SANWO-OLU INAUGURATES NEW SECRETARIATS, CAPITAL PROJECTS IN AGBOYI-KETU, APAPA-IGANMU LCDA’S

 SANWO-OLU INAUGURATES NEW SECRETARIATS, CAPITAL PROJECTS IN AGBOYI-KETU, APAPA-IGANMU LCDA’S

…As Councils Name Buildings After Tinubu, Late Sen. Osinowo 

 

A new governance experience beckons in Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) and Apapa-Iganmu LCDA in Lagos State, as the two councils completed new administrative secretariats to scale up service delivery. 

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu inaugurated each of the three-storey buildings on Friday, in separate ceremonies held in the two councils’ headquarters. 

Scores of jubilant residents trooped out in both councils to receive the Governor and his entourage, which comprised the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, members of State Executive Council, and political leaders led by All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman in Lagos, Hon. Tunde Balogun.

Aside commissioning of the 28-room secretariat complex in Agboyi-Ketu LCDA named after the late Senator Adebayo Osinowo, who represented Lagos East Senatorial District in the Senate until his demise last June, the council headquarters in Alapere literally became a campaign ground. Sanwo-Olu canvassed support for the APC candidates in the forthcoming by-elections in the East senatorial district and State Assembly seat in Kosofe II Constituency, Mr. Tokunbo Abiru and Hon. Femi Saheed.

While commissioning the buildings, the Governor hailed the council chairmen, Hon. Dele Osinowo (Agboyi-Ketu) and Dr. Funmilayo Akande-Mohammed (Apapa-Iganmu), describing the initiatives as “symbolic strides” that would bring good governance close to the grassroots and strengthen the capacity of the councils to deliver on their mandates to residents. 

Sanwo-Olu said the decision of the council leadership in Agboyi-Ketu to name the edifice after the late Sen. Osinowo testified to the immeasurable contribution made by the late lawmaker to the development of the council. The governor paid glowing tribute in memory of the late Osinowo, whom he described as “grassroots progressive and benevolent politician” in his lifetime.

The Governor said: “The completion of this new 28-room Administrative Block constructed by Agboyi-Ketu LCDA is not only historic, it is unique and symbolic, because it is the first stride to immortalise a great man, a progressive and grassroots politician, Sen. Adebayo Osinowo, who passed away in June. Also, I sincerely congratulate and commend the Apapa-Iganmu LCDA chairman, Hon. Funmilayo Akande Muhammed and her team for the laudable achievement of delivering a modern secretariat complex in the council.

“I have no doubt that these new complexes will provide the much-needed conducive work environment for public servants working in the councils and enhance their productivity and better service delivery. While projects such as these are really a commendable initiative, as they will have a great impact on the workforce at large; it is important to emphasise the need for all of us to understand that public infrastructure are part of our commonwealth being provided with public funds. We must safeguard them against vandalism, as witnessed in the State in the past couple of weeks ago.”

Sanwo-Olu used the occasion to reel out his administration’s programmes targeted at driving development at the grassroots, pointing out that his Government had supported the physically-challenged and provided low-interest loans to support thousands of women across the State. 

He cautioned youths against willful destruction of Government’s assets and infrastructure built with public funds, saying the recent EndSARS protests brought out the need for Governments at all levels to double their efforts and prioritise youth development and empowerment. 

The Governor disclosed that the State Government was about to commence a Graduate Internship Programme, under which 4,000 young graduates would be engaged training and paid N40,000 monthly stipend for six months. He urged local councils, as the independent tier of Government closest to the people, to embark on welfare projects in their communities and give people a new feeling of governance.

He said: “As we prepare for a new fiscal year, let us ensure that adequate plans are put in place to, more than� the current year, ensure that the welfare of our young people, women, elderly and the physically-challenged are well catered for. At the State level, we have made special provision for youth capacity development in the 2021 budget.

“This is in addition to the ongoing youth empowerment programmes, including the  Graduate Internship Programme under which 4,000 thousand young graduates would be engaged and paid a monthly stipend of N40,000 for 6 months.”

Agboyi-Ketu LCDA chairman, Osinowo, said the inauguration of the new secretariat would enhance the capacity of the council to bring dividends of democracy to people at the grassroots. He said the council took the decision to immortalise the late lawmaker, given his legacy and impact in the locality. 

He said: “The edifice is massive to herald a new beginning in our administration’s quest not only to improve the landscape and aesthetics of community, but also boost our drive to deliver governance at the grassroots. The building is constructed to provide a conducive and enabling environment for our public servants and the residents to interface.

“The decision to name the edifice after the late Senator Adebayo Osinowo was taken by the distinguished members of the Agboyi-Ketu legislative council during a special plenary session in honour of the late Senator.”

Osinowo hailed Sanwo-Olu for listening to the residents’ request to rehabilitate Demurin/Agidi Road and construct concrete lining in Ogunsombo-Igbonla Channel, among other State Government-led projects in the council.

In addition to inaugurating the new Apapa-Iganmu secretariat complex named after the APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Gov. Sanwo-Olu also commissioned 13 newly constructed and rehabilitated roads, a library complex and Primary Health Centre delivered by the council chairman, Dr. Funmilayo Akande-Mohammed.

The Governor urged residents to take ownership of the projects, asking them to protect the infrastructure initiated for their use.

Akande-Mohammed said the projects were part of the deliberate efforts of the Apapa-Iganmu council leadership to drive up socio-economic growth and enhance wellbeing in line with the needs of the residents.

In order to make his administration’s grassroots engagement more robust, Sanwo-Olu, during project commissioning at Apapa-Iganmu LCDA, announced the immediate appointment of Hon. Babatunde Adewale as Special Adviser (non-cabinet) on Community Development. This announcement was greeted by spontaneous jubilation, with Ijora Badia residents thanking the Governor for the pick.

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HOODLUMS ATTACK LAGOS FIREMEN, DESTROY FIRE ENGINE

HOODLUMS ATTACK LAGOS FIREMEN, DESTROY FIRE ENGINE

Three firemen of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service were reportedly injured and a fire engine of the Agency damaged by hoodlums, who attacked the officials in the course of duty on Sunday. 

Making this disclosure, Acting Head of the Agency, Mrs. Margaret Adeseye expressed displeasure over the incessant attacks on firefighters in recent times for yet to be identified reasons.

She recalled that the attack on the firefighters and the engine occurred after officials the agency were prevented from attending to a fire incident at Nmani Street, Dopemu Agege, in Orile Agege LCDA, Lagos. 

Adeseye informed that three firemen from a crew of four were injured and the Agency's vehicle, Agege Fire Eagle C07, damaged by the hoodlums after preventing the personnel from performing their official duties.

The Fire Service boss explained that it took the intervention of a team of policemen from Alabo Police Division, led by Supol Bako Muhammed, before normalcy was restored at the fire scene.

She stated that the injured officers were treated at Agege General Hospital, while investigations about the incident are on-going to effect the arrest of culprits and ascertain the cause of the attack.

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Zulum leads horrified kinsmen to bury 43 farmers killed by Boko Haram

Zulum leads horrified kinsmen to bury 43 farmers killed by Boko Haram 

... Death toll still uncertain

Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum was at Zabarmari early morning on Sunday, to lead kinsmen and other residents, still in shock, for the funeral of 43 farmers slaughtered by the Boko Haram insurgents. 

