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Tag: Sanwo-Olu

  • Sanwo-Olu to deliver Yoruba National Day lecture

    Sanwo-Olu to deliver Yoruba National Day lecture

    The 2024 Yoruba National Day celebration will hold at International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State.

    A statement by President-General of Grand Council of Yoruba Youths, Awa Bamiji, said the event will mark the 85th birthday of elder stateman and actor, Chief Lere Paimo, aka Eda Onileola.

     A lecture: ‘National Unity and Agitation for Self-Determination: The way forward for Nigeria?,’ will be delivered by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    Bamiji noted the Ori Olokun Odu’a Award will be bestowed on prominent individuals, including Prof Kayode Adebowale, vice chancellor of University of Ibadan; Alhaji Muideen Bello, Islamic cleric; Oba Adebayo Akande, chair of Splash FM and Lagelu FM; Bamidele Samson, chair of BOVAS Group; Dr M.O Mustapha (Babasebioba).

     “We had concluded consultations before news of approval of Lagos State House of Assembly to celebrate Yoruba week in the state. It is time we worked together for the progress of Yoruba land…’’

     “Ayo Olopon (traditional draft), Ijala (hunter’s song), Ekun Iyawo (bridal cry), Ariyanjiyan (quiz competition) and cultural display, are key ingredients of our week-long celebration.

    Traditional delicacies are always showcased and we are now making case for their inclusion as well as making sure that Eda Onileola @85 is collectively celebrated as discussed.

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     “It’s a big relief that at least Lagos State out of the Six Yoruba Speaking Southwest States has now formally recognised the year 2000 adoption of Yoruba National day by Yoruba Congress held at Cultural Centre, Ibadan, Oyo State, under the Leadership of Senator Abraham Aderibigbe Adesanya as proposed by Chief Pop – Olorogun Adebanjo of Comrade Baba Omojola led Apapo Omo Odu’a. Failure of the Southwest Governors to officially recognize the day after its adoption prompted Ambassador Olu Otunla and Comrade Baba Omojola to approach me as Yoruba Youth Leader in 2011 to champion the annual Celebration, keep the flag flying in the name of Yoruba Congress and this what my Group, Agbarijo Egbe Odo Yoruba, Grand Council of Yoruba Youths, has been doing since then till date. We, therefore, congratulate Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu; House Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; Afenifere, Ambassador Olu Otunla, Apapo Omo Odu’a, Agbarijo Egbe Odo Yoruba, Yoruba sons and daughters home and abroad, for not allowing the labour of our heroes past to be in vain as far as Yoruba National Day celebration is concerned,” the statement added.

     The Chairman of the event is Arc Bamidele Samson, Chairman, BOVAS Group, while Otunba Jumoke Ogunkeyede (JMK) would be the vice chairman. Special Guests of Honour are President Bola Tinubu (GCFR), and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, while Guests of Honour are South West governors. Special Guests are  Speakers of the South West Houses of Assembly.

    The fathers of the day are Afenifere leaders; Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, General Alani Akinrinade (Rtd), Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Dr Kunle Olajide and Hon Wale Osun. Mother of the day is Prof (Mrs) Bolanle Awe while Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife; Oba Sikiru Adetona, Ogbagba II, Awujale of Ijebu; Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Olubadan-elect; Oba Ghandi Olaoye, Orumogege III, Soun of Ogbomoso; Oba Rilwan Akiolu I, Oba of Lagos; and Oba Francis Olushola Alao, Olugbon of Orile Igbon are royal fathers of the day. Spiritual fathers of the day include Araba Ifayemi Elebuibon, Prof Sabitu Olagoke (JP) and Dr M.O Mustapha, JP, (Babasebioba).

  • Sanwo-Olu’s deputy chief of staff buriedSanwo-OluSanwo-Olu’s deputy chief of staff buried

    Sanwo-Olu’s deputy chief of staff buriedSanwo-OluSanwo-Olu’s deputy chief of staff buried

    The late Gboyega Soyannwo, Deputy Chief of Staff to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was laid to rest yesterday at the Vaults and Gardens, after a funeral service at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), City of David Parish, Victoria Island.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu and his wife, Ibijoke; Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat; Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hudeyin, Head of Service Olabode Agoro and Chief of Staff, Tayo Ayinde, were at the funeral to bid Soyannwo farewell.

