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Tag: Sanwo-Olu

  • Sanwo-Olu orders arrest of soldier, Okada rider for driving against traffic

    Sanwo-Olu orders arrest of soldier, Okada rider for driving against traffic

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday ordered the arrest of a soldier and some commercial motorcyclists (Okada riders) for driving against the traffic on the Lagos-Badagry expressway.

    The governor gave the order while returning from the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo where he had gone to inaugurate a project sponsored by the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila.

    Sanwo-Olu, on sighting the traffic offenders, stopped his convoy and went after the riders. While some of the riders ran and left their motorcycles and passengers, some were apprehended by the governor’s team. 

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    The apprehended military personnel told Sanwo-Olu’s security that he was a soldier. Upon hearing this, Governor Sanwo-Olu became infuriated and said ‘that’s the more reason why I’m going to lock you up. I’m going to lock you up. Useless boy, you’re telling me you’re a soldier. “Put him there; let your father come and rescue you. You’re telling me you are a soldier; that is the reason I am going to lock you up. “

    The governor also addressed a female passenger, saying: “You people are the ones causing this. Maybe I should arrest the two of you and put you in the guardroom. You are patronising Okada riders and they are taking one way. Is it good? And they will hit you and you die; they will say the government killed you.”

  • Sanwo-Olu’s major task in year 2024

    Sanwo-Olu’s major task in year 2024

    • By Bukola Ajisola

    Sir: There can be no reinventing the business environment of any state without effective land administration. The antediluvian concept of treating landed assets as a commodity for family inheritance, a means of measuring social status and not a factor of production is a singular misguided vitiating element in the economic emancipation of Lagos State.

    Lagos has no business in debt financing to the extent of leading other states in raising the country debt burdens to the present unsustainable levels. Land is like the oil that Lagos is endowed with but every past governor of Lagos State including Governor Sanwo-Olu could not connect its intrinsic value to the larger productive economy.

    Only Babatunde Fashola got it right but was quickly distracted and abandoned the course. For Lagos State to function like any modern city of her status, Sanwo-Olu must immediately commence revocation of all land that are not developed that litter the whole city and continue to threaten the liveability index status of Lagos in the comity of nations.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu arrests soldier, okada rider for driving against traffic

    Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike has started this in Abuja, if he doesn’t abandon it, Abuja could overtake Lagos as a better investment destination in the foreseeable future.

    Maybe Lagos State should desist from placing Land Use Charge notices on practically every property in the city without any unenforceable roadmaps. The results would be exponential if they concentrate efforts on the undeveloped plots which are mostly exempted from the charges.

    A defective land administration is a major disincentive to investment and a reducing agent for IGR. Lagos IGR ought to be in multiples of trillions but today it is what it is. In the year 2024, the governor should bring Lagos out of this complacency and write his legacy in gold.

    •Bukola Ajisola,

    bukymany@yahoo.com

  • Sanwo-Olu arrests soldier, okada rider for driving against traffic

    Sanwo-Olu arrests soldier, okada rider for driving against traffic

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday, January 2, arrested a soldier and some commercial motorcyclists for driving against traffic on the Lagos-Badagry expressway.

    The governor arrested the suspects while returning from the Lagos State University, Ojo where he opened a project sponsored by Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

    Sanwo-Olu, on sighting the traffic offenders, stopped his convoy and went after the riders. While some of the riders ran and left their motorcycles and passengers, some were arrested by the governor’s team.

    The apprehended military personnel told Sanwo-Olu’s security that he was a soldier. Upon hearing this, Governor Sanwo-Olu got infuriated and said ‘that’s the more reason why I’m going to lock you up. I’m going to lock you up. Useless boy, you’re telling me you’re a soldier.

    Read Also: Obi, Utomi pay condolence visit to Akeredolu’s family in Ibadan

    “Put him there; let your father come and rescue you. You’re telling me you are a soldier; that is the reason I am going to lock you up.”