Though the victims lived in Zabarmari, a farming community in Jere Local Government Area, famous for rice cultivation and local processing, they were attacked on Saturday, at Koshebe village, a place in Mafa Local Government Area. 

Zulum, during his visit was told that death toll was yet to be fully ascertained.

"Your Excellency, as you have seen here, 43 corpses were buried, but others have not been retrieved from the scene of the incident. Nobody can tell you the exact number of people killed. Some of the victims are still missing" a resident (name concealed, told the Governor). 

Zulum addressed the bereaved community. 

“First of all, accept my deepest sympathy over this carnage, once again, that affects all of us and every human with conscience. I am told some persons are still missing. We have been discussing with the military since yesterday, Insha Allah the remaining people will be traced soon."

The Governor while speaking to journalists said, "It is disheartening that more than 40 citizens were slaughtered while they were working in their farmlands. Our people are in very difficult situations, they are in two different extreme conditions, in one side they stay at home they may be killed by hunger and starvation, on the other, they go out to their farmlands and risk getting killed by the insurgents. This is very sad. We are still appealing to the Federal Government to ensure recruitment of more our youths in the CJTF and hunters into the Nigerian military and the Civil Defence so that they can form part of the agro rangers that will protect farmers. We need many boots to protect farmlands and our youths understand the terrain. We will not lose hope because we have to remain optimistic about ending the insurgency” Zulum said.

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Over 40 rice farmers were reportedly killed by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State on Saturday, November 28, 2020

Over 40 rice farmers were reportedly killed by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State on Saturday, November 28, 2020.

Boko Haram insurgents slaughters over 40 rice farmers in Borno. (ICIRNigeria)

Boko Haram insurgents slaughters over 40 rice farmers in Borno. (ICIRNigeria)

The incident took place while the farmers were harvesting their crops at a rice field in Garin Kwashebe area of the state, Premium Times reports.

A lawmaker, who spoke to the online newspaper said the farmers were attacked while residents of the state were voting to elect local government council officials.

The lawmaker said the farmers “were rounded up and summarily slaughtered by the armed insurgents”

 

While confirming the incident, Hassan Zambarmani, a former chairman of a rice farmers association in Borno State said the incident happened around 11 a m.

He said, “It was a sad incident that took place at about 11 a.m today. The farmers were attacked at the Garin-Kwashebe rice field, and according to reports reaching us since afternoon, about 40 of them were killed.

“But we have been receiving conflicting information on the casualty figures — some said it was up to 50 farmers that were slaughtered.”

 

Also confirming the incident , Ahmed Satomi, a member of House Representatives, who represents Jere federal constituency described the killing of the farmers as a sad development.

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Vendor's Death: I Don't Want to Go to Court - Vendor's Wife

 

Vendor's Death: I Don't Want to Go to Court - Vendor's Wife

The wife of Ifeanyi Okereke, the Newspaper Vendor who was killed recently by an aide to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs Josephine Okereke, has distanced herself from the lawsuit filed by the relatives of her husband.

Family members of the slain Ifeanyi Okereke had through their lawyer Mike  Ozhekome filed a suit against the speaker, demanding half a Billion Naira as compensation.

Addressing Journalists in Abuja, Mrs Okereke stated that she was not consulted by her late husband's family on the issue.

She said though she wants justice for her late husband, yet not to the detriment of the speaker who has promised to set up a trust fund for her family.

President of the Abuja newspaper distributors association of Nigeria, Benji Obidan, also distanced the association from the lawsuit, calling on the government to ensure that the perpetrator is brought to book.

Legal adviser to the  Association,  Barrister Wilfred Okol, advised government officials to subject their security operatives to psychological examination to ascertain their mental stability before engaging.

Recall that Ifeanyi Okereke was shot by Abdullahi Hassan, a Department of State Services (DSS) operative attached to the speaker, last week

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IGP Adamu lists when police personnel can use firearms

 IGP Adamu lists when police personnel can use firearms

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Muhammad Adamu has reiterated that police personnel are constitutionally empowered to use their firearms to protect lives and property.

The police chief said this while charging his men not to be discouraged by the protests staged by the youths calling for end of Special Anti-Robbery Squad at the headquarters of  Ogun State Police Command, Eleweran, Abeokuta on Thursday.

He also told his officers not to hesitate to use their firearms to protect themselves when they are in danger.

“Your arms are supposed to be used to protect lives and property. Constitutionally when there is violence protest, the constitution allows you to use your firearm, when individuals or group of people are unlawful; you are allowed to use your firearm.

“Don’t be discouraged, come out in full and perform your duties, nobody can do it, it is your constitutional responsibility and you must do it. No amount of intimidation can prevent us from doing our job.

“Nobody can demoralise us, nobody can prevent or make us shy away from performing our duties. The responsibility of protecting lives and property is given to the police and you are licensed to carry arms.

“We are encouraging you to go out there and perform your duties without fear or favour and without being afraid of any victimisation. Be courageous, be civil and be calm and follow the procedures in performing your duties.

“In defence of yourself and you have no other means to escape from any attack, you are allowed to use your firearm, but you are not allowed to kill. As police officers you are not allowed to kill, when you use your firearm you are supposed to maim.

“You should not shy away from using your firearms for these purposes but don’t kill.

“If in the process of performing your duties, a mistake come up, and we know that you followed all the necessary procedures, we shall be behind you, we shall support and make sure that you are not molested,” Adamu said.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Edward Awolowo Ajogun had earlier in his welcome speech said the IGP’s visit would reawaken the dampened morale of the police officers in the state.

Ajogun explained that, about seven divisional headquarters were vandalized in the state with the DCO of Atan -Ota division, DSP Ogbeche losing his life during the EndSARS protest.

He, however, said the police in the state have returned to their respective duty posts since it is their duty to protect lives and property.

He promised that the command would remain loyal and more professional in its desire to serve the people of the state, thanking the IGP for elevating the junior ranks to their next levels

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ENDSARS PROTESTS: OKOROCHA SALUTES SANWO-OLU’S LEADERSHIP, COURAGE

 ENDSARS PROTESTS: OKOROCHA SALUTES SANWO-OLU’S LEADERSHIP, COURAGE

•Ex-Imo Governor Condoles With Lagos Over Destruction

 

Should there be a prize for the Courageous Man of the Year, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu deserves to clinch the honour, says the lawmaker representing Imo West District in the Senate, Sen. Rochas Okorocha.

The two-term Imo State Governor said Sanwo-Olu has displayed uncommon courage in attending to emergency situations occasioned by the twin crisis of Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the recent nationwide youth protests against police brutality of which Lagos was the epicentre.

Okorocha spoke when he paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos Governor at the State House, Marina on Thursday evening.

The Senator said Sanwo-Olu demonstrated unique leadership traits when he gave an audience to the EndSARS protesters and identified with their cause by marching with the youths at the risk of his safety. This, Okorocha said, stood the Governor out as a listening leader.

The lawmaker, however, condemned the violence that trailed the protests, saying the mayhem in which several public assets were destroyed had robbed the future generations of valuable inheritance.

He said: “I am here to commend the Governor for the manner he has handled the entire scenario. The courage he displayed and the proactiveness we all witnessed, even at the risk of his life during the EndSARS crisis. He came out and engaged the youths where the protests were most intense. This is a rare show of leadership. I must commend Sanwo-Olu for that.

