LASG TAKES ROAD SAFETY ADVOCACY CAMPAIGN TO MILE 2
… Seeks Voluntary Compliance With Traffic Rules, Regulations
In a bid to ensure that all professional drivers are well-schooled in the art of driving, the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI) has organised an Advocacy Campaign for Professional Drivers registered under the umbrella of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Mile 2 branch.
In her address at the event held at ECOMOG Motor Park, Mile 2 on Tuesday, the General Manager of the Institute, Mrs. Afusat Tiamiyu, stated that the safety of drivers and other road users is paramount to the State Government, hence the training was organised towards ensuring the safety of the motoring public and sanity on the roads.
She noted that if Safety and Road Culture is to be maintained on Lagos Roads, obeying traffic rules and regulations must be a basic requirement for professional drivers, stressing that all vehicle owners must also embrace proper car maintenance culture and consideration for other road users.
On the need for LASDRI training and recertification, Tiamiyu said that every professional driver is required to be alive to their responsibility and learn new concepts in their profession, adding that they must visit any of the Institute’s service platforms to learn new skills and key in into technicalities involved in the art of driving.
The General Manager, who was represented at the event by a Deputy Director in the Institute, Engineer Kayode Oladosu, however, informed the participants that LASDRI has factored their busy schedule into consideration, as such, the Agency can be invited by any organisation or association to conduct on-site training for their professional drivers so that they do not violate the law.
Appreciating the Lagos State Government for training professional drivers in the State, Assistant Branch Secretary, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Branch ‘C’ Amuwo Odofin, Comrade Adewale Adeyemi pledged the Union’s commitment towards improving the safety of lives and property on Lagos roads, promising that the branch will always liaise with the Institute for future training sessions.
A total number of 85 professional drivers were trained at the Advocacy Campaign.
LASG TO PRIORITISE MITIGATION, ADAPTATION INITIATIVES ON CLIMATE CHANGE FOR ALL PROJECTS
… Holds Two-Day, Virtual Pre-Climate Change Workshop
The Lagos State Government has affirmed its readiness to continue prioritising mitigation and adaptation initiatives on climate change for all projects.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello, who stated this during a pre-Climate Change virtual workshop organised by the government, added that the State has been greatly impacted by climate change with varying climatic hazards due to its geographic location and features.
He recalled that the State Government had institutionalised the summit as the principal vehicle for disseminating climate change information but the programme was stagnated due to some policy shift in the past.
Bello said that the resuscitation of the summit has now been made possible under the visionary leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, who envisioned its importance in sustaining the leadership position of the State in climate action.
He disclosed that Lagos is on course to delivering her Climate Action Plan in a few months as the document is currently being reviewed by C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group and their technical partners.
“Globally, cities have made pledges to ensure that global temperatures do not increase beyond 2º Celsius and, in a bid, to fulfill these pledges, it is now imperative for cities to develop Climate Action Plans which will help chart the city’s course towards decarbonisation”, the Commissioner said.
He revealed that the theme for the virtual summit ‘Harnessing the Power of Lagos State for Climate Change and Sustainable Financing’, gives room to begin to think about how the crucial elements required to implement climate actions can be fostered across various sectors and how to attain sustainable financing as a State in funding some of the initiatives that are in the pipeline.
According to him, the State Government cannot deny the fact that the population, topography and geography of Lagos makes it very vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change, stressing that right mitigation and adaptation actions would make the State become resilient to the climatic hazards and impacts.
Bello said that protecting the environment should be a collective responsibility of all sectors of the economy as the State journey to become a low carbon economy and harness the opportunities provided by climate change.
He, however, noted that safeguarding the environment is a collective responsibility of both the citizens and the government.
Speaking on the effects of COVID-19 and climate change, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said there has been an increase in human population all over the world which has affected the environment and the movement of pathogens from their natural hosts to human beings.
He said deforestation and continuous damaging of nature, through pollution of the air and toxicity of freshwater, has forced the animals to move closer to human habitation thereby making humans more vulnerable to the various pathogens.
Abayomi, therefore, urged everyone to desist from actions that could damage the environment and loss of biodiversity as human beings can only be as healthy as the environment they live in.
The Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Mrs. Belinda Odeneye, said the two-day, pre-summit virtual workshop is to bring to the front burner the matters of climate change as an integral component of economic growth and environmental recovery plan.
She said the importance of laying bare climate change issues for our active participation cannot be overemphasised as the State, over the years, played host to important personalities and stakeholders locally and internationally through the institutionalised annual Climate Change Summit, which was a principal tool for disseminating and managing Climate Change information in the State and the country at large.
Odeneye noted that the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda of the present administration has intrinsically tied in the SDGs/LSDP and resilience strategy in addressing the global problem with local solution, adding that the geographical location and topography of our dear State leave us with no option but to act urgently.
LAGOS BOOSTS WATER TRANSPORTATION, OPENS UP MORE FERRY ROUTES
In order to boost water transportation in the State, the Lagos State Government has opened up four new navigable ferry routes to complement existing routes in the last one year.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Arc. Ahmed Kabiru Abdullahi at the annual Ministerial Press Briefing in commemoration of the second year in office of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
According to the Commissioner, the State Government is mindful of the importance of good ferry routes for safe and successful water transportation, which necessitated the Government’s continuous opening of new water routes to complement the existing ones.
