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Tag: Senator Oluremi Tinubu

  • Lagos titled chiefs advocate for bill on special status

    Lagos titled chiefs advocate for bill on special status

    The Association of Lagos Titled Chiefs cognizant of the tabling of the bill seeking one percent allocation to Lagos from the revenue accruable to the Federal Government, by the Senator representing Lagos Central, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commended the 8th Senate for the opportunity.
    The commendation is contained in a statement signed by Mrs Iyabo Foresythe, President, Association of Lagos Titled Chiefs and Iya Abiye of Lagos and made available to newsmen on Tuesday.
    According to Foresythe in the statement, the 8th Senate would recall that arising from the South West Zonal public hearing on proposed amendment of the 1999 constitution in Lagos, “it was the opinion of the people of Lagos that the City-State be given a special status. The Association, therefore, seeks for a revisit of the Bill On The Special Status of Lagos.”
    The Leader of the titled chiefs further said: “As key stakeholders with varied interests in the cosmopolitan city of Lagos and the economic capital of Nigeria, we have continually stressed that Lagos remains the commercial and industrial capital of Nigeria with a contribution of about 60% of the nation’s GDP.
    “Lagos State is also the largest employer of Labour in Nigeria, a situation which only a special status can sustain as we are convinced that the passage of the bill would translate to economic prosperity and well-being of Nigerians.
    “A City-State that mirrors Nigeria, it is where virtually every community in the country has considerable representation and accommodation. Our request for this special status is hinged on the fact that Lagos is the largest city in the country with a population of over 21million people occupying a strategic place in the individual and collective lives of Nigerians, one of the fastest growing cities in Africa with very rapid inner-cities growth and among top ten of the world’s fastest growing cities and urban areas.
    “The resultant huge urban population continue to put enormous pressure on amenities and services and pose peculiar security  challenges for the state.
    “The strategic importance of Lagos to the Federal Republic of Nigeria cannot be over-emphasized. Its contributions in terms of GDP, Political, Social and Economic Development cannot be wished away.  Indeed, we do not hesitate to call Lagos a home for all Nigerians and it should be noted that those who have defined themselves in this country, can call Lagos their first or second home, as the city-state continues to play critical roles in the nation’s economic development.”
    She observed that Lagos State was a federal capital of Nigeria and home to every Nigerian, noting that it is sad that it is the only former capital in the world that has been left on its own, with a huge infrastructure decay and deficit.
    Foresythe also reminded the Senate that of all the other six cities, Lagos is the only one without a constitutionally and nationally recognised special status in terms of development attention.The city-state is
    “The city-state is recognised as the 20th largest city, the 7th fastest growing city in the world and remains the fifth largest economy in Africa after Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt and Kenya with an average annual growth rate of 4.44%.
    “Our appeal for the revisit of the bill should be viewed from the point of its importance to the country, and not just to Lagos, due to its socio-economic significance and peculiar challenges. Lagos is thoroughly cosmopolitan; it is a mini-Nigeria, the wellbeing of Lagos residents is the total well-being of Nigerians and everybody has a stake here in Lagos and as key stakeholders, we have noted with delight the efforts of the administrations to continually address the cosmopolitan nature of Lagos in a way that is suitable and comfortable for all Nigerians irrespective of tribe, creed or religion, by clearly satisfying the conditions upon which the country should constitutionally recognise its special place.With the country’s premier seaport, busiest airport, and most commercially active land borders, Lagos is Nigeria’s – indeed, Africa’s – foremost global city and financial centre.
    “With the country’s premier seaport, busiest airport, and most commercially active land borders, Lagos is Nigeria’s – indeed, Africa’s – foremost global city and financial centre.
    “In the national interest and for justice and fairness to the multi-cultural society and mini-Nigeria that Lagos is, Lagos sure deserves and should be given a special status. There is no doubt that Lagos deserves a special status as a matter of urgent national importance.
    “It would, therefore, be unfair to deny the state a special status as it hosts millions of Nigerians and continues to attract more Nigerians every day. Our distinguished senators, let it be reiterated that if Lagos was given a special status and more funds, the facilities that would be created would not be used by only Lagos  indigenes or Yoruba indigenes but by all residents, irrespective of their ethnicity or nationality.
    “The request of the Association of Lagos Titled Chiefs even becomes very incumbent following the recent passing of the North East Development Commission Bill, with the allocation of 3% VAT Income. It is now obvious to us that equity and justice will always give rise to peace, stability and progress in any society, while injustice breeds acrimony, instability and retrogression.We are indeed not happy that with the contribution of 68% of the VAT Income coming from Lagos , Lagos still does not deserve a special status to enhance economic development and fund the infrastructure deficit in the city-state.  We submit humbly to the 8th Senate to review the request to also make provisions for the allocation of 3% VAT income to Lagos State in recognition of its strategic socio-economic significance and to note that the cosmopolitan nature of Lagos no doubt puts her at an advantage for the request.
    “We are indeed not happy that with the contribution of 68% of the VAT Income coming from Lagos , Lagos still does not deserve a special status to enhance economic development and fund the infrastructure deficit in the city-state.We submit humbly to the 8th Senate to review the request to also make provisions for the allocation of 3% VAT income to Lagos State in recognition of its strategic socio-economic significance and to note that the cosmopolitan nature of Lagos no doubt puts her at an advantage for the request.
    “We submit humbly to the 8th Senate to review the request to also make provisions for the allocation of 3% VAT income to Lagos State in recognition of its strategic socio-economic significance and to note that the cosmopolitan nature of Lagos no doubt puts her at an advantage for the request,” she summed.

