The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Olayinka Oladunjoye

  • Lagos committed to industrial growth — Ambode

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has pledged to continue formulating and implementing policies and programmes that would consolidate the state’s position as the industrial and commercial hub of Nigeria.

    Ambode said this on Tuesday in Lagos during the 2018 Africa Industrialisation Day, themed: “Promoting regional value chains in Africa: A pathway for accelerating Africa’s structural transformation, industrialisation and Pharmaceutical Production.”

    He was represented by Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye, the State Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives.

    Africa Industrialisation Day was proclaimed by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in 1989.

    Ambode said that the various projects in the areas of security, environment, infrastructural renewal and upgrade were designed to create an enabling environment that would promote industrialisation and sustain the state’s status as prime investment destination in Africa.

    He noted that government’s task was to demonstrate serious commitment to private sector participation through implementation of policies, programmes and best practices that encourage the productive sectors of the economy, including the pharmaceutical industry.

    Read Also: Lagos Assembly tasks Ambode on menace of drug abuse 

    The governor acknowledged that the private sector were key stakeholders and prime mover of the economy, and would continue to maintain its open door policy aimed at harnessing productive potentials using private sector as vehicle of economic growth.

    According to him, doing that will enable his administration fulfill its objective of creating employment, eradicating poverty and promoting sustainable economic development.

    He noted that government was not oblivious of challenges confronting entrepreneurs, saying that it would continue to engage members of the private sector to develop appropriate and sustainable solutions.

    Dr Salaudeen Jubril, Faculty Member, Lagos Business School (LBS), said promoting regional value chains would accelerate regional, international trade and investment flows, increase competitiveness and facilitate industrialisation of many economies.

    He said that Africa required more development financing, harnessing the potential of its youth population, infrastructural development and stable political environment to deepen industrialisation.

    Dr John Isemede, a trade expert, said that weak industrialisation was responsible for the continued decline in the value of the naira.

    Mr Muda Yusuf, Director-General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), said resolving impediments to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises would facilitate and deepen value chain development and Africa’s economic integration.

    He urged government to address issues of taxation, power deficit, bad road networks, inefficiencies at the ports and low interest fund for businesses to thrive.

    NAN

  • Osinbajo to inaugurate Lagos MSME clinic

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo will on Tuesday inaugurate the Lagos edition of the National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Clinic.

    Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye, the state Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, disclosed this on Sunday in a statement signed by Babasola Ogunmosunle, Public Relations Manager in the ministry.

    Oladunjoye said that the two-day MSME Clinic would hold on Aug. 6 and Aug.7 at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the MSME Clinic is an initiative of the Office of the Vice President in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, as well as 11 other federal agencies.

    Oladunjoye said that the event would further complement the state’s efforts at developing MSMEs in the state.

    She gave an assurance the state that government would continue to implement policies that would boost growth of the sector.

    “As it is evident to all, the present administration in Lagos State is leaving no stone unturned to ensure even development of all sectors, and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Clinic will never be an exemption.’’

    The commissioner expressed confidence that the programme would raise a new set of entrepreneurs while the existing ones would be guided on the best steps to take to add value to their efforts.

    According to her, the state will enhance the capacity of MSME operators with relevant skills that will position them to explore opportunities and access appropriate financial facility.

    She said that the administration of Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode established the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) with a seed capital of N25 billion.

    The fund was earmarked for disbursement within four years to empower business owners with capital to revive moribund ventures, boost trade and start new ventures.

    Oladunjoye recalled that Osinbajo had lauded the state government for the LSETF initiative, and for creating over 12,500 new jobs within the first six months of the scheme.

    The commissioner expressed delight that the MSME Clinic was coming at a period when the state was creating conducive environment for small scale businesses to thrive.

  • I demand nothing but the best – Ambode

    I demand nothing but the best – Ambode

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Monday swore in new members of his cabinet, demanding from them `nothing but the best`.

    “Given the cosmopolitan nature of our state and the peculiar challenges of a mega city, we cannot afford to rely on the status quo approach to providing solution to new and emerging issues.

    “As you settle down to your new assignments, I demand nothing but the best from you,” Ambode told the new cabinet members.

    Reports say that the five new members include Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye as Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives; Mr Segun Banjo as the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning and Mr Oladipo Lawanson as the Commissioner for Transportation.

