The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Sanwo-Olu

  • Sanwo-Olu advocates increased funding to mitigate climate change

    Sanwo-Olu advocates increased funding to mitigate climate change

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has advocated increased and sustained financing to mitigate challenges on climate change.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu, who spoke at the closing of the 10th Climate Change Summit, said his administration would continue to champion campaigns, as well as promote policies and initiatives towards climate action.

    Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, said governments, financial institutions and international organisations must work together to bridge the financing gap.

    Read Also: Aiyedatiwa, Agboola, 15 others make final list of Ondo Gov candidates

    He said government must ensure that resources are directed towards projects that yield tangible benefits for communities and ecosystems.

    “We are committed to fostering a supportive environment for climate finance and local adaptation initiatives, ensuring that all efforts are aligned with the insights and expertise shared,” he said.

    The governor also applauded the resolve of participants to work with all stakeholders to transform the discussions into concrete actions that will benefit communities and environment. He added that participants have also learnt that accelerating climate finance is not merely about mobilising funds, but ensuring the resources reach those who need them most.

    He said: “Climate action must be inclusive, ensuring that marginalised and vulnerable groups are not left behind.

  • Become leaders of change, Sanwo-Olu, wife urge boys

    Become leaders of change, Sanwo-Olu, wife urge boys

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his wife, Dr. Ibijoke, have inspired young boys to become change agents, underscoring the need to nurture the next generation of leaders capable of driving meaningful societal change.

    The governor was addressing over 250 boys from public and private schools during the opening of a three-day residential workshop of the Boy-Child Initiative, organised by the Office of the First Lady.

    The theme was ‘Awakening the Boy Child towards becoming a Change Agent’.

    According to him, the workshop will further empower the boys to become proactive leaders in their communities.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu, who highlighted the critical role of boys in the future of Lagos and Nigeria, urged them to embrace responsibility, integrity, and community service.

    He added: “Leadership is not about positions or titles, but about making a positive impact and inspiring others. We are here to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to become change agents who can tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow.”

    The governor’s wife explained that the workshop is to raise awareness on the rights and welfare of the boy-child. She added that the initiative will also promote educational opportunities for male children, especially the indigent, and facilitate the rehabilitation of the vulnerable boy-child through referrals.

    While hoping to build a new generation of transformed male children who will contribute positively to the society, the First Lady thanked the governor for sharing his personal childhood experience with the boys.

    Read Also; Sanwo-Olu launches Lagos climate adaptation plan

    Mrs. Sanwo-Olu noted that by addressing the specific needs and challenges of the boy-child, ‘we can foster a more balanced and effective approach to combatting societal ills’.

    She added: “We all must live with the consciousness that our boys are not just the future leaders, but also leaders of today, innovators, and pillars of our communities.

    “Early training and proper grooming are essential for their development, ensuring they grow into responsible and enlightened adults. This continuous enlightenment programme is designed to instill values, resilience, and a sense of purpose in our boys, preparing them for the diverse challenges of the 21st century.”

    One of the facilitators, Asst. Commandant-General of the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Dr Ngozi Madubuike, advised the boys to join anti-drug abuse clubs and associations like WADA Club, Boys Scout, Sports Group, etc.

    Speaking on ‘The Role of Boys in Combating the Menace of Drug Abuse’, Dr Madubuike urged the boys to resist peer pressure, be assertive and have a mind of their own.

    “Seek medical help when necessary; avoid self-medication; keep a well-balanced life; stand up for others; be an advocate of peace, avoid bullying, and be responsible young boys,” she added.

    The workshop ends today and the boys will engage in various team-building exercises, leadership challenges, and community projects, aimed at reinforcing the lessons learned and fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation.

  • Community seeks Sanwo-Olu’s help on roads

    Community seeks Sanwo-Olu’s help on roads

    Residents of Ijeododo in Iba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Ojo Local Government of Lagos State, are easing a sigh of relief. Their baale, Chief Jelili Ododo, is embarking on grading of rural roads.

    Ododo said the palliative work would ease pains of residents whoare unable to access other communities and transport their goods to markets in the community.

    Ododo said people take longer alternative routes to avoid the trauma that comes with using the community road.

    He urged Lagos State to redress the situation, saying such would reduce commuters agony.

    “We are at the heart of Lagos, but isolated because of bad roads. If our roads are done, it would help Lagos traffic situation.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Police dismiss personnel for killing businessman in Abia

    “When people go through Ikotun and Oke-Afa, the girdlock is intense. But if the road is in good shape, it would ease transportation of people and goods. We urge government to aid us.