He noted that part of the Ministry’s mandate is the provision of navigable ferry routes in Lagos waters for smooth sailing of bigger boats, hence the need for channelisation of all identifiable ferry routes in the State to improve water transportation.
His words: “The channelisation, which involves dredging of ferry routes, creating a path of 40-metre width and four-metre minimum depth to accommodate bigger boat movement includes the channelisation of 4km ferry route from Mile 2 to Marina already in use, channelisation of 6.4km ferry route from Ebute (Ikorodu) – Ilaje (Falomo), 10.3km route from Ojo to Badagry and 4.10km Ilaje (Bariga) to white-sand in Oyingbo which are almost completed”.
“The new routes are to complement the existing ones, namely, Ipakodo (Ikorodu) to Addax/five cowries in Falomo; Ipakodo (Ikorodu) to CMS/Marina; and Badore (Tarzan) to Ijede; Ebute Ojo to Liverpool to CMS/Marina. Others are Mile 2 – Liverpool- CMS/Marina, Baiyeku (Ikorodu) to Oke-Ira Nla to Badore in Ajah and Ilaje to Bariga to Ebute Ero and CMS”, he added.
Arc. Abdullahi added that with the new routes more people are now embracing water transportation business and travels which would, in turn, improve commercial activities in those areas, save travel time and improve the general wellbeing of the people
To further improve safety on the waterways and also free the waterways of wreckage and debris, prevent erosion and degradation of the shorelines, the Commissioner said the State Government, through his Ministry, has removed four abandoned wrecked ships, debris and unwanted objects found on the waterways.
He added that 15 new reinforced concrete jetties located at various riverine areas of the State would also be commissioned for the use of the citizens of the State before the end of the year to further boost the water transportation system.
The Commissioner, therefore, urged Lagosians to avail themselves of the opportunities provided by the Government and make use of all the water infrastructure available for transportation.
LASG SEEKS GLOBAL ATTENTION ON MEDICAL WELLNESS FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
… Partners Initiator Of Eko Wellness Fair To Stage Virtual Expo On Mental Health
The Lagos State Government has promised to leverage medical wellness as one of the platforms for drawing the attention of both local and international tourists to communities Lagos State.
While addressing a Press Conference on Lagos State Mental Health Month and Eko Wellness Fair, held in Lagos on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf said that the Ministry decided to partner the organiser of the event as a way of deepening awareness about medical wellness and making it a vehicle to promote tourism activities.
Akinbile-Yussuf mentioned that the initiative aligned with the ‘Wellness Tourism’ segment of the State’s Tourism Master Plan developed by the Ministry to provide a pathway for sustainable tourism activities in the State.
She said: “The importance of Wellness Tourism cuts across all nations of the world, because Wellness Tourism attracts tourists from developed and developing nations, it increases the economy of not only the developed countries but also developing nations like ours”.
Speaking on the focus of the event, the Commissioner averred that the need to pay cursory attention to mental health globally cannot be overemphasised, considering the devastating effects of the ravaging Coronavirus and its attendant effects on the mental wellbeing of the populace.
Noting that unlike in the developed climes where mental wellness is considered a normal phenomenon, Mrs. Akinbile-Yussuf decried the unwillingness of most Nigerians to come to terms with the reality of their mental state of health and seek timely medical attention.
On her part, the initiator and Project Manager of the Eko Wellness Fair who is also a Holistic Wellness Coach, Oyin Talabi said, “The events of 2020 to date have tested our physical immunity, mental resilience and faith in ways we still do not fully comprehend. Although Nigerians and Africans at large are not falling sick physically as predicted by international health indices, we are falling sick mentally”.
She maintained that the incidents of mental health crisis are rapidly and steadily rising among all demographics in Nigeria, considering several issues which the residents are left to contend with daily, particularly among the working class.
While quoting the 2017 World Health Organisation report, which revealed that one in four Nigerians suffer from some sort of mental health disorder, the Convener of Eko Wellness Fair described the figure as alarming and a development that needs urgent attention.
“This is why the theme for the 6th edition of the Eko Wellness Fair is “My Mental Health Matters: For Our Collective Prosperity”, she asserted.
According to her, the fair is part of the Lagos State Mental Health Month for May organised by the State Ministry of Health and will hold virtually from 1st of May to the 7th of May, 2021 on all social media handles of Eko Wellness Fair.
She explained that the virtual fair includes workshops by high-level Nigerian Psychotherapists and Holistic Wellness Practitioners, cooking demonstrations of healthier food alternatives, art and therapy stimulations and online shopping of healthy foods and lifestyle products by proudly Nigerian businesses.
Talabi, urged interested persons to attend the fair by visiting www.ekowellness.net to register or join the live sessions on Facebook and Youtube pages @ekowellnessfair.
She appreciated the State Government for partnering with her organisation on the initiative and acknowledging the roles of Tourism Wellness in enhancing the development of domestic tourism.
LASUTH RECEIVES PPE DONATIONS FROM HEALTH EMERGENCY INITIATIVE
The Health Emergency Initiative (HEI), in collaboration with Spectranet, has donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) to support the efforts of the facility in eradicating the COVID-19 pandemic in the State.
