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Category: Government

  • Assessment Tour: Lagos GAC Expresses Delight With lsolo Council Boss, Olasoju.

    Assessment Tour: Lagos GAC Expresses Delight With lsolo Council Boss, Olasoju.

    ………As lsolo Stakeholders, Residents Rate Hon Olasoju High On Progressive Governance.

    Emmanuel lkpeama 

    The Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Lagos State, has expressed utmost satisfaction with the Olasoju Adebayo-led administration of Isolo LCDA.

    The revered body’s assertion came on Friday 25, October 2024 when its delegation led by a Former Deputy Governor in the state, Dr. Femi Pedro hit the council secretariat on an assessment mission.

    The delegation ushered by the council boss, Olasoju Adebayo into the waiting assembly of stakeholders comprising traditional/religious/market leaders, opinion moulders and community representatives etc had come in continuation of the state-wide assessment tour by the exclusive GAC aimed at holistically evaluating development at the grassroots.

    According to Pedro, the meeting was also to assess the mutual relationship between the executive and legislative arms of the council areas as well as the entire council workforce.

    Earlier before meeting with the stakeholders at the multipurpose hall, Olasoju briefly hosted the delegation which included Hon. (Mrs.)Jumoke Okoya-Thomas and Mrs. Kenny Saint-Brown at the conference room where he brilliantly projected a comprehensive compendium of his developmental strides across all areas of governance since he assumed office to the admiration of his visitors.

    In a Vox Populi-like manner, the stakeholders who spoke on behalf of the various subgroups in the council repeatedly gave Olasoju pats on his back by lending credence to the impactful governance the mayor is operating and also passed votes of confidence in his administration.

    On his part, the coordinator of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Isolo local branch, Comrade Sikiru Akibu (Zinko) pleaded for appointive positions at the state level to complement Olasoju’s welfarist strides as he lamented the council area’s appointees drought.

    The youth leader whose remark resonated with other stakeholders appealed to the state governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to ensure that Isolo LCDA is not left out of his Youth+ initiative in his THEMES+ agenda by considering young individuals from the cosmopolitan community for appointments at the state level.

    In his reaction, Pedro, who recalled starting his life as a young married man in Isolo having briefly lived at Ire-Akari Estate, expressed delight at Olasoju’s giant strides and all-inclusive governance as evident in the glowing tributes from the stakeholders.

    He added that though the delegation would still come around for an on-the-spot assessment of infrastructural projects reeled out by the council boss but thumbed him up for bringing governance closer to the people and urged him to consolidate the remarkable developments.

    Others who attested to the Olasoju’s good performance were the APC Leaders in Oshodi-Isolo LGA; Otunba Henry Ajomale and High Chief Muraina Akanbi Taiwo who were represented at the meeting by Otunba Jide Oni, the Regent of Isolo Kingdom, High Chief Saliu Wasiu Arowooye, APC Chairman in Isolo LCDA; Barrister Gani Bello, the first Executive Chairman of the now-splitted Oshodi-Isolo LGA; Hon. Martins Ayo Adegboyega, the Vice Iyaloja General of Isolo LCDA, Alhaja kadijat Kazeem, the APC Isolo Women Leader, Alhaja Salawat Olusesi, Comrade Monsuru Agbabiaka (Alagba), the Chairman of Isolo Community Development Committee (CDC), Hon. Adesegun Olatunde, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Isolo LCDA, Rev. Dr. S.K. Adebayo, the Divisional Police Officer of Isolo Division among others

    Investigator news reports that before the end of the meeting  Pedro made it known that aside assessing governance level, the visitation was to look into why Oshodi-Isolo had a not-too-good outing in the 2023 election as he assured that the delegation will submit its report for subsequent review by the governance council and ultimately the governor for necessary actions.

     

  • Governor Soludo Mourns The Death Of Prof Humphrey Ñwosu, Former Chairman Electoral Commission .

    Governor Soludo Mourns The Death Of Prof Humphrey Ñwosu, Former Chairman Electoral Commission .

    Emmanuel lkpeama 

    The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has expressed profound sadness and deep sense of loss on the passing of a most illustrious Nigerian patriot and former Chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), Professor Humphrey Nwosu, in the early hours of Thursday at the age of 83 in the United States after a brief illness.

    In his condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary,Mr Christian Aburime,Soludo lamented that Nigeria has lost a true umpire of electoral integrity in Prof. Nwosu, describing him as a distinguished son of Anambra State from Ajali community in Orumba North Local Government Area who brought immense pride to the State through his exemplary service to our nation. His tenure as NEC Chairman from 1989 to 1993 marked a watershed moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey, particularly through his innovative contributions to our electoral process.

