Author: Lawanson Oluwatope

L-R: Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab; Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; Project Director of Arctic Infrastructure, Mr Lookman Oshodi; and Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Service and Water Resources, Mr Mahamood Adegbite; at the closing of the 10th Lagos International Climate Change Summit

Climate
By Oluwatope Lawanson
Lagos, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has
emphasised the need for increased and sustained climate financing and capacity building in tackling  effects of climate change.

Sanwo-Olu laid the emphasis  at the closing of a three-day 10th Lagos International Climate Change Summit held on Thursday on Victoria Island.

The summit had the theme: “Accelerating Climate Finance and Championing Local Adaptation Initiatives”.

The governor was represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat.

He called for a collaborative approach to bridge climate  financing gaps and empower local communities to develop and implement adaptation strategies.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to inclusivity and equity as well as strengthening of policy frameworks and regulatory environments to support climate action.

According to him, it will pave the way for a more resilient, sustainable and just future for all.

Sanwo-Olu  urged governments, financial institutions and international organisations to join forces in the fight against climate change.

“Climate action must be inclusive, ensuring that marginalised and vulnerable groups are not left behind.

“Women, youths, indigenous people and other under-represented communities must have a voice in the decision-making processes that affect their lives and livelihoods,” he said.

The governor also said that capacity building and knowledge sharing was imperative so as to empower local communities with skills needed to develop and implement adaptation strategies.

He said that the skills involved not only technical training, but also fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.

According to him, adaptation strategies must be tailored and implemented at the local level where climate change effects are felt most acutely.

“Let us accelerate climate financing, champion local adaptation initiatives and create a world that is more resilient, sustainable and just,” he said.

Earlier in his address of welcome, the state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, said that the summit served as a call to action for all to take proactive measures in protecting  lives and property of Lagos residents.

Highlighting some challenges of climate change in the state, the commissioner said that the unique geography of the state surrounded by water, waste management, among others, presented both opportunities and challenges.

“Lagos, as a state, has its challenges.  It is a coastal city surrounded by water, such as the Atlantic Ocean, which means we have to be proactive in taking steps to protect it.

“We must use water to our advantage, same with the waste around us,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Ijeoma Popoola

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Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat (Middle), laying a wreath at the Tomb of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo (MKO) Abiola alongside other Lagos State officials, friends and family members of  MKO

Democracy
By Oluwatope Lawanson
Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has urged Nigerians to commit to the principles of democracy  to make it deep-rooted in the country.

Sanwo-Olu made the call at the 13th National Discourse of  the Coalition for a Better Nigeria.

The event held at the residence of the family of late Chief MKO Abiola, the winner of the 1993 Presidential Election, in Ikeja.

The event had the theme: “Converting the Pain of June 12 Election Annulment To Gain for Present Administration”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that June 12, 2024, marks 31 years of the annulment of the presidential election.

NAN also reports that Nigeria has had 25 years of uninterrupted democracy.

Sanwo-Olu  was represented at the occasion by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat.

He said the nation was blessed with democracy which must be jealously  protected.

The governor  said that democracy remained the best form of government, expressing optimism that it had come to stay in Nigeria.

According to him, the fear of God and love for the country must have helped to sustain democracy in the nation.

“We must cherish our democracy and be democratic in all we do. Democracy is not about force but conviction of ideas.

“It is not about forcing one’s views on others, but about debate. We must talk about it and must come together to agree about it,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu urged public commentators to speak with the fear of God, be patriotic, love the country and adhere to the tenets of democracy.

He said that these were also essential for good governance.

“It is also important for citizens to be patriotic and protect the integrity of the country in order not to destroy the legacy of our forefathers, who paid the ultimate price for democracy, particularly the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola.

“It is important to respect our past heroes especially those that are still living,” the governor added.

In his lecture titled “Impact of June 12 on the Democratic and Economic Development of Nigeria”, Mr Debo Adeniran said that Abiola was a pillar of strength and hope for Nigerians and other  Africans.

According to him, Abiola made  sacrifices for Nigerian’s freedom.

