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Tag: Mudashiru Obasa

  • ‘Tinubu will put smiles on Nigerians’

    ‘Tinubu will put smiles on Nigerians’

    The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has urged Nigerians not to despair as the administration of President Bola Tinubu is working to resolve the country’s challenges.

    “The outgoing year is indeed, a challenging one, especially considering the economic situation of the country. Nevertheless, we have solace in the fact that the government of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR is not leaving any stone unturned to bring us to our promised land.

    “Mr. President is busy doing everything possible to put smiles on our faces. Trust me, succour is coming. I urge us to keep the hope alive,” . Obasa said during the Assembly’s 22nd Annual Thanksgiving Service with the theme: ‘The Voice Of Mercy’.

    At the event which war attended by the officils of state government, members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), traditional rulers and guest preachers, the Speaker urged Nigerians to enter 2025 with renewed passion and vigour.

    Quoting from various portions of the Bible,  Obasa said the country had reasons to thank God for His mercies, love and faithfulness.

    “In times like these, when the world can seem overwhelming and uncertain, it is crucial to remember the enduring message of mercy and grace that is ever-present in our lives. Indeed, it is through God’s mercy that we find strength, solace, and renewal.

    Read Also: Tell us now, what you want from 2025 budget, Abbas tells Nigerians

    “May we acknowledge God’s sovereignty and mercy in our lives, recognising that our blessings and successes are not solely the result of our efforts, but rather a manifestation of God’s mercy and compassion,” he said.

    In his sermon, Most Rev. Isaac Ayo Olawuyi, Archbishop of the Methodist Church Nigeria (Lagos), urged Nigerians to be merciful to one another in line with God’s instruction.

    “When the mercy of God is upon you, all protocols are be broken. All things are possible by the mercies of God. We receive forgiveness of our sins from Him by His mercies. The nation needs God’s mercy and it is by His mercy that we can overcome our predicaments and our shortcomings.

    “How many people have you helped and taken care of? Go and show love and mercy,” he said.

    He praised the Speaker for his leadership and collaboration with the other arms of government saying these have kept the state strong.

    “You have been a true and sensitive leader with a big heart. You have proved yourself worthy. We pray that God will continue to use you to make us smile in Lagos and also grant you your heart desires,” he said while commending President Tinubu for the steps he has taken so far.

  • JUST IN: Obasa dismisses governorship rumours as Sanwo-Olu presents 2025 budget

    JUST IN: Obasa dismisses governorship rumours as Sanwo-Olu presents 2025 budget

    …accuses detractors of peddling news of alleged guber ambition

    Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, stated on Thursday, November 21, that he has not seriously considered running for governor, despite ongoing speculation.

    Obasa emphasised that his primary concern is strengthening the party in the state, which has been misconstrued by political detractors as a governorship ambition.

    He made these remarks shortly after Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu presented the state’s 2025 budget of ₦3,005,935,198,401.

    Earlier, a vote of confidence was passed on the Speaker by all lawmakers present at the plenary.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu announced that the budget includes a total revenue of ₦2,597,034,000,000 and a deficit financing of ₦408,902,000,000.

    The ‘Budget of Sustainability’ comprises a recurrent expenditure of ₦1.239 trillion (41%) and capital expenditure of ₦1.766 trillion (59%), sourced from a total revenue of ₦1,970,897,000,000 and total Federal transfers of ₦626,137,000,000.

    Read Also: Obasa Games has come to stay, says Lagos Speaker

    Reacting to the budget, Speaker Obasa acknowledged the economic complaints from Nigerians but urged them to remain hopeful as President Bola Tinubu’s administration works towards economic recovery.

    He clarified that his efforts to mobilize support on the platform of Mandate have been misinterpreted as a selfish aspiration for governorship. Obasa reiterated that his focus is on building the party and promoting its mission.

    He added: “I have made it a personal task to mobilise people on the platform of Mandate, which has been misconstrued by some political detractors as being a selfish aspiration on the ground for me to become governor of the state. There is the need, however, to correct this wrong impression. My concern is about building our party, and whatever we do is mainly for this cause.

    “To the blackmailers who have embarked on the mission to distort and redefine our mission, let me state it unequivocally here, our intention is to promote our party on the platform of Mandate.

    “Also, becoming governor is secondary; it is something that I have not given serious consideration. Nevertheless, that does not mean I am too young or lack experience to run; whereas, those who have been before me are not better off.”

  • Obasa Games has come to stay, says Lagos Speaker

    Obasa Games has come to stay, says Lagos Speaker

    The speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Mudashiru Obasa has promised to continue to support “Obasa Games” even after his reign as the leader of the house.

    The Speaker stated this at the opening ceremony of the Obasa Games 2024 which officially began on Friday with a football event at Anwar-Islam Secondary School, Agege, Lagos State.

