Tag: Sanwo-Olu

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, says his government will donate 300 new vehicles to security agencies to boost their operations in the state.

Sanwo-Olu said this on Tuesday at Victoria Island, during the 17th Annual Town Hall Meeting On Security, with the theme: ”Security Complexities and Convergence: The Lagos State Imperatives”.

He said that the donation would be made by January 2024, to ensure that the Police and other security agencies performed their duties with ease.

The governor said that there were challenges with security but with the efforts of donors to the Lagos State Security Task Force (LSSTF), Lagos State remained the most secured state in the country.

He announced that donors pledged almost N2 billion to the fund at the event, with business mogul, Femi Otedola, pledging N1 billion.

On the death of Oladimeji Aloba, better known as Mohbad, Sanwo-Olu said that the police were doing everything possible to ensure justice was done and served.

The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, said that the influx of people from other parts of the country to Lagos State posed security threat.

Egbetokun, who was represented by Assistant Inspector-General Zone 2, Mr Muhammad Alli, commended the state government on efforts at ensuring a safe Lagos.

Read Also: Sanwo-Olu promises resilient security for residents, properties

Speaking earlier, the Chairman, LSETF, Mr Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti, said that since inception, the fund had received encouragement from the public on the effectiveness of fund and the need to do more to combat the ever-growing security threats in the country, as they affect Lagos State.

Durosinmi-Etti said: “on the whole, 2023 had not been a great year for the fund, even though the total donations surpassed that of 2022 by over 100 per cent.”

He said that the challenges faced by the fund in 2022 were still very much experienced in 2023.

According to him, the unstable economic climate, largely influenced by increasing foreign exchange rates, has been a major challenge to fundraising.

”KPMG predicted that General inflation in Nigeria may hit 30 per cent in December 2023, meaning that the purchasing power of the Naira is still falling an so the fund would purchase less with more money.

”This makes the donation drive even more pertinent for us especially as there is no alternative to our collective funding model, given the indication that the government cannot do it alone.

”The state is contending with several security threats which are clear and present dangers to our ability as citizens to carry out our various legitimate activities unhindered.

”I cannot overemphasise the fact that we must join hands to raise our security preparedness, so we can secure the future of our loved ones. We must make the necessary sacrifice now as tomorrow may be too late,” he said.

(NAN)

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is determined to ensure a resilient security system for all.

He gave the assurance  at the inauguration of a lecture hall, hostel blocks, canteen and commandant’s quarters at  Area M Police Command in Egbeda.

The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin,  said his administration was not unmindful of the impact of insecurity on lives and properties, businesses and the economy.

“That is why we are deliberate in deploying several strategies including provision of skills acquisition, agricultural programmes, construction, wealth creation, employment trust fund and use of technology to make our state greater, safer and more secured as the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria and indeed Africa.

“It goes without saying that a city that never sleeps cannot but be safe for all.”

He said this was why the Lagos State Security Trust Fund was established to support under-funded federal security agencies operating in the state, as well as the Lagos Neighborhood Safety Corps and the recently inaugurated Lagos Constabularies. 

He said all the security outfits have contributed to the reduction of crime and insecurity as well as improved public confidence to certain extent.

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The governor said the facilities attest to the commitment of his administration to ensuring the safety and security of lives and properties   in Idimu and environs.

He  said this bouquet of infrastructure for the police is a testament of his administration’s faith in the police who keep their eyes open while we all go to sleep. 

“We have kept our promise, building beautiful  edifice for Police in all 14 divisions in Lagos

“No doubt, a conducive environment such as this will further enhance the performance of the Commandant and his officers.

“This is important because for meaningful and sustainable development to happen, there is need for a safe and secure environment”, he said.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), said the governor recognises  the paramount importance of a peaceful society, upholding law and order and prevention of crime.

Lawal said that when this happens, investigations, disputes resolution and prosecution in court of law which has the power of imposing penalties and punishments to instill confidence in residents and investors regarding the administration of justice in the state is assured.

Lawal said the Phase I of the project which had the administrative Block had earlier been delivered. He said the newly constructed Police Area “M” Command (Phase II & III) has features such as the Commander Quarters, Lecture Hall, Hostel , Canteen, Water Treatment Plant, Generator House, Waste Area, Car Park, Furniture and Equipment.

He said beyond offering a conducive workspace, the facility is designed to enhance community policing, fostering a closer relationship between law enforcement and Idimu residents as government addresses the security challenges to build a safer and more harmonious society.

