Category: Government

  • President Tinubu Working To Bring Smiles To Nigeria-Lagos Speaker 

    President Tinubu Working To Bring Smiles To Nigeria-Lagos Speaker 

    …..As Methodist Archbishop advocates for Muslim governor in 2027.

    Emmanuel lkpeama.

    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.

    Dr. Obasa said this during the Assembly’s 22nd Annual Thanksgiving Service with the theme: ‘The Voice Of Mercy’.

    Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa and his colleagues during the 22nd annual Christian Thanksgiving Service of the Assembly on Friday.

    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 the year 2025 with renewed passion and vigour

    He said,”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.”

    Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos during the 22nd annual Christian Thanksgiving of the Assembly on Friday

    “Mr. President is busy doing everything possible to put smiles on our faces. Trust me succour is coming,l urge us to keep hope alive.”he submitted

    Quoting from various portions of the Bible, Dr. Obasa said the country had reasons to thank God for His mercies, love and faithfulness.

    “In times like these, when the world can seem overwhelming and uncertain, it is crucial to remember the enduring message of mercy and grace that is ever-present in our lives. Indeed, it is through God’s mercy that we find strength, solace, and renewal.

    “May we acknowledge God’s sovereignty and mercy in our lives, recognising that our blessings and successes are not solely the result of our efforts, but rather a manifestation of God’s mercy and compassion,” he said while urging citizens to also learn to show mercy to one another.

    Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa; Archbishop of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Lagos, during the 22nd annual Christian Thanksgiving of the Assembly on Friday.

    In his sermon, Most Rev. Isaac Ayo Olawuyi, Archbishop of the Methodist Church Nigeria (Lagos), urged Nigerians to be merciful to one another in line with God’s instruction.

    “When the mercy of God is upon you, all protocols are be broken. All things are possible by the mercies of God. We receive forgiveness of our sins from Him by His mercies. The nation needs God’s mercy and it is by His mercy that we can overcome our predicaments and our shortcomings.

    “How many people have you helped and taken care of? Go and show love and mercy,” he said.

    He praised the Speaker for his leadership and collaboration with the other arms of government saying these have kept the state strong.

    “You have been a true and sensitive leader with a big heart. You have proved yourself worthy. We pray that God will continue to use you to make us smile in Lagos and also grant you your heart desires,” he said while commending President Tinubu for the steps he has taken so far.

    The Archbishop ended his sermon with an advocacy for a Muslim as the governor of Lagos in 2027 arguing that this was in the spirit of religious tolerance.

    “I also want to add that we have consideration for religious inclination in Lagos State. It would be 12 years in 2027 that we have been in the system together and we have been having Christians as governors.

    Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda; Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; Rt. Hon. (Dr) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa; wife of the Speaker, Mrs. Falilat Obasa; and Hon. Emmanuel Olotu during the 22nd annual Christian Thanksgiving of the Assembly on Friday.

    “Now, it’s time to give our Muslim brothers a chance to govern us in Lagos State. We want to pray that when it’s time for the election, it would be a time for us to elect who will govern us in Lagos State effectively,” he said.

     

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  • Anambra State Wins Awards ln National Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge.

    Anambra State Wins Awards ln National Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge.

    By Christian ABURIME

    In what has become a continuing recognition of Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s signature innovative leadership and unparalleled commitment to human capital development, Anambra State has emerged victorious at the esteemed National Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge, clinching two coveted awards: Best State in the Southeast Zone and the Overall Best State in Nigeria.

    The state received a grand prize totaling $1.2 million – $500,000 as the best in the Southeast and an additional $700,000 as the national overall best. These accolades spotlight Anambra’s undeniable strides in enhancing primary healthcare delivery, an authentication of the exceptional governance of Governor Soludo, who places a high premium on the holistic wellbeing of Ndi Anambra.

