Tag: Sanwo-Olu

The Lagos State Government, through the Office of the First Lady, in collaboration with the Orunsii WellCare Foundation, has hosted about 200 senior citizens to the second edition of A Day Out With the Elderly.

It reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare, dignity and inclusion of older persons in the state.

The event, held at the Lagos State House, Marina, brought together elderly persons drawn from care homes and communities across the state, including Epe, Badagry and Ikorodu.

It featured a guided sightseeing tour of major landmarks in Lagos, health education, gift presentations and goodwill messages from stakeholders.

The governor’s wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, described the initiative as a personal passion, noting that the joy and fulfilment derived from seeing elderly citizens happy and engaged was immeasurable.

“This is the second edition of A Day Out With the Elderly, and it is an initiative that remains very close to my heart. Seeing the smiles on the faces of our senior citizens is deeply fulfilling. It is a blessing on its own,” she said.

Recalling the maiden edition held in 2024, the First Lady said the elderly were taken on a symbolic journey from Alausa to Marina, with a ride on the Blue Line rail to Mile 2, an experience she said left many of them overwhelmed with excitement.

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Building on that experience, she explained that this year’s programme was expanded to give the elderly a broader view of the changing Lagos landscape. “This year, we decided to give them another experience across Lagos, up to Bar Beach and the Eko Atlantic City. Many of them told us they had only seen these places on television, so they were excited to see them physically. We also took them through the Coastal Road linking Lagos to Calabar, and they were thrilled,” she added.

The First Lady also commended the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, describing her as a mentor and a consistent advocate for the elderly through the Renewed Hope Initiative.

“She has always celebrated the elderly, even before becoming First Lady. Now, she is doing it on a larger scale. Next week, all 36 state First Ladies will host the Renewed Hope Elders Support Programme, where no fewer than 250 elders in each state will receive ₦200,000,” she disclosed.

She stressed that older persons deserved recognition and care for their years of service to the nation. “Our elders need to know that we remember them, recognise them, appreciate and value them. They have served this country and must be celebrated, cared for and shown love, despite our tight schedules,” she said.

Explaining the scope and objectives of the programme, the Operations Lead of Orunsii WellCare Foundation, Dr. Ademola Gureje, said the initiative was designed to break the monotony of daily life for the elderly and remind them of their continued relevance in society.

“We brought together elderly persons from nine care homes across Lagos State, as well as elders from Epe, Badagry and Ikorodu. Many of them spend most of their time indoors, so we wanted to give them a different experience,” he said.

According to him, the elderly were taken on a sightseeing bus tour from Alausa through Akpongbon, Marina, the Eko Hotel axis, Ozumba Mbadiwe, Oniru and other parts of the city before arriving at the venue.

Dr. Gureje said participants also received seasonal gifts, including food items and fabrics, to mark the festive period.

“The whole idea is to celebrate them. They have invested in this country and worked for its progress. This is our way of giving back, appreciating them and reminding them that they are valued,” he said.

On the selection process, he explained that the Foundation worked with nine registered elderly homes and local government authorities across areas such as Ajah, Ikorodu, Makoko, Ijede and Apapa. The criteria, he said, included being 65 years and above, ambulatory and relatively active.

He put the number of participants at about 200 and added that the Foundation carried out assessment visits to the homes ahead of the event.

“This project is continuous. Beyond food support, we plan to intervene in other areas based on our assessments,” he said, noting that medical teams and caregivers were on standby throughout the programme to address any emergencies.

Welcoming the elderly, Pharmacist Lukemon Anibaba thanked them for turning out despite the heavy rainfall, describing their presence as inspiring.

“We really appreciate you for coming out to spend quality time with us. We believe you have enjoyed yourselves, and I can assure you that we have a lot more to offer. We want to take good care of our elderly because we also hope to grow old and live long,” he said.

Mrs. Olamide Ibitiyo also expressed delight at the turnout and wished the elderly a Merry Christmas in advance.

Dr. Ayojoke Coker, in her remarks, said the strength of any community could be measured by how well it cared for its most vulnerable members.

