opportunities for the youth.

    In a chat with our correspondent, Joe Express said: “I used to have a motorcycle which I used as source of livelihood for my family. But since 2004 when the Plateau State government banned the use of motorcycles in Jos, I have been out of business and I have been praying to get tricycles on loan. But God has done it in a wonderful way, I got it free when I least expected it. I will ever remain grateful to Hon. Kwande.”

  • Oyo lawmaker empowers 280 students

    The member representing Irepo/Olorunsogo/Orelope Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Jimoh Adelowo Afees, has given out scholarship and bursary awards to the tune of about N6 million to 280 students of the constituency in secondary and tertiary institutions.

    Afees, speaking at the bursary award programme held at Kisi town hall at the weekend, noted that his action was aimed at encouraging youths to take education importantly.

    At the programme, which was attended by politicians and students from Igboho, Kisi and Igbeti communities, two of the best pupils from each of the 38 secondary schools in the constituency were given certificates of merit and cash awards while 200 final year students of universities and polytechnics across the country also received bursary awards to aid their studies.

    Some of the recipients who responded at the event praised Afees for his insight.

    Speaking on the theme: Education and Politics: Tools for Community Development, the guest speaker at the programme, Mr Adedayo Adediji, a lawyer, called on stakeholders and governments at all levels to ensure that more attention is paid to education development.

    Chairman of the occasion, Chief Jacob Adetoro, also praised the donor, encouraging him him not to relent.

    The Iba of Kisi, Oba Moshood Oyekola Aweda, was represented by some of his chiefs led by the Ajana of Kisi. Others include the National President of the Kisi Progressive Union, Chief Bayo Adesope; Chief Adetoro; a former member of the House of Representatives in the constituency, Chief Michael Ojo; Alhaji Ayinde Ogede, Alhaji Yusuf Sarafadeen and Mr Lukman Balogun.

  • Lawmaker involves FIFA in grassroots youth football

    Desirous of motivating and encouraging young talents in his consistency Chairman of Lagos State House of Assembly committee on Information, Publicity, Strategy and Security, Segun Olulade has involved the world football governing body, Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) in grassroots football.

    Olulade disclosed this to newsmen before the final match of the first edition of football competition he organised for students of Junior Secondary Schools in his Epe II constituency held recently.

    The match was between Government College, Ketu and Okemagba High School, Ejirin, Epe, Lagos.

    The representative of FIFA, who is the agent for ‘Search and Groom,’ Yomi Kuku shortly after the match which was won by Government College by 1-0, told the teeming spectators that some talents have been discovered from the just concluded tournament.

    The tournament was well attended by various groups and organisations including traditional rulers.

    Former Super Eagles’ goal keeper, Peter Rufai who was among the dignitaries at the event expressed satisfaction with the conduct of such a laudable competition, adding that Olulade has been able to distinguish himself by showing considerable interest in sponsoring sports.

    According to Rufai, “my conversation with the lawmaker before coming for the event has proven to me that he really meant well for grassroots development.”

    Dodo Mayana, as he is fondly called by his fans noted that “a lot of money would have been spent to organise this event. It is no doubt well organised and it meets up with acceptable standard,  that is why I am here.”

    He explained that the lawmaker has also assured that talents that would be discovered are to be properly groomed for international competition, saying that the fact that FIFA was also part of the exercise was commendable.

    The FIFA agent, Yomi Kuku told the audience that some photographs have been selected from the final match, which according to him, are to be showcased during the forthcoming world cup finals, Brazil 2014.

    “I want to assure that some photos have been selected from this tournament which may appear during this world cup coming up in June in Brazil,” Kuku said.

    While giving his vote of thanks after the event, the organiser, Olulade stated that “I decided to embark on this project because, we should let the children know that they can combine education with football.”

    He explained that the reason behind limiting the competition to JSS students was to emphasis young talents and to develop them for future tournament both local and international.

     

  • FG’s claim on economy is big illusion, says lawmaker

    Deputy Whip of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rotimi Abiru has described the claim by the Federal Government that the economy of Nigeria is now the best in Africa as the biggest illusion of the century.

    Abiru, who was reacting to the development, said the  Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the country, which showed that the Nigerian economy has overtaken that of South Africa’s, is nothing that should excite Nigerians.

    According to him, “the new GDP is nothing to be happy about because it is not in terms of per capita income. What is the essence of becoming Africa’s biggest economy when it doesn’t translate to improved standard of living for the common man?

    “What is the essence of the new GDP figure when it doesn’t translate to reduction in unemployment in the country? There is virtually nothing to be happy about.

    “Nigeria has earlier been rated as one of the poorest countries in the world by the World Bank, and as a matter of fact, it was rated with countries that are either over-populated or ravaged by war like Bangladesh, China, India, Democratic Republic of Congo whereas our dear country does not suffer such fate”, he said.

