Barnabas Sonayon

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Saturday pledged to unlock the state’s tourism potential to boost its economic prosperity. Governor made the pledge at the Lagos Boat Regatta 2024 with the theme, ‘’Our Water, Our heritage, Our life.’’ held across the state.   Sanwo-Olu said that his administration is desirous of exploring its waterways towards developing a strong ecosystem for tourism and expanding its transportation system, noting that the event is a demonstration of what Lagos stands for and a transformation and revival of culture.   The Governor while declaring open the event stressed that the Boat Regatta which was held across the five divisions of the state is a shared vision of showcasing the beauty of Lagos waterways for the residents to relish at all times. "We are indeed excited that we can finally have a boat regatta, the beginning of what will be a lot of activities that are going to happen during this yuletide season. This one being a very first, is ...

  The Lagos State Head of Service, Mr Olabode Agoro has called on civil servants to keep fit to remain healthy and active to achieve more on their jobs in 2025. Mr Agoro made the call on Thursday at the finals of the 18th annual Head of Service Games at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan. According to Mr Agoro, the games which is part of the yuletide was meant to unite public servants with fun after the year's activities. He said this year’s Games “witnessed notable innovations, including the introduction of draughts and ceremonial Walk for Fitness.  “As in the tradition, all participating players were presented for mandatory medical examination to ensure that they were physically fit and issued Medical Certificate of Fitness,” said Agoro. In some of the rest the s, female football teams of the Public Service Office, the Office of the Head of Service, won for the 5th time the female soccer final as they handed a 1-0 defeat to team SUBEB, while the Health Service Commission c...

  Stakeholders have counselled the Nigerian youth on the importance of dialogue as a preferred model of revolution and not violent confrontation. The Guest speaker at the Peace Conference of the Christian Youths in Politics (CYP) in Ikeja, Lagos, the Rev. Ibikunle Olufemi the Special Adviser on Interfaith Affairs to the Oyo State Governor Mr. Seyi Makinde, blazed the trail while delivering his lecture on the theme: “Addressing Societal Failure In Alignment With Political Evolution, Waning Faith Cardinals For A Serene World”. Rev. Ibikunle emphasized the importance of the youth and the urgent need for them to change their parochial perception about participation in the existing political frames. He urged them to impact their immediate environment positively in their little way before opting to serve. Rev Ibikunle said the youths active political participation is a cardinal for them to influence the desired societal change. “First of all, our faith is not really tied to politics. Ou...

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding, M.O.U with Access Bank PLC for the construction of new Lagos/Access, Seven Hundred and Four Housing Units of two bedroom apartments in Odo Nla, Ikorodu. Speaking at the event at the Lagos House, Ikeja, Governor Sanwo-Olu who described the signing-off  as part of efforts to provide affordable, decent homes for residents of the State, especially the low income earners, noted that addressing housing deficit requires bold steps, initiatives and partnership with the private sector.            Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, said the agreement with the partner was reached after a rigorous deliberation and planning in which Odo-Nla in Ikorodu was picked because of the nature of the soil and existing scheme infrastructure. The Group Managing Director of the Access Bank, Roosevelt Ogbonna who noted that the effort is to ensure that every Lagosians has access...

  Two hundred and fifty senior citizens in Lagos State, on Tuesday, received two hundred thousand naira each under the second edition of the Elderly Support Scheme.  The Scheme is a Social Investment Programme under the Renewed Hope Initiative, a pet project of the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. This year’s theme is, “Total Wellness: Happy, Healthy and Prosperous Lifestyle.” At the ceremony at the Lagos House, Ikeja,  the wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, who read Senator Tinubu’s message said the grant doubled what was given to each senior citizen last year. She urged the senior citizens to prioritize their health even as they celebrate in the festive season.    A total of one billion, nine hundred million naira is disbursed across the thirty-six states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory as well as the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association.

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has urged Nigerians not to despair as the administration of President Bola Tinubu is working to resolve the country's challenges. "The outgoing year is indeed a challenging one, especially considering the economic situation of the country. Nevertheless, we have solace in the fact that the government of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR is not leaving any stone unturned to bring us to our promised land. "Mr. President is busy doing everything possible to put smiles on our faces. Trust me, succour is coming. I urge us to keep the hope alive," Dr. Obasa said during the Assembly's 22nd Annual Thanksgiving Service with the theme: 'The Voice Of Mercy'. At the event which had officials from the various arms of the state government, members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), traditional rulers and guest preachers, the Speaker urged Nigerians to enter 2025 with renewed passion and vig...

