Tag: Sanwo-Olu

By Afolabi Idowu

 Encomiums have continued to pour in on Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for the sustainable implementation of the ‘Eko Cares’ initiatives aimed at mitigating the current economic challenges experienced not only in the state, but across the country.

The ‘Eko Cares’ Initiatives, launched in April this year by Governor Sanwo-Olu, is the umbrella signature for several poverty-alleviating campaigns by the Lagos State Government, namely: ‘Alafia Eko’, ‘Ounje Eko’ Sunday Market, ‘Eko Fund Me’, ‘Alaafia Eko’, ‘Owo Isowo Eko’, and ‘Edinwo Owo Oko Eko’, all focused on lessening the burden of more than 500,000 Lagos households amid the current economic hardship in four critical sectors including transportation, education, health and agriculture.

These interventions are in line with the Lagos government’s undertaking to better the lives of its citizens in the 20 LGAS, and 37 LCDAs.

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos Health District 1, Dr. Funmilayo Bankole and other health practitioners who coordinated the campaigns in different locations noted that the ‘Alafia Eko’ is aimed at ensuring the health and wellbeing of Lagosians.

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“What we do here is to screen Lagosians for silent killers such as hypertension, diabetes, etc., and prevent these conditions from causing complications,” she said.

At the’ Alafia Eko’ intervention held in Mushin LGA, one of the beneficiaries, Mr Tajudeen Adebowale, expressed excitement, saying, “We are very happy about this initiative. May God continue to bless the governor to do even more, especially programmes like this healthcare initiative.”

Another beneficiary at the Meiran intervention outreach, Alhaja Ajani Badru could not hold back her joy saying, “We are grateful to Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration for the free healthcare brought to us. Medications these days are very expensive and today, we got sufficient treatment at no cost.”

Another beneficiary, Mr. Adekojo Samuel expressed similar sentiments, thanking the Governor for the eye tests, drugs, and eye glasses received.

Another beneficiary at the Isolo outreach, Mr. Iyanu Temituro said: “The programme is excellently beautiful, organised, and the medical personnel were very approachable. I’m enjoying two medical services for stooling and blood pressure.”

Other beneficiaries from Apapa LGA were also full of praise for the governor, dedicating songs in Yoruba to Governor Sanwo-Olu, describing him as a promise keeper.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has described fake news as being anti-social to the society, with negative impacts on the economy.

He advised communication scholars and media professionals on the need to address the challenges associated with the spread of fake news, saying “fake news is the biggest challenge we are facing in the country.”

The governor spoke yesterday in Lagos at the opening of the 11th Annual Conference of Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals (ACSPN).

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Represented by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, he said: “As communication scholars, we must change the narratives that define our society. The power of effective communication cannot be overstressed and it is important to note the importance of communication in today’s world. ‘’Communication is a catalyst for change, innovation and development when used properly. In Lagos, communication is the lifeblood of governance. It is also a tool we are using to build trust. It is important we explore challenges of new information technology. We must also catch up with Artificial Intelligence. (AI)”

In his keynote address, Publisher, Premium Times, Dapo Olorunyomi, said the integration of AI and emerging technologies presented opportunities to reimagine governance models, enhance public service delivery and foster sustainable development across Africa. 

He said: “By harnessing the power of digital communication and innovation, we can forge a future where technology serves as a catalyst for inclusive growth, equitable access to information and accountable governance. I think countries like Nigeria that have gone ahead to set up National AI Collectives, deserve accolade. It is important to prioritise inclusivity as a key signature of how this collective and its national strategy operates.”

Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the weekend paid compensation to victims of the Docemo Fire incident on Lagos Island.

Sanwo-Olu said the gesture was a testament to his administration’s commitment to supporting victims of the disaster.

The Docemo fire on April 9 affected many buildings and properties worth millions.

Governor Sanwo-Olu visited the market on April 11 to see the traders and promised to compensate them after a proper enumeration of the people affected.

In fulfilment of his promise, the Governor presented compensation worth hundreds of millions to the victims.

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He announced N2,500,000, N1,500,000 and N750,000 compensation to different traders based on the enumeration process.

The Governor vernor said his administration remains dedicated to providing immediate relief and long-term support to all Lagosians.

He said: “We came here after the fire incident and promised you that we would come back. We sympathise with all the victims of the incident. The committee has done inventory of those affected, and we will compensate people according to the enumeration process.

“We are here today to fulfill the promise we made to you. We have three categories of compensation – N2,500,000, N1,500,000, and N750,000. What we are giving you is a bank draft, and once you get to the bank, you will get the money. We will also start payment of compensations to all the tenants, shop owners, and shop hires in Pelewura Market from Monday.

“Our administration remains dedicated to providing immediate relief and long-term support to all Lagosians. Together, we will continue to rise above challenges and build a more resilient Lagos.”

Some of the beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the gesture and promised to make good use of the money.

LagosHoms Mortgage Scheme has presented exit certificates to 100 mortgagors, who have completed their payment after 10 years.

The scheme allows individuals to own a home on a rent-to-own basis with an initial deposit, and the balance is spread over 10 years.

The exit certificate indicates that the mortgagors have completed the payment and can take full ownership of the home.

Certificates were presented yesterday to the first set of beneficiaries, who joined the scheme in 2014.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu hailed the mortgagors for not defaulting throughout the mortgage period.

He said LagosHoms had, in the last 10 years, been instrumental in delivering affordable housing solutions through the provision of over 10,000 housing units to low and middle income families.

