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Tag: Obafemi Hamzat

  • Hamzat emphasises planning as foundation for development

    Hamzat emphasises planning as foundation for development

    Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat has said effective physical planning remained the backbone of a safe, functional and prosperous state.

    He spoke yesterday during a ‘Fire Chat’ with the Fellows of Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) 2025/2026 Cohort, held at the Office of the Deputy Governor, Roundhouse, Alausa-Ikeja.

    Hamzat said without proper planning, communities would become vulnerable to flooding, disorderly growth, environmental hazards and avoidable hardship for residents.

    “Physical planning is essential for ensuring people understand how development decisions are made, why regulations exist, and how orderly urban growth protects lives, property and the future of Nigeria, particularly Lagos State,” he said.

    The deputy governor recalled that the experience of Maroko residents was a critical lesson on the dangers of unstructured settlements, emphasising that no society could thrive where people lived in areas exposed to water channels, without defined layouts, infrastructure, or enforceable building standards.

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    He said the task of the government was not only to respond when people arrived and built indiscriminately, but to create systems that guided development in a way that served everyone, the wealthy and the vulnerable.

    Hamzat lamented that one of Africa’s biggest setbacks was the lack of deliberate planning, noting that progress would remain limited until societies began to plan effectively for land use, infrastructure and the pressures of development.

    “Planning is not optional, as time and productivity depend on order, structure and adherence to standards, warning that development cannot be driven by personal desire alone,” he said.

    Highlighting the complexity of governance, the deputy governor said leaders must weigh decisions based on what benefited the greatest number of people, while also considering environmental realities and shifting economic conditions.

    Hamzat said public leadership must anticipate risks, understand how decisions affect ordinary citizens, and ensure policies are balanced to protect social welfare, education, health care and infrastructure delivery.

    Addressing broader societal concerns, he called for renewed personal responsibility and a culture of integrity among citizens and leaders, stressing that corruption and distrust weakened institutions and slowed development.

    He said: “As leaders and citizens, we need to rebuild trust, strengthen values and adopt a forward-looking mindset that prioritises sustainable planning, discipline and accountability. I want to encourage everyone for continuous dialogue and commitment to reforms that will support orderly growth, improve living conditions and secure the future of Nigeria and our dear state.”

    Hamzat concluded by emphasising that fixing societal challenges required collective effort, consistent planning, and courageous leadership, noting that the solutions must be people-centred, realistic and rooted in long-term development priorities.

  • Hamzat hosts Epe Club, pledges support

    Hamzat hosts Epe Club, pledges support

    Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat has hosted members of Epe Club on a courtesy visit, during which the group briefed him on its growing activities and sought his support for ongoing projects and a forthcoming programme to honour a prominent community leader.

    Receiving the delegation, the deputy governor described the visit as a family meeting, noting that discussions centred on the progress of Epe Club and development issues within the Epe Division.

    “We are just brothers talking about the club and Epe Division generally. We are also talking about an icon, our father, Alhaji Seriki, popularly called Baba Bamu. The club has decided to celebrate our leaders and icons while they are still alive,” he said.

    He lauded the initiative, saying it was important to recognise elders for their contributions during their life, rather than waiting until after their death.

    He said the planned celebration of Baba Bamu would be a grand event, while prayers were offered for the continued good health and longevity of the community leader.

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    Dr. Hamzat assured the delegation of his continued support and encouraged the club to sustain its developmental initiatives in Epe Division.

    The President of Epe Club, Olayemi Dada, said the visit was to inform the deputy governor, whom he described as the number one citizen of Epe Division, of the progress recorded by the club and solicit his support for its programmes.

    He said the club had experienced steady growth in size and membership, spreading across the six local government areas in Epe Division, with members drawn from diverse sectors, including the National Assembly, local government councils and traditional institutions.

    He said the club recently acquired an additional property as part of efforts to expand its facilities, noting that renovation works, including tiling, had begun, although more support was required to complete the project and prepare for future expansion.

    Dada also informed the deputy governor about the club’s plan to celebrate Alhaji Seriki (Baba Bamu) as an icon of Epe community on February 5 at the Regency Hall, Epe.

