LAGOS DAILY

18/05/2022

SANWO-OLU ORDERS TOTAL BAN ON OKADA IN SIX LOCAL COUNCILS, NINE LCDAs
..Governor: ‘Okada Menace In Lagos Disturbing, Residents Must Embrace Safe Alternatives’..Second Phase Of Okada Ban Coming

Against the backdrop of the growing menace and nuisance constituted by commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, Lagos State Government has imposed a fresh ban to curtail the unruly activities of the riders.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, announced a total ban on Okada on all highways across six Local Government Areas (LGAs) and nine Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) of the State.
Effective from June 1, 2022, the Governor directed security operatives to enforce the proscription order across the listed councils. The affected councils are Eti-Osa, Ikeja, Surulere, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, and Apapa.
The total ban order extends to all LCDAs under the listed councils.
The Governor gave out the directive at a meeting with Commissioner of Police, Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) at the State House in Alausa.
The fresh Okada ban followed the February 2020 restriction placed on the activities of the commercial motorcycles.
Sanwo-Olu said the Government took the decision in line with the State’s Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018 to immediately address the chaos and menace created by operations of Okada in the listed areas.
Sanwo-Olu told the police to enforce the order without compromise, sternly warning that the State Government would not condone any security formation that relaxes the new ban in its jurisdiction.
He said: “After critical review of our restriction on Okada activities in the first six Local Government Areas where we restricted them on February 1, 2020, we have seen that the menace has not abated. We are now directing a total ban on Okada activities across the highways and bridges within these six Local Government and their Local Council Development Areas, effective from June 1, 2022.
“This is a phased ban we are embarking on this period, and we expect that within the short while when this ban will be enforced, Okada riders in other places where their activities are yet to be banned can find something else to do. We have given the notice now and we expect all commercial motorcycles plying the routes in the listed councils and areas to vacate the highways before enforcement begins. The enforcement will be total.”
Sanwo-Olu advised residents patronising Okada riders on highways to embrace the alternative transport schemes already provided by the Government to plan their journey. He said the Government had provided Last Mile Buses, medium-capacity and high-capacity buses in the affected areas for the convenience of commuters.
The Governor insisted that Okada riding on the highways remained unsafe and would no longer be tolerated. He said the State Government had been ramping up construction work on its two rail line projects to further increase the choices of commuting for residents.
He said: “We have provided Last Mile buses in the affected areas; they are working and effective. We also have medium-capacity buses and high-capacity buses working in these areas. Before the end of the year, we are also bringing the rail along these corridors with their terminals. We have provided jetties as well to provide alternatives.
“We will not sit back and watch criminally-minded people use that mode of transportation (motorcycles) to perpetrate crimes and criminality in Lagos. Lives are being lost on a daily basis, preventable accidents are happening every day and the riders are not respecting any of our traffic laws. The situation has led to a complete breakdown of law and order. This ban has come to stay and we will not tolerate any weakness in enforcement.”
Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi, directed his men to ensure complete enforcement of the Governor’s order in the listed councils and areas.

16/04/2022

IKORODU HAS ABUNDANCE OF TALENTS TO HELP GROW!

IKORODU HAS LOTS OF POTENTIALS TO BE THE BEST IN ALL SPHERE OF LIVES!!

IKORODU CAN'T BE STAGNANT DESPITES AVAILABILITY OF PROGRESSIVE MINDS!!!

IT'S TIME FOR HOPES TO RENEWED.....

JOIN HANDS TO GIVE IKORODU CONSTITUENCY 1 QUALITY REPRESENTATION.

'TOYIN GAFAAR BOLOWOTAN is here.....

LAHA 2023.. JOIN RENEWED HOPE MOVEMENT.

MOBILIZE, CANVAS, VOTE FOR
'TOYIN GAFAAR BOLOWOTAN

07/04/2022

PARKS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE


The Lagos State Government has set up a committee to oversee the affairs of all motor parks and garages in the State.

This is in fulfillment of the Government’s promise to ensure that events in the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) are not allowed to threaten law and order.

