Home Blog Page 194

LAGOS SPEAKERSHIP TUSSLE: IT’S STALEMATE AS GAC DARES TINUBU

By
blacktalker
-
0

In what appears to be a game of political brinkmanship, the almighty GAC is bearing its fangs on the founder and the initiator of the powerful political clique in Lagos State-Governance Advisory Council.

In sharp contrast to the known and established tradition of the modus operandi of the GAC in taking decisions affecting governance and political issues in the State, the voice of its founder is becoming irritating to their ears while his words are just being treated as mere conjecture, fit for the trash bin. 

The last outing of the group on Monday, February 3rd at the Marina State House smacks of seemingly a major shift in political control as majority of the members are dancing to the tunes of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as the new powerful man in charge, as President Tinubu now domicile in the Federal Capital Territory and too occupied with the multitude of national affairs.

This is the exact script that was staged as the settlement is still out of sight in respect of the crisis rocking Lagos State House of Assembly arising from Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa’s removal as Speaker.

The January 13 decision of 32 lawmakers to remove Obasa from the exalted seat and elected Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda into the office has been met with opposition from the erstwhile Speaker and his supporters, within the fold of the rulling party in the State, the All Progressives Congress in Lagos.

Senator Anthony Adefuye and Chief M.A. Taiwo, two illustrious members in the Governance Advisory Council, GAC, took turn to criticise the impeachment of the lawmaker representing Agege Constituency 1 describing the process as “illegal.”

Their position, according to certain report gained support of President Bola Tinubu.

President Tinubu, a tested democrat is said to have described Obasa’s removal as “coup” and ordered Meranda’s resignation and the reinstatement of Obasa, pending the time a new Speaker would be elected.

The presidential directive, according to updates is facing resistance from the quarter of conservative members in GAC under the leadership of Prince Tajudeen Olusi.

Report about what went down at GAC meeting has emerged. The meeting purpose was reportedly to finalize plans on the presidential directive.

Sources stated that Prince Olusi who is GAC Chairman and leader of Justice Forum, took a different course from the one laid down by the President.

“As usual, Baba Olusi presided over the meeting and said things to the effect that the President directed them to maintain the present arrangement in the State House of Assembly.

In similar vein, he requested the ranking Honourable Members from Lagos West to select 3 among them and forward the names to him, for onward presentation to President Tinubu. 

Apparently, this was staged as there was prior meeting among the Justice Forum members of GAC where the names of Hon. Temitope Adedeji of Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency 1, Hon. David Setonji of Badagry Constituency 2 and Hon. Wale Rauf of Amuwo-Odofin Constituency 2 were finalized upon and shortlisted for presentation to the President.

As part of the dramatic scenes, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro had briefed Hon. Wale Rauf to reject the overture on behalf of his colleagues from Lagos West and he stood up to do just that, affirming that they have resolved to support the speakership of Hon. Mojisola Meranda. This development led to coercing all the lawmakers to sign an undertaking in this regard, which will also, be presented to the President as evidence.

“The contradictory statement from Baba Olusi riled Senator Ganiyu Solomon, another distinguished member who told him that he was misquoting Tinubu’s instruction to the members.

“The meeting was characterized by tension to the point that it ended in a deadlock,” the source narrated.

Another revelation suggests that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whose relationship with Obasa is strained is complicit in the opposition to Obasa’s reinstatement in line with Tinubu’s instruction to return him to his previous office in temporary position.

“Tinubu’s instruction does not also sit well with Governor Sanwo-Olu, but he is careful of being seen to be openly opposing the presidential order.

“On the eve of the meeting he met with some progressive members to brief them about the exact directive of Mr President. 

“That same day, he equally had a meeting with some lawmakers to encourage them to continue their opposition to Obasa returning as the Speaker of the House,” the source said.

LASU INDUSTRIAL AND SYSTEMS ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT HOLDS COMMENCEMENT LECTURE

By
blacktalker
-
0

The Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering has held its commencement lecture on Tuesday, 28th January, 2025.