    “We have decided to change the narrative by celebrating our elders while they are still alive. This will be the first in a series of annual recognitions for distinguished elders, patrons and members, who have contributed significantly to the community and the club,” he said.

    He added that the club sought the deputy governor’s presence and support at the event, expressing confidence that his attendance would further galvanise participation and lend weight to the celebration.

  • Hamzat, VC challenge women to break societal, cultural barriers

    Hamzat, VC challenge women to break societal, cultural barriers

    The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat and Vice-Chancellor, Fountain University, Oshogbo, Prof. Olayinka Karim, have challenged Muslim women to transcend societal, economic and cultural barriers.

    The duo and others made the call at The Criterion, Association of Women in Businesses and Professions International Conference at the Orchid Hotel, Lekki, Lagos.

    The conference had the theme: “Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Muslim Women Overcoming Economic and Social Challenges”.

    Hazat blamed social challenges on breakdown of value system and neglect of morality, urging Nigerians to renew commitment to good parenting.

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    Hamzat The deputy governor said that moral decline in Nigeria was a direct reflection of poor parenting and erosion of discipline in homes.

    He said that values such as respect, honesty and hard work must become the foundation of family life.

    The deputy governor emphasised the need to take care of the family unit.

    He said: “No nation can rise above the moral quality of its citizens. The future of any nation depends on the youth, because they are the future leaders. If we don’t make conscious efforts to develop and train them on our culture, beliefs and value system, then the nation will run into trouble. The most important unit in any society is the family, and if that is broken, then everything is lost.”

    Citing examples of young people involved in criminal and ritual activities, Hamzat said that it was no longer about breaking glass ceilings but about holding the family together.

    According to him, every strong society is built on good homes and responsible parenting.

    He urged organisations such as the Criterion to continue to partner with the state government in initiatives that would strengthen families, uplift women and nurture the next generation of leaders.

    Hamzat said that through its Ministry of Women Affairs and the Employment Trust Fund, Lagos State Government was addressing challenges facing micro, small and medium enterprises.

    He said that while the initiative supported all entrepreneurs, the resilience of women-owned enterprises had inspired the government’s contribution to development and finding lasting solutions.

  • Deputy governor, GAC chair, others to get honours

    Deputy governor, GAC chair, others to get honours

    Lagos State Deputy Governor, Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat; Governor’s Advisory Council Chair, Tajudeen Olusi, and Cardinal James Odunmbaku (Baba Eto), and others are among those to be honoured next month by Lagos Grassroots Achievers Award (LGAA).

    Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of Elgee Info Media, Samuel Akinyemi, said those making impact in politics, governance, business, and creative sectors, contributing to the grassroots development of Lagos state are to be recognised at the second LGAA awards in Alausam Lagos, on Friday October 10.

    The event spotlights individuals and institutions shaping and transforming grassroots governance in Lagos State.

    It recognises public office holders, party leaders, and grassroots professionals, past and serving council chairmen, monarchs, and other key contributors, whose selfless service have impacted lives.

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    This year’s edition follows success of the 2024 inaugural event, which was reviewed and commended by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu who was a 2024 recipient in recognition of his government’s inclusive approach to the grassroots. He returns as special guest of honour, reinforcing government’s endorsement and support for values the award upholds.

    Delivering the keynote address will be Ayodele Adewale, APC state organising secretary and former chair of Amuwo Odofin council, and Hon Sunday Babatunde, immediate past council chair of Orile Agege whose experience in grassroots administration aligns with the event’s 2025 theme: “Strengthening Grassroots Leadership for Sustainable Development.”

    The award is more than a ceremony—it is a movement to honour, preserve, and project legacies of those championing development.

    Others to be honoured are Tayo Ayinde, chief of staff to the governor; HRM Abimbola Oladega, fourth Olu of Agboyi in Agboyi Ketu, Apex leader in Lagos West, prince Rabiu Oluwa; Hon Bamgbose Hontonyon, from Badagry.

