LAGOS TG/PS CALLS FOR PRESERVATION, PROMOTION OF YORUBA LANGUAGE
… As Lagos Education District I Holds Yoruba Cultural Day
Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District I, Barrister (Mrs.) Titilayo Solarin, has called for the preservation and promotion of the Yoruba Language values, customs and traditions for the next generation.
She made the call on Tuesday at Government Senior College in Agege, Lagos, during the maiden edition of Education District I Yoruba Cultural Day celebration, noting that the preservation and promotion of Yoruba Language will not only grow the economy but also attract more people to the Yoruba society.
Her words: “Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, let us all speak our indigenous language because it is our identity and we must not lose it. There is the need to promote indigenous languages, especially the Yoruba Language, because it is going into extinction and it will be a big shame on us as Yorubas to allow this to happen. This event is a platform to motivate students to be more acquainted with the Yoruba language”.
She explained that the rationale behind the various competitions at the event was to initiate healthy rivalry among the students to debate, answer quiz questions, read news and present poems in the Yoruba language with the aim of developing the students’ oral expressions, critical thinking, self-confidence and to sharpen their minds as well as improve their speaking, writing and listening skills.
“It will also foster unity among the schools within the District as well as in the State, as these students will learn not only how to socialise but they will also appreciate individual differences whilst putting aside all forms of social strata imposed on them by the society in a warm, friendly yet educative atmosphere”, she added.
The TG/PS maintained that the importance of language in any society cannot be overemphasised, stressing that it is the responsibility of the government to ensure the Yoruba Language does not go into extinction.
Mrs. Solarin said, “Language serves as a strong means of communication in every society and as a veritable means of teaching all strata of the society. The Yoruba language is an indicator of cultural identity; a child can connect to his parents, family, culture, history, identity and religion through the Yoruba Language which links a child with the culture of the society”.
“The World Bank and the UNESCO’s studies on basic education have all indicated that children learned faster, better and eagerly when instructed in their mother tongue. It is in the light of this that the Lagos State Government signed the bill on Yoruba Language Preservation and Promotion Law in February 2018”.
“The Law mandates the teaching of Yoruba Language in both public and private schools in the State. The law also made it compulsory for all State-owned tertiary institutions to integrate the use of the language as a course into their General Nigerian Studies (GNS)”, she noted.
While thanking Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the great strides in the areas of infrastructural development and welfare of the students and teachers, the TG/PS urged School Principals to also embark on interschool and interclass debates in the Yoruba Language in order to help the students perform better. She implored parents to use their indigenous languages at home to communicate with the children.
“Speak Yoruba to your children, teach them how to greet in the local dialect and make sure they understand and speak it fluently. If the parents can do this, it will be much easier for the children to catch up when they are being taught in school. Let us all be happy and proud to speak our indigenous language”, she asserted.
The District Coordinator, Yoruba Teachers Association, Education District I, Mrs Yemi Owolabi, said the students, who participated in the various competitions, performed beyond expectations.
She urged the students not to let the Yoruba language die, saying they should continue to practise and speak the language everywhere they go.
The event featured several Yoruba performances by the District students in cultural dance, quiz competition, poem, debate, newscasting and drama. There was also an exhibition of several Yoruba cultural artefacts including Egungun and Sango clothes, baskets and calabashes.
VETLAND SENIOR GRAMMAR SCHOOL WINS Y2021 GOVERNOR’S QUIZ COMPETITION
Vetland Senior Grammar School, Ifako Ijaiye, has emerged champion of the keenly contested Lagos State Governor’s Quiz competition, defeating Amuwo Odofin Senior Secondary School, Mile 2 and Lagos State Senior Model College, Igbonla to the second and third positions respectively.
Speaking at the virtual grand finale of the competition for primary, junior and senior secondary schools, on Wednesday, the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo stated that the annual quiz competition was designed to build confidence and boost the knowledge of students, thereby preparing them for the future and global opportunities.
Adefisayo noted that the initiative will broaden the students’ horizons, enable them to adopt various skills like research, teamwork and collaboration, stating that the government has continued to engage the students with various competitions in a bid to aid their improvement in academics.
According to her, the Governor’s Quiz competition was not only initiated to encourage the students, but to also ensure that they are on top of their studies as well as enhance their academic performances, stating that the competition will give them a wider scope on their core subjects and general studies.
In her words: “I congratulate all the exceptional students that have transited to this stage, assuring you all that everyone is a winner and we are indeed proud of you”.
The Commissioner advised the children in the State to devote more time to their academics in order to attain excellence and have a bright future, urging them to see the competition as an avenue to upscale their knowledge.
Earlier in her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mrs. Abosede Adelaja, said the quiz competition is expected to focus on the three domains of education, namely: psychomotor, cognitive and affective domain.
She explained that the Lagos State Schools Governor’s Quiz Competition is an annual event designed to develop the minds of the pupils by creating healthy rivalry among school children and it has produced many brilliant students over the years.
In the senior category, Lalekan Ebere and Olabisi Divine represented Vetland Senior Grammar School, Ifako Ijaiye; Okefatiah Ogunniyi and Abolore Oluwayemisi were the representatives of Amuwo Odofin Senior Secondary School, Mile 2, while Adedokun Olonade and Abdulahi Glory were the flag bearers for Lagos State Senior Model College, Igbonla.
In the junior category, Ewuche Dosu and Praise Sewedo Kehinde of Topo Junior Secondary School came first, while Bamidele Babatunde and Daniella Anointed of Ijaiye Housing Estate Junior Secondary School as well as Adekunle Akindele and Marvelous Mohammed of Onilekere Junior High School came second and third respectively.
In the Primary Schools’ category, Imoleayo Sanni and Idowu King of Duro Oyedoyin Primary School, Surulere came first, while Aisaat Muhammed and Usman Famuyiwa of Baruwa Primary School, Mushin, and Grace Taiwo and Gabriel Kajola of Army Model Primary School, Ojo came second and third respectively.
The winners will be presented with trophies, plaques and gift items such as mobile tablets and school materials among others, at a later date.
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PIX: (L-R) Lalekan Ebere and Olabisi Divine, winners of the Senior Category, Y2021 Lagos State Governor’s Quiz Competition.
PERENNIAL FLOODING: RESIDENTS OF FOUR LGs GET REPRIEVE AS STATE STEPS UP CANAL CLEANING
Reprieve from perennial flooding has come for residents of four Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas which the drainage channel 6c passes through, just as the State has successfully desilted the major channel which housed mountainous refuse for over 10 years.
Speaking with newsmen after an inspection tour of the major primary channel in Idi-araba and Surulere on Thursday, the Permanent Secretary Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Lekan Shodeinde, said the affected Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas are enjoying a new lease of life in Surulere, Mushin, Odi-Olowo and Itire-Ikate, adding that over two metres high refuse was evacuated at the Akobi Crescent end and LUTH tributary.
Shodeinde, who was represented during the tour by the Director, Drainage Maintenance, Engr. Olalekan Ajani, said at the inception of the present administration, most of the major primary channels were not functional and accessible because of the high volume of refuse covering all the drains due to neglect.
The Permanent Secretary said that flooding has become a thing of the past in the area since the regular clearing of drainage system 6c commenced in 2019, just as some residents of Akobi Crescent, Idi Araba and Ishaga confirmed that the roads are no longer clogged during rainfall.
He said the drainage channel which is about 13 kilometres in length and about 10 metres in depth is one of the most strategic, which had made the areas involved very popular in the rainy season for the wrong reasons.
According to him, “The present administration is determined to make the State flood-free by ensuring that the major waterways that belong to the Federal Government and the primary drainages to be maintained by Local Governments regularly are kept clean”.
Warning against the unwholesome act of drainage blockage by residents, Shodeinde gave an assurance that the Ministrý’s Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG) team will continue to work throughout the year across Lagos.
He hinted that canoes would be provided for the EFAG operatives to clear any floating objects noticed on channels immediately after rainfall.
The Permanent Secretary also enjoined residents to support government efforts by ensuring the regular clearing of drainages in front of their houses to ensure the free flow of water.
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JAKANDE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY WILL PREPARE YOUTHS FOR GOVERNANCE, POLITICS – OMOTOSO
The Jakande Leadership Academy initiative is designed to prepare youths to take up leadership positions and governance in Lagos State towards building a society of resourceful individuals, whose potentials will drive the Greater Lagos vision.
These were the words of the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, who spoke on a Jordan 105.5FM programme – Lagos In Focus – on strategies undertaken by the Sanwo-Olu administration to ensure youth participation in the electoral process.
Omotoso said, “During the funeral of the late Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the major thing that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced was that we are going to build the Leadership Academy because Jakande showed sterling qualities in leadership; he showed exemplary leadership. We felt the only way to immortalise him is to build a leadership academy that people can come into and gain experience, have training and skills for leadership qualities that have made people like Alhaji Jakande, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be great today”.
Buttressing his point further, the Commissioner stated that the APC government in Lagos State has given various opportunities to youths as a means of tutoring them to take up governance and leadership positions in the party hierarchy.