“Despite that the violence left untold devastation in Lagos, the Governor has been toeing the path of peace. This is also commendable. The protest is a lesson for all of us; we must take the advantage of the outcome to rebuild and re-unite our country. I have no doubt that Lagos will come out of this stronger than it used to be, given Sanwo-Olu’s exemplary leadership in handling the issue.”

Okorocha cautioned against demonising the youths who led the protests, saying there was no reason to criminalise the protesters in spite the violence that trailed their demonstration. He said the protesters’ demands were in good faith and called on political leaders to embrace them as caring fathers.

Sanwo-Olu, who also suffered personal losses in the violence, said all efforts were geared towards rebuilding the State and heal the wound opened by the destruction.

The Governor said the coordinated arson drew Lagos a few steps backward, but said the State would emerge from the situation better than it was.

He reiterated that he was still in support of the agitations of the protesters and would work with them to realise their five-point demands.

Sanwo-Olu thanked the Senator for the visit, promising that Lagos would continue to be melting pot for all ethnic nationalities.

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ONLY STRATEGIC PREPAREDNESS CAN SAVE US FROM EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES – SANWO-OLU

 ONLY STRATEGIC PREPAREDNESS CAN SAVE US FROM EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES – SANWO-OLU

… Says Plans for the Establishment of African Infectious Disease Centre On Course

Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has emphasised that strategic preparedness against pathogens of high consequence and infectious disease is key to strengthening Africa’s resilience in tackling emerging Biosecurity threats.

Sanwo-Olu, who disclosed this on Thursday at the Policy Session of the ongoing 6th African Conference on ‘One-Health and Biosecurity’ hosted by the Lagos Ministry of Health, in partnership with GET Consortium, explained that only strategic and effective level of preparedness can save the human race from emerging infectious diseases.

He noted that Lagos is still learning from the COVID-19 pandemic, stressing that identified gaps in the State's response to the infection will be bridged to strengthen resilience in effectively tackling pandemics and other infectious diseases that may occur in future.

The Governor restated his commitment to building the infrastructure that will adequately prepare the State for a future health crisis, while noting that quality and equitable health services remain paramount.

“Infrastructure is also very important, people need to see that we are scaling up, not only on training or skill development but real infrastructure on ground. We will ensure we build structures that can outlive us and that is why I am happy to also re-inform us again that we have plans to build an Africa Infectious Disease Centre, which is for research and development of infectious disease knowledge and management at our Infectious Disease hospital in Yaba”, he stated.

Sanwo-Olu added that his administration recognises the need to upscale its preparedness against future biosecurity threats, especially after having learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that the State does not want to be just an epicentre but also engage in research and development that will beneficial for future generations.

While commending the efforts of the organisers of the 6th African Conference on ‘One-Heath and Biosecurity’, the Governor maintained that the importance of strategic health conferences should not be overlooked because it will help guide health policies, plans and programmes in order to improve and protect the health status of citizens.

Earlier in his remark, the Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, said that the three-day event was planned to bring together a consortium of African Scientist, Medical Practitioners and Experts in related health fields to raise awareness about public health threats to Africa Communities and States.

He said the conference themed: “Strengthening Africa's Resilience in Tackling Emerging Biosecurity Threats: Lessons from COVID-19 Pandemic”, was well thought out as there is the need to continually emphasise the key importance of the African response in combating emerging infectious diseases and preparedness against future biosecurity threats.

“This conference has been going on for six years in collaboration with the Global Emerging Pathogen Consortium, which is a consortium of African Scientists, Advocates and civil societies who are trying to raise the awareness of public health threats to governments, agencies and communities to help people develop capacity against biosecurity threat”, Abayomi said.

The Commissioner emphasised the importance of securing the environment, stressing that the health of human beings depends on the health of the environment they live in.

“Biosecurity simply means that the environment we live in is safe. When we talk of biosecurity we talk of the security of the sphere we live and when the sphere is not secured, we as humans are at risk of either excessive pollution or infections. We have to be very careful about how we interact with society because there is a possibility that these pathogens can move from the environment into the population”, he explained.

He noted that the leading role played by Lagos in the containment of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria coupled with proactive steps taken by the State against the raging COVID-19 infectious disease makes it top choice for hosting the conference which is one of the biggest biosecurity conferences in Africa.

Abayomi opined that resolutions at the Conference will help chart a positive course for strategic response against Biosecurity threats in Africa and by extension the world, adding that the conference will afford Lagos the opportunity to review its strategic response against emerging infectious diseases.

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NO PARDON FOR RAPISTS, GENDER VIOLENCE OFFENDERS - SANWO-OLU

 NO PARDON FOR RAPISTS, GENDER VIOLENCE OFFENDERS - SANWO-OLU 

...First Lady Wants Legal Backing For Sex Violence Offenders’ Register

...Governor Receives SGBV Committee’s Recommendations

Disturbed by the escalation in cases of sexual and gender-based violence, and absence of unified protocols to get justice for the victims, First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has urged the Government to step up the response geared towards reducing the criminal acts to the barest minimum. 

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu hearkened to the call, vowing that no offender indicted in reported cases of rape and gender-based violence will go scot free under his watch. 

The Governor gave the assurance on Thursday when he received a 54-page compendium on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence compiled by the Stakeholders’ Committee set up by the First Lady to give recommendations on how the fight against the crime can be won. 

Sanwo-Olu, who is the Incident Commander for gender-based violence in Lagos, reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting the vulnerable demographics and getting justice for victims violated. 

He said the State Government would be prioritising budgetary allocations to the Ministry of Justice for the acceleration of offenders’ prosecution, while also supporting Government’s agencies working in the areas of rehabilitation and integration of victims. 

The Governor said: “I am delighted by the work done by the Stakeholders’ Committee to bring attention to the problems facing voiceless adults and children in our society. Through your efforts, vulnerable people are building the courage to speak out on offences of sexual violence and heal their wounds. 

“We will bring people who have been perpetrating this crimes, knowingly or unknowingly, to book. We will ensure they never walk freely without the full wrath of the law brought upon them. It is part of our responsibility to ensure that the vulnerable members of our society have a voice and have access to where they can get justice when their rights are violated.” 

Having identified ways to ramp up the response, Sanwo-Olu charged the Stakeholders’ Committee to focus its activism and advocacy on mental health issue as one of the main factors responsible for sexual and gender-based violence. 

The Governor praised the First Lady for her leadership in bringing the team members together and for showing interest in issues bordering rights of the vulnerable and women development. 

Dr. Sanwo-Olu said her drive was to work with the Committee and create a society where gender-based violence would be reduced to barest minimum. 

She said she had been leveraging the privilege attached to the Office of First Lady to champion continuous advocacy and push actions to rein in sexual offenders. 

The First Lady said: “The stakeholders have been having meetings for months and their discussions have focused on the key development pillars of the current administration as they relate to the rights of vulnerable citizens, especially those women and children. 

“The Office of the First Lady has been working with the vision to reduce sexual and gender-based violence to the barest minimum if it is impossible to eradicate the crime. We have activated our response, bringing all stakeholders and communities on board to forge a common front in addressing the issue.” 