Adeniran described the late Abiola as a good man and philanthropist, who served humanity and had welfare agenda.

“This was what made Nigerians  to give him their votes to become the president as they believed he would change the economic situation of the country.

Earlier in her welcome address, Mrs Lola Abiola-Edowor, first daughter of the late Abiola, urged Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration to achieve the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration.

Abiola-Edewor expressed optimism that by the end of Tinubu’s tenure, all his laudable dreams for the nation would have been realised.

“Rome was not built in a day; therefore, l urge you all to be patient with him and keep hope alive,” she said.

Abiola-Edewor thanked the federal and Lagos State Government for their support.

“It is my prayer that God will help President Tinubu  to steer the ship of the country successfully,” she said.

NAN reports that the highpoint of the event was laying of a wreath at the graveside of the late Abiola.

The wreath was laid by Hamzat.

The event brought together government functionaries, Abiola Family members, civil society groups and others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Edith Bolokor/Ijeoma Popoola

L-R: Former Executive Chairman of Ejigbo (LCDA), Hon. Kehinde Bamigbetan; Executive Chairman of Ejigbo (LCDA), Hon. Monsurudeen Bello; Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat; Ojon of Ejigbo, Oba Moruf Ojoola and other Royal Fathers

School
By Oluwatope Lawanson
Lagos, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in the future of all children.

He emphasised the state’s resolve to provide essential educational infrastructure that would shape the destiny of Nigeria’s future leaders.

Hamzat spoke at the inauguration of Akinsanya Ajaloleru Nursery and Primary School, on Tuesday, at Oke Afa, Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

The deputy governor said the inauguration was part of fulfilling the THEMES PLUS agenda of the state government.

According to him, this a move that underscores Gov. Sanwo-Olu administration’s unwavering dedication to nurturing the next generation of leaders.

He said that the facility was built due to the demand of the people of Ilamoshe community of Ejigbo for a public primary school in the community.

Hamzat said that the newly inaugurated government-run school would provide a safe learning environment for children.

“The new school will ease the stress of long-distance trekking for children in the ward, who previously had no nearby public primary school, making access to education more convenient and stress-free.

“Also, they will be shielded from the risks of traffic accidents that come with crossing the road, thereby ensuring their well-being and safety.

“I, therefore, urge you all to take ownership of the newly constructed edifice and ensure that it is kept safe for the children,” he said.

The deputy governor commended the LCDA chairman, Mr Monsurudeen Bello, for being innovative.

He charged him not to relent, as Ejigbo community would forever be grateful for his initiative.

In his remarks, the Lagos State House of Assembly member, representing Oshodi/Isolo Constituency II, Mr Oladipo Ajomale, urged the LCDA chairman to implement more  projects, including inner roads construction.

According to him, people always say that local government chairmen do not perform or work but the chairman has been able to deliver such a good edifice.

He said it was more beautiful than the private institutions within the local council area.

Ajomale, therefore, tasked Bello on initiatives that would enhance the living standards of the people of Ejigbo LCDA.

Earlier in his welcome address, the LCDA chairman explained that the school aimed at revolutionising the education landscape in the community.

He said it was doing so by providing an alternative to the costly private schools.

According to him, the school will alleviate the financial burden on residents and make quality education more accessible.

He said that, with calibre of teachers deployed by the State Universal Basic Education Board, the school had enrolled over 350 students in the first three months of operation.

Bello noted that the school’s strategic position was expected to enhance socio-economic activity within the surrounding community. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

LAW/SOA
Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Participants at LASU’s 27th Convocation Lecture on Tuesday

Technology

By Oluwakemi Oladipo/Oluwatope Lawanson

Lagos, June 4, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has  charged  the youth not to use technology for dubious activities.

The governor said that the youth should pursue  dignity of labour.

Sanwo-Olu gave the charge at the 27^th Convocation Lecture of the Lagos State University on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the convocation lecture had the theme:  “Embracing the Future: Navigating the Intersection of Technology and Humanity”.

“Desist from shortcuts to success, develop things and render services that people need or require,” the governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said.