    “What sustains us is communal effort. The thought of going out leaves you depressed because of what you are going to pass through on the way.”

    Residents recounting their ordeal, called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to alleviate their pains.

    Pastor Babatunde Olusegun, Central CDA chair, said residents live in fear as a result of the poor roads and flood when it rains.

  • Sanwo-Olu launches Lagos climate adaptation plan

    Sanwo-Olu launches Lagos climate adaptation plan

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has restated the government’s alignment with calls for action against climate change, and to champion adaptation initiatives at the local and international levels.

    The governor, who spoke at the opening of the three-day 10th Lagos International Climate Change Summit, said climate change is a present reality that requires immediate solutions.

    Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, also launched the Lagos Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan (LCARP) and Lagos Climate Change mainstreaming Strategy as part of strategies to reduce emissions and mitigate climate change challenges.

    Read Also; BREAKING: Sanwo-Olu elected Southwest Governor’s forum chairman

    He noted that ‘Lagos stands on the threshold of history as a state driven not by what some people see as challenges, but by its greatest prospects and attributes’.

    He said: “As a city of aquatic splendor, Lagos is vulnerable to climate vagaries and stands tall among the committee of nations defying the odds to make appreciable gains.

    “Several years ago, the atmospheric elements threatened to take over the Victoria Island. The state tamed the raging Sea by constructing the great Walls of Lagos out of which came the Lagos Atlantic City, thereby restoring and ravitalising surrounding businesses.

    “Lagos has gone through implementation of a multi-modal Transit BRT System; these initiatives and more have improved the health and safety of Lagosians, and have reduced carbon emission from transportation by about 15 per cent.”

  • BREAKING: Sanwo-Olu elected Southwest Governor’s forum chairman

    BREAKING: Sanwo-Olu elected Southwest Governor’s forum chairman

    …southwest govs adopt “Iṣẹ̀ wà fùń Ilẹ wá” as anthem

    Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has been elected as the chairman of the South West Governors’ forum.

    All six governors of the southwest governors were present during the closed-door meeting on Monday, June 10, in Lagos, where Sanwo-Olu was elected.

    He took over as forum chairman six months after the death of the former governor of Ondo state, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who passed away on December 27, 2023.

    Read Also: Osimhen, Oshoala, Sanwo-Olu rule 10th  Nigeria Pitch Awards

    The forum also unanimously adopted “Iṣẹ̀ wà fùń Ilẹ wá” song as Southwest (Yoruba) anthem, going forward.

    As part of his first duties, the forum chairman directed the commissioners of agriculture to set up a working template for combating food insecurity issues.

    Details shortly…

  • Interrogating Sanwo-Olu’s perspectives

    Interrogating Sanwo-Olu’s perspectives

    Sir: Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s lecture which he delivered extemporaneously at the Justice Reform Summit 2024 was not only an impetus for sober reflection but also offers a gratifying imperative for national discourse.

    Speaking on the theme “Enhancing the Administration of Justice for Growth, Investment Protection and Security in Lagos State”, the governor brilliantly dissected some tectonic issues.

    In one of his comparative reflections, Singapore, like he said, is a tiny dot on the world map; you hardly know where it is, but it is a city state that has earned its place in the world.

    Lagos, by sheer coincidence, also is like a dot in the country; it’s less than 0.4 % of the size of this country. So, technically, it also can be a dot and of that 0.4 %, 1/3 (one third) of it is water. But, by sheer coincidence, it is the commercial, economic nerve-centre of the country. Singapore holds its place too as a major economic hub worldwide today.

    Whilst the jury is out on the comparative expediency of Lagos and Singapore, there is compelling reason to believe that Lagos hasn’t exploited the best economic benefit of its landmass as a factor of production.

    Whereas Lagos and Singapore are similar in size and resource paucity, they are far apart in the way scarce resources are managed.

    It is a given that any country or city that contends with size constraints would automatically experience a competitive pull in the taxonomy of its land-use, the value chain created from that pull will also determine the economic viability of such a nation state.

    Professionals in the built industry domiciled in Lagos have been handicapped by the state’s laissez-faire treatment of the most valuable resource available to her. Land being the incubator for revenue generation and a catalyst for reducing unemployment could be better administered going forward.

    Singapore’s land administration is in total contrast to what obtains in Lagos. Whilst Singapore delivers express and timeous registration to land titles, Lagos seems to be lagging behind on this investment nexus.