Dr. Sanwo-Olu made a case of the establishment of Sexual Assault Referral Centres where all stakeholders can attend to and dispose of cases without delay. She also canvassed for the setting up of Government-owned shelters to rehabilitate survivors, stressing that the centres must be opened in the five traditional divisions of the State. 

As part of the 12-point resolutions recommended by the Stakeholders’ Committee to stem sexual and gender-based violence, the First Lady called for introduction of sex offenders’ register that will be backed by legislation. 

The Committee also called for increase in budgetary support to agencies of Government fight for sex violence, among other. 

While receiving the compendium from the First Lady, Sanwo-Olu said some of the resolutions recommended by the committee required immediate escalation, promising to work with the Committee in addressing bottleneck slowing down the efforts. 

The stakeholders that took part in the meeting include Ministries of Justice, Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Health, Education, Youth and Social Development, and Information and Strategy. 

Others are the Office of the Public Defender, Police Force, and Lagos State Judiciary.

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IGP Adamu Visits Oyo Police Command Over Gruesome Murder of Personnel, Looted Arms and Ammunition

 IGP Adamu Visits Oyo Police Command Over Gruesome Murder of Personnel, Looted Arms and Ammunition 

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu, this Thursday, visited the Oyo state police command, Eleyele, Ibadan to boost the moral of the police officers to return back to work at their various duty posts following the gruesome murder of six officers of the command during the wake of the Endsars protest.

According to VERYCONCERN, the Inspector General of police arrived at the Eleyele police headquarters at about 2:00 PM.

It would be recalled that many police officers in the state have stayed off duty due to the destruction of five divisional police headquarters as well as police patrol vehicles during the recent crisis of the Endsars protest in the state.

Also, VERYCONCERN, who went round the state capital with the operatives of the operation burst during the Endsars crisis, reports that 12 vehicles were completely razed at Ojoo Divisional police headquarters, 10 vehicles were also burnt at Old Ojoo Police Station, while the two police stations, including Egbeda Divisional Police Headquarters, New Gbagi Market, Old-Ife road, were razed completely.

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OBEDIENCE TO LAW CRUCIAL FOR OUR DEVELOPMENT – SANWO-OLU

OBEDIENCE TO LAW CRUCIAL FOR OUR DEVELOPMENT – SANWO-OLU

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has urged Lagosians to be law-abiding as the State can only prosper in an environment of peace and security.

Sanwo-Olu made the plea today, while speaking during the passing out parade of the Year 2020 graduating participants of the Lagos State Law Enforcement Training Institute (LETI) held at the Public Service Staff Development Centre, (PSSDC), Magodo.

Speaking through his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, the Governor stressed the need for citizens to always obey the law, adding that his administration recognises the need for an effective security system that promotes a peaceful and prosperous society.

According to the Governor, “Our administration recognises the need for an effective security system as sine-qua-non to a peaceful and prosperous society. This is why Security and Governance represents a key pillar in our administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S agenda. It goes without saying that effective security and safety of lives and property can only be achieved with a qualitative blend of men and materials”.

The Governor added that in order to further enhance the capacity of the State’s law enforcement outfits, such as the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, (LASTMA), Neighbourhood Safety Corps and Vehicle Inspection Services among others, his administration established the Law Enforcement Training Institute (LETI) for personnel to acquire expertise in maintaining peace in the State at all times using state-of-the-art equipment and cutting edge knowledge.

He disclosed that part of the re-engineering process was the deployment of technological tools of law enforcement such as Body Worn Cameras (BWC) and Body Shields in the training of the security personnel, stressing that the equipment will further enhance effective law enforcement in line with modern global trends.

Disclosing that the curriculum of the Institute has also been reviewed in response to the challenges and dynamism of the 21st-century law enforcement, Sanwo-Olu said the overall objective is to always be a step ahead of criminals and lawless elements in Lagos.

He commended the law enforcement officers for their doggedness, courage and tenacity at all times, especially during the recent upheavals that engulfed the whole nation and the State in particular.

The Governor also enjoined the graduating officers to discharge their duties with all due diligence and professionalism, and must be civil in their approach while refraining from any act that would violate the rights of citizens.

Earlier in his address, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), who was represented by the Director of Litigation, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Akinkunmi Idowu, enjoined the graduating law enforcement officers to be polite, decent, humane and firm in the discharge of their duties, emphasising the importance of contributing their own quota towards achieving a better Lagos.

He commended the management of the Lagos State Law Enforcement Training Institute for its continued orientation of enforcement personnel towards reducing liabilities of the State for infraction of the law by the enforcers themselves.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Head of the Lagos State Law Enforcement Training Institute, Prince Ifalade Oyekan thanked the State government for supporting the Institute.

He said as a way of enhancing the skills and the training needs of the law enforcement outfits, the Institute has restructured its training module to reflect the peculiarity of each outfit.

Prince Oyekan, therefore, called on the State government to assist the Institute in the provision of more equipment to achieve a 21st Century Law Enforcement workforce.

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LAGOS CBD ADVISES AGAINST SALE, USE OF FIREWORKS WITHIN BUSINESS DISTRICTS

 LAGOS CBD ADVISES AGAINST SALE, USE OF FIREWORKS WITHIN BUSINESS DISTRICTS

… Assures Residents, Shoppers, Business Owners of Safety

The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Central Business Districts, Mr. Olugbenga Oyerinde, has advised against the sale and use of firecrackers or any type of fireworks within business districts to prevent hazards to the people and the environment.

Oyerinde disclosed today in Lagos while speaking on the Office’s preparation for the yuletide season, urging parents and guardians to warn their wards against the use of fireworks. 

He said that the law banning its use is still in force and security agencies in Lagos State will arrest those selling and using the device in the markets.

The Special Adviser averred that CBD enforcement officers and other security agencies have been mandated to ensure that fireworks should not be used by anyone, especially within the markets and residential areas.

“Fireworks have a similar sound as some guns used by criminals, as such people cannot differentiate them. Also, there is a need to protect markets against fire outbreaks. Therefore, it is important to clamp down on the sale and usage to help secure people and valuable property, as the Christmas and New Year celebrations approach”, he said.

Similarly, the Special Adviser assured shoppers, residents and business owners within the Central Business Districts of the readiness of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led administration to ensure the yuletide season is devoid of traffic gridlock and criminal activities.

He noted that the Lagos State government is concerned about the menace of some recalcitrant commercial bus drivers, private vehicles owners and commercial motorcycle operators on roads because they cause needless road traffic snarls as well as loss of man-hours on routes within the business district.

Informing that the State government has put adequate measures in place to ensure that residents, business owners and shoppers go about their activities with much ease during the festive period, the Special Adviser hinted that there will also be total enforcement of the traffic and safety laws.

“It is not enough to have safety regulations, they must be enforced and complied with to prevent avoidable loss of lives, property and injuries. As a government which cares about the safety of lives and property, nothing short of strict adherence to safety rules will be acceptable, relevant provisions of the law will be applied against erring individuals and organisations”, he said.

Oyerinde, therefore, urged all stakeholders within the business districts to be vigilant, especially when in large gatherings such as in markets, religious programmes and carnivals, assuring that the State, especially the CBDs, remain safe and secure for people to live and do business.

He also appealed to Community Development Associations, leaders of religious organisations, members of organised trade unions and associations to work with the State government as well as security agencies to report suspicious activities that may compromise the security of lives and property.