The Government has, therefore, exercised its constitutional powers to ensure that no vacuum, which can disrupt the peace of our dear State, is allowed to exist in the parks. This is a duty we owe all Lagosians and visitors.

Members of the committee, who have been selected following consultations with stakeholders in the sector, are:

1. Mr. Hakeem Odumosu (AIG Rtd) - Government Liaison Officer

2. Alh Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya - Chairman

3. Alh Sulyman B. Ojora - (Deputy Chairman)

4. Dr. Taiwo Olufemi Salaam (Secretary)

5. Comrade Olayiwola Lemboye

6. Alhaji Mustapha Adekunle

7. Alhaji Ganiyu Sh*ttu

8. Alhaji Mukaila Runsewe

9. Alhaji Sulyman Yusuf

10. Alhaji Mufutau Mutiu

11. Alhaji Yinka Hassan

12. Alhaji Sunday Ogunleye

13. Alhaji Moshood Omojowa

14. Alhaji Ismaila Aigoro

15. Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf. O

16. Alhaji Akeem Tijani

17. Mrs. Omolabake Adelakun

18. Comrade Kazeem Hassan

19. Alhaji Wasiu Amole

20. Alhaji Ganiyu Ayinde

21. Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye

22. John Victor Owolabi

23. Saburi Salami

24. Ibrahim Onitiju

25. Odusanya Gbenga

Members of the committee are to report to the Ministry of Transportation, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja.

The Government on March 10 suspended NURTW operations in all parks and garages, following the tension sparked by some events in the union.

Gbenga Omotoso

HC, Information & Strategy

23/03/2022

PHOTOS: GOV. BABAJIDE SANWO-OLU FORMALLY LAUNCHES 1000 CARS FOR LAGOS RIDE TAXI SCHEME AT THE SPORTS GROUND, LAGOS HOUSE, IKEJA, ON WEDNESDAY, 23 MARCH 2022

PIX 1 L-R: Oloja of Epe, Oba Kamorudeen Animasahun; Lagos Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Federic Oladeinde; Ambassador of China to Nigeria, Amb. Cui Jianchun; Chairman, Choice International Group, Chief Diana Chen; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Chief Executive Officer, IBILE Holdings Limited, Mr. Abiodun Amokomowo and House Committee Chairman on Transportation, Lagos House of Assembly, Hon. Temitope Adewale, during the formal launch of 1000 Cars for Lagos Ride Taxi Scheme, at the Sports Ground, Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, on Monday, 23 March 2022.

PIX 2: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu cutting the tape, flanked by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat (right), Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Federic Oladeinde (left) and others during the formal launch of 1000 Cars for Lagos Ride Taxi Scheme, at the Sports Ground, Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, on Monday, 23 March 2022.

PIX 3 L-R: Chief Executive Officer, IBILE Holdings Limited, Mr. Abiodun Amokomowo; Ambassador of China to Nigeria, Amb. Cui Jianchun; House Committee Chairman on Transportation, Lagos House of Assembly, Hon. Temitope Adewale; Chairman, Choice International Group, Chief Diana Chen; Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Federic Oladeinde; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Oloja of Epe, Oba Kamorudeen Animasahun; Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Sotobi and others, during the formal launch of 1000 Cars for Lagos Ride Taxi Scheme, at the Sports Ground, Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, on Monday, 23 March 2022.

PIX 4 : Lagos Ride Taxi Scheme formally launched with 1000 cars by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the Sports Ground, Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, on Monday, 23 March 2022. Insets L-R: Ambassador of China to Nigeria, Amb. Cui Jianchun; Chairman, Choice International Group, Chief Diana Chen; Governor Sanwo-Olu; his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and Chief Executive Officer, IBILE Holdings Limited, Mr. Abiodun Amokomowo during the inauguration.