  • No room for gender discrimination in public institutions –Tinubu

    BARELY a few hours after the Senate began its recess on Thursday, the Acting CHAIRMAN of the SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT, SENATOR OLUREMI TINUBU, representing Lagos Central Senatorial District, had an evaluation session with YUSUF ALLI, MANAGING EDITOR, NORTHERN OPERATION. The interview provided insight into developments in the Senate -especially the overwhelming support from women when she was attacked by Sen. Dino Melaye.

    How has the 8th Senate fared?

    The 8th  Senate did not have a very good start. We have been through ups and downs. It is not something I can really say and give proper assessment of. For me, I can speak about the work I have done and also about what I do at the constituency.

    But for the Senate itself, there has been a lot of rumbling in one way or the other and some aggrieved parties. And because of that we did, a lot of motions and you know with motions, we passed a lot of resolutions.

    We did not pass the budget so quickly and this government is new. It was quite difficult to really pass  resolutions for ministries that have not been funded.

    So, we had many motions and resolutions passed. And then we did a couple of bills. I put some bills which had gone through First Reading. And I have not particularly done Second Reading on them because I was trying to look for the appropriate environment to do that.

    How about committee work?

    We were given committees. I was given about five committees. I was assigned to the Committee on Women Affairs as Chairman; Committee on Environment as Vice Chairman; Air Force, Tertiary Education, and also Employment, Labour and Productivity. Those are the committees. Later, when it came to constitution amendment, I was also made a member.

    Along the line, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment, Sen. Olaka, who is from PDP from Rivers State, went for re-run. You know what has been going on with the politics in Rivers State. So, I ended up chairing two committees which, for any Senator, is very challenging. But through the grace of God, I was able to do as much as I can.

    Just only on Wednesday, we were able to pass  the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria Bill 2016 which is really giving them  the autonomy to be able to operate as an institute with a lot of laws backing them-which they did not have in the past. I have been acting as chairmen of two committees in the Senate. So, it’s quite a very challenging task but I was able to pull through.

    Does it mean that the Committee on Environment is not a new terrain for you?

    It is not new. I have been Acting Chairman of that committee for many months since the issue of re-run started in Rivers State.

    But on Thursday, you were made the substantive chairman of the Committee on Environment. Was it a favour?

    No, no. It is not a favour.  I was quite comfortable with being the chairman of the Committee on Women Affairs because that is my territory and my terrain.

