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Tag: Sanwo-Olu

  • Video: Osinbajo, Ambode, Sanwo-Olu canvass support for Buhari

    Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo has urged the people of Alimosho Local Government to vote for President Muhammadu Buhari, for continuity of good governance.

    Osinbajo, along with Governor Akinwumi Ambode and the governorship candidate of  All Progressives Congress( APC) in Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-olu appealed to the people to vote the party’s candidates in the forthcoming elections.

    Speaking to the crowd at Greenland Stadium in Abesan Estate, Ipaja,  Osinbajo urged party members to work tirelessly for President Buhari and other candidates’ victory during the polls.

    He said: ‘’Alimosho is very crucial to APC as the largest local government with votes in Lagos State. There are votes in Alimosho. We should all go out and vote on February 16 for Buhari. We are expecting large votes from Alimosho, which has the largest voting population,” he said.

    In his address, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said: “Alimosho votes are very crucial to APC’s victory. We should all go out and vote enmasse for President Buhari and other APC candidates in February 16 elections. We should also vote for Sanwo-Olu and other APC candidates on March 2.

    “You can see all of us coming together to campaign. It is a complete house and we are all united to work for APC’s victory in Lagos State.”

    Also speaking, Lagos APC governorship candidate, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu urged the residents of Alimosho to vote for all APC candidates.

    “The Vice President is here to visit us in our neighborhood. We are here to campaign for President Buhari. We should come out enmasse and vote for Buhari in February 16 and vote for all APC candidates in the February 16 and March 2 elections,” he said.

    The senator representing Lagos West Senatorial District, Solomon Adeola said Muhammadu Buhari-led APC administration had performed creditably and should be reelected.

    His words: “We are all here to solicit your votes for President Buhari and other APC candidates in February 16 and March 2 elections.

    “We are all aware of APC programmes and laudable achievements since 2015 till date. We have performed better than what previous administration did in 16 years.”

  • Sanwo-Olu, Agbaje throw jabs at Lagos forum

    Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) counterpart, Mr Jimi Agbaje, yesterday differed on infrastructure, health and other issues critical to  the development of the state.

    The candidates spoke during the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Private Sector Interactive Forum with governorship candidates in Lagos.

    Addressing issues of traffic and transport management, Sanwo-Olu said that government was a continuum and vowed  to continue all projects started by his predecessor for the benefit of citizens.

    He said that his plan for traffic was holistic, from road repairs and construction to opening up more means of transportation through waterways and rail, to training and empowerment of traffic officials.

    “For years during the PDP rule, we asked the Federal Government for access to the existing railway corridor, but it was denied. This led us to create the Blue line railway from Okokomaiko to CMS.

    “We need to complete the track because Lagos needs a transportation system outside roads that can move thousands of people daily,” he said.

    Responding, Agbaje said that for 20 years of APC governance in the state, residents were still grappling with traffic congestion; especially issues with trailers parked on bridges along Costain to Apapa.

    “Lagos is one of the two mega-cities of the world that does not have a multi-modal transportation system. It is time we start thinking of multi tiered roads; the world is moving, we cannot afford to be different.

    “The rail project has been on for too long. We need to have big ideas to address problems that are peculiar to Lagos.

    “The way things are presently is not sustainable and it has failed to deliver the sort of impact in the lives of ordinary citizens that should be expected from an economy of Lagos’ magnitude,” he said.

    Agbaje said that the sort of development that Lagos requires should be anchored on improving liveability, expanding the economy and retooling it for the 21st century.

    Sanwo-Olu promised to take the state away from the national grid.

    He said that within   six months of his assumption  of office, he  would deliver about 1000 Megawatts of power supply to the State.

    He said with about 2000 Megawatt of consistent power supply, the power needs of Lagosians would be solved.

    Sanwo Olu  said that  a well thought out regulatory and legal framework is strategic to drive Public Private Partnership (PPP) operations in the State, stressing that when elected, he would deploy global best practices in the engagement of the OPS.

    He said that he would partner with distribution companies to ensure they upscale their power supply to the state, noting that prepaid meters would be provided to residents to ensure accountability and transparency.

    However, Agbaje said he would improve power by 1000 megawatts within his first 18 months, and encourage investment in embedded power projects toward enhancing power supply.

    Speaking on health, Sanwo-Olu noted that the Lagos Health Insurance Scheme would ensure access to affordable healthcare and help build a health care structure to be proud of.

