#Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu

[touchaheartnews]

Lagos State Gov. issues stern warning against sales of fake drinks

The Lagos State government has warned entertainment centres within the state against sales and distribution of fake drinks. Special Adviser (SA) to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Idris Aregbe, gave the warning in a statement issued through his instagram page #idrisconnectingnigeria#. Aregbe said this was in response to the rising concern on counterfeit drinks circulating…

[mynewshq]

LEKKI: Lagos govt,Dangote Refinery disagree over parks, call-up system for trucks

- Only Dangote has refused to join access system – LASG - Lagos State deceived us on system – Dangote - Trucks already killing people – LG Chairmanl - Call-up system commences today amidst disagreement We’re not yet on same page – Truck owners THERE are indications that the electronics call-up truck management system introduced by the Lagos State Government to prevent a repeat of Apapa port gridlock in the Lekki Port corridor may have hit a the rocks as key stakeholders disagree on  implementation several years after the programme was initiated. The two key stakeholders are Lagos State Government which is the owner and driver of the initiative, and Dangote Group, the dominant operator on the corridor. News HQ learnt that while the state government wants to on-board every stakeholder opearating in that axis on the call-up system, Dangote Group said it could not come onboard because governmnent did not provide adequate truck park capacity. Already, following commencement of mainstream operations at the Dangote Refinery a week ago, trucking operations have increased exponentially without commencement of the system or alternative provision to address the traffic challenges on temporal basis. Dangote Refinery indicated that it could have provided adequate truck park capacity before commencing operations, according to the initial plan it had, but lamented that the state governmnent disuaded it on grounds that the state was already set to provide the facility. But Managing Director of Call-up Technologies, promoters of the e-call-up system, Mr. Timi Koledu , said that everything about the system is ready and the Information Technology equipment has been deployed appropriately. Call-up system commences amidst disagreement With the traffic crises now imminent, another stakeholders meeting was called by the state, last week, at the Lagos State Secretariat, Ikeja, where the Commissioner  for  Transportation, Mr. Seun Osiyemi said that the E-call-up system for traffic management will commence today, Monday, September 23, 2024, adding that if there are issues to be corrected and resolved, they will be done as the system is operated. Meanwhile, Mr. Yinka Akande, representing Dangote Group at the meeting stated that a truck park was part of the plan for the refinery, adding that the company was ready to build its own park until the state government dissuaded the company, claiming that government had decided to establish truck parks to service all operations in the Lekki Free Trade Zone. News HQ also learnt that Akande insinuated that the invitation to Dangote Group for the meeting was an after-thought because it only got the notice less than 48 hours before the meeting adding, however, that because the group has respect for constituted authorities, it had to find its way round constraints by getting a high executive to discard all other pre-scheduled engagements to attend the meeting. He stated further: “Dangote Group is desirous of the call-up system but we have a problem about the sequencing of activities and where the priority seems to be. “A precursor activity happened before your regime, before you came into power,” apparently referring to present government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Financial Vanguard learnt that initial discussions between Lagos State and Dangote on construction of truck parks started during the regime of Akinwunmi Ambode  as state governor. Akande further stated: “We have already acquired a 33-hectare piece of land in the vicinity for the purpose of building a modern truck park but the governor dissuaded us from that, saying, “don’t worry, the state government is in participation with some private entity and we are going to put a very standard truck park in place; all you need to do is to be off-takers’. ‘‘So the governor said, ‘concentrate on your construction of the refinery; This is logistics and logistics is not your core function, leave that to us’. “We agreed. But years after, nothing happened, it has not materialized and that put us in a twist. And we started running helter-skelter wanting to identify where trucks would park because we do not want a repetition of what happened in Apapa and because we are a responsible organization. “We have had so many meetings with Call Technologies team, promoters of the E-call-up system, and we have been ready to key into the project but where are the parks? “We went to investigate the parks and we found out that the scale and scope of the parks were nowhere near what we require. We are talking about an operations that when it comes to peak of production, we will need 2,700 to 2,800 trucks per day. “There are ten parks and the park with the highest capacity is 300 trucks, so we are more desirous of putting more efforts on the development of these parks and once they are ready, we will be very ready to be onboard the e-call-up match up within our system. We are very desirous to be part of this after everything has been put in place, but we do not seem to have seen that everything has been put in place. We may be wrong but that is our perception