The commencement lecture with the theme: “Industrial Engineering: A Catalyst for Sustainable Infrastructure, Inclusive Growth, and Innovation” was well attended by staff and students of the University.

The event featured two prominent guest speakers; Engineer Gbenga Komolafe, Fnse, OFR, L.L.BL, the Commission Chief Executive, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and Professor Ayodeji Emmanuel Oluleye, former Dean, Faculty of Technology, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. The duo ignited the audience by their presentations.

The speakers communicated key principles of Industrial Engineering and how the principles could be used to solve problems challenging our nation.

According to the organisers the event was meant to create awareness about the new Department to the general public.

natnudO Foods Partners Edo State to Launch natnuPreneur Seller Scheme Hub, Spoke Model

By
blacktalker
-
0
From left: Mrs. Onyekachi Ayevbuomwan, Program Coordinator, Heifer Nigeria; Dr. Lekan Tobe, Country Director, Heifer Nigeria; Mrs. Blessing Okpebholo, First Lady of Edo State; and Mr. Alaba Yunusa, Deputy Head of Business, natnudO Foods, during the official launch of the natnuPreneur Seller Scheme Hub & Spoke Model in Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday, 30th January 2025.

…Empowering Smallholder Farmers and Enhancing Protein Accessibility

natnudO Foods, a division of Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Limited, has officially launched the natnuPreneur Seller Scheme Hub & Spoke Model in Edo State. 

This initiative, introduced in partnership with the Office of the Edo State First Lady and Heifer International, aims to empower agripreneurs and smallholder farmers while improving access to affordable animal protein.

The scheme features a Hub and Spoke distribution model designed to enhance local food supply chains. Each Hub is equipped with solar-powered freezers for product storage and distribution, while attached Spokes—comprising small vendors—are provided with push carts and parasols for daily sales. This model not only strengthens small businesses but also enhances local animal protein availability in Edo State.

The unveiling ceremony took place at the natnudO Foods Processing Plant along Presco Road in the Obayanto community, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, in Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday, 30th January 2025.  

During the event, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, handed over the empowerment equipment—including solar-powered freezers and insulated carts—to the first batch of beneficiaries, mostly women.

She encouraged them to maximize this opportunity to boost animal protein supply, improve earnings, and enhance their overall standard of living.

Mrs. Anani also commended the collaboration between natnudO Foods, the Edo State Government, and Heifer International, emphasizing the collective vision to empower women and young entrepreneurs.


“Let us build an ecosystem that fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. Together, we can create a brighter future for our people,” she stated.

Speaking at the event, Alaba Yunusa, Deputy Head of Business for natnudO Foods, who represented Dr. Oduntan, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. 

He reiterated that the natnuPreneur programme is committed to increasing local production, creating economic opportunities, and ensuring quality protein is accessible to all Nigerians.

He highlighted that natnudO’s abattoir in Edo State can process 10,000 birds daily while also leveraging innovative technology to support smallholder farmers.

As part of its ongoing expansion, natnudO Foods commissioned a new processing plant in Benin City in November 2024. This facility joins other natnudO plants in Akinyele (Oyo State), Uyo (Akwa Ibom State), and Kaduna State, reinforcing the company’s commitment to boosting food security and making quality animal protein affordable for all Nigerians.

Lagos Strengthens Ties with Nigeria Immigration Service to Enhance Tourist Entry Process

By
blacktalker
-
0

Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka has reiterated the state government’s commitment to facilitating smoother entry process for tourists arriving in the state.

Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka stated this when she paid a courtesy visit to the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, Mrs. Kemi Nandap at the NIS headquarters in Abuja on Friday.

The Commissioner hinted that the meeting comes in response to a significant surge in tourist interest following a highly successful fourth quarter of 2024 for Lagos’ tourism sector.Lagos Strengthens Ties with Immigration Service to Enhance Tourist Entry Process.