    This spectacular feat, according to Governor Soludo, is a collective achievement for Ndi Anambra. “It underscores the resilience, resourcefulness, and collaborative spirit of our people. The prize money, beyond its financial value, symbolises an endorsement of the state’s healthcare model and provides an opportunity to deepen investments in critical areas such as maternal and child health, immunisation, and rural healthcare infrastructure,” the Governor said.

    The Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge, driven by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum in collaboration with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Aliko Dangote Foundation, the Federal Ministry of Health, and UNICEF, seeks to galvanise governors’ commitment to grassroots healthcare. Its focus on innovation, accountability, and gender-specific health outcomes underscores the importance of strategic investments in human capital development.

    Anambra’s resounding success reflects deliberate policy reforms, robust resource mobilisation, and uncompromising accountability. In his over two years in office, Governor Soludo’s administration has strategically prioritised healthcare as a cornerstone for sustainable development, recruiting thousands of qualified healthcare professionals, investing much resources in healthcare facilities, and demonstrating that effective leadership and targeted investments can yield life-changing outcomes for the populace.

    Beyond the purview of healthcare, Governor Soludo’s dynamic governance has positioned Anambra State as a model of excellence in infrastructure, education, and economic reforms. Under his leadership, the state has witnessed a renaissance in governance that places people at the heart of development. By adopting data-driven policies, fiscal prudence, and ensuring financial transparency, Governor Soludo’s administration has charted a path that other states can emulate.

     

    Indeed, for Anambra State, its latest national recognition for excellence in healthcare is just another affirmation of a brighter, healthier future unfolding for Ndi Anambra under the leadership of the people’s Solution Governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo!

  • LG Funds: Tamper With Local Government Funds And Go To Jail.—Fagbemi Tells LG Chairmen.

    LG Funds: Tamper With Local Government Funds And Go To Jail.—Fagbemi Tells LG Chairmen.

    Felicia Asuquo, Abuja 

    The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has vowed to deal with any erring council officials who tamper with Local government funds,stating they stand the risk of going to jail.

    Fagbemi gave the warning on Thursday, December 12,2024 in Abuja while speaking at a conference for judiciary correspondents,cautioning against the violation of the Supreme Court verdict on local government autonomy

    The AGF went further to state that governance at the grassroots has “suffered a lot” in the past but believes that with the enforcement of the verdict on local government autonomy, “life will come back to the local governments”.

    “People at the grassroots have suffered long negligence and it is enough. The government of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu (GCFR) is here to right the wrongs of the past and put the country on a high pedestal among the comity of nations.”

    “That is why any attempt to sabotage the effort will be confronted headlong and given the desired treatment. The local government chairmen and councilors should not forget the governors have immunity and they (LG officials don’t have),” Fagbemi stated

    He continued ,“They have to choose between dealing with the funds of the local government as they like and risking going to jail. The choice is absolutely theirs.

    If they want to tamper with the funds and end up in jail, it is their choice, or if they want to write their names in letters of gold, activities like the construction or upgrading of roads, schools, hospitals, etc must return to the local governments. Life must come back to the local governments!”

    It will be recalled that in July, the Supreme Court gave a landmark judgment and affirmed the financial autonomy of local governments. That verdict stopped governors from controlling local government funds.

    It also mandated the AGF to pay local government allocations directly to their accounts in a move aimed at strengthening local government autonomy across the country.

  • Oshodi-Isolo Council Boss Set To Reshuffle Cabinet for Optimal Performance

    Oshodi-Isolo Council Boss Set To Reshuffle Cabinet for Optimal Performance

    Emmanuel lkpeama 

    In an effort to ensure continued optimal performance and service delivery for the teeming residents of Oshodi-Isolo local government, the Executive Chairman of the council, Otunba Kehinde Almaroof Oloyede has announced plans to reshuffle his cabinet members.

    In a release by his Media handlers, the council boss said the rejigging of the cabinet becomes important to ensure that the good works his administration has carried out for the teeming residents continued unabated in the coming year.