    Also, for recognition are Mrs. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, APC state women leader; Samiat Abolanle, chair of Ikosi Isheri LCDA; Sesan Olowa, chair of Ibeju lekki LCDA; Engr. Sola Ajose, chief executive officer of Rockdom Integrated Services; Yisa Jubril, chair of Iba LCDA; Adebayo Olasoju, chair of Isolo LCDA; Bokku Mart, and others.

    Still others are Olalekan Oki, general manager of LASTMA; Ifalade Oyekan, general manager of LSNC; Dr. Tajudeen Afolabi, special assistant of Political and Civic Engagement; Akinyemi Obe, director general of NSCC; David Odunbaku, chair of Ojodu LCDA.

    Also to be recognised are Akinloye Ismail, chair of Eredo LCDA; Toke Awoyinka, commissioner of Tourism, Art and Culture; Lagos NURTW Chair, Adekunle Sego; Olarewaju Wasiu, chair of Ikorodu West LCDA; Surah Animashaun, chair of Epe LCDA; Idowu Sebanjo, chair of Apapa Local Government; Wahab Tokunboh, commissioner of Environment.

    On the list too are Folawiyo Alade “Pepper”, chair of Lagos Island East LCDA; Olabisi Adebanjo, former chair of Mosan Okunola LCDA; Lasisi Akinsanya, chair of Ikotun LCDA; Abdul Salawu “Dullar,” former chair of Somolu Local Government; Bose Ogunlaja, president of APC Apex women leaders in Somolu; Bamidele Kasali, chair of Lekki LCDA; Usman Hamzat, chair of Ifako Ijaiye Local Government; Kehinde Almoruf, chair of Oshodi Isolo Local Government, among others.

  • Hamzat lauds Rep for lifting Epe with schools, other projects

    Hamzat lauds Rep for lifting Epe with schools, other projects

    Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat has inaugurated three schools built by the member representing Epe Federal Constituency in House of Representatives, Wale Raji, in his constituency.

    In all, the schools are blocks of 12 fully-furnished classrooms with toilets each at Oko-Abe in Epe Local Government Area; Ilege in Lekki Local Council Development Area and Owu-Ikosi in Ikosi-Ejinrin Local Council Development Area.

    A statement issued by the Media Office of the federal lawmaker sated that ceremonies were declared open with top government officials, traditional rulers, political leaders, and other community stakeholders attending.

    Represented the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, the deputy governor, who lauded the initiative of the federal lawmaker, described the schools as more than just physical structures but that “This is representation in another great form. Indeed, you’ve done well my brother. I am optimistic that the future is bright for our students.”

    Continuing, Dr. Hamzat said, “These new buildings are more than just bricks and mortar, they are sanctuaries for learning. They represent our commitment to providing a safe and conducive environment for learning, free from overcrowding and distractions. These classrooms are a promise, a promise that their futures matter to us,” the deputy governor said.

    He reminded teachers and administrators that “a building alone does not make a school; it is the spirit within its walls that truly matters. These gifts are tools, please use them to inspire and build the next generation of Nigerians.”

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    Turning to students, the Deputy Governor encouraged them to seize the opportunity, “This is the harbour of early knowledge, built with your future in mind. Please study hard, be disciplined, and aim for excellence in all you do. To whom much is given, much is expected, make us proud.”

    Addressing those present, Rep. Wale Raji stated that the project were testament that he is touching base with the remote areas of the constituency which had in the past been neglected in the past by politicians who only showed up during electioneering campaigns.

    “We have decided to change the narrative. Before now, the allegations leveled against politicians is that they only show up to remote communities and riverine areas during electioneering campaign periods and after getting the votes, they’re nowhere to be found not to talk of bringing the dividends of democracy to them. But the narrative has changed,” Raji said.

    He added that “During the election, we came here to campaign for votes and you cast your votes for our party and what we’re witnessing today is a confirmation that we’re trustworthy as a party and this will not be the first intervention that we will embark on in this ward,” he declared.

