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Tag: Teslim Balogun Stadium

  • Bello rules NTTF National Women Singles Open Championship

    Seventy-two hours after emerging as champion at the All African games trial, Fatimo Bello showed her quality to dominate the maiden Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) National Women Singles Open Championship concluded at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium.

    She fought her way into the final brushing aside the likes of national player, Cecilia Otu-Akpan as well as returnee Ganiat Aruna to set up a final clash against former junior champion – Tosim Oribamise.

    Despite not having the chance to compete in international tournaments like her opponent in the final – Oribamise, Bello made nonsense of the experience of her opponent.

    Oribamise who is considered to be Nigeria’s most travelled and experienced player in recent times, was no match to Bello who thrashed the Ekiti State-born Oribamise 4-0 (11 -7, 11-6, 11-8, 11-4) to cart home the N200,000 star prize money.

    An excited Bello said she is determined to make the Nigeria team to the 2019 All Africa Games in Morocco.

    “I’m very happy and excited about the victory. This is going to help me a lot because I won’t stop training and continue to work hard. Training is the key to my success and hopeful I will continue to win. I actually started training two months ago for the trials and this Women Singles championship and I was expecting to win, so it is not something surprising. As the first winner of this tournament which means I’m one of the best players in Nigeria, I will like to play abroad and do all my possible best if I get the opportunity. I’m looking forward to play for the National team and excel with the team,” she said.

    Read Also: NTTF names team for WJC, AJCC in Ghana

    The tournament sponsored by the NTTF President, Engineer Ishaku Tikon was to rate female players and select team for major championships and the NTTF boss admitted that the objectives of the tournament was achieved.

    “We have gotten the result of why we staged the competition. A new queen has emerged and the line-up according to their ranking have also been established, we are good to go and we are prepared to conquer Africa and we are on our way to dominate table tennis in the region,” Tikon said.

    For the former President of NTTF, Wahid Oshodi, the performance of the players was encouraging and with constant training and regular competitions, the players would be ready to compete with the best.

  • 14 teams for Eko Basketball League

    Fourteen teams will feature in the Eko Basketball League which will begin on Sunday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

    According to the organisers of the League, Lagos State Basketball Association, eight male and six female teams, will take part in the league, which is expected to run for three months on a home and away format.

    Multiple national league champions, First Bank basketball Club, Dolphins Basketball Club, Raptors, IGP Queens, First Deepwater and Mountain of Fire (MFM) will compete for honours in the female category.

    The men’s category has Police Bombers, VGC, Flames, Raptors, HoopsnReads, NAF, Dodan Warriors and Nigeria Customs.

    Read Also: Rookie Basketball Academy wins Easter competition

    Chairman of the association, Barbara Harper said that basketball is being rejuvenated in Lagos with the rebranding of the league, which will encourage players, coaches, technical officials and other stakeholders in the game. She also stated that the board members were poised to take the game to the nooks and crannies of state despite the paucity of funds and expressed hope that the success of the league would help attract sponsors.

    “We have rebranded the league, which will take place for three months on home and away basis. We hope to conclude this edition unlike the last one organised by the last board, which was inconclusive. We also added the female category for gender balance,” she added.

    Former D’Tigers captain, Olumide Oyedeji, a board member of the association and the Technical coordinator of the league, said that the league is being packaged to make it attractive to sponsors.

    He also stated that eight elite teams were participating in the league, a development, which will boost the image of the championship. He said the logistics for the hosting of the game is being handled by the association as most of the teams do not have home courts,

    He, however, assured that as the competition progresses with sponsorship, the teams would get financial backing from the association.

    Oyedeji noted that each team would play two games a week with the opening games coming up at the Teslim Balogun Stadium on Sunday.

  • Teslim Balogun Stadium sealed in Lagos

    The sports family in Lagos was on Monday shocked to find that state-owned Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere had been sealed off by policemen.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a detachment of policemen and other security officials were stationed at the entrance of the stadium, preventing people from gaining entrance into the facility.

    The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) had been engulfed in crisis following an April 23 circular singed by Adeniran Odeyemi, Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office, directing heads government agencies to hand over by May 10.

