Tag: Sanwo-Olu

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and the Minister for Power, Adebayo Adelabu have sympathised with the Governor of Oyo State.  Seyi Makinde, and the bereaved families of victims of the tragic stampede that occurred during a children’s carnival at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, which claimed 35 lives.

In a condolence letter he signed and addressed to Governor Seyi Makinde titled “Letter of Condolence – Christmas Stampede Tragedy”,  Sanwo-Olu described the incident as devastating and offered prayers for the families affected by the tragedy.

“It is with profound sorrow that I write to express my heartfelt condolences to you, the government, and the people of Oyo State over the tragic loss of 35 young lives during the Christmas funfair stampede that occurred on December 18, 2024, in Ibadan. This heartbreaking incident, which also left several children injured, has cast a shadow of grief and mourning not only over Oyo State but across Nigeria.

“The circumstances surrounding this tragedy—children gathering with the hope of joy, relief, and celebration—make the loss all the more devastating. The scale of this loss, compounded by the innocence and vulnerability of those affected, is deeply painful.

“I cannot begin to imagine the depth of pain felt by the families of the victims and by the wider Oyo State community.

“On behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, I extend our deepest sympathies to you and to all those who are grieving. We share in your sorrow and stand with you during this difficult time. I also wish to express our solidarity with the families of the deceased and pray for the swift recovery of those children who remain hospitalised.”

Read Also: Doris Ogah crowned 45th Miss Nigeria 2024

 In his condolence message, Adelabu, who also sympathised with traders over the fire outbreak that occurred in the early hours of Saturday at the Araromi auto spare parts market, Agodi Gate, Ibadan, expressed profound sadness over the two incidents in a statement by his Special Adviser, Strategic Communication and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji on Saturday, described them as heart-wrenching.

“I am deeply saddened by the incident that led to the death of these young children who are supposed to be the future of our country with a good future ahead of them.

“Waking up early this morning to also hear the sad news of the fire incident at the Araromi Spare Parts Market also cast a black shadow in what should have been a period of celebration.

…welcomes Tinubu’s “historic homecoming” to Lagos

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has described the proposed 2025 federal budget as ambitious yet achievable.

Speaking to journalists at the Alausa, Ikeja Central Mosque where he joined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Jumat service on Friday, Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence in the administration’s ability to deliver on the bold fiscal plan.

He noted that the 2025 budget represents a significant leap in scale and ambition, marking the largest in Nigeria’s history.

Despite its size, he characterized it as a realistic plan designed to reassure Nigerians about the federal government’s commitment to economic recovery and development.

Sanwo-Olu emphasized the need for swift and efficient implementation of the budget, asking for implementation parameters to be set within the first quarter of 2025, to ensure its success.

While acknowledging the challenges posed by the ambitious targets, he maintained that the budget’s projections were achievable with the right mechanisms in place.

The governor also highlighted the transformative potential of achieving the outlined goals, suggesting it could place the country firmly on the path to economic recovery.

He described the budget as one that offers hope and progress for all Nigerians.

Read Also: Sanwo-Olu hails Oando’s contributions to Nigeria’s energy sector

“It’s an audacious project, it’s but it’s also a budget of reality. This will be the largest budget that we’ll see in the history of the federal government. It’s not even just the largest, the leapfrog of that size of budget.

“So it’s a real budget of reassurance, it’s very audacious, but in my view, I will believe it is achievable, all they need to do is set up the proper machinery within the first quarter to ensure that it can be achieved.

“I’ve looked at the indices, they are a stretch, but they are achievable and if we do get to those numbers, this country will be on the proper foot of recovery, and it’s to the gladness of every one of us”, Sanwo-Olu said.

Meanwhile, speaking on the arrival of President Tinubu in Lagos for the Christmas and New Year festivities, Governor Sanwo-Olu described it as a “significant and historic” homecoming, reflecting on the emotional weight of the President’s return to a familiar space where his political journey began.

