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Tag: Sanwo-Olu

  • Applauds for Sanwo-Olu as corps members get promised cash gift

    Applauds for Sanwo-Olu as corps members get promised cash gift

    Youth corps members serving in Lagos State have hailed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for fulfilling his promise of N100,000 cash gift to each of the 4,254 corps members in Batch ‘B’ Stream I.

    Sanwo-Olu made the pledge at the closing of the three-week orientation course at the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC) camp. He also promised N100 million for the scheme’s support staff, and another N5 billion support for the permanent orientation camp at Agbowa.

    Each corps member earlier today got a credit alert, and the promised N100 million to the NYSC support staff was also paid.

    The corps members have expressed their joy and gratitude, and hailed Governor Sanwo-Olu as a leader who keeps his promises. 

    Yunus Abdulkadri Olarenwaju (LA 24B 437) said he was initially skeptical, thinking it was ‘politics’. He, however, thanked the governor for prioritising their well-being and being a ‘governor of welfarism’.

    Olarenwaju noted that the money came at the right time, considering the economic challenges faced by many. “It came as a blessing to us because we are able to sort one or two things out. This gesture has encouraged corps members to perform their duties excellently, knowing they have support from the governor and others.

    “I thought it was politics, not until I got the alert, and I really thank the governor for putting us first,” he said. 

    Read Also: Community seeks Sanwo-Olu’s intervention in demolition threat of market

    Also, Okoye Ifeoma Emmanuella (LA 24B 1655), described the governor as a ‘talk-and-do’ leader, whose promise came as a surprise. She noted that the money was helpful in tackling transportation costs.

    She also praised Governor Sanwo-Olu for his affable nature, recalling how he wore the NYSC uniform during the Passing out Parade and looked ‘young and agile’.

    Emmanuella described the governor as a ‘nice man’ who has encouraged other governors and corps members to serve.

    Dr. Nwosu Chidinma Patricia (LA 24B 0006) described the governor as a father, and hailed his ‘integrity and reliability’. She used the money as start-up capital for her small business.

  • Forum lauds Sanwo-Olu’s Executive Order on health insurance

    Forum lauds Sanwo-Olu’s Executive Order on health insurance

    The Nigeria Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Forum has hailed Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for signing an Executive Order that makes it mandatory for workers and other residents to subscribe to the social health insurance scheme.

    The forum described the order as a major leap towards promoting the health and well-being of the people.

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    UHC said in a statement by its Chairman, Moji Makanjuola and Co-Convener, Gafar Alawode, that it was elated by the decision of the state government to release regularly, the equity fund for the purchase of health insurance premiums for the poor and vulnerable.

    It urged the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Lagos State Ministry of Health, other relevant MDAs, development partners and Civil Society Organisations “to take advantage of the unprecedented opportunity and put in place the necessary implementation modalities to set Lagos State on the trajectory of the Universal Health Coverage.”

  • Community seeks Sanwo-Olu’s intervention in demolition threat of market

    Community seeks Sanwo-Olu’s intervention in demolition threat of market

    Members of Ajasa/Isoto community market and their executives have sought the intervention of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu over the threat by the state’s Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and some other groups of persons that have frequented the market with demolition threat.

    They said the market, which is located at Isoto Area in Ajasa along Command Road under Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA, had been under demolition threat for some time.

    The community residents said they received a notice of demolitions from some people claiming to be the chairman and members of Katangowa second-hand products market who said Ajasa market would be relocated for them to occupy its space.

    The Chairman of Ajasa/Isoto Market, Mr. Rilwan Ahmed, said members of his community were told at the Lagos House of Assembly in Ikeja, when they complained about the development, that the market location was not among those in the state’s gazette for the relocation of Katangowa market.

    He said the location for Amikanle was the site meant for Katangowa market.

    According to him, one of the state’s lawmakers asked for one week-time to get a feedback on the market to members of the community.

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    Also, Ahmed said the district head of LASBCA, Mr. Kola Williams, directed the community to the Ikeja GRA head office of the agency for them to lodge their complaints.

