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Tag: Sanwo-Olu

  • Not the same numbers

    Not the same numbers

    The BOS of Lagos unveiled a N2.2 trillion  budget last week. It is a reminder that Lagos is a cut above other states in the country. No state has had even a trillion naira except one in the last dispensation which  did it more out self-aggrandisement than a measure of the state purse and ability.

    Some are even eight times lower than Lagos. Some of the other big names are close to a trillion but have not even been able to sniff it. So, Lagos can afford many things the others cannot. The BOS can afford the trains, the sprawl of housing projects and schools. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced 50 per cent bonus for the civil servants and political office holders and the money will not be taxed.

    Read Also: Clark to CJN: correct grave anomalies in judiciary 

    It is the power of internally generated revenue, especially since Lagos is not yet an oil state like the Niger Delta colossi. It is a testament to the tradition of governance that has built on the predecessor’s milestone. The BOS has kept faith with this in innovation and enterprise. It brings to mind the song by the late singer Fatai Rolling Dollar, Won kere si number wa. That is, they are no match for our number. Indeed, N2.2 trillion is a big sum. Lagosians are looking forward to a new year of more development from the BOS.

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  • Sanwo-Olu approves wage award, December bonus for workers

    Sanwo-Olu approves wage award, December bonus for workers

    The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved N35,000 wage award for the state public servants.

    The governor also approved the payment of 50% of basic salary as an end-of-year bonus for all political appointees and public servants, employees of local governments and local council development areas, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board and the Lagos Neighborhood Safety Corps.

    The approval signed by the Lagos State Head of Service, Bode Agoro, with reference number CIR/HOS/’23/Vol. 1/ 109. The circular titled ‘2023 End Of Year Bonus And Implementation Of Wage Awards’, stated that the governor approved the payments as part of his administration’s appreciation of public servants’ contribution towards the progress of the state, as well as his commitment to their welfare.

    The statement further noted that the end-of-year bonus and the wage award which would be paid alongside December 2023 salary, would be non-taxable.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu makes surprise appearance at lawmaker’s budget retreat

    Its reads, “As part of the present administration’s continuous appreciation of the contributions of all public servants towards the advancement of the state and its unrelenting commitment to the welfare of its workforce, it is hereby notified for general information that Mr. Governor has graciously approved the payment of 50% of basic salary as end-of-year bonus for all political appointees and public servants, including employees of local governments and local council development areas, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board and Lagos Neighborhood Safety Corps.

    “In the same vein, Mr. Governor has further approved the implementation of the wage award (palliative) pending the review of the national minimum wage.

    “Therefore, the 50% of basic salary as an end-of-year Bonus, as well as the wage award palliative), will be paid alongside the December 2023 salary as a “non-taxable element”.

    “Sequel to the foregoing, public servants are implored to continually strive for excellence in providing qualitative service delivery to the people of the State in line with Mr Governor’s THEMES+ Agenda.

    “Accordingly, all heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies are hereby enjoined to note the content of this circular and give it the service-wide publicity it deserves.”

  • Sanwo-Olu makes surprise appearance at lawmaker’s budget retreat

    Sanwo-Olu makes surprise appearance at lawmaker’s budget retreat

    Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, made a surprise appearance at the ongoing budget retreat for members of the Lagos State House of Assembly holding at Abuja. 

    He described them as the best among their counterparts. 

    The lawmakers are in Abuja on a three-day retreat on the 2024 budget recently presented by the governor.

    Sanwo-Olu, who emphasised the relationship between him and Speaker of the House, Mudashiru Obasa, praised the lawmakers for lifting the bar of legislative excellence in Nigeria. 

    The governor thanked the speaker, Assembly commission and staff of the House for always putting Lagos first before other considerations.

    He said: “This is the best and finest and it is worthy of emulation. I want to thank you and say this is indeed how we should always organise ourselves and keep raising the bar.

    “What Lagos is doing shows that we are leading the way for other states to copy. We show the way in legislative, executive and judiciary affairs. This is an avenue for you to bond, interact, appreciate one another and effectively do the job that Lagosians have asked us to do.