    But like this evening (Thursday) when we were going, it was like something shocking. I was thinking that the election of Rivers State is only just a few days away. I would have thought we would have waited and see what happens because I was just still acting as the chairman of the Committee on Environment.

    As it is now, the Committee on Women Affairs has been reassigned to someone else. Nobody has the opportunity to really say much it.

    Being the chairman of the Committee on Environment is not something that is new. I have been acting all along for many months. I was able to do public hearing and a lot of assignments that are required of the chairman.

    Was the chairmanship of the Committee on Environment a product of reconciliation process in the Senate as the public is being made to believe?

    Not really, not particularly.

    What is your reaction to the outpouring of Nigerian women to the altercations between you and Sen. Dino Melaye?

    I have been overwhelmed. To me, I want to really appreciate Nigerian women for rising up to the occasion. When you say women, I am part of them. I am a woman to start with.  And this is a terrain that is quite familiar to me. I have worked with them in many capacities even when my husband was the governor of Lagos State.

    Throughout the course of this incident, I have been deeply comforted and encouraged by the support of women from all parts of the country and all walks of life.

    Women have strongly expressed their views on this matter because they recognised that an important issue was at stake.  These women sought to affirm  what must stand as an unbreakable principle in our social and political life:  That there is no room for gender discrimination in our institutions of public governance and in our political behaviour. These women reacted because they understood that such a blatant and unfair attack against one woman is an attack upon all.

    Nigerian women have taken a stand that the voice of a Nigerian woman is as important as the voice of any other.

    For the nation to progress, the voice of women must be given equal respect and value instead of being denigrated.  In standing up for this principle, I applaud these women as well as those men who also came out to affirm  that gender discrimination has no place in our public life.  .

    If I didn’t serve very well in Lagos, women won’t rise up. They have seen me help many. With as much grace that God has given me, I have really been compassionate to social causes; I do run a lot of social courses. I have been doing my bit. And they know that I have really supported women causes. Is it the widows? Is it giving scholarship to children? Is it empowering women and the less privileged? I have been doing a lot of other things and I am still doing up till now.

    I am just doing my work; it is not for popularity. My family has always been a very compassionate one. We have done the best we can to keep alleviating the sufferings of our people. To the women, I have always respected my kind, my fellow women. I cannot disrespect women, they are my constituents. That is who I am.

    It is quite overwhelming for me for the way I have seen them rise up. Over the years, I have met with a lot of women groups either through a lot of social functions. What they did in the past couple of days, it is something I cannot really explain to you. It is something I had thought, do I really deserve this.? I didn’t know how it happened. I was overwhelmed, I thank Nigerian women.

    Why were you surprised?

    I decided not to even talk to the press on the issue. I believe whatever is said in the executive session is not supposed to be divulged to the public. So, I tried not to go to Lagos over the weekend; I avoided every social event and I stayed back. But when I got the reactions, I was overwhelmed. I didn’t know how it was leaked to the public.

    I tried to avoid a lot of public confrontations on the floor of the Senate. Except things are very crucial, very dear, that is when I rise to speak. I thought this intimidation has been going on for a long time and I just thought it was the time to speak out, for which it is good, because it was a closed session, no press was there.

    Like I told the Senate President that I only got up to speak because he said they would suspend people. Why will anybody bring up issue of suspension? Even in the 7th Senate, I have been known to speak my mind and also criticise the Senate if they were not doing what they were supposed to do for the people. I have done that over the years.

    And looking at the people who constitute the Committee on Ethics and Privileges, I felt this is not going to favour anyone. So, I just rose up and said: “Why are you threatening?” That was how it went on and on.

    To me, what the women did, I am touched, and I am also humbled by it. That was why I didn’t know how to react.  As said, I was just standing in the Senate. Even in the Civil Rights Movement, Rosa Parks only decided to sit in the bus. But this intimidation has been going on in the past. We see our wives, our women being battered and a lot of harmful things being done to women by men who are angry.

