LASG TRAINS COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES ON DIGITALISATION
The Lagos State Cooperative College, as part of its continued efforts at ensuring that Cooperative Societies in the State are abreast of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, has organised a five-day human capacity development programme on digitalisation of business activities for members of cooperative societies in the State.
In his address at the commencement of the training held at the Johnson Agiri Complex, Agege, with the theme ‘Digital Transformation Strategies for Cooperative Societies Stability In Post COVID-19 Pandemic Era’, the Provost of the College, Mr. Akorede Ojomu, said the human capacity building programme was designed for cooperative societies in the State to ensure that they continue to thrive in the pandemic era of doing business remotely.
He said, “In line with keeping with our Mission, we have packaged this training programme as part of efforts to assist Cooperative societies in dealing with challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as they relate to the increasing use of digital technology in the delivery of business operations and services”.
According to him, as Trustees, Managers and members of cooperative societies, it is imperative to appreciate the challenges occasioned by the incidence of the global pandemic, its attendant protocols on businesses and how this affects the realisation of their core business objectives.
“It would interest you to note that we are already at the age and stage where the effective application of digital technology might prove inevitable to the survival of our business entities, hence the need to take proactive action that would guarantee our continued existence and growth”, Ojomu stated.
He averred that the training programme was designed with full cognisance of the need for Cooperative Societies in the dynamic world of digitalisation by ensuring that no stone is left unturned in the effort to secure the future of cooperatives’ business operations.
In her remarks, the Registrar of the College, Mrs. Risikat Osomo, said the College had been meticulous in the selection of topics that are germane and very relevant to digital transformation.
Mrs. Osomo stated that some of the subjects that would be treated at the training programme include Data Analysis using Excel application, Cyber Security, Economic Self-Reliance and Digital Transformation Strategy, Digital Literacy, Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Understanding Cooperative Business Model, Business Planning and Control in Cooperative Management, amongst others.
She, therefore, called on all participants to take the maximum advantage of the session to improve their societies as they were in for an enriching and value-adding experience.
Recall that the Lagos State Cooperative College was established by the Lagos State Government to provide an avenue for the acquisition of specialised skills by individuals and groups desirous of getting their economic livelihood through the platform of Cooperative societies.
LAGOS ENDORSES ‘GO CULTURE FESTIVAL 2021’, SAYS INITIATIVE WILL PROMOTE ARTS, CULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY
Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has endorsed ‘Go Culture Festival 2021’, describing the initiative as a step in the right direction towards cultural renaissance and preservation of Nigeria cultural heritage.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Solomon Bonu, while speaking at the event held recently in Lagos, extolled the resilience of the organiser of the event and his passion for cultural preservation.
He said that the theme for the 2021 edition of the annual event ‘Unleashing African Potential – Own Your Culture’, will no doubt reflect the current cultural diversity of the Nigerian culture and also establish a revival of the country’s cultural heritage.
Bonu, who was represented at the event by the Director of Creative Arts Department in the Ministry, Mr. Idowu Johnson, expressed the hope that the culmination of the country’s cultural practices under the Go Culture Festival will have ripple effects on the State’s economy and also across the country.
In his message at the event, the convener of Go Culture Festival 2021, Idris Coker, stated that ‘Go Culture Festival’ is Africa’s most prestigious Mega African multicultural display, exhibition, award and performances organised annually by Carnival and Cultural Pride Limited.
According to him, “Culture has been elevated in scope and operations as government at Local, State and Federal levels have over the years deliberately got themselves involved by setting up Ministries and Departments of Culture”.
He maintained that the Nigerian Government, apart from investing in cultural infrastructure across the country, has set up the national troupe comprising of dancers, drummers, singers, acrobats, choreographers, writers, poets and artistes.
Coker, however, called for more contribution from all relevant stakeholders and Nigerians as a whole in ensuring that the nation’s culture did not go into extinction but instead, make deliberate efforts to preserve the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
His words: “My message at this gathering is that we must all join hands in upholding and uplifting our culture, language and tradition. That is something that we have that no one can take from us. It is our natural wealth that we can’t compromise or overlook”.
The event, which witnessed exciting cultural display, indigenous parade, Arts and Crafts, Dance drama and Arts Exhibition, among others, was organised in collaboration with different cultural agencies like National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), National Art Gallery (NGA), National Institute for Cultural Orientations (NICO), Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) and Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC).