Sanwo-Olu added that the government had initiated and completed housing projects across parts of the state, including Iponri, Surulere, Igando, Lekki, Ikorodu, and other areas.

This initiative, he noted, had helped reduce housing deficit and provided more affordable housing to the people.

“Owning a home is a dream come true and I am proud that our administration has been able to support you in realising this dream,” he told the mortgagors.

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However, in a surprising move, Sanwo-Olu named Ilupeju Housing Estate after the father of the deputy governor, Olu of Afowora Sogade in Ogun State, the late Oba Mufutau Olatunji Hamzat.

Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat thanked the governor for the gesture.

He said for people to own a home, ‘‘mortgage is the way to spread prosperity.’’

General Manager of Lagos State Mortgage Homes, Bayowa Foresythe, thanked Sanwo-Olu for supporting the agency.

He said 20,000 residents had benefited from the mortgage scheme, with 20 housing estates opened in the last five years.

Lagos State governor’s wife and Convener of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has unveiled activities for 2024 National Women Conference.

She said governors of Akwa Ibom, Nasarawa and Osun; Umo Eno, Abdullahi Sule and Ademola Adeleke are among dignitaries expected at the conference, holding September 10 and 11.

The event, with the theme: ‘Soar Beyond Boundaries: Enrich Communities’, takes place at Lagos Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, at 9 am daily.

Eno is special guest of honour for the opening; Sule will be special guest of honour for the closing while Adeleke is special guest for the gala nite.

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Speakers for the event include Oluwatoyin Adeyemi, Mrs. Temitope Okunnu, Rotimi Coker, and  Mrs Opeyemi Akinyele. They will instruct on how to prevent, manage communicable diseases; transformative social welfare; to boy-child development.

Co-conveners are Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat and Conference Chairperson, Prof. Olufunke Adeyeye.

At the gala nite, she noted, prizes would be won.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has awarded N10 million grant to the eight finalists in the third Amplifier Business Clinic and Pitch Contest.

Sanwo-Olu made the announcement yesterday at the closing of the 2024 International Youth Day with the theme: ‘From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development’, at Campos Square, Lagos Island.

The Amplifier Business Clinic and Pitch Contest is designed to equip 100 young entrepreneurs with tools, knowledge and resources needed to transform their entrepreneurial ideas into successful, sustainable enterprises.

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Maryam Atolagbe won the contest and got N2.5 million.

According to Governor Sanwo-Olu, the grant was not a mere financial support, but an investment in the dreams of beneficiaries, which would enable them contribute to the state’s economic development.

He noted that the theme encapsulated his belief in leveraging digital technology as a bridge to connect young people in the state to a sustainable and prosperous future.

Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has awarded N10 million grant to the eight finalists in the third Amplifier Business Clinic and Pitch Contest.

Sanwo-Olu made the announcement at the closing of the 2024 International Youth Day with the theme ‘From Clicks to Progress: Youth digital pathways for sustainable development’, at Campos Square, Lagos Island.

The Amplifier Business Clinic and Pitch Contest is designed to equip 100 young entrepreneurs with tools, knowledge and resources needed to transform their entrepreneurial ideas into successful, sustainable enterprises.

Maryam Atolagbe won the contest and got N2.5 million.

According to Sanwo-Olu, the grant was not a mere financial support but an investment in the dreams of beneficiaries, which would enable them contribute to the state’s economic development.

He also noted that the theme encapsulates his belief in leveraging digital technology as a bridge to connect young people in the state to a sustainable and prosperous future.

“Our administration’s renewed commitment to youth empowerment and engagement is evidenced by the new programmes, policies and interventions we have initiated since the beginning of our second tenure, which are designed to empower young people in Lagos by focusing on several key policy pillars.

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“In the area of technology and innovation, we have established technology hubs and innovation centers across the state, providing young people with access to cutting-edge tools, training, and mentorship. Our goal is to create a thriving ecosystem where tech-savvy youths can develop solutions that address real-world challenges.

“We have continued to invest in education, skill development and supporting infrastructure, including digital learning platforms that equip students with the skills needed for the future. Lagos State Employability Support Project is among the initiatives that have been instrumental in training thousands of youth in various digital skills, thereby increasing their employability and entrepreneurial capabilities,” he said.

The Governor added that the state’s investment in youth leadership programmes was a strategic move that aligns with his administration’s vision of expanding sustainable development, economic growth, social stability as well as harnessing demographic dividend.

Commissioner for Youth and Social Development Mobolaji Ogunlende said the week-long celebration featured activities such as press conference, awareness walks, environmental sanitation, youth conference and engagement summit, which culminated in the inauguration of the Technical Working Group on Youth Engagement.

“The Technical Working Group consists of individuals from diverse technical expertise and background both within the public and private sectors to foster collaboration and partnership opportunities,” the commissioner said.

Igede August Club is set to mark its 50th anniversary.

The event, to be attended by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, among others, holds on Saturday at Yaba Baptist Church, Lagos.

Chairman, Anniversary Committee, Dr Elizabeth Olubusi, announced this in a statement.

Olubusi said the event is a an occasion to reflect, cherish, celebrate relationships and rededicate commitment to the club’s goals and objectives.

He added the club would raise money for its Club House in Igede-Ekiti.

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“Igede August Club was founded in August 1974, the only family club at Igede. .

“As part of the event, we will raise funds to complete our club house. This project has remained uncompleted for years due to meldown and inflation.

“The house will be a meeting place, training, skill, as well as recreation centre, and will take N100 million to complete. The first phase will be ready in 18 months’’, she noted.