The Commissioner expressed belief in the ability of youths to solve the myriad of problems facing the society, saying that the government has invested huge funds in agriculture, tourism, entertainment and technology to support the amazing stuff the younger generation is achieving in entrepreneurship.
His words: “Recently, I followed the Governor to two tech hubs in Lagos and I saw our young people doing amazing things with technology. Doing things that you would be proud of. Trying to resolve everyday problems with technology. Look at how our young people are doing in the entertainment industry where the government has put in a lot of money.”
According to the Commissioner, the government has so many programmes for youth empowerment, with opportunities for fresh university graduates.
“There are no fewer than 4000 young graduates in various companies under the Internship Programme. They are trained for jobs opportunities and made employable,’ Omotoso said.
“Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) encourages people interested in business with low-interest loans”, he added.
Speaking on the focus of the government in the transportation sector, Omotoso said the addition of seven new boats to ply the waterways, the blue and red line rail projects as well as the ongoing process to kick-start the construction of the 4th Mainland bridge, are all steps towards decentralising means of transportation, taking pressure off the roads and creating an intermodal commuting system in Lagos.
“Fourth Mainland Bridge is going to see the light of the day. We are at the stage of picking the right contractor for the project and God-willing, by the end of this year, the Governor is going to perform the ground-breaking of the 4th Mainland bridge”, he stated.
While appealing to residents to continue the observance of all COVID protocols and urging that everyone should get vaccinated, the Commissioner warned that the virus is still around and has come in a more devastating manner.
He said, “We should do everything that we can here to stave off a disaster. All protocols must still be observed. The Delta variant is here”.
Omotoso maintained that COVID-19 vaccination in government hospitals is free because the pandemic is a public health issue.
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SALLAH CELEBRATION: LASG CHARGES RESIDENTS TO MAINTAIN SANITARY HABITS FOR CLEANER LAGOS
… Reiterates Ban On Sale of Rams, Cows On Highways, Parks, Medians
The Lagos State Government, on Monday, reminded residents to ensure that gains already made towards a cleaner environment in the city are not eroded as they join Muslims in celebrating the Ed-el-Kabir.
A statement signed by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello, urged residents to complement the efforts of various agencies through timely evacuation of waste and cleaning of drains, especially during this festive period.
He said all waste generated through the slaughtering of rams and other animals, as well as waste from food items, should be properly discarded after bagging, through approved PSP operators, just as everyone must avoid unsanitary actions.
Bello, while felicitating with all Muslims, urged Lagosians to celebrate with moderation, bearing in mind that the COVID-19 pandemic is still with us.
He averred that all those who will engage in public outings during the holidays should avoid littering while observing all COVID safety protocols.
“In view of the prevalence of the COVID-19 pandemic and observance of the prescribed safety protocols, everyone must always ensure that they handle waste in the most appropriate way”, the Commissioner stated.
Bello also used the opportunity to remind Lagosians that the Law against street trading is still in force, stressing that any form of street trading that includes the display of rams on major highways, road medians, walkways, lay-bys, gardens and parks across the State will not be tolerated.
Noting that it is usual for traders to take advantage of the season to market and sell rams and other livestock, the Commissioner warned that such trading must be done in designated markets without defacing the State’s aesthetics or compromising the wellness and wellbeing of residents.
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LAGOS TO EMPOWER 300 YOUTH AGRIPRENEURS, 400 PIG FARMERS
The Lagos State Government has said that no fewer than 300 Youth Agripreneurs from participants of its Lagos Agripreneurship Programme (LAP) and the Agricultural Youth Empowerment Scheme (Agric-YES) would be empowered at its Y2021 Agricultural Value Chains Empowerment Programme coming up on Thursday, 29th July.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, who made this known over the weekend at the sensitisation programme for beneficiaries of the Y2021 Empowerment Programme, explained that the initiative became imperative following the State Government’s resolve to create an enabling environment for youths in the agriculture landspace to thrive.
According to Olusanya, the youths are the future of agriculture as they would be the ones to replace the aged and ageing farmers and agripreneurs in the State, hence the need to prioritise them in this year’s empowerment programme.
She noted that the 300 beneficiaries include outstanding participants from the two programmes, adding that they would be put in incubation centres, given support on extension services as well as connected with donor agencies for assistance.
Her words: “In a society like ours where there is so much demoralisation, the people who are most impacted are the youths. According to the Book ‘My Vision’ by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the leader of Dubai, when a government does not act in the right manner, demoralisation sets in, especially for the youth. When the youth is frustrated, chaos will set in”.
“We have a total of 300 participants out of which 240 are for aquaculture and 60 for poultry. Out of the 240 going for aquaculture, we will have about 80 in the facility in Araga, Epe, while the remaining 160 will be at the Lagos Food Production Centre, Avia, Badagry”, the Commissioner averred.
Olusanya noted that each of the 240 aquaculture students would be empowered with 700 juveniles, 25 bags of feed as well as medication while the 60 poultry students would be given 480 points of lay, 100 bags of feed and medication valued at N380,000 and N1.8m per participant respectively.
She stated that this year’s Empowerment Programme is different as it essentially focuses on three specific value chains of poultry, piggery and aquaculture (artisanal fisheries) that were most affected by the Coronavirus pandemic and the outbreak of zoonotic diseases.
The Commissioner added that the Gberige and Oke-Aro Piggery Estates’ farmers were badly hit by the African Swine Fever, which practically cleared out the livestock in the estates, stressing that 400 pig farmers from the two estates have been earmarked to receive three pig growers each as well as regular veterinary services, while four groups of pig processors would also get smoking kilns as empowerment.
Explaining that the beneficiaries will be tutored on expectations from the Agricultural Value Chain Empowerment Programme, the Commissioner said details of the training would include the monetary value of government support towards the programme as well as the expected outcome.
“We have always done the Agricultural Value Chains Empowerment Programme but this year, it’s different. And the reason is that we’re introducing the sensitisation angle to it. It’s one thing to empower people but they don’t even know what it is that they are going to take out of the programme, or what they’ll get as beneficiaries”, Olusanya said.
“The reason why there’s so much distrust in government is that the information is probably not shared well and people make judgments based on their assumptions of this. Using this platform, there are no assumptions, we have cleared every doubt from the minds of our people. And it’s only for them to see on that day of the empowerment that we are bringing to them all that we have said we will bring for them. So, essentially, we are disseminating information to the beneficiaries and stakeholders for everyone to know what to expect”, she asserted.
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EID-EL-KABIR: MURI-OKUNOLA CONGRATULATES MUSLIM FAITHFUL
The Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, has congratulated Muslim faithful on the occasion of the 1442 AH Eid-el-Kabir festival, urging them not to forget the symbolic significance of the celebration.
Muri-Okunola further counselled that Muslims should take cognisance of the festival and imbibe the lessons of obedience and sacrifice as demonstrated by the Holy Prophet Ibrahim.
Calling on all Muslims to pray that Allah should save the country from the resurgent Coronavirus pandemic, insecurity and other challenges facing the Nation, the HoS said, “In the spirit of Eid-el-Kabir celebration, I enjoin everyone to put aside all differences and embrace love, unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence”.
He commended Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for his steadfastness, dedication and determination in steering the affairs of the State, noting that despite the burden imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic on the State’s finance, severe restrictions on movement and the effects of the Statewide civil unrest of last year, the State Government ensured that the salaries and allowances of workers were prioritised and numerous welfare packages were also introduced.
The HoS outlined some of the welfare packages such as the release of 10 new buses for the use of workers in various arms of Government to ease transportation challenges, the release of land for construction of 608, 2-bedroom blocks of flats at Ayobo and 500 semi-detached apartments of 2-3 bedroom flats at Imota for the benefit of public and private sector workers, as well as the payment of 33 percent pension increment for all retirees on the Defined Benefit Scheme in Lagos State Public Service.
Others include the payment of the balance on Rent Allowance to pensioners who retired on or before 30th April 2000, and the recognition accorded Outstanding Officers with brand new car gifts in the just concluded Public Service Week.
While thanking Lagos State public servants for their continued support of the government’s plans, policies and programmes, Muri-Okunola maintained that Lagos State will remain Nigeria’s Centre of Excellence with the level of dedication and commitment by public servants.
He solicited continued support towards achieving the Greater Lagos vision of the present administration, urging everyone to adhere strictly to all the COVID-19 protocols as stated by the National Council for Disease Control and the Lagos State Ministry of Health.
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LAGOS LAUNCHES SDGs YOUTH ALLIANCE
In furtherance of renewed efforts to build a generation of empowered youths to support the long-term sustainable development strategy of the State, the Lagos State Office of Sustainable Development Goals and Investments has launched the Lagos SDGs Youth Alliance platform to accelerate youth involvement in the attainment of the global ambition.
The idea, which is the first government-initiated, youth-led SDGs action in Nigeria, is designed towards creating an effective platform to promote the involvement of youths towards achieving the Y2030 Agenda, as well as establishing an avenue for discussion, and creating the conditions for active engagement.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on SDGs and Investments, Mrs. Solape Hammond, the initiative is focused on galvanising the potentials of youths towards making a strong impact in each of the targets of the SDGs and solving some of the leading challenges at the local level.