Receiving the items from HEI, the Chief Medical Director of LASUTH, Prof. Adetokunbo O. Fabamwo said that “Mr. Paschal and his organisation have been partnering with LASUTH for a long time. The organisation had supported the hospital significantly during the first phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic”.
The CMD lamented the loss of some staff during the first and second waves of the pandemic, emphasising that the hospital is about to venture into the use of rapid test kits to ensure better protection of its health workers.
Professor Fabamwo also informed the HEI team that the organisation’s name would be added to the hospital’s roll of honour which is situated at the isolation bay area and reserved for LASUTH’s major benefactors.
In his response, the Executive Director of HEI, Mr. Paschal Achunine, stated that the team has been supporting the State government-owned health facilities but LASUTH has always been given priority.
He said, “Asides from the donation of PPEs, the organisation has other initiatives such as the provision of financial aid to indigent patients in the hospital”.
Mr. Achunine thanked the CMD for granting the team audience despite the short notice given, adding that the organisation would also venture into pre-hospital care which is very important to the healthcare system.
He explained that after a proper needs assessment, the Health Emergency Initiative, in collaboration with Spectranet, deemed it essential to donate nylon aprons, surgical facemasks, shoe covers and latex gloves to the hospital.
TRADITIONAL MEDICINE BOARD PRESENTS COVID-19 HERBAL MIXTURE TO AYANGBUREN OF IKORODU
… As LSTMB Commends His Support for Traditional Medicine
The leadership of Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board, LSTMB, has presented a COVID-19 herbal mixture to the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba (Dr.) Kabiru Shotobi and members of his royal cabinet, just as the Board commended the royal father for supporting the recognition of traditional medicine as a potent means of indigenous treatment.
The Chairman of LSTMB, Prof. Adebukunola Adefule-Ositelu, who led other members of the Board to the palace of the paramount ruler of Ikorodu division for the presentation of the COVID-19 herbal mixture, said that the gesture was in recognition of the confidence reposed in the Board by the Oba.
She mentioned that Oba Shotobi had proven to be a strong believer in traditional medicine and had demonstrated his support for the activities of LSTMB over the years.
Specifically, Prof. Adefule-Ositelu said that the traditional ruler demonstrated his interest in traditional medicine practice recently, when he sponsored the payment of registration fee for 100 practitioners within some communities in Ikorodu.
The Chairman later presented a plaque and the COVID-19 herbal mixtures to Oba Shotobi in recognition of his contribution to Traditional Medicine Practice in the State and for paying the sum of N700,000 to obtain registration forms for 100 Practitioners during the Advocacy and Sensitisation Programme held at his Palace earlier in April, 2021.
Responding, Oba Shotobi commended the efforts of LSTMB in seeking for indigenous solution to the deadly COVID-19 pandemic and called on NAFDAC to carry out necessary verification on the herbal mixture so that the preventive and curative mixture could be produced in larger quantity for the benefit of the public.
He identified the need for the Agency to embark on more publicity of its activities and landmark achievements, saying that the discovery of an indigenous solution to the deadly pandemic should be in the news so that people can be aware of LSTMB’s contributions in fighting the deadly virus.
While pledging his continued support to traditional medicine within his domain as well as across the State, the First Class Oba challenged LSTMB on monitoring the activities of the practitioners.
He said, “My point is that we need to celebrate you, the same way NAFDAC celebrated the discovery of the COVID-19 vaccine which is now being administered widely. Our indigenous practitioners should also be celebrated”.
LASG APPROVES ORGANISED CAR PARKING SYSTEM FOR LASUTH
The Lagos State Government, through the Governing Board of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), has approved the use of an organised car parking system within the premises of the Teaching Hospital.
A statement issued by the hospital management said that the new parking arrangement was initiated in a bid to resolve the daily chaotic parking situation within the premises, stressing that the prime location of the facility has turned its grounds into a parking lot for people who have nothing to do within the premises.
The release said, “Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in consultation with the office of the Public-Private Partnership, approved the recommendation that Messrs Balosh should manage the new parking arrangement”.
“The initiative has a provision for designated staff parking areas, free areas for vehicles to drop sick patients and move on, fee-paying car park areas for medium and long stay visitors”, it added.
The management, however, assured the general public that the step was taken in the best interest of its clients as well as visitors alike.
LAGOS BOXING ASSOCIATION HOLDS RECEPTION FOR MEDAL WINNERS AT NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL
The Board of Lagos State Boxing Association has organised a reception in honour of Team Lagos Boxers who won medals at the last National Sports Festival hosted by Edo State.
Speaking at the event held at the Sports Bar of Teslim Balogun Stadium Surulere, the Executive Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Sola Aiyepeku, stated that the Boxers deserved the honour because of their outstanding performance at the Sports Festival.
He commended the Board of the Lagos State Boxing Association for the achievements, while also expressing his appreciation to Mr. Wale Edun for his continued support of the Boxing Association, saying “We recognise your dedication, time and financial support to the Lagos State Boxing Association”.
Commenting at the event, the Director-General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Oluwatoyin Gafaar, congratulated the Boxers for making the State proud at the National Sports Festival.