    On his part,Agbaje criticised the present Health Insurance Scheme, saying making it mandatory was another form of taxation that has been making life difficult for the masses.

    He said his administration would have significant developments in health, waste management, education, transportation management and in making use of technology to solve problems.

    Agbaje promised to develop “an ocean economy” and a knowledge driven economy” to enhance the economic well-being of the state and its citizens.

    Besides, Sanwo-olu said that his administration would be innovative about Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in a way that would not exert pressure on the citizens.

    He noted that the private sector remains the engine of economic growth and would continue to create an environment for the private sector to thrive in the state.

    “As a former Commissioner for Commerce & Industry in Lagos, I know that proper collaboration with the private sector leads to more job creation, improved industrial harmony and boosts investment,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    Mr Babatunde Ruwase, President of LCCI, said that engaging the candidates would give exposition that would guide the private sector’s electoral choice.

    He said that the quality of political governance has profound implications for investment environment.

    Ruwase said without a conducive business environment, there cannot be meaningful economic progress.

  • Lagos has huge attraction for investment, envoy tells Sanwo-Olu

    The Ambassador of Switzerland to Nigeria, Mr. George Steiner, has said Lagos State, with its huge market size, provides a good attraction for foreign investments.

    The ambassador spoke yesterday in Abuja, the nation’s capital, when he hosted the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu,.

    Steiner noted that Switzerland is among the leading countries with the best financial service industry and strong tourism economy.

    The ambassador said top Swiss companies operating in Nigeria have their headquarters in Lagos.

    He promised to work with Sanwo-Olu, if elected governor, to attract more Swiss investments to the state.

    Steiner hailed the APC candidate for his THEME development agenda.

    He added: “Lagos is a natural point of attraction for investments because of the market size. If you win your election, we will partner with you to improve the quality of life in Lagos with increased investments from Swiss companies.

    “Our country and Nigeria enjoy a very good bilateral relationship. With Lagos as the commercial centre of Nigeria, we will strengthen that relationship. I have listened to you on your THEME priority programmes and I believe, if well implemented, it will bring greater good to Lagos.”

    Read also: Ambode: Lagos deserves continuity

    Expressing his appreciation to the ambassador for Swiss government’s commitment to Nigeria and the promise to work with Lagos State, Sanwo-Olu reiterated his campaign message of a greater Lagos and his commitment to ensure the private sector remains a major driver of economic development.

    He said: “Our campaign is hinged on a comprehensive development agenda, which we tagged THEME: Traffic management and Transportation, Health and environment, Education and technology, Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy and Entertainment and Tourism.

    “The role of private sector investments are critical to our agenda. We welcome more investments from Swiss companies. I can assure that they will have a worthy partner in the government and people of Lagos.”

  • Group launches door-to-door campaign for Sanwo-Olu

    A group, Babajide Sanwo -Olu Support Group (BOSS-G), has launched a neighbourhood campaign to rally support for Lagos State All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship candidate Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    Its president Abiola Falayajo said at inauguration of the campaign that the group is self-sponsored.

    He also stated members were not out for personal gains but want Lagosians to benefit from the private sector and public service experiences of Sanwo-Olu.

    “We are not expecting any personal reward because most of our members are living abroad.

    “The Vice President David Oluwaji and Director of Publicity, Mathew Onabote live in London and so many others.

    “What we are concerned with is Lagosians should benefit from an enabling environment that will be provided by Sanwo-Olu after his emergence as Governor.

    “We all grew up in Lagos especially, most of us here in Surulere and Lagos Island and we know the pedigree of Sanwo-Olu.

    “We know he has the experience having been commissioner twice an also served as a Special Adviser to the Governor.

    “We want him to bring these experiences to transform Lagos State and take the State to the next level.

    “We have been sending money to our people at home from abroad to offset various needs.

    “So if Sanwo –Olu becomes the Governor and provides the enabling environment for the people we would be saved from such burden.”

    Read Also:Sanwo-Olu unveils infrastructural roadmap for Lagos

    On how the group will achieve its aims, Falayajo stated: “Our strategy is that a member of our group should be able to reach at least ten people in Lagos State and sell the manifesto of Sanwo-Olu to each of them.

    “We want to reach all the local governments and by extension all the three senatorial districts with this message of hope from the APC candidate.

    “We are going to embark on door to door campaign, which is essentially a neighbourhood campaign and with this Sanwo-Olu will record a landslide victory come March 2.”

    With regards to funding, he said: “We are not being funded by either the candidate or the Government of Lagos State or APC.