    Read also: Meat handling: Open letter to Ambode

    Others are Mr Akeem Fahm,Commissioner for Science and Technology, and Mr Omoyele Sulaiman, the Special Adviser to the governor on Community and Communications.

    Ambode charged them to, as a matter of necessity, adopt new methods to achieve greater efficiency and increased productivity.

    The governor told the new appointees to immediately hit the ground running and bring themselves up to speed with the mandate of their Ministries and agencies, as well as key into the immediate priority for the year, which is the completion of all ongoing projects.

    “This, however, does not preclude the initiation of new projects that are considered highly essential and critical to the general well-being of our people.

    “We are committed to sustaining this goodwill by upholding our policy of inclusion and implementing programmes and projects that will positively and directly impact on the livelihood of all our people,” he said.

    Ambode said that one of the approaches of his administration had been to infuse innovation and creativity into governance.

    He said the appointment of the new cabinet members was made to be in tune with the pace and set goals of his administration in reinvigorating and reenergising government machinery.

    The governor commended the former members of the state executive council for their dedicated service and contribution to the achievements so far recorded by his administration.

    He also commended the state House of Assembly for ensuring due diligence and speedy confirmation process for the members of the cabinet.

    Oladunjoye, on behalf of the appointees, assured the governor that they would key into the vision and mission of the government.

    Reports say that the governor had on January 11 carried out a cabinet reshuffle, dropping three commissioners and appointing five new ones.

    NAN

  • Lagos trains 1000 teachers on ICT in curriculum

    Lagos trains 1000 teachers on ICT in curriculum

    Lagos State Government has trained no fewer than 1000 of its secondary schools’ teachers in the effective use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in the education curriculum.

    The Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, at the opening of a workshop in Lagos, noted that the training was part of capacity-building for the teachers in public secondary schools.

    She said the quality of education was one of the major planks of national development.

    Mrs. Oladunjoye added that nations that had developed paid great attention to their educational service delivery as they have not only invested in physical infrastructure, but also in the human infrastructure at all levels.

    She said: “In Lagos State, our thinking is that while it is right to build infrastructure, it is even of greater importance to build the capacity of staff who will deliver services to the teeming populace.

    The reasoning behind this is that only competent and committed teachers teach, not bricks and mortar.”

    The commissioner said the government invested in capacity building through the Lagos Eko Secondary Education Project by strengthening school administration, enhancing service delivery and improving learning outcomes.

    She enjoined participants to maximise the opportunity afforded by the workshop, noting that their participation in the programme would be measured by how well they were able to apply and replicate the knowledge gained in their classrooms, lessons and in their overall effectiveness as teachers.

    “Remember also that you owe it a duty to yourselves and to posterity to serve humanity diligently through your various Schools. It is only when you do this and faithfully manage and execute that which is committed into your hands, that the expenditure of public resources on this learning and development intervention would have been justified,” the commissioner added.

     

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  • Lagos approves harmonised calendar from 2014/2015 session

    Lagos approves harmonised calendar from 2014/2015 session

    With the Lagos State Government approving a harmonised schools’ calendar for the state, both public and private primary and secondary schools are expected to resume and close at the same time beginning from the 2014/2015 academic session.

    A committee of stakeholders set up by the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, worked out modalities for the harmonisation of the schools’ calendar and curriculum between last October and December 30, when it submitted its report.

    In light of the new harmonisation, which was announced last Thursday, Mrs Oladunjoye urged all owners of private primary and secondary schools to adjust their calendar to fit into the new structure.

    She however noted that schools affiliated with embassies, missions and those who usually present candidates for international examinations have been given a window of flexibility of one week before and after official resumption date.

    “Private schools should adhere strictly with the 2014/2015 academic year calendar and subsequent ones in the opening, resumption and mid-term dates. However, schools affiliated with embassies, missions as well as those presenting candidates for International examinations may be given a window of flexibility of one week before and after official resumption or closing dates but they must comply with the mid-term dates,” she said.

    Oladunjoye also underscored the importance the state attaches to the completion of the 38 to 39 weeks of academic period in order to adequately cover the curriculum.

    “It is mandatory for all schools to complete the 38 to 39 weeks of academic contact periods where the curriculum is well covered by schools as seen in other developed countries. Regular monitoring visits will be made to private schools while sanctions will be meted out to schools that do not comply with the academic year calendar,” she warned.