    However, LSSC Chairman, Dr Kwekwu Tandoh and the Director General, Babatunde Bank-Anthony, had claimed that the Commission not affected by the circular.

    But the workers union and athletes had earlier threatened to shut down the commission if Tandoh and Bank-Anthony showed up in office after their May 10 hand over date.

    NAN reports that a portion of the read; “Members of Statutory Board, Chief Executive Officers of Parastatals, Oganisations and Governing Council, whose tenure have not lapsed are not affected by this directive.

    Read Also: Teslim Balogun Stadium agog for Buhari

    “For avoidance of doubt, the Statutory Board under reference above are; Civil service Commission, Judiciary Service commission, Independent Electoral Commission, House of Assembly Service Commission, Audit Service Commission,Teaching Service Commission, Local Government Service Commission, Primary Health Care Board and Lagos State Pension Commission.”

    Some of the sportsmen using the facility as training ground were also turned back at the gate by the security operatives, citing order from state secretariat.

    “We are told that the security officials were posted from Alausa to prevent a breakdown of law and order. The state government got wind that some staff and athletes wanted to stage a protest in the stadium.

    “I believe government cannot act in isolation, so in order to make the stadium safe, government needed to act.

    “Though this is the first time  we are experiencing such occurrence,” said an athlete who pleaded anonymity.

    LSSC Spokesperson, Titi Oshodi, was not available to comment on the development as calls to her phone were not answered.

    It would be recalled that coaches and disable athletes had staged a protest on May 8 calling for removal of Tandoh and Bank-Anthony.

    The protesters complained about lack of grassroots development and non-payment of their salaries and allowances.

    NAN

  • Corrupt politicians will continue to go to jail-Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday reiterated his commitment to the anti-graft battle, saying that corrupt politicians will go to jail.

    He also promised to fulfill his campaign promises, if re-elected in next Saturday’s election, urging Lagosians to vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates “from top to bottom.”

    President Buhari and other party leaders, including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN); Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode; National Chairman Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Presidential Campaign Council Co-chairman Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Campaign Director Rotimi Amaechi and Minister of Power, Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola spoke on the achievements of the APC-led government in the last three and half years at a rally held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

    The president, who stormed the venue around 2.45noon, was excited at the crowd that had waited for him from sunrise.

    For him, the visit to the stadium was historic. He and other party leaders were seized by nostalgic feelings.

    Four years ago, President Buhari had defeated former Vice President Atiku Abubakar at the APC presidential primary held at the venue.

    It was a carnival-like rally. Security was tight. Party supporters outside the stadium were more that those inside the main bowl.

    Thrilling the crowd were ace musicians-Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde, Lady Queen and ‘Small Doctor.’

    Party faithful, who came from the 57 councils, mixed with other party supporters and followers-representatives of the entertainment industry, Community Development Associations (CDAs), women groups, youth associations and students.

    President Buhari was accompanied by Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje; Kebbi State Governor Bangudu; Nasarawa State Deputy Governor; Minister of Labour and Employment Dr. Chris Ngige and members of the APC National Working Committee (NWC).

    At the venue were Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr. Idiat Adebule; Nigeria’s Ambassador to United States Justice Oguntade; APC Interim National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande; Afenifere chieftains led by Prince Tajudeen Olusi; Southwest Governors Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti); Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo); Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo); Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun); Gboyega Oyetola (Osun) and Godwin Obaseki (Edo).

    There were also APC National Deputy Chairman (South) and former Ekiti State Governor Adeniyi Adebayo; National Auditor Chief George Moghalu; National Treasurer Adamu Fanda; National Welfare Secretary Ibrahim Masari; Legal Adviser Babatunde Ogala; Vice Chairman (Southwest) Pastor Bankola Oluwajana; Vice Chairman (Northeast) Emma Enukwu; Vice Chairman (Southsouth Ntifam Ita and National Youth Leader Sadiq Abubakar.

    Other chieftains include former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola; Lagos State APC Chairman Tunde Balogun and former Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda.