    The governor also addressed a female passenger, saying, “You people are the ones causing this. Maybe I should arrest two of you and put you in the guardroom. You are patronising Okada, and they are taking one way. Is it good? And they will hit you and you die; they will say the government killed you.”

  • Sanwo-Olu promises better support for businesses

    Sanwo-Olu promises better support for businesses

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has promised that the government will better support businesses in 2024 to thrive as part of making Lagos a prosperous state.

    Speaking at the Sol Beach, Oniru, one of the venues for the 72-hour #Greater Lagos Fiesta and countdown to the New Year 2024, Sanwo-Olu said the state’s peaceful nature made the event possible.

    The event held simultaneously in six locations across the state, viz – Sol Beach Oniru, Agege, Epe, Ikorodu, Badagry and Ajegunle.

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    The governor noted that the event is an annual tradition to celebrate music, entertainment, and the vibrant spirit of Lagos. He also said it is about supporting and appreciating the residents, culture, tourism and youth development.

    He added: “We are happy because there is peace in Lagos. I want to thank all of you, this is freshness and we hope to make it bigger next year. 2024 will be a glorious, better year for me and all of us, reaching our set career growth among other positives.”

    On hand to entertain guests were over 25 artistes and comedians, including Innocent Idibia popularly Tubaba; David Adeleke alias Davido; Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe also known as Kiss Daniel.

  • Sanwo-Olu’s wife celebrates first babies in four Lagos hospitals

    Sanwo-Olu’s wife celebrates first babies in four Lagos hospitals

    Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu on New Year Day welcomed and presented gifts items to the first babies of the year in four public hospitals.

    The hospitals are: Badagry General Hospital; Maternal Child Centre (MCC) Amuwo-Odofin; Ajeromi General Hospital and Apapa General Hospital.

    Baby Echo-Harry, a Male who weighed 3.6Kg delivered at exactly 12:04AM by Mrs. Echo-Harry is the first baby of the year at the Badagry General Hospital.

    The first babies of year at the Maternal and Child Centre, Amuwo-Odofin are Twins delivered through Cesarean Section by Mrs Salaudeen. 

    The first child, a Male, weighing 3.0Kg was delivered at exactly 12:07AM; the second child, also a Male who weighed 3.05Kg was delivered at 12:09AM

    Baby Balogun, a Male who weighed 2.9Kg and delivered at 12:01AM by Mrs. Balogun is the first baby of the year at Ajeromi General Hospital, while the first babies of year at the Apapa General Hospital is Baby Rafiu Rachael a Male who weighed 2.6Kg and delivered at 12:38AM by Mrs. Rafiu Rachael.

    Welcoming the first babies at these hospitals, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, expressed joy and gratitude at the arrival of the first babies, extending her felicitations to the proud parents and the healthcare team present on January 1st, 2024.

    Addressing audience at the event which has become an annual tradition in Lagos, Dr. Sanwo-Olu emphasised the significance of a newborn as a precious blessing, symbolizing hope, new beginnings, and the resilience of life. 

    She highlighted the communal celebration not only of the infant but also of the collective spirit uniting everyone present and promoting child healthcare services statewide.

    Recognizing the pivotal role of a child’s birth in different cultures, she stressed its significance in preserving heritage and fostering good fortune for families and society. Dr. Sanwo-Olu commended the efforts of the Lagos State Government, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in fortifying maternal and child health policies, upgrading healthcare facilities, and ensuring accessible and affordable services.

    She said: “Over the years, the Lagos State Government under the current administration of Mr. Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, through the Ministry of Health has continued to deliver its mandate to all residents in the State. 

    The Government has strengthened its Maternal and Child health policies and programs, upgraded and constructed new MCC facilities to provide accessible and affordable mother and child healthcare services hence, reducing the high rate of morbidity and mortality among women and under-5 children in the State.”

    Read Also: Prerogative of Mercy: Sanwo-Olu grants freedom to 246 inmates

    The First Lady reiterated the government’s commitment to creating an environment where children can thrive and access quality healthcare akin to global standards. 

