Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Category: Metro

Ogun State Governor Positions Adire Fabric as National Heritage in NIgeria

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has called on the Federal Government to adopt one of the state’s local fabric popularly called Adire as an attire for national events and as a cultural symbol in the nation’s foreign missions, to further promote the rich culture of Nigeria to the world.

Speaking at the official launch of Ogun Adire Digital Market Place at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto in Abeokuta, Abiodun advocated the making of ceremonial dress from Adire for the nation’s athletes taking part in international sporting activities.

To demonstrably walk his talk, the governor declared that starting from next year adire fabric would become official school uniform in all public schools in Ogun State.

According to him, “I want to call on all stakeholders in the information, culture and tourism sectors to partner with us in promoting this national heritage.

“I want to particularly call on our Honourable Minister of Information and Culture to help promote Adire at the national level. For example, members of the Federal Executive Council and other top government functionaries can adopt and adorn Adire for national events.

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“Our Foreign Missions could also adopt Adire fabric as a cultural symbol that will further project our rich culture to the world. Same thing could also be done by our Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports by making the ceremonial dress of our athletes from local fabrics such as our Adire.

“This will go a long way in promoting the local contents and give expression to President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration’s ‘produce what we use’ and ‘grow what we eat’ policies.”

Abiodun explained that Ogun Adire Digital Market Place designed to provide a global platform for the marketing and distribution of Adire fabric and its entire value-chain to the global markets and serve as a melting-pot for all participants in the entire system, by providing opportunities for a wider coverage of the market for people to reach out to vendors and transact businesses by logging into Adire Digital Mall.

He said plans have reached an advanced stage to make Adire an important aspect of every day life, as all top government functionaries in Ogun State now wear Adire on Fridays, just as plans are underway to make Adire part of school uniform, saying it would empower more people and further stimulate Adire economy.

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The governor called on investors to take advantage of the new Adire Ogun Digital Market Place by partnering and intensifying their collaboration with Ogun State in the development of arts, culture and tourism.

In his remarks at the event, Minister for Information and Culture, Lai Muhammed, applauded Ogun State for making efforts to showcase Adire in the international arena, noting that the action was in line with the Federal Government’s diversification policy.

Minister of Information and Culture in Nigeria, Lai Mohammed speaks at the Cultural Centre, Kuto in Abeokuta the Ogun State Capital.

He said Adire Ogun Digital Market Place would serve as a veritable platform to marketing local fabrics, create employment and promote the nation’s cultural heritage, calling stake to make the best of the opportunity.

Also speaking at the event, the Wife of the Governor Ogun State, Bamidele Abiodun, described the digital market place as a consolidation of centuries of creativity and enterprise which would benefit more women when exposed to national and international market, calling on producers to always think about the environment, by disposing used chemicals properly.

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To Alake of Egbaland, Oba Oludotun Gbadebo, Adire is a veritable foreign exchange earner. He charged all producers to properly handle chemicals used in producing adire, as it was dangerous and harmful to health.

Paramount Traditional Monarch of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo.

Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Oluwatosin Taiwo, in his part, said the state was blessed with world class tourism potentials that would generate foreign exchange.

He added that the history of Abeokuta would not be complete without Adire. He noted that depite influx of foreign fabrics, Adire continues to make huge impact in Ogun State and beyond.

Idowu Sowunmi

November 13, 2020
#EndSARS: ‘Destruction of Public Assets Will Hurt Nigerians in Lagos’ – Gov Ikpeazu

Abia State State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, has visited his Lagos State counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, where he declared that criminals who carried out the last month’s coordinated attacks on public assets and private businesses in Lagos State orchestrated the violence to hurt the whole country.

Ikpeazu condemned the arson, noting that Lagos remains a home for all Nigerians irrespective of tribe, language or religion.

He particularly thanked Sanwo-Olu for protecting the businesses and properties owned by Igbo during the violence.

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According to him, “I am here to commiserate and show my concern to my brother, governor of Lagos State, over the event that happened some two weeks ago.

“I’m particularly touched by the level of destruction, which will hurt all Nigerians living in Lagos. This is because Lagos is home to all – commercial city, it is a place where everyone speaks the same language.