    The Governor particularly recalled that Prof. Nwosu’s legacy has been eternally etched in Nigerian history as the architect of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely acknowledged as the freest and fairest election in our nation’s history.

    His game-changing innovations, including the Option A4 voting system and the Open Ballot system, earned global recognition and set new standards for electoral transparency in Africa, continuing to influence contemporary discussions on electoral best practices in Nigeria.

    Governor Soludo went further to extends his solemn condolences to the family of Prof. Nwosu and the Ajali community, praying that his soul find eternal rest and urging all to take solace in knowing that his legacy of electoral integrity and democratic values cannot be forgotten.

     

  • Governor Soludo Congratulates Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu on Her Nomination As Minister.

    Governor Soludo Congratulates Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu on Her Nomination As Minister.

    Emmanuel lkpeama 

    The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has conveyed his warm congratulations to Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu on her recent nomination as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

    In his congratulatory remark signed by his Chief Press Secretary,Mr Christian Aburime,Governor Soludo extolled Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu as a distinguished daughter of Ndigbo and a BOT member of APGA who has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities in public service. Her extensive background in law, diplomacy, and public service positions her uniquely to excel in the new ministerial role.

    As a former Ambassador to Spain, she has showcased her commitment to representing Nigeria on the global stage with dignity and integrity.

    The Governor equally commended President Tinubu for his pan-Nigerian, inclusive leadership in nominating Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu for a ministerial position.

    He noted that her new appointment is a proof of her excellent individual capabilities and a source of pride for the State, while expressing confidence that her experience and dedication will significantly contribute to the advancement of Nigeria’s foreign relations, fostering stronger ties with other nations.

    Governor Soludo went further to wish Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu every success in her new position and looks forward to seeing her make impactful contributions at the federal level.

     

  • LCDAs Have Come To Stay, Lagos Speaker says

    LCDAs Have Come To Stay, Lagos Speaker says

    ….As Assembly holds public hearing on proposed local govt law.

    Emmanuel lkpeama 

    Contrary to the speculations making round that the the Lagos State House of Assembly is making plans to scrap the 37 Local Government Development Areas(LCDAs)in Lagos State,the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has said there are no plans of any such to scrap the 37 LCDAs of the state.

    Dr. Obasa who was represented by Deputy Speaker Hon Mojisola Lasbat Meranda stated this at the second public hearing on the bill to amend the Local Government Administration law of the state on Thursday,23 October,2024.

    “We are gathered here to consider and reflect on a bill that seeks to further enhance how our third tier of government should be administered.

    “The LCDAs have come to stay and they would remain so by the special grace of God. Nobody is killing the LCDAs. Instead, we have come to say here is the Supreme Court judgement; how do we go about it? I know we all have the interest of this state at heart.

    “Did we follow the right part in creating the LCDAs? The answer is ‘yes’. So at this point, it is a call for every Lagosian to rise up and protect the LCDAs by reaching out to all our representatives at the national level.

    “Our representatives and senators should lobby their colleagues there. We will continue to do our part and we are doing it to ensure that the 37 LCDAs are listed in the constitution,” the Speaker said.

    He recalled that just about two weeks ago, people were also gathered to deliberate on the electoral bill for the Local government election which he said is the first right step before the House could go into how the local governments should function.

    “This Bill has passed the preliminary stages and the House is hereby subjecting it to public appraisal in our transparent convention. At this stage, we subject the bill to public assessment, gathering public observations and thoughts to reflect on them in the next stage of the bill.

    “The bill is seeking to consolidate all laws on local government administration. The law, when passed, will allow the local governments function optimally with strict adherence to the rule of law and separation of powers,” he added.

    The Speaker went further to stressed that the bill also made mention of four-year tenure for the elective offices in the local government, which, according to him, has finally removed the ambiguity of the past as regards tenure of these elective officers.

    The bill, he said, has elaborated all that needs to be done for an effective administration of the local governments including declaration of assets, nomination of a chairman, removal of a chairman or vice chairman, discharge of functions of the chairman, local government area supervisors appointees, executive powers of the local government, street naming and many more.

    Section 4(3) of the Bill states: “The 20 local governments shall have designated local council Development Areas as listed in the First Schedule to this law for effective and efficient local government administration in the State.

    Section 4(1) of the Bill further states: “There shall be 37 Local Council Development Areas in the State with the names specified in Schedule II of the Creation of local government (Amendments) of 2004.”