    He assured that the council’s resources will as always continued to be channelled in delivering more infrastructural development projects for the residents.

    The thorough bred and professional chairman, who is a firm believer in the doctrine of service delivery at all times, went on to say that he won’t relent in his oars until dividends of democracy get to every nook and cranny of the local government.

    Hon Otunba Oloyede said machineries have been put in motion to ensure that cabinet members deliver their duties optimally.

    According to the council boss, “there is a need to realign and rejig our cabinet members. The planned reshuffling is aimed at bringing about optimal service delivery to our people and the council area in general.”

    “We shall review individuals’ performance and will act accordingly. We shall also swap some portfolios for optimal service delivery.”he stated

    While waiting for the new arrangement to be unveiled, the council chairman urged members of the cabinet to be up and doing.

     

  • Imo Pensioners Applauds Uzodimma For Payment Of Gratuities After 20 years of Suffering.

    Imo Pensioners Applauds Uzodimma For Payment Of Gratuities After 20 years of Suffering.

    Emmanuel Clement.

    Pensioners in Imo state have applauded the governor, Senator, Hope Uzodimma for ending their two decades of suffering through the payment of gratuities to them.

    They noted that since the commencement of the current democratic dispensation in 1999,no administration in the state had deemed it fit to pay them their gratuities until Uzodimma remembered them.

    Chairman of the state chapter of Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Comrade J B Ugochukwu told newsmen in Owerri that this unprecedented gesture by the governor will ever remain evergreen in the memories of the senior citizens.

    He disclosed that what has made the payment of gratuities remarkable is the fact that Uzodimma had earlier cleared their pension arrears while the monthly pensions are now regular.

    ” We can’t thank our God sent governor, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, enough. Although not everyone has been paid, the majority have received theirs and are full of gratitude to him, “he declared.

    Corroborating the chairman’s assertion, a pensioner, Mrs Mary Nkemjika, said she could not believe it when she was paid her gratuities after 15 years of waiting.

    According to her, ” I retired in 2009. Since then, no government has paid me one kobo in the name of gratuities. Even the monthly pension was coming irregularly. Please help me thank His Excellency for this miracle. ”

    In his own testimonial, Mazi Ogbonnaya Okoro from Arondizuogu disclosed that he was speechless when his gratuities came.

    ” I never thought I would be alive to receive my gratuities. It’s only God that could have used the governor to accomplish this feat. I give Him all the glory, “he submitted.

    Similarly, Mr Joe Nwadike from Aboh Mbaise acknowledged the payment of his gratuities after a 17-year wait and prayed for a long life for the governor.

    He said since the coming of Uzodimma, he had been receiving his pensions regularly, describing the payment of gratuities as an icing in the cake.

    ” I have personally written to the Commissioner for Information to extend my gratitude
    to the governor and thank him personally for me. I am still waiting for his reply because what has happened has never happened since 1999, “he said

  • South Africa -Nigeria BNC: Minister For Women Affairs, Hajiya Sulaiman-lbrahim Participates ln The 11th Bi-National Commission.

    South Africa -Nigeria BNC: Minister For Women Affairs, Hajiya Sulaiman-lbrahim Participates ln The 11th Bi-National Commission.

    ……..Seek to foster cooperation between both nations in women empowerment, child & youth development.

    Emmanuel lkpeama 

    The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim actively participated in the just concluded 11th South Africa-Nigeria Bi-National Commission (BNC), which took place on 28th November to 3rd December 2024.

    Investigator news reports that as Co-Chair of the Social Sectoral Committee, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs continues to foster cooperation between both nations in critical areas, including youth development, women empowerment & child development, cultural collaboration, education, and tourism.

    Investigator news also gathered that Hajiya Sulaiman-lbrahim used the occasion to consolidate and make progress on decisions from the 2022 Ministerial Mid-Term Review, ensuring stronger ties and impactful collaboration.