    The service was also attended by members of the State Executive Council, Permanent Secretaries, All Progressives Congress (APC), religious and traditional leaders, captains of industry, entrepreneurs, and public servants, as well as family, friends, and associates of the deceased.

    The late Soyannwo, who was appointed in 2019 and re-appointed in 2023, died on May 15 after a brief illness. He was 55.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu, at the funeral service, described the late Soyannwo as ‘the engine room of his administration whose death has created a big vacuum’.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu to deliver Yoruba National Day lecture

    He implored the bereaved family to take solace in God that the deceased lived a good life and touched many lives positively while on earth.

    “The late Gboyega Soyannwo was a brother, an armour-bearer, a confidant, and a faithful believer in the collective dream of a Greater Lagos. He was a team player who worked tirelessly for the success of this administration. He was a firm believer in impactful governance, and he was dutiful and passionate about development,” the governor said.

    In her emotional tribute, the widow, Mrs. Yewande Soyannwo, said she had spent the best of her life with Gboyega, whom she described as ‘a great partner and lover, having spent 24 years together as a couple’.

    She appealed to family, friends, colleagues, or anyone the late Gboyega Soyannwo might have offended while on earth for not meeting their expectations to forgive him, for death is inevitable.

  • Award for Sanwo-Olu’s aide Odesanya

    Award for Sanwo-Olu’s aide Odesanya

    Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Regional Integration, Lanre Sunmi Odesanya, will receive a ‘Recognition Award’ tomorrow from Eminent Persons of Ikorodu Division (EPID) at the korodu Division General Assembly.

    The event would be chaired by Chief Adewunmi Ogunsanya (SAN) while Prof. Abisogun Leigh would be keynote speaker.

    Read Also: 86 under bridge apartments and heroic drive of Sanwo-Olu to sanitise Lagos

    Odesanya (56), lawyer and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, was a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly and Commissioner Assembly’s Commission.

  • 86 under bridge apartments and heroic drive of Sanwo-Olu to sanitise Lagos

    86 under bridge apartments and heroic drive of Sanwo-Olu to sanitise Lagos

    By Deji Adegoke

    Lagos has always been the dream city of many Nigerians from all parts of the country.

    The former capital of Nigeria, which is the economic powerhouse of the country is seen as the most prosperous state where dreams and aspirations for economic and social wellbeing can be attained within a short period of time. This explains the daily influx of people from all parts of Nigeria into Lagos on a daily basis. In the days of yore, many left their homesteads and villages to seek proverbial green pastures.

     Success stories abound on how many came with few clothes in polythene bags stripped on the shoulders later became business tycoons and owners of mega businesses that have scaled globally. The undeniable fortunes of Lagos became the lot of many who applied themselves diligently to their trades, calling and occupations, thereby entrenching the belief that the only place to make big financial wealth is Lagos.

    This further heightened mass exodus from other states to Lagos as news filtered back home on how many who were hitherto without prospects, hit the gold in Lagos.

     This trajectory that dated back pre-colonial Nigeria, still persists today with its attended socio-economic, security and infrastructure challenges.

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    Lagos is the state with the smallest land mass, yet has the highest verifiable population.

    This puts strains on the infrastructure of the state, as the government strives to provide services to cater for many who have chosen the state as their destination of abode.

    Public utilities and amenities are constantly under pressure from the high usage, even as the government intensified provision of mass housing, schools, hospitals, intermodal public transportation systems, markets, and also deepened rural development by opening up new towns in hinterlands and suburbs to accommodate more people.

     Despite all these developmental efforts of the Lagos State government, some migrated to Lagos to constitute social nuisance, putting up shanties and erecting makeshift shelters in prohibited public spaces, thereby contravening extant environmental and physical planning laws of Lagos State. Some of the categories of these people were those bursted by the State Government under the Dolphin Estate Bridge, Ikoyi. Strangely, 86 rooms were erected under the bridge where tenants reportedly paid N250,000 annual rent.