PIX 5 L-R: Ambassador of China to Nigeria, Amb. Cui Jianchun; Chairman, Choice International Group, Chief Diana Chen; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and Chief Executive Officer, IBILE Holdings Limited, Mr. Abiodun Amokomowo during the formal launch of 1000 Cars for Lagos Ride Taxi Scheme, at the Sports Ground, Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, on Monday, 23 March 2022.

PIX 6: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu riding in one of the LAGRIDE Cabs during the formal launch of the Taxi Scheme, at the Sports Ground, Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, on Monday, 23 March 2022

PIX 7: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu displays the LAGRIDE App on his handheld during the formal launch of 1000 Cars for Lagos Ride Taxi Scheme, at the Sports Ground, Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, on Monday, 23 March 2022.

PIX 8-10 : 1000 Cars for the Lagos Ride Taxi Scheme, formally launched by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the Sports Ground, Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, on Monday, 23 March 2022.

23/03/2022

To report an unruly police officer in Lagos or give police security information, call these Numbers:
07090003792
09010512350
09057597931
09010512349

21/03/2022

SANWO-OLU SWEARS IN THREE PERMANENT SECRETARIES, CHARGES THEM TO REMAIN COMMITTED PUBLIC SERVANTS

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday swore in three new permanent secretaries, urging them to continue to remain committed and serve the citizens diligently and competently.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony held at the Executive Chamber, Lagos House, Ikeja, Governor Sanwo-Olu said his administration has appointed close to 50 permanent Secretaries in Public Service in less than three years, noting that almost 70 per cent of the current crop of permanent secretaries were appointed by the incumbent government to strengthen the civil service.

The new Permanent Secretaries are Mrs. Adetutu Ososanya (Commerce, Industry and Cooperative), Mrs. Oyinade Nathan-Marsh (Tourism, Arts and Culture) and Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu (Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA).

Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that the appointment of the permanent secretaries was strictly based on the track records of performance in their previous offices held and therefore charged them to see their new appointments as call to service and be committed to the assignments given to them.

“We are happy that you are joining that enviable list of permanent secretaries that we have. Being Permanent Secretary is a call to service and that you need to reflect within all hierarchy of staff that are behind you; to lead and show real leadership. You must be able to lead, encourage and give them everything they require to succeed. We wish you all the best,” the governor said.

The Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola said the appointment of the three permanent secretaries was in fulfilment of Governor Sanwo-Olu's THEMES developmental agenda and commitment to elevate the state's public service to a greater height.

Speaking on behalf of the appointees, in her votes of assurance, Ososanya thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu, his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and State Executive Council for the confidence reposed in them and promised that they would work in line with the THEMES agenda and add value to the State Public Service.

She also promised that the appointees would be loyal and will not disappoint Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Government.

“We do not take for granted the great privilege given to us as Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Civil Service. We appreciate the trust you have reposed in us and we promise to justify the trust. We will ensure that we are loyal to this administration. We promise to support the THEMES developmental agenda.

“We will support the policies, programmes and projects of this administration. We will do our best to add value to the vibrant public service sector. We will be assets to the good work that is ongoing in Lagos State. We will not fail this administration,” Mrs. Ososanya promised.

11/03/2022

It was an exciting moment with the people of Ikorodu Division today during my working visit where I commissioned projects and also visited some ongoing projects.

I commissioned a state-of-the-art mini stadium and a computerised Youth Centre in Ita-Elewa area of the ancient town.

The Youth Centre project was set up to provide a conducive environment for sporting and catering for education and vocational needs of youths in Ikorodu while mini stadium, built with a semi-standard basketball court, was developed to support sports development.

The visit to Ikorodu today is to meet and engage with our citizens to see first- hand, how programmes and policies of our administration are touching and impacting lives.

Our administration is sustaining the tempo of development with ongoing construction of Agric-Isawo-Konu-Arepo Road, Ikorodu Roundabout, construction of Emuren Junction and Parafa Along on Ikorodu-Imota Road, upgrading of Bola Ahmed Tinubu-Igbogbo-Igbe Road, construction of Oba Sekumade Road, improvement project at Sulaimon Soderu Bypass and construction of Powerline Road in Akasoleri, among others.