PIX 1: The Director of Creative Arts Department, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idowu Johnson with the Convener of Go Culture Festival 2021, Idris Coker, at the ‘Go Culture Festival’ event held recently in Lagos.
EBUTE-METTA GH EMBARKS ON VOLUNTARY BLOOD DONATION DRIVE
The General Hospital Ebute Metta, in conjunction with the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Services, has embarked on a Blood Drive Campaign tagged “Give A Gift From Your Heart – Donate Blood”.
Speaking during the blood donation drive which commenced on Monday with a sensitisation/awareness walk around the Ebute Metta Community, the Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Juliana Olunuga, stated that Donating Blood is a service to humanity.
She commended the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Services and everyone on the team for supporting the laudable initiative, while urging the residents of the area to come forward to donate blood as part of their service to humanity.
On her part, the Head of Department, Medical Laboratory Services at the facility, Mrs. Victoria Fasae, informed the public that since the General hospital commenced Gynaecology and Obstetrics operations there had been an increase in the demand for donors, adding that blood is needed in emergency cases, therefore residents are urged to partake in the voluntary blood donations.
While informing the community that donating blood helps in the replacement of fresh blood cells and reduces the risk of contracting diseases, she appealed to the public to embrace voluntary blood donations as their contribution to saving lives.
Mrs. Fasae expressed her belief that the success of the sensitisation and awareness walk around the community will ensure a significant increase in voluntary blood donation by residents in the area.
PIX 1 & 2: The Blood Drive Team during the campaign.
LASG TASKS WOMEN ACCOUNTANTS ON TRANSPARENCY, FINANCIAL DISCIPLINE IN PUBLIC SERVICE
… Commends SWAN for Impacting Lives through CSR
Lagos State Government has called on Women Accountants across the country to rise up to the challenges of financial mismanagement, recklessness and wastes in public service so as to save the nation’s economy from total collapse.
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Finance, Mrs.Yemi Ayoola, gave the advice during a courtesy visit by the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN) to the Ministry at the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.
She stated the need for women Accountants across the Federation to use their innate talents as mothers, as well as the ethics of their profession, to effect positive changes necessary for ethical rebirth and financial discipline in public service across the country.
According to her, Women Accountants in the country have a vital role to play in bringing back sanity, transparency, due process and financial discipline to the nation’s public service to pave the way for more sustainable growth of the nation’s economy.
While commending the body for using its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to impact the lives of vulnerable Nigerians, Ayoola tasked SWAN not to relent in waging war against domestic and sexual violence, drug abuse, banditry, kidnapping, youth restiveness and other social vices capable of undermining the nation’s development growth.
Her words: “As a senior member of SWAN, l want to acknowledge your various contributions to the growth of our society. Your association, despite being non-profit, has done a lot in assisting the less privileged, giving voice to the voiceless, raising the hope of the hopeless as well as standing against all forms of abuses against women”.
She added that the State Government is second to none in prioritising the capacity building of its professionals in the State Public Service, including ICAN members, noting that efficient service delivery is hinged on the availability of a competent and well-trained workforce, who must always be there to drive various development initiatives of government.
The Permanent Secretary, while thanking the National President of SWAN, Mrs. Felicia Bamigbose, also commended the leadership and members of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Somolu Branch, who had also paid a similar visit to the Ministry, noting that the solidarity visits by the two sister bodies would encourage her to work harder and bring more glory to the accounting profession.
Ayoola, however, charged them to prioritise the capacity building of their members by regularly organising training and retraining programmes as well as retreats to enhance their professionalism and social exposure.
Earlier, SWAN President, Mrs. Felicia Bamigbose said the visit was aimed at showing solidarity and identifying with the success made by the Permanent Secretary as one of their members.
According to her, it is a thing of joy for the association seeing one of their members not only becoming Permanent Secretary, but also reaching the pinnacle of the Profession and occupying a position often dominated by men.
“We are proud of you, we thank God for your elevation, while we pray for divine wisdom and favour that will make you excel in this new position”, she prayed.
OTCI EQUIPS CREATIVITY AMBASSADORS WITH RELEVANT SKILLS FOR OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE
The Office of Transformation, Creativity and Innovation (OTCI), has organised a knowledge-based Stakeholders’ Engagement for Creativity and Innovation Ambassadors, to equip them with the right skills and knowledge required for optimal performance.
Addressing the gathering which comprised of newly selected and erstwhile Creativity and Innovation (C&I) Ambassadors in the State at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, the Director-General, Office of Transformation, Creativity and Innovation, Mr. Toba Otusanya, said the engagement was organised to scale up the achievements recorded so far in the C&I space.