    Speaking after an overview by Hon. Noheem Adams, Majority Leader of the House, Lagos-based lawyer, Muiz Banire (SAN) identified some clauses in the Bill that needed further inputs.

    Banire argued: “The import of the Supreme Court judgement is simple. The State Governor does not have the power over council chairmen, if any council chairman misbehaves, it is the councillors that can decide on what to do.”

    He also advised that section 38 of the Bill should be expunged, noting “It is no longer legal for the Ministry of Local Government to be issuing guidelines for local governments.”

    However, Banire was countered by former Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Kolawole Taiwo, who said: “The constitution gives power to the State House of Assembly to create local government, the law has been tested, our LCDAs have been in existence but only not listed.

    “Nobody can say the law is not in existence, I was the Majority Leader as at then. You are saying the House should not have the power to do some things again; we need to be very careful. We know some governors are making nonsense of the local governments but Lagos is an exemption.”

    Corroborating the position of Taiwo, another former Deputy Speaker of the House, Hon. Funmilayo Tejuoso said: “When you have a child that does not have a name, does it mean that the child is dead? It simply means that the LCDAs are still existing. The Supreme Court has recognised them, we are only waiting for the constitution to reflect the LCDAs.”

    She therefore stated that the LCDAs should continue to exist, noting “We shouldn’t throw away the baby with the bath water.”

    Also speaking, Imam Ibrahim Tijani from Itire-Ikate said he supported the continued existence of the LCDAs.

    A stakeholder, Ajose Agbejoye, suggested that elections into local government councils should start six months before the expiration of the four-year term of a current administration so that electoral issues would have been settled before the swearing-in of a new chairman.

    President of Greater Lagos Initiative, Adeniyi Olutimehin also appealed to the House to allow the LCDAs to continue to function irrespective of whatever amendments it makes to the Bill.

     

  • President Tinubu Salutes Professor Aina @85.

    President Tinubu Salutes Professor Aina @85.

    Felicia Asuquo, Abuja 

    President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Professor Olu Aina, OFR, the founding registrar of the National Business and Technical Education Board (NABTEB), on his 85th birthday.

    In a release signed by the Special Adviser on information and strategy,Mr Bayo Onanuga,President Bola Tinubu joins family, friends and the academic community in celebrating the scholar, whose legacy is rooted in the transformative power of skills-based education, particularly technical and vocational training.

    The President went further to acknowledge Professor Aina’s contribution in equipping Nigerian youths with the skills needed to contribute to the nation’s economy through innovation and creativity, stating that he recognises the professor’s role in the establishment of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology and Osun State University, where technical education continues to thrive.

    The release reads,”President believes that the life story of the son of the carpenter, who followed in his father’s craft and later became a professor, serves as an inspiration on the impact hands-on training can have on personal and societal growth.”

    “President Bola Tinubu prays Almighty God to grant the former Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council Igbinedion University, Okada and former Executive
    member, Independent Corrupt Practices & Other Related Offences
    Commission (ICPC) longevity to continue offering his invaluable wisdom for national development.”

  • Tinubu Nominates Bianca Ojukwu,Six Others As Ministers.

    Tinubu Nominates Bianca Ojukwu,Six Others As Ministers.

    …..As Enoh ,Uzoka Anite,Alausa Gets New Ministry.

    Felicia Asuquo and Emmanuel lkpeama

    President Tinubu on Wednesday 23, October,2024 nominated Bianca Odumegu-Ojukwu as the Minister of State Foreign Affairs, while Nentawe Yilwatda as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, officially bringing an end to the tenure of suspended Betta Edu.

    The President also nominated Maigari Dingyadi as the Minister of Labour and Employment, Jumoke Oduwole as the Minister of Industry, Idi Maiha as Minister for the newly created Livestock Development Ministry, Yusuf Ata as the Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development, with Suwaiba Ahmad as Minister of State Education.

    Investigator news reports that the much-awaited cabinet reshuffle of President Bola Tinubu began on Wednesday with the sacking of five ministers and the nomination of seven new ones for Senate confirmation, while re-assigning 10 ministers to new ministerial portfolios and appointed seven new ministers for Senate confirmation.

    The President sacked Uju-Ken Ohanenye as Minister of Women Affairs; Lola Ade-John as Minister of Tourism; Tahir Mamman as Minister of Education; Abdullahi Gwarzo as Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development; and Jamila Ibrahim as Minister of Youth Development.

    While appreciating the outgoing members of the Federal Executive Council for their service to the nation while wishing them the best in their future endeavours,he charged the newly appointed ministers as well as their reassigned colleagues to see their appointment as a call to serve the nation.