  Residents of FERCA CDA in Eyita Ojokoro area of Ikorodu in Lagos State have inaugurated her first set of Executives to direct the affairs of the CDA for the next two years. The newly approved FERCA CDA was formerly under UNESCA CDA and comprises five streets namely Femi Giwa, Emmanuel Audu, Royal Avenue, Coconut crescent and Ajulor. The new Executives is chaired by Kolawole Lawal, with Mr Emmanuel Audu as 1st Vice Chairman, Mr Abimbola Oluwo as 2nd Vice Chairman, Mrs Ilewi Nkiruka as General Secretary, Ogunsanya Akeem as Assistant General Secretary, Mr Olanrewaju Oladejo as Treasurer and Mr Gbadamosi Fatai as Financial Secretary. Others inaugurated alongside are Mrs Jokomba Ope Oluwa JP as Welfare Secretary, Mr Pius Mosanya Esq as Legal Secretary, Mr Lawal Rasak as PRO, Mr Olalere Bamidele as Chief Whip, Mrs Badejoko Adekunbi as Social Welfare, Mr Emmanuel Oluborode as Auditor while Mr Oluremi Omotola and Mr Familua Babatunde will serve as Ex-officios. Inaugurating the new Execut...

  Three Fulani leaders in Kwara state have written to the Department of State Services (DSS) alleging plans by a group to cause breach of peace and urging the security body to act urgently. The three leaders, Alhaji Abdullahi Ahmed (Ga'a Federal), Abdullahi Arisekola (Ga'a Erin and Jowuro) and Muhammad Jowuro of Omu Aran claim that a group led by one Ande Mu'azu Buruku is currently hatching a leadership crisis that can unsettle the state. Writing through their lawyer, H.O. Buhari of the Buhari, Oguntoye Associates, the trio accused Buruku of refusal to identify with Alhaji Jimoh Adam Ojonla, who was recently turbaned by Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, as the new Ardo Fulani. According to them, Buruku, whose father was the Ardo, plans to install someone else against Ojonla, who was turbaned on November 15, 2024. In the petition received by the DSS on November 25, 2024, the leaders wrote: "That after the said turbaning, some disgruntled elements among ...

Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose, has launched a private initiative aimed at addressing unemployment, health challenges, and other issues in her constituency. The initiative, titled 'My Health, My Prosperity Outreach' (Igbega Ilera, Igbega Oro Aje), according to the commissioner aligned with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's T.H.E.M.E.S.+ Development Agenda that focuses on enhancing healthcare, empowerment and promoting social inclusion to ensure that Lagos remains a 21st-century economy where no one is left behind. Speaking at the inauguration of the community outreach at Idi Omo, Isale Eko, Lagos Island, Mrs.  Ambrose highlighted the significance of tackling health challenges, closing the skills gap, promoting preventive care, and fostering entrepreneurship among the residents of the area. "Today’s initiative is a testament to my unwavering commitment to uplifting the lives of our people by addressing two ...

Transparency International Nigeria and the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center, CISLAC  have called on the Nigerian military to be more transparent with its commercial ventures as those do not fall under core military spending and earnings. The identified military commercial interests include logistics and supplies, oil and gas, shipping, agriculture, printing, real estate, hospitality, travel and tours.  At a news briefing in Lagos on Wednesday, the Programme Manager of Transparency International Nigeria and Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center, CISLAC, Mr Abubakar Jimoh said the military needed to be open in certain areas because they were funded by tax payers even though they do not pay taxes from their commercial ventures. Mr Jimoh, who also presented two reports by the organizations on the military, called for strengthening of legislative, executive and civil society oversight of military commercial ventures.  Speaking on other aspects the military needed...

The Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration has reiterated its commitment to initiatives that will create opportunities, reduce poverty, nurture entrepreneurial spirit, and promote inclusivity and economic empowerment for residents of Lagos State. Governor Sanwo-Olu made the commitment on Wednesday at the second phase of the 2024 Micro Enterprise Support Initiative programme for 1,500 Lagos State residents, organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA). During the event, tools and equipment were distributed to support beneficiaries in their businesses. The items distributed to meet the diverse needs of entrepreneurs were Stoning machines, Pepper grinders, Sewing machines, Hair dryers, Barbing kits (including clippers, sterilisers and generators), Standing facial steamers, Aluminum cutting machines, Two-Phase burners (including 30-inch cooking pots and 12.5kg cylinders), Cake mixers, Welding machines, Agricultural items (fertilizers, knapsacks, and seeds) and Cash ...