In line with promises made to those affected by construction projects going on in Ikorodu, I handed over cheques for the sum of N500 million as compensation to 74 claimants and worship centres whose structures were demolished to pave way for the construction of Igbe-Igbogbo-Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way.

11/03/2022

LAGOS SUSPENDS NURTW FROM PARKS

The Lagos State Government has been watching closely events in the National Union of Road Transport Workers Union (NURTW). There have been claims and counter claims over the control of the union.

The Government has a duty to ensure the safety of lives and property of all Lagosians and visitors. Therefore, there is an urgent need to douse the unnecessary tension generated by the leadership tussle in the NURTW and protect the citizenry from the likely fallout of the situation.

After considering the provisions of the law, the Government hereby suspends the activities of NURTW, which must cease to operate in all parks and garages in Lagos State. The Government will set up a Committee to immediately take control of the parks and garages. Members of the committee will be key stakeholders in the sector.

The Government’s position is premised on its responsibility to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order in all parks and garages in Lagos State.

Gbenga Omotoso
HC, Information & Strategy

08/03/2022

SLAIN BRT PASSENGER: INVESTIGATION WILL BE THOROUGH, PERPETRATORS MUST ANSWER FOR THE CRIME – SANWO-OLU

• ‘Those twisting, trivialising facts have no conscience’ – Governor

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said the circumstances surrounding the alleged disappearance and death of a 22-year-old lady, Miss Oluwabamishe Ayanwole, while in transit on a BRT bus, would be fully unravelled, stressing that stiff punishment awaits anyone found culpable in what he described as a “criminal and dastardly act”.

Sanwo-Olu said the State Government remained determined to pursue the matter transparently and to a logical conclusion, but cautioned those making attempt to twist the issue with unfounded insinuation and conjectures to desist from making comments that may pre-empt outcome of investigation being conducted by security agencies.

The Governor said those raising allegations of cover-up against the State Government were low-minded and had no conscience, stressing that there should be no reason for anyone to trivialise an incident that claimed the life of an innocent citizen.

Sanwo-Olu spoke to reporters during an event held on Tuesday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan to commemorate International Women’s Day.

The Governor said: “There is an investigation that is currently going on and because it is a criminal matter, only the police are empowered constitutionally to fully unravel all of the events that happened, which led to the death of the lady. The development has been condemned at the highest level of the Government. I personally stand to condemn it and offer condolences to the family of our citizen, Oluwabamishe.

“I have read some narratives and write-ups in the social media in the last few hours. Some people are deliberately and extremely being sensational, posting that Lagos State Government wants to cover something; even my person. These people trivialise life, which appears to me like they just want to score a cheap point. These people are of low minds and have no conscience.

“Our Government will certainly not be deterred with such wicked narratives. What we are about is to ensure that we transparently get to the roots of the matter. That is why the police and the Department of State Service (DSS) picked up the driver, who ran to another State, where he was arrested. Full wrath of the law will be applied on whoever is found wanting in this matter. And we will ensure the incident does not repeat itself.”
Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence in the ability of the police to conduct thorough investigation and expose anyone or group of persons behind the death of the bus passenger.

The Governor also reacted to some of the concerns raised by the public on safety measures put in place before the incident, especially on absence of short-circuit cameras in BRT buses.

He said there were inbuilt cameras and trackers in buses procured abroad for BRT operations. But those acquired locally to shore up the BRT fleet did not have cameras, the Governor said, pointing out that the particular bus in which the slain victim rode was one of the buses locally supplied.

The Governor promised that safety measures on Government-owned buses would be improved upon in order to prevent re-occurrence of similar incident. He, however, cautioned members of the public not to board BRT buses after the close of bus services in the evening, noting that buses that have closed for the day would indicate by switching off its inner lights.

When BRT drivers switch off their inner lights, Sanwo-Olu said the buses were expected to be taken back empty to their yards.