“In every elderly person is a young mind waiting to express itself. I am proud of what the First Lady and Orunsii WellCare Foundation are doing. This is how societies should treat their elders,” she said.

Representing the British Council Country Director, Mrs. Kalu Omoji described the initiative as exceptional, saying it had far-reaching psychological and emotional benefits.

“What has been done here is remarkable. By bringing the elderly together, you have restored dignity, inclusion and a sense of belonging. This initiative aligns with the British Council’s values of inclusivity, diversity and equality,” she said.

She added that the programme evoked memories of a time when older people were more visible and integrated into community life, urging continued support for the Foundation.

Dr. Bakare, who also spoke at the event, described the outing as a source of joy for both the elderly and society at large, noting that caring for elders guaranteed a brighter future for younger generations.

“They toured Lagos, saw the beauty of the city and created memories they will share for a long time. This is a laudable programme that deserves the support of all stakeholders,” she said.

She also delivered a health talk, advising the elderly on nutrition, exercise and general wellbeing. According to him, ageing requires moderation in food intake, increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, adequate hydration and regular physical activity to prevent joint pains and inactivity-related illnesses.

Beyond official speeches, the event also highlighted personal stories of the elderly participants. Ninety-one-year-old Pa Olakita Araba expressed gratitude for the care and attention shown, while a retired pilot and former flight inspection and calibration expert, who once oversaw Nigeria’s airspace,

Sir Silver Onwunghai,  described the outing as “beautiful” and called for better treatment of older persons in the country.

“Elderly people should be well taken care of. Too often, they are neglected. Programmes like this restore hope and dignity,” he said.

Organisers said A Day Out With the Elderly was part of a broader effort to promote healthy ageing, social inclusion and respect for senior citizens, assuring that the initiative would be sustained and expanded in the coming years.

The Akinsanya Olojo-Kosoko Ruling House has appealed to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to confirm and install Prince Abiola Kosoko as the next Oloja of Lagos following years of the stool’s vacancy.

In a letter dated December 5, the descendants of King Kosoko, the first Oloja of Lagos, told the governor they were frustrated by the four-year delay since their candidate was chosen.

They explained that Prince Abiola Kosoko was officially chosen on December 12, 2020, after a thorough selection process based on law and tradition.

The royal family reminded the government that the Oloja of Lagos position became vacant after Chief Adebola Idris Disu Ige died on December 23, 2017.

After a committee finished its report, the King Kosoko Royal Family asked the Akinsanya Ruling House, who were next in line, to put forward candidates.

This led to a traditional interview with four candidates at the Kosoko palace on October 7, 2020.

The candidates were Prince Abiola Kosoko, the late Prince Shola Olojo-Kosoko, Prince Issa Adeyemi Aregbesola, and Mr Abiola Yakubu Arowomashodu (from the Odunsi Ruling House).

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According to the letter, the kingmakers all agreed that Prince Abiola Kosoko was the best choice.

He was declared Oloja-elect five days later, following the Lagos State Oba and Chieftaincy Law and the 1983 Registered Declaration.

The ruling house said the 1983 Registered Declaration is still valid and has not been overturned by any court.

The letter, signed by Prince Surajudeen Abiodun Olojo-Kosoko and Prince Theophitous Olojo-Kosoko, said only King Kosoko’s descendants have the right to the throne.

The family asked the State Government to fix the delay and reject any attempts to go against the 1983 Registered Declaration.

The Akinsanya Olojo-Kosoko Ruling House promised to keep acting respectfully and reasonably toward all authorities.

The family asked for a meeting to discuss the Oloja-elect’s confirmation, hoping the Governor would help ensure a smooth succession and protect Lagos’ traditions.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has assured residents of Lagos State of inclusivity and adequate provision of water across the state.

The governor said the assurance is part of his administration’s unwavering commitment to improving the health and environment of the residents under the THEMES+ Agenda.

He stated this on Friday during the commissioning of the newly rehabilitated and upgraded Akilo (Isheri-Oke) 4,500 Cubic Meters Mini Waterworks for the benefit of the people of Lagos.