“It’s very historic. It’s not just a small homecoming, it’s a big, proper homecoming for him. Since he left as governor in 2007, I can probably count how many times he’s been to this mosque or this area of Lagos. So, for him and for us, it’s a moment of nostalgia and pride”, the governor said.

Sanwo-Olu noted that Tinubu’s presence at the central mosque was a testament to his inclusive leadership style, especially as the visit coincided with the yuletide season, bridging both Christian and Muslim celebrations.

“This will be the Jumat service that ushers us into Christmas, which is significant for our Christian faith worshippers. As our president, he symbolizes unity for both Christians and Muslims,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

Reflecting on the significance of the day’s prayers, the governor expressed hope that the sermon and blessings from the service would inspire better leadership and foster unity across the country.

“We’re confident that the preaching today will encourage us to be better leaders and managers, ensuring the unity and peace our country so desperately needs,” he said.

As the year draws to a close, Sanwo-Olu urged Nigerians to use the season as an opportunity for reflection and gratitude.

He emphasized the importance of evaluating past efforts and planning for a brighter future.

“It’s a time to count our blessings, reflect on our shortcomings, and set new plans for the year ahead,” he remarked.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has commended Oando Plc for its pivotal role in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry as the company marks its 30th anniversary.

The theme of the celebration was “Symphony of Success.” 

Speaking via a tweet on his X account, Sanwo-Olu highlighted the organization’s three decades of innovation, resilience, and commitment to excellence.

Read Also: Sanwo-Olu mourns victims of Ibadan stampede

“Oando Plc has been a driving force in shaping Nigeria’s energy landscape. Its contributions go beyond the oil and gas sector; it has also significantly advanced sustainable development in our country,” he stated.

According to Sanwo-Olu, the anniversary showcased Oando’s ability to navigate challenges while maintaining a focus on growth and sustainability.

“This is not just a celebration of longevity but of impactful leadership in an ever-evolving industry. Oando’s achievements serve as an inspiration to others,” he added.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has extended his condolences to Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and the people of the state following a tragic stampede during a children’s carnival at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, which claimed 35 lives.

In a heartfelt message on his X account, Sanwo-Olu described the incident as devastating and offered prayers for the families affected by the tragedy.

“I offer my condolences to Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State over the tragic incident that occurred yesterday, resulting in the loss of young lives. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this incredibly difficult time,” the Governor stated.

Sanwo-Olu also emphasised the importance of communal solidarity in the aftermath of the tragedy, urging the community to support the grieving families.

“My thoughts are with the families and everyone affected by this event. As you navigate through this, I hope the community will come together to honor the memories of those lost and provide comfort to the grieving families,” he added.

Read Also: Police confirm 35 children dead in Ibadan stampede

Governor Sanwo-Olu concluded his message with a note of hope and support: “Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.”

The tragic event, which unfolded on Tuesday in Ibadan, has left the nation in mourning.

The Oyo State Police Command confirmed that 35 individuals lost their lives in the incident, though specific details about the circumstances leading to the tragedy remain under investigation.

The incident has sparked widespread reactions, with political leaders, community groups, and citisens calling for swift action to address any potential lapses that may have contributed to the loss of lives. 

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has unveiled two landmark initiatives to boost police welfare and enhance security.

The groundbreaking ceremony for 2,200 new housing units for police officers and the handover of 250 new patrol vehicles marked significant steps in the administration’s ongoing efforts to improve safety and support law enforcement.

Speaking at the groundbreaking event for the police housing project, held at the former Obalende Police Barracks site, Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of security personnel.

Read Also: Sanwo-Olu urges unity, love at Christmas Carol of nine lessons

He said: “We are committed to the welfare of our security personnel, our policemen and women who are serving the nation, safeguarding our lives and property. It concerns us as a people, it concerns us as a government if we want to make a difference.”

The governor said the housing project, which would include one-bedroom to four-bedroom apartments with modern amenities such as sewage systems, streetlights and parking spaces, was part of Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus Agenda aimed at the redevelopment and regeneration of Lagos.

Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, praised the initiative, highlighting the dilapidated state of many police barracks across the country.

He assured the public that he would personally supervise the project.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will today hand over more than 250 brand new patrol vehicles, hardware, communication gadgets, and protective gear to the police as part of efforts to enhance security operations across the state.

Senior Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor, Jubril Gawat, shared the development on his X account, stating that the event will take place at Lagos House, Ikeja, during the Lagos State Security Trust Fund’s 18th Annual Town Hall Meeting on Security.

Read Also: Sanwo-Olu, Egbetokun perform groundbreaking of construction of 2,200 police housing units

In his post, Gawat wrote: “Governor of Lagos State, Mr @jidesanwoolu, will today hand over 250+ brand new patrol vehicles, hardware, communication gadgets, and protective gear to the police to boost security operations in Lagos State. The event is ongoing at Lagos House, Ikeja, for the Lagos State Security Trust Fund 18th Annual Town Hall Meeting on Security with the Governor.

“Themed “Data and Technology-Driven Security: The Way Forward.”

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, on Thursday, restated the commitment of his government to the welfare of security personnel safeguarding the lives and properties of its citizens.

Sanwo-Olu said this at the sod turning ceremony for the construction of 2,200 housing units by the Lagos State government for the Nigerian Police Force at the demolished site of Obalende barracks.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2,200 housing units comprise of one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom and four-bedroom apartments with sewage, streetlights and car park.

Sanwo-Olu said the project was part of the re-development and regeneration of the state in line with his administration’s THEMES Plus agenda.

“We are committed to the welfare of our security personnel- our police men and women- who are serving the nation, safeguarding our lives and properties.

“It concerns us as a people, it concerns us as a government if we want to make a difference.

“I’m happy we took this bold step to demolish to rebuild because we don’t want any catastrophe in police barracks.

“It’s easy for us to look the other way, but we said no, not on our watch.

“We want to ensure affordable decent industrial housing units are available for Lagosian in line with our THEMES plus agenda,” he said.

The governor said that so far the government has handed over 21 housing estates in various parts of the city.

“So, now it is the turn of Nigerian Police and their barracks,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu assured that the project would be completed in the next two years to ensure Police officers in Lagos live in a conducive and comfortable environment to discharge their duties efficiently.

He urged other state governments to emulate the template to rebuild all Police barracks across the country.

Read Also: Sanwo-Olu, others for coconut festival

In his remarks, the Inspector General of Police, (I-G) Dr Kayode Egbetokun, said that most police barracks in the country were in dilapidated state having been constructed over 50 years ago.

He commended the Lagos State government for the initiative at boosting the morale of security personnel in the state.

The I-G expressed optimism that the new police housing units would motivate officers to serve Lagosians more efficiently, and promise to personally supervise the project.

Dr Olajide Babatunde, the Special Adviser to the Governor on E-GIS and Urban Development, said that 4,400 police officers and their families resident in the demolished barracks were evacuated and have been compensated.

(NAN)

Wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has admonished intending pilgrims to conduct themselves as good ambassadors of Christ and the state in words and deeds.

Mrs Sanwo-Olu, who spoke at the “Service of Dedication for 2024 Pilgrimage Exercise”, organised by the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board (LSCPWB), noted that the theme of the dedication service: “Let Us Go and See”, was apt.

She said the pilgrimage would draw pilgrims closer to God and strengthen their faith.

Read Also: Sanwo-Olu’s aide, council chief, others win awards

Mrs Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Matters (Christian), Rev. Bukola Adeleke, enjoined the intending pilgrims to see the exercise as a time for spiritual rejuvenation and uplifting of their faith.

Executive Secretary of Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Rt Revd Stephen Adegbite, prayed for a safe journey, urging the pilgrims to be worthy ambassadors.

The Board Secretary, LSCPWB, Yetunde Gbafe, advised the pilgrims to continue in intercessory prayers, even after the pilgrimage.