“I want to particularly thank Governor Sanwo-Olu for giving protection to our brothers from the South-east during the crisis. This is an indication that our people and their businesses are safe in Lagos. We will continue to live as a united country. With all of us working together, we can keep flourishing.”

Ikpeazu urged Igbo living in Lagos to continue to abide by the laws of the state and eschew actions that may cause mistrust between them and members of their host communities.

L-R: Abia State Commissioners: Hon. Kalu Uduma (Budget and Planning); Dr. Aham Uko (Finance); Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola; Attorney-General & Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) and others in a group photo during courtesy visit by the Abia State Governor at Lagos House, Alausa, on Wednesday, November 11, 2020.

He said the political leaders had drawn a number of lessons from the recent youth protests against police brutality, saying governors were now inclined to drive up inclusion in their policies and programmes.

In his remarks, Sanwo-Olu appreciated Ikpeazu for taking the pain to travel down to Lagos from the South-east to identify with the residents over the violence. He promised that Lagos State Government would continue to support business aspirations of the Igbo and protect their rights to live in Lagos.

In a related development, indigenes of South-east and South-south living in Lagos have paid solidarity visit to Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House in Alausa.

The Igbo leaders, who were led by the governor’s Special Adviser on Drainage and Water Resources, Joe Igbokwe, restated their commitment to the growth of Lagos, while aligning with the move to rebuild the destroyed assets.

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Igbokwe said a true Igbo son could not have been part of those who set fire on the public assets, adding that Igbo people are known as builders.

“The attacks are unimaginable in terms of cost and worth. There is nothing that can make a true son of Igbo to participate in destruction of the land where our businesses have been most successful.

“There is an adage that says you cannot go and pass faeces where they put your food. We pledge our loyalty and stand by the Government and the people of Lagos,” he said.

Leader of the South-south indigenes in Lagos, Isaac Emiyade, on his part, said he had lived in the state since 1977 and had never witnessed public protests in which public assets were destroyed at such level.

Emiyade praised Sanwo-Olu for promoting cohesion among all ethnic nationalities cohabiting in Lagos, pledging that people of South-south residing in the state would continue to support move to strengthen peace and progress of Lagos.

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Responding, Sanwo-Olu said diversity remains the state’s strongest point, pointing out that the spirit of Lagos to host visitors and be a melting pot for all ethnic group has not been and cannot be dampened, despite violence visited on the state.

“One of our strongest point is our diversity. We must not allow what happened to demoralise our spirit to undertake the responsibilities which Lagos State has taken up.

“Lagos will continue to give everybody living here equal opportunity,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Idowu Sowunmi

November 12, 2020
Court Remands Ladies Accused of Murder Attempt on Osun Governor

Two ladies accused of attempting to assasinate Osun state governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, have been remanded by the state’s Magistrate court in Oshogbo on Wednesday.

The state Police Command that arraigned the suspects also accused them of stealing and vandalising Justrite, a mall in Osogbo.

The six-count charge against the 20year old suspects, Tajudeen Suliyat and Ayomide Abdulazeez, included attempted murder, malicious damage, burglary and conspiracy.

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The Gurdians’s Timothy Agbor reported that the Police prosecutor, ASP Idoko John, told the court that the accused persons committed the offence on October 17, 2020, at about 4:30 p.m. at Olaiya Junction, Osogbo.

According to ASP Idoko’s testimony, the accused persons conspired among themselves and unlawfully attempted to kill Governor Oyetola by firing guns and throwing stones at him.

Giving further explanation, Idoko said the accused persons did willfully and unlawfully damage 17 vehicles in the governor’s convoy.

The prosecutor also said that the accused on the same date at about 8:00 p.m. unlawfully broke and entered into Justrite Mall and stole laptops, mobile phones and phone accessories, all valued at N3,568,000, property of Ashiru Ibrahim Olayemi.

However, the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the allegations preferred against them.

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The defence counsel, Nurudeen Kareem, made oral application for the bail of the accused persons in most liberal terms, saying the offence against the suspects were bailable.

In his reaction, the prosecutor opposed the bail application on the ground that the accused persons will commit similar offence if granted bail.