 Sanwo-Olu said that it is in “fulfilment of a promise to restore dignity, promote health, and to provide the residents access to clean and potable water that meets strict quality standards, which is a fundamental human right.”

Noting that the “facility now has a daily capacity of 4,500 cubic meters, providing potable water to an estimated 100,000 residents in this surrounding,” the governor added: “We have drilled new boreholes, replaced all electromechanical equipment, rehabilitated the distribution network, and installed 20 water kiosks, which are public access points for safe water deployed to ensure that even households without private connections can still benefit from the expanded water supply system.”

He assured Lagos residents that his “vision for water sufficiency is deliberate, inclusive, and truly statewide—no community will be left behind.”

Affirming that the project is a direct testament to the unwavering commitment to the Health and Environment pillar of the THEMES+ Agenda, Governor Sanwo-Olu added: “There is no greater environmental good than clean water, and there is no greater health imperative than preventing water-borne diseases.

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“This investment will significantly enhance the health of our children, strengthen the well-being of our families, and boost the overall productivity of our communities.”

 It forms a vital pillar of our commitment to deliver immediate relief and targeted interventions to underserved areas.”

He said the Green Water in the Ogun River would be turned blue and get to the water treatment plants before going to various houses for consumption, stating that the Adiyan Water Works 2 is expected to be completed before the end of next year.

The state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, also said that the event is a significant milestone in the government’s quest to provide potable water to the residents of Lagos state.

He said that the event was “not just the commissioning of a rehabilitated plant,” but the “launch of a modern, efficient water system.”

Wahab stated that the “scope of work for this project was comprehensive, as it includes the complete rehabilitation of all electro-mechanical pumps, the control panel room, the aeration tank, the clear water tank, and the overhead tank.

The commissioner, who disclosed that the project also pioneers smarter service delivery through the installation of automated water kiosks and the integration of water meters, added: “These innovations will ensure equitable access, efficient management, and transparency in water delivery to every resident.”

While also saying that this project is a testament to the unwavering commitment of Governor Sanwo-Olu to improve the living standards of Lagos residents, Wahab added: “The Akilo Mini Water Works is a vital component of our state’s water infrastructure, designed to increase access to clean and safe drinking water for the people of Lagos communities.

“With a production capacity of 4,500m³  per day, this facility will serve over 100,00 residents on a daily basis, improving their health, well-being, and economic productivity.”

•Governor commissions Akilo water facility

The 140 million gallons per day Adiyan water project will be ready next year, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has said.

Sanwo-Olu on Friday said the project was in line with his administration’s commitment to provide clean and reliable potable water to Lagos residents.

He said the Adiyan Waterworks One and Two Projects, with a capacity for 70 million gallons each per day when completed, would change everything about water production and usage in Lagos State.

Governor Sanwo-Olu made the remarks during a site inspection of the Adiyan Waterworks One and Two Projects and the Water Treatment Plant project in the Iju, Adiyan and Akute areas of Ogun State. The visits, according to the governor, were aimed at ensuring accountability, improving coordination with contractors and keeping major infrastructure projects on schedule.

Sanwo-Olu commended the level of work on the projects by the contractor, saying that over eight kilometres of pipes had been laid after the Lagos State Government got the rights of way from the Ogun State Government and that compensation had been paid on all the affected property.

He said the brown water in the Ogun River would be turned to blue and get to the water treatment plants before going to various houses in Lagos for consumption, stating that the Adiyan Water Works Two and rehabilitation of Adiyan Water Works One are expected to be completed before the end of next year.

Earlier, Sanwo-Olu commissioned the rehabilitated Akilo one million gallons per day water facility in the Ogba area of Lagos. The governor said that the project was in fulfilment of his administration’s commitment to partner with stakeholders in promoting the health and well-being of the people, as well as supplying water to residents.

The one million gallons per day, four thousand and five hundred cubic metres, Akilo Mini Waterworks was facilitated by WaterAid Nigeria, under the Urban Water and Sanitation Access Project, UWASAP, and implemented in partnership with the Lagos State Water Corporation (LSWC).