    She encouraged residents to take advantage of the maternal and child care initiatives of  the Government for the well-being of their families.

    “As a government, we are committed to creating an environment where every child will strive perfectly like their counterparts in developed countries, where quality healthcare services will be accessible and equitable using appropriate modern technology through highly motivated healthcare workers.

    “I wish to commend the health family under the leadership of the Honourable Commissioner, Special Adviser, the Permanent Secretaries and other indefatigable leaders for the continuing infrastructural upgrade; provision of relevant equipment, commitment to human capacity development towards best global practices in order to promote quality healthcare service delivery at all levels of care, promoting positive attitude of healthcare workers and to enhance customer’s satisfaction.”

  • Prerogative of Mercy: Sanwo-Olu grants freedom to 246 inmates

    Prerogative of Mercy: Sanwo-Olu grants freedom to 246 inmates

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has approved the release of 246 inmates from various correctional facilities across the State.

    He also commuted 39 inmates on death row to life imprisonment.

    The decision announced yesterday night followed the recommendation of the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.

    The exercise is also under the provisions of Section 212 (1) (2) of the 1999 Constitution of The Federal Republic of Nigeria (amended).

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    The Governor signed the release and committal orders on December 20, 2023, in cognizance of the New Year Celebrations.

    A press statement signed by Director, Public Affairs, Grace Alo said the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy in reaching its recommendations exercised due diligence in its deliberation of the applications in line with the applicable guidelines.

    “The Council took note of the information provided by the correctional authorities, the nature of offence, period of incarceration, age, health and behavioral conduct of the inmates.”

    “The approval for the release of the inmates is in line with the commitment of Mr. Governor to decongest correctional facilities in Lagos State as part of the Justice Sector Reforms”, it added.

  • Sanwo-Olu targets PPP todeliver T.H.E.M.E.S. + agenda

    Sanwo-Olu targets PPP todeliver T.H.E.M.E.S. + agenda

    Going by the words of Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his administration is targeting the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to deliver its T.H.E.M.E.S.+ agenda.

    The PPP, a long-term arrangement between government and  private sector operators, involves private capital financing government projects, particularly infrastructure and services up-front.

    Sanwo-Olu’s first term agenda was based on T.H.E.M.E.S agenda, an acronym which stands for Transportation and Traffic Management; Health and Environment; Education and Technology; Making Lagos State a 21st Century Megacity, Entertainment & Tourism; and Security & Governance.

    The governor said the ‘plus’ represents the incorporation of an intensified focus, in the next four years, on social inclusion, gender equality and youth.

    He said: “In other words, we are strengthening and reinforcing T.H.E.M.E.S. with a ‘No One Left Behind’ philosophy. No one will be left behind on account of their social status, gender or age; we will design all our policies and programs to ensure that everyone is carried along and catered to. This is our solemn promise to you.”

    Read Also: Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Obasa, Alabi, others honour Akeredolu at Lagos stakeholders meeting

    The Office of Public-Private Partnerships (OPPP), Lagos State Government, an agency created by the 2011 PPP Law of Lagos State, facilitates the development of public infrastructure and provides social amenities and other facilities for Lagos State through the PPP.

    The advantages of the PPP in Lagos cut across education, housing and transportation, among others. Other areas include: healthcare initiatives such as laboratory, radiology, blood screening and pharmaceutical services; x-ray and ultrasound machines at the Maternal and Child Centre (MCC), Eti-Osa.

    In education, the collaboration with private developers is set to deliver 6,016-bed spaces at the Lagos State University (LASU), construction of 16 blocks of hostels of 94 rooms each with 376 beds per block has reached the completion stage.

    The hostels are to solve the acute accommodation problems facing students in the state-run varsity.

  • Be decisive in tackling building collapse, Architects tell Sanwo-Olu

    Be decisive in tackling building collapse, Architects tell Sanwo-Olu

    The Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) has urged Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwolu to take a decisive approach in tackling building collapse in the state.