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NIGERIANS ADVISED TO PREVENT SECOND WAVE OF COVID-19

NIGERIANS ADVISED TO PREVENT SECOND WAVE OF COVID-19

An Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Consultant at the General Hospital, Ijede, Dr. Babatope Oni, has called on all tiers of government and the entire public to prevent a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking at the monthly Continuous Medical Education (CME) organised by the Ijede General Hospital, Oni stated that the period at which a second wave can occur is when the economy has been fully reopened, such that people engage in their normal day to day activities without taking the usual precautionary measures as they did during the first phase of the pandemic.

In his words, "There is a tendency that a second wave can set in, government at all levels should take a cue from the Spanish Flu of 1918, when its government reopened the economy too early”.

The Consultant asserted that avoiding a second wave of the pandemic implies that government should continue to be honest, open and transparent about the disease and its policies, disseminating information and creating awareness to people at the grassroots while communicating effectively.

He affirmed that taking precautionary measures like wearing of the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) by health workers, washing of hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, observing cough etiquette by sneezing into your elbow and the continuous use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers would help reduce or contain the viral pandemic.

"Should Nigeria face a second wave in an unprepared state, there is a tendency to have more positive cases and unanticipated pressure on the health system", Oni stated.

He urged citizens to dispel myths and misconceptions about COVID-19, while cultivating the habit of eating a healthy, balanced diet that would help build the immune system in order to reduce the spread of the infection.

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YENAGOA SHOOTING INCIDENT- CP CALLS FOR CALM AS THE PATROL TEAM IS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY

 

YENAGOA SHOOTING INCIDENT- CP CALLS FOR CALM AS THE PATROL TEAM IS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY. 

The authorities of the Bayelsa State Police Command have identified and taken into custody the patrol team allegedly responsible for the unprovoked attack on innocent women at the Tombia-Etegwe roundabout, Yenagoa. 

The unfortunate incident occurred at the popular Tombia-Etegwe roundabout on 24 November, 2020 at about 1945 hours, when the patrol team was stuck in a traffic gridlock and one of the Police officers in a bid to clear the gridlock accidentally fired a shot, the bullet ricocheted and injured three women.

The victims one Alice Azaghene 'f' 17 years, one Mrs Ebinipiri J. Onojamadu 'f' 46 years, and one Madufuro Blessing 'f' 32 years. All have been taken to the Glory land Hospital, Yenagoa where they are responding to treatment. 

Commissioner of Police CP Mike Okoli fsi, condemned the shooting and called for calm from the citizens and has also visited the injured victims and assured them that the case will be thoroughly investigated and all indicted persons brought to justice.

SP Asinim Butswat 

Police Public Relations Officer 

Bayelsa State Command.

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#EndSARS: DJ SWITCH SLAMS MINISTER, LAI MOHAMMED

 #EndSARS: DJ SWITCH SLAMS MINISTER, LAI MOHAMMED 

“Hw can a "minister of information" be so "misinformed"?The only believable thing about him, is his name...Lai Unfortunately sir,the truth is a very stubborn thing!

Tnk u all 4 ur well wishes & prayers.Its nt bn easy 4 me bt d need 2 #SoroSoke is more important than their bullying”

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FAMILY OF TRIPLETS RECEIVES FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM LASG

FAMILY OF TRIPLETS RECEIVES FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM LASG

The Lagos State Government has extended financial assistance to the family of Mr. Salami Sulaimon, whose wife recently gave birth to a set of triplets.  

The Special Adviser, Office of Civic Engagement, Princess Aderemi Adebowale, who presented the financial aid to the indigent couple in her Office at the Secretariat Alausa Ikeja, stated that the government responded to the cry of the mother for assistance to enable them to take care of the newly born triplets.

Princess Adebowale disclosed that despite the challenges occasioned by the massive destruction of public and private concerns by hoodlums during the #ENDSARS protest in the State, Governor Sanwo-Olu is still committed to rendering necessary assistance to Lagosians, especially the needy.

She said the financial assistance extended to the couple was to support them, particularly the mother, in caring for the babies as well as starting a micro-business in their neighbourhood while the husband, who is a vulcanizer, will be assisted with an Ubiquitous Vulcanising Box (U-Box) - a work station given to vulcanisers by the State government, so that the couple could work and jointly sustain their family.

While giving assurance that the representatives of the Office of Civic Engagement will visit the family regularly, the Special Adviser asserted that the financial assistance given to establish a micro-business will be monitored to ensure appropriate and prudent use of the money. 

In his response, Mr. Salami Sulaimon, father of the triplets, who was overwhelmed with joy, thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Special Adviser, Civic Engagement, Princess Aderemi Adebowale for the financial assistance which, he said, would go a long way in helping the family to take care of the triplets.

He noted that it was a herculean task taking care of the previous three children in the family with the additional triplets, promising to heed the advice given by the Office of Civic Engagement on the financial assistance so as to maximise its benefits to the family.  

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MODULAR REFINERIES WILL MAKE PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AVAILABLE, ELIMINATE IMPORTATION, PRESIDENT BUHARI DECLARES AT INAUGURATION OF NIGERIA’S LARGEST MODULAR REFINERY IN IMO STATE

 MODULAR REFINERIES WILL MAKE PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AVAILABLE, ELIMINATE IMPORTATION, PRESIDENT BUHARI DECLARES AT INAUGURATION OF NIGERIA’S LARGEST MODULAR REFINERY IN IMO STATE

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday said the establishment of modular refineries in the country will make petroleum products available in the country and eliminate importation.

The President spoke at the virtual inauguration of the 5,000 barrels per day Waltersmith modular refinery in Ibigwe, Imo State, as well as the Ground-Breaking Ceremony for the Phase-2 works to expand the capacity of the refinery to 50,000 barrels/day.

President Buhari said the deployment of modular refineries was one of the four key elements of his administration’s Refinery Roadmap rolled out in 2018, adding that its implementation will make Nigeria a net exporter of petroleum products.

He expressed delight that Waltersmith refinery in Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State was coming on stream within two years of the commencement of the Roadmap, after many years of granting licenses for the establishment of modular refineries with nothing to show for it.

''Furthermore, there is increased momentum in the other three focus areas under the Roadmap covering the Rehabilitation of existing refineries, Co-location of new refineries, and Construction of greenfield refineries.

''The realization of the Refinery Roadmap will ultimately lead us to becoming a net exporter of petroleum products not only to our neighbouring countries but to the worldwide market.

 ''This modular refinery is the largest commissioned modular refinery in the country today.

''The role played by the Federal Government through the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) in going into collaboration with Waltersmith Refining and Petrochemical Company is novel in concept and superb in delivery,'' he said.

The President described plans to commence the expansion of the capacity of the refinery to 50,000 barrels per day to refine crude oil and condensates as an important part of economic reforms the country is undergoing.

''I look forward to seeing this new phase completed within the target timeframe,'' he said.

President Buhari, therefore, directed the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), NNPC, as well as all relevant Government Agencies to provide Waltersmith Company all the necessary support to access crude oil and condensate feedstock for the timely delivery of the additional capacity.

In line with his administration’s agenda on jobs creation, the President said he was pleased to note that hundreds of direct and indirect jobs were created during the construction of the first phase of the project in addition to the various business opportunities.