    The highlights of the campaign was the handing of party flags by Oshiomhole to the Lagos State governorship candidate, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his running mate, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Lagos Central senatorial candidate Senator Oluremi Tinubu; her Lagos West and East counterparts-Senator Solomon Adeola and Sikiru Osinnowo and House of Representatives flag bearers who were represented by the Majority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila (Surulere Constituency).

    Thanking Lagosians for their patience and commitment, the President said: “I thank you very much for defying the weather to be with us. I don’t think there is much to add to what the Minister of Works and Housing, the Minister of Transport and the vice-president has said.

    “I thank you very much and I can assure you that the promise we have made in 2015 to those who elected us, we have fulfilled.

    “We have made enormous progress in reviving the economy, on security and fighting corruption. I assure you that we will collect what they have stolen and send them to prison. This is our duty. This is our responsibility and I assure you that we are going to do it.”

    Osinbajo, who spoke in Yoruba, said President will provide three things, if re-elected.

    These, he said, are jobs, electricity and infrastructure, including roads and railway.

    He thanked the President for making ‘June 12’ Democracy day and a holiday in commemoration of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential polls and the injustice of annulment.

    He added: “All these are easy, if we vote for Buhari. They don’t want Buhari to remain in office because he is opposed to corruption.

    “Buhari made June 12 Democracy Day. When he was minister, three of the four refineries were built. The longest pipeline routes were constructed. He has built roads and he is doing railway. On February 16, use your index fingers to vote for Buhari.”

    Tinubu, who described the rally as a celebration of democracy, told the President and party elders that Lagosians will vote for APC because they suffered for 16 years under the PDP administration.

    He said: “Lagos is sure, very sure about voting for APC under the broom revolution.

    “The party chairman, Balogun, has catalogued Buhari’s achievements. Buhari did not make empty promises. You could see action.”

    Tracing the history of Lagos from 1999, the former governor said the people had struck a deal with the progressives, adding that they cannot endorse the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that has not catered for their interest.

    He flayed former President Olusegunn Obasanjo and his deputy, Atiku, for serving as clogs in the wheels of Lagos progress, stressing the former vice president is unworthy of Lagos votes.

    Tinubu said: “We have had progressive governments in Lagos since 1999. We have provided education and quality health.

    “We were the first to pay WAEC fees of students. We catered for poor women and widows. I handed over to Babatunde Fashola.

    “I asked him a question: what will happen, if you are elected governor? He said: ‘Lagos will not spoil.’

    “Obasanjo then came. We thought there was no way for a revolutionary economy without the Independent Power Project (IPP). I introduced IPP.

    “He and Atiku opposed it. I went to court. My lawyer was Osinbajo. I won and we started generating 300 megawatts.

    “If they had allowed IPP, Dunlop, Michelin would not have moved out of Nigeria.

    “Look at our roads and the traffic density. Obi (Peter) said he will create jobs. But, he has not been able to make brake pads and wheel spanners for the vehicles.

    “He said we should go and extend our port in Benin Republic. I call that container economy; Obi China.”

     

     

  • APC will bring more prosperity, development – Fashola

    The Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, on Saturday appealed to members  of the electorate to vote for the All Progressives Congress(APC) candidates in the February 16 and March 2, general elections.

    Fashola, who made the appeal in a chat with journalists at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, venue of the APC Presidential Campaign rally, urged the people to get their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ready and vote en-masse for APC.

    According to him, re-electing APC will bring more prosperity and development, among other things dividends of democracy.

    Read Also: Fashola demands N1b, retractions from Leno

    “After voting, please wait behind for it to be counted in your presence. We cannot allow our votes to be rubbished,” he said.

    Dignitaries at the event include the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, National Leader of APC, Chief Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, APC Lagos Governorship Candidate, Mr Babajide Sanwo-olu, Gov. Atiku Bagudu, Gov. Abiola Ajimobi, Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Kebbi, Oyo and Ekiti states, respectively.

    President Muhammadu Buhari arrived the venue at 2.46p.m.