    The community leader added that he was acting on directives from the head office for the notice while awaiting action on the demolition papers pasted on the market.

  • Shettima, Sanwo-Olu harp on strategic partnership for Africa’s progress

    Shettima, Sanwo-Olu harp on strategic partnership for Africa’s progress

    Vice President Kasim Shettima and the Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, have stressed the need for a comprehensive integrated, and strategic approach to drive progress and prosperity in Africa

    The duo stated this at the just concluded Africa Social Impact Summit ASIS 3.0 with the theme; “Reimagining Progress: A New Blueprint for Sustainable Growth in Africa” organized by Sterling One Foundation, held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island.

    Shettima, who was represented by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Jumoke Oduwole noted that whatever blueprint the continent is promoting must focus on innovation and social impact from agricultural to energy solutions.

    “We must harness technology and creativity if we are truly ready for today and preparing for tomorrow,” he said

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    Shettima stressed that the government remains committed to creating an enabling environment by streamlining regulations to create an investor-friendly climate, investing in renewed energy infrastructure, and fostering innovation through a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.

    He noted that Lagos State has been a template for the synergy between the Public and Private sectors to build a system that works.

    The Vice President however noted the importance of empowering local investors to invest in research and create an ecosystem that fosters grand-breaking solutions to deliver maximum social impact.

    Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, his deputy, stated that by establishing a collaborative framework, providing impact investment opportunities, and stimulating stakeholder involvement, Africa can create a future where sustainable development is not just an aspiration but a reality.

    He said his administration, in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Development Agenda, is eager and ready to work with partners and all stakeholders to achieve the goals.

    According to him, the summit is not just a meeting; it is a call to action, a collective endeavour to reshape the future of Africa through innovation, collaboration, and commitment to sustainable development.

    “The summit is pivotal for Africa and Lagos State to re-imagine progress and chart a new blueprint for sustainable growth in Africa. Let us commit to a shared vision, harness our collective energies, wisdom, and resources to lay down a new blueprint for sustainable growth in Africa,” he said.

    The Governor stated that Lagos State has an extraordinary opportunity to foster innovative partnerships and advocate for policies that attract impactful investments, stressing that these investments are crucial for the sustainable growth of the communities and for ensuring a brighter future for all Africans.

    “It is also to provide impact investment opportunities for social enterprises in critical sectors and vital need areas.

    He said that the investments are crucial for scaling outcomes in line with the SDGs and the African Union 2063 Agenda.

    He reiterated that effective policies are the backbone of sustainable development.

    “We need policies that are not only ambitious but also actionable and inclusive. Stakeholder involvement ensures that policies are well-rounded and address the needs of all segments of society,” he said.

    Olapeju Ibekwe, the Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation in her welcome address said that the summit has three main objectives which are to build and scale policies; to attract increased impact investment into solutions on the continent, and to advocate for the right policies.

    She noted that the summit since 2023 has fostered partnership among the public and private sectors which has led to the investment of over N3billion into fifty private sectors and primary healthcare centers across Nigeria, among other investments.

    Abubakar Suleiman, a board member of Sterling One Foundation and Managing Director Sterling Bank in his remarks said that the summit is pivotal and hopes to create a marketplace for social impact, a place where everyone who has resources and sees to solving the problems that impact the society the most.

    “We want to reassure you that we are here to create a marketplace for social impact so that there is information so that there is trust in others and so that we can direct resources and use those resources the most efficient way,” he said.

  • Sanwo-Olu seeks more investment in IT, healthcare, transportation

    Sanwo-Olu seeks more investment in IT, healthcare, transportation

    Lagos State government has opened new doors through which investors can inject more cash into its economy, according to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    He stated this yesterday at the Lagos Pre-Summit Investors’ Roundtable.

    The governors listed tech, agriculture, tourism, healthcare, transportation among others as critical areas with huge investment opportunities.

    Sanwo-Olu and his team in the State Executive Council reeled out new investment focus and areas of opportunities before potential investors at the third edition of Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS 3.0).

    At the event were  business leaders, multilateral chambers of commerce, financial services executives, among others.