Equally, he expressed hope that the construction of the second phase of the project will create bigger additional employment opportunities.

 

President Buhari thanked the local community and the people of Imo State for hosting the refinery, which, he stressed, will bring prosperity and economic development to the area.

The President commended the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, the Chairman and members of the Governing Council, and the management and staff of the Nigerian Content Development Board for making the public-private partnership a success.

He also commended the Chairman, Board, Management and Staff of Waltersmith Refining and Petrochemical Limited for their professionalism and focus in getting the project completed.

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and the Minister of State, Petroleum, cut the tape on behalf of the President at the event which was also attended by the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mele Kyari, the Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Wabote and the Chairman of WalterSmith, Abdulrazaq Isa.

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LASUBEB ORGANISES INDUCTION CEREMONY FOR NEWLY RECRUITED PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS

 LASUBEB ORGANISES INDUCTION CEREMONY FOR NEWLY RECRUITED PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS 

The Executive Chairman of Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, LASUBEB, Mr. Wahab Alawiye-King has advised the 2000 newly recruited primary school teachers to familiarise themselves with all necessary public service documents that would aid the discharge of their duties to the State Government. 

 

Speaking at an induction ceremony organised for the newly recruited teachers at LASUBEB office in Maryland today, the Chairman underscored the indispensability of the Public Service Rules, Financial Regulations and some other vital service documents to the new employees, saying that the materials are important to guide their conduct, utterances and interaction as government officials. 

 

"Get yourself acquainted with the system, get a copy of the Public Service Rules, know your rights, limitations and responsibilities. Develop yourself from time to time and be certified by the relevant professional body so that you can be globally competitive", the LASUBEB Chairman pleaded. 

 

The induction programme, which was held simultaneously at five different centres, according to Alawiye-King, was important considering the different backgrounds of the new employees who are fresh in the system, especially in guiding against ignorance that could make them run foul of some laid down procedures in service. 

 

He said, "This induction programme is customary for every new employee. It is meant to give you a smooth entry into the teaching service at the basic education level". 

 

The Chairman congratulated the newly employed teachers for scaling through the very rigorous screening exercise and being able to gain employment among many other qualified applicants. 

 

He expressed delight seeing very passionate individuals as applicants for teaching jobs, stressing that the professional level, which teaching has now assumed, shows that qualified individuals could now be employed as teachers, contrary to the previous practice when people were usually reluctant to join the teaching Service. 

 

Alawiye-King also counselled the newly employed teachers on financial intelligence and management of their resources to meet their needs, especially now that they have fixed sources of regular income. 

 

While making a presentation to the new employees, the Director-General of Lagos State Public Service Staff Development Centre, PSSDC, Dr. Senukon Ajose-Harrison challenged the teachers to think "outside the box", broaden their horizon and keep abreast of what happens in other places across the world, especially in the sphere of teaching. 

 

"Hone your skills to be at par with the demands of 21st-century teaching skills and let your goals be S.M.A.R.T, which is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely", the DG stated.

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WE MUST NOT ALLOW FIFTH COLUMNISTS UNDERMINE OUR SECURITY, SANWO-OLU URGES LAGOSIANS AT FORUM

 WE MUST NOT ALLOW FIFTH COLUMNISTS UNDERMINE OUR SECURITY, SANWO-OLU URGES LAGOSIANS AT FORUM

• Interior Minister Moves To Strengthen Peace In Troubled Communities, Meets Stakeholders

• Forum Makes Case For Special Security Arrangement For Lagos

The wanton destruction of public assets in the violence that trailed the recent nationwide protests by the youth against police brutality has bolstered the Federal Government-led initiatives geared towards engendering peace and security in the country.

Ministry of Interior, on Tuesday, held a Stakeholders’ Engagement on Internal Security and Conflict Resolution in Lagos State, with the purpose to strengthening peace and security in the aftermath of the destruction.

The Ministry engaged in consultations with the State Government, traditional rulers, civil society groups, religious institutions and youth groups on the need to adopt dialogue as a key approach in channeling grievances and resolving conflicts.

The consultative forum, held at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in the Secretariat, Alausa, was graced by the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, his Police Affairs counterpart, Maigari Dingyadi, frontline lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, service chiefs in Lagos and representative of Iyaloja General, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo.

Also, political leaders in the State, members of Community Development Councils (CDCs), and Community Development Associations (CDAs) attended the meeting.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu set the tone for the discussion, saluting the Federal Government for its commitment to restoring peace in troubled States. The Governor described the initiative as “a deliberate effort” to address causes of crisis and nip violence in the bud.

Sanwo-Olu said the coordinated arson that trailed the EndSARS protests was a wake-up call to all citizens of the country and security organisations to be vigilant and collectively move against actions that could undermine the wellbeing and security of Nigeria.

The Governor pleaded with the citizens to allow the seed of peace being sown to germinate, while also stressing the need to re-establish communication link between the Government and the people in order to thwart tendencies of those he dubbed fifth columnists and conspiracy theorists bent on employing disinformation and misinformation to destabilise the State.

He said: “The level of insecurity being experienced across the nation calls for serious concern, considering its implication not only on the socio-economic development and prosperity of our people but also on the unity and territorial integrity of our nation. The importance of an effective strategy for peaceful resolution of conflict cannot be overemphasised.

“We have the opportunity today to share knowledge and ideas that could pre-empt crisis situations through conflict resolution mechanism. That incident through which extensive damage was wrecked on public infrastructure and private businesses, is a wakeup call to all well meaning individuals and organisations that we cannot afford to allow external forces or factors threaten or undermine our wellbeing and security

“We have to reignite the communication link between government and the people so that fifth columnists or conspiracy theorists will not be able to infiltrate and spread disinformation and misinformation that would jeopardise the future of our country or the opportunities available for our youths to contribute to the greatness of our country.”

Aregbesola said the forum was the third stakeholders’ engagement which the Ministry of Interior initiated to strengthen peace across the country.

The Minister said the Federal Government particularly had a responsibility to deepen peace and reduce conflicts in Lagos, which he described as the cradle of the black race.

The Government’s interest in security, Aregbesola pointed out, is selfish, adding that no development would be achieved in a situation of insecurity.

He said: “The main purpose of the ongoing drive is to create an atmosphere of peace for our development. We may not have attained the most secured state at the moment, we must not take what we have for granted.

The nature of insecurity we are witnessing today is not peculiar to Nigeria. The world is increasingly facing insecurity whose main causes are armed conflicts, terrorism, banditry, organised crimes, food shortages, natural disasters and epidemics among others.

“We have a responsibility to deepen peace and reduce conflicts that are peculiar to our nation. This will enable us to bring down the number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) shelters dotting our land.”

Aregbesola also said it was time for the nation to fully harness the physical and intellectual energy of young people, who he described as “unique demographic”.

Dingyadi, who said the destruction witnessed in Lagos was painful, pointed out that the engagement couldn’t have come at a better time than now, noting that the State was in dire need of reconciliation, reconstruction and re-integration.

He said Lagos must be supported to achieve lasting peace in order to continue playing its “magnificent role” as the nation’s industrial centre.

“This dialogue will offer every community an opportunity to constructively add their input to the effort of sustaining peace and securing the country,” Dingyadi said.

The consultative forum moved into an executive session where discussions were held on ways out of the current situation.