She explained that the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recognises the need for development of common and inspiring spaces for young people to contribute as active citizens in various activities aimed at societal advancement.
Her words: “Lagos has an immense potential to reap its demographic dividend. The skills and strengths of the youths with different views, faiths and ethnic backgrounds must be duly recognised so that they can be engaged in development activities”.
“Development of the country depends on how productive and creative its young population is and how much importance the government accords to its youths. Despite the growing economy and technological progress observed in the State, there are still many societal challenges that need to be overcome to enhance human development; recognising the significant roles the youths can play in the attainment of the SDGs is a potent means to catalysing the development agenda of the State”.
Also speaking on the initiative, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, stated that the latitude of youths in fulfilling the global ambition is getting wider on daily basis, hence, the government recognises the potency of creating a channel for them to share and discuss ideas and make an informed opinion.
“Youths are the torchbearers of the Y2030 Global Goals for multiple reasons. They are critical thinkers because of their inquisitiveness and strength, they have the capacity to identify systemic flaws and proffer solutions. They are change-makers and have the faculty to mobilise people for causes they believe in”, he emphasised.
While revealing that the initiative is to further highlight the vital roles young people can play in eliminating poverty, reducing inequality and ensuring that no one is left behind, the Senior Special Assistant noted that engaging young people in development programmes has a compelling impact on their personal development, their empowerment, their ability to connect with more people in their community.
Fatodu reiterated that the youth-led network will help strengthen their commitment in the monitoring and reporting on the SDGs as well as facilitating several youth-driven initiatives that will enhance desirable change in society.
He further maintained that government is determined to engage, inspire and share ideas with the youths to deliver impactful and sustainable projects across the State, adding that the network is awakening the youths to their responsibility of owning the development ecosystem.
“This is a valuable opportunity to boost your endeavour, through engagement with like minds to support development of others in Lagos State. The Lagos State Youth Alliance Initiative is inviting you for an active engagement towards the attainment of SDGs in Lagos by visiting: www.lagossdgsyouthalliance.org to register and be part of a mission of a lifetime”, Fatodu declared.
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LAGOS REFUTES ONLINE REPORT ON RECRUITMENT EXERCISE
… Warns Public To Be Wary Of Fake Job Vacancy Adverts
The Lagos State Civil Service Commission has refuted an online news story tagged “Lagos State Civil Service Recruitment Y2021- 2022 Application Form is out”, describing the contents of the report as totally untrue and fabricated.
A statement issued by the Commission informed that the publication and the purported recruitment is false in its entirety and intended to mislead the members of the general public, maintaining that the State Government has its approved media channels for such information and will continue to use the same for all public communication.
It, therefore, urged all members of the public to disregard the purported 2021-2022 Lagos State Government recruitment exercise report, stating that it is the handwork of dubious minded individuals who are out to defraud innocent citizens.
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LASG SEALS, ISSUES CONTRAVENTION NOTICES TO 16 BUILDINGS IN IKEJA
No fewer than 16 residential and commercial buildings in Ikeja and environs have been sealed and issued contravention notices by the officials of Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), for illegal development of structures in the area.
The General Manager of LASPPPA, Tpl. Kehinde Osinaike, who led the enforcement team comprising of the Agency’s officials, Nigeria Police Officers and a Special Operations Team from the Governor’s Office, stated that the affected structures are located on Joel Ogunaike, Isaac John and Ladoke Akintola streets in Ikeja GRA among others.
He said the buildings were sealed and issued contravention notices for putting up illegal developments, which contravenes the Ikeja Model City Plan and the Physical Planning Law in the State.
Osinaike emphasised that the exercise was necessary to ensure compliance by the property owners, noting that GRA is supposed to be a structured residential estate and part of the Ikeja Model City plan.
“We have the Ikeja Model City plan that has laid out the way the environment should be, but some developers and house owners have neglected the plan. Before we prepared the Ikeja Model City Plan, series of stakeholder engagements were held. We had all agreed and concluded that it is important that we preserve the sanctity of this GRA and this is what we are here to do”, the General Manager averred.
Explaining that the buildings have been served all the necessary notices as provided in the regulations, Osinaike said, “We have observed over time that there are many illegal developments within Ikeja and this is not good for the environment and the State at large. Government cannot wait and watch the various contraventions to continue”.
While stressing that the administration of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu would not allow these illegal practices to continue, he noted that the developments are not in tandem with the 21st-Century State which the government is building and urged those affected to respond appropriately or voluntarily comply with the law.
He said, “What we expect people to do is voluntary compliance. But when some few people think that they can take the laws into their hands, we will not allow this to happen. This enforcement exercise will continue as long as people keep violating and tampering with the law of the State”.
“We want to ensure that we vacate everyone that should not be on site, seal the sites and continue to monitor them until the needful is done but if the need arises to demolish, we will not hesitate to do it. They think they can take laws into their hands, but we are not going to allow it. This is a State of law and order, hence the need for the law and orderliness to prevail”, he added.
LASPPPA Ikeja District Officer, Tpl Razak Elegbede, said some of the violations included the illegal conversion of residential buildings to commercial by developers or property owners without getting approval.
“What some of them are building or have built is permissible, but they need to get the permits for them. Also, what some are building or have built is not permissible because it contravenes the physical planning law of the State”, he stated.
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LAGOS PRINTING CORPORATION NAMES PRESS HALL AFTER LATE GOVERNOR JAKANDE
The Lagos State Printing Corporation (LSPC) has named its Press Hall after the first Executive Governor of the State, Late Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande.
Speaking at the unveiling of the commemorative structure, the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, said the gesture was a good way to celebrate Baba Jakande for the good life he lived, the good legacies he left behind and for every service he rendered to Lagos, Nigeria and humanity in general.
The Commissioner said that naming the hall after Baba Jakande is symbolic as it tells the kind of life he lived, declaring that “The symbolism in this hall being named after Baba Jakande is that whatever we do in life will be recorded for us and will be measured and be considered years later. All of the things Baba Jakande did is what some of us are enjoying today. He had a vision and the vision was actualised”.
Omotoso praised Baba Jakande for the feat attained in education, housing, human capacity development and journalism, adding that Alhaji Jakande played a huge role in the establishment of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Radio Lagos and Lagos Television.
“He set standards in the Journalism space and his contribution to the media industry is highly commendable. Naming this Hall after him is highly commendable and everyone should be proud of it”, the Commissioner said.
While imploring journalists in the State and Country to continue to celebrate Baba Jakande, he urged the youths to support the State government and indulge in everything that will make Nigeria and Lagos State a better place.
His words: “I believe the former Governor has not been celebrated well enough, especially by journalists in Nigeria. But there is a need for us to continue to celebrate his legacy. The younger generation should think about tomorrow and realise that what they are doing at present is a way of writing their own testimonials, their own history and what people will say about them when they are old and are gone like Baba”.
“They should concentrate and take advantage of the current administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s programmes and policies geared towards empowering people to become whatever they want to become, realise their dreams and have the same opportunity like their counterparts globally”, the Commissioner asserted.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Olusina Thorpe, thanked the wife of Baba Jakande, Mrs. Abimbola Jakande, for making it possible for Baba to achieve great success in the State.
“We appreciate you Mama because your presence and silent contribution in Baba’s life made his achievements possible. Baba Jakande was able to open up all parts of Lagos State and that is what we are all enjoying today. He was a foundation builder, he touched everywhere and all his years of rule in the State were fantastic with great achievement”, Thorpe said.
He also thanked LSPC General Manager for keeping Baba Jakande alive with the honour, just as he urged all the staff of the Corporation to continuously ensure selfless service to duty by giving their best to ensure that the Corporation can compete favourably with every printing press in Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.
In his remarks, the General Manager, Lagos State Printing Corporation, Mr. Kolawole Peregrino, said the event was to reverence and celebrate Baba Jakande, not only for his selfless service to Lagos State, but also for his contribution and commitment in reactivating and reinvigorating the LSPC for effective and optimal performance.
He said, “His preoccupation then was to totally change Lagos State environment. His legacy has survived many political administrations. Today, LSPC is making history. My vision on assumption of office was to promote all-around excellence in productivity, efficient service delivery and enhanced market visibility. I have been able to break through the cluster and achieved many heights. But, naming this Hall after Baba Jakande is my own way to crown all my commitments to re-position the Press Hall”.
Peregrino thanked the Lagos State Government, Ministries, Departments and Agencies for their dedicated patronage of LSPC, promising that the Corporation will continue to maintain its uniqueness in the print industry by rendering the best in quality printing and quality services.
Speaking on behalf of the Jakande family, one of Baba Jakande’s children, Mr. Deji Jakande, thanked the Lagos State Government and the LSPC for honouring his father. He assured everyone that the family will continue to keep its good name alive.
“I appreciate the fact that people still recognise my father’s impact in Lagos State and I say a big thank you to you all. We, the family, will continue to do our best to keep the name good, now and always”, he said.