    “There is the talk around town that we have a big budget, but I also tell them it is because we are big people. I appreciate the fact that you have huge responsibility and I pray God to give you the ability and courage to do the work dispassionately.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu inaugurates Caverton’s AW 109 Simulator

    “Whatever is the outcome, you can rest assured that the governor will stand by it and work with you. There is no animosity between the Speaker and myself. We are two different sides of the same coin. We are brothers and friends, and God will lead us to a level where we can take Lagos to an irreversible state.”

    Describing the governor as a leader, brother and performer, Obasa noted that Sanwo-Olu had always supported the House to carry out its functions.

    Obasa said: “He has always answered our calls at every point in time. Thank you for coming to check on us and for everything you have been doing. We also thank you for not being like other governors who seal up the Assembly complex or remove roofs of Assembly buildings. That is why Lagos is great and the House of Assembly is above the common standards of excellence.

    “We are working on the 2024 budget, and that is why we are here. I want to assure you that we will do our best to return the approved budget to you as soon as possible. It is going to be a New Year present to you and the people of Lagos.”

  • Sanwo-Olu inaugurates Caverton’s AW 109 Simulator

    Sanwo-Olu inaugurates Caverton’s AW 109 Simulator

    To expand its aviation training facilities to meet with international standard, Caverton Helicopters, yesterday inaugurated its ‘Leonardo AW 109 Level Five Simulator’ at its Aviation Training Center at the Murtala Muhammed lnternational Airport, lkeja Lagos.

    Dignitaries at the event were Chairman, Caverton Offshore Support Group, Mr. Aderemi Makanjuola; his wife, Yoyinsola; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; representrative of Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Bolaji Orederu; Chairman, Caverton Helicopters, Mallam Bello Gwandu; Chief Executive Officerof Caverton Offshore SupportGroup, Mr. Bode Makanjuola; Group Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Rotimi Makanjuola; Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace Limited, Mr. Allen Onyema; and former Minister of State for Finance, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda.

    Lagos State Governor Sanwo-Olu praised the founder, Makanjuola, and management for their vision in contributing to the Nigerian economy through job creation.

    According to him, “He could have locked up what God has given to him and not invest it”.

    The governor described Makanjuola as a man that has stayed in an uncommon terrain by the kind of business he does with Caverton, and commended him for the giant stride he has made.

    He said: “It gladdens my heart that indeed, we can have maintenance of aircraft at this highest level, all just tucked in quietly in Lagos and nobody makes a lot of noise about it.

    I thought that was all. Now to also come into a facility that has world-class simulators where we can train, we can retrain, we can certify pilots of various grades. I think it’s an investment indeed.

    Read Also; Our transformation efforts on economy succeeding with NASS cooperation – Tinubu

    “We need to commend the leadership of Caverton for being very audacious and for taking these right steps.

    “Today we have seen the unveiling and the commissioning of a new simulator, the Leonardo AW109 simulator. I’ve been to a foreign simulator, but this is my second time, and I tell you, it doesn’t come any better than this. It is real and it has all of the trappings that are inside an aircraft.

    “With this bold step, Caverton is preventing capita flight as all the training are done locally,” he said.

    Sanwo-Olu said: “With this new innovation, the number of skills, the number of military and commercial operators that will come to a facility like this to get adequate training will increase.  Training that is normally being carried out abroad has now been created in our country and in Lagos. And I want to enjoin all players in the industry to rally and  support investment like this. “Let us ensure that whatever training that we require that does not need us to go abroad, we have it all in our locations and in our facility here in Lagos. And I want to commend the leadership and the management of Caverton.”

    Mr Governor ended his speech by commending the company for its safety standard at every level.

    Earlier in his welcome address, Makanjuola, said: “Today is a special day for us as we welcome you all to the launch of Caverton’s AW109 simulator!”

    “It is a a significant milestone in the advancement of aviation training in Nigeria, as we proudly unveil Caverton’s second simulator dedicated to supporting Nigerian pilots and the country’s rotary wing industry.

    “Our first, a full reality AW 139 Simulator enables us to provide comprehensive and realistic training for our pilots, ensuring the highest standards of safety and operational excellence. The brand new AW109 simulator stands as a testament to our commitment to enhancing the capabilities of our pilots and ensuring the highest standards of safety and proficiency in aviation operations.