    “We are putting our personal resources to produce campaign flyers, Tee- Shirts and other campaign materials and we are not expecting personal rewards from any quarter”.

    The door- to- door campaign is expected to run till the eve of the elections.

  • We will invest in healthcare for Greater Lagos, says Sanwo-Olu

    The Lagos State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated his readiness to improve healthcare delivery, if elected.

    He said his administration would dedicate a sizeable fraction of the state’s budget to healthcare services.

    The APC candidate spoke through his running mate, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, while hosting members of the state chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM).

    Sanwo-Olu said his healthcare plan as contained in his manifesto, was drafted to improve the quality of health service and make it affordable to the populace. The APC candidate said the execution of the health programmes would be done in partnership with health professional bodies, including NANNM and Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).

    According to him, the “overwhelming support” his candidacy enjoyed among Lagosians is based on the people’s conviction in his manifesto.

    He reiterated his readiness to serve the interest of all residents, if elected.

    Sanwo-Olu said: “We have a robust plan for the health sector. Good health brings about productivity, which is a key element towards achieving our development blueprint to create Greater Lagos for all. The wellbeing of the people is at the centre of our programmes and we must ensure health services get better.

    “The responsibility before us is huge, but we know we will not achieve anything if we did not engage you. As a powerful stakeholder, we will engage you in the process of executing our plans to solve the challenges facing the Health sector and making our hospitals better.”

    NANNMA Chairman Olurotimi Awojide, who led members of the association’s executive to the visit, described the APC candidate and his running mate as a “perfect combination of brilliance and efficiency”.

    The union leader said NANNM members had resolved to support their candidacy.

    Also, an all-women support group, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat (BOSKOH), pledged to canvass support for the APC ticket at the grassroots.

    Sanwo-Olu promised that his administration would be fair to women.

    He said his aims of aspiring to lead the state were rooted in his will to create a future the coming generation would be proud of.

     

  • Photos from APC campaign rally

     

  • Violence disrupts Lagos APC campaign rally

    The campaign flag-off of the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) in Lagos on Tuesday ended abruptly as violence broke out mid-way into the well-attended programme.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that hoodlums suspected to be members of the National Union Road Transport Workers (NURTW) invaded the Skypower Ground Ikeja venue with guns, daggers and other dangerous weapons, engaging one another in a bloody factional fight.

    The situation sent panic across the campaign ground as party members ran in different directions to avoid being hit by bullets being fired indiscriminately by the hoodlums.

    Security operatives had a hectic time controlling the situation.

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode, who was making a speech, had to leave the stage immediately and was guarded out of the venue together with his deputy, Mrs Idiat Adebule, the APC governorship candidate, Mr Babajide Sanwoolu, and other prominent members of the party.

    Read Also: INEC to politicians: we don’t need your help on logistics

    Several people were injured in the violence, including two journalists who sustained minor bullet wounds.

    NAN correspondent who was at the venue could not ascertain if there was any loss of life at the time of filing this report.

    In the ensuing confusion, many people were dispossessed of their phones, money and other valuables by opportunistic pick-pockets and other criminals.

    NAN reports that a large number of party faithful were seen trekking to their various homes as there was a heavy vehicular traffic in the area because of the violence.

  • Arewa community endorses Buhari, Sanwo-Olu

    Arewa community in Lagos State has endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari and the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as their candidates for general elections.

    They promised to work for the victory of President Buhari, Sanwo-Olu and other APC candidates, who are contesting in the February 16 and March 2 elections.

    Speaking at the Arewa Festival held at Agege Stadium in Lagos, the Arewa Lagos APC chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Dandamma, said they are supporting Buhari and Sanwo-Olu because they believe in them. They urged members of Arewa Community to vote massively for APC.

    The Senior Special Adviser (SSA) to Kano State governor, Dr. Umar Ganduje on Lagos Affairs,  Anthony Oneye, said the community is united and will always speak with one voice.

    His words: “For the first time beyond politics, we want to unite all the groups under Arewa together and that was why we organised the festival. The Arewa want to unite the different groups in all the councils in the state so that they can be one voice instead of doing things differently. We have now come together and henceforth, we will start doing things together.”

    The Director of Ethnics Wings of Babajide Sanwo-Olu Independent Campaign Group, Wale Ogunlana,  commended the Arewa Community for throwing their support behind Buhari and Sanwo-Olu.

    He said: “Arewa themselves are saying Buhari as far as they are concerned has perform and they will be throwing their support behind him for 2019 elections,” he said.