and that is why we have come today.” Responding to Akande, Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, Mr. Sola Giwa, assured stakeholders that the call-up system is the best way to control and manage the influx of trucks into that axis, adding that government wants to ensure that both human and vehicular traffic have unfettered access to the roads He stated: “We understand where you are coming from and we appreciate what Dangote has done and obviously, what is going to happen in that area is nothing compared to what happened to Apapa and Ijegun combined if we do not start the e-call-up system now. “We understand very well that all the bolts and nuts should be in place, but I am coming from the experience of how we started late in Apapa several years after the ports were concessioned. So we are actually playing catch-up. We do not want to play catch-up, let us start; we know there will be teething problems; we have met with everyone here more than ten times. That is a government that is serious; we are showing that we are proactive but we know that we cannot coarse you into this; you have to be our willing partner to make this work and that is the reason why we are here to start the process. “It took the intervention of Mr. Governor to bring Dangote and Flour Mills to come up to this stage. So what I am saying is that you will be onboard the e-call up. We know that you want to do 2,700 trucks per day and I hope you can imagine, based on the vehicular density of Lagos and the explosion of that place, what is going to happen if we do not put in place a process by which you can sequence these trucks into your facility for them to load. “We have about ten truck parks and in total, they have over 2,000 capacity and there is room for expansion’’. In his additional comment, Osiyemi disclosed that Dangote is the only company that has not complied with the e-call-up because of the issue they raised. He further disclosed that there was a stalemate between Dangote and the State Government on the e-call-up system earlier, a development which according to him made the project to be suspended. He said that trucks will be as much as 15 kilometres away from the port corridor and can only come in when they are needed.     He further explained that the government is also in talks with a private company that will be taking containers via waterways. He said: “We are not just looking at the land, we are looking at a multi-modal system. We are having a high level discussion with a private company that will take containers via water to reduce the stress on the road.” Trucks already killing people Also speaking at the meeting, Chairman of the Ibeju–Lekki Local Government Area, Mr. Sesan Olowa, lamented incessant accidents that has led to the death of people of the council area and supported the call for all stakeholders to be on the e-call-up platform with a view to controlling and managing vehicular movements in the Lekki port corridor. Olowa stated: “A few months ago, a truck ran into a hospital destroying properties and killing people. We cannot continue to have these trucks move around the Council without proper monitoring. “Honestly, the call-up system has to start almost immediately because we are not enjoying the current traffic situation in that axis. Everybody is focused on the money to be made and nobody care about the people in the locality. “We have seen situation where truck ran into the General Hospital and killed people; we have had cases where tankers loaded with gas fell on the roads and these companies do not even care. “As we plan ahead of the commencement of the call-up system, please I urge you all to consider safety and security of the people of  Ibeju-Lekki. “Most times, the speed of the trucks is not regulated and they drive anyhow and cause accidents; so for us this is a major concern. “With proper enforcement, there will be sanctions and convictions because of the caliber of these drivers; most of them are young people that cannot be controlled; they misbehave. So there is a need for a proper enforcement to be put in place. “The general perception of the people around that axis is that, there is so much happening around there and so little or nothing coming to them by way of opportunities and benefits. ‘‘I cannot put all on you, but what I am trying to say is that, we must come up with some form of framework to see how the people can also be integrated into that value chain.”   Speaking on the issue, Mr. Daniel Odibe, Deputy Managing Director of Lekki Deep Seaport, said that the Standard Operating Procedures, SOPs, must be defined and made available to all stakeholders operating in the Free Trade Zone.  We’re not yet on same page – Truck owners The National President of the National Association of Road Transport Owners, NARTO, Mr. Yusuf Lawal, said that one grey area that is yet to be cleared is the issue of the fee payable for the call-up service. Lawal said that most members of NARTO have not been informed as to how much is to be paid adding that a lot more sensitization and awareness need to be created so that every stakeholder are on the same page.  Read the full article

[streetreporters]

Gov. Sanwo-Olu To Deliver Lecture As Yoruba National Day Celebration Holds September 23 in Honour of Eda Onile-Ola at 85

The 2024 Yoruba National Day celebration will take place on September 23 at the newly renovated Wole Soyinka Theatre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State. The event, organized by the Grand Council of Yoruba Youths, will honour the 85th birthday of veteran actor and elder statesman, Chief Lere Paimo, a.k.a Eda Onile-Ola. Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will deliver a lecture…