    Querying the indices on which the rating of Nigeria as the biggest economy in Africa was based on, the lawmaker  said the new GDP and the World Bank rating are parallel things.

    He pointed out that an average Nigerian citizen does not have access to the basic things of life, which according to him, include, potable water, decent accommodation, good healthcare delivery system, electricity, among other basic necessities.

    Abiru explained that life expectancy is below 50 years, “while infant mortality rate is 78 per 1000 live births; under-five mortality rate is 124 per 1000 live births and Nigeria is the seventh highest infant mortality rate in the world.

    “Nigeria boasts of the richest man in Africa and it also parades the poorest people in the world. One out of seven poorest people in the world is a Nigerian.

    “Basically, the new GDP does not translate to good living condition for the mass of Nigerians when about 80 per cent are living below poverty line. As a matter of fact, out of that, more than 60 per cent are actually living below 1 dollar per day, which means the country harbours the poorest of the poor.

    He said that it is mis-governance that allows the lopsided and the inordinate correlation between the economy growth and the per capita income. “The economy of the country has been put in the stronghold of less than 1 per cent of the population,” he added.

    It would be recalled that the Federal Government, while presenting the outcome of the preliminary estimates of the GDP, said that the country’s real GDP for 2011 and 2012 now stood at 5.09 per cent and 6.66 per cent, while the economy grew by 7.41 per cent in real terms last year.

  • Lawmaker enlivens constituents

    Lawmaker enlivens constituents

    The representative of Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Emmanuel Goar has launched a programme aimed at reducing the rate of poverty in the three local government areas that make up the constituency.

    Hon. Goar noted that the level of poverty at the grassroots requires a purposeful programme of intervention by individuals, political office holders, governments, non-governmental organisations as well as corporate entities. He insisted that such intervention does not require millions of Naira to resolve, adding that as little as N20 can save a life in the rural areas.

    The most interesting aspect of Hon. Goar’s poverty alleviation programme was the presentation of 20 wheelchairs to people with physical disability. They expressed their gratitude to the lawmaker for his benevolence.

    One of the beneficiaries of the wheelchairs, Martha John, said: “I was born like every other human being, but I grew up to realise I had no legs. I have been crawling since I was born. But today, our representative has given me this instrument to facilitate my movement from one point to the other, no more crawling like snake. I am very much grateful to him.”

    Aside the wheelchairs, the lawmaker also provided 100 irrigation water pumps for dry season farmers.

    Hon. Goar said: “I have developed 175,000 hectares of land for agricultural farming which has the potential to generate 870,000 metric tons of grains and vegetables.

    “Today, as I present these irrigation pumps, many youths will be encouraged to take to farming and this will reduce the rate of unemployment in my constituency. The beneficiaries of the irrigation pumps will also become employers of labour in the agricultural sector.”

    Other empowerment items which Hon. Goar presented to some beneficiaries during the programme held at Trinity Missionary College, Pankshin were 200 sewing machines, 150 grinding machines and 20 motorcycles.

    Hon Goar said: “As a representative of my people, I’m here to present to them some items as a way of kick-starting the poverty alleviation programme. I will mobilise other stakeholders to help my people. This is because I alone cannot solve the challenges of poverty. It requires combined efforts of governments, individuals, private companies and non-governmental organisations.

    “We need concerted efforts to tackle poverty through job creation and empowerment schemes because they will help in minimising youths’ restiveness in the state and the entire country.”

    While presenting the items to beneficiaries, Hon Goar said: “I have gone beyond legislative function to ensure that my constituents also benefit from my quality representation. The presentation of these work tools today aims at reducing poverty, increasing income and employment and improving the living standard of our people.

    “Many of the beneficiaries of this little gesture are youths of my constituency. I believe that when youths are provided with means of livelihood that secures their economic independence, they will be less restive and less vulnerable since they have something doing. I intend to instil working culture in our youths which will accelerate Nigeria’s accomplishment of MDGs by 2015.

    “I will work hard to free our youths from abject and dehumanising conditions occasioned by poverty. If we must eradicate poverty by 2015, well-meaning individuals, private companies and NGOs must join hands with government and lawmaking to free our people from want through deliberate empowerment programmes.”

    Hon. Goar pledged to give the people quality representation, adding that more benefits of democracy will be attracted to Pankshin, Kanam and Kanke constituency in the 2014 appropriation Bills when signed into law.

    “I will continue to give hope to the hopeless, strength to the weak and protection to the defenceless by growing the economy of the constituency through job creation, securing appointments, constructing rural roads and sinking boreholes.” He urged people suffering from different ailments to be available this month for free medical treatment.

    He urged the newly sworn in chairmen of local government areas in the state to work towards the well-being of the people of the council areas irrespective of party affiliation.