    “The AW109 helicopter holds a pivotal role in Nigeria’s aerospace landscape, being utilized by crucial entities such as the Navy, Air Force, NIMASA, as well as various civil operators. As such, the introduction of this simulator is a crucial step towards bolstering the competence and preparedness of our pilots who rely on this sophisticated aircraft for a diverse array of missions,” he said.

    Noting that Caverton’s investment in the state-of-the-art simulator underscores the company’s dedication to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation within the Nigerian aviation industry, Makanjuola said, “By providing our pilots with access to advanced training resources, we are not only elevating the standards of safety and operational efficiency but also positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for cutting-edge aviation training and expertise.”

    Others who gave goodwill messages at the occasion included the Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, and the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogala, represented by Rear Admiral Bolaji Orederu.

    In his remarks, Dr Hamzat described the discoveries at Caverton training facility as inspiring.

    Delivering a message on behalf of the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Orederu found Caverton’s effort as an achievement that has reduced the stress and cost involved in aircraft maintenance, repairs and training of Nigerian pilots abroad.

     Makanjuola said: “When I was 75  last week, I said I am no more a participant but an adviser to the company”.

    He, however, announced the coming of third simulator, saying that what he had done in the business was to guide the managers who are Bode and Rotimi Makanjuola among others.

    “We look for where the problem is and we provide solution. What I do tell them is to always raise the bar. I tell them that you don’t wait for competitors to come and compete with you before you start raising your bar,” the Chairman said.

    Explaining the beauty of having the MRO and training centre with simulator on ground, 75-year-old Makanjuola said before now, it used to cost Caverton $2 million to train its pilots abroad but that with the simulator available here in Nigeria and at the facility, “We don’t have to do it abroad anymore but right here.”

    He thanked the Federal Government for creating the enabling environment leading to the success of the company.

    He said: “When I started, I didn’t have the money”. With the support we got, here we are. Today “if I go to Bank of Industry and ask for €5 million, they won’t ask me what I  want to use it for because they know that I pay back,” he said in his inspiring regards to guests and upcoming business people at the event.

  • Sanwo-Olu unveils Caverton’s new AW 109 Simulator in Lagos, praises management’s vision

    Sanwo-Olu unveils Caverton’s new AW 109 Simulator in Lagos, praises management’s vision

    To expand its aviation training facilities to meet with international standard, Caverton Helicopters, on Wednesday, December 14, commissioned its ‘Leonardo AW 109 Level Five Simulator’ at its Aviation Training Center at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, lkeja Lagos.

    Dignitaries at the event were chairman, Caverton Offshore Support Group, Mr. Aderemi Makanjuola; his wife, Yoyinsola; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; representative of Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Bolaji Orederu; Chairman, Caverton Helicopters, Mallam Bello Gwandu; Chief Executive Officer of Caverton Offshore Support Group, Mr. Bode Makanjuola; Group Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Rotimi Makanjuola; Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace Limited, Mr. Allen Onyema; and former Minister of State for Finance, Ambassador Bashir Yuguda.

    Lagos state governor Sanwo-Olu praised the founder, Makanjuola, and management for their vision in contributing to the Nigerian economy through job creation. 

    According to him, “He could have locked up what God has given to him and not invest it.”

    The governor described Makanjuola as a man that has stayed in an uncommon terrain by the kind of business he does with Caverton, and commended him for the giant stride he has made.

    He said: “It gladdens my heart that indeed, we can have maintenance of aircraft at this highest level, all just tucked in quietly in Lagos and nobody makes a lot of noise about it. I thought that was all. Now to also come into a facility that has world-class simulators where we can train, we can retrain, we can certify pilots of various grades. I think it’s an investment indeed.

    “We need to commend the leadership of Caverton for being very audacious and for taking these right steps.

    “Today we have seen the unveiling and the commissioning of a new simulator, the Leonardo AW109 simulator. I’ve been to a foreign simulator, but this is my second time, and I tell you, it doesn’t come any better than this. It is real and it has all of the trappings that are inside an aircraft.

    “With this bold steps, Caverton is preventing capita flight as all the training are done locally,” he said. 