According to her, with increased migration expected, there is need for an  efficient entry processes to maintain Lagos’ reputation as a leading destination in Nigeria.

The discussions also focused on strengthening institutional cooperation to support the state’s growing tourism industry and ensuring that visitors experience hassle-free immigration clearance upon arrival.

Health Emergency Initiative Partners U.S. Diplomatic Mission to Train Teachers on Life-Saving Skills

By
blacktalker
-
0

….Targets over 1,000 Teachers in Lagos, Rivers State.

As part of an initiative to improve emergency response in Nigerian schools, the Health Emergency Initiative, HEI, in partnership with the United States Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, has commenced the training of secondary school teachers in life-saving first aid and emergency response skills.

The training, conducted under a Train-the-Trainer (TOT) model, aims to equip teachers with essential pre-hospital emergency care skills to ensure the safety of students and communities. The initiative follows a five-year approval from the Lagos State Ministry of Education to integrate emergency response training into the secondary school curriculum.

Speaking at the launch, Executive Director and Founder of HEI, Pascal Achunine, emphasized the urgent need for emergency response awareness in Nigeria.

“Over 80% of the population do not know emergency numbers to call or what to do in a crisis. This program will train teachers, who will in turn train thousands of students and others in their communities,” Achunine stated.

He said the first phase of the training, supported by LFR International USA, targets 50 teachers across six education districts in Lagos and Rivers State, with a projected reach of over 1,000 teachers within 90 days.

Achunine noted that since its inception, HEI has trained over 126,000 people, including students, teachers, police officers, and emergency personnel.

According to the Ashoka Fellow, with more government agencies and corporate organizations showing interest in emergency response training, HEI hopes this initiative will gain nationwide recognition and support. “We are not just teaching theory; we are building a culture of saving lives,” Achunine concluded.

On her part, the lead trainer at HEI, Dr. Abigail Mkperedem stressed the importance of teaching pre-hospital care to educators.

“Teachers are not just educators; they are caregivers who often notice health issues before parents do. By equipping them with emergency skills, we enhance their ability to respond effectively,” she explained.

During the training, participants learned CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), first aid for burns, choking, seizures, bleeding, and heart attacks. Teachers were also introduced to the Dr. ABC emergency response method—Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, and Circulation—which helps assess and manage medical emergencies efficiently.

Adeoti Oluwafemi Samuel, a Physical and Health Education teacher from Lagos Education District 4, praised the initiative.

“This training has refreshed my knowledge and inspired me to implement practical first-aid lessons for my students. The goal is to ensure they can apply these skills in real-life situations,” he said.

Taiwo Adebisi, a teacher from District 5, highlighted the significance of the lessons on burn care.

“I used to believe in traditional remedies like applying toothpaste on burns, but now I know the correct procedure—running clean water over the burn instead,” she shared.

Anambra State Introduces New Security Measures to Enhance Safety of Citizens

By
blacktalker
-
0

The Governor Charles Soludo administration has introduced new security measures to strengthen the state’s security architecture and promote a secure environment for Anambra State residents and visitors.

The security directives from the Office of the Special Adviser on Community Security were issued to hotel owners, landlords and landladies, president generals of town unions, and with a whistleblowing policy.

In a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, the directives for hotel owners state that hotel guests must provide a valid government-issued national identity card, international passport, or voter’s card to the hotel management, and the photocopy of the documents submitted to the president general of the community, who will then forward them to the local government mayor and the state government.

According to the statement, the penalty for non-compliance will be the forfeiture of the hotel facility and potential persecution.

It also contained in the directive, landlords and landladies must obtain a form from their President General for each tenant with a government-issued identity, and submit it to the state government, as failure to comply will result in property forfeiture and persecution.

With the new order, President Generals of town unions are now chairmen of the security committee of Agunaechemba, the state’s security system, in their respective communities. They are to foresee the daily operations of the security network, with a monthly report to the state government, and a suspension and potential sanction for any default.