The Inspector General of Police  (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun who was represented by ACP Dotun Odubena warned that the new structure was not to be used for wedding reception or other forms of ceremonies.

He said the Police is part of the justice administration empowered to carry out crime prevention and that it will do all within its power to ensure a safer Lagos.

IGP Egbetokun, while commending all those involved in bringing the project to fruition, stated that their commitment to excellence reflects the shared values they all hold very dearly in Lagos State.

Wife of the Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has advocated for speedy prosecution of rape cases.

Mrs. Sanwo-Olu made her stand known during a three-day engagement with stakeholders in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence, including students, government agencies, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC). She urged them to deepen commitment to advocacies towards eliminating all forms of violence against both genders.

The three-day intensive engagement was part of activities put together by the governor’s wife to mark the 2023 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, themed ‘Invest to prevent Violence against Women and Girls’.

During these engagements, Dr. Sanwo-Olu listened to the challenges of the stakeholders, identified solutions, and sought more synergy among concerned parties. She also called for swift investigation of rape cases to give justice to survivors and create a safer environment for all.

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Also, during an advocacy seminar for select pupils from six state-owned secondary schools, the governor’s wife encouraged the pupils to join the campaign against Gender-Based Violence by participating actively in discussions and proffering possible solutions. 

She said: “This is my way of investing in our pupils by equipping them with the necessary knowledge and platforms to speak up against this menace. This is our stand. We must also not encourage a culture of silence. Instead of thinking about the implication of pursuing the case of defilement or rape to a logical conclusion, the interest of the individual that has been abused should come first over and above any other consideration.

“Exposing pupils to this advocacy is to elevate the voices of our young persons to join in shaping the future. This event also ensures that no one is left behind as it puts the students at the forefront of the advocacy.”

Mrs. Sanwo-Olu also visited the Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre, Lagos Island Maternity, Primary Health Centre, and two NGOs – Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), and Mirabel Center – to learn more about their efforts in handling rape cases.

According to her, the visit demonstrates her commitment towards a society free from sexual violence. She added that through the efforts of relevant government agencies, NGOs and her office, an environment where positive change is inspired and a culture of responsibility fostered is assured.

• Says Lagos needs N7tn to meet infrastructure challenges

Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday  assured the business community that his administration will not allow disruption of businesses in the state.

Governor Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance during the 2023 Lagos Corporate Assembly, a business forum tagged “BOS meets with Business Community” at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Ikeja.

Speaking during the meeting attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; members of the State Executive Council, heads of agencies, Captains of Industries and entrepreneurs, Governor Sanwo-Olu urged government agencies to interface with corporate organisations and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) with a human face.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who promised prompt attention to issues during the meeting, reassured the business community that his administration was committed to ease of doing business and a conducive environment for businesses to thrive in the state.

He said: “We have had a very extensive collaborative conversation and there was no disagreement. Everybody brought issues forward and I think at the end of the day, we were able to see solutions being espoused. We were able to make resolutions on how we need to rejig ourselves going forward.  

“Mr. President has given a tall order. He wants an economy that can get to 1 trillion by 2030. And for that to happen, Lagos must be in that conversation. It is the economic nerve center of our country and the businesses that will make that happen need to be on the same page with Mr. President’s. And that is the whole essence of our meeting with them.”

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Governor Sanwo-Olu while speaking on his administration’s commitment to deliver good governance and dividends of democracy, disclosed during the meeting that Lagos State requires about N7 trillion budget size to meet up with infrastructural and basic amenities in 2024.

The governor, however, noted that despite the uncertainty in the global business world, his administration cannot give excuses ‘but must work to achieve its set out goals as promised during the campaign period’.

He said: “Reports gathered from Ministries, Departments and Agencies show that if we have the resources, at least N7 trillion will be needed for the year 2024 budget to meet the state’s infrastructural challenges and other basic amenities. This proves that our proposed N2 trillion budget for 2024 is far from it.

“That is one of the challenges we are having presently. We want to fix roads and do it rightly. We need to scale up with modern technology and put in place enduring policies. We didn’t anticipate the current inflationary rate, our focus is on how to meet the demands of our people amidst the speculative market.

“We are where we are today and if we don’t get it right, it will have dire consequences for our country. But we can’t give excuses, we need to work together. We are running against time. I have a political timeline I am working with and we can’t afford to fail.