    Highlighting his past and ongoing interventions, such as solar street lights, bridges to end perennial flooding, new classrooms at Oriba Primary School, jetties, roads, and vocational centers, he added, “When schools are opened, gates to a prison are closed.”

    At Ilege, Raji reminded the community of their long-demand, which had been fulfilled, “You challenged me then and I’m happy that I didn’t disappoint you. Your request for transformers, solar-powered borehole and network of roads and to crown it all, we have been able to establish a new secondary school in Ilege.”

    Speaking at Owu-Ikosi, he underscored the importance of preparing children for tomorrow, saying: “Education is very important and if we do not make adequate provision for our children, we are endangering their future. But with this, we’re preparing them for the challenges of the future.”

     “We’re poised for continuous quality education delivery.”

  • Laments over ‘crazy billing’

    Laments over ‘crazy billing’

    Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat recently became the ‘poster boy’ of the crazy billing menace visited on electricity consumers by power distribution companies (DisCos). He lamented that his official residence was slammed with N29million electricity bill for April by the utility firm that the area falls under – up from N2.7million bill assigned in March.

    Speaking at a roundtable between the Lagos State Government and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the deputy governor said the electricity provider frustrated his efforts to install a prepaid meter, even when the meter had been paid for. “People are trying to survive, and the common denominator for them is power. They don’t have power, there are billing challenges. In fact, I’m a very good example,” Hamzat stated. “Last month, in my house, or the state house that I live in, the bill was N2.7m. This month, Eko DisCo sent us a bill of N29m. I sent it to the Commissioner for Energy. It’s crazy! I actually procured a meter to say, ’Look, don’t give us estimated billing.’ But to convert it is wahala (an ordeal),” he added.

    The deputy governor, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the event, said the menace of arbitrary electricity charges was affecting not just high-profile officials but also everyday Lagosians. He cited the instance of a mainland resident who was billed N2.8million while his annual rent is N2million: “There’s a place called Coker Aguda in Surulere, and the people came to me, and I was asking them to calm down. A man’s rent in a year is about N2m, they gave him a bill of N2.8m for electricity. How can the bill be more than the man’s rent for a year? Those are the challenges we have. Our people are suffering because of estimated billing.”

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    Hamzat’s lamentations perfectly articulated the experience of electricity consumers – and there are a huge number – still on estimated billing by the DisCos. In many cases, the billings come in quantum leaps even when supply, for whatever reason, recede from previous levels. Acquisition of prepaid meters, which are the property of DisCos and are a tool for ensuring efficiency in their revenue collection, has been made the obligation of consumers. But even where consumers manage to fund meter acquisition, aligning their accounts to the prepaid mode could be a drawn-out ordeal as the deputy governor pointed out. That’s the common experience.

    It was strange, therefore, that All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretary Ajibola Bashiru dismissed Hamzat’s concern as unwarranted. “Energy is not cheap anywhere in the world. Nigeria is not running a socialist society. Let us get it very right. We are in a globalised economy,” he rejoined during a television programme. You could ask him what the capitalist formula is that explains a spike in billing from N2.7million to N29million in just a month. It’s just crazy!

  • Innovation begins with curiosity, Hamzat tells Lagos science students

    Innovation begins with curiosity, Hamzat tells Lagos science students

    • Deputy governor mentors young scientists

    Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat has urged science students across the state’s secondary schools to explore the broad field of sciences through curiosity.

    He stressed that as “innovation begins with curiosity,” it is important for science students to embrace curiosity in sharpening their minds while studying the sciences.

    Dr. Hamzat, who is an accomplished engineer, spoke during the launch of a mentorship programme for secondary school students, with the theme: Innovate – Eko STEAM Mentorship Series.

    The event aimed to empower students to explore the endless possibilities within the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM).

    As part of the programme, the deputy governor had an engagement with the students, called: “A Day With the Deputy Governor of Lagos State.”

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    Dr. Hamzat, who was represented by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, urged the students to cultivate an innovative mindset, emphasising that the future of STEAM relies heavily on the ability to adapt, think critically, and embrace cutting-edge technology.