    The brazen impunity of some unscrupulous elements who turned a critical public infrastructure into commercial apartments shocked many Lagosians, and Nigerians at large.

     The Lagos State Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources, Hon. Tokunbo Wahab, who led the raid to dislodge the illegal under bridge occupants disclosed to the media that, “18 individuals squatting illegally under the bridge leading from Dolphin Estate were arrested yesterday 30th of April, 2024 by the officials from the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps” “A total number of 86 rooms, partitioned into 10×10 and 12×10, and a container used for different illegal activities were discovered under the Dolphin Estate Bridge.

     “They have all been removed by the enforcement team of the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.” Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration deserves commendations for ensuring environmental sanity across Lagos.

    This also includes the removal of illegal structures on darinages right of way. The highbrow Lekki corridor came under spotlight recently when Lagos State government moved in to enforce compliance with extant laws. Many buildings without approval impeding the flow of drainage water were removed. In fact, many reportedly blocked water channels completely, thereby putting the entire residents of the area, and adjourning communities under increased risk of flooding.

    What any responsible government would have done is what Governor Sanwo-Olu administration had done by protecting the collective rights of citizens to life against protecting a few members of the society who have chosen not to abide by the laws. Expectedly, like those affected at the Lekki area, emotions ran high recently when the long arm of the law caught up with owners of structures built on the set-back of system one drainage at the Mende Community in Kosofe Local Government area.

    The skewed narrative painting the government as being insensitive and banal allegations of ethnic targeting fell flat when facts emerged that some of the landlords of that area didn’t have the government approval to build.

     The system one water channel is crucial for many communities in Ikeja and Kosofe local government areas. To mitigate potential risks of devastating flooding, the Lagos Ministry of Environment and Water Resources took the decisive action to prevent loss of life and property during intense rainfall, especially in vulnerable areas. On the allegation that they were not duly served, the Commissioner said, “ They claimed they were not served notices. They were served.

    They had come for meetings on several occasions,” “The residents’ association had met with the permanent secretary, Engineer Mahmood Adekunle Adegbite on several occasions in my office. “So, on what basis were they having meetings if they were not served?

     “The first notices were served on them in 2021. Each of the property owners on system 1 was duly written that they should remove their encumbrances because they were sitting on system 1. “If we are removing these properties for personal gains it becomes a different narrative entirely. This is for overriding public interest to avoid the flooding of the whole of mainland. He added that , “ We also visited Mende Villa, Maryland, where the developer initially claimed there was a drainage approval on the property.

    The directors who were in the know of what transpired at the time were invited to speak on the issue but confirmed that the developer was given temporary and conditional approval to leave a 20m setback from the edge of System 1 but he encroached on the setback thereby obstructing the flow of rainwater. “However, by the magnanimity of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Right of Way was approved to be reduced to 100m from 140m and spread on a 60/40 basis (60 Mende/40 Ogudu) instead of the initial 140m sitting on the Mende side.

     “The instruction to immediately continue the removal of all structures on the alignment has been given to the enforcement team after the 1st notice to remove was served on them in 2021 and the last notice was served in November 2023 after the meeting with the stakeholders”.

     These facts speak for themselves. In the face of global warming and climate change, the government needs to be decisive in ensuring that we are all safe. All the actions are geared towards ensuring protection of lives and properties.

    As a compassionate government, announcements had been made about possible compensations to some categories of people that were affected during the removal of illegal structures and eviction of squatters from public spaces across Lagos.

    •Adegoke writes from Lagos

  • CAN consoles Sanwo-Olu on aide’s death

    CAN consoles Sanwo-Olu on aide’s death

    Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Lagos State has consoled Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the government on the demise of Deputy Chief of Staff, Gboyega Soyanwo.

    In a statement by Special Adviser to Chairman of CAN in Lagos, Rev. Oladapo Daramola, it described Soyanwo’s death as shocking and a sad.

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    Chairman, Bishop Stephen Adegbite said: ”It is with a heavy heart but one filled with gratitude to God that I write on behalf of myself and my family and Christians to express deep commiserations to you, your wife, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Chief of Staff, Tayo Akinmade Ayinde, State Executive Council and people of Lagos on the shocking demise of Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Gboyega Soyanwo.”