    A member of the group, Ibrahim Balarabe Musa, urged governors to follow the Lagos State example of tolerance and cordial relationship  various ethic groups.

    He said: “If other governors can as well use Lagos example, the crisis of herdsmen and insurgency will come to an end. Because in Lagos, Hausa man is here to make money and most of the money they make here they are repatriating it to their own community to build the community.

    “So, as far as they are concerned, they are not interested in fighting. They are just here to trade and also marry. For some of our members, Lagos has become our first home; they don’t even remember their hometown again. So, if some states can follow Lagos example, there won’t be crisis anywhere.”

  • Sanwo-Olu to Muslim leaders: we’ll be fair to all

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State Governorship Candidate Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Monday assured leaders of various Islamic organisations that his administration will be fair to them in policy formations if elected.

    Sanwo-Olu and his running mate Obafemi Hamzat had an interactive session with the Muslim Community of Lagos State (MCLS) at the Lagos Central Mosque, Idumota.

    According to the APC flagbearer, his administration will make regular consultations with the religious bodies and other stakeholders in the state before taking decision on issues affecting the state.

    Earlier, MCLS President Prof Tajudeen Gbadamosi spoke on areas where the Muslim Community felt slighted with the present administration.

    Among them is the appointment of Tutor-Generals in education districts.

    The government, Prof Gbadamosi said, should be fair in its appointment of Tutor-Generals for the state.

    “As it stands, there is no Muslim among the six Tutor-Generals in the state. The current situation is skewed to Muslim advantage and we hope the incoming administration would correct the imbalance,” he said.

    On freedom of religion and worship, the Muslims leader sought for a clear policy and enforcement of freedom of religion and worship.

    He said: “There should be no religious discrimination or harassment in our public schools. Religious devotions should respect all, and must be encouraged on school’s morning assembly. Morning assembly should be made equal days for Muslims and Christians. Officially, all schools must close at 12 noon on Friday to enable Muslim pupils and teachers attend Jumat service as this will help in religious moral building of the societies.

    “Hijab must be allowed for willing Muslims students and pupils. However, this must conform to the school standard and adopted school uniform, More importantly, as we are still waiting for the Supreme Court judgment, we appreciate the State Government decision to uphold the Appeal Court ruling on Hijab, but not yet implemented in schools as the Tutor-Generals refused to pass on the circular containing the implementation. The Hijab issue might be major criteria among others for supporting any political party seeking the Muslims votes.”

    The Muslim, Prof Gbadamosi said, requests for the implementation of bill passed by the 7th Lagos State House of Assembly on establishment of Islamic Court of Law.

    “We want a window for Islamic conduct of marriages, divorce and inheritance cases in courts. Marriages conducted by Islamic centre and Muslim organisations be recognised and the creation of a registry to handle and register marriage conducted under Islamic Law,” he said.

    He lamented that lop-sidedness of the recently held Code Lagos.

    He said: “During the last Code Lagos training, we noticed that Lagos State government approved 32 churches and only two Mosques as CodelagosOut-of-School in Lagos. The information on the application to register and approve training centres was only made to the general public after the government had approved the church centres. Since this is a capacity development programme, any government coming in must create adequate opportunity to the capacity of Muslim youths in Lagos.”

    Read Also: Fayose, Olujimi fight over Atiku’s campaign council

    Prof Gbadamosi also lamented the high rate of moral decadence and juvenile delinquency in the state.

    This, he said, is due to government insincerity and neglect in the area of support for ideal way of life.

    “The government should ensure that skill acquisition for women and youth is of great concern to discourage immoralities and laziness when they have nothing doing. The government should have a policy on dress code in all higher institutions since nakedness is the bedrock of immoralities. Concerted effort should be made to eradicate drug abuse among youths. Lottery promo and bet games should be discouraged as it encourages laziness. Appointment of sizeable number of women and youth to some enviable position to serves as inspiration to coming generation. Reintroduction of literary debating society into schools not only in English Language but in all Languages (Arabic, French and local languages) will go a long way in curb immoralities among the youth,” he said.

    Sanwo-Olu thanked the Muslim Community for thoughtful ideals in moving the state forward.

    According to him, some of the things said are part of what “we are expecting from the people. You have done the right thing by presenting those issues to us. There is nothing like governance with the people. We will look into all issues raised and addressed them.

    “We’ll be fair and transparent to Lagosians. You are an important stakeholder. We’ll not take you for granted,” he said.