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CAPTION:
PIX: (L-R) General Manager, Lagos State Printing Corporation, Mr. Kolawole Peregrino; Chairman House Committee on Information, Security and Strategy, Mr. David Setonji; Alhaja Abimbola Jakande and the Hon. Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso at the naming of the Lagos State Printing Corporation’s Press Hall after Late Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, the first Executive Governor of Lagos State.
OFFICE OF THE SURVEYOR-GENERAL SENDS FORTH RETIREES
The Office of the Lagos State Surveyor-General has sent forth two of its personnel, Mr. Lasbat Jinadu, Assistant Director, Public Affairs and Mrs. Iyabode Ogunleye, Prin. Administration & Human Resources Officer, who recently retired from the Public Service.
Speaking at the event, Surv. Olutomi Sangowawa, the Permanent Secretary/Surveyor-General of Lagos State, congratulated the retirees for successfully completing their service to the State with unblemished records.
The Permanent Secretary urged all staff to emulate the diligence, commitment and hard work rendered to the Lagos State Government by the retired staff so that they can also be celebrated when they exit from service.
Advising the retirees to keep themselves active in retirement, Surv. Sangowawa said, “Get yourself involved in productive activities and acquire new skills in order not to be bored”.
In her remarks at the brief ceremony, the representative of the Public Service Office, Mrs. Ebunoluwa Aina advised the retirees to take the issue of their health seriously while imploring them to spend their retirement benefits wisely.
She enjoined the retirees to deploy the enormous wealth of experience at their disposal into entrepreneurship, urging them to continue their post-retirement life in honesty and integrity.
Responding, Mr. Jinadu expressed his appreciation to the management and entire staff of the Office of the Surveyor-General for their warm reception and the team spirit exhibited while he served in the organisation.
In the same vein, Mrs. Ogunleye encouraged staff to keep up the good work and put God first in everything they do in order to achieve the State Government’s objectives for a Greater Lagos.
The event was attended by management and staff of the Office of the Surveyor-General, members of the family of the retirees, and their former colleagues including the General Manager, Lagos Traffic Radio, Mr. Tayo Akanle and Managing Director, Gold Waters & Associates, Mr. Kayode Jackson, among others.
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CAPTIONS:
Pix 1: The Permanent Secretary, Office of the Surveyor-General, Surv. Olutomi Sangowawa delivering his address at the send forth ceremony.
Pix 2: The retirees in a group photograph with the Surveyor-General (middle). On the left are Mr. and Mrs. Ogunleye; Right are Mr. and Mrs. Jinadu.
GOVERNOR BABAJIDE SANWO-OLU’S CORONAVIRUS PRESS STATEMENT – JULY 11, 2021
Fellow Lagosians,
It has become imperative to once again provide you an update on the Coronavirus pandemic situation in Lagos State, and our ongoing response as a State Government.
Starting around the end of March 2021, the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Lagos State began to wind down, and we began to enjoy some reprieve from the worst effects of the virus. This allowed us to further open-up the economy to allow the start of the journey towards full normalcy in our lives and the pursuit of livelihoods, after what has been a very difficult year.
Regrettably, in spite of the hard work and dedicated efforts towards sustaining the return to normalcy, over the last three months, we are now finding ourselves at what appears to be the start of a potential 3rd wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, in Lagos State.
From the beginning of July, we started to experience a steep increase in the number of daily confirmed cases, with the test positivity rate going from 1.1% at the end of June 2021 to its current rate of 6.6% as at 8th of July 2021. The rapid increase within a week gives great cause for concern. Also, within the last two weeks, the occupancy rate at our isolation centres increased from an average of 1% to 6%. This is the new and disturbing reality that now confronts us.
But we must not be demoralized by this. We must instead resolve that we will not leave any stone unturned in our bid to effectively mitigate the third wave of this pandemic in Lagos State. As you all know, Lagos has been the epicentre of the pandemic since the start, and the way we manage it here has a significant impact and reverberating effect on the national outlook and outcomes. So, Nigeria is counting on us in Lagos State to be resolute in our stand against the virus.
We will continue to test aggressively. We will also focus on sequencing the samples we are collecting to ensure we are detecting and keeping track of the different variants in circulation. It is only by testing and sequencing comprehensively that we can collect the data required for informed decision-making.
Epidemiology Update
As at the 7th of July 2021, Lagos State had recorded a total of 60,202 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Of this number, 55,135 have recovered in-community and 770 are currently being managed actively in-community. Over the course of managing the COVID-19 pandemic, about 4,382 patients have been admitted into our various COVID-19 care centres in Lagos: with 357 registered fatalities. In all we have tested 563,679 samples in Lagos State since the pandemic started. Today we have 30 accredited testing centers: 26 private and 4 public health laboratories in the State, a significant improvement in capacity over the course of the past year.
Accredited Health Facilities
Let me make it clear that outside of the health facilities accredited for the management and treatment of COVID-19, and the EKOTELEMED program, no other health facilities, whether public or private, are permitted to admit or attend to COVID-19 patients.
The Lagos State Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) is providing monitoring and surveillance and has been mandated to apply heavy fines and other punitive measures on all facilities found to be in violation of this.
Lagosians should desist from patronizing non-accredited COVID-19 treatment centers, and proprietors should also ensure that all suspected and confirmed cases are referred appropriately.
Vaccine Distribution and Access
One of the major tenets of our mitigation strategy against the 3rd wave is our vaccination campaign, similar to other parts of the world. It has been observed by various credible studies that those that have received their vaccines have demonstrated significant resistance to the effects of the virus, with fewer associated complications and deaths.
As of today, however, the percentage of residents of Lagos who have received two (2) doses of the vaccine stands at a mere 1%. We recognise that this is not adequate, and given the imminent third wave, and our priority to reduce COVID-19 related deaths, we are exploring all avenues possible to ramp up access to vaccination so as to reach our herd immunity target of at least 60% COVID-19 vaccination coverage of the population of Lagos State. We are confident that we will be getting a second batch of vaccines very soon, to kick-start the second phase of vaccinations.
Travel Protocols for in-Bound Passengers
Between 8th May 2021 and 7th July 2021, a total of 50,322 passengers of interest arrived in Lagos via the Murtala Mohammed Airport. Of the 50,322 passengers, 18 percent could not be reached by EKOTELEMED because of the provision of either wrong numbers or wrong Nigerian contact details to be reached on.
It is the responsibility of passengers to ensure they provide the right details for us to reach them for proper monitoring. Going forward, passengers that do not provide the right details, including a phone number they can be reached for monitoring and an address for isolation, will face serious sanctions including fines and imprisonment according to our Lagos State Coronavirus Law of 2021.
Sanctions Against Quarantine Defaulters
As dictated by the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 (PSC), passengers from red-listed countries (India, South Africa, Brazil and Turkey) are required to observe mandatory isolation. So far, we have successfully isolated 2,386 passengers in Lagos State. Of this number, 15% have absconded.
The following sanctions are being recommended and have already been meted out to defaulters:
● For Foreigners: Revocation of their Permanent Residency, and deportation; and
● For Nigerians: Prosecution to the full extent of the Lagos State COVID-19 Law.
Religious Activities
Greater vigilance is required at this time in our Churches and Mosques and other places of religious worship. Even as we are pleased that religious houses are now open for worship, after the lengthy closures of 2020, we must not allow ourselves to be carried away by the illusion that all is now back to normal. This is especially critical, as Sallah approaches, in a little over a week from now.
The festivities will no doubt bring people together in large numbers and create conditions that can sadly cause the spread of the Coronavirus. We must not allow this to happen.
For this reason, we are mandating full compliance with all protective protocols. Compulsory use of masks in all public places, Social distancing, Temperature checks, Provisions for hand-washing and sanitizers, and a maximum of 50 percent occupancy in enclosed spaces.
Resisting Pandemic Fatigue
Whilst both the Federal and State Governments have a huge role to play in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic, the responsibility of managing the third wave ultimately belongs to all of us.
Without the cooperation of the public at large, we stand the risks of losing both lives and livelihood, on a devastating scale. Therefore, I would like to once again reiterate that this is not the time to get tired or complacent. Instead, we must be re-energized to battle this invisible and seemingly relentless enemy.
After almost 18 months of daily confronting this virus, it is understandable that many are tired and want their old, pre-pandemic lives to return. Unfortunately, we do not have a choice in this regard, and fatigue is not an option. We cannot afford to be tired, frustrated or distracted.
The enemy is formidable – and opportunistic. It will only go as far as we allow it. Having triumphed over the first and second waves of the pandemic, we must now find within ourselves new reserves of energy to quell this emerging third wave before it snowballs out of control. Let me assure us all that victory over COVID-19 is much closer today than at any other point in our recent history. But we must persevere to see this victory. We must maintain our vigilance even as we ramp up the vaccination coverage.
At this point, I would like to thank all the members of the Incident Command Structure for their resilience in the management of this never-ending pandemic, and also the Federal Government, through the Presidential Steering Committee, for all their support and collaboration.
Lagos State will continue to work with all our partners, across government and the private sector, to ensure that we permanently triumph over this virus. We will not rest until this is achieved.
Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu
Incident Commander
July 11, 2021
LASG RELEASES APPROVED Y2021/2022 HARMONISED ACADEMIC SCHOOL CALENDAR
In line with its mandate to ensure a harmonised academic school calendar for both public and private schools in Lagos State, the Office of Education Quality Assurance (OEQA) has released the approved calendar for the Y2021/2022 academic year for schools in Lagos State.
Speaking on the development, the Director-General, Office of Education Quality Assurance, Mrs. Abiola Seriki-Ayeni, explained the harmonised calendar was the outcome of a stakeholders meeting comprising school administrators, members of various private schools associations, proprietors and representatives of the State Ministry of Education.
According to her, the purpose of the academic calendar is to ensure that students spend productive learning hours in the classrooms and to also serve as a pre-emptive measure in planning for unforeseen events, adding that the approved 2021/2022 harmonised school calendar would ensure that schools are held accountable on the same standards.
She noted that since the pandemic and other emergencies have facilitated the need to create proactive policies and flexibility in schools, the academic calendar has reflected the introduction of Staff Professional Development for all schools, prioritising a five-day capacity development for teachers before the first week of resumption.
“As schools will be resuming for the First Term (2021/2022 academic session) on Monday, 13th September 2021. The Lagos State Government, through the OEQA, has reassured stakeholders of prioritising harmonised instructional days of learning for all schools in Lagos State”, Seriki-Ayeni stated.
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LAGOS COMMISSIONER, OTHERS RECEIVE PROFESSIONAL ETHICS COMPLIANCE AWARD
The Centre for Ethics and Self Value Orientation has bestowed on the Lagos State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mrs. Yetunde Arobieke, Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Kafayat Ajenifuja, Directors and some members of staff of the Ministry, the Ambassadors of Ethics, Global Citizen of Conscience in Nigeria and Professional Ethics Compliance Award.
Speaking during the presentation of the Awards on Friday at Alausa, Prince Salih Musa Yakubu, Executive Director, Centre for Ethics and Self-Value Orientation, said the organisation based in Lokoja, Kogi State is an international non-State actor that majored in exposing corruption, promoting ethical leadership, providing ethical education and value re-orientation of global citizens.
He said, “We annually engage about 1500 volunteers and whistle-blowers structured across the 774 LGAs in Nigeria, who annually distribute 1000 questionnaires in each of the Local Government Areas, conduct opinion polls and have interviews with informants”.
This, according to him, is geared towards evaluating information from citizens about their feelings concerning the policy and project performances of government at all levels, in order to expose corrupt practices and give necessary commendation where applicable.
The Executive Director explained that the Centre also ensures corroboration between approved budgets and expenditure, stressing that due diligence is carried out on contractors handling a public project without their consent.
He said, “From our tour of States, we have only chosen 100 House Representatives in the 9th Assembly, 30 Senators, 100 State legislators, 100 elected Chairmen of LGAs and 100 State MDAs and many more that have met our leadership integrity test in 21 thematic areas”.
These areas, according to him, include public accessibility, emotional intelligence, due process application, participation in community affairs, ethical uprightness, contribution to the social wellbeing of youth, women and less privileged.
He added that it also encompasses transparency and accountable leadership, quality assurance, public project/policy implementation, national interest consideration, participatory management style, industrial harmony, transparency, self-discipline, time management skills, staff discipline/welfare, innovation and creativity as well as integrity among others.
Yakubu informed that all of the criteria for the thematic areas proved, with shown indicators, the exemplary leadership performance in 10 items to qualify Mrs. Yetunde Arobieke, Mrs. Kafayat Ajenifuja and others in the Ministry for the Ambassadors of Ethics, Global Citizen of Conscience in Nigeria and Professional Ethics Compliance Award.
“Ours is to thank and appreciate people doing us proud while putting public criminals on their toes for holding us down for decades in our quest to develop as a nation and we have continuously been holding leaders accountable for over 15 years now and would not be deterred until our country becomes ethically grounded in all ramifications”, he added.
Responding, the Commissioner, Mrs. Yetunde Arobieke, thanked the Centre for the award and recognition, stressing that it is very commendable that the leadership and members of staff in the Ministry were recognised as integrity icons of Nigeria, a status exclusively reserved for the incorruptible public servants serving the Nation and reducing poverty in the State.
Arobieke was also full of gratitude to Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for making the environment conducive to serve, through the creation of a conducive atmosphere for employability, partnership, entrepreneurship and collaboration in all areas for the youths of the State.
On her part, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Kafayat Ajenifuja, appreciated the Centre for Ethics and Self Value Orientation for the conferred honours and gave an assurance that the Ministry, from the leadership to other members of staff, would continue the good works that earned them the recognition.
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LASCON CONDUCTS ENTRANCE EXAMS FOR Y2021 ACADEMIC SESSION
No fewer than 1,632 candidates sat for the Y2021 academic session entrance examination into the Department of Nursing, Lagos State College of Nursing, Igando, held at the Computer-Based Centre (CBT), Lagos State University, Ojo, on Saturday.
Addressing candidates before commencement of the examination, the Provost of the College, Mrs. Oyefunso Orenuga, explained the need for the candidates to conduct themselves responsibly, urging them to be mindful that the examination leads to a professional course that deals with the sanctity of human life.
She stated that the admission would strictly be on merit, advising the candidates to ensure good performance in the various subjects – Physics, Chemistry and Biology, in addition to English and Mathematics.
While emphasising that only successful candidates would be shortlisted for the oral interview, Orenuga reminded the participants to remain cautious about the new and more dangerous variant of the global pandemic in the State, hence, the need to continue using their nose masks, maintaining physical distance, regular hand washing and use of hand sanitisers to avoid contacting the disease.
The examination was monitored by representatives from the Office of the Director of Nursing Services, Lagos State Ministry of Health (MOH), Health Service Commission (HSC) and Alimosho General Hospital.
Recall that the sale of forms into the department of Nursing, Lagos State College of Nursing commenced on the 6th of May and closed on the 11th of June, 2021.
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CAPTIONS
PIX 1-7: The participants during the entrance exams into the Department of Nursing of Lagos State College of Nursing (LASCON), Igando, held at the Computer Based Centre (CBT), Lagos State University, Ojo, on Saturday.
82 LAGOS MDAs NOW ON E-PROCUREMENT PLATFORM
With the onboarding of additional 25 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the month of July 2021, a total of 82 MDAs are now on the e-procurement platform of the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency (PPA).
The Director-General of the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency, Mr. Fatai Idowu Onafowote, disclosed this while speaking during a sensitisation programme organised for some Accounting Officers of MDAs of the State, held at Protea Hotel, Central Business District, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
Onafowote explained that e-procurement enhances transparency, openness, inclusiveness, accountability and efficiency in public procurement, stressing that the system is, therefore, mutually beneficial to the State Government, Contractors and Service providers.
He further pointed out that the feedback the Agency received from the MDAs already onboarded on the e-procurement platform in the State had confirmed that the digitisation of the public procurement system was the right step the State Government had taken.
In a presentation made at the occasion, the Director-General explained how the e-procurement system operates to participants, who included Permanent Secretaries, Directors-General, General Managers and some other Chief Executive Officers of MDAs of the State.
Onafowote stated that the sensitisation programme was aimed at ensuring that key stakeholders in the public procurement process have a good knowledge and understanding of the operation of the e-procurement system, just as the organs of government are expected to work in synergy to achieve the objective of continuously enhancing the State Government’s policy on the Ease of Doing Business.
The Director-General also disclosed that the Agency was already holding discussions with the authorities of the Corporate Affairs Commission to further enhance the digitisation process of public procurement in the State.
He revealed that the Agency would soon release the equipment required for the smooth operation of the e-procurement process to Procurement Officers deployed to the various MDAs, urging Accounting Officers to show more interest in issues concerning public procurement since they would be required to defend the budgets of their MDAs at the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget as well as at the State House of Assembly.
Onafowote noted that similar presentations were made to the State Executive Council and the Body of Permanent Secretaries, revealing that fora would soon be convened online to educate all the members of statutory Commissions as well as Heads of parastatal organisations in the State.
The participants commended the Agency for its efforts at enhancing the ease of doing business, through public procurement, and the deployment of e-procurement solution modules in the State public service.
They, however, urged the Agency to devise appropriate strategies to further simplify the public procurement processes and also, give consideration to the peculiarities of some MDAs and their assigned functions.
Emphasising the need for the continuous capacity building for Procurement Officers deployed to the various MDAs of the State, the participants said the training would put the staffers in good stead to properly guide Accounting Officers on matters involving public procurement.
Recall that a total of 97 MDAs were approved for integration on the e-procurement platform of the Agency in year 2021, out of which 72 were onboarded in the first three quarters of this year, while 10 had been earlier onboarded between year 2019 and last year. The remaining 25 MDAs approved for integration on the platform are scheduled for onboarding in the last quarter of this year.
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NO ROOM FOR CRIMINALS IN LAGOS AS SANWO-OLU ARRESTS SUSPECTED CRIMINALS IN OJOTA – press Secretary
…Taskforce Strike Force Impounds 105 Motorcycles
The war against criminality in Lagos State has gone a notch higher as the State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, personally arrested a gang of suspected criminals, which specialises in harassing motorists and road users in traffic.