    Read Also: Rivers Crisis: Wike now Dean of Politics in Nigeria – APC

    According to Governor Sanwo-Olu,  “With this new innovation, the number of skills,  the number of military and commercial operators that will come to a facility like this to get adequate training will increase.  Training that is normally being carried out abroad  has now been created in our country and in Lagos. And I want to enjoin all players in the industry to rally  and  support investment like this. “Let us ensure that whatever training that we require that does not need us to go abroad, we have it all in our locations and in our facility here in Lagos. And I want to commend the leadership and the management of Caverton.”

    The governor ended his speech by commending the company for its safety standard at every level.

    Earlier in his welcome address, Chief Executive Officer of the company, Olabode Makanjuola, said: “Today is a special day for us as we welcome you all to the launch of Caverton’s AW109 simulator!”

    “It is a a significant milestone in the advancement of aviation training in Nigeria, as we proudly unveil Caverton’s second simulator dedicated to supporting Nigerian pilots and the country’s rotary wing industry. 

    “Our first, a full reality AW 139 Simulator enables us to provide comprehensive and realistic training for our pilots, ensuring the highest standards of safety and operational excellence. The brand new AW109 simulator stands as a testament to our commitment to enhancing the capabilities of our pilots and ensuring the highest standards of safety and proficiency in aviation operations.

    “The AW109 helicopter holds a pivotal role in Nigeria’s aerospace landscape, being utilized by crucial entities such as the Navy, Air Force, NIMASA, as well as various civil operators. As such, the introduction of this simulator is a crucial step towards bolstering the competence and preparedness of our pilots who rely on this sophisticated aircraft for a diverse array of missions,” he said.

    Noting that Caverton’s investment in the state-of-the-art simulator underscores the company’s dedication to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation within the Nigerian aviation industry, Makanjuola said: “By providing our pilots with access to advanced training resources, we are not only elevating the standards of safety and operational efficiency but also positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for cutting-edge aviation training and expertise.”

    Others who gave goodwill messages at the occasion included the Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, and the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogala, represented by Rear Admiral Bolaji Orederu.

    In his remarks, Deputy Governor Hamzat described the discoveries at Caverton training facility as inspiring.

    Delivering a message on behalf of the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Orederu found Caverton’s effort as an achievement that has reduced the stress and cost involved in aircraft maintenance, repairs and training of Nigerian pilots abroad.

     Makanjuola said: “When I was 75  last week, I said I am no more a participant but an adviser to the company”.

    He, however, announced the coming of third simulator, saying that what he had done in the business was to guide the managers who are Bode and Rotimi Makanjuola among others.

    “We look for where the problem is and we provide solution. What I do tell them is to always raise the bar. I tell them that you don’t wait for competitors to come and compete with you before you start raising your bar,” the Chairman said.

    Explaining the beauty of having the MRO and training centre with simulator on ground, 75-year-old Makanjuola said before now, it used to cost Caverton $2 million to train its pilots abroad but that with the simulator available here in Nigeria and at the facility, “We don’t have to do it abroad anymore but right here.”

    He thanked the Federal Government for creating the enabling environment leading to the success of the company.

    He said: “When I started, I didn’t have the money. With the support we got, here we are. Today “if I go to Bank of Industry  and ask for €5 million, they won’t ask me what I  want to use it for because they know that I pay back.”

  • Sanwo-Olu promises medical palliatives to residents

    Sanwo-Olu promises medical palliatives to residents

    Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has promised that his government will embark on health palliatives that will improve the people’s well-being.

    He said the subsidies on health care services and products are to cushion the economic challenges facing the citizens, particularly the rural communities.

    Sanwo-Olu spoke on Wednesday, December 14, at the Police College ground, during the 2023 Community Day Celebration organised by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

    The celebration is themed ‘Community Engagement: A Veritable Tool for Infrastructure Development on Rural Communities’.

    The governor explained that his administration is aware of the growing cost of pharmaceutical drugs in the country, and will provide subvention to residents on medical products as was done in transportation and agric.

    He said: “We will not leave you alone but we will continue to provide amenities in the rural areas. We will not stay at the Ikoyi and Island axis, we will reach out to all the nooks and crannies of the state.