“We will need to work together and identify the way forward. We should be able to solve some of our challenges through your ideas and submissions. We must let the MSMEs breathe for a sustainable economy, through friendly policies.”

Governor of Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said that state requires about a N7 trillion budget size to meet up with infrastructural and basic amenities in 2024, 

Sanwo-Olu spoke at the eighth Lagos Corporate Assembly, a business forum, tagged ‘BOS Meets with Business Community’, at the Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja.

The governor, however noted that despite the uncertainty in the global business world, his administration cannot give excuses ‘but must work to achieve its set out goals as promised during the campaign period’. 

He also expressed his administration’s readiness to ensure ease of doing business despite current global challenges.

He said: “Reports gathered from Ministries, Departments and Agencies shows that if we have the resources, at least N7 trillion will be needed for the year 2024 budget to meet the state’s infrastructural challenges and other basic amenities. this proves that our proposed N2 trillion budget for 2024 is far from it.

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“That is one of the challenges we are having presently. We want to fix roads and do it rightly. We need to scale up with modern technology and put in place enduring policies. We didn’t anticipate the current inflationary rate, our focus is on how to meet the demands of our people amidst speculative market.

“We are where we are today and if we don’t get it right, it will have dire consequences on our country. But we can’t give excuses, we need to work together. We are running against time. I have a political timeline am working with and we can’t afford to fail.

“We will need to work together and identify the way forward. We should be able to solve some of our challenges through your ideas and submissions. We must let the MSMEs breathe for a sustainble economy, through friendly policies.”

The commissioner for commerce, Cooperative, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, explained that the corporate assembly has been a very important public–private sector engagement platform, through which the government and the business community interact and discuss issues that are crucial to the state’s industrial and commercial growth.

Ambrose-Medebem promised that all issues raised at the last edition had been addressed adequately by MDAs relevant to improving business in the state.

She added: “The T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Development Agenda was conceived as a comprehensive strategic document to guide the Sanwo-Olu administration in the areas of policy formulation, development, implementation and evaluation against set parameters, in order to aggressively transform the state to a modern economy and meet the yearning and aspirations of all stakeholders, including the business community.

“As a responsive and responsible government, we recognise that ensuring ease of doing business is key to the state’s economic growth and development. This is why the administration, through implementation of various reforms, prioritised the provision of a friendly environment that would support existing businesses while attracting more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). 

“The outcome of the reforms includes, among others, improved time in the issuance of planning permit (down to 10 days for players in the built sector). This was achieved following series of innovations introduced by this administration to make the process seamless, attractive and friendly.

“In the transportation sector, the administration recorded a milestone achievement with the inauguration of the much anticipated first phase of the 27km Lagos Blue Light Rail. The 13-kilometer project from Mile 2 to Marina, stretching across five stations, has brought considerable relief to commuters, reduced stress and public health challenges associated with public transportation, saved productive man-hour loss in traffic and is fast-tracking movement of goods and labour, particularly to the business districts of Lagos Island and Victoria Island.

“To consolidate on what has been done, the government will continue to use platforms such as this Corporate Assembly to sustain the engagement and fire up the conversation that would ensure the state remains focused in its determination to move up the ladder on the global Ease of Doing Business index, and progresses steadily towards inclusive growth that would benefit the investors and the residents… “

The commissioner also reassured stakehokders that ‘more than ever before, Lagos State, in the face of pervasive global economic challenges, is poised to support both the industrial and commercial sectors to maximise potentials towards making greater contribution to the State’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). 

Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has sworn in Biodun Ogunleye and Engr. Olufemi Daramola as members of the State Executive Council.

Ogunleye was sworn in as Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources while Daramola was appointed Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure.

Governor Sanwo-Olu urged the two to begin work immediately by taking their responsibilities to an enviable height do they can meet the yearnings and expectations of Lagos residents.

He said: “It is clear that you will add value. You have been carefully chosen. It is clear to us that you have the pedigree that can take those responsibilities to an enviable position.

“Engr. Daramola is a young man that I have followed up and I have seen his tenacity, commitment to ensure that he puts his very best into assignments and responsibilities that have been given to him.

“He is an example to all other public officers and civil servants that, the Lagos State Executive Council is not an exclusive preserve of external appointees. If you have done well and we see it, you can indeed get on to this level.

“I am sure there are other Permanent Secretaries that would aspire to get to this level. We believe that as a former Permanent Secretary, who we know too well, he (Daramola) would bring a lot of experience into his office as a Special Adviser in the Office of Infrastructure.