In his ruling, Magistrate Olusegun Ayilara ordered the remand of the accused persons in Ilesa Correctional Centre till November 20, 2020 for ruling on their bail application, Timothy Agbor of The Gurdian reported.

November 12, 2020
Buhari, El-Rufai, Saraki, PDP Mourn Passing of Ex-Kaduna State Governor, Balarabe Musa

President Muhammadu Buhari; the Governor Nasir El-Rufai-led Kaduna State Government; former Senate President Bukola Saraki; and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have mourned the passing of the first elected governor of Kaduna State, Balarabe Musa, who served the state from October 1979 to June 1981.

While joining the government and people of Kaduna State in mourning Musa, Buhari said the former governor’s passing would be “sorely missed by all Nigerians, who have diligently followed his antecedents as a voice for the voiceless.”

The President believed Musa “reflected the passion and vigour that heralded Nigeria’s independence, which steadily translated into activism for return to democracy at the height of military interregnum and has remained steadfast in the call for good and inclusive governance.”

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As the former governor goes home, Buhari affirmed that he left “a bold footprint on Nigeria’s democracy, and his role in promoting good governance and development will always be remembered and appreciated by posterity.”

The President, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest, and comfort his family, friends and associates.

Announcing the death of Musa, El-Rufai said Kaduna State is proud of the public service the former governor rendered to the state and its people.

“Alhaji Balarabe Musa will be remembered as a progressive politician who tried in his time as governor to expand the horizons of opportunity for ordinary people.

“He made notable contributions to industrialising the state. As a leader, he demonstrated at the ballot box, the capacity of a political party devoted to the protection of the interest of ordinary people to acquire power democratically.

“As a private citizen, he projected the qualities of principled politics, decency, integrity, consistency and commitment to improving the lives of our ‘talakawa’ in Kaduna State and Nigeria.

“Despite the setback of his unwarranted impeachment from the office of Governor, Alhaji Balarabe Musa remained steadfast to his principles and spoke his mind often, helping to project a radical voice in public discourse in defense of democracy, and to advance social justice.

“As we pay tribute to his life of unblemished public service, we pray Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him al-Jannar Firdaus and to comfort his family,” said El-Rufai, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Muyiwa Adekeye.

In his condolence message, Senate President Bukola Saraki, described the passing of Musa “a renowned statesman who fought for our return to democracy and a former Governor of Kaduna State” as “a great loss to the nation.”

He therefore sent his heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Kaduna State, saying Musa would be “dearly missed.”

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On its part, PDP said it’s “deeply grieved by the death of elder statesman, outstanding democrat and former governor of old Kaduna state, Alhaji Balarabe Musa.”

The party described Musa’s death “as a huge national loss given his steadfastness, patriotic contributions and zeal in fighting for the unity, stability and development of our nation.”

“Alhaji Musa was a forthright leader, an embodiment of ideals, who spent better part of his life championing the entrenchment of justice, equity, fairness and rule of law in every sector of our national life, despite the challenges he faced.

“Our party commiserates with the Balarabe Musa family, the government and people of Kaduna State, as well as his friends and associates even as we pray that the Almighty God grants eternal repose to his soul and fortitude to the family and the nation at large, to bear this irreparable loss,” PDP said, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan.

Idowu Sowunmi

November 12, 2020
President Buhari Mourns Former Governor of Kaduna State in Nigeria’s North

President Muhammadu Buhari joins government and people of Kaduna State in mourning a former civilian governor of the state, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, whose passing will be sorely missed by all Nigerians, who have diligently followed his antecedents as a voice for the voiceless.

In a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President Media & Publicity, Garba Shehu, President Buhari believes Alhaji Musa reflected the passion and vigour that heralded Nigeria’s independence, which steadily translated into activism for return to democracy at the height of military interregnum and has remained steadfast in the call for good and inclusive governance.

As the former governor goes home, the President affirms that he left a bold footprint on Nigeria’s democracy, and his role in promoting good governance and development will always be remembered and appreciated by posterity.

President Buhari prays that the almighty God will grant his soul eternal rest, and comfort his family, friends and associates.