    “Today, we are here to appreciate you and thank you for your efforts aimed at developing the grassroots. As you know, we have slashed the transport fare, we have provided palliatives of foodstuff. We will do more. As a responsive and responsible government, we will also provide palliatives on medicines because the cost of medicines is also rising.”

    While reminding the people of his promise to them earlier in the year, the governor said his administration has created a Department of Rural Development ‘dedicated to taking complaints from and addressing the people’s needs, particularly in the suburbs.

    Read Also: PHOTOS: Shettima, Sanwo-Olu attend Customs conference

    The chairman of the Community Development Advisory Council (CDAC) Alhaji Azeez Amusat thanked the governor for his support and commitment to the people’s welfare. He also thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in the council, particularly the distribution of palliatives to residents across the state.

    He however appealed to the governor to remember the council’s requests during the last community day celebration, viz a community house, and mobility, among other needs of the council.

    The highlight of the event was the presentation of gifts to performing Community Development Associations (CDAs).

    Four CDAs each got 18-seater buses, while six others got a consolation prize of N500,000 each.

    They got the prices for embarking on impactful self-help projects within their community.

  • Sanwo-Olu, Alogba, Olanipekun, others propose measures to reform S’Court

    Sanwo-Olu, Alogba, Olanipekun, others propose measures to reform S’Court

    Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Kazeem Alogba have proposed measures to reform the Supreme Court.

    Others who shared same view with them include the immediate past chairman of Body of Benchers, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) and Dr. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN) among other stakeholders.

    They said the  future of the Supreme Court necessitates not only the preservation of its esteemed tradition but an embrace of innovation, modern technology, adaptability and inclusivity.

    They all spoke on Wednesday at the public presentation of a book written by the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice,  Lawal Pedro (SAN) held at Providence Hotel, Oba Akinjobi Way, Ikeja GRA.

    The book titled: The Supreme Court of a Nigeria; History, Establishment, Jurists and Speeches was co-authored by Mr Abdulrasheed Ibrahim.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs  Abimbola Saliu-Hudeyin said:  “We stand at a juncture where the past achievements of our judiciary serve as a guide, illuminating the path forward towards a more equitable and inclusive legal system, by extension, our society

    “The judiciary and especially the Supreme Court hold a sacred trust in ensuring that justice prevails irrespective of social status or circumstance. Its decisions echo through the canvass of our nation’s history shaping a society that we aspire to leave.

    “However as we embark on this journey of introspection and assessment, we must acknowledge the ever evolving nature of our society and the complexities that lie ahead. 

    “The future of the Supreme Court necessitates not just the preservation of its esteemed tradition but an embrace of innovation, adaptability and inclusivity.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu presents N2.23tn budget for 2024

    “The Supreme Court must remain steadfast in its commitment to dispense justice while embracing the advancement in technology, evolving societal norms and the ever expanding frontier of the law.”

    The governor therefore urged stakeholders in the Justice system, including legal luminaries, scholars, practitioners, and Nigerians to join hands in ensuring that the Supreme Court continues to be a beacon of justice, guided by wisdom, impartiality, and unwavering dedication to upholding the rule of law.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the attorney-general for spare heading the milestone and embarking on the journey of retrospection.

     The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba said the book would give a deeper insight into how the Supreme Court worked. 

    According to him, the book will help Nigerians to reform the Supreme Court in terms of jurisdiction.

    He said: “I listened to learned silk, Pinheiro, when he said certain matters should not go to the Supreme Court. I totally support that, particularly interlocutory application, which is the bane of our judicial system.

    “Once interlocutory matters or simple matters are allowed to go up to the Supreme Court, it is a tactic, which some ingenious lawyers use as a tool to delay proceedings when they foresee that their cases will not succeed.”

     He advised judges not to die on the job but retire if they can no longer do well on the bench saying that retirement age in the justice system should be a personal affair. 

    “When it comes to a time until death do you and the service part, I do not agree. You must assess yourself when you are tired; do not wait; please go home and rest.

    “There is nothing you want to do again which you could not have done on the bench before you got to the stage of being tired, if you are really interested in the work. You do not need to die and have a valedictory for you, so retire if you are no longer in good health.”