The gang of suspected criminals met their waterloo Monday morning while attempting to unleash terror on a motorist around Ojota in-bound Alausa. Help however came for the motorist as Governor Sanwo-Olu’s convoy approached the scene to rescue him from the three machete-wielding criminals who were at the time, trying to forcefully drag him out of his vehicle.
The security personnel attached to the Governor swooped on the suspects, retrieved the dangerous weapons from them and arrested the three of them.
It would be recalled that Governor Sanwo-Olu while handing over security equipment purchased by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) to the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, for the use of Lagos Police Command, on Thursday June 10, said there would be no hiding place for criminals in the State.
“We are determined to stabilize the security situation in Lagos State, as our own contribution towards lasting national security. Let me also use this opportunity to sound a note of warning to all criminals who are operating in Lagos State or planning to operate here; all armed robbers, kidnappers, cultists, bandits, and other criminals, we will leave no stone unturned in making this State inhospitable to you. We will find you, wherever you may be lurking and we will bring the full weight of the law on you,” Governor Sanwo-Olu declared.
The brand new crime-fighting equipment donated to the Lagos State Police Command were; 150 Double Cabin Vehicles, 30 Saloon Patrol Vehicles, 1,000 Ballistic Vests; 1,000 Ballistic Helmets, 1,000 Handheld Police Radios/Walkie-Talkies, 100 Security Patrol Bikes; two Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), four High Capacity Troop Carriers and two Anti-Riot Water Cannon Vehicles.
Governor Sanwo-Olu stated after his security personnel arrested the three machete-wielding criminals that the exercise was a warning signal to other criminal elements and prospective traffic robbers in Lagos that there is no hiding place for criminality in Lagos State.
Also on Monday, the Strike Squad of the Lagos State Taskforce carried out a massive raid on motorcycle (okada) riders at Second rainbow and Toyota Bus Stop along Apapa-Oshodi Expressway.
During the raid, which lasted for some hours, a total of 105 motorcycles were impounded. Prior to Monday’s raid, a total of 201 motorcycles were impounded last week.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
JULY 12, 2021
BAGAUDA KALTHO PRESS CENTRE
The Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria. P.M.B. 1613, Ikeja, Telegram: GOVLAG
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LASG DIVERTS TRAFFIC AT ILUPEJU, FAGBA LEVEL CROSSINGS FOR RAILWAY PROJECT
The Lagos State Government has announced plans to divert traffic at Ilupeju and Fagba Level Crossings for asphalt laying in continuation of the Lagos – Ibadan section of the Nigerian Railway Modernisation Project.
According to a statement signed by the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, the Ilupeju traffic will be diverted from 9:00pm on Friday 16th July, 2021 to 5:00am on Saturday, 17th July, 2021. Similarly, Fagba Traffic will be diverted between the same hours on Saturday, 17th of July till Sunday, 18th of July, 2021.
While assuring that alternative routes have been suggested for road users during the asphalt laying period, Oladeinde explained that motorists plying the Fagba axis will be diverted to Toyin Crossing and Ashade Underpass to access their desired destinations.
For the Ilupeju diversion, he advised motorists heading towards Ilupeju from Bolade to utilise Oshodi-Oke interchange at Olupese and descend to the right side of the road to connect Town Planning Way for access to their various destinations.
Oladeinde said, “Road users wanting to access Ilupeju from Mushin should go through Vono Road to link Tinubu/Olateju Streets to connect Ikorodu Road through Ogunmokun toll gate, Ladipo Street to link Oshodi-Oke or Moshalashi to Empire, which will lead them to Jibowu to connect their destinations”.
“Motorists moving towards Agege-Motor-Road from Ilupeju will be diverted to Town Planning Way to link Jibowu/Empire axis through Ikorodu Road to access Agege Motor Road. Motorists can also utilise Oshodi-Oke to Bolade (Arena Market Area) to link Agege Motor Road as another alternative”, he stated.
The Commissioner emphasised that the asphalt laying was scheduled for the period to ensure smooth and uninterrupted flow of work on the rail tracks, urging road users to comply with the traffic directions put in place to minimise inconvenience in movement.
Appealing to the residents for support of the government’s efforts to achieve a seamless multi-modal transport system, Oladeinde maintained that the project will meet the transportation needs of the huge population of commuters.
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SANWO-OLU COMMENDS AREWA HOUSE FOR RELEVANCE IN DOCUMENTATION, RESEARCH
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has commended the Arewa House Library for retaining its relevance as a Centre for documentation and research in history and contemporary issues in Nigeria.
Governor Sanwo-Olu stated this today at the commissioning of the upgraded Arewa House Library funded by the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking through the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, at the commissioning in Kaduna, Sanwo-Olu stated that for several years, the Arewa House Library has served and fulfilled the purpose of its establishment by sustaining its enviable status as a reliable centre for documentation and research in history and contemporary challenges.
He added that it is heartwarming to note that the centre has not only provided documentation of the history and culture of the people, it has also provided abundant documented materials and resources relating to contemporary studies on policy, peace and leadership.
This, he said, has no doubt served as a rich reference point and source for scholars in writing papers and presenting seminars that have been locally and internationally recognised.
Sanwo-Olu thanked the National Leader of APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for seeing the need to upgrade the Arewa House Library and committing his private funds and resources towards the upgrade during the Arewa House 11th Memorial Annual Lecture.
Expressing gladness that a centre of such magnitude exists in the country to document historical occurrences, the Governor noted that present and future generations can acquire knowledge from the library to avoid repeating past mistakes and act better in future.
His words: “I am glad that a centre like this exists in Northern Nigeria, and in Nigeria at large, to document historical occurrences that both the present and future generations can learn from to either avoid repeating certain mistakes or to provide us with the knowledge to act better in future”.
While maintaining that the upgrade of the Arewa House Library makes it well placed to meet the needs of 21st century researchers and challenges facing documentation in modern times, Sanwo-Olu expressed hope that the library will continue to retain its relevance as the first-stop shop for cultural and historical documentation in Northern Nigeria.
He further commended the Director-General, Dr. Shuaibu Shehu Aliyu, Management and Staff of the Arewa House Library for how well they have held forth in preserving the history and culture of the country, through the preservation of research and historical documentation.
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CAPTIONS:
PIX 1: (L-R) Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat and Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State at the Commissioning of the Upgraded Arewa House Library, Kaduna.
PIX 2: Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat (second left), Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State (second right) and other dignitaries at the Commissioning of the Upgraded Arewa House Library, Kaduna.
PIX 3: Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat (right) and Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State at the Commissioning of the Upgraded Arewa House Library, Kaduna.
YABA TECH CLUSTER WILL PROMOTE RAPID INNOVATION, TECHNOLOGY – SPECIAL ADVISER
The Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Innovation and Technology, Mr. Olatunbosun Alake has said that the Yaba Technology Cluster will aid rapid innovation and development in Lagos as it has become a hub for start-ups in the technology sector.
Speaking on the ICT hub project, Alake emphasised that the initiative is part of the enabling infrastructure being provided by the present administration to accommodate innovators, tech developers and critical stakeholders in a purpose-built environment.
“The project is to agglomerate all possible ingredients; talents, resources, facilities that fuel innovation, de-risk innovation process and are needed for rapid innovation and technology development in Lagos. We are also talking to some authorities to consider tax incentives for start-ups and research initiatives. These are what motivate the Yaba project”, he said.
According to the Special Adviser, Governor Sanwo-Olu has set up a Project Steering Committee that comprises individuals in private and public sectors that will drive the implementation of the project and ensure its delivery as scheduled.
While giving assurance of doubling down on advocacy, Alake assured that the administration is making huge investments in innovation to drive local value creation as percentage increase in connectivity translates to a percentage rise in the GDP.
On the relocation of Computer Village, Ikeja, he described the Computer Village as a very strong eco-system, stating that the Government is already working on strategies to collaborate with international investors and stakeholders towards repositioning the market.
“The government’s efforts are to formalise the ecosystem and that is what is motivating the movement of the market to the Katangwa area. Government is also investing in infrastructure, the access building while driving the possibility of creating value not only for Nigeria, but for the entire West Africa Sub-Region. Very soon, there will be a blueprint for the Computer Village to be part of the formal economy”, the Special Adviser revealed.
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CAPACITY BUILDING CRUCIAL TO ACHIEVING THEMES DEVELOPMENT AGENDA – LASG
The Lagos State Government has described human resource development and capacity building as crucial to achieving the success of its T.H.E.M.E.S. Development agenda.
Reiterating the present administration’s commitment to investments in capacity building of its workforce, the Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Education, Bar. Tokunbo Wahab, said civil servants are drivers of the government’s policies and are, therefore, vital to the progress of the State.
Wahab spoke on Tuesday at the closing ceremony of a three-day capacity building retreat themed, “Building A Healthy Work-Culture Through Self-Leadership, Synergy and Technical Transfer of Knowledge to Practice”, and held for Management Staff of his Office and Agencies under its purview, at the Jubilee Chalets in Epe.