“Any bus that has its inner lights on at night is certainly still on service. Once the lights are off and the radar in the bus is not displaying, people should desist from boarding such bus, because it is no longer in service at that period. By that time, the checker and conductor would have been out of the bus, except the driver who is expected to take the empty bus back to their yards,” the Governor said.

08/03/2022

Dear Lagosians,

The life of every citizen of the state matters to us, and we do not take the security of our people for granted.

We will therefore leave no stones unturned in the investigations and arrest of everyone found culpable in the kidnap and death of Miss Oluwabamise Ayanwole.

The driver of the BRT bus involved in this unfortunate incident has been arrested, and the management of Lagos Bus Service Ltd have been directed to cooperate fully with security agencies in their investigations, so that the full weight of the law is brought down on everyone involved in this ugly incident.

To Bamise’s family and loved ones, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time, may the Almighty God console you. I hereby give you my word that JUSTICE WILL BE SERVED.

To fellow Lagosians, I assure you that I am following all the investigations closely, and will ensure that Bamise gets the justice she deserves.
I also assure you all that the BRT services remain safe, despite this condemnable act.

Once again, my sincere condolences to the Ayanwole family.

May Oluwabamise’s soul Rest In Peace. Amen.

- Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Governor of Lagos State

21/02/2022

*WHAT IS LAGOS RIDE ??*

The Lagos Ride Scheme is firstly aimed to take off all rickety cars being used as taxis on our roads by providing alternatives to the operators who are not owners of the vehicles to become owners through the “lease to own scheme”.

The Lagos Ride Scheme provides the driver/operator with right to own the car after the car is fully paid for within 3-4 years.

HOW TO APPLY FOR LAGOS RIDE ?

Application details and processes are online through lagosride.com and further links on android & IOS play stores by searching lagosride.

Operator’s office – Lagos Ride Limited at 2nd Floor, 62 Campbell Street, Lagos Island.

Tel: 01-3438161

Email:[email protected]

[email protected]

Socialmedia:

(Facebook,Twitter and Instagram)

IS GOVT RUNNING A TAXI BUSINESS ??

NO: This is an empowerment programme for the citizens of the State who fall into any of these categories.

The Unemployed or Workers under the present taxis scheme who are not owners of the taxis they are operating.

THE MAINTENANCE QUESTION:

The vehicles are from GAC Motors that is presently located in Lagos with over five present maintenance centres and creation of addition 6 centres through construction of new service centres & partnership with existing LACVIS test centres.

LASG signed a joint venture with GAC Motors in 2020 to establish an assembly plant for local assembling of vehicles thereby making the cars readily available/affordable. Plant is at 60% completion with an annual capacity for over 5,000 cars.

WHY IS THIS DIFFERENT FROM THE PRESENT TAXI SYSTEM IN LAGOS

- It is an empowerment scheme for the residents of Lagos State which guarantees ownership of the car after full payment is done with low access deposit.

FEATURES

It is security embedded with dashboard cameras installed in each car for real-time monitoring of the car, passengers and drivers activities for safety purpose.

All the cars are uniformly painted with unique number on each car for identification and safety.

RIDE SHARING:

With the technology its operations will be deployed on, ride-sharing is possible for passengers (who agree to share ride) thereby reducing commuting costs.

The scheme provides brand new cars and not used cars which provides dignity for the ridesr and low emission rate to the environment thereby reducing the impact of emission on climate.

MORE CARS ON THE ROAD ???

The Lagos Ride aimed to take off all rickety cars being used as taxis on our roads, providing alternatives to the operators of these vehicles who are not owners of the vehicles to become owners.

TYPE OF VEHICLES AVAILABLE

Two forms of GAC vehicle will be used for the scheme

i. GS3 model – a mini SUV

ii. GA4 model – a full saloon car with full options

MORE FEATURES

- Comprehensive Insurance Policy

- LASG E-Hailing Levy

- An android phone given to each driver/operator loaded with the apps.

- Full vehicle registration cost

- Dashboard camera that gives audio and video feed accessible remotely

- 360 coverage inside and outside the car.