He urged the sportsmen to be more dedicated to training so that they can improve on the success already recorded when the National Sports Festival holds at Delta State in 2022.
On his part, the Chairman, Lagos State Boxing Association, Mr. Jenkins Alumona, disclosed that the Board of the Association thought it was necessary to honour the heroes for making Lagos State proud at the National Sports Festival.
He congratulated Shitu Afolabi, Omole Dolapo, Adesodun Michael, Osoba Abdulazeez and Gabriel Francis, who won Gold medals in their respective weight categories; Blessing Oraekwe and Fatimo Aromokola for winning silver medals and Olamide Mustapha, who got a bronze medal.
Mr. Wale Edun, a staunch supporter of the Association, praised the Boxers for their performance at the National Sports Festival, adding that it takes a lot of training, dedication and endurance to become champions.
“To me, winning five gold medals, two silver medals and one bronze is very fantastic”, he said.
LASG HAS DONE WELL FOR ITS WORKFORCE – TUC
Days after May and Labour Day, the Lagos State Government has continued to receive praises for its commitment to the welfare of its workforce. Governor Sanwo-Olu has approved a Workers Village scheme for public servants, among other incentives.
The Secretary-General of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Abiodun Aladetan, who spoke on a TVC programme while reviewing the theme of this year’s celebration: COVID-19 social and economic crisis: Challenges for decent jobs and social protection as well as people’s welfare” was full of praises for Lagos State, which he described as “labour-friendly”.
Aladetan said on May Day, “The Governor graciously gave to us what would be known as Workers Village”, which labour had been pushing because of the effects of inflation, reduction in the value of the Naira, transportation costs etc. on the wages.
His words: “We approached the government to provide land and engage developers to build houses that are affordable for workers and the State Government graciously approved several hectares of land. In Ayobo, for example, the State Government gave us 8.8 hectares of land along Ayobo-Isefun Road for a workers village, strictly for civil servants.”
Aladetan said contributors to the National Housing Fund also got an additional approval of 10 hectares of land.
The TUC Secretary said the gesture would make it possible to have about 2,000 housing units for civil servants on merit, aside from other benefits that accrue to workers.
While noting that in the past, civil servants got allocated 10% of houses constructed in government estates, Comrade Aladetan expressed delight that Sanwo-Olu increased the percentage to 20%, just as Lagos State employees will get a 40% rebate on the rates payable to purchase the houses.
Extolling the magnanimity of the Sanwo-Olu administration during the initial lockdown occasioned by COVID-19, the TUC chief said that despite fears and apprehension that the pandemic would lead to lay-offs and job losses, the Governor fulfilled his promise that no worker would be disengaged.
His words: “These are things we as labour should commend. Within that period, they were getting their salaries as and when due. One thing we should also commend is that there is a specific date that workers get their salaries.”
“It cannot be better than what we have seen so far. When you see a government that is actually doing well, I think it deserves to be commended and if there is an area they are not doing well, I think it’s better to come out and just tell them the truth,” he added.
Aladetan also thanked the State Government for being the first to implement the minimum wage. He said the Sanwo-Olu administration was paying above the N30,000 benchmark, pointing out that every public servant received the three-month arrears that accrued as a result of the salary increment signed into law in April 2019.
LAGOS FUNDS OVER 50 STUDIES, INNOVATIONS, TECH FIRMS
Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC), has funded over 50 Researches, Innovations and STEM Projects in the past 12 months as part of its commitment to developing Lagos into a 21st-century Digital Economy and Smart City.
The Honourable Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. Hakeem Popoola Fahm, made this known at the Y2021 Ministerial Press Briefing held on Tuesday at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Secretariat, Alausa, in commemoration of the second anniversary of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration in Lagos State.
He disclosed that some of the projects funded by the State government include startups on COVID-19 intervention projects; startups on patent-pending research initiatives; startups in sectors such as Agric-Tech, Health-Tech, Construction and Manufacturing among others.
According to Fahm, one of the major achievements of the Ministry in the period under review was the collaboration with the University of Lagos on the development of a low cost rapidly deployableventilator (Ambuvent Ventilator)for the management of COVID-19 pandemic cases.
He disclosed that seven months into the tenure of the present administration, the Governor had announced a N250 Million seed fund to boost technological innovation and initiatives, in demonstration of the government’s commitment to developing Lagos into a 21st-century Digital Economy and Smart City.
“Grants were awarded to successful applicants. The first set of beneficiaries selected to benefit from the Lagos State Seed Fund in the fields of Innovation, Research and STEM in August 2020, were Innovators and tech start-ups, who were empowered with N100M innovation grants, which was part of the N250M for Science and Technology related ideas and initiatives”, Fahm added.
He said that the initiative was in line with the ideals of the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration, which includes fuelling technology-driven innovations to transform Lagos into a 21st-century smart city.
On the LASG Network Infrastructure project, Fahm said the LASG Campus Network upgrade was implemented with a State of the Art Wifi Network (Wifi-6 devices) and an FTTP end to end network, adding that the network upgrade connects thousands of computers from all MDAs within and around the Secretariat for e-government operations.