He added that the meeting was also necessitated to ensure that the Ambassadors were on the same page regarding their roles and responsibilities, as well as knowing the viable strategies to adopt while proffering solutions to challenges faced in the discharge of the assigned responsibilities.
According to him, having monitored and evaluated improvements and identified gaps, the need to equip and expose the C&I Ambassadors to modern skills and trends in the Creativity and Innovation space cannot be over-emphasised.
He, therefore, urged the participants to develop valuable and essential skills such as Networking skills, Observation skills, Association skills, Questioning skills and Experimentation skills if they must succeed as C&I Ambassadors and be impactful.
“Equally important is the need to have a clear vision; the ability to identify major stakeholders to drive the initiative; the ability to start new things without entertaining fear; be persistent; be resilient; refuse to be discouraged”, Otusanya added.
The Director-General enjoined Public Servants who have ideas considered to be beneficial to the State to forward same to www.lagossolutionhub.com, noting that the OTCI is developing a C&I Competition specifically for Public Servants with a Prize Money attached which they should take advantage of.
While praising Accounting Officers for their efforts towards the sustenance of the Creativity and Innovation Initiative in their MDAs, Otusanya stated that having their buy-in is crucial to the success of the initiative, just as their support for the initiative, through their C&I Ambassadors, would go a long way in realising the Creativity and Innovation aspirations of the State.
He commended the Creativity and Innovation Ambassadors for their enthusiasm and achievements so far, encouraging them to always find out what challenges, problems and issues their MDAs are faced with and see how as a team they could creatively proffer solutions to them.
Other Speakers took turns to discuss issues that bordered on ‘How to deploy creative ideas and solutions to surmount limitations to achieving results in the Public Service as C&I Ambassadors”, as well as ‘Innovation Culture and its Relevance to a 21st Century Workplace’.
Some of the recommendations arrived at included the need for the Ambassadors to work together as a team with other members of staff; the need to have Ambassadors attend Management Meetings in order to get acquainted with happenings in their Agencies, so as to strategise appropriately and come up with creative solutions and the need to adequately protect intellectual property by adopting a non-disclosure agreement.
Others are the need to put dates on ideas as they arrive to avoid controversies; the need to always ask, ‘what is the impact of what I am doing as an Ambassador in my MDA’ and the need to have an officer identified as the originator of an idea in the implementation.
Recall that the C&I Ambassadors Committee was established by the State Government to encourage MDAs to take ownership of solutions to identified challenges submitted by their staff, to involve staff in the implementation process as well as documenting such activities in their Staff Performance Appraisal and Development (SPADEV) reports for rewards and recognition.
SANWO-OLU OPENS AFRO-BRAZILIAN CULTURAL CENTRE IN LAGOS
… Says Initiative Will Boost Heritage Tourism
Wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has opened the Afro Brazilian Descendants Centre in the State, just as she commended the Brazilian Descendants Association’s carnival held by the community.
Speaking during the official opening of the Afro Brazilian Descendants Centre in Lagos, Dr. Sanwo-Olu also commended the efforts of the Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and his representative at the event, the Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe, whom she recognised as the pivot of Nigeria’s cultural diplomacy.
The First Lady, who attended the event alongside the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Solomon Bonu, acknowledged the long historical relationship between Lagos and Brazil, saying that the initiative of the Afro-Brazilian Descendants Centre would further strengthen the age-long ties.
The Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, appreciated the support and recognition of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in the ongoing efforts by Brazilian Descendants Association (BDA) in preserving the history and architecture of Afro-Brazilians in Lagos Island, stressing that the window of relationship which is being sustained by the thriving community would get Federal Government’s assistance, especially through the factoring of their iconic festival into Nigeria’s cultural festival calendar.
He said “I want to thank Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the support and encouragement to the Brazilian Descendants Association and for preserving the architecture of Brazilian Descendants community in Lagos”.
The Honourable Minister, whose message was delivered at the event by his representative, Otunba Runsewe, noted that the time has come to give the initiative an economic boost through cultural tourism.
He explained that the first generation of Nigerians, who were taken by the Portuguese slave merchants, left an enduring legacy on Yoruba culture which, today, has become a veritable platform of the cultural and historical relationship between Nigeria and Brazil.
On his part, Barrister Lawal Pedro, Chairman, Brazil Descendants Association and former Solicitor-General of Lagos State, explained that a museum of the community would be opened soon at Lagos State University as a way of encouraging studies and research of Brazil descendants in Lagos.