- A physical panic button that can be used by any body inside the car in case of assault or emergency which is connected to the control command centre

A SOS button on the driver’s app and the user’s app that all connected to the command centre for action

Training and Certification with Lagos State Drivers Institute for the operators.

10/02/2022

I was on a working visit today to Amuwo Odofin where I commissioned a semi-secondary healthcare centre named after the former First Lady of Lagos and sitting lawmaker representing Lagos Central District in the Senate, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu.

I must commend the LGA Chairman, Hon. Valentine Buraimoh and his team for this laudable achievement.

Let me say that Amuwo-Odofin is a strategic base of assets critical to the actualisation of the economic potentials of the State. Apart from connecting Lagos to an international border, the council showcases the success of the State Government’s inter modal transportation system.

It was indeed a great delight and honour to formally commission the newly constructed Primary Healthcare Centre. The completion of this healthcare centre is a commendable achievement that perfectly aligns with our administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda to prioritize the provision of quality healthcare for our residents.

08/02/2022

PHOTOS: GOV. SANWO-OLU AT THE OFFICIAL RECOGNITION AND COLLECTION OF CERTIFICATES FOR THE TWO NEW LAGOS UNIVERSITIES AT NUC OFFICE, ABUJA, ON TUESDAY, 08 FEBRUARY 2022



PIX 1177 L-R: Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Barr. Tokunbo Wahab; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, NUC, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed and Professor Olufemi Bamiro, Lagos State Consultant on Tertiary Education during the official recognition and collection of certificates for the two new Lagos Universities recently signed into law, at the NUC Office, Maitama, Abuja, on Tuesday, 08 February 2022.



PIX 4629 L-R: Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Barr. Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, NUC, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed during the official recognition and collection of certificates for the two new Lagos Universities recently signed into law, at the NUC Office, Maitama, Abuja, on Tuesday, 08 February 2022.



PIX 4740 L-R: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, NUC, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed during the official recognition and collection of certificates for the two new Lagos Universities recently signed into law, at the NUC Office, Maitama, Abuja, on Tuesday, 08 February 2022.



PIX 3620: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu addressing the media after the official recognition and collecting of certificates for the two new Lagos Universities recently signed into law, with him are Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, NUC, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed (second right); Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Barr. Tokunbo Wahab (right) and others, at the NUC Office, Maitama, Abuja, on Tuesday, 08 February 2022.

07/02/2022

Today, we took another major step towards the continued development of our dear state.

We swore in two new Exco members to join our team. This move is necessary, because we need people who share, and believe in our vision of a Greater Lagos for all. We also need people at strategic positions, who have sufficient authority and a proven track record in their different fields.

Our two new Exco members have been tested and trusted. They possess the innate ability and experience, and will bring the technical know-how to bear in their present roles.

Mr. Ope George was sworn in as the Special Adviser on Public Private Partnerships (PPP), while Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola was sworn in as Special Adviser on Agriculture (Rice Mill Initiative).

Mr. George has strengthened our engagement within the private sector, and he continued to bring about high level transactions, and attract investments from the private sector.

Dr. Fashola is vast in the Agriculture sector, with a focus on the Rice Mill. His experience will help move this venture to the next level, such that Lagos state becomes self sufficient in the production of rice.

04/02/2022

Yesterday, I joined family, friends, associates, and loved ones at the service of songs in honor of late Chief Ernest Shonekan.

Chief Shonekan who departed this world on January 11th, at the age of 85, was Nigeria’s interim President, he was an astute lawyer, an elder statesman, an illustrious son, a doting father, and the dear husband of Mama Margaret Shonekan.

At the event, I enjoined his Family to take heart, as Chief Shonekan has run a good race, he has fulfilled the will of the Almighty, and he has gone home to rest.

My prayer is that the good Lord continue to abide with his Family and loved ones, and may his soul continue to Rest In Peace. Amen.