    NAN

  • Teslim Balogun Stadium agog for Buhari

    The Teslim Balogun Stadium on Saturday bubbled with a lot of activities as residents and the All Progressives’ Congress (APC) faithful thronged the venue for the 2019 Presidential campaign rally.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the atmosphere was charged with excitement as thousands of people holding brooms sang and chanted APC slogans, while awaiting the arrival of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    While supporters in APC attires and dresses were waiting as at 11:54a.m., musicians like King Wasiu Ayinde and some other upcoming acts delighted them with various musical renditions.

    Nollywood personalities like Jide Kosoko, Funke Daramola and `Remi Surutu’ were also around, adding spice to the gathering.

    Read Also: Buhari arrives Lagos for re-election campaign

    Market women, youths holding brooms and APC flags danced endlessly to rave songs being dished out by the DJ.

    Members of various interest groups and special groups, including people with disabilities, were in their hundreds chanting “Sai Buhari, Sai Buhari,’’ dancing to music.

    Some of the prominent personalities present so far included Sen. Olamilekan Adeola (Lagos-West), a key member of the Presidential Campaign Organisation, Mr Festus Keyamo, South West APC Woman Leader, Mrs Kemi Nelson, and APC Chairman in Lagos, Alhaji Tunde Balogun.

    Mr Tunde Braimoh (Kosofe) and Mr Bisi Yusuf (Alimosho 1) were among some of the state lawmakers present.

    The president was still being awaited as at 12:05p.m.

    NAN

  • Buhari’s visit: Free flow of traffic on Lagos roads

    The usual early morning traffic jam on major roads in Lagos was on Saturday absent as motorists and commuters moved freely from one part of the state to another.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Muhammadu Buhari is on a visit to the state to hold a campaign rally of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    With the free flow of traffic, a huge crowd had gathered at the Teslim Balogun Stadium venue of rally in Surulere as at 11.a.m., awaiting the arrival of the president.

    NAN reports that the Saturday rally had generated apprehension about heavy traffic following the announcement by the state government on Wednesday that it would close no fewer than 18 major routes including Ikorodu Road and Third Mainland Bridge.

    The state government, however, made a U-turn on Friday when it said the movements would no longer be restricted.

    NAN correspondent who monitored traffic on major roads reports there was free flow of traffic of people and vehicles as of 10am.

    On Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, the traffic was unusually free, as there were very few vehicles on the road.

    Commercial motorcyclists who make brisk business from the traffic around Cement and Mongoro bus stops recorded little patronage as there very few commuters.

    Read Also: Fulani youths assure Buhari of 11m votes

    Around Ikeja along and Ile-zik which are traffic flash points on a normal day, motorists had smooth rides as traffic was light.

    The situation was the same up till Oshodi bus stop ,where commercial activities were low at the popular Arena Market and Oshodi main market.

    On Agege motor road, from Mushin through Idi-Oro and Ojuelegba ,commercial buses waited at bus stops to pick the few customers they could manage to get.

    Also on Ikorodu road, driving was exciting as traffic was very light from Onipanu, Palmgrove and Obanikoro and other areas.

    However, the was a bit of traffic jam around Stadium bus stop, by Teslim Balogun Stadium as party faithful and residents were seen in many buses arriving at the rally venue.

    NAN reports that security was tight at the venue of the rally as they were so many security personnel strategically stationed, screening people.

    Hundreds of policemen and soldiers were seen moving around the stadium to ensure security, while some were riding on horses, others were holding sniffer dogs.

    The stadium was almost filled to capacity as of 11am as thousands of party faithful in APC uniforms had arrived waiting for the arrival of the president.

    Traders were seen making brisk business from sale of brooms, APC branded caps, vests and flutes.

    NAN

  • No more road closure for Buhari’s mega rally, says Lagos

    Lagos State Government has reversed itself over the closure of 18 routes for the All Progressives Congress (APC) mega rally to canvass votes for President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday.

    The rally holds at the Teslim Balogun stadium, Surulere with the state initially declaring some roads will be closed to ensure easy passage for Buhari and his entourage.

    But the government said there would be no more road closure, urging Lagosians to go about their normal businesses on Saturday during the rally.

    It, however, declared residents should expect an increased presence of traffic personnel at Surulere and adjoining streets because of the mega rally.