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“Mr. Biodun Ogunleye is a man who has a lot of energy. It is not a coincidence that he is Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources. This is an important ministry for us because we led the conversation for the actualisation of the unbundling of that sector as a government.

“So, we have carefully brought in someone that we believe can help achieve and realise the energy sufficiency that we require in Lagos.

“The needs of Lagosians and their aspirations is that every household wants power. They want a sector that will completely meet the yearning of the citizens and we believe with his (Ogunleye) expertise, industry knowledge and wealth of experience, we hope that he will hit the ground running knowing fully well the expectations of that office.”

The executive secretary/chief executive officer of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Abdurrazaq Balogun has said that Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu will next Tuesday play host to top echelons of banks, captains of industries, high net worth individuals and other stakeholders at the 17th Annual General Meeting of the fund.

Balogun, who disclosed this at a pre-AGM press conference held at the fund’s Lagos office, said this year’s AGM which will be held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, will afford the governor to address steps the government has been taking to keep the state safe for investors and other residents.

He said the event will also provide the Lagos state commissioner of police an opportunity to give an account of his stewardship and report what he has been doing with the funds/materials made available to it.

The LSSTF chief said this year’s theme: security complexities and convergence, the Lagos State imperatives, will allow looking at the evolving complex nature of crime and the best funding template to adopt in sustaining the LSSTF.

Read Also: Sanwo-Olu inaugurates Godrej factory

Balogun said the event will be onsite and virtual as Lagosians and others will have the opportunity to follow the proceedings live on all the fund’s social media handles on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) Tiktok, and there will be an opportunity to contribute through the hashtag #17thtownhallmeeting on its Twitter handle, @followlsstf.

He stated security is an expensive recurrent expenditure and all hands must be on deck to deliver the best possible and available to the people of the state.

Balogun, who observed that the inflationary trends have adversely affected the operations of the Fund, said the fund needed about N15 billion yearly to provide the needed intervention for the security agencies and ensure the safety of lives and properties in the state.

He declared that the LSSTF has grown beyond the yearly tokens donated by corporate organisations, many of which often go unfulfilled. He added that with a population of 23 million people, Lagos has the population to sustain a well-funded Security Fund.

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State says the Opebi-Mende-Ojota Link Bridge will be ready for commuters by third quarter of 2024.

Sanwo-Olu re-emphasised this during an inspection of the bridge, to assertion the level of work done in the site on Tuesday.

He said the bridge, whose construction started over a year ago, had reached 65 per cent completion, adding that there were still a lot to be done.

”I’m impressed with the level of work that Messrs Julius Berger has done here. We came here last year, I think about 11 months ago, in January or so, or February, and this bridge was not in existence at that time.

“There was barely nothing. I’m happy with the level of work that we have seen thus far.

”We are still on track with the completion. We are still hoping that by the second quarter of next year, towards the third quarter, we should finish this entire road construction, so that it can be handed over to the residents and also can be made available.

”There is still going to be a bit of furniture that you are going to see on this bridge. Eventually, it will look like another iconic bridge in Lagos, which will be similar to what we have in the Lekki axis.

”As you can see, there is enough room for cycling, there is enough room for pedestrian walking on the road. We are going to see a total life change,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He said the government would encourage people that wanted to exercise by the bridge to do so, and move freely, as government was ensuring that what was seen in other developed nations were replicated in Lagos State.

According to him, the Opebi-Mende-Ojota Link Bridge is meant to solve a major traffic problem and provide alternative routes for Lagos residents.

”People that are commuting from Toyin, Allen, Opebi, how can they access the Ojota bridge? People from Manyland, how can they go on straight into Ikeja?

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”So, it will solve a lot of the alternative problems that we have, either on Kudirat Abiola road, even as far as going towards Alausa and it also try to solve the major traffic issues we have on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way,” he said.

The governor said the bridge was situated in a very tough terrain, which had made the project manager, Julius Berger, to do 20 metres excavation, so as to execute a solid bridge.

”The soil texture is really bad. In fact, the project manager, Julius Berger, says they have to do excavation of over 20 metres in some places, so that they can preserve the land and they can work seamlessly.

”What this has opened up to is that this is an economic development and we are changing the face of traffic management, we are changing the face of commuting in Lagos and we are changing the face of access to modern infrastructure roads and development,” he said. (NAN)