    Over 500 youths within Lagos West Senatorial district are competing for honours in five sports in an event organized by King Sports International.

    Speaking at the kickoff ceremony, Rt. Hon Obasa said the competition will give the youths hope and inspiration while urging them to show the spirit of sportsmanship during the championship.

    Read Also: NFF solicits more support  from Nigeria Police  

    “I want to commend the organizers, particularly Abdulganiyu Obasa and his team for putting this championship together. Like I said in 2023, the event wouldn’t be a one-off thing. From a football event, it’s now a multi-sports event as we now have indoor sports like boxing, table tennis, chess, and Scrabble making their debut,” Rt. Hon Obasa said.

    He added: “I want to take the Obasa Games further and beyond the Lagos West Senatorial District to become a Lagos State event, so the local organizing committee has my full support. Do not look at it because the speaker is in the government. Even after my speakership, we will continue with this. This is going to be forever Insha Allah. As long as Almighty Allah continues to give us life, good health, and privilege, we will continue to sustain this tournament.”

  • Obasa @52: Lagos Speaker celebrates with children

    Obasa @52: Lagos Speaker celebrates with children

    The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, on Friday celebrated with children from various schools in the State as part of activities to mark his 52nd birthday which comes up on November 11.

    Obasa, who gifted brilliant pupils from across the 20 local government areas of Lagos and students in the six districts of the state with cash rewards, urged the children to abstain from social vices as such could redirect their purposes in life.

    At the event which was held at the Oyewole Primary School, Agege, Lagos, the Speaker said he loves celebrating his birthday with school children as a way to motivate them and make them serious with their studies.

    Read Also: Caging NPFL’s monsters

    “We want you to develop that confidence, that dream that you will become something tomorrow. This was my school. As a child, I never thought that I would be where I am today.

    “Therefore, you must be hard-working. It does not matter the name of your school, what matters is your ability and how much you can put into your study. So start reading now.

    “I was in class three when I finished preparing the processes for WAEC exams. I can display my result and how I passed at one sitting. You don’t have to feel oppressed because you’re not in a private school. That’s why we are always here to encourage you and make you see that you’re truly our future.

    “You can be better than us but you must make sure you are serious with your education. I want a situation where in the future, you would remember today and also find yourself in positions to inspire others.

  • ‘Vital to review data protection bill’

    ‘Vital to review data protection bill’

    By Abike Sanusi

    Speaker  of the Lagos State House of Assembly,Mudashiru Obasa, has underscored the importance of reviewing the Lagos State Data Protection Bill (LDPB)  to address breaches in data privacy  prevalent in emerging technologies.

    The bill is aimed at promoting protection of personal information processed by public and private bodies.

    He underscored the pivotal role of technology in shaping the socio-economic landscape globally, citing its influence across various sectors including energy consumption, telecommunications, healthcare, automotive and aviation industries, among others.

    Obasa was keynote speaker at the 6th Lagos State University(LASU) Research and Innovation Fair which was held on campus in Ojo on Tuesday. The conference had as theme: “Emerging Technologies, Research and Innovation: Trends, Threats and Consideration.”

    Despite acknowledging the financial challenges associated with innovative research, particularly in an economy like Nigeria with constrained education budgets, he assured that the Lagos State parliament is committed to addressing education  sector issues through effective legislation.

    He said: “We, at the assembly, are fervently committed to addressing these concerns through enabling legislation.

    “We shall continue to strive to make sure that the benchmark recommended for education is observed through enabling laws to allow for technological advancement through research and innovations.”

    Read Also: Nigeria has moved beyond you, group slams Atiku

    Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, commended LASU’s leading role in research and innovation among Nigerian universities. She highlighted the university’s significant collaborations with industries, government bodies, and private sponsors in research initiatives, attributing LASU’s success in fostering a research and innovation culture to increased research grants.

    She described emerging technologies as heralding a new era where Artificial Intelligence (AI), biotechnology, cloud computing, and renewable energy are no longer confined to the realm of science fiction but have become tangible realities shaping contemporary society.

     Director, Directorate of Research Management and Innovation of LASU, Prof. Adejuwon Adeneye, said that it was imperative for researchers and educators to activate the new trends of technology, adding that it will foster problem solving.

    Director of the Covenant University Centre for Research, Innovation, and Discovery at Covenant University, Ogun State,Prof Conrad  Omonhinmin, highlighted the transformative impact of research and innovations across various facets of human endeavours.

    He expressed apprehension regarding ethical dilemmas arising in research and innovation that may conflict with societal values, cultural norms, and political inclinations, thereby posing challenges to the integrity of research and innovation practices.