The participants, in the 15-point communique issued after the meeting, called on the Federal Government to treat Lagos security as a national issue. The forum also called for increased intelligence gatherings by security agencies by working with neighbourhood security apparatus.

The resolution reads in part: “Government must move from the phase of advocacy on security improvement to the phase of action; restructuring of the Police Force must be a reflection of principles of true federalism.

“More attention should be paid to the youth, as they also have ideas that can assist in formulating better policies for Government. It is essential to create jobs for the youth in order to reduce social security challenges. However, Government must checkmate and identify young people engaging in destructive activities.

“Acquisition of adequate crowd control equipment and non-lethal weapons for management of civil protests and demonstrations. Reintroduction of value-driven programmes, such as Boys Scout, Girls Guild, in our schools to meaningfully engage young people.”

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LAGOS BEGINS RECRUITMENT FOR AGRIPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMME

 LAGOS BEGINS RECRUITMENT FOR AGRIPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMME

The Lagos State Government, on Tuesday, began the recruitment of eligible and interested candidates for the Batches 4, 5 and 6 of its Lagos Agripreneurship Programme (LAP) under its Agriculture-based Youth Empowerment Scheme (Agric-YES).

The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, who disclosed this in Lagos today, noted that the programme was in furtherance of the State Government’s objective of training no fewer than 15,000 youths and women in the various agricultural value chains by the year 2023.

She pointed out that the one-month training exercise is aimed at improving capacity, creating wealth and employment in the agricultural value chains - poultry, piggery, aquaculture and vegetables.

According to her, the strategic inclusion of the LAP Programme would efficiently reduce unemployment, create jobs and alleviate poverty in the State, as well as attract and pay more attention to the creation of jobs for women in agribusiness.

In her words: “Following the training of a total of 400 participants under three batches of the Lagos Agripreneurship Programme, L.A.P, Lagos State will begin the recruitment and shortlisting of interested candidates for the Batches 4, 5 and 6 of the Programme”.

“The current reality and exigencies of job creation for the teeming youth population and attainment of food security requires that a more aggressive, strategic and efficient approach be employed in the training and empowerment of women and youth, if Lagos State is to achieve a significant reduction of unemployment, create more jobs and wealth and also significantly enhance food security in the State by the year 2023”, Olusanya said.

The Commissioner noted that the significance of the training would be the creation of 2000 Agro-Entrepreneurs who would, in turn, become job creators, promote food security, improve nutrition and general well-being of Lagosians, as well as create at least 4000 indirect jobs per beneficiary annually.

Other expected impacts, according to her, are the enhancement of the economic activities of the surrounding communities, reduction in the overall rate of unemployment, reduction in crime rate within the State and promotion of the State's target of producing at least 25% of the food consumed by residents before end of the year 2025.

The Commissioner maintained that the Programme has been specifically tailored for men between the ages of 18 and 35 years and women between the ages of 18 and 55 years, adding that candidates are expected to collect and submit application forms between November 24 and December 8, 2020.

Olusanya added that interested participants are also expected to sit for a written examination on Monday and Tuesday, 14th and 15th of December, 2020, while oral interviews would take place on Friday and Saturday, 18th and 19th December, 2020.

She, therefore, urged interested and eligible candidates with a passion for agriculture and a minimum of Senior Secondary School Certificate, who are also in good physical and health conditions, to collect the application forms free of charge at the Agricultural Training Institute, Araga, Epe; Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority, Oko Oba, Agege; Lagos Agricultural Inputs Supply Authority, Odogunyan, Ikorodu; Coconut  House, Mowo, Badagry and Ministry of Agriculture Area Office, Ajah, Eti Osa between Tuesday, 24th November and Tuesday, 8th December.

Shortlisted successful candidates would start the formal training at the Agricultural Training Institute, Araga, Epe, on Tuesday, 5th of January, 2021.

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2021 Budget: Ogun insist on value for money

 2021 Budget: Ogun insist on value for money

Ogun State government on Monday disclosed that in the year 2021 Budget, the great emphasis would be placed on the relative value and cost of each expenditure item and sub-head.

The government said it would continue to commit resources to complete and fund key infrastructural facilities capable of unlocking the socio-economic potentials of the State.

The State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun stated these at the Treasury Board Meeting on 2021-2023 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and 2021 Budget, held at the Oba’s Complex, Abeokuta.

He noted that next year’s budget would further showcase the administration’s commitment to good governance to the people.

Governor  Abiodun stressed the need for him and other managers of public funds to be innovative by devising new approaches to fulfill government policies and programmes, as a result of increased public expectations.

He noted that ‘the new normal’ demands more prudent management of scarce resources.

He emphasized that economic growth can only be measured in terms of planning and functionality of the economy. “Economic planning explains the control and direction of the economy adopted by the government to exercise its efforts’, he said.

“That is why the desire and approach to accelerating the pace of the socio-economic development in a State depend on key economic decisions made, not only by the government but by all stakeholders affected by such decisions.

“And, on the other hand, achieving the targets and objectives of the economic planning is largely dependent on the functionality of the government’s machinery, and those who manage the economy on behalf of the government. All this informs the deliberate and calculated approach our administration has adopted in the preparation of a functional annual budget for Ogun State since 2019”, the governor explained.

He said the Public Service, in its important role as implementators of government’s policies and programmes, must not only be dynamic and abreast with the government’s expectations of meeting the increasing public needs but be prudent and innovative in its approaches.

The governor noted that the Treasury Board meeting was to get the contributions of the state public servants who are the executors of government programmes and projects as well as to cross-fertilize ideas on how to have a budget that would meet the needs of the people.

Prince Abiodun while urging all hands to be on deck for a more robust 2021 fiscal year that would sustain policies and programmes, added that greater attention was focused on tackling the Covid-19 pandemic and boosting the economy this year, appealing to officials of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to present programmes and projects that would help in achieving the ‘Building Our Future Together’ Agenda of the present administration.

“For the coming Year 2021, we all have responsibilities to ensure a more robust fiscal Year that will sustain our policy and programmes towards the successful implementation of “Building our ​Future Together” Agenda. I call on all relevant stakeholders to continue to cooperate and collaborate with us towards building a more prosperous future of our dear State”,

The Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan, said the State, for the first time, was able to produce the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the Medium-Term Revenue Strategy, adding that revenue must be pragmatically and efficiently deploy to meet the economic downturn occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said though there were many things to spend money on, the resources are limited, hence the need to plan and get government priorities right.

The Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Dapo Okubadeyo, hinted that government remains resolute in abiding with international best practices on-budget implementation, observing that aspirations have financial implications and there was the need to raise and use funds judiciously.

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Fuel Price Increase: We Will Not Embark on Strike - NLC

 

Fuel Price Increase: We Will Not Embark on Strike - NLC

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Monday said it is not planning to embark on strike following the recent hike in fuel price by the federal government. 

NLC and trade union Congress (TUC) had on Sunday walked out of a meeting with the Federal government over what they called insincerity of Government 

 

NUT President, comrade Nasir Idris lamented that Government is not prepared for a sincere and honest dialogue on finding a lasting solution to the twin issues of petroleum price increase and electricity tariffs. 

He also said the government's conduct was not only a violation of fundamental terms of its agreement with labour but a calculated attempt to frustrate the process of an amicable resolution. 