[mouthpiecengr]

Hardship: Sanwo-olu Urges Agro, Food Processing Companies To Crash Prices

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged agro and food processing companies to work toward reducing their prices during this time of economic hardship as a way of giving back to the society and ensuring food security in Nigeria. Governor Sanwo-Olu made the call on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the Senior Management Team of Olam Agric Nigeria, led by its Managing…

[lagmennet]

Sanwo-Olu Condemns Sponsors of IgboMustGo Protest

The governor’s stance follows a request by Abubakar Atiku, a former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general election, for the Federal Government to investigate, arrest, and punish the #IgboMustGo protesters. Sanwo Olu wrote, “The attention of Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has been drawn to a post by LagosPedia, a social media handle on X…

[aalawsng]

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT ENFORCES RE-VALIDATION OF BUILDING PERMITS

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT CLARIFIES REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDING PERMITS

Reports on Saturday, July 27th, indicated that the Lagos State Government had revoked all building permits in Lagos State and set deadlines for those affected to revalidate their permits. The article credited its source as Mr. Olajide Babatunde, the special adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on e-GIS and Urban Development.

Mr. Babatunde, accompanied by Gbolahan Oki, the general manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), and some executive members, was quoted as saying, “All commencement certifications in Lagos are revoked effective immediately. This applies to everyone with a construction site, including those in the big five category.” He continued, “Return to the LASBCA office to revalidate that document; if you decide not to go for the revalidation of that documentation, we are going to seal that site.”

This information caused an uproar among social media users who claimed the information came as a shock and was unfair.

However, a press release issued on Sunday, July 28th, 2024, addressed the article and provided the following clarifications:

The Lagos State Government has not revoked all existing building permits as reported in some online media.

The directive issued by the Special Adviser on e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, was regarding Letters of Authorization to commence construction, issued by LASBCA.

The revalidation is to allow the Agency to perform a proper audit and authentication of all professionals engaged in building construction in the State.

Buildings under construction that have been abandoned for a long time need to be recertified before the recommencement of construction to ascertain the structural stability of the building project.

No one should sleep in buildings undergoing construction.

All construction work should not go beyond 7 pm every day, with no building construction work allowed on Sundays.

Property owners and developers should revalidate all letters of authorization to commence building construction issued to them.

An addendum to the clarifications instructs developers to always ensure that all relevant professionals in the built environment, such as civil/structural, electrical, and mechanical engineers, and architects, are engaged in building construction.

REFERENCES

[scarletnews]

Sanwo-Olu Commissions Nova Bank, Nigeria’s Newest Commercial Phygital Bank

Just as banks in the country are put­ting the final touches to recapitalise following the directive of the Cen­tral Bank of Nigeria (CBN), a new commercial bank, Nova Bank Lim­ited, has officially begun operation. The Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo Olu, who officially commissioned the bank located on 18, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, on Tuesday, said despite the economic…

[hardynwa]