    He added that all appointees must understand the administration’s eagerness and determination to set Nigeria on the path to irreversible growth and invest the best of their abilities into the actualisation of the government’s priorities.

    Investigator news gathered that the President removed Yusuf Sununu as Minister of State for Education and reassigned him as the Minister of State, Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.

    Olatunji Alausa was removed as Minister of State, Health and reassigned as the Minister of Education,Bello Goronyo was removed as Minister of State, Water Resources and Sanitation and reassigned as Minister of State Works.

    Also,Abubakar Momoh was relieved as Minister of Niger Delta Development and reassigned as Minister of Regional Development,he reassigned Uba Maigari Ahmadu as Minister of State, Regional Development, from his previous portfolio as Minister of State, Steel Development.

    The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, was reassigned as Minister of State Finance to deputised the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.

    Sports Minister John Enoh was reassigned as the new Minister of State, Trade and Investment, while Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim was removed as Minister of State, Police Affairs and reassigned as Minister of Women Affairs.

    Ayodele Olawande was elevated as Minister of Youth Development from his initial portfolio as Minister of State for Youth Development and Minister of State, Environment, Iziak Salako was reassigned as Minister of State, Health

    It will be recalled Tinubu appointed 48 ministers in August 2023, three months after his inauguration. The Senate immediately screened and confirmed the ministers. One of the ministers, Betta Edu, was suspended in January while another, Simon Lalong, moved to the Senate.

    There have been calls for the President to reshuffle his cabinet as many Nigerians have not been impressed by the performance of some of the ministers, especially in the face of unprecedented inflation, excruciating economic situation and rising insecurity.

    In September, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the President would reshuffle his cabinet but didn’t give a time to the reorganisation.

  • Let’s Work For The Greatness Of Nigeria,Obasanjo Tells Nigerians.

    Let’s Work For The Greatness Of Nigeria,Obasanjo Tells Nigerians.

    Tunde Omoniyi 

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Tuesday called on Nigerians to work for the greatness of the country.

    He made the call in Abeokuta while receiving members of the League of Northern Democrats led by a former governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau in his presidential Library home.

    “We must put the past behind us and work for the greatness of Nigeria,” he said “We have disappointed ourselves, we have disappointed the black race, Africa and the world at large. So, our concern is right, we have rubbished the value of integrity, no truth, no love but it is not too late to retrace our steps.”

    Obasanjo attributed regionalism as the real beginning of the nation’s socioeconomic and political challenges.

    He believes the country has remained fragmented for too long, a situation which has stifled the socioeconomic and political development of the country

    The former President expressed optimism that despite the challenges Nigeria is going through currently, the nation can be better Nigerian if the citizens can get the issue of  right leadership to provide the necessary impetus for the socioeconomic and political development of the country.

    “Yes, you have identified your group as League of Northern Democrats but how I wish you call your group National League of Democrats because where you come from should not be a problem. Where I was born should not be the enemy of my Nigerianess. I will be increasing by being a Nigerian rather than being a member of the Republic of Oodua.

    “I am undoubtedly proud to be a Yoruba but my being a Nigerian should not be the enemy of my being a Yoruba…we must get the best man for the job, it doesn’t matter where he comes from. We must get our acts together.

    “The African continent, the black race and the entire world are looking up unto us. When we got our independence, what they were calling us was giant in the sun but is that the situation today?” he questioned.

  • Senator Tokunbo Abiru Delivers 40-Bed Hospital At Mascara Agboyi-Ketu, 2 Blocks of 22 Classrooms At Wright Memorial Nursery/Primary School, Somolu

    Senator Tokunbo Abiru Delivers 40-Bed Hospital At Mascara Agboyi-Ketu, 2 Blocks of 22 Classrooms At Wright Memorial Nursery/Primary School, Somolu

    Emmanuel lkpeama.

    In their numbers, residents of Somolu Local Government Area, and Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, welcomed the Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA, as he officially handed over completed and fully equipped 2 blocks of 22 classrooms at the Wright Memorial Nursery and Primary School, Somolu  and a 40-bed Primary Health Centre constructed inside the popular Mascara Health Centre, Agboyi-Ketu LCDA.

    Senator Abiru, who is widely commended for his impactful programmes and projects across Lagos East Senatorial District, was joined at the well-attended event by the Special Senior Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, Her Excellency, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, whose office was instrumental to the provision of the projects.

    In his remarks, Senator Abiru, expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, for providing the needed leadership and support which contributed to the success of the projects. He highlighted the importance of creating a conducive environment for early childhood education which is  crucial in shaping a child’s future.