    Earlier in his opening remarks, Chief Olanipekun, (SAN) advocated that the Supreme Court should be a melting point for the brightest minds in the legal profession and not just the exclusive reserve of the bench.

    He said: “When you look at our constitution, the Supreme Court should be the melting point of all our best legal practitioners.

    “Senior advocates and non-senior advocates, Judges of the High Court should go there. So many prominent lawyers went there. But we are having a not too healthy situation there now. 

    “At the recent judges’ conference, the President through the Attorney General of the Federation advocated that lawyers should also be allowed into the Supreme Court and surprisingly there was a thunderous opposition from the judges. Unfortunately, we didn’t meet it that way.

    “A searchlight should be beamed on people who should go to that place”, Olanipekun contended.

    The Guest Lecturer Dr. Pinheiro who spoke on the  topic, “Supreme Court: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” noted that there is no reason why each state of the country should not have their own Supreme Court as it is practiced in the United States of America and other foreign nations.

    He said: “It is about time states start having supreme courts if we are really serious about federalism. There is no reason the states cannot have their supreme courts. There are certain cases that should not end up in the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

    “For instance, why would matrimonial matters, customary law cases end up in the Supreme Court? Why would you, for instance, tell a Supreme Court judge who is from Zamfara State to take a decision in relation to customary law that has to do with Ebonyi State law ?It does not make sense.”

     He also suggested that, in order to reduce heavy caseloads in the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the jurisdiction of the court should be limited to only appeals arising from matters within the jurisdiction of federal courts such as the Federal High Court and the National Industrial Court.

  • Sanwo-Olu presents N2.23tn budget for 2024

    Sanwo-Olu presents N2.23tn budget for 2024

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday presented an N2.23 trillion appropriation bill to the House of Assembly for the 2024 fiscal year.

    The ‘Budget of Renewal’ is made up of recurrent expenditure of N1.02 trillion (45 per cent) and capital expenditure of N1.224 trillion (55 per cent). The state envisages N1.847,951 trillion in revenue for the year,

    Economic Affairs takes a chunk of the budget proposal with N535 billion while Education comes second with  N199 billion.

    The provision of “very important infrastructure viz Fourth Mainland Bridge, Food and Logistics Hub, Lagos/Epe International Airport” falls within    “Economic Affairs.”

    A further breakdown of the proposed budget shows that Health will take N156 billion; Environment, N94 billion, Public Order and Safety,  N84 billion and Social Protection,  N50 billion.

    Sanwo-Olu  noted that the 2024 appropriation bill will further cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal and other economic hardships on the people.

    He said: “Mr Speaker, I am indeed privileged to present to you today the Y2024 Budget proposal, tagged ‘The Budget of Renewal’. The process of putting this together has been very carefully guided by our THEMES Governing agenda, which has been with us since the start of the administration, and which we have recently expanded to THEMES+, the ‘+’ embodying our renewed focus on social inclusion, gender equality and youth development; our goal that in Lagos State, no one should or will be left behind.

    “We have gone through some very difficult times, but while the pain is temporary, the dividends of the necessary investments we are making will be here to stay. We are working closely with the Federal Government to ramp up relief measures to help the people alleviate the pains of the subsidy removal and the impact of high inflation. 

    “We are especially concerned about transportation and food costs, and in 2024, we will be keying into the targeted food security initiatives of the Federal Government. For transportation, we are fully on board with the Federal Government’s CNG-powered buses initiative, which will deliver sizable numbers of these buses to each state for public transportation. 

    “The development of any megacity like ours is the responsibility of both the public and private sectors. To this end, we will continue to explore public-private-partnership strategies in the provision of infrastructure, social services, and the conversion of challenges to opportunities within the context of scarce resources.”

    The governor noted that the 2023 budget of N1.7 trillion, as of  Q3 ending September 30, had achieved a N1.032 trillion implementation, representing 78 per cent of the prorated estimate of N1.326 trillion.

    Speaker of the Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, said the budget must address the daunting economic challenges, and must be tailored towards improving the lives of residents.

    Obasa, in his remarks after the governor’s presentation, said the government should begin to look at better ways to alleviate poverty beyond giving out packaged foodstuff.

    The speaker also called for the employment of more people for the effective implementation of government policies, as well as effective youth engagement through sports and related activities.