    Sanwo-Olu said the state is projecting a positive economic outlook, given its expanding population and development of sustainable infrastructure to drive growth.

    In spite of the challenging terrain in which many businesses operate, Sanwo-Olu said the state’s economy had demonstrated remarkable resilience to sustain existing businesses and welcome new investment.

    He said the state has a 30-year development plan, developed in 2022 post-COVID to drive the needed development in the state.

    He said:  “The Lagos State 30-year development plan was conceived in 2022 post-COVID. We vowed to never again would we sit back and let such global shock happen within our environment. We decided to set up a plan that will outlive us. We will not be in government in 2052, but there was need to be audacious, and let other leaders come and tweak it, and add whatever we did not think through.”

    Sanwo-Olu said the state will become one of the leading human capital centre in the world by 2052, adding that the rising population that will be a provider of skills needed not only in Africa but other parts of the world.

    He said that the state needs to provide the right structures, policies and programmes for that to happen.

    The governor said although human capital infrastructure is key in the future the state is planning, but hard infrastructure is also required to be resilient and accommodate the expected growth in population.

    He said the state has provided great opportunities in the healthcare sector, including the health insurance scheme. He said the state wants to use private sector funding, to galvanize funding in the health sector.

    He explained that the health insurance scheme allows many people to pull funds together and access services, and overtime, such funds will help in de-risk the sector.

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    The state is projecting a positive economic outlook, given its expanding population and development of sustainable infrastructure to drive growth.

    Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, said as the nation’s commercial nerve center, Lagos had been a beacon of economic activity driven by commitment to fostering conducive environment for business and investment.

    The Commissioner said the Sanwo-Olu administration had grown Lagos GDP from N27 trillion to N41 trillion within five years, stressing that the State had made progress in creating a business-friendly environment.

    Managing Director of Sterling Bank, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, said economic growth in Africa suffered setbacks because of unstable investment climate caused by lack of trust.

    He said the objective of the summit meeting was to build confidence of investors in the local markets and create a business environment that would enhance trust.

    Lagos, he said, remained the leading destination for investors because of the state’s strategic roadmap for its economic growth. He noted that Lagos had continued to provide clarity in creating access to markets for investors, while also maintaining consistency in communicating its investment decisions.

  • Community sends SOS to Sanwo-Olu

    Community sends SOS to Sanwo-Olu

    Ajasa/Isoto community market members and their executives have cried out to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu over the alleged constant visits by teams of Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and some unidentified group of people to their market, located at Isoto area, Ajasa on Command Road in Agbado Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area.

    They said their cry was based on the information gathered from some of them, who came to the market with notice of demolition, alongside groups of people identified as chairman and other members of Katangowa second hand products market, telling them that Ajasa marke t will be reallocated to them.

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    The Chairman of Ajasa/Isoto market, Mr Rilwan Ahmed, said when they visited Lagos State House of Assembly complex to lodge complaint, an official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Ajasa/Isoto market location was not among the gazetted location meant for Katangowa market re-allocation, but that Amikanle location was actually the site scheduled for Katangowa market people.

    He said a lawmaker appealed to them to give the assembly time to look into the matter.

    Ahmed urged Governor Sanwo-Olu to intervene in the matter.

  • NUT, pensioners hail Sanwo-Olu, LASUBEB as 1,200 teachers bag long service awards

    NUT, pensioners hail Sanwo-Olu, LASUBEB as 1,200 teachers bag long service awards

    • NUP septuagenarians celebrated

    The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Lagos Chapter and Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Lagos State Primary Schools Teachers Chapter, have lauded Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) for placing premium on the life and welfare of teachers and pensioners.

    State NUT Chairman, Comrade Akintoye Hassan and the NUP Chairman, Comrade Adekoya Oluwayesi, gave the commendation during a two-day programme organised by the LASUBEB to reward 1,200 teachers who had put in over 30 years of service and the board’s pensioners who recently clocked 70 years.