    I was thinking it would be an avenue for me to able to work with women in these areas since I am chairing the Committee on Women Affairs. I was looking forward to that. We have started raising motions calling attention to the Day of the African Child; International Widows Day; Children’s Day. You know we just started building up the committee because I told the Clerk that even if it is just one talent given to us, we can work with it. I have been working with women causes for a long time. I said let us innovate, let us bring things to the table. And that was what I was thinking I would be able to do.

    I am looking at ways we are going to look at the conditions of women in the prison and the Labour Act which passed Second Reading in the 7th Senate. I brought it up again thinking that women should not be restricted to certain jobs. So, we are taking it step by step and looking at ways to attend to gender issues or gender mainstreaming and how we can empower Nigerian women. I was really looking forward to that, putting myself to it.

    I have always been quite private and people have different perceptions of me. But people don’t know where I am coming from. I came from a very hard place especially during the time we went on self-exile, it was very, very tough for me. It is not a time I even talk about. . So I tried to keep my life private as much as it is. And when people say things that are not, I don’t even refute them.

    And women have been my best supporters over the years. They campaigned for me. So, I owe them so much but I didn’t know that they would go through this much. I was overwhelmed, I was humbled by their solidarity, and I was touched. I want to use this opportunity to say from the bottom of my heart, I am very grateful.

    What informed your four-hour meeting with the President of the Senate?

    It wasn’t four hours but the press will say whatever they want to say. I don’t think I can sit with somebody for four hours. That is too cumbersome. I had a private meeting with him for less than an hour. And I had the opportunity to tell him why I didn’t shake his hand after my inauguration as a Senator. I told him the reason. I said you deprived us from having a swearing-in ceremony. I said that was why I was angry. I said I was angry and that was it. And I have talked to him afterwards. That was the first time I would sit with him in a meeting. I have never had the opportunity.

    Was Sen. Melaye part of the meeting?

    No, he wasn’t part of the meeting. Even when the Senate President said I should see him after the plenary, I went to his office, I met Dino Melaye and another person. I said, ‘what do you want me to do? He said I should give him few minutes. So I sat in his waiting room and after 15 minutes I went in to see him.

  • Melaye: Women protesters storm National Assembly

    Protest over the unwarranted attack on the person of Senator Oluremi Tinubu (Lagos Central) shifted to Abuja on Wednesday.
    Women numbering over 100 stormed the National Assembly to protest against uncomplimentary and indecent utterances of Senator Dino Melaye against Senator Tinubu (Lagos Central).
    Melaye attacked Senator Tinubu during a closed door session on Tuesday July 12, 2016 using indecent words against the Lagos Central lawmaker.
    The Kogi West senator was said to have threatened to beat up Senator Tinubu during the session.
    The protesters wore T-shirts with inscriptions such as “No to impunity for gender based violence.”
    The protester were heard chanting, “Stop violence against women”
    They also carried placards that reads: “Support gender equality opportunity bill”, “A Senator is a Senator, women are not threat object”, Senate Leadership silence in the face of violence against women is conspiracy”, “Say no to impunity.”
    Leader of the protesters Mrs. Kemi Nelson, in her address noted that “enough is enough.”
    She asked the Senate to immediately take a disciplinary action against Melaye in the interest of justice.
    She said, “This is impunity and it has to be stopped, we must be accorded our right.”
    Senator Tinubu had already petitioned Acting Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, Senate President, Bukola Saraki and the National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun alleging threat to her life.
  • Melaye: Senator Tinubu writes IGP

    Melaye: Senator Tinubu writes IGP

    Senator Oluremi Tinubu Monday wrote to acting Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris requesting adequate security following last week’s attack on her by Senator Dino Melaye.

    In the letter dated July 18, with the title: Request for police protection, the Lagos Central senator, said:   “During the proceedings of the Senate on Tuesday July 14, 2016, I had a cause to contribute to a matter of national importance.

    “Apparently dissatisfied by my contributions, Senator Dino Melaye threw caution to the winds, resorted to vulgar abuse of my person and wanted to assault me.”

    “It was the intervention of a number of colleagues which prevented Senator Melaye from unleashing physical attack on me.