Lagos unveil WASH police, implemetation plan

The Lagos State Governor Mr Babajide Sanwo-olu on Thursday unveiled the Lagos State Water, Sanitation and Hygiene policy to effectively harness, promote national and international focus on Water and Sanitation sector to ensure rapid expansion of access to water infrastructure in the State. Speaking during the unveiling ceremony which was part of activities to commemorate the 2024 World Water Day held at Marriott Hotel GRA Ikeja the Governor said Water is essential for life and is also a powerful force for fostering peace and cooperation among communities and individuals. The Governor represented by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab said the theme for the 2024 World Water Day "Water for Peace" underscores the critical role that water plays in building bridges between people. This is achievable by fostering cooperation and dialogue on water-related issues that transcend boundaries thereby promoting understanding, trust, and mutual respect. "In our pursuit of water security and sustainability, it is imperative that we embrace the principles of inclusivity and equity; we must ensure that all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances, have access to clean water" he stated. The Governor said the launch of the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Policy of Lagos State will serve as a guiding framework in the journey towards ensuring universal access to clean water and sanitation. He added that the policy outlines a holistic approach to water management, encompassing strategies for conservation, pollution prevention, and equitable distribution. He said the implementation of the WASH Policy, will reaffirm government's commitment to leaving no one behind in the quest for water security and peace through improving water infrastructure, enhancing sanitation services, and empowering communities to take ownership of their water resources. He added that the ongoing activities of the Lagos Urban WASH program, supported by United States Agency for International Development (USAID) exemplifies the dedication of this administration to promoting water security and sustainability in urban areas through innovative interventions and partnerships. He applauded the Lagos Urban Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (LUWASH) for currently supporting the Water Sector MDAs in various activities like the rehabilitation of five (5) Micro/Mini Water works for Lagos Water Corporation(LWC). He listed others to include Capacity Building for Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO) and supporting the development of a business case for Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO). "As we mark the year 2024 World Water Day, Let us pledge to work together, across borders and sectors, to ensure that water remains a source of unity rather than division; "Together, we can create a world where every drop of water contributes to the greater good, forging a path towards peaceful and prosperous future for the residents" he said. Also at the event the Special Adviser on Environment Mr Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu said the equitable and sustainable management of water resources has the potential to address many of the root causes of social and economic inequalities. HE added that through investment in water infrastructure and technology, a condition for peace to flourish will be created. He urged participants at the event to give a commitment to building a future where water is not seen as a source of division but as a symbol of unity peace and shared prosperity. In his remarks, the Minister of Water Resources and Environment Prof Joseph Utsev represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Alh. Shehu Shinkafi said Water is a fundamental human right that sustains life, nourishes communities and forms foundation of our society saying that despite its abundance, access to clean water remains a luxury for many people. He said the provision of good water has been confronted with unprecedented challenges ranging from escalating impacts of climate change to the growing demands of an expanding population. He added that in all these, everyone must recognise the potential of water as a catalyst for cooperation, collaboration and peace building. Present at the 2024 World Water Day were Top Government Officials, Academia, Experts from Civil Society Organizations. Read the full article

[reportafrique]

Lagos State Pays N57.7 Billion in Pension Benefits to 16,340 Retirees Over Five Years

The Lagos State government has disbursed a total of N57.7 billion in pension benefits to 16,340 retirees since the commencement of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's administration in May 2019. The disclosure came from Mr. Afolabi Ayantayo, the Commissioner for Establishments, Training, and Pension, during the 102nd Retirement Presentation held by the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC) in Lagos on Tuesday. The beneficiaries encompass retirees from various sectors, including Mainstream, Local Government, State Universal Basic Board (SUBEB), Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), and state government parastatals. Commissioner Ayantayo emphasized that Lagos State has been at the forefront of efficiently managing the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) since its inception in 2007, demonstrating a commitment to meeting pension obligations. Expressing gratitude for the retirees' hard work, Ayantayo stated, "The state government is truly grateful for your hard work and recognizes the need to protect your retirement benefits." He highlighted the government's commitment to the CPS, aiming to ensure retirees receive regular income during their retirement. The commissioner presented retirement bonds during the ceremony, emphasizing that they symbolize enduring gratitude and respect for the retirees' years of dedication. Ayantayo remarked, "The bonds you have forged, the wisdom you have shared, and the legacy you have built would continue to inspire us." Acknowledging the retirees' service, the commissioner assured that the state government remains dedicated to implementing policies supporting their well-being. The Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), established by the Lagos State Contributory Pension Scheme Law 2007, plays a crucial role in regulating, supervising, and ensuring effective pension administration in the state public service. The objectives of the Pension Reform Law include assisting employees in saving for retirement, timely payment of retirement benefits, and establishing rules for pension administration in the public service. The law also introduced a group life policy for death benefits during service and a Retirement Bond for employees with past service benefits, along with a Redemption Fund to meet bond payment liabilities. Read the full article

[touchaheartnews]

Remains of Akeredolu arrives Nigeria

Remains of Akeredolu arrives Nigeria Late former Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu’s body has arrived in Nigeria. Remains of Akeredolu were brought into the country from Germany, where he passed away. The reports indicated that the aircraft carrying the body arrived at approximately 3:39 p.m. on Friday, January 5, 2024. Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the late governor’s wife, along with…

[goldmynetv]

Lagos to begin Lekki airport 2024 – Commissioner

The Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, has said that the state government will focus on completing ongoing projects across the state in the new year. Omotoso, who spoke exclusively to The PUNCH in a telephone interview on Sunday, said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s “ambitious N2.2tn budget” would be utilised judiciously for infrastructure development among…