    The NIA national president, Arc Mobolaji Adeniyi gave the charge in a statement made available to journalists in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, December 26, following the tragic building collapse in Ebute Metta on December 22, 2023, leading to the deaths of innocent souls.

    Adeniyi, who bemoaned the repeated building collapse and the resultant death tolls, said it was imperative for Sanwolu to fast-track enforcement of regulations in partnership with professionals to avert turning Lagos state  into an epicentre of unwarranted carnage. 

    He called for immediate measures to bring safety to Lagos residents, saying the incessant cases of building collapse is gradually constituting a national and global embarrassment to Nigeria.

    Adeniyi advocated that only registered Architects certified by the ARCON and relevant qualified professionals should be saddled with the  responsibility of handling high-rise structured to reduce cases of building collapse risks. 

    The NIA boss extends condolences to the victims’ families and the Lagos State Government, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive mitigating and safety measures. 

    She said: “This incident, echoing a recurrent pattern in Lagos, underscore the critical necessity for robust strategy to safeguard buildings within the state. We have had enough and we must all coalesce actions and expertise to halt such occurrence”.

    Adeniyi disclosed that the institute has dispatched the Lagos Chapter Chairman, Arc. David Majekodunmi, FNIA, to conduct a swift on-site assessment and provide a detailed report on the frightening and depressing incident. 

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    She expressed the readiness of NIA to collaborate with the Lagos State Government, Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG), and other relevant agencies to investigate the root causes of some of these harrowing incidents and develop effective preventive solutions.

    Adeniyi stressed that the NIA’s charge to the government was deemed expedient because part of the collective responsibilities of architects is ensuring best building practices, structural integrity and environmental safety. 

    “NIA’s proactive stance was aimed at instigating enduring changes in building safety practices, not only in Lagos but across the country. As professionals, we can’t fold our arms and allow the situation to degenerate before our intervention.

    “We believe all Nigerians must be safe wherever they live. We are battling economic, political and other social problems, and building collapse shouldn’t be made to assume a calamity of national dimension. The time to tame it is now”, she said.

  • Do not lose hope, Sanwo-Olu tells Lagosians

    Do not lose hope, Sanwo-Olu tells Lagosians

    Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged residents not to despair about the challenging times being experienced but keep their hope in God alive. 

    Sanwo-Olu spoke during the 2023 Carol of Nine Lessons at the State House in Alausa, Ikeja. 

    The Carol was themed ‘King of righteousness’. 

    He urged Christians and all residents alike to continue to trust in God and have faith in the good intentions of the government, saying ‘all would surely work out for good’.  

    The governor, represented by his wife, Ibijoke, said: “‘There is no doubt that as individuals, and as a nation, the times are challenging. We must however not despair or lose hope. Let us continue to trust in God and have faith in the good intentions of the people we have put in positions of authority. 

    ”The task is challenging, but with our ceaseless prayers, I believe very strongly that the pains we are experiencing today will pale into insignificance when the fruits of our sacrifice begin to manifest in abundance. 

    ”I pray that the good Lord will preserve our lives in good health to witness, feel and enjoy the new glory of our state and our nation. 

    “As a government, we will continue to roll out welfare programmes aimed at cushioning the pains and difficulties being experienced in critical aspects of living,. “

    Sanwo-Olu urged residents to continue to be law abiding as they celebrate the Yuletide and be their brothers’ and sisters’ keeper, especially at this time. 

    According to him, ‘Christmas is a season of celebration; a time to share, love, strengthen the bond of humanity, reach out to people, especially the less priviledged, and ensur that everyone feels a sense of belonging’. 

    ”As we celebrate Jesus Christ through spreading His love and hope for humanity, we must continue to preach togetherness and spread the message of tolerance, peaceful coexistence and harmonious relationship among people of diverse beliefs and backgrounds. 

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu hails Oshinowo for completing estate

    “We must also follow His teachings and actions which exemplifies a righteous living. As we strive to follow His footsteps, let us remember that through faith in Him, we can experience true righteousness and find hope and fufilment in our lives. 