     “Having interacted with him since my assumption of office as chair of CAN inLagos State, I can attest that Soyanwo was a man of godly virtues, peaceful disposition, calm demeanour, gentle character and tranquil temperament…”

      “Our prayer is that God will give you the fortitude to bear this loss…’’

  • Shun drugs, money laundering, Sanwo-Olu, Obasa tell pilgrims

    Shun drugs, money laundering, Sanwo-Olu, Obasa tell pilgrims

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, yesterday cautioned pilgrims attending the 2024 Hajj in Saudi Arabia to shun illicit drugs, money laundering, and other vices.

    They gave the warning during a farewell seminar for pilgrims at the LTV Blue Roof in Alausa, Ikeja.

    Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), enjoined the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the country in the Holy land.

    The governor announced payment for some hajj rites on behalf of the pilgrims.

    He said: “I am aware of the huge sum you paid considering the present harsh economic situation. Our government is concerned, but we have no control over the fares which is the exclusive right of the Saudi Arabian authority. However, I can you that you will get value for your money.

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    “We have assembled a team of professionals that would see to your medical needs and challenges (if any) in the holy land. I have also approved the payment of your Hadayyah (sacrificial) ram, Ziyyarah (visitation to historical sites in both Makkah and Madinah) as well as monetisation of your Ihram clothes.”

    The governor restated that Lagos has a high reputation which the pilgrims are expected to sustain and be exemplary to other states.

    Obasa, represented by Chairman of the House Committee on Home Affairs, Jubril Abdulkareem, urged the pilgrims to follow the guidelines laid down by the board. He also admonished them to abide with the extant rules both locally and while in Saudi Arabia.

    Commissioner for Home Affairs, who doubles as the Amirul Hajj, Ibrahim Layode, thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu for supporting the hajj. He assured him that welfare of the pilgrims will be prioritised.

  • APC Chairman mourns Sanwo-Olu’s Deputy Chief of Staff

    APC Chairman mourns Sanwo-Olu’s Deputy Chief of Staff

    The Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, has described the death of Mr Gboyega Soyannwo, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Deputy Chief of Staff, as devastating.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sanyannwo died after a brief illness on Wednesday at  55.

    Ojelabi, in a condolence message to the family of the deceased, said Sanyannwo’s death was a big loss to the state.

    He said the deceased  was a dutiful officer ,who deployed great energy and intellect to the service of the state.

    Ojelabi added  that the late governor’s aide displayed a high sense of commitment and responsibility serving the state.

    The chairman said, “His death, no doubt, will create a vacuum that will not be easy to fill both in the politics of the state and in the life of the multitude of people that rely on him.”

    Read Also: BREAKING: Sanwo-Olu’s deputy chief of staff, Soyannwo dies

    He expressed deep regret that the  deputy chief  of staff died when his services and wealth of experience were  most needed ,saying the government  had lost a competent hand with his demise.

    Ojelabi said Soyannwo would  always be remembered as a dedicated and loyal servant of the party.

    ‘The APC will continue to honuor his memory by upholding the values and principles that he held dear,” he said.

    Ojelabi prayed God to grant the soul of the departed eternal peace and the family members the fortitude to bear the loss.

    (NAN)

  • Sanwo-Olu’s deputy chief of staff, Soyannwo dies

    Sanwo-Olu’s deputy chief of staff, Soyannwo dies

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Gboyega Soyannwo, is dead. Soyannwo died yesterday after a brief illness. He was 55.

    A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said: “With deep sorrow, the Lagos State government announces the passing of the Deputy Chief of Staff (DCoS) to Mr. Governor, Mr. Gboyega Soyannwo.

    “Soyannwo died today (yesterday) after a brief illness. He was 55.

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    “Governor Sanwo-Olu, on behalf of the government and people, sends his condolences to the Soyannwo family.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu, while breaking the news at the Executive Council (EXCO) meeting, said ‘I have lost a brother and a servant of the people’. And after a minute’s silence was observed in respect of the deceased, Mr. Governor ended the EXCO meeting.”