    In line with the new calendar for the 2014/2015 academic session, schools are to resume for the first term on Monday, September 15, go on the mid-term break on Thursday, November 30, and end the term on Friday, December 12. The first term holidays is expected to last between Monday, December 15 and Friday, January 2, 2015.

    For the second term, activities are to begin Monday, January 5, 2015 and end on Friday, April 3. Mid-term break will be on February 19; Mock examinations for SS III students will be held between February 24 and March 6; while the term ends after the unified examinations of between March 24 and April 3.

    The third term is scheduled to begin April 20 and end July 17. The Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) will start June 16 and end 29; mid-term break June 4 and 5; end of session unified examination will however take place between, July 7 and 17, while the resumption date for the 2015/2016 academic session will be September 15, 2015.

     

  • Lagos awards PZ Cussons for CSR in education

    Lagos awards PZ Cussons for CSR in education

    PZ Cussons Nigeria has been rewarded by the Lagos State Government for its immense support in the education sector through its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.

    At a Breakfast Meeting hosted on Tuesday by Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), PZ Cussons and a host of others were presented with the “Support Our Schools Initiative” awards for complementing the government’s effort in reshaping education standards in the state.

    PZ Cussons’ recognition came on the heels of the ground-breaking maiden edition of a senior secondary schools competition last year. PZ Cussons Chemistry Challenge is one of the numerous CSR activities of the company.

    The Breakfast Meeting, held at the jam-packed Lagos City Hall, had in attendance stakeholders in the education sector and top government functionaries.

    In his keynote address, Fashola thanked the award recipients for their contribution to educational growth in the state. He said: “I particularly salute your courage. I salute your steadfastness to work with us. Thankfully government itself has realised this is not a one-man show.”

    The Corporate Affairs and Administrative Director of PZ Cussons Nigeria, Mrs Yomi Ifaturoti said that the company was honoured that the state government “has deemed it fit to give us an award today for the PZ Cussons Chemistry Challenge. We did it in line with our philosophy of partnering with the Lagos State Ministry of Education.”

    She said the company focused on Chemistry because of how important the subject was to the society. “Even Lagos State recognises the essence of Science subjects and that’s why we are getting this award today,” she further said.

    According to Ifaturoti, PZ Cussons placed emphasis on CSR. Her words: “We do good business and we believe business must give back to the community. We have always been giving back to the society and this is our own special way of focusing on the children whom we know as the leaders of tomorrow.”

    Last October, thousands of senior secondary students in Lagos State participated in the inaugural edition of PZ Cussons Chemistry Challenge with 16-year-old Emmanuel Ejiogu Onyekachi of Miketoy College, Ikotun, emerging the grand prize winner at the end of a rigorous three-stage contest. His reward were N700,000 cash, a laptop, a trophy and gold medal, while his chemistry teacher, Mr Jossy Ogunniyi won N100,000. Chemistry books worth N100,000 were also presented to his school.

    Three other runners-up, their teachers and schools also received fabulous prizes.

    An initiative of PZ Cussons Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, the second edition of the competition would soon commence.

    PZ Cussons Foundation focuses on education, health, road rehabilitation and provision of portable water. It has extended its interventions into constructing and donating blocks of classrooms, boreholes, health and youth centers as well as road rehabilitation.

     

     

  • Lagos spends N500 million on teachers training

    Lagos spends N500 million on teachers training

    Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola said yesterday that his administration spent over N500 million on the training of teachers in public schools.

    He said the training was aimed at improving the standard of education.

    The governor spoke at the Lagos City Hall at a breakfast meeting and Corporate Social Responsibility awards organised by the Support Our School Initiative of the Ministry of Education.

    He urged individuals and corporate organisations to support his administration’s effort to improve education, adding that 33,000 teachers need to be retrained in Information Communication Technology (ICT).

    Fashola said: “At the primary school level, about 12,000 teachers need to be trained, while 21,000 secondary school teachers also need training. If you look at our annual training budget between 2010 and 2013, we have spent about N500 million on teachers’ training.”

    He urged teachers who have acquired additional knowledge to approach the government, adding that his administration would employ them and give them commensurate remuneration.

    Fashola said: “With the support of the people and corporate organisations, the milestone that has been achieved can be built upon. I want you to join me in facing the challenge we are facing in the sector.

    “We have alluded to the declining standard of education today, compared to the past. The question I ask myself is: Is it true that there were public schools in the past? I find it difficult to say there were public schools in the past because most of the schools I remember in the past were mission and private schools.

