The construction of 372 new classrooms are currently on across the 6 Educational Districts in Lagos State.
This is just as 31 Secondary and 5 Primary School Buildings are undergoing massive rehabilitation and will soon be completed for inauguration across the State.
These Projects are being executed by the Lagos State Special Committee on Rehabilitation of Public Schools, SCRPS, which is saddled with the statutory responsibility of providing basic infrastructure in all public schools in Lagos.
Chairman of SCRPS, Hakeem Smith, while fielding questions from journalists at the 2024 Inter ministerial Press Briefing held at the Bagaudu Kalto Press Centre, Alausa Ikeja, explained that SCRPS has till date rehabilitated 165 public schools. It also constructed 1047 new classrooms and built new hostel blocks in the boarding schools
Smith said 1593 beds were provided in hostels, while over 200, 000 units of composite furniture were also provided in schools, including Principals and Teachers’ furniture.
Construction of 18 classrooms block with offices at Awori junior college ojo Lagos
The SCRPS Chairman highlighted the State Government’s plans on the redevelopment of the Tolu School Complex, Ajegunle which plays host to 5 Primary schools, 15 Junior Secondary Schools and 16 Senior Secondary Schools with a total population of about 19,714 pupils.
He noted that work has since commenced on site which were divided into six Lots to enhance efficient project monitoring, supervision and delivery.
“All the sites are very active with Contractors working day and night to meet up with delivery date or deadline.
Construction of 18 classroom block with office at Thogli community grammar school. Iragon thogli Badagry Lagos
“Tolu School Complex currently is undergoing the construction of additional new 13Nos 15/18 Classroom blocks with offices and toilets in some of the schools having shortage of classrooms, renovation of identified dilapidated classroom blocks, construction of perimeter fences and gate houses, construction of new inner roads and drainages, rehabilitation of existing access roads, construction of health-care center, construction of fire service station, construction of multi-purpose sports complex, construction of facility management office, construction of other external works that is gates, food sheds/ canteens, External Electrical Works-solar powered floodlight.
“Provision of an all- inclusive school to accommodate people with disability and the provision of land for the ICT hub, central laboratory and arts/ creativity blocks under private sponsorship arrangement.
“It is pertinent to state here, that the vision of this administration is to make the Tolu School Complex an EDUCATION CITY when completed” Smith concluded.
Rehabilitation work at Temidire pry school, Alimosho
The Managing Director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has underscored the importance of maintaining a clean environment, to combat the spread of malaria.
He said this in a statement marking this year’s World Malaria Day, themed: ‘Accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world’.
The World Health Organization (WHO), had noted that approximately 249 million cases of malaria were reported worldwide in 2022, with an estimated 608,000 deaths, occurring mostly in tropical and sub-tropical regions, and remaining a major global challenge.
He said that while malaria was primarily transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, the prevalence and severity of the disease could be significantly reduced through preventive measures, anchored on a clean environment, as one of the most effective strategies.
According to him, “In the fight against malaria, prevention is key. One of the most effective preventive measures is to eliminate mosquito breeding sites by ensuring a clean and hygienic environment. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, waste dumps, and other unhygienic areas. By keeping our homes and surroundings clean, we can significantly reduce mosquito population and consequently, the transmission of malaria.”
Gbadegesin urged residents to actively participate in efforts to maintain a clean environment, by shunning indiscriminate refuse disposal, cleaning their surroundings, and patronising assigned PSP operators, adding that individual actions could have a significant impact on public health outcomes.
“Each of us has a responsibility to keep our surroundings clean. By properly disposing of waste, eliminating stagnant water, and adopting good sanitation practices, we can protect ourselves and our communities from the devastating effects of malaria”, he stressed.
The LAWMA boss reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to promoting environmental cleanliness and public health, with effective collection, transportation, and disposal of solid waste across the state, while also implementing educational campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of environmental hygiene.
“As the world marks World Malaria Day, I want to reassure residents of LAWMA’s total commitment to promoting environmental sustainability and public health. Through collaborative efforts between government agencies, communities, and individuals, a cleaner and healthier environment can be achieved, leading to a significant reduction in the burden of malaria and other vector-borne diseases”, he stressed.
For more information about LAWMA’s initiatives and how to support efforts to maintain a clean environment, please visit www.lawma.gov.ng or call our toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (0800-0052-962), 0708-0601-020 and 617.