He noted that the centre is geared towards bringing close to the community, easy access to all information about historical narratives of Afro-Brazilian descendants in Lagos.
Pic 1: (L-R) Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Solomon Bonu; Wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and the Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe at the event.
PRE-RAMADAN LECTURE: SANWO-OLU URGES MUSLIMS TO SEEK GOD’S INTERVENTION, RESTORATION FOR NIGERIA
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday, implored the Muslim faithful to use this year’s fasting period to seek the face of God for divine help on Nigeria and total recovery from the losses of COVID-19 pandemic and other pressing challenges.
Sanwo-Olu made the plea while addressing Muslim congregants at the Pre-Ramadan lecture/prayer held at the State House Mosque Complex, Alausa, Ikeja.
The Governor, represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat at the event, appreciated God on behalf of all residents for not allowing the pandemic to bring a total halt to the economic and religious activities in the State, noting that the fight against the virus was a daunting task both for the State Government and the residents.
In his address at the occasion, the Commissioner for Home Affairs in Lagos State, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi, who described Ramadan fast as a command from the Almighty Allah, quoted from the Holy Quran Chapter 2, Verse 189: “O Ye Believers, Fasting Has Been Prescribed Unto You As It Was Prescribed To Those Before You, So That You May Learn Self-Restraints”.
He recalled that this time last year, the whole world was rudely shocked by the intrusion of the Coronavirus, which forced most countries to lockdown, hence most religious activities were held on a low-key last year.
Elegushi called on Muslim brethren to avail themselves the training and serenity that Ramadan affords for cleansing and enrichment of every soul with virtues and re-dedication to the good of humanity as well as the development and progress of our dear State, Lagos and our great country, Nigeria.
He admonished Muslims to “cater for the less privileged around them as commanded by the Holy Quran even as we abstain from all forms of wrongdoing now and, hopefully, beyond the Fasting period; a call to fellow-feeling, harmonious co-existence devoid of prejudice, hatred, acrimony and bigotry as well as exhibiting attributes of charity and good neighbourliness”.
“I urge every one of us to avail ourselves of the lectures and practical teachings of seasoned Islamic clerics who have been selected to remind us of our roles as Muslims during this Ramadan period”, the Commissioner said.
One of the speakers at the event, Dr. Sa’eid Ahmad, an Imam and Lecturer at LASUCOM, bemoaned the lukewarm attitude of most Muslims to the COVID-19 vaccine when it was introduced by the government.
Dr. Ahmad informed that COVID-19 should be recognised by Muslims because it supports the framework and the principles of cleanliness which is already instructed in the Qur’an through ablution and constant washing.
He further stated that although Muslims wash their hands five times a day, a lot of them do not believe that COVID-19 is real and, as such, have not fully followed the laid down safety measures by the government and health officials.
“We complain that the Government is not doing much on COVID-19, yet when the vaccine came many felt reluctant to take the jab,” the cleric said.
Also in his lecture titled “The Purposefulness of Life”, Dr. Ishaq Zuglul, opined that life is not a sheer coincidence as there is much to life than vanities, adding that living here on earth is a test for eternity.
Dr. Zuglul asserted that external judgement will be based on the purity of heart action not by social status, educational level or affluence, charging those in governance to render public service to the people conscientiously and commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for the passion and fatherly disposition at handling the #EndSARS debacle.
In her vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Mrs. Adebunmi Adekanye, who was represented by the Director of Finance and Accounts, Mrs. Adetutu Ososanya, appreciated the efforts of the State government at ensuring peace and religious harmony in Lagos State.
The event was well attended by many dignitaries including the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Folashade Jaji; the Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, Mr. Abdulahi Jebe; the body of Permanent Secretaries and the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos, His Eminence, Sheikh (Engr.) Suleiman Abou Nolla among others.
PIX 1: Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat and the Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola at the Year 2021 Pre-Ramadan Prayers organised by the State Government in Alausa yesterday.
LASG TO EMPOWER AMPUTEE SINGLE PARENT
… Relocates Her to Temporary Shelter For Safety
Lagos State Government, on Monday, said that it has taken over the welfare of Mary Daniel, the 26-year-old homeless amputee and single mother, whose tragic story trended on social media platforms over the weekend.
Speaking on the intervention of the State Government, the Special Adviser to the State Governor on Civic Engagement, Princess Aderemi Adebowale, stated that the move became necessary in order to protect the physically challenged woman from abuse and risk.