    He said: “You should shun divisive policies, hatred, ethnic distrust, reject violence, insist on justice and equity, insist on defending our people from those threatening our unity, pursue peace, fight poverty not the poor, attack destitution and uphold democracy and development.”

    The Senator Representing Plateau North Senatorial zone and Chairman of the occasion, Senator Gyang Pwajok described Goar as an embodiment of humility who has deployed his legislative ability to combat poverty in his constituency.

    Senator Pwajok urged members of the constituency to support Hon. Goar.

    He said the empowerment scheme embark upon by Hon. Goar is a clear demonstration of his appreciation of the people’s mandate given to him.

    He advised the beneficiaries to use the tools to liberate themselves from poverty.

    The traditional ruler of the constituency, Ngolong Ngas, His Highness Nde Joshua Dimlong who presented the items to the beneficiaries said: “This gesture by our son is a source of relief to me as the custodian of peace and security in Pankshin and Kanke local governments respectively. This is because there will be drastic reduction in youth restiveness. This empowerment scheme has offered direct jobs to about 500 youths who will, in turn, employ other youths. This is a better way to fight unemployment.”

  • Lawmaker gives bursary to needy students

    Lawmaker gives bursary to needy students

    No fewer than 780 students of tertiary institutions from Badagry Federal Constituency benefitted from the bursary allowance given by a member of House of Representatives, Hon. Rafeequat Onaba-miro, at the Badagry Grammar School, Lagos State.

    She said the gesture was to assist parents to reduce the hardship they face while training their wards at the higher institutions of learning.

    Onabamiro said, having faced similar challenges as a student, one of the ways to give back to society is to assist needy students who struggle to receive an education.

    She noted that the lack of access to education endangers the mind and exposes it to disease. She, however, expressed disappointment that her efforts to better the lots of people have not been well complemented.

    According to her, some structures she provided to make life better for them were compromised. She said: “It is with great sadness I report that despite all counsels given and promises made by recipients of three buses for commercial transportation, these young men have run them aground within a short time.”

    She advised parents to be more responsible in the growth of their wards. “It is very important that parents guide their children because if they are not well trained at home, it will influence their conduct in the public.”

    Onabamiro maintained that the beneficiaries of the bursary award cut across the 20 political wards in her constituency. They were chosen after thorough scrutiny to ascertain that the students were actually in the institutions they claimed. “

    In the last two years and nine months, a number of economic programmes, financial and humanitarian services have been rendered for the benefit of our people. It is my hope that these programmes have bought about a positive economic return to the beneficiaries.”

    One of the beneficiaries, Sule Sego said the bursary will assist most of the students because things were really difficult. “What our House of Representatives member has done is a big relief to some of us, who are struggling to remain in the school.

    She has demonstrated that the progress of Badagry youths is in her mind.” He urged other politicians to come to the aid of youths who deserve assistance not only in their educational pursuit but setting up small-scale businesses as part of a measure to arrest the escalating insecurity in the country.

  • Lawmaker gives bursary to needy students

    Lawmaker gives bursary to needy students

    No fewer than 780 students of tertiary institutions from Badagry Federal Constituency benefitted from the bursary allowance given by a member of House of Representatives, Hon. Rafeequat Onaba-miro, at the Badagry Grammar School, Lagos State.

    She said the gesture was to assist parents to reduce the hardship they face while training their wards at the higher institutions of learning.

    Onabamiro said, having faced with a similar challenges as a student, one of the ways to give back to the society is to assist needy students who struggle to receive education. She noted that the lack of access to education endangers the mind and exposes it to disease.

    She, however, expressed disappointment that her efforts to better the lots of people have not been well complemented. According to her, some structures she provided to make life better for them were compromised.

    She said: “It is with great sadness I report that despite all counsels given and promises made by recipients of three buses for commercial transportation, these young men have run them aground within a short time.”

    She advised parents to be more responsible in the growth of their wards. “It is very important that parents guide their children because if they are not well trained at home, it will influence their conduct in the public.”

    Onabamiro maintained that the beneficiaries of the bursary award cut across the 20 political wards in her constituency. They were chosen after a thorough scrutiny to ascertain that the students were actually in the institutions they claimed.

    “In the last two years and nine months, a number of economic programmes, financial and humanitarian services have been rendered for the benefit of our people. It is my hope that these programmes have bought about positive economic return to the beneficiaries.”

    One of the beneficiaries, Sule Sego said the bursary will assist most of the students because things were really difficult. “What our House of Representatives member has done is a big relief to some of us, who are struggling to remain in the school. She has demonstrated that the progress of Badagry youths is in her mind.”

    He urged other politicians to come to the aid of youths who deserve assistance not only in their educational pursuit but setting up small scale businesses as part of measure to arrest the escalating insecurity in the country.