    Read Also: FG retooling financial system to relieve Nigerians – Tinubu

    Registering land transactions in Lagos is a complex and tiring process that often requires multiple visits to the registry thereby creating loopholes for extortions.

    A situation where the consent of the governor on land transfer is delayed for more than three months sometimes for upward of one year is a big disincentive to investment.

    A country bellyaching for foreign direct investment must put in every effort to removing bottleneck in land administration and Lagos State can become a reference point for a renaissance that could be replicated in other states.

    Another dissonance clause in Governor Sanwo-Olu’s comparative prognosis is what Singapore does with holders of empty and undeveloped real estate. According to Singaporean author, Tong Hui Tang: “We already run out of land. Each piece of land Singapore has already has its intended purpose. It is just how much do we want to spend to maximise each acre of land – building higher/smarter buildings, more complex transport systems – till the point where the benefits outweigh the costs”.

    The above doesn’t suggest that Singapore has ever allowed unused pieces of land or landed properties to remain so in perpetuity for the owners to pass to their heirs in probationary successions at the expense of public utility.

    Until Lagos State Government begins to articulate the inventory and put every piece of land to economic use, the state will continue to trail Singapore light years behind.

    Good authority holds that a conservative estimate of 20% of Lagos solid landmass is left undeveloped and is being held in perpetuity by land speculators thereby encouraging investment hiatus.

    This is certainly not how to build a mega city.

    •ESV Bukola Ajisola bukymany@yahoo.com

  • Sanwo-Olu inaugurates SDGs multi-storey Sickle Cell Centre in LASUTH

    Sanwo-Olu inaugurates SDGs multi-storey Sickle Cell Centre in LASUTH

    •   ’Intervention seeks to stem infant mortality’ — Orelope-Adefulire

    Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, inaugurated the two-storey Paediatric Sickle Cell Centre sited in the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja.

    The purpose-built medical facility was donated by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) occupied by Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire.

    Sanwo-Olu described the intervention as a “remarkable donation” strategic to the state’s healthcare value chain noting that the project would scale up response time to cases and stem infant mortality.

    He said: “This collaboration with the Office of the SSA to the President on SDGs is a testament to our collective commitment to improving care for children living with sickle cell diseases. I acknowledge Princess Orelope-Adefulire for her vision and unwavering commitment to healthcare advancement that made this Centre a reality. This will not only transform our healthcare landscape, it will also add to the number of child care facilities in Lagos.

    “If we all work together, we can achieve a lot more together. This hospital will provide comprehensive care that will include early diagnosis, advanced treatment and continuous management to children that are suffering the debilitating condition. The Centre will also serve as a hub for research and education, which will foster a deeper understanding of the disease. More importantly, it will contribute to reducing infant mortality index.”

    Sanwo-Olu said the facility would nurture an environment where children would get holistic care tailored to their individual needs, including medical treatment and psychological support.

    The governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finding Lagos worthy to benefit from the intervention. He said the project had further reinforced the health vision of the President to enhance the nation’s capacity to meet global health coverage.

    Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa, described sickle cell as a health burden on the nation.

    He said the disease doesn’t affect just the carriers but also places constraints on family members and the community as a whole.

    Alausa called for optimal use of the facility adding that the centre would provide top tier care for patients and researchers.

    He thanked the SSA to the President for her contributions to the health sector.

    Read Also: Alake, solid mineral sand national development

    Mrs Orelope-Adefulire, a former Deputy Governor of Lagos, said sickle cell disease had impacted communities across the nation negatively, subjecting families to psychological torture.

    This, she said, informed the priority accorded to development of modern medical care capability to address the growing cases.

    The SSA said three million people are living with sickle cell disease in Nigeria, projecting a precarious outlook for the country.

    She said the President approved the initiative to further demonstrate his commitment to achieving all targets set in Goal 3, Target 2 of the SGDs and leave no one behind in the initiatives rolled out to address the challenges.

    She said: “This intervention is a cardinal pillar of healthcare and empowerment in the Renewed Hope agenda of the current administration. Knowledge and skill among the public health workers are critical to improving the care for sickle cell cases. Before now, LASUTH treated 45 out of 1,000 patients weekly due to constraints of space and facilities.

    “This Sickle Cell Care Centre will contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal 3, Target 2, which seek to end preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age, thereby reducing global burden to 25 per 1,000 by 2030. In Nigeria, our target is to achieve zero per 1,000 at the end of implementation period.”

    She thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his leadership and commitment to the achievement of the SDGs through the lens of his Administration Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The SSA also hailed Governor Sanwo-Olu, for his unwavering commitment to the socio-economic transformation of Lagos State and collective desire to achieve the SDGs.