According to the Special Adviser, Daniel, an indigene of Ayingba, Kogi State, who just moved to Lagos two weeks ago, hawked table water in traffic in Oshodi to earn a living, is now in temporary protective custody pending when further plans would be concluded by the government to get her an apartment and also empower her.
Adebowale said, “The case of Mary (Daniel) was brought to my attention by the Managing Director, Lagos State Lotteries Board and two politicians from Oshodi who expressed concern about her safety as some kind-hearted individuals have started sending money to her account to assist her”.
She explained that after her interaction with Daniel, it was agreed that the present administration should take over the case to ensure her personal safety, hence the involvement of the State Government.
Princess Adebowale promised to personally look over her as a guardian and make sure that she is properly settled in Lagos, saying “We will make sure she becomes a responsible citizen in the State”.
PIX 1: Amputee Table Water Hawker, Mary Daniel, at an engagement with the Special Adviser Office of Civic Engagement, Princess Adebowale Aderemi in her Office on Monday
UMRAH 2021: LAGOS PEGS FARE AT N1.37 MILLION
The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has pegged the fare for performing the Y2021 Umrah (lesser Hajj) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at N1.37 million, being the least package fees.
The Executive Secretary of the Board, Mr. Rahman Ishola, who disclosed this in a statement issued by the Board on Tuesday, added that the exercise, which comes up during the last 10 days of the Holy month of Ramadan, has two different packages that the intending pilgrims can choose from.
He said, “The first package at a cost of N1.37 million includes stay at a Three-Star Hotel; Sahur (Morning meal) and Iftar (Evening meal) in Nigerian delicacies; Economy Class ticket with a reputable airline; Executive and convenient local transportation; five days stay in Madinah, including three days isolation period; COVID-19 tests in Makkah and Madinah; visitation to historical sites and two-to-a-room accommodation”.
“The subscribers to the second package at a cost of N2.7 million would be accommodated at the Five-Star Ajyad Makareem Hotel in Makkah and Coral Hotel in Madinah. This is in addition to other benefits contained in the first package like Sahur and Iftar among others”, Ishola added.
The Board Secretary explained that the increase in fare was due to the strict implementation of the COVID-19 protocols by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health, emphasising that the Umrah exercise will hold between April 27 and 15 May, 2021, and urged interested Muslims to seize the opportunity provided by the Board to make their payment as soon as possible.
He also encouraged those who had already made initial deposits to endeavour to pay up the balance for the package of their choice and forward evidence of payment (teller/bank receipt) and International Passport to the Board on or before April 18, 2021, for further necessary action.
Ishola stated that it is mandatory for all the intending pilgrims to get the COVID-19 vaccine before embarking on the pilgrimage, stressing that without the vaccination, they would be denied entry into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
LAWMA, LASUBEB SET TO INCORPORATE WASTE MANAGEMENT IN SCHOOL CURRICULUM
The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), have concluded plans to incorporate waste management in the curriculum of primary schools in the State, as a way of re-orientating the younger generation for a sustainable environment.
Speaking at the inaugural training programme for teachers organised by the State Government with the theme “Waste Education in the 21st Century”, held at LASUBEB, Maryland, the Managing Director/CEO of (LAWMA), Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni, noted that incorporating waste management into the academic curriculum of primary schools was the most creative way of reshaping the environmental consciousness of the younger generation.
Odumboni, who commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his consistent support and efforts at repositioning LAWMA, said the initiative became necessary to mitigate reckless dumping of waste around Lagos, stressing that it was not enough to keep sweeping the streets to keep it clean, but to arrest indiscriminate dumping around the city.
His words: “We have decided to change the narrative of waste management through the young ones, by catching them young. Because we understand that teachers are the best advocates and change agents, whose impact cannot be shoved aside. We are optimistic that incorporating waste management into the primary school curriculum would not only be taught but put into practice for the students and, with time, become a tradition”.
Reiterating the need to catch the pupils young in order to serve as change agents, Odumboni noted that LAWMA Academy, a knowledge hub of waste management operated by the Agency, was borne out of the need to manage waste in a smart and modern way, and to instil a sound understanding of waste management, in the pupils, to turn waste into wealth.
“The challenge of improper waste management among Lagos residents is as a result of not having a proper understanding of waste management, and not being environment friendly. Therefore, we need to teach these children how to understand the sorting of waste and keeping their environment clean, while regional training will be held in schools from time to time. This will no doubt help them develop a positive attitude towards waste and, in future, we would have proud waste managers and business experts among them”, he noted.
