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Tag: Sanwo-Olu

  • ‘Consider physically-challenge’s needs in 2026 Budget’

    ‘Consider physically-challenge’s needs in 2026 Budget’

    A non-governmental organisation (NGO) dedicated to the welfare of persons living with disabilities, Kehinde Oshilaja Foundation, has appealed to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, to factor the needs of people with disabilities into the 2026 Lagos State Appropriation Bill.

    In a letter titled: “Letter of Proposal and Budget,” signed by the Coordinator, Comrade Kehinde Oshilaja, the foundation urged the state government not to overlook the physically-challenged community in its plans for affordable housing, health care and other infrastructures.

    The foundation appealed for the inclusion of well-equipped sporting facilities designed to enhance the physical and social well-being of persons with disabilities across the state.

    Read Also: FCT Minister Wike, military officer in altercation over land

    Oshilaja said the organisation had supported and cooperated with the Lagos State Government in its efforts to promote inclusiveness and social development.

    He reaffirmed the group’s loyalty to the Sanwo-Olu administration and hoped the government would continue to champion policies that would guarantee equal opportunities for residents, regardless of physical condition.

    The NGO hailed the government for its interventions in social welfare, education and empowerment, and called for more initiatives that would address the challenges faced by persons living with disabilities.

  • Sanwo-Olu at Arewa House: we’ll defeat insecurity, others

    Sanwo-Olu at Arewa House: we’ll defeat insecurity, others

    Lagos State Governor  Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said that Nigeria will defeat the challenge of insecurity and others currently facing the country.

    The Governor also advocated for stronger unity, saying Nigerians should be united to surmount other developmental issues.

    He said Nigerians must adopt a homegrown, local and bottom-up approach in the actualisation of state policing, local government autonomy, presidential legacy infrastructure projects connecting cities and opening up of rural areas, and other demanding issues for the development of the country.

     Sanwo-Olu spoke yesterday at a one-day lecture marking the nation’s  65th Independence Anniversary , organised by the Arewa Think Tank, themed: “65th Year of Nigeria Independence: The Journey So Far with the Renewed Hope Agenda in View” at Arewa House Auditorium, Kaduna State.

    The event, chaired by former President of the Senate and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Anyim Pius, was attended by the former Governors of Osun, Ogun and Kaduna states, Chief Bisi Akande, Aremo Olusegun Osoba and Mukhtar Ramalan-Yero.

    Read Also: Senate rejects NNPCL’s defence on missing N210tr

     Others are the former Governor of Jigawa State and current Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, top officials of Kaduna State Government, former and current public office holders, religious and traditional leaders and captains of industries, among others.

    Sanwo-Olu, who was the Guest Speaker, challenged current public office holders to build on the legacies of the founding fathers like the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and other leaders, patriots and founding fathers of Nigeria, by studying their lives, their examples and learning from their successes and their shortcomings.

    He said: “No one is perfect, and politics and public service are not about perfection. Instead, they are about constantly improving, fine-tuning, reforming—planting trees we might not be around to enjoy, building to leave behind a better country and a better planet than the one we inherited.

    Echoing his call for stronger unity as a nation,  Sanwo-Olu said: “I will close with a strong message of hope and unity for these times that we are in, against the backdrop of the challenges that we are confronting as a nation, including very controversial claims from the United States government about religious persecution and intolerance.

    “We will continue to affirm that Nigeria is a proudly multiethnic, multi-religious and multicultural country, where the things that bind us together are far weightier than whatever seeks to separate or divide us.

    “We stand together as citizens and compatriots, firm in our conviction about our common destiny. God has put us together for a purpose, and we shall achieve that purpose without distraction or division.

    “We shall defeat every challenge: poverty, hunger, and, as the President himself has assured us, terrorism. As His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reminded us earlier this week, ‘The task ahead is immense, but it is our resolve to move forward with unity and purpose, guided by the Renewed Hope Agenda to build a prosperous, inclusive and resilient Nigeria.”