Speaking during the official commissioning of the project at Akilo Road, Ogba, in Ikeja, Lagos, Sanwo-Olu said his administration was working to ensure every neighbourhood gets an adequate supply of water built on a model of sustainability and investment in tandem with the Lagos State Government agenda.

The Governor urged residents to take ownership and protect the newly commissioned infrastructure by avoiding damaging water pipes and stopping the habit of bypassing meters, which undermines sustainability.

Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, commended WaterAid Nigeria for the intervention, which would provide public water for over 100,000 residents within Agege, Ifako-Ijaiye and other areas through household connections and digitally operated kiosks in strategic locations.

 He described the project as a major milestone in Governor Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to improving water governance and raising the living standards of Lagos residents.

 Wahab highlighted new upgrades, including a modern control panel room, a clean water tank, overhead tanks, automated motor kiosks and integrated water meters designed to strengthen transparency and ensure efficient water management.

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Also speaking, the Country Director of WaterAid in Nigeria, Evelyn Mere, said the UWASAP project would increase access to water, sanitation and hygiene services in Lagos State for sustainable, resilient and affordable WASH services for users, as the organisation plans to replicate the model in other areas.

Mere disclosed that the Akilo project was designed as a replicable model, confirming that WaterAid is already set to rehabilitate the Ojokoro Waterworks to extend safe water access to another 100,000 residents.

In his address, the Managing Director of Lagos Water Corporation, Engr. Mukhtaar Tijani said the rehabilitated Akilo waterworks, which was built in 2012 and had been moribund before WaterAid Nigeria’s intervention, would be providing water to people in Akilo and Agege, as well as adjoining communities.

 Also speaking, the Ologba of Ogba, Oba Egbeyemi Oladimeji, said the project represents renewed hope and a major step toward addressing long-standing water scarcity in the area.

 He praised the Lagos State Government and implementing partners for their commitment and called on the community to ensure the facility’s protection and longevity.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has appointed Dr. Sulaimon Olagoke Ogunmuyiwa as the Director-General of the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA), with immediate effect.

The appointment letter was presented to Dr. Ogunmuyiwa on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at the Office of the Head of Service, the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State, by the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro.

A seasoned education administrator, Ogunmuyiwa brings over 25 years of experience in school evaluation, planning, quality assurance systems, and educational leadership within the Lagos State Government. He holds a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Planning from the University of Abuja, two Master’s degrees in Educational Administration and Guidance & Counselling, and a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Lagos.

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He has served in several strategic roles, including Head of Planning, Head of Education Quality Assurance Services, and, most recently, Director of Private Education and Special Programmes at OEQA, where he provided oversight for school accreditation, quality monitoring, and systemic improvement initiatives.  Ogunmuyiwa has been recognised repeatedly as the Best Staff of OEQA between 2012 and 2022.

The new DG is a member of multiple professional bodies and has contributed extensively to teacher development, school improvement frameworks, and community-based educational initiatives.

Whilst congratulating Ogunmuyiwa, the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, expressed confidence that Dr. Ogunmuyiwa would bring his wealth of experience to bear in his new role, further enhancing the quality of education in Lagos State.

 “I am confident that Dr. Ogunmuyiwa’s appointment will further enhance the quality of education in Lagos State, and I urge him to continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our education system remains a model for others to emulate,” Agoro said.

…governor seeks improved citizens’ participation

…LASSTF spent ₦1.77bn on security in one year

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday announced the donation of 100 vehicles and security gadgets to boost safety operations across the state.

He made the announcement at the 19th Annual Town Hall Meeting on Security organised by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) in Victoria Island.

The event, themed Building Trust, Enhancing Security: A New Era of Security and Partnerships, also saw the governor call for greater citizen participation in tackling emerging security threats.

Sanwo-Olu stressed that securing lives and property is a shared responsibility, urging Lagosians to take ownership of the process.

He described investment in security as a non-negotiable priority and reaffirmed the state’s readiness to partner with the federal government and security agencies to achieve a crime-free Lagos.