In his address, the Chairman of LASUBEB, Mr. Wahab Alawiye King, appreciated LAWMA for coming up with the laudable initiative, describing it as the first of its kind in Sub-Sahara Africa.
Alawiye-King said, “At LASUBEB, our aim is to create an enabling environment for quality education of pupils, as well as improve quality of teaching and learning. Therefore, we will work with LAWMA and instil environmental discipline in the pupils to make them conscious of their actions and inactions towards the environment. We are thankful for this thoughtful and impactful initiative”.
Also, the Chief Technical Officer of LAWMA, Dr. Olorunwa Tijani, commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his continuous support to the agency, noting that LAWMA’s collaboration with LASUBEB on the curriculum issue would invariably change the waste management culture of the pupils and adults in the future.
Papers presented at the training include “Solid Waste Management in the 21st Century” by Dr. Essien Nsuabia; “LAWMA Academy and Brief on Establishment of Waste Clubs and Incorporation of Waste Management in Primary Schools” by Mrs. Elizabeth Ademola and “Waste Education in 21st Century” by Dr. Michael Ahove among others.
Dignitaries at the event included Mrs. Sherifat Abiodun Adedoyin, Permanent Member, SUBEB Board; Mr. Dayo Israel, Permanent Member, SUBEB Board, Dr. Nsuabia Essien, Assistant General Manager, Waste Management Development and AGM, Admin & Human Resources, Mr. Taoheed Dosumu among others.
LASG, MO ABUDU ORGANISE EKO STAR FILM, TV AWARDS
… As Lycett, Joke Silva, Others Receive Recognition Awards
Lagos State Government and Mo Abudu have organised an Award of Recognition ceremony through the ‘Eko Culture Series’ to pay tributes to some female personalities in the Nigerian Film industry and TV Stars for their contributions to the development of the country’s film and creative industry – “Nollywood” – emerging the second-largest film producer in the world.
In her address at the event, tagged “Eko Star Film and TV Awards” and held with the support of the Nigerian International Film Institute on Monday at Ebony Life Place, Victoria Island, the State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, stated that the female gender in the industry has over the years excelled in areas that were initially dominated by their male counterparts.
The Commissioner extolled the acting, producing and directing capacity of female artistes, among others, describing the recognition accorded them as a lofty idea, pointing out that the celebration of stakeholders in the creative industry, like other professional bodies, will serve as a source of encouragement to the award recipients and also inspire the upcoming creative stars.
In her words: “It is on record that Nigeria’s media and entertainment industry “Nollywood” is currently the second-largest film producer in the world in terms of the number of movies. The feat is not just in terms of number of movies alone but more importantly how the personalities involved in these delectable stories have been able to change our society for the better and also exposed several societal ills”.
Akinbile-Yussuf added that the State Government was using the Award of Recognition event to assure the creative stars, including those recognised in the past and others that would still be recognised in future, that their efforts to sustain the film industry is not without due recognition.
While noting that the Lagos State Government will ensure the development of the industry through capacity enhancement, she revealed that this administration is currently in a partnership with two renowned creative firms to train young creative stars in different areas of film production towards attaining world-class professionalism to compete favourably with their contemporaries across the Globe.
Imploring all the award recipients to make conscious efforts to impart the lives of the younger ones, Akinbile-Yussuf urged them to transfer their knowledge to the upcoming television and TV stars.
In her remarks, the CEO of Ebony Life Place and the co-organiser of the award ceremony, Mo Abudu, averred that there is so much talent in Nigeria and so much to be celebrated in the creative sector apart from the successes already recorded in film-making and television presentation.
She, however, identified quality film production as one of the major defining areas for Nigerian entertainers, stressing that the support and ambience provided by the State Government has made film making and production a worthwhile experience.
“It is a fact that Politics and Entertainment are the two major things influencing the world now. The political class has now realised how powerful the entertainment industry is in influencing decisions of the masses,” Mo Abudu said.
The award ceremony, according to her, was organised to recognise the hard work and dedication of women in the Film and TV industry, highlight the cultural significance of the recipients’ achievements in the creative space and celebrate diversity in the Nigerian creative industry.
She, however, clarified that the award recipients only represent a fraction of other women that would be recognised in the future editions of the Eko Star Film and TV Awards.