  • Sanwo-Olu’s N10m gift for LASU’s best graduating student

    Sanwo-Olu’s N10m gift for LASU’s best graduating student

    • Olusi, Adedoyin, others get honourary degrees

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has gifted the best graduating student of the Lagos State University (LASU) for the 2023/2024 session, Olaniyi Olawale, N10 million.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu made the donation yesterday during the 27th convocation ceremony at th e Buba Marwa Auditorium in LASU.

    Olawale graduated from the Accounting Education Department with a cumulative CGPA of 4.98.

    Some eminent stakeholders, Prince Tajudeen Olusi and Dr Samuel Adedoyin, were also awarded honorary doctorates while Prof. Amidu Sanni and Emeritus Prof. Martins Anetekhai were elevated.

    “Congratulations Olaniyi Olawale, well done! Your hard work has brought you this far, the reward for hard work is more work. I believe there are so many Olawales in here, I want you to be inspired, LASU is a school of excellence.

    “LASU has continued to lead in academic excellence. Products of this great institution have continued to excel in all their chosen fields.

    “Just last week, I swore in 13 new judges for Lagos State, 10 of them were alumni of LASU; that shows that we’re indeed great.

    “I applaud the governing council for instilling discipline and diligence, and this is evident wherever your products are. LASU remains the best state university in Nigeria, and also the most digitally-advanced university in Nigeria.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Sanwo-Olu announces ₦10 million reward for LASU’s best-graduating student

    “We’re doing well so we shouldn’t rest on our oars, we will keep setting the pace as the state of excellence. Thank you all,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    The governor also advocated for more inclusivity for women in subsequent editions.

    “I’d like to see more inclusivity for our women, as all our recipients are men. We need to have at least a woman in the mix,” he said.

    About 11,195 students graduated from the university.

    Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) Chris Maiyaki admonished the graduands to remain vibrant and relevant.

    According to him, education is a dynamic and evolving field, and so the approach must be adaptive, innovative and forward-thinking because ‘Nigeria’s future would depend on the commitment and competence of the younger generation who would soon take over’.

  • CONMESS: Sanwo-Olu gets three weeks to implement reviewed wage

    CONMESS: Sanwo-Olu gets three weeks to implement reviewed wage

    • Emmanuel Chidi-maha

    The Medical Guild has appealed to the Lagos State government to expedite implementation of the reviewed Consolidated Medical Salary Scale (CONMESS) for doctors.

    CONMESS is the salary scale used to pay Medical and Dental practitioners across the federation. It was adopted to prevent internal brain drain and rural-urban migration among doctors.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Sanwo-Olu announces ₦10 million reward for LASU’s best-graduating student

    The Chairman, Dr. Moruf Abdulsalam, during a news conference yesterday, expressed dissatisfaction over the bureaucratic bottlenecks causing delay in its implementation in Lagos. He noted that colleagues in the Federal Government employ are already enjoying the payment since February 2024, with its accrued arrears.

  • Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat get kudos for keeping Hajj promises

    Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat get kudos for keeping Hajj promises

    Lagos State Pilgrims observing 2024 Hajj in Saudi Arabia are praying for the state, noting the kept promises of the governor and deputy governor.

    This followed announcement by Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ibrahim Layode, that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has fulfilled his promises to them.

    Layode, Lagos State Amir-ul-Hajj, spoke on arrival in Makkah. He told them Sawo-Olu’s promise to pay for their sacrificial rams, Ihram clothes and ziyyarah (visitation) to  sites in Makkah and Madinah have been done.

    The commissioner added the governor gave each pilgrim another 100 Saudi Riyals as pocket money for their stay in Muna and Arafah, in addition to $100 shortfall in Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) for pilgrims in third and fourth batches yet to collect theirs.

    Read Also: Cubana Chief Priest flees Southeast, relocates business to Lagos

    The Amiru-ul-Hajj appealed to the pilgrims to comply with Saudi regulations.

    He added: “The rules are  strict because the authorities do not want anybody with ordinary visiting visa in Muna and Arafah, except those with certified Hajj visa. Do not overstress yourself before the actual Hajj rituals starts in Muna, Arafah, Musdalifah and Jamarat (site for throwing of pebbles), as the state has enough drugs if need arises.

    “I came with the money to fulfill pledges on behalf of the governor. All you need is reciprocate the gestures with prayers for the governor, his deputy and the state.”

    Layode encouraged them to cooperate with government officials, saying this would make plans put in place towards a successful operation manifest.