    Many Lagosians have expressed apprehensions the proposed closures would lead to a complete lockdown of the nation’s commercial nerve.

    Commissioner for Transportation Ladi Lawanson gave the clarification in chat with reporters at Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa on Friday.

    Also present at the briefing were: General Manager of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) Mr Wale Musa and the Lagos State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Hyginus Omeje.

    Lawanson said the earlier statement announcing diversion and road closure had been reversed, adding that residents were free to go about their businesses.

    He said the state government was reversing its earlier position in conjunction with federal operatives and the APC to ensure minimal discomfort and minimal disruptions of businesses.

    The commissioner, who is also a member of the transport sub-committee for the Presidential visit and the APC rally, said “Lagosians have been very apprehensive that there will be traffic gridlock and we got a lot of feedbacks that we intend to grind Lagos to a halt.

    “People are apprehensive; they think we are going to shut down Lagos; they think movement would be restricted and they are bracing themselves for what they anticipate would be the hardship that would be visited on them by the president’s visit and our own activities.

    “I repeat there will be between zero to the barest minimum amount of disruptions to the normal movement that Lagosians undertake on a Saturday like today.

    Read Also: Nigeria Airways ex-workers stage rally for Buhari’s reelection

    “So, there will not be any road closures in Lagos today and Lagosians are free to go about their normal businesses today, Saturday,” Lawanson said.

    He said adequate arrangement had been firmed up to ensure free flow of traffic but residents should expect tight security around the routes which the President is expected to pass through in the course of his visit and the venue of the rally.

    “We would just like to communicate that because we are expecting a high caliber personality no less a person than the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria the normal security precautions that attend a visit of this nature should be expected.

    “The President would visit Lagos tomorrow with the full retinue of security aides that protect him and his entourage but there will not be any road closures and there will be zero to minimal disruptions of normal activities,” the Commissioner said.

    He, however, said there would be huge presence of officials of the police, LASTMA, FRSC and other agencies to ensure free flow of traffic around the Surulere axis.

    “Around the venue of the rally which is the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere and the adjourning streets are traffic management agencies such as LASTMA, FRSC, Police and other agencies that would support them tomorrow.

    “They will handle the traffic management around the venue tomorrow and so people can expect to see a huge presence of our traffic,” the commissioner said.

  • Buhari’s Mega Rally: Lagos restricts movement in 18 major routes

    Ahead of President Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign visit to Lagos on Saturday, the State government in conjunction with the Transport sub-Committee of the All Progressive Congress Presidential Campaign on Wednesday said vehicular movement would be restricted around Surulere axis.

    It advised market women, residents and transporters to stay away from the axis on Saturday.

    Chairman, Sub-Committee on Transportation for the campaign, former Minister of State for Defense, Mr Demola Seriki stated this at a Travel Advisory press briefing he addressed at the Secretariat, Alausa on Wednesday.

    The committee also disclosed that over 500 officials of the Lagos Traffic Management Authority, 150 Federal Road Safety Corps officials and other police and Department of the State Security, DSS, personnel are expected to manage the traffic and security in Lagos during the presidential campaign.

    To reduce and manage vehicular movement into the state and especially in the axis, the FRSC has also banned movement of trucks and tankers into the state between Friday and Saturday.

    At the rally, the Transport sub-Committee said that over 100,000 people are expected at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, venue of the mega rally.

    Areas to be affected are: National Stadium and Teslim Balogun Stadia, Funsho Williams Avenue, Surulere, Lawanson/Itire Road/Tejuosho Road, Apapa Road Costain, Abebe Village/Eric Moore Road, Eko Bridge/Apongbon,  Marina Road, Ikorodu Road, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Old Toll Gate/Third Mainland Bridge/Obalende, International Airport Road, Oshodi-Oworonshoki Expressway,Agege Motor Road, Jibowu, Yaba-Muritala Mohammed Way Iddo/Otto, Herbert Macaulay Way – Adekunle, Ijora Olopa/Ijora

    Briefing journalists on the planned traffic diversion and other logistics put in place to ensure a hitch-free presidential campaign rally, Seriki appealed to Lagosians to stay off Surulere axis on Saturday.