    Omonhinmin advocated for the establishment of an ethical committee within tertiary institutions to instill ethical values in research and innovation endeavours, emphasising the importance of equitable access to data distribution and the welfare of animals involved in research activities.

  • We must build a virile legislature for the future, says Obasa

    We must build a virile legislature for the future, says Obasa

    The speaker of Lagos state House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, on Sunday, October 13, counselled members of the House to strengthen the legislative arm of government ahead of the future.

    Obasa gave the advice in Abeokuta, Ogun state at the opening of a three-day budget retreat for lawmakers and staff of the House with the theme: ‘Optimising the legislature’s power of the Purse’ for effective service delivery in Lagos State’.

    The Speaker challenged the lawmakers to be committed in their legislative duties as they must leave lasting legacies for the future, strengthen governance, responsibility and accountability.

    He charged the lawmakers on improved and effective legislative oversight functions being one of the responsibilities of the legislature.

    In a statement issued by his chief press secretary, Eromosele Ebhomele,  Obasa said: “What we do now is really not about us; it is for the totality of the system. 

    Read Also: Tuggar urges patience among Nigerians, says Tinubu’s reforms will ease economic challenges

    “I appreciate this budget retreat. Each one of us must be responsible in carrying out the assignments we are tasked with. This is very essential.

    “We carry out budget scrutiny based on what is presented by the executive. Once we give a go-ahead, it means the executive must comply and treat it accordingly because it has become a law.

    “Going forward, all the reports of each committee must be presented at the floor of the House. This will help us decide on how to act for the sake of transparency and accountability,” the Speaker said.

    He advised the lawmakers against docility in the task of ensuring that Lagos continues to weather economic storms.

    “We all have roles to play and, in doing that, sentiments and self-benefits must be removed. The day you start with self-benefit, you have become a failure.

    “If you do your job the way you should do it, you will earn your respect and will be held in high esteem by the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

    “We are here today again to look at how we can improve on the laws we make at the House of Assembly as well as our oversight functions.

    ‘Let’s continue to be dedicated and loyal and I am sure we will get there. Let’s always straighten the path for Lagosians and those coming behind us.”

    In his opening remark, the Clerk and Head of Service of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, described the retreat as an avenue to have insights into the state’s budget.

    While commending the Speaker, he urged the participants to “be attentive and take home fresh ideas and knowledge.”

  • House mourns Lagos Speaker’s father, declares Dogonyaro’s seat vacant

    House mourns Lagos Speaker’s father, declares Dogonyaro’s seat vacant

    The House of Representatives has expressed sadness over the death of Pa Suleiman Atanda Obasa, father of Lagos Speaker Hon. Mudashiru Obasa. 

    Pa Atanda died in the early hours of Tuesday and has since been buried according to Islamic rites. 

    The news of the demise of the death of Pa Atanda was conveyed to the House by the member representing Agege federal. Constituency of Lagos State, Hammed Adewale. 

    In his letter to the House, Hon Adewale described the late Obasa as a loving family man, community leader and successful businessman. 

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu, Abiru, Odunmbaku condole with Obasa over dad’s death

    The House observed a one-minute silence in honour of the deceased while praying for the repose of his soul.  

    The House also declared vacant the Babura/Garki federal constituency of Jigawa state which became vacant following the death of Hon. Isa Dogonyaro. 
    Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu who announced the vacancy at the resumption of plenary on Tuesday said it was in compliance with three provisions of section 68(2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended. 

  • Lawmakers demand identities of five exco nominees

    Lawmakers demand identities of five exco nominees

    • ’House to probe procurement agency, others’

    Lagos State House of Assembly has demanded that five of the new six executive committee (exco) nominees be properly identified. 

    Clerk of the House, Olalekan Onafeko, at yesterday’s plenary, read a letter by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, seeking the confirmation of a commissioner-nominee and five others as special advisers. The letter, however, named Abiodun Ogunleye as commissioner-nominee, and left out the identities of the other five.

    The House thus resolved to write the governor to provide their identities.

    The Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, who agreed that names should be attached to the letter, said: “It is necessary for us to know who and who will become part of the exco.”

    The House has also invited the state’s procurement agency over reports of alleged spending by offices of the governor and deputy governor.

    Dr. Obasa, noting that the executive arm of government had made efforts to declare the story as untrue, said it was necessary for the House to establish facts behind the story.

    “So, we call on the committee in charge of procurement to invite the agency and others mentioned, and do a thorough job on this to establish facts concerning the publications,” he said.

  • Only nominees ready to serve will be cleared – Lagos speaker

    Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa has said that the House would do the needful and ensure that only nominees ready to serve would be cleared as commissioners and special advisers in the state.

    The speaker stated this on Monday at plenary when the list of the nominees for appointment as commissioners and Special Advisers forwarded by Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu was read to the House.