“This was designed to increase efficiencies within the MDAs; make online meetings and deliberations a reality; enable flexible working patterns; enhance e-learning across campus; implementation of online staff audit and stabilising ICT environments for improved online collaborative solutions”, he said.
On his part, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Technology, Mr. Tunbosun Alake, revealed that the State also sponsored the participation of students to the Y2021Young Nigerian Scientist Presidential Award (774-YONSPA) among Secondary School Students across the country in the year under review.
“This is to boost the interest of students in Science and Technology (STEM Education) as well as to encourage and involve young children in designing Projects and Programmes that can resolve challenges in Infrastructure, Environment and Waste Management among others”, he stated.
Alake averred that the 2nd Edition of the ‘Art of Technology’ forum organised by the State Government with the theme “Smart Data, Smarter Lagos”, brought together the best of tech minds from across the globe physically and virtually on the 3rd and 4th of December 2020, with a conversation that centred on the fundamental role data plays in connecting the city with its citizens.
He said the State also unveiled the Startup Lagos at the Conference, which is an initiative meant to empower Lagosians and encourage ITpreneurs as well as others to take advantage of the opportunities the State is offering to help businesses and entrepreneurs.
LAGOS URGES COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES TO EMBRACE DIGITALISATION
Lagos State government has enjoined Cooperatives Societies in the State to embrace digitisation in their business processes in order to have a competitive advantage.
Speaking at the event, themed “Digitalisation Transformation Strategy for Cooperative Societies”, held at the Lagos State Cooperative College in Agege, its Provost, Mr. Akorede Ojomu disclosed that the world is evolving technology-wise, therefore to remain significant, it is imperative to imbibe the use of digital technology to maintain relevance for survival of the business entities in the competitive market.
He said, “We are in the digital age and space where the application of digital technology has become important for the survival of a business. The world has been narrowed down to a community with high influx of competition in every facet of life. Hence, the need to take proactive measures that would guarantee growth through healthy competition.”
Ojomu urged cooperative societies in the State to ensure that they remain up-to-date with their competitors, stating that the banks and other financial institutions were fast eroding on Cooperative business activities.
The Group Information Officer of United Capital Plc, Mr. Joseph Onyema, the facilitator at the programme stressed the need for Cooperative Societies to become technologically inclined. He urged the cooperative society to leverage the internet as a key driver in accumulating more cooperators into the system.
He said digital transformation technology strategy is the lifeblood of any business, stating that cooperatives in Nigeria are beginning to realise that the cooperative space is being encroached by fintech and, if transitioning into digital technology is not imbibed, it may phase the cooperative society out.
“For cooperatives business to continue to thrive, it is essential for a quick and easy transition into digital space to take place so as to ensure growth of the customer base, reduce cost margins, and increase profit as against the medieval cooperative method,” Onyema said.
In the same vein, Mr. Kenneth Odusanya, Managing expert Kenneth Odusanya & Co, enjoined cooperators on the need to be financially literate in order to avoid creating liabilities that would damage their lives.
Speaking on Business Planning and Control Cooperative Management, Odusanya stressed the need for financial literacy, pointing out the need to understand and make use of diverse skills to attain financial independence.
“Financial literacy leads to financial independence. It is, therefore, necessary for individuals to acquire knowledge and skills that would allow one to make informed decisions that would be effective in the long run,” he stated.
LAGOS SETS UP VIRTUAL MARKET FOR ARTISANS
An online portal, which will link artisans to clients to boost business in the sector, is on the way.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Wealth Creation & Employment, Mrs. Yetunde Arobieke, who broke the news of the coming virtual market for the informal sector, especially artisans, said it would facilitate access to clients who require their services and boost commerce within the value chain. The online portal will be a marketplace for artisans and consumers.
Mrs. Arobieke, who gave an account of her ministry’s achievements during the Ministerial Press Briefing on the second anniversary of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, said the Governor approved the creation of a robust online platform that would support businesses transactions between individuals as well as Small and Medium Business Enterprises. The virtual market will expose the artisans to global markets and scale up their potential in Lagos State.
Mrs. Arobieke explained that the Ministry had planned to establish Industrial Hubs, which will create a congregation of related enterprises in an identified location for enhanced productivity, wealth creation and business development through provision of access to business accommodation, workshops, standard equipment and infrastructural facilities at affordable costs. She said the multiplier effect would create a value chain in the enterprises.
“The government has also started the construction of the Lagos Leather Hub close to the Mushin Leather Market at Matori, Mushin, Lagos, to leverage the opportunities the market presents to create employment, develop the capacity of artisans and provide equipment and infrastructure,” she stated.
Presenting other initiatives of her Ministry, Mrs. Arobieke said that a Gemstone Hub was in the pipeline to create a market for mineral stones and develop talent among residents who would be interested in transacting business in the value chain.
“A priority of the ministry is capacity building and training programmes for tradesmen and artisans in Lagos State as one of the government intervention programmes aimed at developing the skills of those in the sector,” Mrs. Arobieke said.
Pointing out that the capacity building scheme is meant to upskill the artisans to meet modern-day business realities and position them to be globally competitive, the Commissioner identified that many Nigerian artisans lack requisite skills which result in a preference for the patronage of their counterparts from neighbouring countries.