    He said: “Advancements in technology, especially AI, have the potential to enhance our capabilities across every STEAM discipline. Art is no longer confined to traditional mediums; it is being redefined through the pixels of digital artwork, the algorithms of generative design, and even through virtual reality experiences.

    “Science and engineering are leveraging AI to solve complex problems, while mathematics provides the language through which these innovations can be quantified and improved.

    “Transformation power of AI is already revolutionising industries. In healthcare, AI algorithms are analyzing medical images with a level of accuracy that rivals experienced radiologists.

    “In agriculture, smart sensors and machine learning systems are optimising irrigation and crop management, creating sustainable farming solutions. In education, AI-driven platforms are personalizing learning experiences, adapting to the needs of individual students, and making knowledge more accessible than ever before.”

    Dr. Hamzat advised the students to “adopt a growth mindset — a belief that you can develop your intelligence through effort, learning, and persistence”.

  • Most parents have failed, says deputy governor

    Most parents have failed, says deputy governor

    The Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, has expressed concerns over neglect of family values, urging parents to re-examine their roles.

    Hamzat made call at the 20th Justice Muri Okunola Memorial Ramadan Lecture on Sunday, at Agidingbi, Ikeja.

    “As parents, how are we raising our children? The truth is that if we go by what we see, a lot of people have failed as parents.

    “It is very scary, especially for this crop of generation. Let us groom and train our children to be ready for life’s challenges,” he said.

    He emphasised the need for parents to take responsibility for their children’s upbringing, ensuring they would be taught the importance of family and care for one another.

    He said that many children were no longer interested in caring for their aging parents and had left them vulnerable and alone.

    The deputy governor implored parents to inculcate empathy and morals into their children.

    Hamzat also expressed worry at the rate of abandonment of families by men, who left their wives and children to fend for themselves.

    He urged fathers and husbands to be alive to their responsibilities.

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    Hamzat called on parents and religious leaders to take actions to address parenting crisis.

    He advised religious leaders to continuously preach love, care and unity.

    In a lecture entitled: “The Distress In Family Values and Morality in Our Society: A Multi-dimensional Approach”, Imam Abdulrahman Adangba urged Muslims to believe in Allah and rely on His promises.

    The cleric listed some essential steps to revive societal values, emphasising the importance of truthfulness and trustworthiness.

    He urged government officials not to disappoint the masses who placed their trust in them.

    Adangba also urged employers of labour not to deny wages to their employees.

    “Do not make pledges you cannot fulfill, reward good acts with goodness, be kind and offer support to one another,” he said.

    The cleric also said the key to achieving peace and security lied in embracing responsibility and recognising that one’s rights were tied to the responsibilities of others.

    He said that in societies where individuals prioritised their rights over their responsibilities, insecurity and chaos often came up.

    “In contrast, societies that focus on responsibility and mutual accountability tend to enjoy greater peace and harmony.

    “When we create peace for others, we ultimately ensure our own security.

    “However, when we neglect this responsibility, we invite insecurity and disarray.”

  • Instill right value in your children, Hamzat tells parents

    Instill right value in your children, Hamzat tells parents

    Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat has admonished parents to guide their children on the right path to foster a deeper understanding of humanity and its values.

    Speaking during the Ramadan Lecture of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (ADSN), Lagos State Council, at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, Hamzat noted that science and technology are advancing rapidly, and if the right values are not instilled in them, they may lose the essence of humanity which is compassion, love, unity, and peace.

    According to him, “The challenges in Nigeria are youthful exuberance, money ritual, among other vices. With science and technology, the question is how do we protect children, particularly as Muslims, from the negative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI)? It is in our hands as parents to train our children because science and technology may take the essence of humanity away from them.”

    The Deputy Governor emphasized the vital role parents play in the lives of their children, urging them to be actively involved in nurturing and guiding them, regardless of their busy schedules.  He stressed that parental guidance is crucial and essential for children’s development, as it is very significant in shaping their young minds.

    While commending the organisation for being around for the past 100 years, Hamzat appreciated every member of the association for sustaining the objectives of the founding fathers.