    He said, “The quality of education they receive at this stage significantly influences their academic success, social skills, and overall well-being. By creating a nurturing and stimulating environment here at Wright Memorial Nursery and Primary School, we are giving our children the best possible start in life”.

    Shortly after the commissioning exercise in Somolu LGA, the Senator and the SSA to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, and members of the Senator’s team headed to Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, under Kosofe LGA, to commission another landmark project, a 40-bed Primary Health Care facility, facilitated by Senator Abiru, through the office of SSA on SDGs.

    In his speech, Senator Abiru said, “This 40-bed facility, with its modern medical equipment and a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, will significantly improve the quality of care in this community, especially in providing maternal and child health services, preventive care, immunisation, among other community health needs”.

    Eminent leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including members of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Senator Anthony Adefuye and Omooba Samuel Olumuyiwa Sosanya; serving members of the House of Representatives, Hon Ademorin Kuye (Somolu Federal Constituency) and Hon Kafilat Ogbara (Kosofe Federal Constituency).

    Hon Femi Saheed, member Lagos State House of Assembly; Hon Abdulhammed Salawu, the Chairman, Somolu LGA; royal fathers, other dignitaries were also present.

    They all commended the exemplary leadership and excellent record of service of Senator Tokunbo Abiru.

     

  • Lagos Assembly To Hold Second Public Hearing On LG Administration Bill

    Lagos Assembly To Hold Second Public Hearing On LG Administration Bill

    …….lnvites Attorney-General for interpretation of Supreme Court judgement.

    Emmanuel lkpeama

    The Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday 21, October 2024,has agreed to conduct another public hearing on a bill that seeks to review the Local Government Administration law of the state.

    The resolutions came at a sitting presided over by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.

    The House also invited the Attorney-General of the State, Lawal Pedro, for an interpretation of the recent Supreme Court judgement on financial autonomy for local governments.

    Dr. Obasa stated that the review of the Local Government Administration law is not aimed at scrapping the LCDAs but to further strengthen them.

    “I agree on the need for us to schedule a second allotted day for the public hearing,” the Speaker said while adding that he had been inundated with calls by people who wanted to know the fate of the LCDAs.

    “We are not scrapping the LDCAs. Rather, what we are trying to do is to look at the recent Supreme Court judgement in terms of Lagos and local governments joint account and fashion out a way where the parent local governments and the LDCAs work together without the LDCAs shortchanged,” he stated

    The Speaker Rt Hon Obasa also agreed on the need to work for the formal listing of the LCDAs by the National Assembly.

    “Kano has 44 local governments and out of Kano, Jigawa was created and has 27,” he said as he suggested a review of the revenue sharing formula by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission.

    The Chairman of the Committee on Local Government, Hon. Sanni Okanlawon, had, while giving a report on the public hearing earlier conducted by the committee, said that many of the stakeholders invited for the event could not make it.

    He attributed the poor attendance to the weather condition of the day just as he prayed the House to approve a second allotted day for the exercise.

    Supporting Hon. Okanlawon’s request, his colleague, Hon. Ladi Ajomale said: “A lot of people are saying they do not understand what is going on and maybe the government is trying to wipe some people out of the local government system,” he said.

    He also called for a liaison and better collaboration with the National Assembly with the aim of making the upper legislature understand why the LDCAs should be listed as substantive local governments.

    On his part, Hon. Desmond Elliot noted that because of the size of Lagos in terms of population and its economic importance to Nigeria, it was imperative to work for the listing of the LCDAs.

    “Anambra state has 21 local governments and it is nowhere close to what Lagos has in terms of resources, economic importance and dividends of democracy,” he submitted

  • Nibo Killings: Governor Soludo Condoles With Families Of Slain Persons,Cracks Down Against Cultism. 

    Nibo Killings: Governor Soludo Condoles With Families Of Slain Persons,Cracks Down Against Cultism. 

    Ikpeama Emmanuel 

    The Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, today paid a visit to Nibo in Awka South local government area, where he condoled with the families and community over the unfortunate loss of lives in a recent cult rivalry killings.

    It will be recalled that yesterday, Sunday, 20 October, 2024, some persons were killed in a suspected cult-related brawl.

    Speaking at Eke Market during his routine monitoring of Monday activities across the state, Governor Soludo vowed to fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act and go against cultism in the state.

    While asking the people to go about their lawful duties, the Governor emphasized that no matter where the perpetrators hide, they will be brought out for sanctioning.

    He assured the people of their safety and general wellbeing.