The tradesmen will be exposed to entrepreneurial training, book-keeping, ICT, Communication etc. which are essential in running modern-day businesses.
LASG EXTENDS DEVELOPMENT PLANS TO 30 COMMUNITIES
To ensure that no part of the State is without a Plan, the Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, has extended Development Plans to 30 communities.
Speaking during the 2021 Ministerial Press Briefing to make the second year anniversary of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration in Alausa on Thursday, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako, said the Ministry prepared Local/ Action Plans for the Communities through the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority(LASPPPA).
The communities that have had their Local/ Action Plans so prepared are:
Lafiaji Action Area Plan(2021-2031) in Eko District, Abule Oja Action Area Plan (2021-2031), Ajiwe Action Area Plan(2021-2031), Review of Maiyegun and Action Area Plan of an Extension to Aparakaja Casia/Abiodun Dada.
The ministry also undertook the Review of Ojodu Core Action Area Plan and prepared Ilo Awela Community Action Area Plan, Igbogbo Core Action Area Plan and Ologunebi Excised Village Action Area Plan as well as Shasha Oguntade Action Area Plan and Ladipo Osoro Action Area Plan among others.
Salako noted that the State would derive maximum benefits from the preparation of the Action Area Plans, including the effective control and proper development guide within its jurisdiction, functional land use pattern and arrangements, good road networks while urban regeneration of the slum environment would be achieved.
Other benefits are the provision of an enabling environment for category of land uses, such as industrial, commercial, institutional and residential as well as investments in a sustainable manner.
The Commissioner also explained that the Development Plans would bring about the provision of quality infrastructure within the planned area and guarantee a sustainable physical environment during the stipulated planning period.
He added that in pursuit of the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda, the administration’s development plan, the Ministry also prepared Development Guide Plans for some excised villages.
“In same vein and with due cognition of the need to extend physical planning administration to Non-Schemed Areas, Development Guide Plans are being prepared to make the excised villages more sustainable,” he said.
According to the Commissioner, Development Guide Plans were prepared for the following villages in different Local Government Areas of the State
The areas include Onimedu Eleputu, Lakowe, Adeba, Bogije, Igando-Oja and Awoyaya in Ibeju-Lekki L.G.A; Ajangbadi, Kemberi and Ketu Ijanikin in Ojo L.G.A; Parafa and Gberigbe in Ikorodu L.G.A and; Sangotedo and Langbasa in Eti-Osa LGA.
Development Guide Plans were also extended to Suberu-Oje in Alimosho L.G.A; Apa (Parcel A) in Badagry LGA; Ibowon in Epe L.G.A and; Tedi in Amuwo-Odofin LGA.
LASWA RESTATES COMMITMENT TO SAFETY ON WATERWAYS
… Donates 400 Life Jackets to Ferry Passengers, Operators in CMS, Apapa
In continuation of its safety awareness campaign programme, Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), has commenced the distribution of free life-jackets to residents of different riverine communities in Lagos State.
Speaking on the exercise, the General Manager of LASWA, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, said that the items were distributed to ensure passenger safety during the rainy season, just as he pointed out that the number of boat mishaps has reduced since Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu assumed office.
“This success story is due to the massive investment of the current administration in the waterways sub-sector, especially in safety improvement and awareness”, he added.
The General Manager warned boat operators to always navigate with caution and ensure all passengers put on their life jackets before boarding, promising that weather conditions will always be monitored before sailing during this rainy season.
“A total number of 400 life jackets of various sizes were donated to ferry passengers, school children and boat operators during the exercise at Ebute-Ero, Sabokoji, Liverpool, Temidire and Coconut jetties in CMS and Apapa areas of Lagos State. The exercise is one of the strategies adopted by LASWA to make water transportation safer for residents of the State”, Emmanuel asserted.
PIX 1: LASWA Officials presenting life jackets at Temidire Jetty in Apapa.
EKO FOOTBALL LEAGUE: LSSC REITERATES COMMITMENT TO SPORTS DEVELOPMENT AT GRASSROOTS
The Director-General, Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Mr. Oluwatoyin Gafaar, has reiterated the determination of the State Government to develop sports at the grassroots.
He stated this during the draw event for participating teams in the Y2020/2021 Eko Football League at the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) Office, Ogunlana Drive, Surulere, noting that the ceremony officially heralded the kick-off of the Football League across the State.
Gafaar expressed his happiness towards the return of competitive football games with the Eko League, stressing that everything is being done by the present administration to bring football back to Lagos, through top competitions like the previous Oba Cup, Challenge Cup and others.
“There were times that Lagos was the centre of highly rated Football Competitions. Lagos State Government is ready to support any initiative to bring football back to the State, as it was in the 70s and 80s, as part of efforts to enhance sports development at the grassroots”, he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Lagos State Football Association and Vice President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, thanked the Lagos State Sports Commission for its continued support of the Lagos Football Association.
He said the Association is planning on improving the standard of the Eko Football League in order to use it as a platform to create opportunities for the young ones, as well as to keep them busy from indulging in mischief, adding that competitive football matches will soon witness a resurgence that is similar to what obtains in the Lagos of yesteryears.
Akinwunmi, however, warned that any participating team that misbehaves during the League competition will be dealt with accordingly, saying “We are going to ensure fairness among participating teams, but misbehaving teams will be severely sanctioned”.