    “However, as the leadership of the Senate did not call him to order in the circumstance, he proceeded to threaten my life without provocation whatsoever.

    “In view of Senator Melaye’s antecedent, particularly in the House of Representatives where a brawl led by him led to untimely death of a member, I have decided to not ignore his threat to my life. Therefore, I am compelled to urge you to use your good offices to provide me with adequate security.”

     

  • Senator Tinubu urges unity, prayer on June 12

    Senator Tinubu urges unity, prayer on June 12

    Senator Oluremi Tinubu has urged Nigerians to remain united and prayerful as they mark the anniversary today of the June 12 1993 presidential election presumably won by Bashorun Moshood Abiola.

    In a statement she personally signed yesterday, titled: Goodwill message, Senator Tinubu said the election “marked the date Nigerians spoke with one voice through the ballot in what was widely acclaimed as a free and fair election by voting for the late Chief MKO Abiola.”

    According to her, Nigerians indicated their desire for unity, peace and progress in that election.

    The statement said: “The events that followed the annulment of the election led to loss of lives and drove many of us into exile where we agitated for the return of peaceful democratic rule.

    “Twenty two years on, the declaration of results and inauguration that was refused by the military has birthed yet another democracy while our nation has witnessed the wind of change in the emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “Those of us privileged to witness this period in history would forever remain grateful that the agitations of June 12 have not been in vain. We must however, not forget the martyrs of the struggle, who lost their lives because they believed in a democratic Nigeria.

    “We honour our heroes when we remember those that made the ultimate sacrifice to allow us enjoy the present democratic dispensation. Nigeria’s democratic foundation continues its consolidation with the recent emergence of the new government.

    “We can now look forward to a Nigeria where insecurity will be combated; electricity will be constant, where every institution works and where citizens understand their rights, responsibilities and obligations.

    “Doing this will unite our interests and beliefs for an undivided nation; as we are bound in freedom, peace and unity.”

  • Senator Tinubu dedicates victory to electorate

    Senator Tinubu dedicates victory to electorate

    Senator Oluremi Tinubu yesterday emerged winner of the Lagos Central Senatorial District election.

    Senator Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) defeated Dr. Ade Dosumu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other contestants in Saturday’s National  Assembly polls.

    Reacting to her re-election, the Senator said it was a victory for  the people and democracy.

    She thanked the electorate for believing in her party and staying the course.

    According to a statement release by Senator Tinubu, electorate votes would never be taken for granted.

    She said: “Months ago, when we declared the official opening of our campaign for the continuous struggle for emancipation of our people and for the defence of our 16 year democracy, I deemed it fit to reach out to you as a servant leader whose service to the people has evidently changed the concept of leadership and governance in our society, and not as a candidate.

    “My people, In the journey so far, it is unarguable that we recorded many hitches, ills and faring storms but in all, we walked through victoriously with your prayers, unflinching supports and unwavering strength which has ushered in a historical victory for you the people.

    “Your resolve and elastic supports brought us thus far and I am confident will take us further. No doubt, it has been absorbed in history that we are movers and shakers of our choices.

    “Saturday, 28th March through Sunday, our people decided. Following the senatorial elections held in Lagos, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially returned me, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the election.

    “Apparently, this is the will of the People. The result of the elections is an expression of the voice of our people; we must all heed your voice. It has been a hard fought election. In the course of the campaigns, there were grubby episodes as the candidates toured round the constituents to sell themselves to the people.

    “On our part, we presented our programmes before the people, and party leaders. We campaigned, we canvassed and we traversed the senatorial district. Our performance and achievements in office remains the backdrop on which we were being assessed. The decision of the people to return me as their representative is continually within cardinals of Youth empowerment, Social Security for Elderly Citizens, Improved “Educational Policies and Job opportunities. We never took your support for granted. We stood by the mandate giving to us. The philosophy of our party, the All Progressives Congress is transparency, accountability and credible service to the people which you are all aware of and which has kept us stronger.

    Our constituency initiatives designed to make a difference will be sustained as promised as we hope to do more.  Ultimately this has culminated into this victory. It is apparently a victory for the people and our democracy.