    Speaking about President Tinubu’s administration,  Sanwo-Olu said the President, in his politics and vision, taps heavily into the audacious foresight that defined Sir Ahmadu Bello’s generation, noting that “The President’s Renewed Hope Agenda is a clear testament to this foresight—and he has faithfully implemented its pledges and commitments since he assumed office on May 29, 2023.

    He said the Renewed Hope Agenda, anchored on progressive thinking and solutions, is in full alignment with the founding ideals and long-term direction of the All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that the comprehensive agenda focuses on economic growth and diversification, security in all its ramifications (national security, energy security, food security), national infrastructure, human capital development, and governance reform.

    “At the state level, APC governors are encouraged to draw from and align with these pillars in our various governing agendas. In Lagos State, for example, our THEMES+ agenda is fully aligned, emphasising infrastructure, human capital development, diversification through entertainment and tourism, security, governance reform, and social inclusion. This unity of purpose, across tiers of government, is an essential foundation for fast-tracking development in Nigeria,” he said.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu said the removal of the petrol subsidy, unification of exchange rates and the introduction, passage and presidential assent to four tax acts by President Tinubu are commendable, noting that “These fiscal reforms represent a hard reset of the Nigerian system. A reset away from dysfunction, to efficiency, away from wasteful consumption, to productivity. The country now possesses a new engine that enables it to operate at its maximum capacity.

    “The reform foundation of the Renewed Hope Agenda has not just been about blocking leakages; even more importantly, it is about increasing the quantum of resources available to drive real and sustainable growth and development.

     Sanwo-Olu, while emphasising the need for true federalism in Nigeria, commended President Tinubu for building a fair and equitable society and closing the widened inequality. He said the revenue has surged under the watch of President Tinubu, and there is now more money for governors and local government chairmen to do more work that benefits the people of Nigeria.

    He said: “Mr. President is a veteran unifier and a bridge-builder, and this is self-evident from the breadth and vastness of his personal and political networks across Nigeria and even Africa. And I can very boldly say that bridge-building is what the Renewed Hope Agenda is all about as well.

    “The agenda seeks to build bridges—bridges of impactful reform, of enduring development, of collective prosperity, and of equity and national unity—in Nigeria. And it is doing this with the understanding that Nigeria is a large and diverse country, comprising various regions that must be allowed to advance in a way that is compatible with their specific contexts and circumstances.”

    Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that: “Having been Governor, President Tinubu not only knows what it is to run a subnational government—he also understands very deeply the role that state and local governments play in actualising national development. This is why he has put so much focus on empowering those two tiers of government. Between 2023 and 2024, federal allocations to state governments grew by a whopping 65 per cent—i.e., almost two-thirds—while those to local governments grew by 47 per cent—i.e., almost half.

    “That pattern has continued to date and is set to grow even further from 2026, with the new tax laws which have reduced the Federal Government’s share of VAT from 15 per cent to 10 per cent, while raising the share for states and local government areas to 55 per cent and 35 per cent, respectively. Yet another demonstration of the lengths to which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will go to take decisions for the collective good, and not personal gain.

    “For the local governments, he took the matter of their financial autonomy to the Supreme Court and made a convincing case that secured a historic judgement in favour of local governments. He is equally committed to ensuring the full implementation of this financial autonomy for this tier of government that is closest to the needs and aspirations and desires of the Nigerian people.

    “The tireless reformer that he is, the President is now on a quest to extend the reforms and restructuring to Nigeria’s security architecture in a manner that has never been seen since 1960. I am referring here to the issue of State Policing— which is most accurately described as an arrangement that empowers state governments to have a greater say in the security of their states and local communities.

    “When the President sets out to achieve a fundamental reform, we know that, regardless of all the odds and challenges, he will—working with and carrying along all stakeholders—achieve his objectives.”

  • Sanwo-Olu: we will defeat insecurity

    Sanwo-Olu: we will defeat insecurity

    …governor advocates stronger unity, lists gains of Renewed Hope Agenda

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday said that Nigeria will defeat insecurity and others problems currently facing the country. 