    It will be recalled that since the inception into office as the Honourable Minister for Women Affairs,Hon Sulaiman-lbrahim has continued to seek collaboration with different agencies,foster cooperation between both nations in critical areas which include youth development, women empowerment & child development.

  • Gov Soludo Visits Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University,Uli Campus.

    Gov Soludo Visits Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University,Uli Campus.

    ………..Promises to end 21 years without Electricity 

    By Emmanuel Clement 

    After twenty-one years of being without electricity, students of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli Campus are set to start enjoying power supply, courtesy of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo,even as Uli community will also equally benefit from the intervention when completed.

    This formed part of the commitments of the Governor during his one-day working visit to the campus in Ihiala Local Government Area.

    Governor Soludo said that even though the campus environment is orderly, it needs serious infrastructure upgrade.

    “We have to work out plan to connect power back to Uli and the campus.

    “Uli campus is not forgotten,our party mantra and governing ideology is leave no one behind.”

    “Education is the future and the foundation of Anambra.That is why we are investing in human capital that is productive at home and exportable abroad. We must deliberately invest in qualitative education. Yes! We are paying serious attention to quality.”

    “To do this, we also have the PPCP framework”; the Governor reiterated.

    While stressing the importance of having access to internet, the Governor also promised to provide access to internet and WiFi in public places within the campus, expressing optimism that it will further deepen their access to the digital world.

    “Today’s world is about what you can do, not just the certificate you possess.

    “Digitalisation will give this campus an advantage,we will also begin the gradual construction of the internal roads in the campus.

    He called on the community to make efforts to protect the institution.

    Lending his voice,the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, gave assurance of their unalloyed prayer and support for the Governor who she described as education-friendly.

    The Acting Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Kate Omenugha thanked the Governor for visiting as well as the support he has given to them, including their accreditation.

    “We are developing our strategic vision.

    “There are so many abandoned projects in the campus. If we propel this Uli campus, it’ll translate to the Japan of Africa, “she added.

    Investigator news reports that those who attended the event include the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Chief Protocol officer, Hon Chinedu Nwoye (Glamour), member representing Ihiala Constituency One at the Anambra State House of Assembly, Barr. Jude Ngobili and his Ihiala Two counterpart, Hon. Chukwuebuka Iloh, Mayor, Ihiala Local Government Area and Anayo Orjiakor, among others.

  • Soludo Salutes Prince Engr. Arthur Eze On 76th Birthday.

    Soludo Salutes Prince Engr. Arthur Eze On 76th Birthday.

    Emmanuel lkpeama 

    The Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR has extended his warm congratulations to Prince Engr. Arthur Eze, OFR, on the occasion of his 76th birthday

    Governor Soludo, in his congratulatory message, described Engr. Arthur Eze as a great son of Ndigbo and an outstanding business mogul who has consistently remained a role model for emulation

    The Governor went further to commend Engr Eze’s philanthropic activities, which has immensely benefitted the downtrodden both in his immediate community and across the nation

    He noted that this generosity and selflessness have been phenomenal with a profound positive impact on people’s lives.

    Soludo also commended his immense contributions to the growth of Anambra State and the nation at large

    He said,”As Engr Eze celebrates his birthday, the legacy of his kindness, compassion, and generosity will always be remembered.”

    “On behalf of the government and people of Anambra State, the governor again extends his warmest felicitations to Engr. Arthur Eze,while praying that God Almighty will continues to bless him with good health, happiness, and long life”

  • Lagos 2025 Budget Scales Second Reading,As Speaker Gives Committee 1Month

    Lagos 2025 Budget Scales Second Reading,As Speaker Gives Committee 1Month

    Emmanuel lkpeama 

    The Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday 25, November 2024, debated the 2025 appropriation bill of N3.005 trillion presented to the lawmakers by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu last Thursday.

    Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, who presided over the plenary, committed the bill to a joint committee on appropriation and finance for review with a mandate to report back in one month.