03/02/2022

03/02/2022

***PLS FIND PICTURES ATTACHED BELOW***
image.png
LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR

PRESS RELEASE



SANWO-OLU GIVES HOPE, OFFERS LIFELINE FOR TWO OUT-OF-SCHOOL GIRLS



…Gov: "These two girls will be under my care and that of the First Lady."



On his way to an official function on Thursday, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu momentarily halted his convoy to attend to a disturbing situation. It was a sight of two underage girls on an errand for a bean cake vendor during school hours.



Time was 11am; the girls were expected to be in school. But, both Amarachi Chinedu, 9, and Suwebat Husseini, 12, were forced to skip school by their parents in order to serve some domestic assistance.



The girls were going to deliver buckets of peeled beans and pepper to a grinder when the Governor sighted them at Anthony Village area. It was a glance that presented a discomforting image for Sanwo-Olu, who revved his convoy to a stop to find out the reason the girls were not in school.



Amarachi’s story left the Governor to shudder throughout the encounter. Her mother is a teacher, but the nine-year-old was not allowed to go to school because her parents could not afford the current session's tuition fees. Amarachi would have to miss a school year because of this reason.



Suwebat’s mother is the bean cake seller for whom the girls were running an errand. Her parents, who are Jigawa State indigenes, relocated to Lagos months back. Suwebat’s four male siblings were all in school at the time she was stopped on the road by the Governor. But her parents preferred she stayed back home to help with some domestic chores.



The decisions taken by girls’ parents, Sanwo-Olu said, could rob the little ones of their innocence, their future and put them at a disadvantage among their peers. The Governor stressed that his encounter with the girls left his heart bleeding.



Coincidentally, the Governor was on his way to formally launch Social Welfare Integrated Programme (SWIP) Initiative - a partnership between Government agencies and the private sector to standardise welfare administration for the vulnerable children, elders and those suffering mental disorder – when he saw the two girls roaming the street at school hours.



Salvaging the situation, Sanwo-Olu, at the scene, told the girls he would personally take up the responsibility for their education and upbringing, promising to enrol them in school to continue with their education. The Governor’s decision had been communicated to the girls’ parents.



He said: “This morning, I had a first-hand experience of what many vulnerable children might be going through in our society. I saw something that made my heart bleed on my way to this function. I saw two little girls - ages 9 and 12 - carrying buckets on their heads to grind pepper at 11am when they were supposed to be in school. I stopped immediately, having seen how vulnerable they are and the risk we are putting them through.



“My encounter with them gave me the opportunity to hear their stories and I have taken it upon myself to ensure that these girls never suffer such fate again. I am not going to leave them alone. Amarachi and Suwebat will go back to school. This is a classic example of what we need to do differently as a society. It is needless to ask what brought their parents to Lagos. We must ensure they are not robbed of their future.



“These two girls will be under my care and that of the First Lady. There are several Amarachi and several Suwebat out there, who will not have this kind of opportunity. Everyone of us can take the same decision and listen to stories of kids who may be vulnerable. If we choose to take up this responsibility as a people and give a voice to the vulnerable, we all can make a difference. There is no better kindness to be done to mankind than giving them a lifetime opportunity.”



Sanwo-Olu advised parents not to break their backs in order to send their wards to expensive schools, noting that there are many Government-run basic and secondary schools in Lagos doing better in imparting quality education than many private schools.



The Governor said his encounter with the girls brought the need to bolster Government’s support to public schools and raise the standards.



He said: “If as a parent you cannot afford to put your children in private school, know that there are public schools that are doing great things. Why would a parent deny a nine-year-old girl an access to education? Yes, we are doing so much in education, but the story of these two little girls shows that there are more to be done.



“Amarachi and Suwebat didn’t ask to be in the circumstance they found themselves in, but it is our responsibility to be able to give them the future they deserve; the opportunity that will make them better children to their family and better citizens of this country.”



Sanwo-Olu called for partnership with development agencies, urging intervention bodies, such as SWIP Initiative, to join hands with the Government to ensure all vulnerable persons in Lagos, including children of school age, get adequate attention needed for their care.