    The governor also advocated for stronger unity, saying Nigerians should be united to surmount other developmental issues.

    He said Nigerians must adopt a homegrown, local and bottom-up approach in the actualisation of state policing, local government autonomy, presidential legacy infrastructure projects connecting cities and opening up of rural areas, and other demanding issues for the development of the country.

     Sanwo-Olu spoke on Tuesday at the one-day lecture marking the 65th Independence Anniversary of Nigeria, organised by the Arewa Think Tank, themed “65th Year of Nigeria Independence: The Journey So Far with the Renewed Hope Agenda in View” at Arewa House Auditorium, Kaduna State.

    The event, chaired by former President of the Senate and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Anyim Pius, was attended by the former Governors of Osun, Ogun and Kaduna States, Chief Bisi Akande, Aremo Olusegun Osoba and Mukhtar Ramalan-Yero. 

    Others are the former Governor of Jigawa State and current Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, top officials of Kaduna State Government, former and current public office holders, religious and traditional leaders and captains of industries, among others.

    Sanwo-Olu, who was the Guest Speaker, challenged current public office holders to build on the legacies of the founding fathers like the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and other leaders, patriots and founding fathers of Nigeria, by studying their lives, their examples and learning from their successes and their shortcomings.

    He said, “No one is perfect, and politics and public service are not about perfection. Instead, they are about constantly improving, fine-tuning, reforming—planting trees we might not be around to enjoy, building to leave behind a better country and a better planet than the one we inherited.

    While echoing his call for stronger unity as a nation, Governor Sanwo-Olu said: “I will close with a strong message of hope and unity for these times that we are in, against the backdrop of the challenges that we are confronting as a nation, including very controversial claims from the United States government about religious persecution and intolerance.

    “We will continue to affirm that Nigeria is a proudly multiethnic, multi-religious and multicultural country, where the things that bind us together are far weightier than whatever seeks to separate or divide us.

    “We stand together as citizens and compatriots, firm in our conviction about our common destiny. God has put us together for a purpose, and we shall achieve that purpose without distraction or division.

    “We shall defeat every challenge: poverty, hunger, and, as the President himself has assured us, terrorism. As His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reminded us earlier this week, ‘The task ahead is immense, but it is our resolve to move forward with unity and purpose, guided by the Renewed Hope Agenda to build a prosperous, inclusive and resilient Nigeria.”

    On President Tinubu’s administration, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the President, in his politics and vision, taps heavily into the audacious foresight that defined Sir Ahmadu Bello’s generation, noting that “The President’s Renewed Hope Agenda is a clear testament to this foresight—and he has faithfully implemented its pledges and commitments since he assumed office on May 29, 2023.”

    He said the Renewed Hope Agenda, anchored on progressive thinking and solutions, is in full alignment with the founding ideals and long-term direction of the All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that the comprehensive agenda focuses on economic growth and diversification, security in all its ramifications (national security, energy security, food security), national infrastructure, human capital development, and governance reform.

    “At the state level, APC governors are encouraged to draw from and align with these pillars in our various governing agendas. In Lagos State, for example, our THEMES+ agenda is fully aligned, emphasising infrastructure, human capital development, diversification through entertainment and tourism, security, governance reform, and social inclusion. This unity of purpose, across tiers of government, is an essential foundation for fast-tracking development in Nigeria,” he said.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu said the removal of the petrol subsidy, unification of exchange rates and the introduction, passage and presidential assent to four tax acts by President Tinubu are commendable, noting that “These fiscal reforms represent a hard reset of the Nigerian system. A reset away from dysfunction, to efficiency, away from wasteful consumption, to productivity. The country now possesses a new engine that enables it to operate at its maximum capacity.

    “The reform foundation of the Renewed Hope Agenda has not just been about blocking leakages; even more importantly, it is about increasing the quantum of resources available to drive real and sustainable growth and development.