Furthermore, the whistleblowing policy encourages the public to report any suspicious activities or kidnappers to the state authority, as a reward of N5 million or more will be given to anyone with valuable information that will lead to any arrest.

Governor Soludo’s administration therefore urges the cooperation of every citizen and stakeholder with these directives to ensure the safety and property of the people.

Wema Bank unveils 80th Anniversary Identity

By
blacktalker
-
0

In preparation for its 80th anniversary, Wema Bank, Nigeria’s foremost innovative bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has unveiled the identity for its 80th anniversary celebration.

Set for Friday, May 2nd, 2025, this grand anniversary would serve as the hallmark of Wema Bank’s 80-year journey of unmatched resilience, profound impact and notable transformation from being Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank to becoming Nigeria’s foremost and leading innovative bank.

Wema Bank’s impressive 80-year legacy has been one exemplified by immense growth, with the Bank evolving intelligently through the decades, embracing innovation to break new grounds and raising the standards of banking and financial services to provide an unparalleled experience for its customers and stakeholders, both internally and externally.

Now on the cusp of its milestone celebration of 80 years, Wema Bank stands at its all-time strongest, proving to be a formidable force in the African financial services industry.

All eyes are peeled in anticipation of what Wema Bank will bring on in the coming weeks, as its 80th anniversary celebrations begin to unfold.

FATAL ROAD ACCIDENT CLAIMS ONE LIFE, INJURES FIVE OTHERS ON IBADAN-LAGOS EXPRESSWAY

By
blacktalker
-
0

……..Ogun Police Command Urges Motorists to Apply Reasonable Precautions While Driving.

The Sagamu Divisional Police headquarters has reported a fatal motor accident that occurred on February 1, 2025, at about 9:00 AM before Redemption Camp along the Ibadan-Lagos Expressway, Mowe.

The accident involved a Mack 40-ft container truck with registration number T-24572 LA, driven by Mr. Sanni Saifullahi of AY and Rolly’s Ventures, Magodo, Lagos, and a Toyota Sienna vehicle with registration number FST 525 YJ, driven by Mr. Sunday Okpe of Miracle Ultima International Ltd.

According to preliminary investigations, the Toyota Sienna was en route from Osun State to Lagos, carrying seven passengers. The driver reportedly lost control of the steering and crashed into the rear of the container truck. The impact led to the tragic death of a passenger, Ms. Miracle Chibuzor of Miracle Ultima International Ltd, who was seated in the front.

Five other occupants sustained varying degrees of injuries and were promptly transported by motor traffic police to Famobis Hospital, Lotto, Mowe, for medical treatment.

The deceased’s body has been evacuated to Idera Morgue for an autopsy and official death certification by medical practitioners. Meanwhile, traffic police visited the scene to clear congestion and prevent further accidents caused by onlookers.

The wreckage of the vehicles involved in the accident have been towed to the Sagamu Police Station for safekeeping and inspection by Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO).

Authorities urged drivers to maintain safe distances from heavy-duty vehicles and exercise caution while driving to prevent avoidable accidents.

TRANSFORMING LOCAL COUNCILS: FORMER LGSC CHAIRMAN OUTLINES STRATEGY FOR EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE

By
blacktalker
-
0

A former Chairman of Lagos State Local Government Service Commission, Alhaji Babatunde Rotinwa has outlined a comprehensive approach to improving governance and service delivery at the grassroots level.

While making a presentation during the just concluded Local Government Summit, organized by Lagos State Local Government Service Commission in Lekki, Rotinwa highlighted key areas for reform and development, emphasizing accountability, innovation, and citizen engagement.

He affirmed that with strategic reforms, innovative funding, and increased citizen participation, local governments can become engines of development, ensuring that communities thrive and governance is brought closer to the people.

Speaking on the theme: “Strengthening Grassroots Governance & Service Delivery in Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas, he stressed that enhancing grassroots governance allows for direct representation and community participation, ensuring that local governments become more accountable and effective.