    Akintoye, while addressing the awardees and their guests at the first day’s event, praised the state government and LASUBEB for regular payment of salaries, promotion of teachers as and when due, and payment of their entitlements.

    According to him, “it takes commitment of a government to go to that extent. You can’t compare other states’ primary school education with Lagos State.

    “The primary school teachers collect same salaries with the other categories of teachers in secondary schools. Then, look at this event of today, rewarding those who have put in long years in the teaching service. They are celebrating them, giving them awards. Kudos to those who coordinated the programme.

    “Any leader will feel elated seeing his followers’ effort being rewarded by an employer. It’s a challenge that those being rewarded should do more to bring about more productivity. Those being rewarded should see it as a grace. It is a challenge for those who are still in the service, to use this as a catalyst for them to do more.

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    “And for those who are about to retire, they should use it to encourage those who are still in the service that if they put in their best, the system is the type that notice and reward good deeds.”

    Akintoye also praised the leadership of LASUBEB for nurturing and sustaining the tradition that has been established.

    LASUBEB Chairman Dr. Hakeem Shittu, in his address, said: “We are here to recognise the awardees for the service they have rendered to the state and to tell them that Mr. Governor appreciate their inputs and efforts in taking care of the future generations.

    “We appreciate them and we wish to reward them for their service. For those still in service, they should dedicate themselves too. Once day, they will be rewarded too.

    “Lagosians should expect more good service delivery and improvement in teaching and learning. There will be improvement in training and welfare of teachers and pupils.”

    At the celebration of the septuagenarians, Shittu said the occasion was a testament to the unflinching commitment of the Sanwo-Olu administration, through the board, to the well-being of the state’s workforce – those who had served in the past as well as those still serving.

    “Certainly, your labour of love are remembered and appreciated. The state government will continue to prioritise the delivery of free and qualitative basic education to the teeming population of learners in the state through infrastructural renewal, teachers welfare vis-à-vis continuous capacity-building, regular payment of salaries, regular and timely promotion, prompt payment of retirement benefits, medical access and celebration of retirees, including our septuagenarians, who have contributed their quota to the service of the state while in active employment,” he said.

    On behalf of pensioners, Comrade Oluwaseyi expressed his members’ appreciation to Sanwo-Olu and the SUBEB Chairman.

    He urged government functionaries, teaching staff and all Nigerians present at the event to emulate Shittu’s commitment after resuscitating the event following five years’ lull.

    The awardees were presented with plaques and the septuagenarians were given foodstuffs, other provisions and money.

  • Sanwo-Olu to meet investors

    Sanwo-Olu to meet investors

    Lagos State Governor  Babajide Sanwo-Olu will today host a selected cast of over 200 investors from around the world at the Pre-Summit Investors’ Roundtable in anticipation of the third Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS 3.0).

    The event, scheduled to hold at 10 AM at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotel & Suites in Victoria Island, will feature investment presentations, a Q&A session, interactive sessions, roundtable discussions and deal rooms for prospective investors ready to sign Memorandum of Understanding and partnership agreements with the state government.

    Themed “Opportunity MADE in LAGOS”, the Investors’ Roundtable is aimed at highlighting and showcasing the high impact and ongoing investable projects in Lagos State, particularly in sectors aligned with the summit’s theme, namely: Health, Art, Culture, Creative Economy, Technology, Agriculture, Infrastructure, Transportation, and Telecommunications.

    Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated event, the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade & Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, said, “By showcasing ongoing investment opportunities and fostering partnerships, the Pre-Summit Investor Roundtable will contribute to the overall success of Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS 3.0) and support Lagos State’s vision of becoming a vibrant hub for social impact investment in Africa.”

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    According to her, the event, among other things, is aimed at showcasing the ‘Invest in Lagos’ brand by positioning Lagos State as a prime destination for foreign direct investment, local investors, the diplomatic community, and the diaspora, as well as highlighting existing investable ongoing projects within the state. It will also be used to highlight the comparative advantages and potential investment opportunities in the state, including the Lekki-Epe International Airport, the Fourth Mainland Bridge, Lagos Blue Rail Phase V, Omu Creek, Lagos Food Systems Hub, and the KITE Programme.

    Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso explained that this edition of the Investors’ Roundtable is not another talk-shop, but a bespoke gathering dedicated to prospective investors who are ready to make investment decisions right away. “We have done many conferences and workshops, but this is the moment of decision for discerning investors and this event has been specially curated for them.”

    The highly focused investors’ roundtable will bring together diverse groups of local and international investors, policymakers, and business leaders to explore investment possibilities in these crucial areas. It will drive sustainable growth and create a positive social impact in Lagos State.

  • Students commend Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES agenda

    Students commend Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES agenda

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been praised for his achievements in the THEMES agenda in the areas of education and technology.

    The governor received the commendation at the National Parliamentary Summit held at the Lagos State University, Ojo.

    The event, organised by the Students’ Parliamentary Council of the Lagos State University Students’ Union was attended by Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, among other dignitaries.

    Speaking at the summit on Thursday, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, Opeyemi Eniola, urged attendees to protect the state’s heritage and infrastructure against destruction. He emphasized the importance of preserving key structures and landmarks that hold significant historical value to the state.

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     Eniola reiterated that he is “proud to highlight the achievements of Mr. Governor, especially in the areas of education and technology.

     “Under the leadership of Mr. Governor, we have seen significant investments in our educational system, leading to improved infrastructure and quality of education for our students. Additionally, the governor has championed the use of technology to enhance service delivery and promote economic growth in our state”, he added.

     The former student leader highlighted the government’s commitment to providing quality education and promoting technological advancement in Lagos State. He also encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunities available to them and contribute positively to the growth and development of the state.

  • Sanwo-Olu hails Ibile Foundation

    Sanwo-Olu hails Ibile Foundation

    Lagos State Governor. Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has enjoined Muslims to reach out to the less-privileged and create lasting impacts that will be felt for generations to come through the payment of zakat, sadaqat and waqf thereby ameliorating poverty and empowering the needy in the society.

    The governor stated this during the Launch/Public Presentation of the IBILE Muslims Community Zakat and Sadaqah Foundation with the theme: “Empowering Communities through Zakat, Sadaqah and Waqf” held at the Main Auditorium, University of Lagos.

    The Governor who was represented at the event by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, highlighted that Zakat, Sadaqah, and Waqf are essential pillars in Islam, embodying compassion, solidarity, and social justice. He said, like fasting during Ramadan and daily prayers, zakat payment is compulsory for Muslims and that it is a responsibility to give to the less privileged.

    “Just like fasting during the month of Ramadan and observing our daily prayers, Zakat payment is also compulsory for Muslims. It is for us as Muslims not to abdicate our responsibility but understand that we need to share with the poor and needy in our midst from what Allah has blessed us with”, Sanwo-Olu said.

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    The Governor added that, through these principles, Muslims are reminded of their duties to support the less fortunate, promote equity, and foster an environment where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

    Sanwo-Olu described the establishment of the IBILE Muslims Community Zakat and Sadaqah Foundation as a significant milestone in the collective efforts of the government and the religious bodies to translate the timeless principles into tangible actions.

    He stressed that “By harnessing the power of Zakat, we are ensuring that wealth is redistributed in a manner that alleviates poverty and reduces economic disparity. Through Sadaqah, we are encouraging voluntary charity that fosters a spirit of giving and generosity. And with Waqf, we are investing in sustainable endowments that will provide long-term benefits to our communities.”

    While commending the leaders of the IBILE Muslims Community for their foresight and commitment in bringing the foundation to life, the governor charged them to ensure transparency and accountability in their operations and ensure that the foundation is well managed. He therefore called on all Muslims to donate generously to the foundation.

    Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Oluwatoyin Sulaiman Abou-Nolla stated that the foundation is not just an organisation but a beacon of hope and symbol of collective responsibility towards one another and the development of the community.

    He emphasised that Zakat and Sadaqah are integral to faith, promoting generosity and social justice, stressing that the foundation hope to extend assistance to those in need, support the vulnerable, and foster solidarity within the community.