November 11, 2020
Nigeria President Buhari Reinstates Sacked UNILAG Vice Chancellor, Dissolves Babalakin-led Council

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday ordered the immediate dissolution of the Wale Babalakin-led Governing Council, University of Lagos.

This was coming as the Buhari administration gave reasons for the reinstatement of the suspended university’s Vice Chancellor, Toyin Ogundipe.

Though Babalakin and some members of the council have since tendered their resignation letters, the latest decision of to Federal Government was in fulfilment of the recommendation of a Special Visitation Panel set up by President Buhari to resolve the crisis rocking the institution following the controversial removal of Ogundipe.

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“President Muhammadu Buhari, and Visitor to University of Lagos has approved the Report of the Special Visitation Panel to University of Lagos.

“The highlights of the findings and recommendations approved by Mr. President are as follows:

“The removal of Professor Oluwatoyin T. Ogundipe as the Vice Chancellor did not follow due process.

“The Vice Chancellor was not granted an opportunity to defend himself on the allegations upon which his removal was based. He should accordingly be re-instated.

“All allegations made against the Vice Chancellor and the management of the University before and after the Constitution of the Special Visitation Panel should be referred to regular Visitation Panel for thorough investigation and necessary recommendations.

“The process adopted by the Council in the appointment of Professor Omololu Soyombo as Acting Vice Chancellor of the university was inconsistent with the provisions of the law relating to the appointment of an Acting Vice Chancellor.

“The Governing Council should be dissolved.

“Mr. President after careful review of the report has approved all the recommendations of the panel.

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“Accordingly, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe is hereby reinstated as the Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos.

“The Governing Council of University of Lagos Chaired by Dr. B. O. Babalakin is hereby dissolved,” said a statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Education, Ben-Bem Goong.

It would be recalled that Ogundipe was accused of financial impropriety and gross misconduct. He was removed controversially at a council meeting which took place at the headquarters of the National Universities Commission (NUC) in Abuja.

The relationship between Prof. Ogundipe and Dr. Babalakin became strained about two years ago.

Idowu Sowunmi

November 11, 2020
Banks in Ekiti Nigeria Fears Attack, Shuts Down as Police Withdraws

Following alleged withdrawal of policemen, commercial banks in Ikere-Ekiti, the headquarters of Ikere Local Government Area of Ekiti State shut-down on Tuesday.

According to report by Rasaq Ibrahim of The Nation, who visited the second largest community in the state, the financial institutions in the town as well as Point of Sale (POS) outlets were under lock and key due to fear of being attacked because of the alleged absence of policemen.

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The absence of policemen in the community is the aftermath of the recent EndSARS protest which was highjacked by hoodlums who took advantage to perpetuate their sinister motives.

It was learnt that the burning of two policemen and destruction of the Area Command in the unrest led to the absence of officers in the town since they had no station to operate.

“The town was said to have suffered the most grievous attacks and destructions during the last EndSARS protests: structures and property estimated at millions of naira were either burnt or vandalised.

“At the end of the attacks, the Area Command and divisional police stations in the town were attacked and vehicles as well as other vital items on the premises were either damaged or burnt”, The Nation’s Rasaq Ibrahim gathered.

According to report, banks in the town did not open for operation yesterday, Tuesday, due to alleged withdrawal of policemen.

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The situation, as it was learnt, consequently forced many customers who wanted to transact business to travel kilometres to Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, to access banking services.

in their reaction to the bank shut-down in Ikere-Ekiti, “some bank customers, particularly those who wanted to deposit money, withdraw money and transact other businesses, expressed disappointment over the development.”

They added that it had affected their businesses negatively.

A bank official, who spoke in confidence with The Nation, disclosed that the development was as the result of alleged absence of policemen in the community.

November 11, 2020
Sacked UNILAG Vice Chancellor May Return to Office Today

Suspended Vice-Chancellor of University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, may return to his seat own Wednesday.

This is according to The Guardian’s Iyabo Lawal who reported that the return of Pro. Oluwatoyin to the position of UNILAG VC followed the recommendation of the panel set up by the Federal Government to investigate allegations of abuse of office and financial recklessness levelled against him by the Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN) led Governing Council.