He underscored four critical benefits of strengthening grassroots governance & service delivery to include: Improved Service Delivery, Enhanced Accountability, Fostering Community Development and Revenue Generation by exploring alternative funding sources, such as public-private partnerships, to sustain development efforts.

Speaking further on a Roadmap for Effective Local Governance, Rotinwa proposed a structured action plan to ensure sustainable grassroots governance, adding that training, mentorship, and partnerships are essential in empowering local government officials.

Additionally, he listed a Four-Year Development Plan that prioritizes basic needs assessment, service provision, revenue generation, and infrastructure development. This includes improving water supply, healthcare facilities, education, waste management, transportation networks, and commercial hubs.

Despite the outlined strategies, Rotinwa acknowledged several challenges affecting local governance, including: Inadequate Manpower, Lack of Community Participation, Political Interference, High Cost of Governance, Asset Mismanagement, among others.


On the way forward, Rotinwa proposed Improved Funding Mechanisms, Accountability Mechanisms, Community Engagement, Infrastructure Sustainability, just to mention a few.

The former Chairman, emphasized that strong leadership is crucial for successful local governance, while also advocating visionary leadership, community-driven policies, and an unwavering commitment to service delivery.

“Success does not happen by chance; it is always a result of deliberate decisions and actions. By prioritizing grassroots governance and empowering local authorities, Nigeria can unlock sustainable development, improved service delivery, and a higher quality of life for its citizens,” he stated.

CGNS, DICT CONDUCT BATCH 2 OF TRAINING WORKSHOP FOR NEW INTAKES OF SANDWICH DEGREE, PART TIME, HND CONVERSION PROGRAMMES

By
blacktalker
-
0

The Centre for General Nigerian Studies, CGNS in collaboration with the Directorate of Information and Communication Technology, DICT has held the second installment of its training workshop for students in the Sandwich Degree, Part-Time, and HND Conversion Programmes on Saturday, 1st February 2025.

This follows the success of the training workshop it conducted for newly admitted full-time students for the 2024/2025 academic session on Monday, 26th January 2025.

The workshop aimed to familiarise students with the CGNS curriculum, registration procedures, and guidelines for taking tests and examinations at Lagos State University.

In his opening address, Prof. Mubashiru Olayiwola Mohammed, Director of CGNS and representative of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, said that the CGNS has streamlined the learning process by offering seven weeks of in-person classes, with the remaining lessons delivered via LASU Radio 95.8FM.

He explained that weekly online quizzes would contribute to Continuous Assessment (CA), and that examinations would be conducted online. According to him, the online examination format, which allows students to take tests using their mobile phones, aims to eliminate the challenges associated with overcrowded exam halls.

Prof. Mohammed also highlighted the importance of purchasing the CGNS compendium, which outlines the courses for the entire duration of the programme.

Prof. Toyin Enikuomehin, Director of DICT, represented by Deputy Director Mr Henry Randle, introduced the DICT’s services to the students, emphasising LASU’s commitment to being a technology-driven institution.

He encouraged students to embrace a Do-It-Yourself approach to online enrolment, advising them to minimise their reliance on cybercafes to avoid technical errors that may require DICT’s intervention.

The insights shared by both directors laid the groundwork for the four facilitators who led the training sessions.

The facilitators included Dr Idowu Sylvester, Assistant Director of CGNS, Dr Famuyide Johnson, Mr Bolaji Ojediran, and Mr Todowede, all from DICT. Dr Ibikunle Ganiyu, Assistant Director of the Sandwich Degree Programme, also addressed the students, offering words of encouragement. Dr. Olawale Shittu, a member of the CGNS Board, delivered the vote of thanks.

Over 500 students from the Sandwich Degree, Part-Time, and HND Conversion Programmes attended the workshop, which took place at the Aderemi Makanjuola Lecture Theatre.

The final lap of the exercise will be conducted for students on the Epe Campus of the university on Friday, 7th February 2025.

1...193194195...271Page 194 of 271