•FG, Ooni, stakeholders commend Lagos on real estate development  Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday said his administration is committed to creating an ecosystem that supports the economic growth of the State through real estate, which plays a critical role in the development and growth of Lagos. Governor Sanwo-Olu, disclosed that the State is set to introduce an integrated, effective and efficient waste management system in collaboration with international partners.  The Governor and other stakeholders spoke on Tuesday at the 5th Lagos Real Estate Marketplace Conference and Exhibitions held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.  The conference is an avenue created by the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) to provide an enabling environment and transparent platform for stakeholders in the real estate sector.  Speaking during the conference, Governor Sanwo-Olu said his administration is committed to building a thri...

  Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday inaugurated Ikoyi network of roads, Phase two in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of the State. The seven roads are Ilabere, Oyinkan Abayomi, Femi Okunnu road, MacPherson Avenue, Kuramo close, Inupa road, Ilu Drive. While noting that Ikoyi is the property capital of Lagos, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the road projects were significant milestones towards a greater Lagos to reduce travel time, ensure connectivity ,enhance Ikoyi urban regeneration initiative and improve the socio-economic development of the area. Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Mr Olufemi Daramola noted that the new roads complemented the previously inaugurated roads, phase one as part of a series of urban regeneration projects. According to Mr Daramola, each road plays a critical role in decongesting traffic and improving access across Ikoyi known for its residential, commercial and governmental significance. The road network has a combined length of ...

Residents of Ojokoro LCDA in Lagos have been empowered with different Vocational skills working tools and over ten million naira financial assistance to the vulnerable in the area. This is courtesy of a member of the House of Representatives representing Ifako-Ijaiye Federal Constituency, Mr Benjamin Olabinjo under his BAO Empowerment scheme. Appreciating the gesture on behalf of the residents, the Chairman Ojokoro LCDA, Mr Hammed Tijani commended Mr Olabinjo for the unprecedented and transformative empowerment programme in the constituency. Describing the initiative as historic, the LCDA Chairman said the BAO empowerment which cut across both Ojokoro and Ifako Ijaye LCDAs would address critical needs across business, education, health, and community development and improve lives of residents. According to the Council Boss, the BAO empowerment Programme is an initiative aimed at uplifting schoolchildren, youths, market women, artisans, community leaders, and traditional rulers, towar...

   •Says administration is committed to addressing long-standing challenges faced by Lagos residents.   Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday commissioned the Abiola-Onijemo Link Road with a bridge in the Ifako Ijaiye Local Government Area of the State. The Abiola-Onijemo Link Road with bridge provides a strategic connection linking the Abiola/Ajayi/Ogba and Obawole/Iju-Ishaga communities, which are separated by a 25-meter swamp belt. The project covers a total length of 643 meters, including a 135-meter reinforced concrete bridge with retaining walls. The infrastructure features 7.3-meter-wide carriageways, alongside slip roads, walkways, and solar-powered street lighting—all representing state-of-the-art infrastructure tailored to meet the needs of a growing population. It also has a drainage system that addresses long-standing flooding challenges, safeguarding the surrounding communities from adverse effects of poor water management. A section of the ...

  Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will from Monday next week begin the inauguration of thirty-six roads and five bridges in different parts of Lagos State. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, Mr Olufemi Daramola revealed this at a news briefing in Alausa, Ikeja. He said Governor Sanwo-Olu would begin the inauguration in Ifako-Ijaiye local government before going to other parts of the state. Mr Daramola said the projects were a testament to the determination of the governor to ensure the completion of projects despite the country’s economic situation. Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, noted that Governor Sanwo-Olu had not slowed down in his second as evidenced in the harvest of projects. Mr Omotoso said the road projects cut across the three senatorial districts of the state to ensure every resident feels the impact of the government. The cabinet members assured Lagos residents that no project would be abandoned whil...

 Yemisi Dada In a bid to end open defecation in Lagos and provide access to inclusive toilet facilities in public places and institutions towards meeting SDG-6.2 by year 2030, the state government has partnered with WaterAid Nigeria and other implementers of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), to harmonize all public and institutional toilets prototypes across Lagos State while leveraging the proposed pilot construction in twenty-five public places across the metropolis. The twenty-five public toilets, which will be inclusive to accommodate people with Disability is expected to have two hundred and fifty units. At a roundtable meeting with relevant stakeholders funded by the Cummins, Microsoft and Church of Jesus Christ of latter Day Sanits, the Director Sanitation Services in the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Hassan Sanuth, pointed out that the state government intends to also construct one hundred public toilets within the next two years at st...