    “The truth is that at that time of prosperity and educational success, the schools were not run by the government. They were run by the missions and private sector. What the government did was to regulate, set standards, set calendars, set the rules and the examinations.

    “Now, the government has realised that it is not a one-man show. That is why Christians and Muslims have some of their schools back, but the challenge endures. We urge the private sector to work with us to do what it did before.

    “That is the brain behind the ‘Adopt-a-School Initiative’, but unlike before when there were predominately Christian and Muslim missions, corporate organisations and individuals can now intervene.”

    Commissioner for Education Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye thanked the awardees and those who have bought into the Adopt-a-School Initiative, saying their contribution to the development of education was remarkable.

    The awardees included Group Managing Director Rose of Sharon and Executive Vice-Chairman of Famfa Oil Limited Mrs. Folorunso Alakija; Chief Kessington Adebutu; Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB); First Bank, Mr. Femi Okunnu (SAN) and Elegant Twins.

     

     

  • Lagos assures CIIN of support

    • 158 graduate from institute

    Lagos State government has assured the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) of its support in the provision of its insurance textbook to secondary schools in the state.

    Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye gave asurance during the CIIN Graduation and Awards and the launch of its book “Insurance for Secondary Schools” in Lagos.

    The commissioner said she would buy the book as part of their support for insurance education growth in the country.

    CIIN President, Mr. FataiLawal, said the institute would donate three copies of the book to the over 2,000 public secondary schools.

    He noted that this is a significant step in the campaign to facilitate the teaching and learning of Insurance in secondary schools.

    Speaking about the institute professional examinations, he stated that the institute has successfully demonstrated its commitment to the actualisation of its three-tier examination structure which allows qualifiers at each level of the examination to obtain a certificate of completion.

    The exam structure, he said, is a flexible and learner-friendly geared at motivating greater interest in the attainment of professional qualification.

    He emphasised the determination of the institute to strengthen the exam system through regular review of its syllabus and exam structure.

    He said: “Emerging challenges facing the insurance industry today not only require a fresh impetus in human capital development but also a renewed vigor and approach to skills recreation in order to adequately equip practitioners for the huge tasks of managing the current realities in the environment. The industry is faced with a need to deepen insurance market penetration and cope with emerging risks brought about by changing natural and social circumstances.

    Meanwhile, 158 members graduated from the institute this year while 14 became fellows.

  • Tinubu, Fashola for council’s anniversary

    Tinubu, Fashola for council’s anniversary

    SENATOR Oluremi Tinubu and wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, will lead other dignitaries to the 10th year anniversary of the creation of Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area and second year in office of the present council boss, Hon Hakeem Bamgbola.

    The week-long event will begin on Friday with a Jumat Service at Ijeshatedo Central Mosque to be followed with a novelty match between the council’s management and political class.

    On Sunday, there will be a Thanksgiving at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Ikate, while Mrs. Fashola and Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, will grace the graduation and bursary award ceremony on Monday.

    Senator Tinubu will draw the curtain of the events on Tuesday with an empowerment programme at Mogaji Street. Other guests expected are the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ademorin Kuye; Onitire of Itire, Oba Lateef Dauda and Interim Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Otunba Henry Ajomale.

  • Lagos senior secondary schools get new curriculum

    Lagos State has approved a new curriculum for public senior secondary schools.

    Commissioner for Education Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye said SS I-III pupils would take nine subjects, with English Language, Mathematics, Civic Education, Biology and one Trade subject compulsory. However, Civic Education is optional for SS III pupils in the 2013/2014 academic session.

    Mrs. Oladunjoye said SS I–III pupils would take three subjects from the Sciences and Mathematics, Business Studies, Humanities and Technology, and one elective subject from any group.

    The 10 Trade subjects in the curriculum are Catering Craft Practice, Garment Making, Dyeing and Bleaching, Data Processing, Store Keeping, Book Keeping, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Marketing and Salesmanship.

    The commissioner said: “Teachers in related subject areas are encouraged to teach Civic Education and the Trade subjects. District guidance counsellors have been informed of the guidelines in the new curriculum and the information has been communicated to school counsellors and year tutors in public senior secondary schools.”

    She said seminars would be organised at the six education districts to educate teachers on the new curriculum, adding that two periods would be allocated to each trade subject.

    Mrs. Oladunjoye said the scheme of work for Creative and Cultural Arts in junior secondary schools would be streamlined at the next review.