65 Film and TV stars were presented with various recognition awards at the event, including an octogenarian television presenter and actress of repute, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett (OON), who was presented with a special award tagged “A Lifetime Achievement like no Other” as well as a veteran actress, Mrs. Joke Silva (MFR), who was given “A Special Recognition that Inspires” among several other awardees.
Eko Culture Series, an initiative of MO Abudu and Lagos State Government, is a blend of an entertainment and tourism event conceived as a platform for showcasing different unique features of Lagos and its rich cultural experiences with the aim of projecting the State as a destination of choice for tourists and a hub of entertainment for fun lovers.
Pix 1: (L-R) The CEO of Ebony Life Place and the co-organiser of the award ceremony, Mo Abudu; the State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Princess Adenike Adedoyin-Ajayi and veteran actress, Joke Silva during the “Eko Star Film and TV Awards held recently at EbonyLife Place, Victoria Island, Lagos.
LAGOS TO LAUNCH FIVE-YEAR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT ROADMAP
The Lagos State Government is set to launch a Five-Year Agricultural Development Roadmap on Thursday, 22nd April, 2021, in line with its T.H.E.M.E.S developmental agenda.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya who made this known in Lagos today, explained that the Roadmap would help the State achieve its goal of making Lagos a 21st Century Economy.
According to Olusanya, the Roadmap is focused on the development of agricultural value chains where the State has competitive and comparative advantages to ensure that the State attains its food security goals.
Her words: “I am delighted to address you today and avail you of the forthcoming launch of the five-year Agricultural Development Roadmap for the Ministry which is slated for launch by the State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu next week Thursday”.
“The Road Map was conceived to ensure that the Agricultural Sector plays the role of ensuring sustainable food security. It will focus on the development of agricultural value chains where the State has competitive and comparative advantages to ensure that the State’s self-sufficiency in food production moves from 18% to 40% of food needs in the next five years and thus ensure that Lagos State achieves the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as it relates to the sector”, she noted.
According to her, the road map highlights intervention areas by the Ministry to boost agricultural productivity at the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors of seven value chains and services, bearing in mind the comparative advantages Lagos State has in these sectors.
The Commissioner added that the Roadmap also highlights the need for the State Government to partner and collaborate with private investors and relevant authorities in improving the environment through proper waste management as well as relocation and upgrading of service centres such as sawmill and open markets in the State.
Olusanya explained that the policy focus at the inception of the State’s Ministry of Agriculture was on direct production of Agricultural produce, adding that over the years, the policy thrust changed from direct production to provision of a conducive environment for private sector investment.
She opined that a 21st-century economy is characterised by four key goals which are job creation, food security, standardisation and internal revenue generation for the State.
According to the Commissioner, the State Government has painstakingly prepared the strategic plan to collaborate and partner with stakeholders in the intervention areas such as policy review, formulation and implementation, database collation and upgrade, as well as repositioning of agencies and departments of the Ministry to achieve these goals.
“In adopting the five-year strategy, we believe that it will boost food production and drastically reduce post-harvest losses thus encouraging private sector investments that would trigger agricultural transformation in the Southwestern States following the examples of countries such as Kenya, Malawi and China among others, who within 10 years made a significant reduction in the poverty level through Agricultural development”, Olusanya asserted.
LASDRI INCORPORATES VEHICLE REPAIR COURSE INTO CURRICULUM
The Lagos State Drivers’ Institute has disclosed its intention to incorporate the “Vehicle Repair Literacy” course into its training curriculum to educate professional drivers on the mechanical aspect of driving and reduce incidents of road carnage and faulty vehicles on Lagos roads.
The General Manager, Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI), Mrs. Afusat Tiamiyu, made this known while speaking today on “Awaye”, a Yoruba radio programme on Radio Lagos 107.5FM, where she also spoke extensively on the mandate of LASDRI and Safety tips for Professional Drivers and Private car owners in the State.
While noting that the safety of lives and property of Lagosians is very essential to the Lagos State Government, the General Manager stated that the new curriculum was developed in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S agenda.
Tiamiyu maintained that knowledge should be broadened and not limited to one area, therefore, drivers should endeavour to upgrade their skills yearly, stressing that practical knowledge will now be involved in the training of drivers.
In her words, “Under this new curriculum, Professional drivers who present themselves for training at the Institute can now learn how to repair minor faults on vehicles. The Lagos State Government, in its usual magnanimous act, has deployed some Mechanical Engineers from the State’s Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) to the Institute to help us train drivers on the mechanical aspect of Driving”.