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A source confirmed to The Guardian on the condition of anonymity that Prof. Ogundipe has been exonerated from the charges of corruption and recklessness levelled against him and will return as Vice Chancellor of UNILAG.

Prof. Ogundipe who had been in loggerheads with the now resigned Chairman of Governing Council, Dr. Babalakin challenged his removal and refused to vacate office.

Echotitbits had previously reported that the Babalakin-led council named an acting vice-chancellor to take over from Ogundipe pending when a substantive VC would be appointed.

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“But following protests from the university community, particularly the Senate and the local chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Federal Government constituted an emergency visitation panel to look into the crisis and come up with recommendations.

“While the panel was yet to submit its report, Babalakin resigned his chairmanship of the council, faulting the composition of the panel, saying he had no confidence in them”, Iyabo Lawal of The Guardian stated.

November 11, 2020
Activist Sues 50 Persons Including Daystar Pastor Sam Adeyemi Over #EndSARS Protests

A human rights activist, Mr Kenechukwu Okeke, has filed a criminal complaint Against 50 persons including musicians Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Davido and the Senior Pastor of Daystar Christian Centre, Sam Adeyemi for their roles in the #EndSARS protests that took place nationwide in October.

Okeke sued them before a Chief Magistrate Court in Abuja on Tuesday, Channels TV reported.

In the suit brought before the court, he is asking that the defendants who promoted the protests be brought to justice for allegedly destroying his properties.

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Other defendants listed in the suit are musician, Folarin Falana popularly known as Falz and social media comedians, Debo Adebayo fondly addressed as Mr Macaroni and Maryam Akpaokagi also known as Taoma.

Others include Peter and Paul Okoye, Innocent Idibia, also known as TuFace, Bankole Wellington popularly known as Banky W, Tiwa Savage, Michael Ajereh (Don Jazzy) and Yemi Alade.

Human rights activist, Aisha Yesufu, former Super Eagles Star, Kanu Nwankwo, a former Director-General, Bureau for Public Sector Reforms, Doctor Joe Abah, Kiki Mordi, and actors, Yul Edochie and Uche Jombo, Feyikemi Abudu, Olorunrinu Oduala, Pamilerin Adegoke, Japhet Omojuwa, Ayo Sogunro and Deji Adeyanju., were also listed in the suit.

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In his supporting affidavit, Mr Okeke claimed that the defendants, using twitter and internet web source, played active roles in the #EndSARS protest which later became violent and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 97(2) of the Penal Code Act, C53 laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. According to Channels TV, no date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

November 10, 2020
Lagos Governor Presents N1.155trn Budget Rebuild Nigeria’s Commercial Capital

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Tuesday unveiled a 2021 budget proposal of N1.155 trillion before Lagos State House of Assembly.

Titled: “Budget of Rekindling Hope,” the Sanwo-Olu administration said it would be investing heavily in the development of human capital, with special focus on youth employment and provision of social safety for young people.

The focus, the governor added, would be raising human capital, creating jobs and strengthening security for businesses to flourish.

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Sanwo-Olu explained that the 2021 estimated expenditure is designed for the restoration of economic balance as Lagos State continues to navigate its way out of the negative impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the destruction of public assets, following the hijacked #EndSARS protests.

Governor of Lagos State, Nigeria, Babajide Sanwo-Olu presents a N1.155 trillion budget for year 2021 to the Lagos State House of Assembly, Tuesday, November 10, 2020.

The budget, the governor said, would be funded from a projected Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of N962 billion, pointing out that the N192.495 billion deficit would be financed through bond issuance, internal and external loans.

About N704 billion, representing 61 per cent of the total budget, is earmarked for capital expenditure in the proposed 2021spending: an estimate of N451.75 billion, representing 39 per cent, would go for recurrent expenditure, which includes personnel cost and other staff-related expenses.

Sanwo-Olu said the budget was designed to improve the state’s economic conditions and create the social safety needed for the youth and all hardworking residents to flourish. He said his administration would leverage its developmental efforts and focus on sectors with job-creating potential, such as agriculture, construction, technology and security.

According to him, “The year 2021 is one of Rekindled Hope, in accordance with recent events of global and national proportions, especially the coronavirus pandemic, the #EndSARS protests, the general feeling of disenchantment in the polity and the socio-economic yearnings of Lagosians for good governance.