    Earlier, Chairman of the House Committee on Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh, provided an overview of the proposed spending with a breakdown of items in the estimate.

    While raising concerns over the projection of N408 billion deficit financing in the budget, Olumoh, who noted that loans are good when used for the actual purposes, added: “We have to be cautious about it. We need to have a sustainable and pragmatic way of financing our budget so that we don’t rely solely on loans.

    “So I would suggest that we look at a realistic budget and ways to finance it using alternatives like the Public Private Partnership models.

    “I also want to implore my colleagues that for the purpose of the 2025 budget, we need to properly scrutinise it to prevent wastage.”

    He commended the government for its intentions as stipulated in the budget estimate.

    Also,the Deputy Majority Leader Adedamola Richard Kasumu called for a careful review of the budget to enable comparative analysis and feasibility.

    Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa 2) noted the absence of allocations for electricity infrastructure and climate change initiatives while suggesting a five-year retrospective analysis of deficit funding.

    His colleague, Hon. Femi Sheed, stressed the importance of linking borrowing to critical infrastructure like electricity while ensuring revenue efficiency and addressing potential financial leakages.

    On his part, Hon. Desmond Elliot highlighted the omission of food security measures in the proposal while urging the inclusion of initiatives to meet citizens’ needs.

    It will be recalled that last week the Governor submitted his 2025 appropriation bill to the Lagos State House of Assembly where he told the lawmakers that the budget aims to achieve a 59% capital expenditure and 41% recurrent expenditure ratio with a deficit financing to be sourced through external and internal loans and bonds.

     

  • Emotions, Tributes, and Appreciations As Somolu LG Chairman,Hon Salawu Hosts Last Tenure’s Budget Forum.

    Emotions, Tributes, and Appreciations As Somolu LG Chairman,Hon Salawu Hosts Last Tenure’s Budget Forum.

    Emmanuel lkpeama 

    It was period of emotions and rains of tributes as the Executive Chairman of Somolu Local Government, Hon. Abdul Hamed Salawu ‘Dullar,’ hosted an emotionally charged Budget Stakeholders’ Forum, marking his final tenure in office, which ends in July 2025.

    The event which held at the soon-to-be-commissioned Somolu Local Government Administrative Complex was attended by religious, community, traditional, and political leaders.

    In his address, Hon. Salawu expressed heartfelt gratitude to Somolu residents for their unwavering support and prayers throughout his administration.

    He highlighted key achievements, including over 60 reconstructed roads, youth empowerment initiatives, market remodeling projects, and educational improvements.

    The Council boss went further to announce plans to secure independence for trainee artisans set to graduate soon, while underscoring his commitment to sustaining development.

    Hon. Salawu called on stakeholders to contribute ideas for the 2025 budget, ensuring inclusivity and addressing community needs.

    He reaffirmed his belief in the visionary leadership of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, seeking continued support for their efforts to advance Lagos State and Nigeria.

    The Vice Chairman, Hon. Adekunle Odujobi-Ekiyemi, and Council Leader, Hon. Yomi Osunkoya who spoke on behalf of the Councilors and Executives applauded the chairman for his transformative leadership.

    Also,Mr Abiodun Barbinton who led the management team, commended the chairman, while reflecting the administration’s collective dedication to progress.

    Investigator news reports that those who attended the event include Mrs. Omotanwa Salawu (Chairperson), Hon. Ayodele Afolabi (SLG), and Hon. Folarin Olubiyi (Chief of Staff ),Apostle Peter Oyewusi, Alhaji Fatai Bakare, Hon. Ademola Olisa, Olorogun Gbolahan Bago-Stowe, Hon. Williams Lawanson, Hon. Mike Oihke and other political stalwart,as the attendees poured overwhelming tributes on Hon Salawu Dullar, celebrating the chairman’s legacy of infrastructural and social advancements in Somolu Local Government.