“Every investment we make in security is a direct investment in peace, order, and prosperity. Security is not a task for the government alone. It is a shared duty, and we must continue to work together to build a safer Lagos for all,” he said.

He also disclosed that the founder of Premier Lotto Limited (PLL) has pledged to build and donate a facility to LSSTF within a year.

Giving an account of the year, LSSTF Executive Secretary, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, said ₦1,775,543,613.81 was spent on security interventions between December 19 last year and Thursday.

He said the sum was part of the ₦1,848,406,100.00 received as cash donations within the same period, adding that 228 security vehicles were also received as donations.

Of the 228 vehicles all fitted with communication and security gadgets, 217 were donated by the state government; two from the SNEPCO/Shell Joint Venture, and nine -seven buses and two 15-ton troop carriers- were bought by LSSTF.

Ogunsan said the vehicles were distributed across security agencies to boost mobility and response time.

The Executive Secretary said 1,500 pairs of police boots, 100 batteries, 2,000 police uniforms with badges, 100 rechargeable flashlights, and eight drums of SAE 40 lubricant were also donated to bridge critical operational gaps confronting security agencies in Lagos. 220 police personnel were sponsored for training.

He noted that LSSTF approved security requests within 24 hours under a transparent governance structure and maintained liquidity to respond quickly to emerging threats.

Looking ahead, he said the fund was expanding its retail donation drive after receiving N38m from about 240 individual donors in the last four weeks.

Ogunsan said officers who displayed exceptional bravery, including the police team behind the July 4, 2024, Ladipo anti-kidnap operation that neutralised nine suspects, would be honoured.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP) Oluhundare Jimoh said the command arrested 317 armed robbery suspects, foiled 141 robbery attempts, and charged 115 suspects to court within the period under review.

He said four kidnap and 23 cultism cases were recorded, with 216 suspects held and 95 charged to court for both offences.

CP Jimoh said the command recorded 76 cases of stolen vehicles and recovered 72, adding that there were 142 murders, 176 rape/defilement reported cases.

“We arrested 222 suspects, out of which 200 were charged in court.

The command also arrested 9,275 “social migrants” , recovered 518 rounds of ammunition, 25 other weapons, and impounded thousands of vehicles and motorcycles for various infractions,” he added.

The police boss said the state was safe, adding that proactive deployments and intensified surveillance were in place ahead of the festive season.

Wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has pledged to upgrade the state’s Rehabilitation and Training Centre in Ikorodu.

This, she said, is part of the 2025 global 16 Days of Activism Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). 

Dr Sanwo-Olu who visited the centre was received by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Dr. Oluwatoyin Oke-Osanyintolu, alongside other officials who conducted her round the facility. 

They expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as a major morale booster for both staff and residents.

During the inspection, the management outlined several challenges affecting the centre, including infrastructural gaps and staff welfare concerns. 

Dr. Sanwo-Olu commended the staff for their dedication and reiterated the Lagos State Government’s commitment to strengthening institutions providing care, rehabilitation, and protection for vulnerable residents. 

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She assured that the centre would soon benefit from targeted improvements aimed at enhancing rehabilitation services, institutional capacity, and overall staff welfare.

“This administration remains fully committed to protecting the dignity and wellbeing of every resident, especially those who rely on specialised support.

 The issues raised today are receiving priority attention, and a renewed intervention is on the way,” she said.

Furthermore, Dr. Sanwo-Olu visited two frontline organisations working in the areas of gender equality, women’s rights advocacy, and social justice—Vision Spring Initiative and the Community Women’s Rights Foundation, both located in the Igbogbo–Ikorodu axis of Lagos.

She also visited the Juvenile Welfare Center, Alakara in Mushin, a transit abode where displaced young children are kept until they reunite with their families, and inspected the facility to identify areas of intervention to keep the children safe from abuse. 

Dr. Sanwo-Olu noted that the visits were part of her sustained advocacy to deepen collaboration between government and civil society groups in addressing sexual and gender-based violence, strengthening survivor support systems, and reinforcing community-level engagement.