[streetreporters]

Continental Students’ Movement Lauds Governor Sanwo-Olu for Strategic Appointment in Education Sector

In a significant nod to the value of student leadership, the All-Africa Students’ Union (AASU) has publicly commended Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for the appointment of Comrade Kappo Olawale Samuel as the Senior Special Assistant on Students’ Union Affairs, Tertiary Education. The commendation came through a heartfelt statement from Abrhaley Arefaine Hailenchael, the Executive…

[mouthpiecengr]

Don’t donate your pension benefits to churches, mosques— Sanwoolu 

• Lagos pays N4.46b to 2000 retirees  Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has implored the 2,000 retirees, who got their contributory pension worth about N4.46 billion, yesterday, not to donate it to churches, mosques or religious groups. Speaking at the 105 batch of retirement bond certificate presentation ceremony to retirees, Sanwo-Olu stated that payment of the pension is a…

[crimechannels]

By • Olalekan Fagbade JUST IN; Governor donates N50miion to ex-Servicemen Lagos Government, on Monday, donated the sum of N50 million to ex-servicemen in commemoration of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day. Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced the donation at the unveiling of the 2023/2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem in Ikeja. Sanwo-Olu said that the ex-servicemen needed to be supported, as they fought to ensure the peace and unity of the country. ”We usually give a monthly support, but this one (N50 million) will be a support that will not stop all the other supports that we are giving. ”We have just been decorated, and while we are doing that with all the service chiefs with all sense of responsibility, we all feel a sense of purpose and commitments. ”We all feel a sense of patriotism to be able to, on yearly basis, remember all of the great men, our fallen heroes, that, at one time or the other, served our country meritoriously. ”Some had to pay the supreme prize, while some, having also served and left service but in one form or the other, still continue to contribute in, no little way, to the success of our country,” he said. The governor said that the state government would not relent in supporting the wives of the fallen heroes. ”To our widows that are here, we want to continue to encourage you; we want to continue to ensure and assure you of government’s support. ”I remember last year, we did make commitments that our Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Ministry must reach out to you from time to time; I want to believe that they do that,” he said. Sanwo-Olu directed the commissioner for women affairs and poverty alleviation to ensure that the ministry engaged the widows in the skill acquisition programmes of the state government. He assured that his administration would ensure that the social intervention agencies carried the Nigerian Legion along in the different interventions of the government. Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr Olanrewaju Kayode, said that the unveiling of the emblem by the Nigeria Legion marked the commencement of the 2024 armed forces remembrance day. Kayode said that the activities would be climaxed with the armed forces remembrance day on Jan. 15, 2024, with the wreath laying at the Remembrance Arcade, Tafawa Balewa, Lagos. Also speaking, Chairman of the legion in the state, Mr Akeem Wolimoh, said that the gesture being enjoyed by the legion in the state was unprecedented. Wolimoh thanked Sanwo-Olu, even as he implored him to continue to continue his support to the legion. ”I want us to use this moment to appreciate the sacrifices of the fallen heroes and military veterans and plead with Mr Governor to continue the Nigerian Legion in Lagos State. ”No doubt, we need funds to enable us to continue in our efforts to attend to our obligations in order for us to function effectively in fostering comradeship among ex-servicemen. ”We need funds for provision of medical support, housing and other daily needs of the aged, the weak and the needy military veterans, including those of the dependants (widows and orphans) of the fallen heroes,” he said. Wolimoh also solicited for support from corporate organisations, the elites in the society and the general public. (NAN)

[musicafricawake]

MUAFA NEWS!!! OFALA 2023 WELCOME ADDRESS DELIVERED BY HRH EZE AUGUSTINE S. OJUKWU, EZE NDIGBO, AMUWO ODOFIN LGA, LAGOS.

WELCOME ADDRESS BY HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS EZE SUNDAY AUGUSTINE OJUKWU ON HIS 2ND OFALA FESTIVAL/CULTURAL FIESTA HELD ON 28TH OCTOBER 2023.    My Governor, His Excellency: Babajide Sanwo-Olu, The Governor of Lagos State, My Executive Chairman, Amuwo Odofin L.G.A. My Sister:  Hon. Mrs. Ashara Maureen Chika, Executive Vice Chairman, Amuwo Odofin LGA. My Royal Father: HRH Igwe Macanthony Chinedu Elibe…