He  emphasised the importance of technology in shaping  lives.

“Technology allows us to do things consistently, accurately and speedily, and it  saves cost,” he said.

The governor urged the graduating students to incorporate technology constructively  in their daily activities.

“We must be careful not to let it run our lives.

“Your future is in your hands, grab it,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews)

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Edited by Abdul Hassan/Ijeoma Popoola.

Democracy
By Oluwatope Lawanson
Lagos, June 4, 2024 (NAN) Women Arise and Kudirat Initiative for Democracy, two non-governmental organisations, have called for a united front to build a democratic nation that will serve its people.

Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, President, Women Arise and Dr Hafsat Abiola, President, Kudirat Initiative for Democracy, made the joint call in Lagos on Tuesday in remembrance of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, who was killed on June 4, 1996.

They noted that the challenge to national development had never been in military interventions but in the failure of democratic processes to deliver a better life.

They, therefore, enjoined governments to prioritise consensus building, development and delivery of tangible results to citizens.

They recognised the efforts and pro-democracy struggle of the late Kudirat Abiola and her ultimate sacrifice for democracy and human rights.

“We honour her legacy as a champion of democracy and human rights in Nigeria.

“Her sacrifice and that of others who fought for democracy remind us that the battle was not easily won.

“Unfortunately, the challenges that drove many to join the pro-democracy movement persist today,” they observed.

They, nonetheless, explained that in spite of the challenges, the progress made and the sacrifices of those who fought alongside Kudirat Abiola, would be forever acknowledged.

“We recognise that democracy is a continuous process that requires effort and dedication from all stakeholders.

“As we look beyond our borders, we see that democracy faces challenges across West Africa.

However, we believe that by working together, we can build a brighter future for all,” the groups said.

Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, simply Kudirat Abiola, was a Nigerian pro-democracy campaigner.

She was assassinated while her husband, Moshood Abiola, was being detained during the 1993 presidential elections.

She was arrested shortly after the elections, believed to have be won by her husband, were annulled.

Although she was assassinated in her car on June 4, 1996, her personality and death have remained symbols of struggle for democracy.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Kayode Olaitan

Unionists barricading Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja

Strike
By Reporters
Lagos, June 3, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Monday barricaded all entrances into Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, stopping workers from  entering into the premises.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) had directed Nigerians workers to begin an indefinite strike following inconclusiveness of discussions on a new minimum wage.

The labour unions had given the Federal Government May 31 deadline to approve and implement a new minimum wage.

NAN reports that last minute intervention on Sunday night by the National Assembly to prevent the nationwide strike was futile.

The Federal Government  has proposed N60,000 as the new minimum wage, while labour is demanding N495,000.

At the Lagos  State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, where almost all the state ministries are located, workers were locked outside  the gates by labour union leaders.

There was police presence.

NAN reports that the strike affected business activities in and around the secretariat, as some shops around the secretariat were not opened while the others were doing skeletal bbusineses.

At the Lagos State Television (LTV ) at Agidingbi, Ikeja, unionists also sent most workers back home.

A staff of LTV, who pleaded anonymity, said that only senior staff of the organisation were allowed into the premises.

The Lagos State Chairman of the NLC, Mr Funmi Sessi, who addressed workers at the secretariat, said that the union was determined to ensure compliance with the strike directive.

In Katsina, the state chapter of the NLC  vowed to ensure total compliance with the directive.

The state  Chairman of the NLC, Mr Husaini Hamisu, told newsmen that an NLC monitoring team would continue to go round  government and private organisations to sensitise  workers about  the need to join the strike.

“We are not going to engage them in a forceful manner but in a mature way so they will understand the importance of the strike.

“I want to assure you that this indefinite strike will continue until workers’ demands are met by the Federal Government,” he said.

NAN reports that at the federal and state secretariats in Katsina,  workers were seen walking around, while some management staff were working secretly.

Also,  schools  were closed while  normal activities continued at markets, fuel stations and motor parks. (NAN)

LAW/FOG/AABS/CEO

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Edited by Chidi Opara/Ijeoma Popoola