 By Yemisi Dada There is a need for Government at all levels to have dedicated bowel incontinence care and management as well as specialized care givers for people with Spina Bifida at all public health facilities across the country. This will help create more awareness on the treatment, management and care of those with Spina Bifida as they have challenges of controlling their bowel movement thereby soiling themselves without proper care. This was the crux of discourse at a one day Media sensitization on Spina Bifida by a Non Governmental Organization, Festus Fajemilo Foundation, FFF, in collaboration with Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Information Networking Equality, SHINE, in UK, with the support of UK Department of Health and Social, Care managed Global Health Partnerships (Formerly THET) and DUCIT Blue Solutions under its Saving Lives, Improving Futures, SLIF, Project. At the sensitization programme held at Ikeja, the Executive Director, FFF, Mr Afolabi Fajemilo, maintained that ...

The Lagos State Government says it is targeting more people to join its health insurance scheme to achieve the goals of Universal Health Coverage. The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health Management Agency, LASHMA, Dr Emmanuela Zamba stated this at a news briefing ahead of this year’s Universal Health Coverage day on December 12. Dr Zamba said the domestication of the National Health Insurance Act in Lagos State, made it mandatory for public and private sectors to enroll for health insurance and to reduce out of pocket expenses on healthcare. Speaking on complaints about health services providers, Dr Zamba urged enrollees to always come forward with issues through toll free lines to ensure improved service. The theme for this year’s Universal Health Coverage day is, ”Health: It’s on the Government” underscoring the vital role of government leadership in ensuring that healthcare is accessible, affordable, and equitable for all.

  The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the arrest of 14,480 suspected drug traffickers between January and October 2024.  This figure is accompanied by the seizure of a staggering 2.4 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs across the country. NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), shared these achievements during an oversight visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Narcotic Drugs.  He emphasized that the agency's performance in the past 10 months surpasses previous years, indicating a significant upward trajectory in its efforts. The NDLEA boss also highlighted several key accomplishments, including the arrest of drug barons, the dismantling of drug syndicates, and the destruction of cannabis plantations.  One of the most notable achievements is the seizure of 51.90 kilograms of heroin at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in February, the largest single heroin seizure in the agency's history.  The NDLEA he...

  Lagos State Governor, Mr, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said the maiden Lagos Shopping Festival, scheduled to hold in the state from December 23 to 25 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Lagos Island will help to create employment opportunities and drive commercial activities in the state.   Governor Sanwo-Olu, who stated this during the unveiling of the festival symbol at the Lagos House, Ikeja, Tuesday evening explained that the inaugural Lagos Shopping Festival will drive commerce by supporting local businesses, attracting global brands, and creating direct and indirect employment opportunities through vendor participation, logistics, event and entertainment management.  The Governor said the Lagos Shopping Festival, which is being organised by Lagos State government through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Arts in partnership with Tolaram Africa Group, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, and Chain Reactions Africa, will attract local and international tourists to ...

Senator Musiliu Obanikoro addressing the APC Amuwo Odofin-Oriade Summit. Stakeholders at the All Progressives Congress Amuwo Odofin-Oriade Summit have harped on the need for members to design a new channel for the rebirth of the party to ensure its progress and success in future elections in the area. These were the submissions of political leaders All Progressives Congress Amuwo Odofin -Oriade Summit 2024, themed: Bridging Gap For Stronger Future at Festac Town. Chairman, Lagos APC, Cornelius Ojelabi at the event which had in attendance a House of Representatives Member, Amuwo Odofin , Oghene Egoh, urged members to be up and doing  purge their minds of hatred, live peacefully with each other and be united to move the party forward.  Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, Valentine Buraimoh, said the programme marked a rebirth in the history of the party to continue to stand tall for members to purge their mind in a respectable manner to define a way for the party to move forward...

  Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday, has signed into law the Lagos State Electricity Bill 2024, he said the bill's sole aim is to ensure independent power supply to residents . Sanwo-Olu signed the bill at event held in Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja. Implementation will start in the next six months. "The objective of the law includes establishing a Lagos Electricity Market that is technically sound, financially viable, and well-regulated, ensuring access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity for all citizens. "The law will allow establishment of critical institutions to manage and oversee the electricity market which include the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission: Independent oversight for regulatory compliance and licensing. The governor also said that the law will allow establishment of critical institutions to manage and oversee the electricity market which include the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission for Independent oversight fo...