    He said: “It is important for us to apply the right indices towards ensuring a performing and functioning budget that would lift our people out of poverty and reposition the state towards infrastructural growth and renewal. Palliatives should move from just giving people ‘garri’, rice, beans or even money. We should have a direction that is focused, impactful and deeply backed up by effective policy implementations.

    “Medicines should be provided at all public hospitals at subsidised rates, and focus should be on the downward review of treatment costs..”

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu, First Bank console Onasanya

    Borno State Governor  Babagana Zulum has presented a N340.5 billion budget for 2024 to the state’s House of Assembly.

    The budget comprises   N198.2 billion capital expenditure and N142.3 billion recurrent. 

    Zulum said the proposal would be financed from recurrent revenue of N206.8 billion made up of federal allocation and internally generated revenue.

    His words: “The budget will also be financed by capital receipts of N128.8 billion, comprising of aids and grants as well as capital development funds.

    “The projection of the 2024 budget is predicated on the Federal Government’s fiscal forecast for the 2024-2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework.

    “The internally-generated revenue forecast was adopted with some indications to reflect on the current realities within our purview.’’ 

    The governor lauded the state  Legislative for its sustained support and urged the members to fast-track the passage of the budget.

    A breakdown of the budget showed that the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development has the lion’s share of N53.8 billion followed by Health with N51.1 billion.

    Ministry of Works got N45.4 billion, while Education got N39.4 billion.  

  • Sanwo-Olu, First Bank console Onasanya

    Sanwo-Olu, First Bank console Onasanya

    Burial service for the late Mrs. Selimot Elizabeth Onasanya (Nee Folorunsho) will hold tomorrow at the Abundant Life Baptist Church, Ijede, Ikorodu, at 9am. The service will be followed by interment at the Ikoyi Cemetery (private wing), strictly for family members, and a reception will follow at 2pm in Victoria Island.

    Mrs. Onasanya died on November 16.

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence letter to Founder of The Address Homes, Dr. Bisi Onasanya, acknowledged the impact of the loss on him and the entire Onasanya family. He praised the late Mrs. Onasanya’s legacy, noting her contributions to family values, kindness, discipline, and godliness.

    He said: “Mama was indeed a matriarch whose life was a testament to the enduring values of hard work, honesty, and love for family. At 88, she had lived a fulfilling life, leaving an indelible mark on her family and the people whose lives she touched. Her nurturing resilience and dedication to family and community are traits that we will always cherish when we remember her.”

    Read Also: BREAKING: Sanwo-Olu presents N2.2tn budget for 2024

    First Bank, through its CEO, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, recognised the deceased’s remarkable life, underscoring her lasting legacy of kindness, discipline, and uprightness.

    The letter reads: “On behalf of the Board and staff of First Bank, I extend my deepest condolences to you and your family on the passing of your beloved mother. The passing of such a wonderful woman must be a huge loss, not only to you, but to the entire Onasanya family. However, I urge you to find solace in the fact that mama lived a long, noteworthy, and fulfilled life. Her outstanding qualities and lasting legacy of kindness, discipline, exemplary family values, godliness, and uprightness will be fondly remembered by many.”

  • BREAKING: Sanwo-Olu presents N2.2tn budget for 2024

    BREAKING: Sanwo-Olu presents N2.2tn budget for 2024

    Lagos state governor Babajide on Wednesday, December 13, presented a N2.2 trillion appropriation bill to the House of Assembly as a proposed budget for the 2024 fiscal year.

    The ‘Budget of Renewal’ comprises recurrent expenditure of N1.02 trillion (45 percent) and capital expenditure of N1.224 trillion (55 percent).

    The Economic Affairs takes a chunk of the budget proposal with N539 billion.

    Read Also: Lagos records zero bank robbery in four years as Sanwo-Olu raises N2b for LSSTF

    The governor noted that the 2024 appropriation proposal will further cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal and other economic hardships on the people.

    He added that the budget, in building on the 2023 ‘Budget of Continuity’, it will focus on the provision of very important infrastructure viz Fourth Mainland Bridge, Food and Logistics Hub, Lagos/Epe International Airport, among others, for the people’s benefit.

    Details shortly…