    Governor Sanwo-Olu, while emphasising the need for true federalism in Nigeria, commended President Tinubu for building a fair and equitable society and closing the widened inequality. He said the revenue has surged under the watch of President Tinubu, and there is now more money for governors and local government chairmen to do more work that benefits the people of Nigeria.

    He said: “Mr. President is a veteran unifier and a bridge-builder, and this is self-evident from the breadth and vastness of his personal and political networks across Nigeria and even Africa. And I can very boldly say that bridge-building is what the Renewed Hope Agenda is all about as well.

    “The agenda seeks to build bridges—bridges of impactful reform, of enduring development, of collective prosperity, and of equity and national unity—in Nigeria. And it is doing this with the understanding that Nigeria is a large and diverse country, comprising various regions that must be allowed to advance in a way that is compatible with their specific contexts and circumstances.”

    Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that: “Having been Governor, President Tinubu not only knows what it is to run a subnational government—he also understands very deeply the role that state and local governments play in actualising national development. This is why he has put so much focus on empowering those two tiers of government. Between 2023 and 2024, federal allocations to state governments grew by a whopping 65 per cent—i.e., almost two-thirds—while those to local governments grew by 47 per cent—i.e., almost half.

    “That pattern has continued to date and is set to grow even further from 2026, with the new tax laws which have reduced the Federal Government’s share of VAT from 15 per cent to 10 per cent, while raising the share for states and local government areas to 55 per cent and 35 per cent, respectively. Yet another demonstration of the lengths to which President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will go to take decisions for the collective good, and not personal gain.

    “For the local governments, he took the matter of their financial autonomy to the Supreme Court and made a convincing case that secured a historic judgement in favour of local governments. He is equally committed to ensuring the full implementation of this financial autonomy for this tier of government that is closest to the needs and aspirations and desires of the Nigerian people.

    “The tireless reformer that he is, the President is now on a quest to extend the reforms and restructuring to Nigeria’s security architecture in a manner that has never been seen since 1960. I am referring here to the issue of State Policing— which is most accurately described as an arrangement that empowers state governments to have a greater say in the security of their states and local communities.

    “When the President sets out to achieve a fundamental reform, we know that, regardless of all the odds and challenges, he will—working with and carrying along all stakeholders—achieve his objectives.”

  • No governor can complain of lack of funds under Tinubu’s administration — Sanwo-Olu

    No governor can complain of lack of funds under Tinubu’s administration — Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has declared that under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, no state governor or local government chairman can genuinely complain of a lack of funds.

    He said the Tinubu administration has significantly increased allocations to subnational governments, ensuring that states and local councils have more resources to meet their developmental obligations.

    Sanwo-Olu stated this on Tuesday, November 11, while delivering the keynote address at a one-day public lecture organized by the Arewa Think Tank (ATT) to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary at the Arewa House, Kaduna.

    The lecture, themed “65 Years of Nigeria’s Independence: The Journey So Far with the Renewed Hope Agenda in View,” brought together political leaders, academics, youth groups, and other stakeholders to reflect on Nigeria’s national progress and future under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The Lagos Governor praised the resilience and ingenuity of Nigerians since independence, noting that despite the country’s challenges, its capacity for growth, reform, and unity remains unmatched.

    “Today, that story has changed. Ask any State Governor or Local Government Chairman, and they will tell you just how much revenue has surged under the watch of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. There is now more money to do more that benefits the people of Nigeria,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    He attributed the improved fiscal outlook to deliberate policy reforms by the Tinubu administration, particularly those designed to strengthen federalism and empower the states and local governments.

    According to him, between 2023 and 2024, federal allocations to state governments rose by about 62 percent, while allocations to local governments increased by 47 percent. He said the recently enacted tax reforms, which reduced the Federal Government’s share of Value Added Tax (VAT) from 15 percent to 10 percent, further underscored the President’s commitment to fiscal decentralization and grassroots development.

    READ ALSO: Tinubu unstoppable in 2027, says Orji Kalu

    “With the new tax laws, states now get 55 percent of VAT, while local governments receive 35 percent. This is another bold step by the President to ensure that governance is closer to the people,” he noted.