    ”As we proceed into the festive period and the New Year, I urge Lagosians to continue living in peace and righteousness which, according to the scripture exalts a nation,” he added.  

    Commissioner for Home Affairs Olanrewaju Layode admonished the people to take stock of all activities of the year and express gratitude to God for His divine intervention in all that concerned Lagos State. 

    According to him, despite the challenges, the state and residents are still standing tall by God’s grace. “Hence, we should count our blessings and give thanks because God has indeed been faithful” he noted.

    He added: “This season teachea us to extend hands of generosity and brotherliness towards mankind. We are required to spread love, not only during the Yuletide, but throughout the whole year. 

    ”Therefore, I enjoin us all to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ as demonstrated in His humility and service to humanity. While we are in celebration moood, I implore us all to keep safe and be our brothers’ keeper, by extending love and the spirit of sharing to the less-privileged, while we continue to uphold our dear country in prayers.”

  • Sanwo-Olu hails Oshinowo for completing estate

    Sanwo-Olu hails Oshinowo for completing estate

    • By Zainab Olufemi

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has  commended the Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mayor Dele Oshinowo, for completing the first housing project initiated by the council.

    The project, named Greenwich Gardens Housing Estate, inaugurated by Sanwo-Olu last Friday, was constructed through a Public-Private Partnership initiative.

    The 101 housing units project at Ajelogo, in Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, comprises 66 units of two-bedroom flats, 20 units of three-bedroom terraces, 14 units of three-bedroom semi-detached houses, one unit of four-bedroom detached houses and 65 residential plots (sites and service scheme.)

    Arguably, the first housing project constructed by any local government administration in the country, it is said to represent the visionary ability of the administration to establish a new voyage for grass roots development in the country.

    Sanwo-Olu said the occasion represented purposeful governance at the grassroots.

    He said the efforts of the first chairman of the council, Mrs Yetunde Arobieke, who started the hard work were taken up by her  successor Obafemi Durosimi until the term of the chairman, Oshinowo.

    He said: “We are witnessing today a purposeful and good governance at the grassroots level, visionary leadership and continuity in governance that are driven by putting people first, because you can see that it’s only when you have continuity that people can build on what others have done and when you have clear vision, you know that indeed whatever are the successes of your predecessors, you need to build upon it and take it even higher.

    “I have reviewed this project with him a couple of times and each time I’ve been impressed with his commitments, steadfastness and visions. I am happy that I encouraged him, and that I gave him all the support. I’m also happy that we gave him the discounts, exemptions to make sure that it becomes a reality today.”

    Sanwo-Olu said the Greenwich Gardens will provide decent homes for Lagosians residing in the metropolis.

    “Unarguably, this estate will provide another legal community and it will add value to the ambiance of this environment. It will serve as a catalyst for improved economic activity in this entire community. If Agboyi-Ketu can get it right, there is opportunity for  other communities to do the same,” the governor said.

    Mayor Oshinowo said the housing project coincided with the 20th  establishment of 37 LCDAs in Lagos State.

    Credits, he said, be accorded to the visionary leadership of President Bola Tinubu, who as governor of Lagos State, created the 37 LCDAs in addition to the 20 Local Governments.

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    “With his (President Tinubu’s) leadership dexterity, it is a common belief that the economic challenges facing our dear nation will be seriously tackled under his leadership. Let me also leverage  this special event to commend the exceptional leadership style of our amiable governor, who provided the conducive atmosphere that enabled the necessary support for the commencement, development and actualisation of this legacy project of our administration,” he said.

    He added: “This is the second home coming of Mr. Governor to Agboyi-Ketu LCDA to inaugurate projects under the lifespan of this administration.

    “May I announce that there are many projects waiting to be commissioned; among them are Sterling Heights (106 Housing Units) and Raymond Estate (64 Housing Units)

    “It is clear that our administration is on to the right path to providing accelerated development, hence, I promise to sustain effective leadership till the last day of this administration.”