  • Polls: OPC endorses Sanwo-Olu, other APC candidates

    The Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), led by the late Dr. Fredrick Fasehun, yesterday promised to mobilise support for the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and other candidates of the party in the Southwest in next month’s general elections.

    The deputy president of the socio-cultural group, Wasiu Afolabi, made the promise in Lagos.

    He said the group resolved to police the votes of the electorate and enhance credible elections by resisting rigging.

    Afolabi, who led members of the group to the Independent Campaign Organisation (ICG) office at Oduduwa Crescent, GRA, Ikeja, for a meeting with Sanwo-Olu; Campaign Manager Tayo Ayinde; his deputy, Cardinal James Odunmbaku and other committee members, said the interest of the Yoruba race remained paramount to OPC.

    He said: “We have the power to vote; we have the power to defend the votes. These two objectives we will accomplish.”

    The retracing of steps by OPC represented a critical and decisive political move by the organisation in post-Fasehun era.

    Afolabi said talks between the late OPC leader and APC stalwart, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, had started before Fasehun died.

    According to him, surviving OPC leaders decided to put finishing touches to the discussion.

    He added: “Let it be known that in the formation of the OPC by Dr. Fredrick Iseotan Fasehun, the National Leader of APC played a role. We are proud to be back home.

    “Fasehun had put his differences with Asiwaju Tinubu aside. But he died when the group was about to finalise the agreement with him. We have resolved to cooperate with Asiwaju Tinubu. We will deliver the whole of the Southwest in the next elections. I have to thank our leaders who made this possible – Afolabi Salami and Olalekan Akintade.”

    The OPC members were ushered into the campaign office by Ayinde.

    Others at the meeting included former Agriculture Commissioner Enoch Ajiboso, Sesan Olarewaju, Bolaji Ariyoh, Wahab Alawiye-King, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, Wale Adelana, Hamid Olorunoje, Ololola Essien, Tokunbo Wahab, Chris Ekwilo, Durosinmi Adeboye, Gafar Toyin, Yetunde Arobieke, Bayo Ajisebutu and Sesan Daini, who was the master of ceremony.

    Afolabi was accompanied by Alhaji Ibrahim Olarewaju, Chief Lekan Akintade, Women Leader Alhaja Taye Ibrahim, National Coordinator Mudashiru Adeniji and First Vice President Olasunkanmi Balogun.

    Sanwo-Olu, who thanked the OPC leadership for the endorsement, hugged and exchange banters with the organisation’s officers and members.

    He assured them that they will not regret voting for him.

    Ayinde paid tribute to the memory of Fasehun, describing him as a patriot and great leader who was fortunate to be survived by competent deputies.

    Also, Sanwo-Olu’s running mate, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, thanked OPC form its support, saying public perception of the group had changed from its characterisation as a militant body to a peaceful cultural group.

    He said: “People used to think that OPC was a militant group, but you are not a militant group. You are a cultural group. There is peace in the OPC. It is a peaceful group and meant for the emancipation of the Yoruba.”

    Urging the organisation’s members to gird their loins ahead of the polls, Ayinde added: “Get your Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) ready. We will work with our PVCs, not only in Lagos but also in other Southwest states. You should spread the message that your members should vote for President Muhammadu Buhari and other candidates of the APC in the Southwest.

    “APC is the party that will take care of the OPC. We will sponsor your members for pilgrimage to Mecca and Jerusalem. We will do this government together. After voting, wait and defend your votes. Listen to the announcement of results. Follow the ballot boxes to the collation centres. Don’t fight there. Just give them security coverage. We have work to do. We want APC to lead. We will need your support. It is doable. It is achievable. By May, we will celebrate victory.”

    Hailing the collaborative decision, Odunmbaku said the Yoruba will bounce back to national reckoning, adding that this is the goal of the OPC.

    He commiserated with the group on Fasehun’s death, recalling that before his demise, there was a plan between him and Asiwaju Tinubu to have a political collaboration.

    Odunmbaku added: “The surviving leaders of OPC have now finalised it and we are happy for the cooperation. Our director-general will not forget you after the polls. Who says OPC members cannot go to Mecca and Jerusalem?”

    Alawiye-King called for dedication and consistency to the Sanwo-Olu project, assuring the peole that OPC will not regret the collaboration.

    Essien said: “I am happy that OPC has women as members. Let us go back to our local governments and wards to mobilise for President Buhari, our governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives and Assembly candidates. You will police the votes for us.”