    Seriki, who was in company of other members of te committe like the state’s Commissioner for Transportation, Ladi Lawanson,  the  General Manager of LASTMA, Wale Musa, the state FRSC sector Commander, Hygenius Omeje and other stakeholders in the state, said that the roads would be shut between 10 am to 6pm.

    Read Also: Lagos on the march again

    He said: “The visit, billed for Saturday, February 9, 2019 will afford the President opportunity to meet with the people and address them directly about his plans and programmes for them if re-elected into office in the forthcoming general elections. As is usual, especially at this time when elections are in the air, coupled with the fact that the President has a large following across the land whose throng to the venue of the campaign visit at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, will expectedly affect the traffic situation in the metropolis.

    “In the light of this, we have, in collaboration with all the concerned and necessary agencies of government, designed a programme to ensure free flow of traffic while the visited lasts. Accordingly, this Travel Advisory is hereby issued to advise members of the public on alternative routes to ensure that all those who will not be at the venue of the campaign do not get stuck in traffic on the following routes that will be affected”

    He added that the traffic will therefore either be closed or diverted on the 18 major routes.

    “Alaka (by Lanre Shittu Motors) on the service lane inwards stadium will be closed to traffic and vehicles diverted to the stadium bridge on the main carriage way. Shitta inwards Stadium and Stadium inwards Shitta will be closed to traffic and vehicles diverted to Adeniran Ogunsanya Street or Akerele Extension. Traffic from Baracks to Stadium on Funsho Williams Avenue will be diverted to Stadium Bridge on the main carriage way to Alaka,” Seriki said.

    Also speaking, the General Manager, LASTMA, Mr Wale Musa said that 500 officials of the agency would be deployed to manage traffic on the day while the FRSC boss, Omeje said that trucks and tankers had been warned to stay away from Lagos from Friday to Saturday.

    Asked what alternative routes were made for the trucks coming into Lagos from Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Omeje said that the FRSC had discussed with the various unions on parking outside Lagos, saying most of the truck had been informed to make use of Ogere and other places along Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

    “Alaka (by Lanre Shittu Motors) on the service lane inwards stadium will be closed to traffic and vehicles diverted to the stadium bridge on the main carriage way. Shitta inwards Stadium and Stadium inwards Shitta will be closed to traffic and vehicles diverted to Adeniran Ogunsanya Street or Akerele Extension. Traffic from Baracks to Stadium on Funsho Williams Avenue will be diverted to Stadium Bridge on the main carriage way to Alaka.

  • Osinbajo to inaugurate Lagos MSME clinic

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo will on Tuesday inaugurate the Lagos edition of the National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Clinic.

    Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye, the state Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, disclosed this on Sunday in a statement signed by Babasola Ogunmosunle, Public Relations Manager in the ministry.

    Oladunjoye said that the two-day MSME Clinic would hold on Aug. 6 and Aug.7 at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the MSME Clinic is an initiative of the Office of the Vice President in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, as well as 11 other federal agencies.

    Oladunjoye said that the event would further complement the state’s efforts at developing MSMEs in the state.

    She gave an assurance the state that government would continue to implement policies that would boost growth of the sector.

    “As it is evident to all, the present administration in Lagos State is leaving no stone unturned to ensure even development of all sectors, and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Clinic will never be an exemption.’’

    The commissioner expressed confidence that the programme would raise a new set of entrepreneurs while the existing ones would be guided on the best steps to take to add value to their efforts.

    According to her, the state will enhance the capacity of MSME operators with relevant skills that will position them to explore opportunities and access appropriate financial facility.

    She said that the administration of Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode established the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) with a seed capital of N25 billion.

    The fund was earmarked for disbursement within four years to empower business owners with capital to revive moribund ventures, boost trade and start new ventures.

    Oladunjoye recalled that Osinbajo had lauded the state government for the LSETF initiative, and for creating over 12,500 new jobs within the first six months of the scheme.

    The commissioner expressed delight that the MSME Clinic was coming at a period when the state was creating conducive environment for small scale businesses to thrive.