…. Visits Westly Girls Senior Secondary School with charge for more female inclusion in ICT.
The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, APWEN, Lagos State Chapter, has commemorated the year 2024 International Day of Girls in ICT, with a charge for more female inclusion in the engineering profession and technology at large.
Chairperson, APWEN Lagos, Engineer Atinuke Wuraola Owolabi gave the charge, while addressing students of the Wesley Girls Senior Secondary School, Sabo yaba at an event organised by the Association to mark the day with the theme: “Digital Skills For Life”.
Engineer Owolabi, who said the issues bedeviling women’s development can only be solved by women themselves,noted that engineering is now broad and beyond the use of hands-on tools to solve problems.
She explained that the different aspects of engineering such as Electrical, Mechanical, Aeronautical and Agricultural Engineering among others, which girls can delve into and build a career around.
Still on the evolution of technology and its impacts on engineering, the AWPEN Chairperson said it is advantageous for girls to move with the wave of things by looking beyond the aforementioned subjects and tilt their creativity and innovations into the aspects of medicine in the area of biomedical engineering, Software Engineering, Data Science, Python and Cloud Computing.
Engineer Owolabi noted that the Association is training girls on how to write codes, data science, among other technology courses for early empowerment, as this will provide avenues for the girl child to impact their communities and nations.
On her part, president of Wesley Old Girls Association WOGA, Engineer Olusola Agboola, made it known that the Association invited the APWEN team to speak to the girls and encourage them to be creativeand innovative in order to spur their contributions to the growth and economy of their communities and the country at large.
In the highlight of the event, the APWEN team exhibited engineering work,conducted real life experiments with the students, while books on Data Science and Python learning were gifted to outstanding students after the innovation exhibition.
In 2024, International Girls in ICT Day was celebrated on 25th of April. This year’s theme for the Girls in ICT day celebrations is “Leadership“, to underscore the critical need for strong female role models in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers.
This is because although women now fill 40 percent of high-skill occupations globally, their participation in ICT-related fields continues to be low.
About one hundred and fifty tech enthusiasts also known as techies converged on the premises of the University of Lagos, UNILAG for the second edition of the Cavista Hackathon holding between April twenty-six and twenty-seven.
The forty-eight hour hackathon, featuring fifty students comprising hackers, coders, software engineers among others each from UNILAG, LASU, and YABATECH will see participants dive into the world of coding, problem solving and innovation.
Country Director of Cavista Tech, Dele Odufuye explained that the presence of the participants is a testament of their passion for technology and their drive to push technology beyond the existing horizons.
Odufuye, while charging them to embrace team spirit, collaboration and focus on gaining experience, said the hackathon will avail participants the avenue to learn and work with experts in the various tech sectors who have solved real world problems using technology and innovation.
In his remarks, Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande noted that technology is the language of the modern youth and innovation is the voice through which it speaks.
Olawande, while commending the Organisers of the hackathon, Cavista Tech for engaging young minds through technology, opined that youths can contribute to nation building by honning their skills and impacting their immediate environment and the Country at large.
The Minister charged participants to at the end of the hackathon, proffer home grown solutions through technology to the challenges bedeviling youth development at the grassroots.
Blacktalker, who was present at the Afe Babalola Hall in the University of Lagos, reports that twenty-eight teams from UNILAG, LASU and YABATECH with three to five person per team will engage in the ultimate test of skills, teamwork, ruggedness, and determination, while the winner goes home with a cash prize of one million naira, with consolation prizes of seven and five hundred thousand naira each for the first and second runners up.
Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, WAPA, says it is working earnestly in line with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda to empower residents through creativity and innovation.
The WAPA Commissioner, Bolaji Dada, stated this at an event to mark the 2024 edition of the World Creativity and Innovation Day with the theme; ”INSPIRE”
Dada, who said creativity and innovation are essential drivers of national success, fostering growth, adaptability, and competitiveness globally, noted that the Ministry has effectively keyed into that purposefulness in handling the task of empowerment.
According to her, there are nineteen vocational centres across the state and a total of four thousand, five hundred and ninety-two beneficiaries have graduated from the centres in the last year.
Dada said by tapping into the full potential of the students through their creativity, they can generate income, gain financial independence, and contribute to their communities economic growth and ultimately to the nation as a whole, thereby enabling self-reliance among women.
”It is important that everyone steps out and unleash the inherent potentials that they have to allow them to utilise their unique strengths, talents, and abilities, which can lead to personal fulfillment and success.