    “To members of our party, traditional institutions, our campaign team and indeed all people who defied the siege to cast their votes for our party, I salute your exemplary courage and doggedness in the bid sustaining our democracy. The best way to achieve this is by electing leaders with the heart and mind for service, and progressive minded legislature that gives a lawful backing to developmental policies.

    “Let me assure you all of continued value for every vote at the Senate. And of course very people oriented representation.”

  • Stand by your votes, Senator Tinubu tells Nigerians

    · Treats 2,000 patients free

    Senator Oluremi Tinubu(Lagos Central) yesterday urged voters to protect their votes at the forthcoming general elections.

    She told them their votes will truly count if they wait for collation and announcement of figures before leaving their polling booths.

    Mrs. Tinubu spoke during a free health mission for residents of her constituency tagged Restoration 2015 at Rowe Park Sports Complex, Lagos.

    She condemned the Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, for telling voters to go home after voting.

    She said their presence at  polling booths would prevent rigging as they would have known the results at their units before collation.

    According to her: “In Lagos, we are staying and we advise other people to stay and make sure their votes are counted. We are not going to leave it for anybody.

    “Besides, they have to build their reputation to a stage that we can say let us leave. But now we don’t trust what they can do.

    “So, people have to stay in a peaceful manner. We are not there for fight but for them to count what we have done. And then we are satisfied that we have our numbers. That is what we want.”

    No fewer than 2,000 people were treated for various ailments, such as eye and tooth problems, high blood pressure and diabetes, among others.

    Senator Tinubu described the programme as an emergency hospital because it was able to proffer solution to many health problems.

    “I am not a doctor but whatever comes on my place to help I am ready to do that,” she said.

  • Her day with the elderly

    Her day with the elderly

    Senator Oluremi Tinubu (Lagos Central District) has feted the senior citizens in her constituency, reports PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU

    It was not Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s first dialogue with her Lagos Central District people. Neither was it the first time she would assist the senior citizens.

    But that Wednesday, it was the first time she would gather the young and the old in one place for a dialogue.

    It was to give account of her stewardship and also celebrate with them in the spirit of Yuletide.

    Venue was the Eko Hotel, Ocean View marquee, with a 1500 capacity. The hall was filled, with the young making room for the old to sit.

    Yet, scores of the elderly sat outside the hall, which Mrs Tinubu said was disheartening to her.

    Although she planned to fete 1300 old people, about 2000 came.

    The event coincided with her 13th Town Hall meeting with the people and the third edition of the Elderly People Assistance Scheme (ECAS).

    Dressed in a long and flowing traditional outfit, with an head-gear and ipele to match the colour of the day – green, white, red, blue – representing the colours of her party, the All Progressives’ Congress (APC), Mrs Tinubu on sighting the elderly who could not get seats in the hall, quickly went round apologising to them and ensuring they were comfortable.

    The event which started about 10am, was moderated by comedian Gbenga Adeyinka.

    Senator Tinubu said the gathering was one of mixed feelings for her considering the turnout of the elderly.

    She supervised activities at the town hall meeting, ensuring that the elderly were comfortable. She danced with them and hugged them.

    After the National Anthem came the opening prayer and an opening remark by APC state leader, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, who extolled the Senator for bringing together people of about 70 years and above in a society where the old are not considered important.

    In her address, Senator Tinubu  reassured the people of her love, saying the gesture was as a result of her upbringing.

    She said: “I was raised by an elderly father, my father had me when he was in his 60s so I am used to elderly wisdom and knowledge. So I grew up with that and I always felt that my father lived very well and was well taken care of.

    “I know that at your twilight years, for some elders, they are stricken with illness, so it’s not a fun time for the elders. Having lived abroad too I have seen the way elderly people are being taken care of, so coming to Nigeria, I started looking at what happens to me when I become old? Apart from having the money to take care of myself, what about those who don’t have? What happens to them at old age?

    “Looking at the situation of things in the country now, you will find great number of youths unemployed. How do you expect a youth that cannot take care of himself to take care of an elderly person?