Speaking on the procedure for obtaining the LASDRI recertification card, she revealed that most corporate organisations find it difficult to bring their drivers to the Institute because of their busy schedule, hence the Institute has created a “Mobile Team” who are in charge of organising and conducting on-site training for both transport associations and corporate organisations in Lagos.
Tiamiyu promised that the Institute will not rest on its oars in developing new training curriculum and appealed to all professional drivers yet to visit any of the various centres of the institute spread across the State should do so immediately to update their driving skills towards eradicating road traffic accidents as well as benefiting from the programmes offered by the Institute.
PIX: The General Manager of the Institute, Mrs. Afusat Tiamiyu and the Presenter of Awaye during the programme.
LAGOS TO EXPERIENCE NORMAL RAINFALL OF 238-261 DAYS IN 2021
… To Intensify Dredging, Cleaning of Canals Across the State
The Lagos State Government, on Wednesday, informed residents that normal rainfall ranging between 238-261 days will be experienced this year, assuring that adequate measures are already in place to contain any eventuality.
The State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello, who stated this during a press briefing on the Year 2021 Seasonal Climate Predictions (SCP) at Alausa, added that the maximum Annual Rainfall for the Y2021 is predicted to be 1,747 mm.
While maintaining that the State government is set to ensure a flood-free and hygienic environment during the season, he noted that the present administration is collaborating with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) not only in the areas of Annual Seasonal Climate Prediction but also in downscaling the predictions to all stakeholders.
He averred that the State has concluded preparations to have its own network of weather stations to closely monitor the climate as well as increase the preparedness for weather-related issues.
Bello said the Seasonal Climate Prediction for Lagos State indicated onset dates that ranged from March 17th to April 6th, while the end of season is predicted for between 30th November and 5th December, 2021.
He restated that the Emergency Flood Abatement Gangs (EFAG) of the Ministry have been consistently de-silting and working on various linkages to the secondary and primary channels to enable them discharge efficiently and act as retention basins.
The Commissioner noted that to forestall incidents of collapsed telecommunication masts occasioned by high-velocity wind expected during the onset and cessation of every rainfall, Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) has been put on alert to ensure advertising and communication agencies comply with regulations on the safety of billboards.
While informing that all emergency agencies, traffic management agencies and other emergency-related outfits have also been put on the alert to assist in reducing the negative impact of thunderstorm associated with rainfall across the State, Bello disclosed that the government is determined to maintain the long-established synergy and partnership with Ogun-Oshun River Basin Authority, which has ensured control and monitoring of the steady and systemic release of water from Oyan Dam to prevent flooding the downstream reaches.
Bello emphasised that the government would ramp up enlightenment and advocacy efforts to sensitise and advise communities in coastal and low-lying wetland areas of the State to move upland when the need arises, in order to avert needless loss of lives and property.
He, therefore, enjoined journalists to partner with the State government in sensitising Lagosians who reside along flood plains of major rivers and drainage channels such as Owode, Iwaya, Makoko, Badia, Ijora, Isaalu, Pota and Shibiri among others, to always be on the alert and ready to move to higher grounds when the need arises, adding that they would be duly notified at the appropriate time.
Reiterating that the government would continue to serve abatement notices on owners of illegal structures, violators of building regulations on drainage alignments, tenements and institutions discharging solid waste in water bodies, the Commissioner, however, called on market men and women to follow the rules guiding waste disposal and cleanliness in their market space as any market found flouting this law will be shut.
In his contribution, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Drainage Services and Water Resources, Engr. Joe Igbokwe, remarked that the State government plans to dredge about 221 collector drains, 32 primary channels measuring about 72 km spread across the 20 Local Government Areas of the State to checkmate flooding.
While maintaining that the Emergency Flood Abatement Gangs (EFAG) would also be de-silting various tertiary channels and manholes measuring about 100 km across the State, Igbokwe reiterated the present administration’s resolve to find a lasting solution to flooding by building concrete drainage covers, just as the dredging of canals, which commenced in March, will round up in October.
He called on residents to support the present administration in its endeavour to achieve a flood-free Lagos and desist from dumping refuse in drainage channels or encroaching on the Rights of Way of canals, adding that it is regrettable that several of the canals recently cleaned up are again being littered by residents.
Igbokwe disclosed that every area in Lagos State will soon feel the presence of the government in terms of drainage construction and clearing, stressing that the wheels of development will eventually get to every part of the city.