”You can pursue your passions, achieve your goals, and make a positive impact on the nation and the world around you knowing fully well that not all are driven into white-collared jobs.
”Additionally, realizing your potential can boost your confidence, enhance your self-esteem, earn you an income, and inspire others to do the same, especially at a time like this when creativity and innovation rule the world”, the Commissioner added.
The World Creativity and Innovation Day is a global United Nations day celebrated on April twenty-one every year, to raise awareness around the importance of creativity and innovation in problem-solving concerning advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
In its efforts to make water transportation, a viable and attractive option for Lagosians, the Lagos State Government is set to launch twenty-five new ferries into its inland waterway.
Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi stated this while briefing the Press about the achievements of his Ministry at the annual ministerial press briefing at Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.
He explained that the State Government is on track with the launch of the new ferries to strengthen the multimodal transportation system of the state in line with T.H.E.M.E.S. Plus development agenda of the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Osiyemi while assuring that the new ferries were built in accordance with international safety standards and regulations through private partnership, said the ferries will commence test runs and thereafter begin full passenger operations.
The Commissioner also mentioned that the Lagos Ferry Services, LAGFERRY is currently running public water transportation in twenty-four routes from sixteen terminals and jetties through its existing seventeen commercial boats and has recorded over two million ridership.
He recall that the recently commissioned 7 jetties and terminals at Ilashe Amuwo-Odofin, Ijegun Egba, Amuwo-Odofin, Marina, Badagry, Isalu Ajido, Badagry, Offin Ikorodu, Ito Omu Epe and Liverpool, Apapa, saying the commencement of passenger operations of the new ferries will facilitate easy accessibility through the terminals to the people of the State.
First Bank of Nigeria Limited, West Africa’s premier financial institution and leading financial inclusion services provider has been recognised as the Best Private Bank in Nigeria and Best Private Bank for Sustainable Investment in Africa.
This recognition was announced at the Global Finance ninth annual World’s Best Private Banks Awards for 2024 held at the Harvard Club of New York on March 21, 2024.
According to Global Finance, its Private Bank Awards honour banks that best serve the specialized needs of high-net-worth individuals as they seek to enhance, preserve, and pass on their wealth.
FirstBank’s Private Banking business model was revamped in January 2023 on the back of a stellar performance in 2022, to consolidate its position and maintain its pride of place as the leading Private Bank in Nigeria with distinct product offerings covering investment advisory, wealth management, asset management, and lifestyle solutions.
The Bank has remained consistent in reinventing itself, enabling success through the years of its existence for the last 130 years, responding to the changes in the private wealth space and the opportunities presented by certain factors like borderless technology renewed interest in mineral wealth, migration opportunities, and concerns for wealth preservation amongst many others.
Receiving the awards, the Group Executive, Private Banking and Wealth Management, FirstBank, Idowu Thompson, said; ”we are greatly honoured to be recipients of the awards Best Private Bank in Nigeria and Best Private Bank for Sustainable Investment in Africa, both testaments to our enduring commitment to continuously creating value by strengthening financial awareness and driving inclusiveness in our customers’ journeys from wealth creation, growth, preservation, and its orderly transfer.”
“We are delighted with the impact we have made in putting our customers first as this has played a very vital role in enabling their successes and contributing to national development. These awards are dedicated to our esteemed customers. We reaffirm our continued dedication to continuing to improve and delivering excellence in banking”.
Founder and Editorial Director of Global Finance, Joseph Giarraputo, said: “Private banking is an art as well as a science in which knowledge of economic and financial trends are paired with a deep understanding of client needs. Global Finance’s Private Bank Awards highlight institutions that deliver both.”
L-R: Dulce Chicon, Vice President of Global Finance in the Americas; Idowu Thompson, Group Executive, Private Banking and Wealth Management, FirstBank; and Folake Ani-Mumuney, Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications Department, FirstBank during a networking session at the dinner and award ceremony of the Global Finance ninth annual World’s Best Private Banks Awards for 2024 held recently in New York, USA.
Amongst other awards, FirstBank recently added to its awards kitty are Best Private Bank in Nigeria 2024 by Global Banking and Finance; Best CSR Bank in Nigeria 2024 by Global Banking and Finance; Most Innovative Digital Bank, 2024- Nigeria by Digital Banker Africa; the Most Innovative Banking Brand in Nigeria 2023 by Global Brands Awards; Financial Institution of the Year 2023 by Afrexim Bank; and Best Corporate Bank in Nigeria 2023 by Euromoney Awards for Excellence.