LAGESC DECRIES ATTACK ON ITS OPERATIVES BY HOODLUMS
… Warns NURTW, RTEAN Union Members
The Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) has warned hoodlums, particularly members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and Road Transport Employer Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), who are in the habit of attacking its operatives during enforcement operations to desist from the heinous acts.
Speaking aftermath a recent incident, the Corps Marshal of the Agency, CP Gbemisola Akinpelu (rtd) stated that these acts will no longer be tolerated by the State Government as the operatives are on official duties to rid the environment of illegal street traders and hawkers, who occupy the walkways, road setbacks and medians of major highways across the State.
According to her, “There was a recent attack allegedly unleashed on some of our operatives by some members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) opposite Cathedral Church, CMS, Lagos Island, when the Special Squad of the Agency was about to dislodge some street hawkers along this axis. This resulted in some personnel sustaining injuries and were immediately moved to the General Hospital, Lagos Island for urgent medical treatment”.
Mrs. Akinpelu revealed that there have been several such attacks perpetrated by hoodlums and agberos on personnel during routine operations of dislodging street traders and hawkers occupying medians, walkways and road setbacks created for pedestrians.
The Corps Marshal explained that the enforcement exercise is in line with the directives of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu that all the roads in the State be rid of any form of an impediment for free flow of traffic, as well as safety of all, as walkways are meant for pedestrians and not for trading activities.
She also pointed out that people should go into State-approved markets to engage in trading activities instead of hawking on the streets, declaring that anybody found engaging in any act of lawlessness by indulging in such illegal act or attacking government operatives will be made to face the full wrath of the law.
LAWMAKER DISTRIBUTES FREE JAMB FORMS TO YOUTHS IN EPE
The Lawmaker representing Epe Constituency I at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Abiodun Mustain Tobun, has held the 6th edition of his Free Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Examination forms distributed to 300 Youths in Epe division.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Tobun said his determination to build a better society by developing the youth in Epe division prompted him to create the veritable platform, through which education of the youths can be meaningfully enhanced.
He said, “I feel it is necessary to support in building a very safe, secured and prosperous future for the young ones. Some of their parents may not have the opportunity to sponsor them for JAMB. That is why we have taken it upon ourselves to provide this opportunity for them to develop themselves and gain admission into higher institutions of learning to be reckoned with in future”.
The Lawmaker revealed that he has different programmes for all sectors of the society, including supporting the vulnerable, youths, farmers, fishermen and people living with disabilities, adding that it is his way of giving back to the community that was magnanimous enough to elect him three consecutive times to represent them at the State House of Assembly.
“It shows that they appreciate what I’m doing and the reward for good work is more work. If people appreciate what you are doing, you reciprocate by doing more for them so that they won’t have any regret for voting you back into office”, he added.
Tobun, who recently delivered a road project at Ita Opo-Idiaba, also unveiled his plan to begin work on other roads in the area, namely Ayotunde Seriki Road, Oba Animashaun Road, Mogaji Street at Erepoto, Adewole Adesanya Road, Olubote Road by Nitel and Oke Posu in a bid to improve the Epe community.
The lawmaker, whose performance was commended and appreciated by the youths and dignitaries present at the event, described education as the bedrock of development.
In support of the good gesture, Hon. Giwa Idris, who is well known as Aloma in the community, promised to sponsor the university education of the first youth to gain admission into a Federal University, while the Director of Education and Principal, Epe Senior Grammar School, Epe, Alhaji ‘Niyi Obedat offered a #25,000 cash reward for the candidate with the highest score in JAMB.
LAGOS REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO CONDUCIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR TEACHING, LEARNING
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing a conducive environment for teaching and learning to ensure that students have access to total quality education.
The Honourable Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo, stated this on Tuesday during the official presentation of the key to a bus won by Oriwu Senior Model College as the Best Public School at the Y2020 Presidential Teachers/Schools Excellence Award ceremony.
Mrs. Adefisayo attributed the success of Oriwu College to the huge investment of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration in the development of the education sector, adding that the State Government has ensured that no child is left behind in the drive for total educational development.
The Commissioner stressed that Lagos State has continued to be outstanding in various competitions and award ceremonies, which is a testament to the efforts and collective commitment towards adding value to the education sector.
She commended the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District II, Mrs. Anike Adekanye, for her dedication, as well as making the State proud through the emergence of the overall best Public School in Nigeria from her district.
While applauding the efforts of the Principal and Teachers for their major role in the accomplishment of the students and the school, Adefisayo charged them not to rest on their oars as there is still more work to be done in attaining greater heights in the education sector.
Presenting the bus on behalf of the School, Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary Education District II, Mrs. Anike Adekanye, remarked that Education District II has continued to win laurels at National and International programmes due to the great improvement in the education sector and the unwavering support of the State government.
Mrs. Adekanye stressed that four of the teachers in the district received four cars out of the 12 presented by the Governor to teachers during the recent Merit Award, noting that the State Government also presented a three-bedroom apartment to Mrs. Agnes Elusaki from the district for winning the overall best teacher in the Federation.