    Sanwo-Olu also lauded the President’s insistence on local government financial autonomy, recalling the administration’s Supreme Court victory, which secured historic legal backing for that autonomy.

    He disclosed that President Tinubu’s next major reform focus is restructuring Nigeria’s security architecture through the creation of State Police, an initiative he described as “long overdue and fundamental.”

    Citing Tinubu’s recent remarks during a meeting with Katsina leaders, Sanwo-Olu quoted: “I am reviewing all aspects of security. I have to create a State Police. We are looking at that holistically. We will defeat insecurity.”

    He described the Renewed Hope Agenda as a bridge-building framework aimed at uniting Nigeria’s diverse regions through equity, reform, and inclusive development.

    “President Tinubu is a veteran unifier and a bridge-builder. His Renewed Hope Agenda is about connecting Nigeria, bridges of reform, prosperity, and national unity,” he said.

    Drawing inspiration from Nigeria’s founding fathers, especially the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, Sanwo-Olu emphasized that true national development must be homegrown and context-specific.

    “More than six decades later, Sardauna’s words still ring true. Our duty is to build on those legacies, planting trees we may not sit under, but ensuring a better Nigeria for future generations,” he said.

    He reaffirmed that Nigeria’s diversity remains its greatest strength, saying: “We will continue to affirm that Nigeria is a proudly multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multicultural country. What binds us together is far stronger than what divides us. We shall overcome every challenge, poverty, hunger, and terrorism.”

    Sanwo-Olu pledged Lagos State’s continued partnership with the Federal Government in actualizing the Renewed Hope Agenda and building a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient nation.

    “The task ahead is immense, but together, guided by unity and purpose, we will achieve it,” he assured.

  • Sanwo-Olu to deliver Arewa Think  Tank lecture today

    Sanwo-Olu to deliver Arewa Think  Tank lecture today

    Lagos State Governor and Chairman of the Southwest Governors Forum, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will today deliver a lecture in commemoration of the 65th Independence Anniversary of Nigeria at the Arewa House, Kaduna.

    Read Also: Tinubu has what it takes to secure Nigeria, says Information Minister

    Governor Sanwo-Olu, as a Guest Speaker, will deliver a lecture titled: “65 Years of Nigeria’s Independence: A Journey So Far with the Renewed Hope Agenda in View”, at a one-day public event organised by the Arewa Think Tank, a Northern Nigerian socio-political and policy advocacy group comprising professionals from 19 northern states.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the Special Guest of Honour for the event to be chaired by former President of the Senate and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Anyim Pius, and co-chaired by Madakin Zazzau, Mallam Mohammed Munir Ja’afaru.

  • How we will create blue finance through climate resilience, by Sanwo-Olu

    How we will create blue finance through climate resilience, by Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable growth and coastal resilience at the 11th Lagos International Climate Change Summit.

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said this at the opening ceremony of the summit  in Lagos.

    The summit had the theme: “Blue Economy, Green Money: Financing Africa’s Coastal Resilience and Ocean Innovation.”

    Sanwo-Olu said that Lagos, being a city built on water, energy and entrepreneurship, must ensure a sustainable future for its residents, while harnessing the power of its ocean resources.

     “Lagos is a city built on water, energy, and entrepreneurship.

     “Our responsibility is to ensure that this foundation remains sustainable for generations to come,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    He said his administration was deliberate in creating blue finance, citing the Great Wall of Lagos as an example of how the state transformed a former ocean surge zone into prime land.

    He said: “With the Great Wall of Lagos, we turned what was once a threat into an opportunity a place of economic value, safety, and growth. That is the spirit of innovation we are building on”.

    Also, at the summit, the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) called for stronger alignment between Nigeria’s federal, state, and global climate strategies to unlock billions of dollars in private investment for the country’s emerging blue economy.

    Director General, Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), who was represented by the Head of Investment Management, Taiwo Ajetunmobi, commended Lagos State for taking the lead in subnational climate action and setting a continental benchmark for sustainable growth and innovation.