    “The people that started this were not necessarily rich people but they just wanted education for the Muslim children and it’s been sustained. So we must appreciate every member of ADSN for sustaining it and pray that they continue to do it and the same goes for all the associations,” he said.

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    Former Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatubde Raji Fashola, SAN, encouraged Nigerians to remain patient and calm, trusting that the government’s efforts will lead to a brighter future for the nation.

    Fashola said: “I believe that our country will be great if we can be patient and calm ,  joy will come. Let us be patient. Let us live in harmony and we will all enjoy the greatness of our country, Nigeria.”

    ADSN National Missioner, Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmad, stressed the importance of brotherhood in Islam, noting that Islam teaches Muslims to be compassionate and to demonstrate love, kindness, and mercy towards one another, regardless of their religion or background.

    Sheikh Ahmad noted that Allah teaches Muslims to love and live in peace with each other, stressing that

    “We need to live in peace with ourselves. Allah teaches us to be compassionate, be merciful, and be caring to the people around us. There will not be a religion when our relationship with Allah is perfect and our relationship with our brother in Islam or otherwise is hostile or toxic,” he said.

  • Hamzat, UK don, Sayi for UMA Ramadan lecture

    Hamzat, UK don, Sayi for UMA Ramadan lecture

    The University of Lagos Muslim Alumni (UMA) will on February 23, hold  its 30th Pre-Ramadan Lecture.

    The theme of this year’s edition is “The Transformative Power of Ramadan”.

    UMA National President, Dr Mumini Alao, at a briefing in Lagos, said the lecture will take place at the J.F. Ajayi Auditorium, University of Lagos, Akoka.

    Dr Alao said this year’s theme was to highlight the huge benefits embedded in the holy month so that Muslim faithful can prepare to exploit them in full. According to him, the duo of Prof Mashood Baderin of the University of London and Justice Abdur-Raheem Ahmad Sayi of the Shari’ah Court of Appeal, Ilorin, Kwara State, have been invited as guest speakers.

    He said Baderin is an expert in Islamic Law and International Human Rights Law, which makes him a perfect fit for the lead topic.

    Baderin, he said, is making a second appearance in the annual lecture series, having delivered the 14th edition’s lecture in 2008.

    He said Justice Sayi, going by his training and vocation, has the requisite qualification and practical knowledge of the second topic.

    While Prof Baderin will speak on”Islam at the Intersection of Humanity and Religion, Justice Sayi will handle Shari’ah in Southwest Nigeria”.

    According to him, the topics were inspired by the apparent dilemma of Muslims on how to find the right balance between the demands of our faith, and the rights of our neighbours which sometimes might be in conflict.

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    Alao said: “During the past few weeks, this subject matter has come to the front burner following developments in Ekiti State where a traditional ruler purportedly “banned” the setting up of a Shari’ah Arbitration Panel as an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism between and among willing Muslims in his domain. Is it true that the Shari’ah is strange to South West Nigeria? Is there no history, past or present, of its adoption and application in the private lives of willing Muslims in the region? Is it against the Nigerian Constitution for willing Muslims to opt for adjudication of some aspects of their personal lives according to the Shari’ah? Do traditional rulers or government officials have the power to ban private citizens from adopting an Alternative Dispute Resolution instrument of their choice?” Alao added that other dignitaries expected at the event include the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat; former Governor of Zamfara State Senator Abdul’aziz Yari; the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Professor) Saka Matemilola, UNILAG Vice Chancellor, Prof Folasade Ogunsola, is the Chief Host.

    Alao said the UMA has introduced some innovations this year to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the lecture. One of them is a “Qur’an Recitation Challenge” amongst primary, secondary and Arabic school children, the winners of which will be announced at the lecture.

    He said special recognition awards would also be given to some of the scholars that have delivered its lectures in the past, while the UMA Medical team will offer free medical checks to early arrivals before the programme proper gets under way.

    Alao said during the last three decades, the UNILAG Muslim Alumni Pre-Ramadan lecture has established itself as the forerunner of all other Ramadan lectures in Lagos and, indeed, the whole of South West Nigeria.