The TG/PS appreciated Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his visionary leadership towards revitalising the education sector as outlined in the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda, maintaining that the integration of technology in learning and provision of infrastructure has engendered better performance and results.
ILERA EKO: LASHMA PARTNERS NGO TO ENROL ELDERLY CITIZENS ON HEALTH PLAN
The Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) in its commitment to ensuring that the elderly have access to effective, quality and affordable healthcare has partnered with 60PLUS Advocacy Initiative – a Non-Governmental Organisation – to sensitise and enrol elderly citizens on the ILERA EKO Health Plan.
Speaking at a sensitisation event organised to educate the elderly on ‘ILERA EKO’ at Isolo General Hospital, Isolo, the General Manager of the Agency, Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, said that the partnership became necessary to ensure that senior citizens, who have contributed physically, economically and socially to the development of the State, live a healthy life at their old age and have access to care whenever they are sick.
While commending 60PLUS Advocacy Initiative for the laudable gesture, she said that the partnership would further ensure that the elderly are financially protected whenever they are not feeling well and would save their expenditure on medical treatment and purchase of drugs.
Dr. Zamba, represented at the event by the Sales Manager of LASHMA, Uchechukwu Igweonyia, disclosed that the Sanwo-Olu-led administration is passionate about the healthcare of the aged, as such it is committed to ensuring that they live a comfortable life devoid of sickness, fear of payment of huge medical bills and stress.
Applauding individuals, NGOs, Groups and philanthropists who have been supporting the Agency in the realisation of its mandate, the General Manager called on other NGOs and humanitarians in the State to emulate 60PLUS Advocacy Initiative and support the government in its efforts to alleviate the plight of senior citizens and the vulnerable in Lagos.
She promised that the Agency would do its best to ensure that all residents, irrespective of their cultural, social and religious backgrounds have access to affordable healthcare services.
A member of the Governing Council, 60PLUS Advocacy Initiative and retired Permanent Secretary in Lagos State, Mrs. Iyabode Obasa, said that the Non-Governmental Organisation partnered with the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA) to put smiles on the faces of the elderly and ensure that they are healthy even at their old age.
She said that the partnership will enable the elderly, who have ailments like diabetes, hypertension and asthma, to access care and those with surgical treatment covered under the health plan to undergo treatment without paying any additional money.
The Governing Council Member advised the elderly to eat good food and fruits as well as drink a lot of water daily, especially warm water early in the morning and at night in order to free their systems and live healthy.
The retired Permanent Secretary said that the NGO which had sensitised the elderly at Epe, Surulere and Isolo, would also go to all other Local Government Areas to inform, educate and enlighten more citizens on ‘ILERA EKO’ Health Plan.
Commending some of the invited guests at the event for sponsoring some elderly for ILERA EKO Health insurance plan, Obasa called on other influential residents and philanthropists in the State to support the Non-Governmental Organisation in providing more care for the elderly.
Dignitaries at the event include a former Federal House of Representatives member, Hon. Gbolahan Ogunneye; first Executive Chairman, Oshodi/Isolo Local Government, Chief Ayo Adegboyega; representative of Isolo Constituency II at the National Assembly, Alhaji Ganiyu Johnson; Aro of Owu Kingdom, Chief Ogunbowale; former Councillor, Oshodi/Isolo LGA, Hon. Leo Chima and the representative of the Head, Administration and Human Resources, Isolo General Hospital, Mrs. Elizabeth Osibodu among others.
The highlight of the event was the enrolment of 108 elderly citizens on the scheme.
LASG TAKES ROAD SAFETY ADVOCACY CAMPAIGN TO MILE 2
… Seeks Voluntary Compliance With Traffic Rules, Regulations
In a bid to ensure that all professional drivers are well-schooled in the art of driving, the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute (LASDRI) has organised an Advocacy Campaign for Professional Drivers registered under the umbrella of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Mile 2 branch.
In her address at the event held at ECOMOG Motor Park, Mile 2 on Tuesday, the General Manager of the Institute, Mrs. Afusat Tiamiyu, stated that the safety of drivers and other road users is paramount to the State Government, hence the training was organised towards ensuring the safety of the motoring public and sanity on the roads.
She noted that if Safety and Road Culture is to be maintained on Lagos Roads, obeying traffic rules and regulations must be a basic requirement for professional drivers, stressing that all vehicle owners must also embrace proper car maintenance culture and consideration for other road users.
On the need for LASDRI training and recertification, Tiamiyu said that every professional driver is required to be alive to their responsibility and learn new concepts in their profession, adding that they must visit any of the Institute’s service platforms to learn new skills and key in into technicalities involved in the art of driving.
The General Manager, who was represented at the event by a Deputy Director in the Institute, Engineer Kayode Oladosu, however, informed the participants that LASDRI has factored their busy schedule into consideration, as such, the Agency can be invited by any organisation or association to conduct on-site training for their professional drivers so that they do not violate the law.
Appreciating the Lagos State Government for training professional drivers in the State, Assistant Branch Secretary, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Branch ‘C’ Amuwo Odofin, Comrade Adewale Adeyemi pledged the Union’s commitment towards improving the safety of lives and property on Lagos roads, promising that the branch will always liaise with the Institute for future training sessions.
A total number of 85 professional drivers were trained at the Advocacy Campaign.