    Sanwo-Olu reiterated that Lagos was committed to leading Africa and the global community in the pursuit of a clean climate and a vibrant blue economy, describing it as “a lifeline for the planet.”

     “Lagos is committed to leading Africa and the global community in the pursuit of a clean climate and a vibrant blue economy, which remains a lifeline for the planet,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    Easter in his welcome address, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, said the summit underscored the state’s determination to unlock sustainable financing and pioneer innovative solutions that safeguard the ocean and strengthen coastal communities.

     “Lagos sees opportunity where others see risk, by transforming its blue economy into an engine of inclusive growth and environmental sustainability,” he said.

    Wahab highlighted ongoing state-led initiatives, including the soon-to-be-commissioned biogas facility at the Ikosi-Isheri Fruit Market, in partnership with the C40 Global Leadership Group.

     “The biogas project will convert fruit waste into clean energy for lighting, cooking, and phone charging, while also producing natural fertiliser for farmers,” he said.

    Wahab added that the governor would unveil the Climate Investment Opportunities Diagnostic, a policy document linking environmental goals, with actionable investment pathways.

    He noted that Lagos had been ranked the top-performing stare in climate government for the second consecutive year.

     “We are ready for investment, ready for innovation, and ready to build resilience that benefits all our people,” he said.He called for greater collaboration among African coastal cities, adding that Lagos was ready for investment, innovation, and to build resilience that benefits all its people.

    Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, said the Federal Government had implemented wide-ranging reforms to enhance security on Nigeria’s territorial waters and reduce piracy.

    Oyetola was represented at the event by the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr Dayo Mobereola.

    He added that the ministry had advanced fiscal and legal frameworks, promoted waste-to-wealth initiatives, and partnered with stakeholders to finance the blue economy and drive maritime research.

    The Nation reports that representatives of the governments of Osun State and international partners from Britain, China, and Germany attended the summit.

    The representatives, in their goodwill messages, reaffirmed their commitment to driving green growth, embracing climate vulnerability as an opportunity for progress, and advancing Africa’s blue economy for a sustainable future.

    Read Also: Trump’s crusade to save “Nigerian Christians”

    Ajetunmobi highlighted Lagos’s unique potential, anchored on its 180-kilometre coastline, strong private sector base, and expanding maritime infrastructure. He cited the Lekki Deep Sea Port as a shining example of effective federal–state collaboration that successfully attracted over $1 billion in private equity investment, positioning Nigeria as a regional maritime hub.

     “Investors look for three things — policy coherence, regulatory predictability, and project bankability. When these align, private capital follows,” he said. “By synchronising federal vision with subnational execution, Lagos can unlock billions in blended finance for coastal resilience and sustainable infrastructure.”

    He further outlined various Public–Private Partnership (PPP) models such as Build–Operate–Transfer (BOT), Design–Build–Finance–Operate (DBFO), and Lease–Develop–Operate (LDO), urging stakeholders to reform and standardise processes, improve transparency, and strengthen institutional capacity to attract long-term investors.

    The NCSP Director-General also pointed to China’s growing role as a strategic partner in Nigeria’s Blue Economy, citing increasing investor interest in waste-to-energy, solar-powered cold-chain systems, and water transport projects.

     “China leads globally in clean energy and marine infrastructure. With transparent and commercially viable frameworks, Lagos can attract long-term equity partnerships that deliver real value to its people,” Ajetunmobi noted.

    He called for unified action among key stakeholders to harness the nation’s vast coastal and marine resources sustainably.

    “The tide of opportunity is rising, and Lagos must rise with it. By aligning state, federal, and global strategies, we can transform Nigeria’s maritime potential into real wealth and shared prosperity,” he said.

    Reaffirming its commitment, the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) pledged continued support for initiatives that strengthen Nigeria’s climate resilience, enhance blue economy innovation, and position Lagos as Africa’s hub for sustainable ocean-based development.