    Obasa commended Sanwo-Olu’s proactive step in sending the list to the House within a short time of his inauguration and making this public.

    He said, “This House will take this up immediately and do the needful as provided in the constitution by screening the nominees.

    “We will do this diligently; we will consider what they have (nominees) and what they are bringing to the table to support the administration of the governor and how they intend to move the state forward.

    “I want to assure His Excellency that we will do this to the best of our knowledge by making sure that those, at the end of the day will be cleared, are those who are ready to work with him and have all it takes to serve Lagos.”

    Earlier, the Clerk of the House, Mr Sanni Azeez, read Sanwo-Olu’s 25 nominees for the post of commissioners and special advisers.

    “In accordance with Section 192 part 2 Chapter 6 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), I am pleased to covey the list and resume of the first batch of the nominees for appointment as honourable commissioners and special advisers for the kind consideration and confirmation of the honouable members of the House of Assembly.

    “The names and the resumes of the remaining nominees will also be forwarded in due course for the consideration and clearance of honourable members accordingly,” the letter read in part.

    Read Also: Lagos Speaker, Obasa mourns late Oba Hamzat

    The Clerk read the list of the nominees to include: Dr Rabiu Onaolapo, Mrs Folashade Adefisayo, Prof. Akin Abayomi, Dr Idris Salako, Mr Tunji Bello, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka and Mrs Bolaji Dada.

    Others include, Mr Lere Odusote, Dr Frederic Oladeinde, Mr Gbolahan Lawal, Dr Wale Ahmed, Dr. Wale Ahmed, Mr Moyo Onigbanjo (SAN), Mr Hakeem Fahm and Mrs. Ajibola Ponnle.

    Also on the list are: Mr Aramide Adeyoye, Mr Segun Dawodu, Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, Mr. Sam Egube, Ms Ruth Olusanya, Princess Aderemi Adebowale, Mr Tunbosun Alake and Mr Afolabi Ayantayo, Ms Adekemi Ajayi-Bembe and Mr. Femi George.

     

     

  • Lagos Speaker urges Edo, Bauchi governors to resolve crisis in legislature

    Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker and Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures Mudashiru Obasa on Sunday urged governors Godwin Obaseki (Edo) and Bala Mohammed (Bauchi) to immediately resolve the crises that have engulfed the Houses of Assembly in their states.

    Obasa asked for the reversal of the proclamations of the Houses of Assembly in both states as well as the elections of principal officers, adding that illegality should not thrive on the altar of perceived personal ego and interest.

    The speakers’ conference chairman warned strongly that the body would not recognise any Speaker of a state legislature that emerged through fraudulent means or violation of the Constitution and Business Rules of the affected House of Assembly as the organisation cannot condone illegality.

    In a statement, Obasa admonished the governors to adhere to the Constitution as well as the rules of the Houses of Assembly, which stipulate how principal officers should emerge.

    Noting that no society can progress when its stakeholders are at daggers-drawn, Obasa frowned at the Edo State Assembly drama where nine members elected principal officers in a 24-member House in an inauguration that allegedly took place at 9.30pm.

    In Bauchi 11 out of the 31 elected members of the House of Assembly also elected principal officers in what Obasa described as “questionable manner.”

    The crisis in Bauchi has led to the emergence of two speakers in the state as well as issues about litigations.

    He said: “A situation where a minority number in a State House of Assembly takes control of its activities over the majority is condemnable.

    “No lover of democracy in the country should support the charade that happened recently at both Houses of Assembly. If we must make progress, we must work in an atmosphere of peace, love and unity.

    “We must also all call on the governors to do the needful by reversing their actions and acting in accordance with the laws backing up the legislative arms of the affected states.”

    Read Also: APC rejects Edo, Bauchi Assembly inaugurations

    Obasa argued that even though Section 92(1), Chapter V of the 1999 Constitution simply states that there shall be a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker of a House of Assembly who shall be elected by the members of the House from among themselves, Section 98(1 and 2) clearly stipulates that voting must be by simple majority.

    Specifically, Section 98(2) states expressly: “Except as otherwise provided by this Constitution, the required majority for the purpose of determining any question shall be a simple majority.”

    Reacting to the injunction secured by the 11 members of the Bauchi House of Assembly stopping the majority in the House from parading their elected Speaker and Deputy, Obasa cautioned the judiciary against unnecessarily meddling in the affairs of the State Legislatures.

    According to him, the injunction from the Bauchi State High Court was frivolous and must be stopped.

    “Why should any reasonable court grant injunction in favour of 11 against 20? Why should the Judiciary interfere in the business of the legislature which is supposed to operate on the principle of separation of powers?” Obasa queried, stressing that this was part of the discussions at a two-day conference on the implementation of autonomy for state legislatures and judiciary in Abuja.