    The late Soyannwo was born on October 3, 1968, and had his primary education at the Corona School, Victoria Island (1974-1980), and secondary education at the Kings College (1980-1985).

  • Sanwo-Olu calls for transparency, shared responsibility in tax

    Sanwo-Olu calls for transparency, shared responsibility in tax

    Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for the building of a sustainable tax culture anchored on transparency, accountability, and efficiency in tax administration.

    Sanwo-Olu in his address at the 26th Annual Tax Conference of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) hinged his argument on transparency, accountability, and a shared sense of responsibility by every Nigerian.

    The governor, represented by his special adviser on taxation and revenue, Abdul-Kabir Opeyemi Ogungbo, emphasized the importance of earning taxpayer trust. 

    He said: “Taxpayers need to see that their contributions are being used effectively for public services and infrastructural development. This transparency he noted is essential for building a “sustainable tax culture.”

    The governor called for a fundamental shift in perspective regarding tax payments.

    According to him, “On the part of the taxpayer, there is need to be a shift in mindset. Paying taxes should not be seen as a burden but as an investment in our collective future.” 

    By viewing taxes as an investment, Nigerians can become more engaged participants in nation-building.

    Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the significant economic challenges facing Nigeria. 

    He stressed that “building a strong and sustainable future through a robust tax system that fosters economic growth and development, could not be overemphasized.”

    A well-designed tax system can provide the resources needed to address social needs and invest in infrastructure.

    The governor also noted the need for a “clear economic roadmap” that considers “the architecture of our developmental ideologies.  This roadmap should guide the development of a tax system that “incentivizes investment, job creation, and economic diversification.” 

    Sanwo-Olu commended recent efforts to “streamline state-level taxes” and integrate the growing remote workforce into the tax net.

    He pointed to the importance of “exploring innovative ways to expand the tax base.”

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu to bid Lagos pilgrims farewell

    However, this expansion should not come at the expense of economic growth.  He highlighted the need for a business environment that allows the Nigerian economy to “thrive.”

    The governor painted a vision of a thriving tax system that empowers Nigerians. 

    He stated: “A thriving tax system is not just about collecting revenue, it’s about empowering Nigerians to be active participants in nation-building.”  By ensuring a system built on “transparency, efficiency, and a sense of shared responsibility,” Nigeria can “unlock its true economic potential.”

    Earlier, Samuel Agbeluyi, President and Chairman of the CITN Council, addressed the issue of digital revenue collection.  He argued for investment in “technology and people” at the sub-national level to effectively track revenue in the “digital space including cryptocurrency.” 

    Agbeluyi also emphasized the importance of financial and administrative autonomy for revenue authorities to “empower them to effectively administer taxes.”

    Adeyemi Sanni, the chairman of the conference planning committee, highlighted the need for collaboration in achieving “meaningful fiscal development over the long term.” 

    He stated that a strong tax culture requires a concerted effort from “all stakeholders, including the government, tax professionals, and taxpayers themselves.”

    Panelists at the CITN conference agreed on the importance of a multifaceted approach to tax reform in Nigeria.  Building a tax system based on transparency, shared responsibility, and a focus on economic growth they said will be crucial for unlocking Nigeria’s true economic potential.

  • Sanwo-Olu to bid Lagos pilgrims farewell

    Sanwo-Olu to bid Lagos pilgrims farewell

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will bid the state’s intending pilgrims’ farewell on Thursday, as they begin their journey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj on Friday.

    A statement by Secretary of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board Secretary, Saheed Onipede, said Governor Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, and other government functionaries would be at the One-Day Seminar which climaxes the lectures and enlightenment programmes held across all local government areas for the intending pilgrims.

    The seminar, he said, will hold at De-Blue Roof, Lagos Television (LTV) ground, Agidingbi, Ikeja.

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    He added that it has been designed to further broaden the knowledge of intending pilgrims on the requirements of Hajj rituals, and educate them on the do’s and don’ts of international travel.

    The Chief Imam of Igbogbo Central Mosque, Sheikh AbdulRahman Lukman, would be the guest lecturer while the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Sulaiman Olohuntoyin Abou-Nolla, would lead prayers for the state government and pilgrims in order to achieve a successful Hajj.