  • COWLSO honours Sanwo-Olu’s aide at 25

    COWLSO honours Sanwo-Olu’s aide at 25

    Special Adviser to Lagos State governor on Works, Dr. Adekunle Olayinka, was among dignitaries honoured at the 25th National Women’s Conference of Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), at  Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    With the theme: “25 Years of Visionary Legacy: Inspiring the Next Generation,” this edition showed COWLSO’s dedication to empowerment of women, transformation of families, and strengthening of communities in Lagos State and beyond.

    Other personalities include Senator Easily Sanni; Senator Ganiu Solomon; Baba Ajasco Oba Saheed Elegushi, Kusenla III; Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal, Oniru of Iru, Abisogun II; Oba Sulaimon Raji, Oniba of Iba 

    They were recognized for their leadership, contributions, and commitment to service and societal advancement.

    Read Also: ‘Nigeria can leverage Islamic finance to deepen inclusive economic growth’

    Dr. Olayinka lauded leadership of COWLSO and appreciated the wives, mothers, and sisters whose support and contributions continue to impact communities.

    An ally of COWLSO, Olayinka is acknowledged as a consistent achiever and strategic goal-setter.

    His dedication to public service and role in sustainable development of Works earned him this recognition

    This accolade not only commemorates Dr. Olayinka’s professional accomplishments but also aligns with the broader vision of COWLSO to inspire, uplift, and transform society through collaborative leadership and enduring legacy.

  • Lagos council legislative arm to write Sanwo-Olu on chairman’s resignation

    Lagos council legislative arm to write Sanwo-Olu on chairman’s resignation

    The Agege Legislative Arm in Lagos State has announced the receipt of a resignation letter from the incumbent Executive Chairman of the Council, Alhaji Tunde Azeez, saying the correspondence would be communicated to the State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    It was earlier reported on Wednesday that Hon. Azeez resigned on failing health grounds after transferring power to his Vice Chairman, Hon.AbdulGaniyu Vinod Obasa about two months ago to embark on medical leave.

    Speaking to newsmen at a press briefing attended by all the seven councillors, the leader of the legislative arm, Hon. Haruna Adeshina, acknowledged the receipt of Azeez’s letter on behalf of his fellow councillors.

    Adeshina declared that the councillors unanimously commended the Council Chairman’s decision to turn in his resignation letter to enable him, attend to his health. 

    “We commend Hon. Tunde Azeez profoundly for this decision to relinquish his chairmanship position and not hold on to power at the detriment of the development of our community,” the leader said.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu, others seek continental battle against human trafficking, ritual killings

    He added that the final decision on the matter lied with the State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    “While AbdulGaniyu Vinod Obasa still remains as the Acting Chairman of the Council, we are in the process of sending Hon Azeez’s resignation letter to our supervising ministry, the Ministery of Local Government for onward transmission to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his consideration, in line with the provision of the constitution” the Council leader stated.

    In attendance at the media briefing were immediate-past Council Chairmen of Agege Local Government and Orile Agege Local Council Development Area, Chief Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi and Pastor JS Babatunde.

  • Sanwo-Olu throws weight behind Bodex Social Media Hangout team to become grand patron

    Sanwo-Olu throws weight behind Bodex Social Media Hangout team to become grand patron

    The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has thrown his heavy weight behind the Bodex Social Media Hangout (BSMH) team to become the initiative’s grand patron.

    Sanwo-Olu made this known during a courtesy visit to the Governor by the team led by the convener, Bodex Hungbo, as part of activities leading up to the sixth edition of the Bodex Social Media Hangout (BSMH 6.0).

    Themed “Social Media and A.I Influence: Transforming Yourself, Services, and the Society,”

    The 2025  edition continues the platform’s mission to promote responsible media use, foster digital literacy, and empower social media users across Nigeria.

    During the visit, the BSMH team expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Governor for his administration’s continuous support of media innovation and youth focused initiatives in Lagos State.

    Read Also: Messi  set to extend Inter Miami  contract beyond 2026

    Hungbo noted that the Governor’s digital forward policies and open engagement with citizens have set Lagos apart as a model for digital governance and media inclusion in Africa.