Noting that public servants are at the centre of implementing the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda, the Special Adviser said the programme was convened to appraise the performance of his Office over the last two years to ascertain areas where service delivery had been optimal and identify lapses that require adjustment for improved performance.
His words: “This retreat has given us the opportunity for the first time, to come together, rub minds, exchange ideas, share knowledge and bring to the front burner issues that are crucial to achieving efficient service delivery and greater productivity in our daily operations”.
He emphasised the need for greater efforts and genuine commitment from all OSAE personnel to achieve set goals, assuring that the State Government would provide all necessary support to its workforce for better performance.
While noting that government activities were limited last year due to the global pandemic and some other challenges, the Special Adviser charged staff to roll up their sleeves and double their efforts to make up for the lost period. He commended the Agency for Mass Education for starting on a good note by training and graduating over 700 trainees in various vocations.
“Our Agency for Mass Education (AME) has set the pace for improved performance by graduating a total of 703 trainees in different vocations and entrepreneurship skills development across our seven vocational centres in the State”, he said.
Commending the leadership and management of the Agency for Mass Education for an impressive performance, Barr. Wahab urged them to come up with more advocacy programmes targeted at poverty eradication, youth empowerment and economic self-reliance.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of OSAE, Mr. Adeniran Kasali, stated that retreat offered members of the Office a unique opportunity to come together, learn new basics and share knowledge about the core mandates of various Agencies, Department and Units of the OSAE for more collaboration, cooperation and mutually-beneficial working relationship.
He commended the State Government for its capacity building initiatives, adding that a series of activities packaged for the retreat would enhance better performance, physical health and mental wellbeing, improved morale, job satisfaction and motivation among other benefits.
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LAGOS EMPOWERS 190 YOUTHS, WOMEN IN FISH CAGE CULTURE
The Lagos State Government has empowered 190 youths and women in Afowo Community, Badagry, in the fish cage culture system to further drive youth and women empowerment in a bid to help them to make positive changes.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, who made this known at the symbolic stocking of the cages in Badagry, explained that each of the cages would be stocked with 1,000 juveniles of both tilapia and catfish.
She added that each of the beneficiaries would also be given 20 bags of fish feeds, medication, as well as a monthly stipend of N15,000 for four months before the fish is harvested in furtherance of the determination to help them succeed in the business.
Her words: “We thank you for the opportunity given to us, as Lagos State Government, to come to Afowo Community here in Badagry to empower the youths specifically in this area. The idea of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu is to drive youth empowerment to levels such that in different Communities, the youths there are fully empowered to begin to make positive changes and make impacts in and around where they live”.
“We had 60 cages here before. Now you have 190 in total. The majority of the 130 new beneficiaries are the youths. We did not want political interference of any sort, so we allowed the youths in the area to help us in selecting the beneficiaries for this project”.
“We called the youth amongst you that have been successful in this project to help us pick people who are serious about wanting to get into the cage and pen culture so that at least, with the little that you get from here, you will also be able to support your families”, the Commissioner noted.
She disclosed that the fish would be organic to a large extent since they are reared in their natural habitat, which usually makes them tastier, envisaging that it will aid quick offtake from buyers once they are ready for harvest.
Olusanya enjoined the beneficiaries to learn from their successful predecessors, as well as government officials who are available to help, such that they would harvest big table fish, sell them, restock and grow the business.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Hakeem Adeniji, congratulated the beneficiaries and the community as a whole for having such a revolutionary project in their domain, adding that it was already generating interest from private sector investors who would like to tap into the many benefits of the fish cage culture.
He urged the beneficiaries to remain passionate about the fish cage culture and strive to produce massive-size fish for harvest by ensuring appropriate feeding, monitoring and seeking help when necessary.
“You all should count yourselves very lucky. The community as well is blessed and I commend you for being receptive to this idea and making it become a reality”, Adeniji asserted.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. David Aladeotan, appreciated the State Government and everyone else who has put in efforts to make sure that the cage culture system of fishing is a success, especially in Afowo, Badagry.
He, therefore, assured the State Government that each of the beneficiaries would fully maximise the opportunity provided to help them build a business, thereby increasing fish production in the State.
JL/TMS/OS
LASEPA BOSS CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY WITH TREE PLANTING EXERCISE
The General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Dr. Dolapo Fasawe has commemorated her birthday with a tree planting exercise in support of the global action on climate change towards gradual restoration and recovery of the mother earth.
The event which was part of the programme designed by the management and the entire staff of the agency to celebrate her birthday, as well as a form of support for her leadership role which has elevated the status of the agency, while also improving the reputation of the State government in the public domain.
Fasawe, who was overwhelmed by the magnitude of the surprise birthday celebration by the staff, colleagues and friends, thanked everyone for contributing to the event, expressing her appreciation for the overwhelming demonstration of love and support by the LASEPA family.
She said, “Birthdays are more enjoyable when surrounded by devoted friends and families. This surprise gathering humbled me and I would hold on to the memory forever. Before, I have collaborated with friends in the past to organise surprise birthdays for loved ones, but this is real, l didn’t see it coming”.
“I also intend to mark the day with a tree planting exercise in view of the need to make peace with nature and improve quality of life as well as the fulfilment of other essential needs of mankind. However, I must also use this opportunity to seek more cooperation, dedication and commitment towards the effective delivery of our core mandate from all members of staff”, Fasawe said.
Earlier, in her welcome address, the Director, Human Resources and Administration, Mrs. Olufunke Adenle, disclosed that the party was organised by the entire staff with the support of her friends without her knowledge.
She congratulated the General Manager on her birthday, adding that her sterling leadership qualities have endeared her to a lot of people and entrenched harmonious working relationships as well as mùtual respect amongst all staff.
“The turnout, despite the short notice, underscores her enchanting personality, impressive character and good testimony of her upright relationship with the staff, colleagues, friends and families”, Adenle asserted.
Other speakers also took turns to shower accolades on her in confirmation of her kind-hearted nature. One of them was her son, Deji Fasawe, who described her as the best mother anybody could wish for, saying “My mum is our best friend, my brother and I hold her in high esteem as she represents everything we live for. My mum is the epitome of discipline, humility, simplicity, diligence and mother to many children. My brother, Kayode, and I pray for more years and internal peace for the rest of her life”.
The party had in attendance top government functionaries including the Permanent Secretaries, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Olusina Thorpe; Office of the Environmental Services, Mrs. Belinda Odeneye; Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Engr. Biola Kosegbe and the Director-General of LASEMA, Dr. Femi Osanyintolu among others.
SANWO-OLU REMAINS UNRELENTING IN YOUTH EMPOWERMENT – COMMISSIONER
The Lagos State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mrs. Yetunde Arobieke, has said that Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, will continue to tackle all challenges of unemployment in the State.
Mrs. Arobieke spoke during the commencement of an IT Empowerment training programme organised in collaboration with Messrs Roseate-Forte Limited and Jordan 105.5 FM, for youths drawn from the 20 LGs and 37 LCDAs in the State.
The Commissioner said the training, which was done at zero cost to the Ministry, is expected to empower, mentor and expose the participants to jobs and employment opportunities, whilst also enabling them to learn and acquire the practical experience and competence for today’s workplace.
She commended Roseate Forte Ltd, a training partner of Jordan 105.5FM Radio Station and an affiliate of London Corporate Training (LCT) UK, for collaborating with the Ministry to train youths based on the enormous deliverables attached to the programme, noting that the initiative would create jobs and self-employment in the State.
Noting that the programme would be aired live on Jordan 105.5FM Radio Station to promote empowerment and employability, Mrs. Arobieke stated that the success stories will also be shared on social media platforms.
Applauding the partners, the Commissioner said, “This noble cause is laudable and, as a Ministry with the mandate to upskill and tackle unemployment, we welcome more of such collaborations”, she said.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, Mrs. Kafayat Ajenifuja, in her closing remarks, advised the trainees to maximise the inherent opportunities of the programme to advance their aspirations for self-sufficiency.
LAGOS ALLAYS FEARS OF PARENTS OVER CBT EXAMS
… Holds CBT Entrance Exam For Model Colleges And Upgraded Schools
The Lagos State Government has allayed the fears of parents and guardians that the education policies and reforms, especially in technology as a learning aid and means of assessment, will not deprive their children of any opportunities.
The Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo, stated this today at the flag-off of the Computer Based Test (CBT) Entrance Examination for Model Colleges and Upgraded Schools holding at six locations across the State.
Mrs. Adefisayo counselled parents to be calm and not be disturbed over the new test approach as the children of nowadays are very smart, stressing that efforts of the government in the education sector are to make the future better for them.
“We’ll do our best to ensure that we give our students optimum support to realise their goals and aspirations”, the Commissioner said.
Speaking further, Adefisayo enthused that the introduction of the CBT examination is the first-of-its-kind across the Federation and in tandem with the Education and Technology Agenda of the State, adding that the new approach will enable the students to attempt questions through the use of computers and mobile gadgets.
According to the Commissioner, the initiative is a huge investment by the government, aimed at reducing examination abnormalities such as malpractices and missing results among other limiting factors.