    “It is quite difficult but when they have money coming in monthly, even if it is little, they can decide to at least give them a roof since they have little money, so it’s not going to be a big burden.

    “Those are the things I was thinking about, and thought that even if my bill does not scale through; looking at the situation with the austerity measures that is quite obvious right now, what can I do as an individual?”

    To her, offering the 1300 aged persons N10, 000 each, which she has done for the three editions of ECAS, was her little way of telling them to keep hope alive.

    “But government should take it a step further because this is just from one individual and I am also imploring people to also take care of people around them because we can’t really lump it on government, though it is government’s responsibility to take care of its people.

    “That is what democracy is about; we should put measures in place to take care of the unemployed, to take care of the elderly people, handicapped, and other segments like that. But the elderly ones and the handicapped are the most vulnerable. So those two areas, when we look at social security we should be able to attend to first. And then we start looking at the widows and the single mothers.

    “It will continue like that and the fire will catch on and as a Christian, I believe that, when you have a light, put it on the table so that it will be a light to other people. I am not showing off but trying to say that others can also help, even if it is just one person around you,” Senator Tinubu said party leaders, who spoke in Yoruba, sent their goodwill messages. Gifts were presented to the elderly including cash, as they danced and prayed for their benefactor.

    Appreciating the Senator for  showing concern for the elderly, the Baba Eto of Lagos, Chief Folarin Coker, described her as a rare, humble and helpful person.

    As the gift bags were being distributed, one-time Lagos Commissioner for Finance, Mr Wale Edun, gave the vote of thanks.

    In attendance were wife of Lagos Governor, Mrs Abimbola Fashola; Omoba Murphy Adetoro; former Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs and culture, Alhaji Ibrahim Balogun.

  • Tinubu, Fashola for council’s anniversary

    Tinubu, Fashola for council’s anniversary

    SENATOR Oluremi Tinubu and wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, will lead other dignitaries to the 10th year anniversary of the creation of Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area and second year in office of the present council boss, Hon Hakeem Bamgbola.

    The week-long event will begin on Friday with a Jumat Service at Ijeshatedo Central Mosque to be followed with a novelty match between the council’s management and political class.

    On Sunday, there will be a Thanksgiving at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Ikate, while Mrs. Fashola and Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, will grace the graduation and bursary award ceremony on Monday.

    Senator Tinubu will draw the curtain of the events on Tuesday with an empowerment programme at Mogaji Street. Other guests expected are the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ademorin Kuye; Onitire of Itire, Oba Lateef Dauda and Interim Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Otunba Henry Ajomale.

  • Senator Tinubu hosts 8th Town Hall meeting

    Senator Tinubu hosts 8th Town Hall meeting

    Senator Oluremi Tinubu (Lagos Central District) will today host the 8th edition of her quarterly Town Hall meeting and inaugurate her Youth Empowerment & Skill Acquisition Scheme (YESAS).

    Chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the ward and national levels, party supporters and relatives of the 160 persons that will benefit from the scheme are expected at the event slated for the Banilux Events Centre in Yaba, Lagos.

    In a statement, the senator’s Constituency Office in Yaba, the Rehoboth House, said YESAS is aimed at equipping people with marketable skills that will make them self-employed.

    It said: “The YESAS initiative is designed to help youths, men and women become independent and economically productive, instead of waiting endlessly for white-collar jobs.

    “Under this scheme, hundreds of youths will be trained by experienced instructors in various skills, including the production of cosmetic and chemical-related commercial products, craft and other handiwork with commercial potentials as well as handling of food and other edible products.

    “It is hoped that beneficiaries will use the opportunity to impact positively on their future as well as the society they live in.”

    Other initiatives sponsored by Mrs. Tinubu in her constituency include the Post-Secondary School Scholarship Scheme (PSSS), under which 26 beneficiaries will receive N100, 000 each annually for their four years’ stay in tertiary institutions.

    The senator gave grants to help 650 traders recapitalise their businesses. She presently gives stipends to the elderly under the Elderly Citizen Assistance Scheme (ECAS).