Amidst a rapidly evolving global landscape, First Bank of Nigeria Limited has demonstrated exceptional leadership in integrating sustainable practices into its banking operations. Through strategic investments, innovative solutions, and a steadfast dedication to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, FirstBank has remained a trailblazer in sustainable finance for its customers, irrespective of where they may be across the globe.
…Students demand justice after the death of Ajayi Abimbola Adejoke at School Clinic.
Students of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State have called for the conduct of a transparent and unbiased investigation into the alleged negligence of the staff of the School Clinic, demanding that any wrongdoing must be met with appropriate disciplinary measures.
This is after an HND student of the Leisure and Tourism Department, Ajayi Abimbola Adejoke lost her life at the school clinic of the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro due to alleged negligence on the part of clinic staff.
The students made their demands known in a statement jointly signed by the Student Union President of The Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Thanni Damilare Abdullahi, Deputy Coordinator NAPS Southwest, Oloyede Hassan, Sport Director NANS South West, Bammeke Solomon and NAOSS National Treasurer, Folarin Israel Goodness.
According to the statement, this incident, unfortunately, is not an isolated one, as reports suggest a pattern of indifference and neglect towards students seeking medical attention.
”The distressing reality is that this isn’t the first time such negligence has resulted in the loss of student lives. Despite being entrusted with the responsibility of providing medical care, the clinic staff’s alleged disregard for human life has led to preventable tragedies.
”As students, it is our collective demand for justice that drives us to speak out against these injustices. The loss of a fellow student is a loss to the entire community, and those responsible for such negligence must be held accountable.”
The students also said calls for a total reform and reshuffling of the clinic staff are not unwarranted as it has become evident that a systemic change is needed to ensure that such tragic incidents do not occur again in the future. This, they said will ensure students feel safe and assured that their health and well-being are prioritized when seeking medical assistance on campus.
Late Ajayi Abimbola Adejoke
”The attempt by the school to cover up the incident by falsely claiming that the student was pregnant and using medications is deeply troubling.
”It highlights a disturbing trend where the school management prioritizes protecting its reputation over the welfare and truthfulness regarding students’ health and safety.
”This act of misinformation is not only unjust but also undermines the trust and confidence that students and the wider community have in the school administration.
”It is unacceptable for the school to hastily conclude without conducting a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the student’s tragic demise.
”This is not an isolated incident but rather a manifestation of a systemic issue within the school’s administrative structure. The consistent lack of transparency and accountability only serves to perpetuate a culture of negligence and impunity.”
The statement suggested that relevant authorities be invited to intervene and hold the school and its management accountable for their actions.
”There must be checks and balances in place to ensure that the interests of students are prioritized above all else and that the truth prevails in matters concerning their well-being.
”Also, there is an urgent need for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding these incidents. Those found guilty of negligence must face appropriate penalties to deter future occurrences and uphold the sanctity of human life.
”The resolve of the student body is firm, as we stand united in our demand for justice. We refuse to accept complacency or indifference in the face of such grave injustices. The decision to confront this issue head-on reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students.”
”We are using this medium to call on all students to come out en masse to join us in our stance against this injustice. What happened to the student today could happen to any of us tomorrow. It is a sobering reminder that none of us are immune to the consequences of negligence.
”We extend our call for action to the school management and the government. We urge them to listen to our pleas and come to our aid in this critical time. It is their responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of students on campus, and they cannot turn a blind eye to the injustices that have occurred.
”Together, as a united student body, we have the power to demand accountability and enact meaningful change. Let us stand together in solidarity to ensure that justice is served and that no more lives are lost due to negligence.”
The Statement called upon the NEC of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, as well as the Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Student Engagement, to intervene in the matter because it is a Federal Institution.
It also urged them to ensure that students are protected from any form of victimization or reprisal for their participation in peaceful protests and advocacy efforts.
”Furthermore, we assert that if anything untoward happens to any student as a result of their pursuit of justice and exercising their rights, the school management must be held accountable. They must foster an environment where students feel empowered to voice their concerns without fear of retribution.
”Let it be known that we will not tolerate any form of suppression or silencing of student voices. We demand a safe and conducive environment where students can freely express themselves and seek redress for grievances without fear or intimidation. The responsibility lies with the school management and the authorities to uphold the rights and well-being of students at all times.”
Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Limited, a foremost agribusiness in the country, has supported the Nigerian First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s launch of the South-west Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Women Agricultural Support Programme and Flag-off of the 2024 Ogun State Planting Season with one thousand 5 weeks old Noiler Birds for 100 women.
This is part of Amo Farm’s efforts at empowering rural women and boosting food security in the region.
Also provided were 12.5kg of Amo Byng Grower Pellet, as start-up packs for small poultry farming, and a pack of Divertamin, a combination of essential nutrients for the Noiler Birds to attain optimum growth and production, for each of the beneficiaries.
The Noiler Birds were presented to the Ogun State Government at the unveiling of the RHI South-west scheme in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Tuesday, 17th April 2024, by Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, where Governor Dapo Biodun of Ogun State asserted that Amo Farm’s partnership with the state in promoting agriculture through empowerment initiative is very much commendable.
In her remark, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who is the National Chairperson of the RHI, said the scheme with the theme “Making Life Better for Families,” launched in February 2024, is aimed at motivating women in all spheres of endeavors, and in agriculture for productive impact, in line with the Federal Government’s food security programme.
She affirmed that grants of N500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) would be given to 20 women each in the agrarian sector, fishing, and animal husbandry from each state of the Southwest, as 100 persons with disabilities smiled home with N100,000 each from the event.
On his part, Amo Farm’s Group Managing Director, Dr. Ayoola Oduntan, who was present at the event, affirmed that the support for the RHI in the South-west was part of the company’s commitment to ensuring women’s involvement in agribusiness through Noiler farming, for food security, poverty eradication and provision of animal protein to curb malnutrition.
According to Oduntan, who was present at the event, the support for the RHI in the southwest was part of the company’s commitment to ensuring women’s involvement in agribusiness for food sustainability, wealth creation, and animal protein for improved well-being.
Impressively, the Noiler Bird innovation and Amo Farm’s poverty reduction scheme have been extensively documented and reviewed in the prestigious Harvard Business Review publication.
Launched in 2014 after several years of research and development through a selective breeding process, Noiler is a source of protein and a dual-purpose chicken breed that is similar in looks and taste to the native chicken, but is resistant to diseases, and produces four times more eggs and three times more meat.
It was developed to create a revolution in rural poultry (production) that will increase productivity and income for rural women and empower them through job creation, to transform access of poor households to source animal protein in Africa, while boosting the availability of food in the country and on the African continent, thereby solving the problem of malnutrition.
Like its eggs which are very nutritious for all age demographics, the Noiler’s meat contains all essential amino acids and is low in saturated fats and cholesterol.
Present at the event were First Ladies of the Southwest States, among others from across the country, as well as royal fathers and other important dignitaries.
The National Broadcasting Commission, NBC says it will consider the review of the 2.5 percent gross revenue remittance imposed on broadcast stations in Nigeria by the Commission.Speaking during a meeting with key stakeholders of broadcasting stations in Nigeria, the newly appointed Director General of NBC, Charles Ebuebu, explained that this move is to meet emerging economic challenges in the country.He also said that the NBC management will review the NBC code in totality while assuring stakeholders present that the new management on board is committed to the welfare and interests of all broadcast stations in Nigeria.The DG also frowned at the court ruling in January 2024, which stopped NBC from imposing sanctions and fines on broadcast stations, and described it as an anomaly.He stated that while the commission is appealing the court ruling, it remains steadfast in its mandate.Ebuebu enlisted the formulation of comprehensive policies that support the growth of broadcast stations as well as the promotion of communication and dialogue as some of the core values of his administration.In January, Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court Abuja nullified the power of NBC to impose fines on broadcast stations for alleged breaches of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.Delivering Judgement in a suit instituted by the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) against NBC, following the Commission’s imposition of fines of N5 million each on a television station and three pay-TV platforms in 2022, for allegedly undermining Nigeria’s national security by broadcasting documentaries on banditry in Nigeria, Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia held that the NBC, being not a court of law, acted above its powers by imposing such fines.The Judge declared null and void the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code authorizing NBC to impose fines on broadcast stations for alleged breaches of the Code as it ruled that administrative and regulatory bodies could not exercise judicial powers.NBC had since appealed the judgement stopping it from imposing fines on broadcast stations at the Court of Appeal.