Her words: “There is no hanky-panky about this examination, the results are immediate, clear and transparent, therefore, parents should encourage their children to acquaint themselves with the use of computer systems as well as embrace new technology”.
She stated that the Ministry has recently reviewed the school’s curriculum in which ICT was included, stressing that sitting for the examination does not require a top-level technology-savvy child, as students are only required to read the questions, click the right answers and submit them at the end of the examination.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: LASG TASKS REGISTRARS ON EFFECTIVE COUNSELLING FOR INTENDING COUPLES
Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, WAPA, Mrs. Cecilia Bolaji Dada, has charged Heads of Marriage Registries to develop effective counselling services before solemnisation as part of efforts to curb the incidence of domestic violence across the State.
The Commissioner gave the charge on Wednesday, while speaking at the maiden edition of a capacity building programme for Marriage Registrars across the 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas in the State, held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, Alausa Ikeja.
Mrs. Dada informed that the rate of reported domestic violence cases at the Ministry calls for urgent intervention in order to protect the marriage institution.
She said, “WAPA believes that concerted and collective efforts of all stakeholders will contribute immensely to reducing this societal decadence, hence, the reason for this gathering. For instance, between March and August, 2020, 1614 calls were received following incidents of domestic violence, while several interventions were made by the Ministry”.
“In the same vein, between January-April 2021, a total of 325 calls had been received on issues of Domestic Violence. At least, once a week, there is always a pathetic case of a man beating, maiming or killing his wife”, Dada added.
While urging Registrars to become flag bearers of peaceful coexistence, she revealed that the result of an abused marriage has toxic effects on the children, who usually become victims of abusive relationships and worse still, become perpetrators of such ill acts themselves.
Her words: “The emotional, physical and social damage that abusive relationship creates for children; statistics have shown that domestic violence can make such experience a learned behaviour that is transferred from one generation to another. Thus, we must all come together to curb this menace”, she implored.
Also speaking, Mrs. Modupeola Sahid-Adebambo, an Advocate for women and children, disclosed that one out of five marriages conducted through Registries across the State often have domestic violence issues before their second year anniversary.
Mrs. Adebambo called for the need to have a universal marriage register as part of provisions to ensure men do not contract multiple marriages while the former marriage was still valid.
In her remarks, Barrister Dorcas Aderemi, Legal practitioner and Coordinator, FamilyLawNg, called for the inclusion of one legal practitioner in all counselling units across the State which, according to her, would give intending couples the platform to get necessary legal information before solemnisation.
She said, “The marriage certificate becomes a public law which any alteration on it, has a legal penalty for defaulters. All women should make sure their physical assets have their names as presented on their marriage certificates”.
The highlight of the event was the formal launch of the book “A Law to Provide Protection against Domestic Violence and For Connected Purpose”.
It should be noted that recent global prevalence figures of domestic violence reveal that about one in every three women worldwide have experienced either physical or intimate sexual partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime.
Worldwide, almost one-third of women, who have been in relationships, report that they have experienced some form of physical or sexual violence by their intimate partners while 38% of murder cases are being committed by an intimate partner.
LNSA TASKS CORPS OFFICERS TO IMPROVE SERVICE DELIVERY
As part of rebranding initiatives for its personnel, the General Manager of Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA), Prince Ifalade Oyekan, has advised the Corps Officers to move the security outfit to the next level.
Prince Oyekan gave the advice before commencement of the qualifying examination for over 350 officers to the post of Corps and Deputy Corps Superintendents at the Agency’s Headquarters in Oshodi on Thursday.
While noting that the examination was organised to choose the most capable hands among the officers qualified for the available posts, he reiterated the Governor’s commitment to the security of lives and property which is the sixth pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda of the present administration.
The General Manager also emphasised the need to continuously evaluate senior officers before they assume vital positions as it is crucial to efficient output among the corps officers when on the field.
Recall that a similar examination was carried out for the post of Divisional Commanders as part of efforts to ensure that those that are fit and imbued with leadership qualities are evaluated and selected on the basis of performance.
The LNSA under the leadership of Prince Oyekan had, on assumption of office, unveiled a master plan to re-strategise the Agency to enhance delivery as intelligent gatherers and community policing.
OD/TMS/OS
LAGOS TECHNOLOGY, INNOVATION MASTERPLAN HAS STARTED TO YIELD DIVIDENDS – SPECIAL ADVISER
The Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Innovation and Technology, Mr. Olatunbosun Alake has disclosed that the Lagos State Technology and Innovation Masterplan, an initiative of the present administration, has started to yield dividends in the transportation and traffic management, education, security and technology sectors of the State’s economy.
Speaking on the benefits of the Sanwo-Olu administration’s 3,000-kilometre Metro Fibre Optic Cable project, Alake said that the administration launched its Technology and Innovation Masterplan to drive technology for infrastructure development, improved capacity through the various Talent Hunt Programmes and enhanced data capability in Lagos State, pointing out that the benefits have started to accrue to residents.
His words: “We also have policies being implemented, such as Smart City Brain, which will drive such initiatives as intelligent transport systems. The smart city initiative has already started both in transport and security as we have installed about 150 out of the 2,000 smart cameras that monitor different areas for security purposes and are linked to our Command and Control Centre. These help first or emergency responders to be able to get to places of interest quickly and facilitate smart interaction with people on the field. This technology helps them to perform their jobs better.”
“There are multiple things we are pursuing with the smart city agenda. We have with the Ministry of Health such as electronic records. That is why we are very bullish with the deployment of the project”, the Special Adviser stated.
On the many dimensions of the project as guided by the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda, Alake said that the metro fibre cables being laid across Lagos are significant to the drive for a Smart City and building a 21st Century economy with great benefits to the private sector.
He said, “You need to have a connectivity base layer. We are about 1,800 kilometres into the implementation and we are looking at next year for the completion of the current phase because we are not only deploying fibre, we are also deploying optic fibre ducts. We realise that to have double-digit growth in connectivity, the Government cannot do it alone.”
“We discovered that the cost of deployment is a significant barrier to entry and the rise in connectivity. By this effort, the Lagos State Government has de-risked and reduced the barrier to entry, telcos save more money in their deployment programmes and this saving is passed to their customers”, he explained.
In respect to the tour of tech hubs by Governor Sanwo-Olu, the Special Adviser said it was to intimate the stakeholders with what the government is doing to enhance and drive the ecosystem.
“Our technology and innovation masterplan puts young people and start-ups at the centre of our implementation. Our people are the key to our development; that is why our focus is to give the capacity, knowledge, funds and resources to grow the entire sector”, he declared.
WA/TMS/OS
LASG KICKSTARTS ONLINE VERIFICATION EXERCISE FOR PENSIONERS
… Process To Fast-track Record Cleaning
The Office of Local Government Establishment, Training and Pensions, in collaboration with the Local Government Staff Pensions Board, has commenced the online “I’m Alive” verification of pensioners towards establishing the current status of all Lagos State pensioners.
In his address at the flag-off ceremony in Ikeja, on Friday, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Local Government Establishment, Training and Pensions, Mr. Abiodun Bamgboye, urged retirees to make use of the opportunity to process their accrued benefits, pointing out that the electronic exercise is to address key issues of safety and provide comfort for the retirees.
“We are mindful of the current COVID-19 challenge, especially the third wave, in which the elderly are more susceptible and vulnerable. Hence, the need for retirees to conduct the exercise in the comfort of their homes from any part of the country or world”, he said.
Bamgboye further stated that the exercise is also geared towards effective record cleaning as few of the retirees might have passed away but the occurrence was not reported by their next-of-kin, adding that unreported deaths unjustly remain on the payroll.
He said, “There are also some persons whose records are not complete and must be updated. The State Government has some lofty plans for the retirees and would require a number of their details for us to provide such services. We have carried out various forms of awareness in both the electronic and print media on this exercise to ensure that no one is left out of the process”.
Explaining that the exercise is for retirees from the Unified Local Government Service, those in the teaching and non-teaching service of the primary school system as well as Federally devolved retirees, the Permanent Secretary added the process also includes LAWMA retirees recognised in the Unified Local Government Service.
“We are aware that some of them are in the diaspora, but thankfully, the world is a global village now. Wherever they are, we can reach them. We have also made provisions for a supplementary exercise for those who might miss out on the ongoing verification exercise happening between July and August 2021”, he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Local Government Staff Pensions Board, Mr. Kamal Abiodun Bayewu, reiterated that the exercise was designed for the convenience of pensioners so that they can partake from any part of the world via technology.
He said, “We have over 9000 retirees and for us, we want to capture as many as possible. Last year, we had a success rate of over 98% and we are hoping to have a 100% rate this year, so it is an ongoing exercise”.
“We are mindful of challenges with the Internet. We hope to invest in technology such that we would partner with some network providers to have a seamless exercise. The goal is to ensure that all those that receive pension are still alive”, Bayewu noted.
The Auditor-General for Local Governments, Mrs. Idiat Adesumbo Abolarin, said the online verification exercise is a welcome development as retirees had to come from various locations in the past.
“Now, they can partake in the exercise from the comfort of their homes”, she said.
BB/TMS/OS