“This budget reflects our desire to rebuild the trust of the people in this government, even as we commit significant human and financial resources to the rebuilding of Lagos, while doing all we can to move on from the destruction and vandalism recently witnessed in the state, barely three weeks ago.

“The COVID-19 pandemic and #EndSARS protests have only heightened the need to urgently implement various programmes under the T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda.

“The 2021 budget will, among other things, provide for youth employment, security, and youth engagement and social works. We are set to improve the economic conditions and social safety needed for our youth to flourish.

“We are committing resources to sectors that need to grow for our people to become self-reliant and economically empowered. In agricultural sector, our food security plan has a cumulative budget of N22.21 billion while we are committing a cumulative budget of N311.43 billion to provide infrastructure.”

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Sanwo-Olu revealed his administration’s strategy to keep the cost of governance low in the face of dwindling revenues and general inflation occasioned by multiple factors, announcing the repeal of Lagos State’s Payment of Pension Law of 2007, which provides payment of pension and entitlements to former governors and their deputies.

The governor said he would be sending an Executive Bill to Lagos State House of Assembly for the repeal of the Pension Law, noting that public service would now be predicated on selflessness in the state.

“In light of keeping the costs of governance low, we will be sending a draft executive bill to the House of Assembly imminently for the repeal of the Payment of Pension Law 2007 (Public Office Holder), which provides for payment of pension and other entitlements to former governors and their deputies.

“It is our firm belief that with dwindling revenues and inflationary growth rates, that we need to come up with innovative ways of keeping the costs of governance at a minimum, while engendering a spirit of selflessness in public service,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu also added that the proposed budget would support entrepreneurship and expand the opportunity of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to facilitate socio-economic advancement.

He pledged his administration’s commitment to continuously supporting entrepreneurs in the state through Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), saying this would also strengthen technical and financial support for beneficiaries to generate employment that would stimulate economic prosperity.

The governor said there would be increment in its financial commitment to youth mentoring, mental health support, and substance abuse rehabilitation. This project, he said, would be driven through the Office of the Civic Engagement, and Ministry of Youth and Social Development.

He said: “As we work on reviving the growth of our economy, we must commit resources to our state-wide security architecture, especially in the areas of intelligence gathering and the motivation of all security personnel in the Neighbourhood Watch.

“We will be increasing the size of the Neighbourhood Watch personnel across the state and ensure their training, including community engagement, de-escalation techniques, and proactive information gathering within communities.

“We believe that as the population of Lagos State increases and becomes more sophisticated, so should the training of our security personnel to cope with emerging challenges.”

Despite the slowdown of activities occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, Sanwo-Olu said this year’s budget had performed at 77 per cent, a performance benchmark of 86 per cent was projected by the end of last quarter.

The governor also hinted that his administration has trained 9,000 teachers in modern teaching techniques to boost learning outcomes and provided complementary textbooks and other ancillary teaching aids for over 350,000 students.

Sanwo-Olu said his administration has also spent N25 billion for the construction, refurbishment and equipping of our healthcare centres across the state, in line with its health programmes. He added that the state government built and rehabilitated 589 classrooms, while also providing 1,568-bed hostels in secondary and primary schools.

“We have audacious governance goals, which we cannot achieve without the concerted efforts of all our people. We should not allow the events of the past few months to obliterate our consistent cycles of socio-economic progress.

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“Let us begin to rebuild our state with determination and optimism, even as we advance the interests of the electorate and restore their confidence in this government,” the governor said.

In his remarks, Speaker if Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, praised the governor’s courage in the face of the recent challenges that faced the state, pledging the readiness of the legislature to work with the executive arm to rebuild the state.

He promised speedy passage of the budget, assuring the public that the Assembly would properly vet the details in line with its mandate.

He said: “We have all listened with attention how the wealth of the state will be utilised for our common good in Year 2021.

“The responsibility is now on the members of the Assembly to meticulously perform their constitutional duty. I reiterate our commitment as responsive Assembly in working together with the Executive to bring succour to all individuals affected in the aftermath of the #EndSARS protests.”

Idowu Sowunmi

November 10, 2020