NLC's Deputy President, comrade Joe Ajaero said the union had no strike option on its agenda for now

According to him, labour needs to consult widely before taking any decision to embark on any strike. 

The union However said labour staģed a walk out of the meeting with the government to express its anger over government insincerity.

 

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Buhari seeks Senate's confirmation of Yakubu as INEC chair

Buhari seeks Senate's confirmation of Yakubu as INEC chair

President Muhammadu Buhari has asked the Senate to confirm the appointment of Professor Mahmood Yakubua as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission for a second term in office.

Buhari’s request is contained in a letter read by Senate President, Ahmad Lawan on the floor of the Senate during Tuesday's plenary.

The President is seeking Senate's consideration and approval of his request for another five-year tenure for Yakubu.

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INSURGENCY: AIR TASKFORCE NEUTRALIZE MORE BOKO HARAM MEMBERS.

INSURGENCY: AIR TASKFORCE NEUTRALIZE MORE BOKO HARAM MEMBERS.

The Air Task Force of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has knocked out an Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) logistics base and neutralized several of their fighters in air strikes conducted at Tumbun Rego on the fringes of Lake Chad in Borno State.

 Coordinator, Defence Media Operations,  Major Gen. John Enenche made the disclosure in a statement he issued in Abuja, Tuesday. 

He noted that the mission was executed on  the heels of credible intelligence reports indicating that the location, with its makeshift structures camouflaged under dense vegetation, was being used by the terrorists as a hub for logistics items conveyed via the lake and its tributaries for onward transportation using trucks/ motorcycles.

According to him, the Air Task Force therefore dispatched Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets and helicopter gunships to attack the location, resulting in the destruction of the terrorists’ structures as well as the neutralization of several of their fighters.

Enenche said the  Military High Command commends the Air Task Force for their professionalism and urges them to remain resolute in the conduct of operations in order to rid the Country of all terrorists elements.

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Trump Imposes $15,000 Visa Bond On Nigerians And Others Visiting US

Trump Imposes $15,000 Visa Bond On Nigerians And Others Visiting US

Nigerians planning to visit the United States will have to cough out between $5,000 to $15,000 visa bond.

The United States under President Donald Trump has placed Nigeria and other countries on a visa bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.

The new temporary rule means that tourist and business travellers from a dozen African countries, including Nigeria will pay a bond to visit the United States.

The new rule will take effect from 24 December.

Other countries whose tourist and business travellers could be subject to the bond requirement are those from Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Sudan, Chad, Angola, Burundi, Djibouti and Eritrea.

Afghanistan, Bhutan, Iran, Syria, Laos and Yemen are also listed.

Nigerian travellers will have to pay the bond as some categories of visitors overshot the threshold of 10 percent and above overstaying rate.

Overall, out of 177,835 Nigerians who visited the US in 2019, the overstaying rate was between 9.45-9.88 percent.

A total of 17,566 overstayed. Out of the figure, 764 departed late and 16,802 stayed in the country.

But in other classifications, 11.12 percent of 9,336 Nigerian non-immigrant and exchange visitors overstayed.

Another 13.67 percent of in-scope nonimmigrant visitors also overstayed same year.

The U.S. State Department said the temporary final rule, which takes effect Dec. 24 and runs through June 24, targets countries whose nationals have higher rates of overstaying B-2 visas for tourists and B-1 visas for business travellers.

The Trump administration said the six-month pilot program aims to test the feasibility of collecting such bonds and will serve as a diplomatic deterrence to overstaying the visas.

Trump, who lost a re-election bid earlier this month, made restricting immigration a central part of his four-year term in office.

President-elect Joe Biden, a Democrat, has pledged to reverse many of the Republican president’s immigration policies, but untangling hundreds of changes could take months or years.

Via Reuters

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Don’t Mistake Pity For Love

 Don’t Mistake Pity For Love

.

Love is such a beautiful feeling. It is fun, free and playful. When you are in love with someone who loves you too, you are at peace. You feel happy and radiate. You are not afraid because you know your heart is safe.

We all yearn to be loved. We all need a shoulder to lean on especially when we are down, and going through the darkest moments of our lives. This is the time to guard your heart jealously because you are vulnerable and unable to differentiate what exactly you feel. But unfortunately, at such times, people tend to fall harder thinking they are in love.

Most people fall in love easily when they are down. Their own definition of love is the person who stands by them in their time of need. Just little acts of kindness from a friend or total stranger and they fall passionately for the person. They mistake anyone who alleviates their suffering or protects them from hurt as someone who loves them.

Pity is the compassionate sorrow we feel towards the suffering of others. Show of compassion can feel like a loving attention, and it can make the giver feel like they are acting out of love because compassion is a kind of love that could be mistaken for a romantic love. You should naturally feel pity for someone you genuinely love when they are suffering, but if you take the pity away, what else do you feel for them? What is left when the wounds have healed?

It is very easy to mistake pity for love. We often meet people who are in need and we feel pity and compassion for them. It makes us want to hold, protect, care, and help them heal. Unfortunately, many relationships begin like this. One cares for the other, and it is this flow of suffering and pity that defines and keeps the relationship afloat.

This is not to say that love cannot grow out of a relationship that begins with suffering and pity, but if pity is mistaken for love, what remains when the suffering ends and the people involved become emotionally detached and incompatible?

Most times, when people fall out of relationships they thought was love, they are usually confused because they gave their all to make the other person happy, but they didn’t realize that it was not love they felt but pity. And because the recipient of their pity called it quits, they feel that love is one big lie.

They refuse to accept or even understand that they were confused by their own feelings or definition of what love is. What they thought was love was compassion for another person. They feel hurt after providing solace for the person in need and they refuse to stick around out of pity because nothing else is keeping the relationship going.

At the end of such confused relationships, it is most likely you would hear the hurting partner say, “after all I did for you, even when no one else was there, I stood by you. What else do you want?” The truth is that all you did was out of compassion, and they are bored already because outside your pity, they can’t see anything that makes you both compatible. It’s so bad that you both hardly have anything to talk about any more, so your illusion of love is shattered.

One big mistake people make is to marry or stay put in a relationship out of pity. It is not that they love you or want to spend the rest of their lives with you, but they feel compelled to marry you out of pity for being there for them at their lowest moment. They then marry you as a form of compensation

When you marry or stay in a relationship out of pity, you might eventually meet someone else you are actually interested in and once this happens, you may never be happy in your marriage or relationship again. And the possibility of cheating on your partner either sexually or emotionally with another is very high.

When it comes to settling down, a lot of people look out for those who were there for them in their time of need, not minding whether they are compatible on important life issues. If you settle for a man or woman because of how much they invested in you or how they were there for you when the chips were down, you may be in big trouble already.

True love is genuine and comes from within. When you marry out of pity, your love is fake, it means you are not who you pretend to be. It feels like you are doing your partner a favour by being with them. That relationship will not be a happy one for you because you are likely to feel miserable in it. Regret sets in, contempt and resentment follows, you become total strangers and emotionally distanced..

You need to be loved and wanted, not to be pitied. Nobody does anyone any good, stuck in a relationship for pity sake. If you don’t feel love for him/her, don’t hide under pity, let them go. They will curse, sulk or even hate you now or even till eternity, but you did the right thing not leading them on, they deserve better and so do you.

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