    Speaking at the meeting, the Governor emphasized that Lagos remains the heartbeat of innovation and creativity, and as a Governor who celebrates homegrown talent making global impact, he will continue to support platforms that amplify voices, shape narratives, and promote responsible digital engagement.

    The highlight of the visit was the formal presentation of an official invitation to the Governor to attend BSMH 6.0 as a Keynote Speaker during the Grand Finale and the Grand Patron Award Ceremony.

    In a statement, Hungo noted that Sanwo-Olu will be presented with the award for “Most Digital Media Friendly Governor of the Year” during the grand finale in recognition of his visionary leadership and commitment to leveraging technology for public engagement and transparency in governance.

    The Governor warmly accepted the honor, commended the BSMH team for their efforts in bridging the gap between social media and societal progress, and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote responsible media use and digital growth across Lagos State.

  • Unity, cooperation key to Africa’s development – Sanwo-Olu

    Unity, cooperation key to Africa’s development – Sanwo-Olu

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has emphasised the need for unity and cooperation among Africans in spite of their cultural and linguistic differences.

    Sanwo-Olu said this during a courtesy visit by the Deputy Minister of International Relations of the Republic of South Africa, Thandi Moraka, on Thursday, in Ikoyi, Lagos.

    The governor was represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat.

    He said Africans would be doing disservice to their people if they failed to work together.

    we are tied together and would be doing a total disservice to our people if we don’t work together as one.

    The governor noted that the world was witnessing a trend of regional integration, with Europe and Asia uniting to advance their interests.

    “We can see what is happening around the world. Europe is united, Asia is united, therefore, Africa must also unite.

    “Therefore, as Africans we really have no choice than to work together because this is the place where everything happens,” he said.

    Sanwo-Olu also stressed that Africans must take charge of their development and not rely on others to do it for them.

    He noted that African businesses were already working together, citing examples of South African companies such as ShopRite, MTN, and Multi-Choice that had invested in Nigeria.

    “Our people are already working together. So, it’s for us as governments to make sure that we help our people to work seamlessly,” he said.

    Sanwo-Olu acknowledged that there would be challenges, but emphasised that Africans must come together and work towards a common goal.

    “We cannot continue to see ourselves as different people, we should be united as one people irrespective of our different cultures and beliefs,” he said.

    The governor expressed optimism that the visit would lead to meaningful collaboration between Lagos State and South Africa, with both parties working together to build their economies and uplift their people.

    He called for a relationship built on mutual respect and openness, with both parties working together to promote trade and investment between Lagos State and South Africa.

    “Let us have a relationship that is actually very solid, and built on mutual respect for each other, and that we can uplift our people as Africans,” he said.

    The Deputy Minister of International Relations of the Republic of South Africa, Moraka, said the aim of the visit was to strengthen the historic ties between South Africa and Nigeria and explore opportunities for economic cooperation.

    According to her, the visit was a follow-up to the successful South Africa-Nigeria Binational Commission held in South Africa in 2024, which resulted in the finalisation of an Endorsement Warning Mechanism.

    “This framework will enhance areas of collaboration and protect businesses in both countries,” she said.

    Moraka expressed her excitement about the potential for economic cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the creative industry space.

    “We do have a new genre called Amapiano, which is taking the world by the storm. And we are also looking forward to collaborating with yourselves as you are the half of the Afrobeats,” she said.

    The Deputy Minister said her engagements in Lagos would focus on exploring opportunities for collaboration and investment in the telecommunication, financial, and creative industry spaces.

    She also acknowledged the efforts of the various business chambers in both countries in promoting mutual investment and job creation opportunities.

    Moraka emphasised the importance of strengthening bilateral relations between South Africa and Nigeria, citing their shared vision for a peaceful and prosperous integrated Africa.

    “We have a common vision and we want to work together towards peaceful and prosperous integrated Africa that we all want.

    “We look forward to continued cooperation between the Lagos State Government and the Government of the Republic of South Africa,” she said.

    (NAN)